Four WHL teams expected to bid to host Memorial Cup in 2020
Four WHL teams are vying to play host to the 2020 Memorial Cup, the league announced after its annual general meeting concluded in Vancouver.
The WHL expects to receive bids from Kamloops Blazers, Kelowna Rockets, Lethbridge Hurricanes and Victoria Royals.
The three major-junior leagues — the WHL, OHL and QMJHL — typically stage the CHL championship tournament on a rotating basis.
An exception was made for the 2018 Memorial Cup, which was held in Regina, because it was the event’s 100th anniversary.
Leading up to the 2018 Memorial Cup, the CHL invited bids from all regions because of the milestone.
The QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads are to play host to the 2019 Memorial Cup.
The WHL has adopted new measures to enhance its seven-point plan regarding player safety.
New supplemental discipline regulations have been enacted.
In addition, the league has raised its standard on checks to the head.
The Regina Pats will open their pre-season schedule by playing host to a tournament for the third consecutive year.
The Moose Jaw Warriors, Saskatoon Blades and Swift Current Broncos will also participate in the two-day event, which begins Aug. 31.
Regina is to play Saskatoon on Aug. 31 and Moose Jaw on Sept. 1.
The Pats’ other exhibition games are Sept. 7 (at Brandon Wheat Kings), Sept. 8 (playing host to Brandon), Sept. 13 (at Saskatoon) and Sept. 14 (playing host to Prince Albert Raiders).
All four Pats home pre-season games, including those in the tournament, are to begin at 7 p.m., at the Brandt Centre.