By Hockey Saskatchewan

REGINA, Sask. – A memorandum has been issued regarding Hockey Saskatchewan’s 2026-27 Minor Hockey Association (MHA) Grant Program supporting power skating instruction for Under-7 (U7) to Under-13 (U13) players.

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• To:       Registered Hockey Saskatchewan Minor Hockey Associations
• From:  Kelly McClintock, General Manager
• Re:      2026-27 MHA Matching Grant Program

Hockey Saskatchewan will be continuing its annual MHA Grant Program in support of MHAs hiring power skating instructors or to have a local person trained to be a power skating instructor to assist in player development.

Power skating services must be targeted towards the U7 to U13 age groups within an MHA and must occur between September 2026 to January 2027.

Power skating certification must be obtained by December 31, 2026. Online applications must be received between October 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027.

As in past years, power skating instructors must possess the following certifications to be eligible for an MHA to qualify for a grant:

Required Training

1. Respect in Sport activity leader / Hockey Canada's The Shift Forward Program

Plus, one of the five designations below:

a) Hockey Canada Certified Skills Coach (Level 3)

• Delivered by Hockey Canada
  • Topics include skating, skills, defence, shooting & scoring.

• Hockey Network APP training

• Application process to attend, hosted biannually by Hockey Canada

b) Hockey Saskatchewan Licensee

• Recognized by Hockey Saskatchewan in these categories: power skating, power skating, skills, checking, developing defence, and goaltending.
• Attend a Hockey Saskatchewan professional development training session.

c) CanPower Skate - Delivered by Skate Canada

d) Hockey Saskatchewan Skills Coach Level 1

e) Hockey Saskatchewan Skating Coach

• Two certification clinics to be held in the fall of 2026. Watch the Hockey Saskatchewan coaching clinics webpage for dates and locations.
  • Course material will be from Hockey Canada; Skating 1a, Skating 1 & Skating 2.
  • Ice sessions will target, edges, striding & transitions.
  • Additional class sessions include the use of technology, skill progressions & skill analysis.
  • 10 lesson plans are being developed for attendees.

IMPORTANT: There has been a change in the amount of money available through the MHA grant, which is based on the total registration of the MHA during the 2025-26 season.

Size of MHA by 2025-26 Players Registered          Amount of 2026-27 MHA Matching Grant

• 3,000 plus                                                                         ► $5,000
• 2,000 plus                                                                         ► $3,000
• 700 plus                                                                            ► $2,500
• 500 plus                                                                            ► $2,000
• 200 plus                                                                            ► $1,500
• 100 plus                                                                            ► $1,250
• Less than 100                                                                  ► $1,000

CLICK HERE for a listing of all MHA's registrations within the 2025-26 season which determines the level of grant each MHA is eligible for.

Hockey Saskatchewan strongly feels that increasing the skating skills of young players is one key element in recruiting and retaining kids in the game. We sincerely appreciate your support in using the grants to assist youth wanting to enjoy this great game!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 306-789-5101 or KellyM@HockeySask.ca.

Thank you.

Kelly McClintock

General Manager

Hockey Saskatchewan