On March 7, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) released a bulletin that included updates on programming and season dates for U9 age groups.
In conjunction, and to provide additional guidance for its member associations, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) released its own bulletin on the structure of programming at U9 and below.
These bulletins include the following details::
Spring Evaluations for U8 and U9 MD
The OHF has announced that player evaluations for U8 and U9 MD programs may take place in the spring, following specific dates and guidance provided by each OHF member (i.e. OMHA).
OMHA has specified that U8 and U9 MD player evaluations may begin on April 12, 2025, and must be completed within 14 days.
Free Player Movement Within OMHA
Starting with the 2025-2026 season, players residing within the OMHA who wish to participate in MD level programming at the U7, U8 and U9 age groups will be able to attend player evaluations and be rostered with any program within the OMHA.
NOTE - This new policy is specific to the OMHA, and only permits movement within OMHA borders.
Half Ice Programming
Following the 2024-2025 Full Ice Pilot Program that was initiated by the OHF to evaluate the benefits of full-ice game play at U9 ages, the OHF has announced that there will be no change to half-ice programming for U8 and U9 players.
Specifically:
- U8 MD will play half-ice games.
- U9 MD will play half-ice games for the first portion of the season, then transition to full-ice games for the remainder of the season.
What does this mean for U9 and below programs in GMHA?
- U7 MD (ADP) teams will hold player selections in September and play half-ice games throughout the entire season.
- U8 MD (ADP) teams will hold player selections in April and play half-ice games throughout the entire season. Specific dates and details will be announced shortly.
- U9 MD (ADP) teams will hold player selections in April. Specific dates and details will be announced shortly. The season will begin with half-ice games and then transition to full-ice games for the remainder of the season.
- Coach Selection for U8 and U9 teams will take place in late March. Interested applicants should watch for a separate announcement coming shortly.
- Players at the U7, U8, and U9 age groups will be able to attend player evaluations and be rostered with any MD program within the OMHA.
- Players participating at the recreational level (Mini-Gryphons) will be able to participate in any program they choose (remains unchanged).
Guelph Minor Hockey remains committed to providing advanced development programs that include professional coaching, cutting edge practice structure, dedicated power skating session, and a focus on developing the fundamental skills and habits that young players will use as a foundation for successful hockey careers.
Small Area Games and Half-Ice Game Play (as per OMHA programming) provide a number of developmental advantages:
- Increased player engagement, with all players involved in parts of the play at all times.
- Better skating through an emphasis on balance, agility, coordination, and quickness that helps to develop skating skills. (As opposed to long-distance, straight line skating where bigger/faster players win.)
- More frequent puck battles, which encourage intensity and aggressiveness.
- Smarter players through an environment that presents a much higher frequency of decision-making (awareness, open ice, passing options, angles, speeds, etc.).
- Faster skill development - 2x as many puck touches, 2x as many pass attempts, 5x as many completed passes, 6x as many shot attempts, etc.
- Increased confidence through consistent engagement and involvement in game play.
References / Resources
OMHA Bulletin - U9 & Below Programming (March 7)
Hockey Canada U9 Player Pathway