Courtesy: Government of BC

By Ethan Ready

WHL Season

BC only jurisdiction yet to approve WHL following Gov. of Saskatchewan approves Hub Center

Feb 12, 2021 | 11:10 AM

CALGARY, AB – British Columbia remains after the Government of Saskatchewan has granted the Western Hockey League approval to play in a Hub Center located in Regina.

While BC has yet to give approval to the league and its five BC-based teams to play a season, the approval out East will allow the WHL’s Saskatchewan and Manitoba based teams in the East Division to open their season on Friday, March 12.

“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,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “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.”

WestJet

More flights in and out of Prince George cancelled Sunday as WestJet mechanics strike continues

15h ago

Vanderhoof Pride

First ever Vanderhoof drag show sees strong community support

Jun 30, 2024

Fatal MVI

Fatal crash on Massey Drive

Jun 30, 2024

Seven WHL Clubs, which operate in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, will form the East Division, including the Moose Jaw Warriors, Prince Albert Raiders, Regina Pats, Saskatoon Blades, Swift Current Broncos, Brandon Wheat Kings, and Winnipeg ICE. The WHL has agreed that all East Division games during the 2020-21 Regular Season will be played exclusively at the Brandt Centre in Regina, under an approved WHL Hub Center model.

The WHL East Division schedule will commence on Friday, March 12. The WHL’s East Division will play a 24-game Regular Schedule, which will be announced at a later date. Based on the approved WHL protocols, the schedule will be played exclusively at the Brandt Centre in Regina with practices conducted in the adjacent Co-operators Centre.

The WHL has developed an extensive set of protocols and believe the protective Hub environment will provide a high standard of safety, for not only players and staff, but the Regina community at large. WHL players and staff from Saskatchewan and Manitoba based Clubs will begin self-quarantining on February 20 and then will report to the WHL Hub Center in Regina on February 27, where they will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival followed by an additional quarantine period. Players and staff will then undergo a second COVID-19 test before being permitted to engage in any team activity.

With the East Division start date now confirmed for March 12, the WHL will have three Divisions ready to open the Regular Season, starting with the Central Division on Friday, February 26 and the U.S. Division on Friday, March 19. The WHL continues to work with government health authorities in British Columbia to establish a start date for the WHL’s B.C. Division. Approval from the health authority in B.C. is required for the WHL’s B.C. Division to return to play.