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OHL nixes regular season; playoffs still hopeful




FLINT — The best regular season in Flint Firebirds’ history is now officially over.

On Wednesday came the official announcement that the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is canceling the remainder of the regular season with Flint in fourth place at 40-21-1- 1 for 82 points. That would put the Firebirds in a first-round match-up with the Windsor Spitfires.

Flint would also have home-ice advantage in that series. That is, if it happens. However, the OHL is still holding out hope for the playoffs.

“In the interest of the safety of our players, officials, staff, fans and the general public, it’s been agreed that the cancellation of the remainder of the 2019-20 regular season is the proper course of action to take at this time,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch in a press release.

“We are continuing to monitor ongoing public health developments regarding COVID-19. When it is safe and we may resume play, we will advise on the status of the 2020 OHL Playoffs. We thank OHL players and their families, fans and partners for their continued patience and understanding throughout this challenging situation.”

The OHL Draft will go on as slated on April 4 but will only take place online. Because of such a successful regular season, the Firebirds won’t pick until No. 16.