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By Pete McIntyre
No decision on spectators

WHL to return to action Jan. 8

Oct 14, 2020 | 5:18 PM

The Western Hockey League has announced its regular season is scheduled to open on Friday, January 8, 2021.

The WHL continues to work with each of the governments and health authorities on obtaining the necessary approvals to start play. Details regarding the schedule of games in each of the four WHL divisions will be announced at a later date.

A decision has not yet been made as to whether spectators will be permitted to attend the games as this will be subject to the approval of the health authorities in each jurisdiction.

The WHL has agreed that all regular season games during the 2020-21 season will be played exclusively within the boundaries of each of the four divisions, with the East Division consisting of the seven Saskatchewan and Manitoba-based teams; the Central Division consisting of the five Alberta-based teams; the B.C. Division consisting of the five B.C.-based teams; and the U.S. Division consisting of the five teams located in Washington and Oregon.

“The WHL is very excited to be opening our WHL Regular Season on January 8,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “The WHL is a world-class development league and we remain fully committed to providing our players with the highest level of training, coaching, and competition in the system.”

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All WHL players will be reporting to their respective WHL Clubs following the Christmas break where they will begin training in preparation for the opening of the WHL Regular Season on January 8.

The WHL also announced today it has appointed Dr. Dhiren Naidu of Edmonton as the WHL Chief Medical Advisor. Dr. Naidu, an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta and Head Team Physician for the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and CFL’s Edmonton Football Team, served as the NHL Medical Director for the NHL hub, which just concluded in Edmonton. Dr. Naidu will be assisting the WHL with the implementation of its comprehensive health and safety protocol, in consultation with Provincial and State Health Authorities.

by Pete McIntyre
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