Kamloops hockey product Logan Stankoven has a lot on the line as he waits for the start of the 2020-21 WHL season, now slated to get underway on Jan. 8.

The budding star is in his NHL Draft season but for now, he remains in a holding pattern because of COVID-19.

“As players we just want to get things rolling. It’s been about six to seven months since we’ve all seen each other,” he said. “I think you have to stay optimistic and soon enough we’ll hear something and maybe the season gets going here pretty quick.”

“Having this extra time is a great opportunity to get better at things and work on your skills.  I’ve really tried to work on my speed and my first few steps. I think that’s improved definitely. I’m just trying to use this break to get better.”

For now, the WHL is planning a December 4 start but the league is still looking to clear some major hurdles when it comes to having a small number of fans in the stands and getting the four provinces (B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) and two States (Washington and Oregon) on the same page when it comes to starting play.

If for whatever reason the WHL can’t find a way to play, Stankoven says he will look at other alternatives to play games.

“Maybe Junior A is an option or perhaps even Europe. You’d have to check out those options and see what’s available,” he said. “For now we just hope things get going in the WHL.”

As it stands, Stankoven is being projected as first round NHL first round pick in 2021. This past WHL season, he led all rookies in goals with 29 as a 16 year-old.