(Submitted image/BCHL)

By Pete McIntyre

Teams to play 20 games

BCHL to start season April 2, schedule released

Mar 23, 2021 | 11:37 AM

The B.C. Hockey League (BCHL) will open its shortened 2020-21 season on Friday April 2.

The league’s schedule, released today, includes 20 games per team for a total of 160 games. The five-week season will run until Sunday, May 9.

Click here to view the full schedule.

The 16 participating teams (Wenatchee and Langley have opted out) have each been assigned one of five pod locations where they will play the other members of that pod for the duration of the year. The pods will be in Vernon, Penticton, Port Alberni, Chilliwack, and Coquitlam (Burnaby).

The Vernon Vipers will play the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Friday, April 2, 7 p.m., at Kal Tire Place.

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All the Vipers games will be broadcast on 107.5 Beach Radio with Graham Turnbull.

The Penticton Vees will host the Trail Smoke Eaters on April 2, and the West Kelowna Warriors will open against Salmon Arm April 3.

“It has been a long road, but we’re thrilled to finally announce our season schedule,” BCHL Executive Director Steven Cocker, said. “Our coaches and players have spent the past seven months focusing on on-ice and off-ice development and now we are able to provide them with a chance to play meaningful games to give them the NHL and NCAA exposure they deserve.”

BCHL teams are currently undergoing a quarantine period before they will be tested for COVID-19. Upon receiving a negative test result, players will be free to join their teammates in practice to prepare for the season.

Highlights of the season schedule include:

• A five-game slate on opening night (Apr. 2).
• The 2019-20 regular-season champion Coquitlam Express debut against the Surrey Eagles on Apr. 2.
• Last year’s Interior Division champions the Penticton Vees start their season opening night against the Trail Smoke Eaters.
• The reigning Island Division champion Nanaimo Clippers open their season against their rival Victoria Grizzlies on Apr. 3.
• The most recent Fred Page Cup champions the Prince George Spruce Kings make their season debut against the Chilliwack Chiefs on Apr. 3
• Once the season begins on Apr. 2, 36 of the following 38 days will have BCHL hockey.