The Prince George Cougars could still play in the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup, but they won't be hosting it.
The Cougars learned Wednesday at the Western Hockey League's annual general meeting in Calgary that Prince George is not on the short list of WHL cities that have bid to host major junior hockey's national tournament in May 2103.
Kelowna, Red Deer and Saskatoon did make that list and one of those cities will be picked following final presentations to the WHL board of governors in Calgary, Oct. 12.
"We are disappointed, of course, but the league was very clear that attendance at the games was going to be a major criteria so we aren't entirely surprised," said Cougars vice-president Brandi Brodsky.
"(Prince George Memorial Cup bid committee co-chairs) Mike Doran and Mark Miller did a great job putting the preliminary bid together and hopefully in the future we'll be more successful."
The Cougars ranked near the bottom of the WHL in attendance in 2010-11, averaging crowds of about 2,200 per game at CN Centre.
In other WHL news, the league has adopted a seven-point plan to reduce blows to the head and concussions, which calls for: stiffer penalties for repeat offenders; production of a video directed at players to inform them about concussion risks; a push to educate players and how they can be more responsible on the ice; a seminar for WHL head coaches and general managers; an equipment change that would see soft cap shoulder pads and elbow pads mandated; expanded research into concussions; and a review of WHL arenas to help minimize injuries.
A rule change will apply a checking-to-the-head penalty for lateral and blind-side open-ice hits where the head of an unsuspecting opponent is targeted. There will also be less tolerance for late hits and the standard has been tightened for charging and interference offences for players who build up speed and hit an opponent against the boards with excessive force. Automatic suspensions will apply to players who are repeatedly penalized for checking to the head, checking from behind, kneeing or for trying to fake the results of contact with other players (embellishment).
"The WHL is fully committed to addressing head blows and concussions in a comprehensive manner," said WHL commissioner Ron Robison, in a news release.
"We believe the seven point plan we have adopted will not only create a safer environment for our players but will also enable us to better educate our players, coaches and officials as to what constitutes a legal hit."
The WHL will release its 2011-12 pre-season schedule on June 23 and the regular season schedule release is set for June 29.
