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.