Pacific Junior Hockey League action is set to return to Abbotsford later this year.
The PJHL announced its tentative plans to return to action on Tuesday, stating in a press release that the 44-game season will begin on Sept. 29.
The schedule will consist of each team, including the Abbotsford Pilots, playing a single interlock game against the opposing conference as well as two games at the 2021 PJHL Winter Classic Showcase scheduled for January 1 to 3, 2021 at Minoru Arena in Richmond.
“Our board has been very diligent in their communications with their facilities,” stated PJHL commissioner Trevor Alto. “Both league and team return to play plans are in place and being monitored. With the increased opening of facilities, we are confident we can execute these plans and return to the ice safely.”
The 13-team league will be celebrating its 55th year in the 2020-21 season.
The PJHL also announced it has adopted an NHL-style overtime format for the 2020-21 season that includes five minutes of three-on-three play. Should teams still be tied after the initial overtime period, a shootout will take place until a winner is declared.
This season also marks the debut of the expansion Chilliwack Jets. Details on the Pilots schedule have yet to be announced.