Economist, hotels weigh in on possibility of Regina WHL bubble

Active discussions are ongoing between the health authorities in Saskatchewan and the WHL to determine if the league can go ahead with a season.

If and when the season starts off, there is speculation that Regina could hold a WHL bubble that would feature the teams in Saskatchewan as well as those in Manitoba.

All five of the Saskatchewan WHL teams (the Regina Pats, Prince Albert Raiders, Moose Jaw Warriors, Saskatoon Blades and Swift Current Broncos) and the two Manitoba teams (the Winnipeg Ice and Brandon Wheat Kings) would be included in this possible bubble.

Regina Mayor Sandra Masters is on board with Regina possibly hosting the bubble, while Premier Scott Moe was just hopeful for the season to begin.

University of Regina economist Jason Childs believes hockey returning to Regina would do so much more than offer economic gain.

“I don’t know if it’s going to generate enough benefit for the economy, for the city to spend a lot of money on it. But I think this is one of those things where taking these kinds of actions, doing these kinds of things, putting these events on so that we can watch it on TV or read about it in the papers or whatever is a positive,” Childs said.

“Not every decision has to be a financial one. To have our facilities in use and to have some of that vacant hotel space being used would be a positive for us.”

Hospitality Saskatchewan CEO Jim Bence believes the possibility of a WHL bubble forming in Regina is “great” news.

“What a great time for something like this to happen. It’s been such a struggle to get some heads in beds of hotels and get some bums in some seats in some restaurants and pubs,” he said. “It’s real welcome news to our ears.

“All aspects of the tourism and retail in Regina would certainly see a nice jump.”

Bence says the news is very exciting and he’s hopeful the speculation will come into fruition.

“To see something like this come to Regina would be just really good news. It’s just positive and it seems to be going in the right direction,” he said. “I guess time will tell if the rumours will be true.”