WHL announces mandatory vaccination policy

Effective immediately, all WHL players, hockey operations staff and other team and WHL office personnel along with officials must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to the start of the regular season.

Same goes for others like general managers, coaches, trainers, equipment managers and off-ice officials like penalty box attendants, timekeepers and scorekeepers.

“The health and safety of our players and staff continues to be the number one priority for the WHL,” stated Commissioner Ron Robison. “The policy is designed to further protect our players and staff in the WHL from the potential risk of exposure to COVID-19.”

“With travel restrictions currently in place with the Canada / U.S. border as well as the province of Manitoba, it is important all players and staff are fully vaccinated in order to be eligible to play a full season in the WHL,” Robison added.

The WHL regular season opens Friday, October 1.