The Prince Albert Raiders will finally get a chance to defend the Ed Chynoweth Cup they won in 2019, pictured here with then-Raiders captain Brayden Pachal. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Hockey's back, back again

Raiders returning to action; Saskatchewan gives approval for WHL East Division restart

Feb 12, 2021 | 1:20 PM

After nearly a full calendar year of wondering when their favourite team will suit up again to defend the Western Hockey League (WHL) title, Prince Albert Raider fans finally got their answer: March 12.

That’s when the Raiders will head to a Brandt Centre hub centre in Regina to face off against the six other teams in the WHL East Division for a 24-game regular season.

The WHL made the announcement on Friday, saying they received approval from the Government of Saskatchewan’s public health officials to return to play.

The Raiders, their rivalling Saskatoon Blades are included in the bubble, as well as the Moose Jaw Warriors, Swift Current Broncos and the hosting Regina Pats. The two Manitoba teams in the WHL East Division, the Brandon Wheat Kings and the Winnipeg ICE, will also be included in the bubble.

“The WHL appreciates the cooperation 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 statement. “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.”

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The WHL East Division’s regular season will start on March 12, but the 24-game schedule has yet to be announced. All games will be played at the Brandt Centre, practices and skates will be taking place at the adjacent Co-operators Centre.

Saskatchewan is now the third government to give their approval to the restart of the Western Hockey League. Although Manitoba has not officially given their approval, both of their WHL teams are included in the Saskatchewan-approved bubble.

Alberta was the first to give theirs on Jan. 28 Washington State then followed suit on Feb. 1.

Now, 16 of the WHL’s 22 teams have been approved to play: the Calgary Hitmen, Edmonton Oil Kings, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers, Red Deer Rebels, Everett Silvertips, Seattle Thunderbirds, Spokane Chiefs, Tri-City Americans, Moose Jaw Warriors, Prince Albert Raiders, Regina Pats, Saskatoon Blades, and Swift Current Broncos, Brandon Wheat Kings and Winnipeg ICE.

Still to be approved are the WHL’s B.C. teams (Prince George Cougars, Kamloops Blazers, Kelowna Rockets, Vancouver Giants, Victoria Royals), and Oregon’s lone club, the Portland Winterhawks.

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW