Press Release Dated April 17, 2020
The Western States Hockey League (WSHL) has spent the first 30 days of the Coronavirus “stay at home” policy working on alternatives for the 2020-2021 ice hockey season and like most people looking forward to some guidance from our legislators on when, how soon, etc. we can all safely return to what used to be normal activity.
The WSHL teams are currently recruiting as much as possible through social media, telephone interviews, and where possible video review. Even without any on ice tryouts to date, the recruiting successes, signing of contracts, appears to be running ahead of the normal calendar both in the U.S. and internationally.
Although it appears that a few veteran teams are departing, there will be a few new teams joining the WSHL for the next season both in the U.S. and Canada. More information will be forthcoming as the decisions are made regarding the likelihood and structure of the 2020-2021 season in regards to the legislative release as to social distancing, small group gatherings, travel restrictions, etc., due strictly to the Coronavirus effects on all of us.
Assuming the season isn’t pushed back on the calendar due to the effects of the Coronavirus, we have scheduled to start the season the first weekend of October, the Showcase will be Dec. 18-21 in Las Vegas, NV, with playoffs beginning the 2nd weekend in March 2021. If for some reason beyond our control the season is pushed back on the calendar, we will make the necessary adjustments to complete the season in the best manner possible.
Those interested players should reach out to the league at: [email protected]. Likewise since the formal season calendar is fluid at the moment, there is still the possibility to add the right team(s) in the right location(s) and those interested should also contact us by email at the above address.
In the Spirit of legendary hockey coach Bob Johnson, “ITS A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY”, so let’s hope that comes sooner than later.
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