(WHL)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

drop the puck

WHL gets go-ahead from Alberta Health to play starting Feb. 26

Jan 28, 2021 | 3:49 PM

The Western Hockey League will return to play February 26.

At least its Alberta teams will, as that is the only jurisdiction to date to receive approval from their respective provincial health authority.

WHL Commissioner Ron Robison said Thursday afternoon the league has been granted approval by the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health to return to play.

At this time, games will only involve teams in the Central Division, but not Swift Current. That includes the Red Deer Rebels, Edmonton Oil Kings, Calgary Hitmen, Lethbridge Hurricanes and Medicine Hat Tigers.

“The WHL appreciates the support we have received from Alberta Health as we work towards a safe return to play in the province,” states Robison. “With our extensive protocols and the necessary approvals now in place, we are looking forward to play getting underway in Alberta and allowing our players to continue their development at the highest level in the Canadian system.”

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The WHL has adopted an extensive set of protocols, it says, which will provide safety to players and staff, as well as the public.

Club personnel will begin quarantining Jan. 30 and report to their team on Feb. 6. Then they will undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival followed by an additional quarantine period.

Pre-season on-ice training for the Central Division will open Feb. 12 at the earliest.

The league also says it is committed to private PCR testing through DynaLIFE Medical Labs, ensuring no additional strain is placed on the public health system.

The same testing, which the WHL calls the, “gold standard,” was utilized in Edmonton for both the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs and the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championships. Testing will take place weekly and any person found to have tested positive will cause their club to suspend activities for a minimum of 14 days.

There will be enhanced screening for billets and officials, as well as players and staff on a daily basis, including temperature checks and symptom monitoring through the WHL Athlete RMS mobile app.

Masks are mandatory at all times except when on ice for games and practices. Coaches must wear masks even during games and practices.

“As the WHL returns to play in the Central Division, no spectators will be permitted to enter WHL facilities,” a media release states. “The WHL continues to work with government and health authorities in each provincial and state jurisdiction to establish a start date for the WHL’s East Division, B.C. Division and U.S. Division.”

The WHL was originally slated to begin play Jan. 8, but that was pushed back due to public health guidelines. It was announced on Jan. 8 that the league could not start, however would commit to a 24-game season with a to-be-determined start date.