The Western Hockey League has further delayed the start of the 2020-21 season by another month to Jan. 8, instead of the previously announced Dec. 4 date.

The league’s Board of Governors say they continue to work with governments and health authorities in the four Canadian provinces and two states in the U.S. Pacific Northwest where teams are located trying to get the necessary approvals to resume play.

The WHL also confirms that all regular-season games will happen within the confines of the division, meaning the Kamloops Blazers will only play against the Kelowna Rockets, the Vancouver Giants, the Victoria Royals, and the Prince George Cougars. The league will announce details regarding the schedule at a later date.

“The WHL is very excited to be opening our WHL Regular Season on January 8,” said Commissioner Ron Robison, in a statement. “The WHL is a world-class development league and we remain fully committed to providing our players with the highest level of training, coaching, and competition in the system.”

All WHL players will report to their teams after the traditional Christmas break to get ready for the Jan. 8 start date.

As it stands, the league says it has not made a final decision on whether fans will be allowed to attend games, as that is subject to approval from health authorities.

QMJHL Postpones Games in Quebec

The WHL announcement today follows one from earlier today by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, as it postponed games in two of its three divisions until October 28th because of COVID-19.

It affects 12 teams in the east and west divisions – based in Quebec – with six teams located in red zones, where organized sport is prohibited.

Five of the six QMJHL teams in the Maritimes will continue to play for now.

The exception is the Moncton Wildcats who will not play because of New Brunswick government restrictions in the area.