Connor Levis, a first-round pick in 2019, signed with the Kamloops Blazers in June (Image Credit: Kamloops Blazers)

By Chad Klassen

B.C. DIVISION SEASON

Blazers rookie Levis eager to suit up and play his first WHL season

Feb 12, 2021 | 5:01 PM

KAMLOOPS — Connor Levis signed with the Blazers in June with the expectation to play meaningful games in 2020. However, COVID-19 has delayed the start of his rookie season a few times.

“It’s a little weird. I was expecting to play in September, I think as most players were, but it’s just that adversity that we have to overcome as a team and stay focused in preparing for the season to start,” he said.

But when will that be? The B.C. government has extended restrictions for an undetermined length of time. Dr. Bonnie Henry is hopeful the provincial health officer can work with the WHL to have a spring season, but she said it’s not safe right now.

“Current restrictions, no,” said Dr. Henry last Friday (Feb. 5) when asked by CFJC Today whether a hub concept in Kamloops and Kelowna would work. “Because some of the important restrictions we have in place that are necessary right now are about travel and about people coming from different areas together.”

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The 16-year-old Levis, who played hockey at St. George’s in Vancouver, has made Kamloops his home during the postponement, skating with the local WHL players.

“Right now, here in Kamloops, I find it really good for myself just being able to get on the ice with my head coach [Shaun Clouston] and some of the Blazer guys,” he said. “It’s just that fast pace that I haven’t been exposed to yet, so it’s been really helping with my development.”

Levis will keep skating here until he receives the good news from the league.

“I guess you can’t really decide what the health officials are going to do, but for me I’m hopeful with the WHL,” noted Levis. “They’ve got a lot of good implementations to keep our players safe, so if the health officials do let a season go, I think we’re going to be all staying pretty healthy.”