WHL set to begin season Jan. 8 with a maximum of 50 games

WHL commissioner Ron Robison says the league didn’t want to leave the regular-season start date up in the air anymore.

Robison said the Jan. 8 start date is a firm one. The season, the start of which has been delayed by COVID-19, would end on May 2.

“We just felt that at some point we needed to create some certainty around the start of our season,” Robison said during a media conference call Thursday. “We are going to start on Jan. 8 and we are pleased and excited because our players will return to our teams right after Christmas.”

The WHL announced Wednesday it had moved the scheduled start date for its season from Dec. 4 to Jan. 8.

The new start date will allow the league to play a maximum of 50 games during the regular season.

The Memorial Cup tournament has been pushed back to the middle of June.

Robison said discussions will need to be had with the teams to determine new trade deadlines and deadlines for overage players. The trade deadline in a normal 2020-21 season would have been Jan. 10.

Robison said there are still some obstacles to overcome, including in the East Division. It’s the only one where interprovincial travel will take place.

“The health officials in Saskatchewan and Manitoba have been very positive and co-operative and very respectful of the position we find ourselves in. With only two teams in Manitoba, they are isolated somewhat and would need to play interprovincial games with Saskatchewan,” Robison said.

“That’s one of the areas that we’re working through and is one of the reasons we can’t be in a position (Thursday) to announce any details on the schedule because we still need to obtain approval for the interprovincial travel.”

Robison said the WHL will try to reduce overnight stays when coming up with its schedule, which could help reduce costs for teams.

Robison said the goal for the league is to still have 50 per cent capacity at venues during the season.

“That’s our objective but we recognize that that will be determined by the health authorities and our discussions with them,” Robison said. “The number may be significantly lower than 50 per cent just given the health restrictions in various provinces and states currently.”

Robison said owners are aware there will be financial difficulties for teams this season.

“We know that we’re going to be dealing with limited capacity far lower than what we are accustomed to and that will cause some challenges,” Robison said. “I don’t believe we’re at risk of losing any franchises.”

Robison said there hasn’t been a discussion on playoffs yet.

A streaming service will be available for fans to watch games if they aren’t allowed inside the venues.

The WHL has been in contact with other leagues, including the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, about how they are returning to play.

“We are certainly learning from how (QMJHL officials) are addressing different situations in their league, especially as they work through positive tests with certain teams,” Robison said.