The Western Hockey League announced on Thursday, August 6th, that their 2020-2021 regular season will start on Friday, December 4th, 2020.

As part of their commitment to health and safety, the start is still contingent on having the approval from local governments and health authorities in each of the six provincial/state jurisdictions in WHL territory.

The plan is to play a full season of 68 games, plus four rounds of playoffs.

This extended start date will give the WHL plenty of time to figure out how to implement all the necessary health and safety protocols, including key issues such as spectator capacities and border crossings.

“Regardless of our start date, the WHL is committed to playing a full Regular Season and Playoffs in 2020-21,” stated WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “In our discussions with the government and health authorities, it has become apparent that additional time is required to ensure we can return to play in a safe and responsible manner. Our WHL health and safety protocols have been well received by the health authorities but we have several key issues that we will need to reach a resolution on in the coming months.”