Ontario government changes regulations, allows Leafs to have fans for game against Habs

Chris Johnston, formerly of Sportsnet and now with The Toronto Star, reported today that the Ontario provincial government is changing regulations that will allow the Toronto Maple Leafs to open their pre-season schedule against the Montreal Canadiens with a audience seating capacity of 9,500 fans. Of course, all fans must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination for admittance.

The game, scheduled for 7pm on Saturday night, will be both team's pre-season opener and personally I'm stoked to see fans cheering on one of the best rivalries in hockey.

From Johnston's column in the Toronto Sun:

Approximately 9,500 fans will be permitted for Saturday night’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

Provincial regulations had previously limited the Maple Leafs, Raptors and Ottawa Senators to a maximum of 1,000 fans per event. That number is being increased to 50 per cent of building capacity, with an eye toward bumping the number of fans further over time if things progress well.

The Leafs and Raptors have already announced a policy that requires fans attending games this season to be vaccinated. Those with a verified medical exemption must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

It's unclear if this new policy put forth by the provincial government will remain intact for the regular season, but it's clear that the Leafs' players are hopeful that it will.

“To have that again, I think, is going to be remarkable and pretty special,” captain John Tavares said to Johnston when he learned of the news. “I’ve truly missed it.”

“It’s awesome just to think of fans. Whatever the number is, we’re excited,” added goaltender Jack Campbell. “Get the excitement in the building. You know somebody scores a big goal, everybody’s going crazy, there’s nothing like it.”

The last time the Leafs played to a capacity home crowd was March 10th, 2020 just two days before the NHL announced a pause due to COVID-19. The team was allowed 550 fully vaccinated health-care workers to attend Game 7 of their first round Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Canadiens, which obviously ended in defeat. To say that 9,500 fans is a marked improvement would be the understatement of the century. Here's hoping we can begin to put this pandemic behind us and we'll see capacity crowds at Scotiabank Arena by the end of the season.