BCHL announces schedule while SJHL is forced to close up for the season

The BCHL announced its schedule for the shortened 2020-21 season, which will include 20 games for each team.

The season will be played over five weeks and will begin on April 2 and run through May 9. There are 16 teams playing and they will each be assigned to a pod. Teams will only play members of their pod for the entire season. The pods will be in Port Alberni, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Penticton, and Vernon.

“It has been a long road, but we’re thrilled to finally announce our season schedule,” said BCHL Executive Director Steven Cocker. “Our coaches and players have spent the past seven months focusing on on-ice and off-ice development and now we are able to provide them with a chance to play meaningful games to give them the NHL and NCAA exposure they deserve.”

Teams are currently quarantining before COVID testing begins. Players can join their teams once they have a negative COVID test.

Meanwhile, the SJHL announced today that their season will not be completed.

“A decision by that Saskatchewan Government and Health has made on the submissions that have been before them, unfortunately the SJHL will not be allowed to return to play. In part, the current conditions of COVID-19 in the province do not appear to allow a return to play now, or in the next few weeks,” the league said in a statement.

“The SJHL will now turn its focus on returning to play in Sept. of 2021.”