CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

No fans in attendance

Alberta WHL teams cleared to begin play Feb. 26

Jan 28, 2021 | 3:16 PM

CALGARY – The Medicine Hat Tigers are one step closer to hitting the ice this season.

The Western Hockey League has been granted approval by the provincial government and Alberta Health to return to play, clearing the way for Alberta’s Central Division teams to open their season on Feb. 26.

No fans will be in attendance at the games.

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In a release, the WHL says it has developed “an extensive set of protocols, to not only provide a safe environment for players and staff, but to protect Albertans in the community.”

Players and staff from the five Alberta teams will begin self-quarantining on Jan. 30 and then report to their team on Feb. 6. Upon arrival, they will undergo immediate COVID-19 testing followed by another quarantine period. The earliest teams will be able to begin on-ice training is Feb. 12.

The league says teams are also “committed to providing private PCR testing through DynaLIFE Medical Labs, to ensure no additional strain is placed on public health.”

DynaLIFE’s PCR testing was used in Edmonton during the NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs and the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Ongoing weekly private PCR testing will be implemented and the league says if any player or staff member tests positive, the club will have to suspend its activities for at least two weeks.

Enhanced screening for all WHL players, billets, team staff and officials will take place on a daily basis, including regular temperature screenings as well as symptom monitoring through the WHL Athlete RMS Mobile Application.

Masks must be worn by all WHL players at all times with the exception of when participating on ice for games and practices. WHL coaches will be required to wear masks at all times, including while conducting practice and while behind the bench during games.

The Alberta teams will only play in Alberta and will play a maximum of one team per week, with a five-day break before playing another team. To accommodate this, games will be played on weekends and will be home-and-home games only.

The 24-game regular season schedule will be announced at a later date.

The release only mentions the Alberta teams in the Central Division, with no word on the Swift Current Broncos, who are likely to play this season in the East Division.

The WHL says it continues to work with government and health authorities in each provincial and state jurisdiction on start dates for the rest of the league’s teams.