Quebec team games on hold until Oct. 28

And then there were five.

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League announced the inevitable on Wednesday, postponing all games involving the 12 Quebec-based teams until Oct. 28. Nearly half of those teams were in or heading towards the province's red zone, which prohibits sports, while one of those clubs and another are still dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak.

According to a press release, "the league’s decision was made by the Assembly of Members in a meeting held earlier today. With half of the Quebec-based teams located in red zones, it became almost impossible to operate in these circumstances. Nevertheless, QMJHL student-athletes will continue to practice in their facilities while pursuing their studies.

"The QMJHL is working closely with public health officials and is committed to following their guidelines. The league’s cooperation is essential for the pursuit of its activities."

The league said it will reassess the situation in two weeks, when hopefully Quebec has the pandemic much more under control.

This news seemed more and more likely with each passing day as more markets were added to red zones. The big question was whether the league would continue to operate in the Maritimes - and the answer is yes.

With the exception of the Moncton Wildcats - who are currently in the provinces's orange phase, which prohibits sports activities and entertainment venues - the five other Maritimes-based clubs will continue on as scheduled. Moncton's games for this weekend have been postponed, but the club has been given permission to continue to practicing, according to the Times & Transcript.

The Saint John Sea Dogs were scheduled to host the Wildcats last Saturday and visit Moncton on Friday, but both of those games will have to be played at a later date. Saint John's next game will be on Saturday when they visit the Halifax Mooseheads - and Nova Scotia confirmed Wednesday that the province's borders will remain open to New Brunswickers despite the recent outbreaks.

So, none of this is ideal, but hopefully it's only temporary and all teams are back in action come November.

The WHL, meanwhile, announced Wednesday that it plans to begin its regular season on Jan. 8 with teams only playing within their divisions. The OHL plans to start on Dec. 1.