KAMLOOPS — The Western Hockey League made it official today —– the season won’t begin until December 4.
That’s just over two month’s later than the originally scheduled start date of October2.
The plan is to still get in a full 68 game schedule, followed by four rounds of playoffs. The Memorial Cup will start the third weekend in June, a month later that normal.
“By delaying it until December 4 it buys some more time to make sure that all the return to play protocols are in place.” says Blazers general manager Matt Bardsley. “No one has dealt with this type of adversity ever in our lives, but it’s something we try to stay positive with — staying in communication with our players.”
Following a season that ended prematurely, and another a further delay to the following season, it’s another disappointment for the players and fans.
Logan Stankoven was having an outstanding rookie season when everything was stopped in March.
Now the focus is on being ready when the next season does start.
“It’s very wierd in terms of the start dates and everything.” says Stankoven. “It’s going to be different for sure, but the way I see it is extra time is extra training, so if there’s anyway I can get better, and improve my game, I’m totally willing to do that, and put in the time and effort that hopefully when things do start up again, I’ll be ready to go”.
Still to be determined for a December start are schedules, play outside each teams own division, and the border —– with five of the leagues teams situated in Washington and Oregon.
“There could be the option of just playing games within our division.” says Matt Bardsley.
Being a fan driven business, the league also needs seats in the seats.
“A lot of that is going to depend on what the governments allow us to do. Once we know, then we can have a plan as well. I think that’s part of what the new start date is going to help — it’s going to allow the facilities, the governments to determine what it’s really going to take to allow fans to be be in the building.”
So December 4th the puck is scheduled to drop —- but even that is tentative on receiving the necessary approvals from the government and health authorities in each of the leagues six provinces and states.
