WHL Announces 2010-11 Regular Season Schedule

Press Release

Calgary, AB – The Western Hockey League today released its schedule of games for the 2010-11 regular season.

2010 WHL Opening Week will launch on Friday, September 24th, with eight games scheduled. In the WHL Eastern Conference, the 2010 WHL Champion Calgary Hitmen will host the Lethbridge Hurricanes, the Regina Pats will travel to Brandon to face the Wheat Kings, the Edmonton Oil Kings will entertain the Red Deer Rebels, the Swift Current Broncos will visit the Moose Jaw Warriors and the Saskatoon Blades will play host to the Prince Albert Raiders.

In the WHL Western Conference, the Everett Silvertips will open the season at home taking on rivals the Seattle Thunderbirds, the Prince George Cougars will travel to Kamloops to face the Blazers and the Vancouver Giants will host their west coast rivals the Chilliwack Bruins.

The 792 game regular season concludes on Sunday, March 20th with the 2011 WHL Playoffs and the battle for the Ed Chynoweth Cup beginning on Friday, March 25th.

The OHL and the City of Mississauga, Ontario will serve as the official hosts for the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup. The Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors will host the Ed Chynoweth Cup – WHL Champions, Ontario Hockey League Champions and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Champions from May 20 – 29, 2011.

As in previous seasons, the majority of games will be played on the weekend. Of the 792 games, 538 are scheduled for the weekend, with 234 to be played on a Friday, 240 on a Saturday and 64 on a Sunday. Additionally, 10 weekday games occur on various holidays throughout the season, meaning 70% of the schedule is played on a weekend or non-school days. During the week, Wednesday night has 138 matches, 92 games are scheduled for Tuesday, 14 contests will be played on Monday and 10 games are scheduled to be held on Thursday.

Day – No. of Games (Percentage)
Monday – 14 (1.8%)
Tuesday – 92 (11.6%)
Wednesday – 138 (17.4%)
Thursday – 10 (1.3%)
Friday – 234 (29.5%)
Saturday – 240 (30.3%)
Sunday – 64 (8%)

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)