WHL's B.C. division to start season March 26 in hub cities Kelowna and Kamloops
The Vancouver Giants and the rest of the WHL’s B.C. Division will begin play on March 26.
The league confirmed Tuesday afternoon that it has been given approval to return to play by the provincial government and health authorities, and the Giants, Kamloops Blazers, Kelowna Rockets, Prince George Cougars and Victoria Royals will play in hubs in both Kelowna and Kamloops. There will be travel between the two bases.
The 17-team B.C. Hockey League is still awaiting word on their return-to-play plans from the government and health officials.
The Giants, Blazers and Cougars will be based out of Kamloops, while the Rockets and Royals will be based out of Kelowna. Along with the start date, the league has announced that it will be a 24-game schedule per team.
Various sources have said that they’ll play those game in a 48-day span.
There’s been no announcement on where the teams are staying but Blazer owner Tom Gaglardi owns a hotel in Kamloops and Royals owner Graham Lee owns a hotel in Kelowna.
Players and staff will begin self-quarantining on Saturday and then will report to their team hotel in either Kamloops or Kelowna on March 13, where they will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival followed by an additional quarantine period. Players and staff will then undergo a second COVID-19 test before being permitted to engage in any team activity.
WHL teams are also committed to providing private PCR testing through DynaLIFE Medical Labs, to ensure no additional strain is placed on public health. All private testing conducted in the B.C. Division will be processed and analyzed at DynaLIFE’s Alberta-based laboratory in Edmonton. DynaLIFE’s PCR testing was utilized in Edmonton during the NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs and the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The WHL will implement an ongoing weekly private PCR testing strategy. If a club has one or more players or staff test positive for COVID-19 at any point in the season, the club will be required to suspend its activities for a minimum of 14 days.
Masks must be worn by all WHL players at all times with the exception of when participating on ice for games and practices. Coaches will be required to wear masks at all times, including while conducting practice and while behind the bench during games.
Spectators aren’t permitted at the games. WHL fans can visits
whl.ca
for details on how to stream the games.
Approval for the B.C. Division to return to play ensures all 22 WHL teams will compete during the 2020-21 WHL Regular Season. The Central Division opened on Feb. 26, while the East Division hub in Regina starts on March 12 and the U.S. Division begins play on March 19.
MORE TO COME ...
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