Image Credit: CFJC Today / Jill Sperling

By James Peters

Hockey Night in Kamloops?

Premier says B.C. WHL rinks could help NHL finish its season

May 13, 2020 | 2:36 PM

VICTORIA — Could we see NHL hockey at Sandman Centre before long? That seemingly absurd notion is not out of the question, according to Premier John Horgan.

During his media availability Wednesday (May 13), Horgan was asked about a telephone conversation earlier in the day with National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman.

The NHL season was suspended on March 12 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Horgan says the league is eager to finish its 2019-20 season, and some in the league see B.C. hockey rinks as a good place to do it.

“We’ve heard from others around the league that have other ideas about perhaps having all of the games played in British Columbia,” said Horgan. “We have WHL rinks in Victoria, in Kamloops, in Kelowna, in Prince George. The Kootenays in Cranbrook has an outstanding facility as well. We have hotel space. So the sky’s really the limit.”

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Arenas in Vancouver, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Penticton could also be options.

Horgan says the Vancouver Canucks have been in contact with Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Lisa Beare to discuss what hosting NHL games would look like.

“I believe we’re in a good place to host; that’s why I contacted the commissioner. The Canucks have been working very co-operatively with my minister.”

“Mr. Bettman and his team recognize that British Columbia has had a pretty positive response to COVID-19 in terms of flattening the curve. Mr. Bettman also knows that this is a hockey-crazy province. We’d be happy to have hockey take place here so that we could say current games on our televisions. But there are obstacles, obviously, in the way.”

Horgan says obstacles include a 14-day isolation period for anyone entering the country.

But the premier says he let Bettman know B.C. stands ready to help if a feasible plan is put forward.