BCHL players will finally get to lace up their skates again in early September, though hockey season wonB次元官网网址檛 start until December.

The B.C. Hockey League announced today that it plans to start the 2020-21 regular season Dec. 1. A press release from the league said that its communications with the province and health officials suggested that waiting until December B次元官网网址済ives us the best chance at ensuring we have an uninterrupted season, while also maximizing the amount of regular-season games weB次元官网网址檒l be able to play,B次元官网网址� said Chris Hebb, BCHL commissioner.

Teams are being given the option to start training camp in September, and divisional exhibition games will be able to start once the province moves to Phase 3 of ViaSport B.C.B次元官网网址檚 return-to-play model, the BCHL press release notes.

The Nanaimo Clippers say they plan to open training camp Sept. 8, while the Alberni Valley Bulldogs say theyB次元官网网址檙e planning for camp to open Sept. 14. An Island Division exhibition tournament is being planned to start in October and the BCHL news release noted that divisional exhibition games will be live-streamed.

B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 going to be games played in that time, weB次元官网网址檙e just not confident weB次元官网网址檙e going to have a large capacity [for fans],B次元官网网址� said Tali Campbell, Clippers general manager.

He said league governors anticipate that by Dec. 1, theyB次元官网网址檒l be able to fill arenas to at least a 50-per cent capacity.

The BCHL hasnB次元官网网址檛 released its regular-season schedule yet.

B次元官网网址淥nce the number of games has been determined along with the special protocols that will be put in place, we will be happy to provide more information,B次元官网网址� noted a statement from Vernon Vipers ownership. B次元官网网址淲e look forward to seeing our fans and partners again very soon.B次元官网网址�

The Bulldogs say theyB次元官网网址檙e working closely with municipal staff to make sure their multiplex will be ready to welcome fans back into the building safely once the season starts.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e anxious for the day when we can re-open our doors for our home opener and welcome our amazing fans back,B次元官网网址� said David Michaud, Bulldogs president, in a press release.

BCHL teams rely on ticket sales, and will have limited or no gate during the first few months of the season while absorbing costs of running a junior hockey program.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e certainly having to re-juggle our books and figure out ways to make things work in the larger scheme of things,B次元官网网址� Campbell said.

But he said B次元官网网址渆very governorB次元官网网址檚 on boardB次元官网网址� with the extended training camp model meant to engage players, help them achieve their hockey and education goals, and prepare them for a 2020-21 season.

B次元官网网址淸Players] want to come back B次元官网网址� they want to aim to win a championship here,B次元官网网址� Campbell said. B次元官网网址淭hey want to get back into that culture of things and get going on practising and being part of a team.B次元官网网址�

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