REGINA, Saskatchewan — The Western Hockey League will be back in action come March. Approval was granted on February 12 by Government of Saskatchewan public health officials to play in a Hub Center at Regina’s Brandt Centre. The WHL East Division, consisting of the Regina Pats, Moose Jaw Warriors, Prince Albert Raiders, Saskatoon Blades, Swift Current Broncos, Brandon Wheat Kings, and Winnipeg ICE, open their season on Friday, March 12.

The Division will play a 24-game regular schedule under an extensive set of protocols within this protective hub environment. WHL players and staff from the Saskatchewan and Manitoba based clubs began self-quarantining on February 20 and will report to the WHL Hub Center in Regina on February 27. COVID-19 testing will be required upon their arrival followed by an additional quarantine period. Players and staff will then undergo a second COVID-19 test before they are able to take part in any team activity.

A news release from the league says the WHL Clubs have committed to private PCR testing through DynaLIFE Medical Labs to avoid placing strain on the public health system. DynaLIFE’s COVID-19 testing, considered a gold standard, was utilized in Edmonton during the NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs and the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Ongoing weekly testing and enhanced daily screening for all players, staff and officials will include regular temperature checks and symptom monitoring. Mask wearing will be mandatory for players, coaches and staff at all times with the exception for players when participating on ice for games and practices.

The return to play will take place with no spectators in the stands, however, fans can look forward to watching the action via live stream with the launch of WHL Live. Details on the new WHL Live are forthcoming.

The WHL now has three Divisions ready to open the regular season, starting with the Central Division on Friday, February 26, the East Division on Friday, March 12, and the US Division on Friday, March 19. The fourth and final remaining piece of the WHL’s puzzle to be put in place for the 2020-21 season is the BC Division. As of February 19, BC Health Authority had yet to approve the division’s hub plans.

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