The Western Hockey League announced Tuesday that it will delay the start of its 2020-21 season from Jan. 8.
Following further consultation with regional health authorities, the WHL says the Board of Governors will be meeting in January to discuss potential new start dates.
Due to public health restrictions, the WHL is not in a position to start the 2020-21 Regular Season as planned on January 8.
DETAILS | https://t.co/mzcRcujmwq pic.twitter.com/VqEBTZgXY9— The WHL (@TheWHL) December 15, 2020
“We continue to make every effort to get our season started, but our first priority has always been the health and safety of our players, and everyone associated with the WHL,” WHL Commissioner Ron Robison said in a media release. “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. We will continue to consult with health authorities to determine when it is safe and responsible to get our season started.”
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League announced last month that it would not hold any games until early January because of COVID-19 issues. The QMJHL was the only one of three Canadian major junior leagues to open play around its normal start date.
The Ontario Hockey League is targeting February to begin its regular season.
