(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

headed home

Rebels send players home as WHL season remains paused

Mar 15, 2020 | 11:08 AM

The Red Deer Rebels have become the latest WHL club to send players home in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

On Sunday, the team announced that with player health and safety of vital importance, it has determined that players will return home to their families, effective immediately.

The decision was made in conjunction with the Western Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League. This after the WHL season, as well as the OHL and QMJHL seasons, were announced last week as paused until further notice.

Red Deer has two international players, Cam Hausinger who is from Alaska, and Christoffer Sedoff who is from Helsinki, Finland. The rest are from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The Rebels had five games remaining on their regular season schedule, including three at home. They had been mathematically eliminated from qualifying for the post-season.

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“We will continue to monitor ongoing public health developments regarding COVID-19. Our goal is to return to play when it is safe and reasonable to do so,” said Ron Robison, WHL Commissioner, last week. “We thank WHL fans and partners for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented time.”

The Rebels previously stated they are fully supportive of the WHL and CHL’s decision.

More information on the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak is at AHS.ca/covid and Alberta.ca/covid19.