Prince George Cougars and WHL to begin regular season January 8th

The Western Hockey League Board of Governors has made a commitment to start its regular season on January 8th, 2021.

Details regarding the schedule of games in each of the four WHL Divisions will be announced at a later date.

All regular seasons games will be played exclusively within the boundaries of each of the four Divisions, with the East Division consisting of the seven Saskatchewan and Manitoba-based teams; the Central Division consisting of the five Alberta-based teams; the B.C. Division consisting of the five B.C.-based teams; and the U.S. Division consisting of the five teams located in Washington and Oregon.

This means the Prince George Cougars will only play regular-season games against the Kelowna Rockets, Kamloops Blazers, Vancouver Giants and Victoria Royals.

“The WHL continues to work with each of the Governments and Health Authorities in the Provinces and States in Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest, respectively, on obtaining the necessary approvals to commence play,” said the league in a statement.

All players will be reporting to their respective clubs following the Christmas break where they will begin training in preparation for the beginning of the season.

A final determination has not yet been made as to whether spectators will be permitted to attend WHL games as this will be subject to the approval of the Health Authorities in each jurisdiction.