Ontario sets $2.35 million for OHL post-secondary scholarships as part of initiative

London, Ont.-area OHL players practice at the Western Fair District on Sept. 22, 2020. (Brent Lale/CTV News)

TORONTO — The Ontario Hockey League will receive $2.35 million from the Ontario government as part of $15.3 million in funding to support sport and recreation organizations and high-performance athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lisa MacLeod, Ontario's Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, made the announcement today.

MacLeod said the OHL funding will be for the league's post-secondary education scholarships for athletes with its 17 Ontario-based clubs.

MacLeod added each OHL franchise will receive approximately $138,000 for help with player scholarship commitments.

The OHL is the only one of Canada's three major-junior hockey leagues not to start its season yet.

The other initiatives include in Wednesday's announcement include:

Ontario becomes the latest province to announce some level of funding for major-junior hockey during the pandemic.

Saskatchewan has given $3 million combined to its five Western Hockey League teams.

Alberta has introduced a program that allows WHL teams and other sports and arts organizations to apply for 25 per cent of eligible expenses on their two most recent financial statements.

Quebec has given $12 million combined to its 12 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League clubs.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 17, 2021.