The Western Hockey League pushed back its targeted Jan. 8 start date due to public health restrictions that remain in place across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest U.S.
"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," commissioner Ron Robison said in a statement.
"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."
The board of governors will meet in January to discuss a new target start date, and the league will continue to work with government and health authorities to establish a plan for the 2020-21 season.
The WHL, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and the Ontario Hockey League - which all fall under the Canadian Hockey League umbrella - ended their 2019-20 seasons early due to the pandemic and didn't hold playoffs.
Of the three, only the QMJHL began its 2020-21 season. However, the league suspended play in November and aims to resume on Jan. 3.
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