The province has given agreement in principle for WHL's BC teams to play this spring

Photo: BC Government

Health Minister Adrian Dix

Barring a last minute snag, the five teams making up the Western Hockey League's BC Division will be able to hit the ice.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said Monday the province has "approved in principle" the plan outlined by the league for a resumption of play.

The remaining 17 teams have already been given approval to play by their respective health authorities. The Alberta-based Central Division began play last Friday, while both the East and US divisions are slated to start later this month.

The plan for the BC Division is for establishment of two hub cities. The Blazers, Prince George and Vancouver will call Kamloops home while the Rockets and Victoria will base their operations out of Prospera Place.

Dix says variances are still required from public health authorities, but says he expects the leagues to play this spring.

It will take at least a month for the teams to get up and running once approval is granted.

Teams will compete in an abbreviated 24-game schedule in buildings devoid of fans.

Dix says a plan put forward by the BC Hockey League has been received, but indicates that decision remains in the hands of provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

BC Division teams have not played since the league suspended operations on March 12 of last year due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.