Supplied Photo: Prince George Cougars

By Ethan Ready

Commitment to Play

Excitement being felt by Cougars following league’s commitment to season

Jan 11, 2021 | 5:59 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – While the start date has yet to be set, the Western Hockey League caused some buzz across the league after it announced the commitment to a 24-game schedule.

On Friday (Jan. 8), the WHL Board of Governors announced they had made a commitment to play a WHL 2020-21 Regular Season. The start date for the season will be determined once final approval has been received from the Health Authorities in each provincial and state jurisdiction and it is anticipated the approvals will be received soon.

While so much remains in the air due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the news was welcomed by front office staff, coaches, players, as well as fans across the league.

On Monday, the Prince George Cougars held media availability via a video conference with local media. General Manager and Head Coach for the Prince George Cougars, Mark Lamb admitted the news has him excited for the upcoming season.

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“Excitement is something I’m experiencing since they [Board of Governors] announced is going with these 24 games. In a manner of however it looks, it’s something very positive for the Western Hockey League. That’s how much the owners, the WHL, and right into the WHL office, value the players of this league.”

And that eagerness to return to the ice, as expected, trickles down through to the roster as well.

“All that these players want to do is play hockey,” said Lamb. “As you can see, even on the other side of the border, there’s hockey being played. We want to do everything very safe, it’s a scary world out there right now, but there is hockey being played. Our hockey players are no different. They just want to come in here and play. It’s going to be a shortened season. It’s not ideal but it’s the best we can do under these circumstances.”

However, despite the commitment to play being announced and viaSports’ amendments to the age restrictions, allowing for 19 to 22-year olds to practice with their respective team, the wait continues before the Cougars have their team back practicing together.

“For now, it’s a commitment to play. When we can bring our players in; when they can start coming in, when we can start getting full practices going has yet to be determined.”

But when the Cougars do reunite in Prince George, Lamb says they’ll be hungry to make the most of the 24-game schedule.