UPDATE: Tickets can be purchased on the AJHL and WHL websites with the first draw opening on March 5.
After a three-month pause to the season, AJHL teams will be back on the ice.
The league received provincial approval to restart the 2020-21 season under their Return to Play Plan protocols. Players, coaches and support staff are self-isolating in preparation for training camp set to start at the beginning of March. Games will also start in March and will be played on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to the end of May.
The league will be using private PCR tests through DynaLIFE weekly through the season and twice a week before training camp. DynaLIFE testing was used by the NHL during the Stanley Cup playoffs and for the 2021 World Junior Championship.
Individuals will need to get two negative COVID-19 tests before joining the training camp. If a member of the AJHL cohort, player or staff, tests positive at any point in the season, the team will have to self-isolate and suspend all in-person team activities for 14 days. The AJHL will be using enhanced daily screening for all players and staff through the SureHire Risk Assessment App.
“We are grateful for the guidance provided by Alberta Health Services and our Chief Medical Officer in developing the protocols required to safely resume the season for our athletes,” says AJHL Commissioner Ryan Bartoshyk. “Thank you to the Government of Alberta for the opportunity to allow our athletes to develop and excel here in Alberta, and to all 15 AJHL teams for the significant dedication to your players and communities across the province.”
Spectators will not be allowed at games due to provincial restrictions but all games will be broadcast on HockeyTV. An updated schedule and list of participating teams will be announced in the near future.
The Lloydminster Bobcats played 10 games before the pause and have a 0-2 record in the regular season.
