Putting the puck between the pipes is a lot more thrilling when the crowd roars its appreciation — and Western Hockey League (WHL) players are more than ready for that feeling again. For the last two seasons, all 22 teams played in empty arenas and the Memorial Cup — the major junior championship between the winners of the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League — was cancelled. The cup is back, and for the 2021-22 season fans are finally welcome to return to the rinks. Top NHL talent supplierAccording to the league, 33 WHL players were selected in the 2021 National Hockey League Draft in July, making the WHL the top supplier of talent to the NHL among all development leagues in the world. The 2021-22 WHL Regular Season will wrap on Sunday, April 3 and playoffs are scheduled to start April 8.

Source: CBC News October 01, 2021 22:41 UTC