Photo courtesy of Western Hockey League

By Scott Roblin

Vaccines Mandatory

WHL mandating vaccinations for all players & hockey staff

Aug 16, 2021 | 6:27 PM

CALGARY, AB – The Western Hockey League confirmed Monday they will be implementing a mandatory vaccine policy ahead of the 2021-22 season.

In a statement released by the WHL, the league says all players, coaches, front office and hockey operations staff, trainers, scouts, officials and all other WHL personnel must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks ahead of the league’s October 1 start date.

“The health and safety of our players and staff continues to be the number one priority for the WHL,” said commissioner Ron Robison in the statement. “The policy is designed to further protect our players and staff in the WHL from the potential risk of exposure to COVID-19.”

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Robison went on to say that due to travel restrictions in place with the Canada-United States border and in Manitoba, such a policy was necessary.

The WHL follows the Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey Leagues in mandating vaccinations for players for the 2021-22 season.

Teams are also being strongly recommended by the league to place players in billet homes where all eligible residents have been fully vaccinated.

There is no word yet if fans will need to be vaccinated to attend games this fall, however the WHL says they are following direction from the applicable health authorities.