It had been expected to begin this October, but will not start until at least January 2021.

However, each team will still play a full 20-game schedule as things stand, with the Isobel Cup Playoffs hoped to be completed by the end of March.

The 2019-2020 season's Isobel Cup Playoffs were abandoned without the trophy being awarded because of the pandemic.

Should the 2020-2021 campaign go ahead as planned - far from guaranteed given the heath climate - an All-Star Game is pencilled in to follow the Isobel Cup Playoffs.

Optional on-ice practices and off-ice training is hoped to begin from September 21, with formal practices commencing from October 19.

An NWHL COVID-19 Safety Committee, which includes experts from New York University Langone Health, league executives and representatives of the NWHL Players’ Association (NWHLPA), was formed to come up with a return-to-play proposal.

"The NWHLPA is well-represented on the league’s COVID-19 committee," executive director Anya Packer said.

"The PA has been included in all discussions in regards to player safety and league scheduling, and co-authored the overall return-to-play protocol. 

"We feel our voices have been heard thus far and we will continue to ensure that the safety and well-being of the players is at the forefront of all discussions and formal protocols."

The upcoming season will be the NWHL's sixth and is due to be the first to feature a Canadian team.

The Toronto Six will debut, should things go to plan, joining the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, Metropolitan Riveters - based in New Jersey - and Minnesota Whitecaps.

In May 2019, following the dissolution of the Canadian Women's Hockey League and many players being unhappy with NWHL resources and salaries, the non-profit Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) was formed to promote women's ice hockey.

PWHPA players have competed against one another in exhibition games marketed as the Dream Gap Tour, and the organisation has announce a new regional structure for the upcoming season.

Five regional training hubs are set to be located in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal in Canada, and New Hampshire and Minnesota in the United States. 

Each hub will be able to carry a roster of 25 active players who will be eligible to attend showcases and play in regional games.