(submitted photo/WHL)

By Jeff D’Andrea

WHL

WHL gets approval for Central Division teams in Alberta to play, other 17 teams still have to wait

Jan 28, 2021 | 5:57 PM

The Western Hockey League’s Central Division will start playing games Feb. 26. The league was granted approval from the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health to start as soon as the end of February.

“The WHL appreciates the support we have received from Alberta Health as we work toward a safe return to play in the province,” WHL Commissioner Ron Robison said in a statement. “With our extensive protocols and the necessary approvals now in place, we are looking forward to play getting underway in Alberta and allowing our players to continue their development at the highest level in the Canadian system.”

This will only affect five of the 22 WHL teams as governments and health authorities in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, B.C., Washington, and Oregon have yet to give the go-ahead.

The Red Deer Rebels, Edmonton Oil Kings, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers and Calgary Hitmen have been cleared to play each other within the provincial confines of Alberta.

The WHL’s Central Division will play a 24-game Regular Season schedule, which will be announced at a later date. No spectators will be allowed, at least at the start of the season.

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Based on the approved WHL protocols, the schedule will allow for a maximum of one opponent per week, with a five-day break prior to playing a new opponent. As a result, WHL Central Division games will be played on weekends and consist of home-and-home games only.

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. DynaLIFE’s PCR testing is considered a gold standard for COVID-19 testing, and was used in Edmonton during the NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs and the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.

The WHL will implement an ongoing weekly private PCR testing strategy. If a WHL Club has one or more players or staff test positive for COVID-19 at any point in the season, the club will be required to suspend its activities for a minimum of 14 days.

Enhanced screening for all WHL players, billets, team staff and officials will take place on a daily basis, including regular temperature screenings as well as symptom monitoring through the WHL Athlete RMS Mobile Application. 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.

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panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow