The WHL announced Monday that it has adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires all players, hockey operations staff, other team and league personnel, and officials to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before the start of the 2021-22 season.
The Western Hockey League has adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.
DETAILS | https://t.co/RtXa2aAGMI pic.twitter.com/a3R9b0ynY8— The WHL (@TheWHL) August 16, 2021
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"The health and safety of our players and staff continues to be the No. 1 priority for the WHL. The policy is designed to further protect our players and staff in the WHL from the potential risk of exposure to COVID-19," said WHL commissioner Ron Robison in a press release.
“With travel restrictions currently in place with the Canada / U.S. border as well as the province of Manitoba, it is important all players and staff are fully vaccinated in order to be eligible to play a full season in the WHL." Robison added.
The WHL is also "strongly" recommending to its clubs that players reside in billet homes in which all eligible individuals are fully vaccinated.
The QMJHL and OHL have previously implemented similar policies ahead of their 2021-22 seasons.