In this weeks WHL update, the Portland Winter Hawks have new ownership, the league is implementing a new drug policy, and the WHL is launching a brand new website

 

Ever since the 1976-77 season, the Winter Hawks have called the city of Portland home. After some recent less than successful seasons, the future of the team has been in jeopardy. Good news is on the way though as the WHL Board of Governors announced they have approved the transfer of ownership of the Winter Hawks franchise to Mr. Bill Gallacher of Avenir Capital Corporation. Gallacher is based out of Calgary and will take control of the team after the sale is closed in the next few weeks. Why is this especially good news for the city of Portland? The WHL's approval of the transfer came with a stipulation, the team must stay in Portland.

 

The WHL has also announced that as of November 1st, the league will be implementing a new drug education and anti-doping program. The program is CHL wide, meaning the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL all use the program. Random drug testing of all WHL players will begin sometime in November. The OHL and WHL are in their inaugural year of the program, while the QMJHL has been involved the past two seasons.

 

And now something for the fans. The WHL has announced they will be launching a brand new website in mid-November, which will bring a brand new look and brand new features onto your computer. There will be a new video section for fans to access WHL Web TV as well as other video. There will also be a new photo gallery, complete with current and historical pictures from around the league. The website is scheduled to launch Monday, November 10th.