The Western Hockey League will return to action with the start of its 2020-21 regular season on Dec. 4, the league announced Thursday.
The WHL has announced an adjusted start date for the 2020-21 Regular Season.
DETAILS | https://t.co/Yqrzz2TlzZ pic.twitter.com/rUCKIl28vF
— The WHL (@TheWHL) August 6, 2020
The WHL hopes to play a full slate of 68 games, followed by four playoff rounds.
The 2019-20 season and playoffs were postponed in March and later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Regardless of our start date, the WHL is committed to playing a full regular season and playoffs in 2020-21,” WHL commissioner Ron Robison said in a press release.
“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.”
The league had previously been targeting an Oct. 2 return.
The Ontario Hockey League made a similar announcement Wednesday, saying it would resume Dec. 1 with a 64-game schedule and 16-team playoff format.
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