The Western Hockey League made it official that it will delay the start of the 2020-21 regular season from the Jan. 8 planned date due to the ongoing restrictions in place in provinces and states throughout the league.
Locally, the province of Saskatchewan announced on Monday that restrictions would remain in place and possibly even be increased leading up to the Christmas holidays, with the current measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 now remaining until Jan. 15.
That includes the suspension of all sports leagues and games, as well as strict rules on crowd sizes and gatherings, making the WHL resuming play in the province impossible.
Manitoba, B.C. and Alberta also have increased restrictions as of late, while the WHL U.S. states remain in a near uncontrolled outbreak of the disease.
“The WHL will continue to work with government and health authorities in our region as we consider schedule options for the 2020-21 WHL regular season,” the league said in a press release. “The WHL have developed a series of protocols in consultation with health authorities that are necessary to protect players, staff, officials, and fans during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
WHL commissioner Ron Robison said the health and safety of all involved with the league, from players to fans, is of the utmost importance.
“Given the public health restrictions that are currently in effect, we are not in a position to determine a new target date for our season,” he said. “We will continue to consult with health authorities to determine when it is safe and responsible to get our season started.”
