Post by David on Oct 6, 2017 13:03:15 GMT -8
10.6.17 -
CALGARY, AB - The Western Hockey League announced on Friday that the league will adopt a 68-game regular season schedule, effective for the 2018-19 Season.
The WHL's Board of Governors approved of the new season format, reducing the WHL Regular Season from 72 games to 68. The 72-game schedule has been in use since the 1975-76 Season.
The effect of the reduced games will mean teams will play two less games at home and two less games on the road. For season ticket holders of each of the 22 WHL clubs, they'll see their season ticket schedule reduce from 36 games to 34.
According to the WHL, the reduction of four games is an effort to reduce travel and to balance the schedule. The reduced schedule will allow more time for players to focus on developing their hockey and training skills, as well as their academic studies.
"It’s designed to benefit the players," said Kelowna Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton in an interview with the Kelowna Capital News. "The players will get more time at school, and they’ll have more time for practice and skill development which is what we feel the players need. Most importantly, we need to look after them in the sense that their well-being is our main concern."
The league also justified the reduction in schedule to match with the other two major junior hockey leagues, specifically the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Both the OHL and the QMJHL play a 68 game schedule.
Said WHL Commissioner Ron Robison on the reduced schedule, "By reducing our WHL Regular Season schedule, I believe this further demonstrates our WHL Club commitment to providing our players with the best possible environment to develop, both as hockey players and student athletes. The WHL takes great pride in being a world leader in player development and education opportunities, and we are fully committed to enhancing our player experience on an ongoing basis.”
More details regarding the reduced schedule will be unveiled at a later date.
- DKH
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