WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE ANNOUNCES DELAY TO START OF 2020-21 REGULAR SEASON Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today it will delay the start of the 2020-21 WHL Regular Season, and following further consultation with regional health authorities, the Board of Governors will meet in January to consider potential start dates. With public health restrictions in place across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest U.S., the WHL is not in a position to start its Regular Season as planned on January 8. The WHL will continue to work with Government and Health Authorities in our region as we consider schedule options for the 2020-21 WHL Regular Season. The WHL have developed a series of protocols in consultation with health authorities that are necessary to protect WHL players, staff, officials, and fans during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We continue to make every effort to get our season started, but our first priority has always been the health and safety of our players, and everyone associated with the WHL,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “Given the public health restrictions that are currently in effect, we are not in a position to determine a new target date for our season. We will continue to consult with health authorities to determine when it is safe and responsible to get our season started.” About the Western Hockey League Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and five in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team. -30- For further information, Please contact: Taylor Rocca Director, Communications Western Hockey League [email protected] .