Hurricanes' Dylan Cozens -- LNN

By Connor Gunn

Hurricanes GM on WHL’s return-to-play plan

Jun 24, 2020 | 12:46 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB– Since the Western Hockey League (WHL) cancelled their season back in March, the WHL got to brainstorming ideas on the start of the 2020-21 season.

After considerations from the league and others, the WHL will start next season with a loose date of October 2nd.

Nothing is set in stone because no one knows exactly what will happen by October with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager Peter Anholt says he and the Hurricanes are waiting for further instruction.

“Our job really is to be prepared when we’re told what the parameters are going to be and from a hockey standpoint, that’s all we ever do, is we get told what the rules are then we abide by the rules and then move forward.”

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Anholt says the opportunity to play is tempting, but in order to play, there has to be fans in attendance.

“We’ve always said that our league needs fans, we can’t operate without fans.”

Anholt believes that time will tell what the league will look like once October comes.

Since the ice in the Enmax Centre has been taken out and the players have all returned to their homes, some players haven’t been able to get out on the ice.

Even though some players have not been able to do some skating, they are still required to commit to virtual off-ice training and being given instructions of what to do from trainers.

“Our coaches and trainers have been in constant dialogue with the players and they’ve all got their workouts in place… so absolutely they’re going through it.”

Anholt added he’s just happy that there is a plan in place to return to hockey.

“Everyone wants to play, we know the importance in playing, but we also know the importance of having fans and having that as part of our business model… we ant to play and I know our players want to play.”

Anholt finished by saying that players will be taking the necessary steps to ensure they’re ready for training camp in September.