The message: this is how the NHL will be played next year

Of: Jonna Andersson

Published: December 19, 2020 at 08.07

Canada has its own league, 82 rounds turn into 56 and the premiere is played much later than usual.

But it will be an NHL season.

– The biggest challenge is ensuring that our players and staff are protected and that we don’t do anything that puts you at risk, says NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

The pandemic pushed the start of the NHL into the future. Hence, a new release date has been high on the wish list among hockey fans.

As an early Christmas gift, the news arrived: The NHL season looks set to start on January 13.

– Our goal is to start in mid-January. It is clear that we will not play 82 rounds this season, but we will try to play as many as possible, says NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on the NHL website.

Canada has its own league

Much will be different in a regular season when the NHL begins in January. Together with the players union, the league has agreed to reduce the basic series from 82 to 56 rounds.

Also, matches will only be played between teams in redistributed divisions. This means that Canadian teams – Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa – will initially have their own league.

– The biggest challenge is ensuring that our players and staff are protected and that we don’t do anything that puts you at risk, says Gary Bettman.

Published: December 19, 2020 at 08.07

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