CHL season may end up backloaded

The Canadian Hockey League schedule could end up being very winter heavy this coming season, reports TSN's Bob McKenzie.

On the latest Insider Trader, McKenzie noted that the CHL may end up having a backload schedule due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"They could be looking at a season that is heavily backloaded after Christmas with teams that would normally play 34 home games, maybe only play 10 before Christmas and 24 after Christmas," said McKenzie. "So, lots on the table there."

Teams typically play half of their season schedule before the Christmas break - but having the CHL season start on time is looking unlikely given public health recommendations and government restrictions. Many jurisdictions across North American have banned large gatherings until at least the end of August.

UPDATE: The New Brunswick government announced today that "large festivals and concerts are still prohibited through to Dec. 31" but CBC noted that is subject to change.

It'll be interesting to see how the CHL leagues build their schedules. It seems like there are two routes: 1. build a normal season schedule (that's maybe backloaded more than usual?) and just move or cancel games that are unable to be played or 2. build several different schedules based on different start dates.

McKenzie also noted what has been brought up previously - the Memorial Cup could be pushed into early to mid June to give more time for regular season and playoff games. Oshawa and Sault Ste. Marie have both put hosting bids in.

This entire topic was brought up by the TSN panel because it's unlikely the American Hockey League will play in empty arenas. The same goes for the CHL. So while the NHL may eventually get the green light to play in empty buildings, it's going to be a longer wait for most other hockey leagues.

"The economics just don’t make sense for other levels of hockey, including the AHL and the CHL," said McKenzie. "So the CHL is having its contingencies as well. Various start dates."

Earlier this month, QMJHL commissioner Gilles Courteau said his league was working on a number of contingency plans with the season starting anywhere between September and January.

McKenzie also confirmed what the Telegraph-Journal reported earlier this week: the CHL Import Draft has been scheduled for June 30.