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By Chris Brown

Targeting Oct. 2 start date

WHL develops Return to Play protocol for 2020-21 season

Jun 17, 2020 | 3:05 PM

CALGARY – The Western Hockey League is targeting Oct. 2 to begin the 2020-21 regular season.

The league finalized a Return to Play protocol at its AGM on Wednesday. Task forces have been appointed in each of the six provinces/states the WHL plays to work with local government and health authorities to ensure the health and safety of players, staff, officials and fans.

The start date depends on approval from the local authorities, but regardless of when the puck is first dropped the league aims to play a full 68-game schedule.

The league is working with local authorities on fan capacity limits at each arena, noting that fans are vital to the success of any club in the spectator-driven league.

The WHL also announced Bruce Hamilton has been re-elected as chairman of the WHL board of governors for a new two-year term. Hamilton is the owner, governor, president and general manager of the Kelowna Rockets and has been the active chairman of the board since 2008.

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Bobby Brett of the Spokane Chiefs (U.S. Division) and Brent Sutter of the Red Deer Rebels (Central Division) have been re-elected to the executive committee of the WHL board. They rejoin Ron Toigo of the Vancouver Giants (B.C. Division) and Gord Broda of the Prince Albert Raiders (East Division) on the committee.