(Photo: Rob Wallator)

By Troy Gillard

Return to Play Protocol

Western Hockey League hopes to start next season Oct. 2

Jun 17, 2020 | 3:01 PM

The Western Hockey League has set Friday, Oct. 2 as its targeted start date for the 2020-21 Regular Season.

In order for this to happen the league needs to get approvals from government and health authorities in each of the six jurisdictions in its territory (Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Oregon and Washington). The WHL has appointed a ‘Special Task Force’ to work with these authorities in a bid to make that happen in a manner that is safe for all parties involved.

As part of its Return to Play protocol, the league says it’s committed to playing a full 68-game campaign regardless of when it commences. The league is also committed to playing those games in front of fans.

“The WHL is also working with government and health authorities in each jurisdiction on the level of spectator capacities that will be permitted in each WHL Club arena facility,” the league says in a statement. “The WHL is a spectator-driven league and the welcoming back of WHL fans is vital to a successful return to hockey for all 22 WHL member Clubs.”

WHL Commissioner Ron Robison will share more details during a media conference call scheduled for Thursday.

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It was on March 12 when the Canadian Hockey League and its three regional leagues – the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League – suspended the remainder of 2019-20 Regular Season games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those games along with playoffs and the 2020 Kia Memorial Cup in Kelowna were later cancelled.