Image credit: CFJC T.V.

By Earl Seitz

Kamloops Blazers

Blazers owner confident there will be a season.

Sep 21, 2020 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Normally the Western Hockey League season would have started this past weekend.

Because of Covid-19 that was first delayed until October 2, and then later pushed back another two months to December 4.

That’s still the goal for a start date — but with several factors dictating whether the season will be able to go in December.

“Obviously as a spectator driven league we need spectators in order to make it work.” said Commissioner Ron Robison in June. “That is a key criteria in the event that we can’t get to a certain spectator level that will allow our teams to operate, we will not be in a position to start play. So we need that spectator capacity matter to be resolved before we can commence play.”

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In June Ron Robison said the league will need a minimum 50% capacity in order to operate.

According to Blazers owner and league governor Tom Gaglardi, that hasn’t changed.

“We’re still hopeful that we will find a way to operate by December.” says Gaglardi. “I do think that some way, some how, we will have a season. I say that because of the obligation we all feel towards the kids. The players who rely on the Western Hockey League for development, we have to find a way to continue the development. We’re going to figure this out one way or the other. I do believe the league is going to depend on some number of fans in arenas.”

Attendance isn’t the only issue the league has to wrestle with.

It’s spread across six jurisdictions — four provinces and two U.S. states — each with different criteria and restrictions relating to the pandemic and a border still closed to non essential travel.

“I think we’re all ready to play within our province and within the states.” says Gaglardi. “I personally believe the border will be open by Christmas. But as of right now we have a draft schedule that is playing within the province. We’re working on all kinds of scenarios and guidance from the province on what they will let us do with our arenas, and that’s a fluid conversation.”