By Canadian Press

Game on: Manitoba approves NHL in Winnipeg, clearing way for play across Canada

Jan 8, 2021 | 11:14 AM

Manitoba has given the green light for the Winnipeg Jets to play home games during the COVID-19 pandemic, the final approval needed for the NHL to play games in all seven Canadian cities this year.

Manitoba announced a minor modification to current public health orders on Friday, allowing professional hockey games to be played. The move comes five days before the NHL season begins next Wednesday.

Alberta, B.C., Quebec and Ontario, the other provinces with NHL teams, previously made similar declarations.

The season features a new North Division that will see the seven Canadian franchises only play one another instead of crossing into the United States for games.

The league said on Dec. 24 it believed it was free to play in Canada after discussions with health authorities, but the provinces with NHL franchises needed to give their approval.

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The Canadian Press