WHL now requiring all players and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19

The Western Hockey League has introduced a new league-wide mandate that will have everyone talking. 

They are now requiring that all players and staff must be vaccinated against COVID-19. The policy, which takes effect immediately, stipulates that roster players, hockey operations staff and other personnel to be fully vaccinated at least a minimum of at least two weeks before the start of the upcoming 2021-2022 season, which will begin on October 1. 

Additionally, the league is strongly encouraging that all eligible members of billet households where players are residing to be fully vaccinated. 

"The health and safety of our players and staff continues to be the number one priority for the WHL," said WHL commissioner Ron Robison in an emailed statement. "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, which was forced to cancel its playoffs last season thanks to travel restrictions, is adopting a policy similar to that of the Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.