By Hockey Saskatchewan

REGINA, Sask. – Hockey Saskatchewan is thrilled to introduce its new initiative, "Where Fun Wins" (WFW), aimed at enhancing youth engagement and retention in the sport across the province.

This grassroots initiative specifically targets the Under-7 (U7), Under-9 (U9), and Under-11 (U11) age divisions, which include approximately 12,000 members within 183 Minor Hockey Associations. Through WFW, Hockey Saskatchewan is dedicated to providing resources and guidelines that will help players, coaches, and officials prioritize fun and skill development, creating a welcoming environment where every child has an opportunity to succeed and enjoy the sport.

WFW is designed to offer an alternative to traditional full-ice hockey, emphasizing an age-appropriate ice surface structure that gives every child more opportunities to be involved in the game. This structure helps create a more balanced hockey community where players can experience early successes and build their skills. The goal is to encourage a positive experience that will keep players engaged in the sport for many seasons to come.

“Hockey Saskatchewan is committed to providing a consistent experience across the province, ensuring that every child, regardless of their skill level, feels supported and excited to participate in hockey,” said Kelly McClintock, General Manager at Hockey Saskatchewan. “For this initiative to have a meaningful impact, we encourage our entire membership to explore and consider its benefits. By working together, we can foster a welcoming environment where every young player feels included and excited to continue their hockey journey.”

WFW Video & Website Resources

To further support this initiative, Hockey Saskatchewan has produced a series of four (4) videos narrated by Team Canada alumna and Olympian Colleen Sostorics, a respected figure in Saskatchewan women’s hockey. Each WFW video is tailored to the specific age divisions targeted by the initiative.

In addition, Hockey Saskatchewan has launched dedicated WFW webpages on its website, providing a comprehensive resource hub with the latest best practices and guidelines for players, coaches, and officials. These resources are designed to help our membership focus on making hockey fun and successful, building a foundation that encourages long-term participation in the sport.

Visit the Hockey Saskatchewan website to explore these resources, including the WFW hub, and start your next season off strong.

WFW Age Divisions:

1. Under-7 (U7) Cross-Ice Hockey
   • U7 Motto: "Have Fun Finding Your Stride!"
   • This age division introduces the youngest players to the sport through Cross-Ice hockey, which will focus on introductory individual skills with little to no focus on competitive games. The content explains the benefits of Cross-Ice practices and scrimmages, focusing on fun and fair play.
2. Under-9 (U9) Half-Ice Hockey
   • U9 Motto: "Learning Skill, Building Passion!"
   • Focused on skill development, this section outlines the Half-Ice format used for U9 players, providing an engaging environment that enhances learning and enjoyment by offering basic skills, drills, and the benefits of playing in a smaller setting.
3. Under-11 (U11) Full-Ice Hockey
   • U11 Motto: "Play with Purpose, Achieve Your Goals!"
   • As players transition to Full-Ice hockey, this age division emphasizes the development of self-confidence and the refinement of fundamental skills. The focus is on improving individual abilities while gradually introducing team concepts, ensuring players grow both personally and as part of a team.

“Hockey Saskatchewan’s 'Where Fun Wins' initiative is poised to reshape the youth hockey landscape in our province. By focusing on creating a welcoming environment and providing the right tools, we’re setting the stage for a new generation of players, coaches and officials to thrive in the sport,” said McClintock.

For more information on the "Where Fun Wins" initiative, please visit the Hockey Saskatchewan website or call (306) 789-5101.

About HOCKEY SASKATCHEWAN

Hockey Saskatchewan was established in 1912 and is the governing body for organized hockey in the province of Saskatchewan. With a mission to lead, develop and promote positive hockey experiences, Hockey Saskatchewan encourages competition at all levels – from recreational to high performance. Hockey Saskatchewan has grown through the years and is Saskatchewan’s largest sports organization with over 45,000 members comprised of players, coaches, and officials. For more information, please visit www.hockeysask.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.