Sep 09, 2024 | OHF | 1480 views
Full Ice Pilot Program: Evaluation of U9 Programming
BACKGROUND
In 2017, Hockey Canada, along with its Members, implemented a direction to move to modified ice programming for U9 hockey and below. This model has been in place since the 2018-2019 season. While the program has undergone small modifications, there has been no evaluation to determine if modified ice remains the best option for the U9 age category.
The OHF held a session with its Members that have jurisdiction over minor hockey (ALLIANCE, GTHL, NOHA, and OMHA) and their Hockey Associations to discuss player pathways, with a strong focus on U9 programming as concerns have been raised relating to the competition of non-sanctioned programs.
While the OHF continues to support the modified ice program based on its values, a Pilot Program is being conducted in partnership with Hockey Canada to review the impact of half ice versus full-ice game play at U9.
Pilot Program Details:
• Address the concerns and gather data, evaluating the effect of full ice versus half ice game play on the development of U9 players.
• Compare programs in a structure with the greatest similarities by controlling participation based on
residency to avoid recruitment and equal tier of hockey.
Pilot Group: OMHA Tri-County Minor Hockey League - U9 MD Tier 1 – Full-Ice / 5v5 Games All Year
Control Group: ALLIANCE U9 MD Tier 1 - Half Ice Transition to Full Ice
The collected data from the pilot and control groups will be reported back to Hockey Canada at the conclusion of the Pilot Program.
Key Dates:
• September 9, 2024 – Announcement of Pilot Program
• September 16, 2024 – Beginning of Pilot Program
• January 2025 – Interim Report
• April 2025 – Completion of Pilot Program
• June 2025 – Final Report
Contact your Minor Hockey Association for more information on local programming.