The Western Hockey League’s BC Division has been granted approval to start on March 26.
The teams will play out of two hubs. The Kamloops Blazers, Prince George Cougars and Vancouver Giants will be based out of Kamloops, while the Victoria Royals and Kelowna Rockets will be based out of Kelowna. Teams will travel between the cities to play games but will spend the majority of their time in which ever hub they belong to.
The Western Hockey League has been granted approval to host Hub Centers in Kamloops & Kelowna.
DETAILS ? | https://t.co/J0rthipOe6 pic.twitter.com/CJXAXv8VRa
— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 2, 2021
The WHL will implement private PCR testing to ensure no strain on the Interior Health Authority. The company being used for testing – DynaLIFE Medical Labs – worked the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, as well as the National Hockey League’s 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The announcement comes a day after Adrian Dix, the Provincial Health Minister, said the WHL was granted approval to start the season in British Columbia.
As for scheduling, it has been reported the teams will play 24 games in 48 days. This means the divisional regular season will end May 13.
Stay tuned to DUBNetwork.ca for all the latest information.
Off the phone with @Kelowna_Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton. Sounds excited. Says the testing @TheWHL is using is the gold standard and was a difference maker in getting approval from health officials. It’s 24 games in 48 days.
— Regan Bartel (@Reganrant) March 2, 2021