File photo of Scotiabank Arena in Toronto (The Canadian Press)

By Justin Goulet

NHL, NHLPA agree on deal for 56-game season starting January 13

Dec 20, 2020 | 3:03 PM

TORONTO, ON – Hockey fans will be able to watch their favourite NHL teams in January.

The National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players’ Association have reached an agreement for a shortened, 56-game season starting January 13.

The seven teams based in Canada will be in the North Division as part of the league’s adjustment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teams are divided into four divisions with games played within their divisions.

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“The National Hockey League looks forward to the opening of our 2020-21 season, especially since the Return to Play in 2019-20 was so successful in crowning a Stanley Cup champion,” said league commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement.

“While we are well aware of the challenges ahead, as was the case last spring and summer, we are continuing to prioritize in the health and safety of our participants and the communities in which we live and play. And, as was the case last spring and summer, I thank the NHLPA, particularly Executive Director Don Fehr, for working cooperatively with us to get our League back on the ice.”

The league said the plan is to play games in the home arenas of participating teams, but is prepared to play games in one or more “neutral-site” venues per division, if necessary.

Each team in the East, Central and West divisions will play every other team in their division eight times.

Meanwhile, each team in the North will play every other team in its division nine or 10 times. The top four teams in each of the division’s will qualify for the playoffs.