The BCHL is planning on returning on the first of December, pending approval from the Provincial Health Office.

The decision was announced on Friday by BCHL Commissioner Chris Hebb.

“We’ve been having discussions with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture since March around a safe return to play,” said Hebb. “The PHO has indicated to us that waiting until December gives us the best chance at ensuring we have an uninterrupted season, while also maximizing the amount of regular-season games we’ll be able to play.”

The full schedule is yet to be announced, though the early December start date correlates with the NHL’s plan to start the next season following the upcoming playoff tournament.

Chairman of the BCHL’s Board of Directors Graham Fraser said that fans in seats will be imperative to the junior league having success upon reopening.

“It became clear from our discussions with the PHO that the best way to accomplish this would be to delay the start of our season to give them time to assess the effects of a potential second wave of COVID-19 during flu season.”

The Cents extended training camp is set to begin on Sept. 8. All BCHL teams have the option to run extended camps between September and November. Camps will have a limit of up to 50 people on the ice and in the stands.

Exhibition games will be a go once British Columbia decides to move into Phase 3 of the official reopening plan.

“The BCHL’s Return to Play Task Force feels that the extended training camp model will give our players an opportunity to stay engaged and continue to develop their game in a safe environment,” said BCHL Executive Director Steven Cocker. “Our teams will be providing on-ice and off-ice training resources to continue aiding players to achieve their hockey and education goals and to make sure they are ready to go when the season starts.”

All training camps will follow the strict guidelines laid out by Sport BC.

Cents Director of Hockey Operations called the BCHL’s scenario a “positive approach” to returning.

“The positive is that all indications are there will be a BCHL season. We are looking at the extended three-month training camp as a chance to really build our team and culture before the season starts. We are excited to continue the tradition the Centennials have built for 47 consecutive seasons leading up to what will be a different looking 48th season, but hopefully one of our best.”

Once exhibition play begins, games will be livestreamed on Hockey TV.