The Ontario Hockey League will not have bodychecking during its upcoming campaign.

The province's minister of sport, Lisa MacLeod, confirmed the decision Friday afternoon, according to The Canadian Press.

MacLeod believes removing purposeful contact is a necessary step in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The QMJHL, which has already had several outbreaks, influenced her decision.

"It would be safe to say that body contact unless it's incremental, will not be permitted as a result of COVID-19," MacLeod said earlier this month. "That would pose a challenge in terms of how they amend their play."

The OHL announced Thursday that it plans to run a shortened 40-game season beginning Feb. 4.

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