Photo courtesy of Randy Feere / Medicine Hat Tigers

By Scott Roblin

2020-21 WHL Season

WHL commits to 24-game regular season, start date still unknown

Jan 8, 2021 | 8:40 PM

CALGARY, AB – Even after mandatory health restrictions in several western Canadian provinces were kept in place this week, the Western Hockey League says they still are planning to play a 2020-21 season.

In a statement released on Friday night, the WHL confirmed the league’s board of governors are committed to playing a 24-game regular season following a meeting earlier in the day.

There is still no word yet on when a potential start date would come, with all organized and team sports shut down in Alberta until at least January 21.

However, the WHL claims they anticipate approvals on a season to come from the six provincial and state health authorities “will be received soon.”

In the statement, WHL commissioner Ron Robison confirmed holding a 2020-21 season remains top priority for the league.

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“The Western Hockey League is committed to providing a season for WHL players,” said Robison. “This commitment ensures WHL players will receive the opportunity to compete at the highest level in the system and continue to pursue their hockey goals in the world’s finest development league for junior players.”

The league had previously picked January 8 as the projected start date of a shortened season, however that state date was postponed by the WHL in mid-December.

The Medicine Hat Tigers have not played a game since March 10, 2019 against the Red Deer Rebels, as their 2019-20 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.