U6-U9

Initiation Evaluations

Initiation Draft will be held on TBD

Player Pathways

U6 and U7 (Initiation) + U8 and U9 (Novice)

Effective as of the 2021-2022 season, minor hockey associations across Canada will be following the U7 (formerly Initiation), U9 (formerly Novice) and U11 (formerly Atom) Player Pathways.

• Player Pathways, as we have seen with U7 (Initiation) and U9 (Novice) Programming are progressive, learn-to-play development guides that support the player development continuum from U7 (Initiation) through to U11 (Atom).
• The Pathways outline optimal seasonal structures and age appropriate development guidelines. The key amendments to the U7 (Initiation) and U9 (Novice) Player Pathways are:U6 and U7 (Initiation) Player Pathway

1. No tiering or evaluations from March through August. Preparation phase can begin the Tuesday following Labour Day
2. No tiering or evaluations the first week of school where school starts the week after Labour Day
3. Must offer a minimum of 4 practices / skill sessions prior to formal tiering or evaluations beginning
4. Must have a minimum of 3 formal tiering/evaluation sessions

• • Recommended – 1 skills session, 1 small area games session, 1 game

1. Must have a period of development time following team selection and prior to the start of the regular season
2. All U7 (Initiation) will be played at cross-ice or a maximum size of 100×60
3. U7 (Initiation) game play will be 4 on 4
4. Fair / Equal Ice Time in U7 (Initiation) game playU8 and U9 (Novice) Player Pathway

1. No tiering or evaluations from March through August

• • Preparation phase can begin the Tuesday following Labour Day

1. No tiering or evaluations the first week of school where school starts the week after Labour Day
2. Must offer a minimum of 4 practices / skill sessions prior to formal tiering or evaluations beginning
3. Must have a minimum of 3 formal evaluation/tiering sessions

• • Recommended – 1 skills session, 1 small area games session, 1 game

1. Must have a period of development time following team selection and prior to the start of the regular season
2. Fair/Equal Ice Time in U9 (Novice) game play
3. There will be no full time goalies in U9 (Novice)
4. U8/U9 (Mixed Programming Novice) and U9 (Novice) will be played at half-ice or a maximum size of 100×100 until Jan 15.
5. U8/U9 (Mixed Programming Novice) and U9 (Novice) game play will be 4 on 4 until January 15The Policy and Recommendations for the U7 (Initiation), U9 (Novice) and U11 (Atom) Pathways have been identified with the parent and player in mind:

• Allowing families to have their summer break back while still providing on ice opportunities ahead of evaluations
• Giving players key seasonal breaks to allow for holidays and the chance to play other sports throughout the year
• Establishing consistent age appropriate programming that is inline with the Long-Term Player Development NOTE: With the implementation of the U11 (Atom) Player Pathway, Hockey Canada has made key changes to the Player Pathways at U9 (Novice) and U7 (Initiation) that will create consistency in all programming across the country and a seamless transition for players from U7 (Initiation) through to U11 (Atom) based on Long Term Player Development. Surrey Minor Hockey Association will continue their support of Hockey Canada to ensure that the policies outlined throughout this new programming are administered to provide players with the best possible hockey experience. The implementation of the U9 (Novice) and U7 (Initiation) Player Pathways are a step towards creating a long-lasting love for the game for all players within Hockey Canada Programming.

Key Links:

• U7 (Initiation) Player Pathway Policyhttps://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/hockey-programs/coaching/under-7
• U9 (Novice) Player Pathway Policyhttps://cdn.hockeycanada.ca/hockey-canada/Hockey-Programs/Coaching/u9-program/downloads/2020/u9-hockey-player-pathway-e.pdf