There will be no playoffs in the Western Hockey League following the 2020-21 season.
The major junior league announced Monday that the season will conclude following the completion of the 24-game regular season due to COVID-19 concerns.
Read more:
2020 Memorial Cup, CHL playoffs cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic
The league said in a release that travel restrictions across provincial and international borders in place to try to stem the tide of the global pandemic would make it difficult to conduct a post-season.
The announcement comes a week after the Canadian Hockey League, the umbrella organization for the WHL, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Ontario Hockey League, cancelled the 2021 Memorial Cup major junior championship due to COVID-19.
The QMJHL is going ahead with a modified playoff format, while the OHL has not received approval from public health authorities to commence its 2020-21 season.
Read more:
Friday’s game between Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks postponed due to COVID-19 cases
“When we returned to play in February, we set out with the intention of completing a 24-game regular season schedule, knowing adjustments would be needed along the way,” WHL Commissioner Ron Robison said in a statement.
“We remained hopeful that public health conditions would improve, but unfortunately that is not the reality we see in front of us today.”
Alberta launches online 50/50 draws in support of junior hockey teams
02:00
Alberta launches online 50/50 draws in support of junior hockey teams
01:38
COVID:19 Alberta minor hockey players return to the ice
01:58
Hockey Alberta cancels minor hockey games for remainder of season
01:57
World’s Longest Hockey Game gets exemption from Alberta government amid COVID-19 health restrictions
02:12
Struggling New Serepta rink closes, effectively ending hockey season
