WHL announces pausing of team activities for Rebels, Oil Kings, Warriors
CALGARY – The Western Hockey League announced today the pausing of team activities for the Red Deer Rebels, Edmonton Oil Kings and Moose Jaw Warriors as a result of multiple players and staff being added to the WHL COVID-19 Protocol List due to exhibiting symptoms or having tested positive for COVID-19.
The WHL is working in consultation with the WHL Chief Medical Officer regarding the matter concerning the Rebels, Oil Kings and Warriors, who have each paused all team activities, including on-ice practices and off-ice training, pending further test results. Additional test results are pending and the WHL will provide further information when it is available.
“While we’re disappointed for all involved, yesterday’s developments were not surprising given the external environment,” said Rebels Owner/President/General Manager Brent Sutter.
“Those who have tested positive are experiencing only minor symptoms, with players and hockey staff currently in isolation. We’ll work with the WHL and AHS on what the next steps look like.”
As of Monday, a total of eight Rebels players and team staff had tested positive for COVID-19.
No other WHL Clubs are impacted at this time, league officials confirm.
As a result of the pausing team activities for the three affected clubs, the following five WHL Regular Season Games have been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date:
Friday, January 7
- Edmonton at Red Deer
- Moose Jaw at Lethbridge
Saturday, January 8
- Lethbridge at Red Deer
- Moose Jaw at Medicine Hat
Sunday, January 9
- Edmonton at Medicine Hat
The Rebels will announce rescheduled dates in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to hold on to their tickets for both postponed games, as they will be valid for the new game dates once they have been determined.
The health and safety of all WHL participants is the top priority for the WHL. In order to reduce the risk of exposure to and transmission of COVID-19, the WHL requires all WHL roster players, hockey operations staff, and other team and League office personnel to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a Health Canada approved vaccine.
In accordance with WHL policy, the Rebels will not be identifying the individuals concerned.
