Notebook: QMJHL teams follow other leagues in supporting Black Lives Matter

All 18 QMJHL teams, along with the league itself, released social media statements Friday morning supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.

#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/iKJSIh14Zo

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) August 28, 2020

This comes a day after the NHL and its players postponed playoff games.

Hopefully this turns out to be more than a public relations move and these high profile junior teams use their public platforms to help make change. Teams have not shared any details on the ways they plan to support more inclusiveness in communities.

The OHL, WHL and CHL did not release statements.

CHL RETURN TO PLAY UPDATE

While the QMJHL's return to play plan has been moving forward quite nicely, thongs remain uncertain and complicated in the OHL and WHL.

Both leagues have targeted early December for their returns - but several obstacles remain. One of the biggest challenges surround American teams and how they will - if they can - operate if border restrictions are not loosened.

This kind of move would require Canadian govt support, of course, which cannot be taken for granted.
Several agents also say there may be issues acquiring student visas for international players to enter Canada this fall, given the uncertainty over schooling.

— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) August 25, 2020

British Columbia has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks and the province isn't loosening restrictions any time soon.

Looks like a good decision by @TheWHL to start December 4th. BC health minister Adrian Dix today said they aren't moving from a maximum of 50 people at gatherings. "In BC we don't have a lot of rules, but this is one of the main ones and I wouldn't expect any relaxation of it".

— Regan Bartel (@Reganrant) August 25, 2020

Hopefully both leagues are able to start in early December even if buildings are empty.

TITAN PRICES

All three of New Brunswick's QMJHL teams have now released their season ticket prices for the 2020-21 campaign.

Following the Sea Dogs and Wildcats, the Acadie-Bathurst Titan have also increased ticket prices because "ticket revenue accounts for a large percentage of our business, and this season we are operating at reduced capacity. We have also made significant investments to enhance our health and safety procedures to protect our fans, staff and players. Therefore, regular pricing for the 2020-21 season will be increased."

Adult season ticket prices are $499.99 plus tax, which makes them quite similar to what Saint John will be charging.

Shout out to those VIP (level 2) fans.

Halifax, Cape Breton and Charlottetown have not released ticket info, nor have they confirmed what public health protocols will be in place in their arenas. Maritimes Division teams are expected to have a small percentage of fans allowed in buildings this season.

NEW RULES

The QMJHL released its media guidelines for the 2020-21 season this week and confirmed that members of the press will be permitted in arenas - which is good news considering many fans will be craving coverage this season.

Fans can also expect more from team Twitter accounts.

According to the QMJHL's media policy this season, "Both teams must publish their line combinations and starting lineups on their Twitter feed at least thirty (30) minutes before puck drop."

— Jamie Tozer (@station_nation) August 27, 2020

Unlike the NHL, in-person interviews will be allowed with social distancing guidelines in effect.

NB BOUND

Overager Liam Leonard will join an exclusive club when he suits up for the Sea Dogs this season.

Leonard will become one of the few players in history to play for all three New Brunswick based QMJHL teams. The Newfoundlander started his career with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan and was traded to the Moncton Wildcats last season.

Anderson MacDonald joined the club last season when he was acquired by the Sea Dogs. Charles Bergeron was the first player to suit up for all three when Saint John traded him to Bathurst in 2007.

Did I miss any other club members? Drop a line in the comments if so.