League announces scheduling changes due to Solar Eclipse

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Cooper Godin
April 3, 2024 (2:46 PM)

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Next week's Solar Eclipse has forced the Ontario Hockey League to pivot and announce scheduling changes for one of their first-round series.

In a press release on their website on Wednesday, the Ontario Hockey League shared that they've rescheduled two games in the Erie Otters/Kitchener Rangers series due to next week's Solar Eclipse.

The two games, which are still if necessary given the status of the series, have been pushed forward by one day. Game 6 in Erie, Pennsylvania is now scheduled for Tuesday, April 9th, while Game 7 in Kitchener, Ontario will be Wednesday, April 10th.

"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 OHL said.

As for the reason to move the games forward, the OHL cites the logistical challenges regarding travel a million people are expected to descend on Niagara Falls, Ontario next Monday. The Solar Eclipse has also forced the Niagara region to declare a State of Emergency.

The Kitchener Rangers, who's roster features numerous NHL prospects including Montreal Canadiens first-rounder Filip Mesar and Seattle Kraken first-rounder Eduard Sale, are currently up 2-1 in the series over the Erie Otters.