The word finally came down late Monday afternoon and, not unexpectedly, the W-H-L will shut down the 2021 season once teams have played 24 games without playoffs.
The first shot against a possible playoffs came last week when the C-H-L announced there would be no Memorial Cup awarded for a second straight year. Today, W-H-L Commissioner Ron Robison (pictured) said the league was hopeful of running a playoff and declaring a league champion, but with COVID-19 case numbers still high and the international border still closed to non-essential travel, the decision to finish up after the regular-season was made. All four divisions will determine champions based on the 24 games and individual award winners will be declared as well. Following is the news release from the W-H-L…
WHL ANNOUNCES 2020-21 SEASON TO CONCLUDE FOLLOWING REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today the 2020-21 WHL Season will conclude following the completion of the 24-game Regular Season schedule.
Due to current public health conditions and the ongoing challenges with COVID-19, including restrictions on travel across both provincial and international borders, the WHL is not in a position to conduct the 2021 WHL Playoffs, including the WHL Championship Series.
“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,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “We remained hopeful that public health conditions would improve, but unfortunately that is not the reality we see in front of us today. The ongoing challenges with non-essential interprovincial and international cross-border travel leave us no alternative but to cancel the 2021 WHL Playoffs.
“We commend our players, team staff, and officials for their commitment to following the protocols that have made this unprecedented season a success. The WHL looks forward to recognizing individual award winners and all four WHL Division champions at the conclusion of the 2020-21 WHL Regular Season, including the presentation of the RE/MAX Cup for the B.C. Division champions and the Subway Cup for the East Division champions.”
The 2021 WHL Awards will recognize individual award winners from each WHL Division, as opposed to the traditional celebration of conference-based award winners. The 2021 WHL Awards will culminate with honourees in each major awards category on a League-wide basis. The 2021 WHL Awards will be celebrated digitally following the conclusion of the 2020-21 WHL Regular Season.
The WHL will continue to work with Government and Health Authorities regarding schedule options for the 2021-22 WHL Regular Season.
