The Western Hockey League announced on Friday their intent and commitment to playing a 2020-21 regular season.  The announcement released by the WHL stated an intent to play a minimum of 24 games.

FROM THE WHL

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today the WHL Board of Governors have made a commitment to play a WHL 2020-21 Regular Season. The start date for the season will be determined once final approval has been received from the Health Authorities in each provincial and state jurisdiction and it is anticipated the approvals will be received soon.

All models and schedule formats are being considered by the WHL to ensure a WHL season is provided for the players. The 2020-21 WHL Regular Season will consist of 24 games.

“The Western Hockey League is committed to providing a season for WHL players,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron 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 hockey players.”

The Capitals only current prospect assigned to the WHL is Aliaksei Protas, who is entering his third season with the Prince Albert Raiders. Protas was officially loaned to Dinamo Minsk on August 7th and has been playing in their regular season.

More on the WHL return plan. This will take an incredible amount of work to pull off. It is ambitious. Some notes…
– eyeing late Feb start
– weekends only
– some teams will share rinks
– hubs have been discussed
– some U.S based teams may move to Canada for the season

— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) January 9, 2021

It’s uncertain as to whether Protas will be allowed to finish out the KHL’s regular season, which ends February 27, or if he will return for the start of training camp for the WHL season.

While we await plans for OHL season, the WHL appears to have plans and backup plans.

From what we hear, if there are any issues w/ home city schedule, WHL has a contingency lined up to go into bubble(s) in March and finish their 24-game season. Four host cities already approved.

— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) January 10, 2021

By Jon Sorensen