Josh Pillar and Logan Stankoven crash the net during a game last season against the Edmonton Oil Kings at Sandman Centre (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

WHL START

Blazers feel confident WHL season will commence on Jan. 8 start date

Nov 13, 2020 | 3:45 PM

KAMLOOPS — The WHL start on Jan. 8 will see teams only plan within their own divisions, meaning the Blazers will see a lot more of Kelowna, Vancouver, Victoria and Prince George.

However, with two separate delays to the year and COVID-19 numbers only up in Western Canada, will the season realistically start in the new year?

“Yeah absolutely. 100 per cent. I’m very confident,” said head coach Shaun Clouston. “I’ve been on a couple calls now. I think each province is going to be slightly different.”

Blazers forward Logan Stankoven added, “From what I’ve heard, the WHL, the league as a whole has really been pushing to start up here. I think from the things I’ve heard, it’s all been positive. I think realistically, it’s really going to start. I believe it will. The main thing for us as players is to be ready when things start up, so I’m looking forward to it.”

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The league still hopes to have fans in the building at 50 per cent capacity. As we head into the winter season, and potential exposures increase, it’s not certain fans will be able to watch live.

“I would be surprised if we had fans here,” noted Clouston. “Maybe as the season goes on, there’s the potential to get a few people in the building, but I do believe that the ownership group believes that we have to salvage somewhat of a season. We have to play.”

Even if teams are losing money, Clouston feels the development of players around the league is crucial, even if no one is watching in person.

“That’s the No. 1 thing. If [development] was taken into consideration, I think there wouldn’t be a season,” he said. “Teams right now are working on getting very creative. They’re reaching out to their sponsors, looking to maximize that with some online presence. I know the league has switched providers for their webcast games.”

However, provinces like Alberta and Manitoba are putting a stop to sports to try and curb ever-increasing COVID-19 numbers.

In Alberta, recreational sports are suspended for the next two weeks. Manitoba has entered level red, or critical, restrictions and no sports of any kind are allowed. With further restrictions possible, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen come opening night on Jan. 8.