Just over one year after play was suspended because of COVID-19, the Western Hockey League is returning to Kamloops and Kelowna.
The five BC Division teams have been granted approval for a shortened 24 game season that will get underway on March 26 in the hub cities of Kamloops and Kelowna.
“The WHL appreciates the cooperation we have received from the Provincial Health Officer and health officials in B.C. as we work toward a safe return to play in the B.C. Division,” WHL Commissioner Ron Robison said, in a statement. “With our extensive protocols and the necessary approvals now in place, we are looking forward to play beginning in the Kamloops and Kelowna hubs.”
The BC Division teams were the only ones awaiting approval ahead of a return to play, but Health Minister Adrian Dix said yesterday that a plan had been approved in principle.
“Other than ‘Go Blazers Go,’ we want to see them back in action. It’s important for the athletes but it’s important to the community,” Mayor Ken Christian told NL Sports when asked about the return to play. He says he wrote a letter of support to WHL as part of the hub city proposal.
The Kamloops Blazers, Vancouver Giants, and Prince George Cougars will be based in Kamloops and play out of the Sandman Centre, while the Victoria Royals will be in Kelowna along with the Rockets with games taking place at Prospera Place. Teams will be allowed to travel between the two hub arenas with no stops in between.
Players and staff will begin self-quarantining this Saturday, March 6, and report to their respective WHL hub city a week later, on March 13, where they will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing followed by an additional quarantine period. They will have to undergo a second COVID-19 test before they’re allowed to take part in any team activity.
“I’m thrilled, maybe a bit surreal but its a relief,” Blazers President and COO Don Moores said. “I’m very happy that the BC Health Officials and the Provincial Government saw we had a very strong proposal in front of them. More than anything, so happy for our players.”
Games will take place over a 48-day span with weekly COVID testing in place. If one or more players or staff test positive for COVID-19 at any point in the season, Robison says all team activities will have to be suspended for a minimum of 14 days.
Alberta-based WHL teams began play on Feb. 26. Saskatchewan and Manitoba teams will begin play in a bubble in Regina on Mar. 12, while US Division teams get underway on March 19.
“We are excited to now have all four WHL Divisions returning to play as it was our objective from the onset to deliver a season for all of our players,” Robison added.
No fans will be allowed into Sandman Centre but Radio NL will be broadcasting all home and away Blazers games with more details to come when a schedule is released.
The Western Hockey League has been granted approval to host Hub Centers in Kamloops & Kelowna.
DETAILS 📰 | https://t.co/J0rthipOe6 pic.twitter.com/CJXAXv8VRa
— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 2, 2021
Takin’ Care of Business! https://t.co/lHyvtqrh1f
— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) March 2, 2021