CALGARY (CP) - In a rehearsal for the coming season, the Western Hockey League announced on Thursday that a shootout will be held at the end of each game during the pre-season tournament hosted by the Everett Silvertips this weekend.

Following the decision by the National Hockey League to begin using a shootout if a regular-season game is tied after the five-minute overtime period, all three of the Canadian Hockey Leagues have followed suit.

The WHL decided to incorporate shootouts for the pre-season tournament in an effort to familiarize coaches, players, officials, scorekeepers, timekeepers and public address announcers on procedures.

Regardless of a game's final score at the conclusion of regulation, each team will participate in the shootout. The final score of games decided after 60 minutes of play will be official for the tournament, regardless of the outcome of the skater-versus-goalie competition.

However, should a game be tied at the end of regulation, the teams will immediately commence with the shootout and forgo the normal five-minute overtime period.

Six teams will be competing Friday through Sunday in Everett, including the host Silvertips, Kamloops Blazers, Portland Winter Hawks, Seattle Thunderbirds, Spokane Chiefs, and Vancouver Giants.

Other WHL teams playing pre-season games this weekend may also employ a shootout.