UPDATE 10:00 a.m. March 4
A spokesperson for the BCHL was not able to provide an update on the status of the league’s return-to-play plan to Vernon Matters, but said they would notify us when they knew more.
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UPDATE 4:00 p.m. March 3
Premier John Horgan says his government is looking into a request by the Western Hockey League (WHL) and BC Hockey League (BCHL) for $9.5 million to help the leagues survive without having fans in the stands.
“I have been in discussion with BCHL leadership. We’re working with the minister responsible. We are not yet in a position to make a final determination on the funds that are being requested,” Horgan said
There is still no word on if the BCHL’s return to play plan will get provincial approval. Today was believed to be the deadline for the league getting the approval or calling the season off.
BC Opposition Liberal leader Shirley Bond raised the issue of funding the leagues in the B.C Legislature today.
While the NDP sits on hundreds of millions of unpaid business relief funds, @TheWHL & @GoBCHL hockey teams are asking for much-needed financial help to survive a season without fans in the stands. It's time for the Premier to step up and help local teams. https://t.co/uJrDFCv4fr
— Shirley Bond (@shirleybond) March 3, 2021
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Original: 10:45 a.m.
Today is believed to be the make it or break it day for the B.C. Hockey League, and its 18 teams, to either play part of a regular season or to call it off.
The league’s proposal is before provincial health officials who are expected to make a final decision today.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Wednesday (Mar. 2), the BCHL’s return to play plan, believed to involved five hub centres, was not ready for approval.
Henry said she has a team of health, WorksafeBC and sports officials working with the league and providing advice to her.
“That is still in the consultation process and there have been a number of concerns identified—I will be blunt about that—that need to be addressed before that [return to play] can happen safely. I know timing is an issue, and whether those can be worked out, I am not clear,” Henry stated.
Henry said the BCHL’s plan is “dispersed around the province,” which is slightly different than the Western Hockey League (WHL).
The five B.C. teams in the WHL were given provincial approval on Wednesday to return to play March 26 using hubs in Kelowna and Kamloops.
