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Regina is about to become a bubble.
The WHL announced Friday that the Queen City will be the hub for its East Division, with games to begin March 12.
“The WHL appreciates the co-operation we have received from both the governments of Saskatchewan and Manitoba as we work towards a safe return to play in the East Division,” WHL commissioner Ron Robison said in a media release.
“With our extensive protocols and the necessary approvals now in place, we are looking forward to play getting underway in Regina and allowing our players to continue their development at the highest level in the Canadian system.”
The league had been in discussions with Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health about hosting games in Regina, with the five Saskatchewan-based teams and two Manitoba-based clubs playing out of the Brandt Centre.
The Moose Jaw Warriors, Prince Albert Raiders, Regina Pats, Saskatoon Blades, Swift Current Broncos, Brandon Wheat Kings and Winnipeg Ice each will play a 24-game regular season exclusively at the Brandt Centre in Regina.
Practices will happen in the adjacent Co-operators Centre.
Opting for a “hub model,” the WHL is touting a high standard of safety for everyone involved, including the Regina community. Staff and players will quarantine on Feb. 20 and will report to the Brandt Centre on Feb. 27, where they will receive mandatory COVID-19 testing upon arrival.
“Players and staff will then undergo a second COVID-19 test before being permitted to engage in any team activity,” the media release added.
“WHL clubs are also committed to providing private PCR testing through DynaLIFE Medical Labs, to ensure no additional strain is placed on public health.”
Players will be tested upon arrival to their WHL club and once again before engaging in any team activity. The release said DynaLIFE’s PCR testing will be the same testing utilized in Edmonton for the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs and the 2021 IIHF world junior championship.
Tests will continue to happen on a weekly basis. If any staff member or player tests positive for COVID-19 at any point during the shortened season, the team will be required to suspend club activities for a minimum of 14 days.
“Enhanced screening for all WHL players, team staff and officials will also take place on a daily basis, including regular temperature screenings as well as symptom monitoring through the WHL Athlete RMS Mobile Application,” the release said.
“Masks must be worn by all WHL players at all times with the exception of when participating on ice for games and practices. WHL coaches will be required to wear masks at all times, including while conducting practice and while behind the bench during games.”
No spectators will be permitted.
The WHL will be announcing the launch of a new live streaming service ahead of the regular season.
The East Division’s return to play follows earlier announcements of the Central Division beginning play on Feb. 26, and the U.S. Division’s first games on March 19.
Work is ongoing with provincial health authorities in British Columbia to finalize a schedule B.C. Division. Government approval is required.
The 2019-20 WHL season was stopped in March due to COVID-19 and then cancelled outright. The league was hoping to start the 2020-21 season on time, but COVID regulations across Western Canada and the northwestern United States forced the WHL to delay the start of the campaign.
On Jan. 8, the WHL announced it was committed to the season and began discussions with health authorities to make that happen.
