Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the WHL says it plans to stage a 2020-21 regular season.

“The Western Hockey League is committed to providing a season for WHL players,” said WHL Commissioner Ron Robison in a news release. “This commitment ensures WHL players will receive the opportunity to compete at the highest level in the system and continue to pursue their hockey goals in the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players.”

The WHL says the start date for the campaign will be decided once final approval has been received from the health authorities in each province and state. The league is expecting that it will get the green light soon.

“All models and schedule formats are being considered by the WHL to ensure a WHL season is provided for the players,” said the league. “The 2020-21 WHL Regular Season will consist of 24 games.”

Meantime, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League started its season in November, but things came to a halt near the end of November after tighter COVID-19 measures were introduced by the provincial government.

(PHOTO: WHL logo. Photo courtesy of the WHL.)