WHL Commits To 2020 - 2021 Season

After having previously announced a late start on three occasions to their 2020 - 2021 season due to the COVID - 19 pandemic the Western Hockey League (WHL) has announced they are committed a 24 game regular season but exactly when the season will start and if fans will be allowed to attend is still yet to be determined.

In a Friday news release the WHL said the league is set to hold a 24 game season but the start date will be determined once an agreement and final approval can be reached with the respective provinces and states where WHL teams are based. The league’s release did not indicate if there would be uniform rules as to attendance leaving the potential of fans attending some games depending where they are played.

“The Western Hockey League is committed to providing a season for WHL players,” WHL Commissioner Ron Robison said in a statement. “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.”

It should also be noted that at previous meetings of Moose Jaw City Council, Jim Puffalt, city manager, has said the return of the WHL is part of the key for the economic well-being of Mosaic Place, that facility’s new ticketing agent, as well as Downtown businesses. The Warriors deal with the City is $2,000 per game or ten percent of the gate receipts. It is unknown what effect the lack of fans would have.