The WHL is another step closer to playing hockey, after the state of Washington approved the league’s plans for the U.S. Divisional pod. As part of the WHL’s plans, the Everett Silvertips, Seattle Thunderbirds, Spokane Chiefs, Tri-City Americans and Portland Winterhawks will all begin games on March 19.
The Winterhawks are the only team not based in Washington; they’ll play out of Portland, Ore. No announcement was made on where the Winterhawks will play home games and the league specifically mentioned that Washington had approved its plans, but conspicuously left out any mention of Oregon.
The WHL is planning on a 24-game season. The league previously had announced that it receive approval from Alberta for its provincial pod, which will kickoff on Feb. 26. The league is still working on approval for the East Division and B.C. Division.
