MINSK, 8 September (BelTA) - Due to the uncertainty caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the related travel restrictions currently in place for movement between European countries, the Champions Hockey League (CHL) Board has decided to postpone the start of the 2020/21 CHL season until 17 November, BelTA learned from the website of the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation.
“Unfortunately the pan-European situation has recently not developed in a way that we are confident enough to confirm the start of the competition at the beginning of October, as travel restrictions between some of our participating countries are currently hindering the completion of several of our match-ups,” CHL President Peter Zahner said.
The start of the season was originally planned for 6 October. The decision will not affect the format of the competitions.
The schedule for the first two rounds has become condensed, requiring that both games of each Round of 32 and Round of 16 match-up to be played in the same city. In principle, the higher-ranked team earns the right to play at home. This means that HC Yunost Minsk will play both matches against Ocelari in Trinec, while HC Neman Grodno will play both matches against Frolunda in Sweden.
From the quarterfinals, the CHL will return to the familiar two-game, home-and-away series up to the semifinals. The season will culminate on 9 February 2021 with the ultimate one-game final.