The Western Hockey League plans to be back to regular-season action on Friday, Oct. 2.

In a media release Wednesday, the league announced a return to play protocol that indicated they want to start the regular season a week later than normal and still have 68 games.

The league is working with government and health officials in each province and state on the level of spectator capacities that will be allowed in each building.

Under the current re-open Saskatchewan plan, this province will not consider more than 30 people at indoor rinks until Phase 5.

While it's not likely buildings will be allowed to be full of spectators at that time, the league has appointed task forces in each province and state to ensure the safety of the players, staff, officials and fans.

The outcome of these discussions will ultimately determine the start date of the season, the league said.

The WHL opaused their regular season in mid-March with only a handful of regular-season games remaining. They later cancelled the playoffs as the CHL cancelled the Memorial Cup.