WHL says 2020-21 season is on

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This article was published 05/08/2020 (1359 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Western Hockey League says it will return to the ice this winter, although a start to the 2020-21 season will be delayed until at least early December owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The junior league’s board of governors made the decision to resume play during a conference call Wednesday, and issued an official announcement today outlining details of the upcoming season.

The Winnipeg Ice and Brandon Wheat Kings compete in the WHL.

The league is scheduled to open its ’20-21 regular season on Dec. 4, and envisions a full 68-game schedule for its 22 clubs, followed by four rounds of playoffs.

“In our discussions with the government and health authorities, it has become apparent that additional time is required to ensure we can return to play in a safe and responsible manner. Our WHL health and safety protocols have been well received by the health authorities but we have several key issues that we will need to reach a resolution on in the coming months,” WHL commissioner Ron Robison said in a statement on the league website.

The 2019-20 regular season was halted March 18 and the postseason was officially scrapped a week later. The Ice were second in the East Division with a 38-24-1-0 record with five games remaining in the regular season when play was halted, while the Wheaties (35-22-4-2) were in third and also had five contests left.

Two players from the Ice tested negative for the coronavirus in mid-March after showing symptoms, and were the only members of the team or staff to be tested.

Even after the league’s announcement, Ice general manager Matt Cockell would not be comment on news of the upcoming season. The team provided this statement: “The Winnipeg Ice are encouraged by the exhaustive and responsible work that is being done by the CHL (Canadian Hockey League), Western Hockey League office and member clubs working closely with local health authorities.

“We look forward to returning to the Ice Cave with our fans when it is safe to do so and approved by local health authorities.”

The Ice, entering their second season in the league after relocating from Cranbrook, B.C., play out of the refurbished Wayne Fleming Arena on the University of Manitoba campus.

It is not known if spectators will be allowed in WHL arenas at the beginning of the season.

On Wednesday, the Ontario Hockey League released a statement saying it plans to start the 2020-21 season on Dec. 1, with a 64-game season, four fewer than usual.

The Ottawa 67’s said Wednesday it will start taking deposits from customers reserving tickets for the upcoming season but can’t guarantee if its home rink, TD Place, will be permitted to host fans.

The CHL’s third premier league, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, has not yet announced plans for 2020-21.

The WHL could face an issue if the Canada-U.S. border remains closed. The 22-team league has five American teams who would likely be compelled to battle strictly within the southern division.

jason.bell@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @WFPJasonBell