The Western Hockey League has the green light to return to play in British Columbia this season, according to Health Minister Adrian Dix.
Speaking in a scrum after Question Period at the B.C. Legislature, Dix confirmed health officials had approved the league’s plan.
The league has not released any details about a potential hub format or starting date.
WHL teams play in western Canada and the U.S., and many jurisdictions have already approved the league’s plan with the exception of B.C. and Oregon.
“With respect to the WHL, their proposal has been reviewed and it’s fair to say it’s been accepted,” Dix told reporters. “We hope that the season will proceed.”
He said there are variances required for the WHL to obtain which are being worked out now that the plan is approved in principle. “I expect their season in British Columbia to go ahead,” he said.
In Alberta, officials recently completed the third week of their plan with zero positive COVID-19 results in all 481 tests administered. In the East Division, which has a hub in Regina, play is expected to resume on March 12.
The approval comes as the BCHL, which has not yet had its return-to-play plan vetted, prepares to meet this week to decide whether its season can go ahead.
With files from Rob Shaw.
CHEK News
