Ontario sports teams could return to full capacity on March 1

The Ontario government announced Monday it will speed up the province's reopening timeline, according to CityNews' Michael Ranger.

The NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, as well as the NBA's Toronto Raptors, will be able to increase to 50% capacity beginning Feb. 17, and if public health indicators keep trending in the right direction, they can host full houses on March 1.

The initial plan, which the province unveiled in late January, was to allow a maximum of 500 spectators at indoor sporting venues in Ontario from Jan. 31 to Feb. 20 before moving to 50% capacity starting on Feb. 21. The government was then aiming to lift all capacity limits on March 14.

The province will also forgo its proof of vaccination requirement on March 1, but businesses and other settings can still choose to enforce it.

The Leafs will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 17 and could potentially face the Buffalo Sabres in front of a packed barn on March 2.

The Senators will play four games at 50% capacity beginning Feb. 19 against the Boston Bruins. Ottawa can return from a five-game road trip to a full Canadian Tire Centre on March 10 against the Seattle Kraken.

The Raptors won't play for a half-capacity crowd, but they may return to action in front of a full house when they host the Brooklyn Nets on March 1.

The Winnipeg Jets announced last week that they would return to full-capacity crowds beginning Wednesday.

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