OHL Announces Playoff Schedule Changes Due to Upcoming Solar Eclipse

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Mackenzie Stern-Kolesnikow
April 3, 2024 (6:41 PM)

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The OHL has announced that, because of an upcoming solar eclipse, they have decided to modify their schedule for one of the first round series for their playoffs.

The Ontario Hockey League issued a press release on their official website explaining that they have made the decision to reschedule two games in the ongoing Erie Otters/Kitchener Rangers series due to an upcoming solar eclipse, which is taking place on April 8th.

The status of the series does not allow for the league to cancel the games, meaning that the league is forced to push the two games forward by a day. Game 6, which was originally taking place in Erie, Pennsylvania on April 8th has been moved to Tuesday, April 9th. Game 7, which was originally taking place in Kitchener, Ontario, has been moved to Wednesday, April 10th.

The OHL published the following press release:

"The Ontario Hockey League today announced two scheduling changes affecting potential sixth and seventh games between the Kitchener Rangers and Erie Otters should their ongoing first round playoff series require them as necessary.

In an effort to avoid logistical challenges affecting travel presented by the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th, the League has announced that potential Games 6 and 7 of the series will be re-assigned from their originally scheduled dates of Monday, April 8th and Tuesday, April 9th to the following dates:

Game 6, if necessary, is rescheduled for Tuesday, April 9th at 7:00pm in Erie
Game 7, if necessary, is rescheduled for Wednesday, April 10th at 8:00pm in Kitchener"

The games have been moved because of logistical problems presented by the solar eclipse. These issues are most likely caused by the estimated one million people expected to visit Niagara to get a glimpse of the solar eclipse. This has caused the Niagara region to declare a state of emergency, due to the sudden and massive influx of visitors.

The Kitchener Rangers are currently up 2-1 against the Erie Otters. NHL fans should be following the Rangers, their roster features many future NHL prospects. Including Filip Mesar, who was the first-round pick for the Montreal Canadiens, and Eduard Sale, who was drafted in the first round by the Seattle Kraken.

Source - Markerzone: OHL Announces Last-Minute Scheduling Changes for Next Week