Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter
(Lethbridge News Now)

WHL delays 2021 draft from May to December

Dec 21, 2020 | 2:10 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Players and fans alike will have to wait another seven months to know how the Western Hockey League (WHL) will be shaken up.

The 2021 WHL Draft was previously scheduled for May 2021 but will now take place in December.

“Moving the 2021 WHL Draft from May to December allows additional time for players in the 2006 age group to be evaluated following a challenging season due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison.

“We anticipate minor hockey leagues and tournaments will be fully operational in the fall, which will allow players to compete at a high level once again.”

As well, the WHL announced that they have tentatively scheduled the WHL Cup for October 2021.

It will feature draft-eligible players who will have the opportunity to showcase their skills before selections are made.

Players eligible for the 2021 WHL Draft will be 2006-born players who reside in Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.