The Western Hockey League announces Return to Play Protocol for 2020-21
In a move that will be music to the ears of Prince Albert Raiders hockey fans and others across the West, the Western Hockey League has announced a Return to Play initiative for the 2020-21 Regular Season. It sets a target date of October 2 for the start to the new season although that will be subject to approvals from the various governments.
WHL Return to Play for 2020-21
With government and health authorities in each of the six jurisdictions in the WHL territory in the process of releasing further directives on their re-opening plans, the WHL has developed a Return to Play protocol to facilitate discussion on a timely start to the 2020-21 season. The WHL has appointed special task forces in each of the six jurisdictions to work directly with government and health authorities to ensure the health and safety of WHL players, staff, officials, and fans are a top priority in the Return to Play protocol. The outcome of these discussions with government authorities will ultimately determine the start date for the 2020-21 WHL Regular Season.
The WHL has targeted a start date of Friday, October 2 for the 2020-21 WHL Regular Season, but this date remains contingent on receiving the necessary approvals from government and health authorities in each of the six jurisdictions in WHL territory. The WHL is committed to protecting the integrity of the WHL Regular Season schedule, and fully intends to complete a full 68-game schedule for 2020-21, regardless of when the season begins.