WHL makes decision to cancel playoffs

Last week, when the Memorial Cup got cancelled, it was hardly a surprise given the state of COVID 19's stranglehold on sports.

And it was far from the end of the world, after all, considering each Canadian Hockey League member league could still hold its own version of playoffs, right?

Not so fast.

On Monday, the Western Hockey League, whose modified 2021 `regular' season schedule has kept teams in their own divisions, axed all hopes of any sort of post-season play in the face of continuing COVID -19 pressure.

“We remained hopeful that public health conditions would improve, but unfortunately that is not the reality we see in front of us today,” read a statement from WHL commissioner Rob Robison. “The ongoing challenges with non-essential interprovincial and international cross-border travel leave us no alternative but to cancel the 2021 WHL playoffs.

“We commend our players, team staff and officials for their commitment to following the protocols that have made this unprecedented season a success.”

So, it turns into a race for first place in the standings. Or, more accurately, winning percentage, considering not all divisions may be able to offer the same number of games due to varied start times between provinces/countries.

While it's far from an exact science given there is no way to measure the competitive strength of each division, the top spot is currently held by the Edmonton Oil Kings, whose 14-1-0-1 record gives them 29 points. While that's good for third overall, it also gives them a league-leading .906 win percentage.

So far, the only game in which they failed to register at point came in their lone regulation loss at the hands of the Calgary Hitmen, who are playing .500 hockey this season, sitting fourth out of five in the Central Division with a 6-6-2-0 record.

The WHL schedule is set to wrap up on May 12.

Being celebrated virtually upon its conclusion will be the 2021 WHL Awards, recognizing individual award winners from each WHL Division, as opposed to the traditional celebration of conference-based award winners. The awards will culminate with honourees in each major awards category on a leaguewide basis.