By Alec Dietz | Lynnwood Times Staff
Following the cancellation of the Western Hockey League (WHL) playoffs in March, the league has announced that it will delay the start of its new season until December, per a press release.
“Regardless of our start date, the WHL is committed to playing a full Regular Season and Playoffs in 2020-21,” WHL Commissioner Ron Robison said in a statement. “In our discussions with the government and health authorities, it has become apparent that additional time is required to ensure we can return to play in a safe and responsible manner. Our WHL health and safety protocols have been well received by the health authorities but we have several key issues that we will need to reach a resolution on in the coming months.”
So far, the league is committed to playing a full 68-game schedule with four rounds of playoffs to follow the regular season. But to play this upcoming season, the league will need approval from each of the six states and provinces that have teams: Washington and Oregon in the United States, and Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada.
Before the playoffs were cancelled in late March, the Silvertips (46-13-3) were firmly in the playoffs and had the second-most points in the WHL with 96, just behind the Portland Winterhawks’ 97.
Tips goaltender Dustin Wolf was named to the Western Conference First All-Star team, and defensemen Jake Christiansen and forward Bryce Kindopp were named to the Second All-Star team in April.
Author: Alec Dietz
