WHL Delays Start Of 2020-21 Season

For the second time, the WHL, part of the top junior circuit in Canada, announced that they have pushed back the start of the 2020-21 season.  Their original plan was to open up on December 4th but they then pushed back a little more on than a month to January 8th, just days after the conclusion of the World Juniors but now, the start date is unknown.  Instead, the Board of Governors will meet next month to decide on their next course of action.  League commissioner Ron Robison released the following statement:

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.  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.

Given the varying provincial restrictions in place as well as having five teams in the United States, there is still plenty that will need to be worked out between the various jurisdictions before they can kick off their season.  As for the other two CHL leagues, the QMJHL kicked off play in October but have since suspended games until January 3rd while the OHL is currently slated to begin on February 4th.