The WHL announced this week that it will have a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy moving forward, which requires all players, hockey operations staff, other team and league personnel, and officials to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before the start of the 2021-22 season.
The season is set to begin on Oct. 1.
The WHL simply follows the plan already in place in the OHL and QMJHL. The league said it “strongly recommends” that players live with billet families who are also fully vaccinated.
“The health and safety of our players and staff continues to be the No. 1 priority for the WHL. The policy is designed to further protect our players and staff in the WHL from the potential risk of exposure to COVID-19,” said WHL commissioner Ron Robison in a press release.
“With travel restrictions currently in place with the Canada / U.S. border as well as the province of Manitoba, it is important all players and staff are fully vaccinated in order to be eligible to play a full season in the WHL.” Robison added.
