WHL pushes back start date of 2020-21 regular season

The Western Hockey League is pushing back the start of its 2020-21 regular season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement Thursday, WHL commissioner Ron Robison said the targeted start date for the regular season now will be Dec. 4. The season initially was to start Oct. 2.

“In our discussions with the government and health authorities, it has become apparent that additional time is required to ensure we can return to play in a safe and responsible manner,” Robison said.

“Our WHL health and safety protocols have been well-received by the health authorities but we have several key issues that we will need to reach a resolution on in the coming months.”

The WHL still plans to play a normal schedule, meaning each team would play 68 regular-season games. Four rounds of playoffs would follow.

Because of that, the 2021 Memorial Cup would be pushed back by a month. The Canadian Hockey League’s championship tournament would be held June 17-27.

Under the new timetable, training camps are scheduled to open in mid-November.

The Ontario Hockey League announced Wednesday it was aiming to start its 2020-21 regular season on Dec. 1. The third major junior league in Canada, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, has yet to announce its plans.

The WHL cancelled the remainder of its 2019-20 regular season in March due to the pandemic.