Western Hockey League teams in Alberta have been given the approval to open their regular season in just under a month, on Feb. 26 after health officials in that province were the first to grant the league the approval it needs before a 24-game season can get underway.

“The WHL appreciates the support we have received from Alberta Health as we work towards a safe return to play in the province,” 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 getting underway in Alberta and allowing our players to continue their development at the highest level in the Canadian system.”

The five Alberta-based WHL teams – Red Deer Rebels, Edmonton Oil Kings, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers, and Calgary Hitmen – will form the Central Division and all divisional games will be played within the province’s boundaries with no fans in attendance.

Teams will play just one opponent a week with a five-day break prior to playing a new opponent. It means home-and-home games that will be played on weekends.

Players and staff from the Alberta-based teams will begin a quarantine period this Saturday, Jan. 30, before reporting to their teams on Feb. 6 where they will be tested for COVID-19 and undergo further quarantines. On-ice activities will get underway no sooner than Feb. 12.

There will also be ongoing weekly private PCR testing strategy through DynaLIFE Medical Labs, which was used during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs and the 2021 World Juniors, both of which were held in Edmonton.

If one or more players or staff test positive for COVID-19 at any point in the season, all team activities will be suspended for a minimum of 14 days.

The WHL says it is continuing to work with health authorities in B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Washington, and Oregon to establish start dates for the B.C. Division, the East Division, and the U.S. Division.