The Kamloops Blazers could hit the ice on December 4 as the WHL looks to get the 2020/21 season underway on that day.

The league says that the plan remains contingent on getting the necessary approvals from government and health authorities in each of the six jurisdictions the league operates in – B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Washington, and Oregon.

As it stands, the plan is to play a full 68-game season followed by four rounds of playoffs, leading into the Memorial Cup, which will be hosted by the Ontario Hockey League.

The December start date is two months later than the initial plan to try and get the season underway in October.

“In our discussions with the government and health authorities, it has become apparent that additional time is required to ensure we can return to play in a safe and responsible manner,” said Commissioner Rob Robison.

“Our WHL health and safety protocols have been well received by the health authorities but we have several key issues that we will need to reach a resolution on in the coming months.”

The 2019-20 WHL season was cancelled in May, two months after it was suspended in March because of COVID-19 concerns.