Hockey

Vancouver could be hub city for NHL's return, B.C. premier confirms

British Columbia is in the running to host NHL games if hockey is able to return this season. Premier John Horgan confirmed Wednesday the province spoke with the league late Tuesday.

John Horgan says province has spoken with league about hosting games

B.C. premier John Horgan, seen above in February, said Wednesday he has spoken to the NHL about the possibility of Vancouver becoming a hub city for the league's return. (Chad Hipolito/The Canadian Press)

British Columbia is in the running to host NHL games if hockey is able to return this season.

Premier John Horgan confirmed Wednesday the province spoke with league commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly late Tuesday.

He said he could see Vancouver as a potential hub city and also floated the possibility of other B.C. rinks hosting more games if the league wanted to centralize in one province.

"The sky's really the limit," Horgan said. "I wanted to let the commissioner know that British Columbia stands ready to assist in looking at a plan brought forward by the players and the NHL. If we can make it work, I think it would be great for B.C. and great for the NHL."

WATCH | Horgan confirms interest in hosting NHL return in B.C.:

B.C. Premier says hosting NHL games 'would be great' for province and league

5 years ago
Duration 2:12
B.C. Premier John Horgan told NHL commissioner Gary Bettman that he's willing to work with the league to have games played in the province.

However, Horgan noted that there are a number of obstacles that remain in place, including the still-mandatory 14-day quarantine period for those entering the province.

The premier said the two sides are working co-operatively, and the NHL Players' Association is also involved.

With files from The Canadian Press

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