The waiting game continues.
The Prince George Cougars were tentatively scheduled to start the 2020-21 season on Jan. 8, 2021, but as COVID-19 continues to present a lot of unknowns across B.C., western Canada and the Pacific Northwest, its league has decided to postpone that initial plan.
In a statement this afternoon (Dec. 15), the Western Hockey League (WHL) says it's 'not in a position' to plan for an altered schedule.
“We continue to make every effort to get our season started, but our first priority has always been the health and safety of our players, and everyone associated with the WHL,” said Commissioner Ron Robison.
“Given the public health restrictions that are currently in effect, we are not in a position to determine a new target date for our season. We will continue to consult with health authorities to determine when it is safe and responsible to get our season started.”
When it announced the January plan, WHL teams were set to play within their own divisions as a cohort before potentially crossing over by the playoffs.
If that same plan reigns true if and when a season starts, the Cougars would only play Kamloops, Kelowna, Vancouver and Victoria.
In B.C., due to public health orders enforced by the province, adults over the age of 19 are permitted from playing indoor or outdoor sports including hockey.
Half of the WHL is typically made up of 19- and 20-year-old players.
"The WHL will continue to work with Government and Health Authorities in our region as we consider schedule options for the 2020-21 WHL Regular Season," its statement continues.
"The WHL have developed a series of protocols in consultation with health authorities that are necessary to protect WHL players, staff, officials, and fans during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Similar circumstances has forced the BC Hockey League (BCHL) to also postpone its season to some time in the new year.
As of this publication, 1,368 COVID-19 have been infections recorded in Northern Health since March, including 15 total deaths, three new ones in the last 24 hours.
There are 367 active cases, 18 people in critical care among 48 total hospitalizations, and 986 recoveries.
