Calgary, Alta. – – The Western Hockey League announced today that the regular 2020-21 season will open on Friday, December 4, 2020.
As part of WHL’s commitment to the health and safety of its players, officials, employees and fans, the opening date of the regular season is subject to government and health officials in each of the six provinces / states receiving the necessary permits, jurisdictions in the WHL area .
The WHL continues to strive to play a full regular season schedule of 68 games, followed by four playoffs in the 2020-21 season.
The WHL continues to hold regular discussions with the government and health authorities about the comprehensive security measures that the WHL wants to take to protect players, employees and fans and to address important issues such as spectator capacity and border crossings. By adjusting the start date for the regular season to early December, the WHL has additional time to work with the government and health authorities to resolve these important issues.
“Regardless of our launch date, the WHL has committed to playing a full regular season and playoffs in 2020-21,” said WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “Our discussions with the government and health authorities have shown that additional time is needed to ensure that we can play safely and responsibly again. Our WHL health and safety protocols have been well received by health authorities, but we have some key questions that we need to resolve in the coming months. “
About the Western Hockey League
The Western Hockey League (WHL) headquarters is considered the world’s best development league for junior hockey players and is located in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 22 member clubs, 17 of which are in western Canada and five in the northwest of the US Pacific. As a member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading talent supplier to the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships. Over 350 graduates receive WHL grants each year to complete post-secondary education of their choice. Every season, WHL players also form the core of the Canadian junior national ice hockey team.
