WHL reschedules bantam draft

The Western Hockey League has rescheduled the 2021 bantam draft.

The draft — originally planned for May — will now be conducted in December 2021 in order to allow more time for scouting and development.

“Moving the 2021 WHL

Draft from May to December allows additional time for players in the 2006 age group to be evaluated following a challenging season due to the COVID19 pandemic,” WHL commissioner Ron Robison said in a release from the league. “We anticipate minor hockey leagues and tournaments will be fully operational in the fall, which will allow players to compete at a high level once again.”

The WHL also announced the 2021 WHL Cup is tentatively scheduled to take place in October, which would provide another avenue for players to showcase their skills and scouts to evaluate draft-eligible players.