WHL delays start of season for indefinite period

The Western Hockey League is pushing back the start of its season indefinitely due to uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic.

The league had earlier planned to open its regular season on Jan. 8.

“We continue to make every effort to get our season started, but our first priority has always been the health and safety of our players, and everyone associated with the WHL,” said WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “Given the public health restrictions that are currently in effect, we are not in a position to determine a new target date for our season. We will continue to consult with health authorities to determine when it is safe and responsible to get our season started.”

The WHL is comprised of 22 teams in four Canadian provinces and two U.S. states.

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League was the only one of the three Canadian major junior leagues to open play around its normal start date, beginning its season in October.

COVID-19 outbreaks among several teams forced the QMJHL to postpone games and public health restrictions saw the league create a “bubble” in Quebec City before the league put the season on hold at the end of November.

The Ontario Hockey League plans to begin its season in early February.

(With files from The Canadian Press)