The WHL has been given the green light to set up a hub centre in Regina for all Saskatchewan and Manitoba teams.

An announcement was made early this afternoon that the league had been cleared by public health officials from the government of Saskatchewan to allow all seven teams to play a 24-game regular season beginning on March 12.

"The WHL appreciates the cooperation we have received from both the Governments of Saskatchewan and Manitoba as we work towards a safe return to play in the East Division," WHL Commissioner Ron Robison said. "With our extensive protocols and the necessary approvals now in place, we are looking forward to play getting underway in Regina and allowing our players to continue their development at the highest level in the Canadian system."

The hub model will see all games played at the Brandt Centre in Regina with practices held at the adjacent Co-operators Centre.

Players and staff of the seven WHL clubs will start self-quarantining on February 20 and will report to the Regina hub on February 27. Once they arrive there they'll be subject to another quarantine period after completing a required COVID-19 test.

According to the WHL's release, if one or more players or staff return a positive test while the season is on-going, that team's activities will be halted for a minimum of 14 days.

The East Division this year will feature the Moose Jaw Warriors, Prince Albert Raiders, Regina Pats, Saskatoon Blades, Swift Current Broncos, Brandon Wheat Kings, and Winnipeg Ice.

The 24-game regular-season schedule is expected to be released at a later date.