QMJHL teams set to return in New Brunswick, play halted in Halifax

CHICOUTIMI, Que. — The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s three teams in New Brunswick are set to return to the ice, while games have been postponed for a team in Nova Scotia.

The QMJHL announced Saturday that the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, the Moncton Wildcats and the Saint John Sea Dogs will start playing again the week of March 8.

The three teams have not played since late November due to provincial government restrictions. 

Similar restrictions in Nova Scotia have forced the Halifax Mooseheads to pause their season as COVID-19 cases climb in the province. 

The QMJHL says the team’s games have been postponed until March 27, but the restrictions allow for practice to continue with a maximum of 25 people participating. 

The 18-team QMJHL was the only one of three Canadian major junior leagues to begin play around its normal start date this season, and has regularly postponed games due to positive tests and new government restrictions. 

The league suspended play Dec. 1 before returning with protected environments in Quebec. 

The Western Hockey League opened its 24-game season on Friday. 

The Ontario Hockey League has delayed its season, initially planned to start on Feb. 4

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 27, 2021. 

The Canadian Press

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said there was only one QMJHL team in Nova Scotia.