• There will be no Tournament or Exhibition games played prior to December 1st.
• ALL exhibition and tournament games played in Saskatchewan will be played Cross-Ice.
• It is important to note that there are NO exceptions to this regulation regarding the participation in games and practices for U7.

Hockey Saskatchewan along with Hockey Canada believes that hockey should be, first and foremost, fun for all participants. A big part of delivering that is ensuring the programming is age-appropriate. Cross-Ice hockey at the Initiation age ensures the playing surface is altered to an appropriate size for young players:

• For development, you likely won’t put five-and six-year-olds on a full-size soccer field, or expect them to play basketball on a full-sized court with no height adjustments – hockey is no different.
• Cross-Ice hockey allows young players the opportunity for more puck-touches which promotes greater opportunity for skill development (puck-handling, shooting, skating, coordination) and decision-making.
• Players on Cross-Ice have been shown to receive five times more passes and take six times more shots than when they are on a full-sized rink.
• Small-area games are used at all levels of the game – including Senior hockey with National Teams and in the NHL.

The benefits of Cross-Ice hockey go beyond player development; the special boards and bumpers allow minor hockey associations to alleviate the pressure around scheduling and ice-time availability by safely allowing multiple practices and games to take place on one rink simultaneously.

ABC's of Hockey - Parent

ABC's of Hockey - Player

Frequently Asked Questions

U7 Game structure & Regulations

Resources and Testimonials

Development Season

What is a Cross-Ice Jamboree?

Since the start of 2016-17 season Hockey Saskatchewan has been hosting Cross-Ice Jamborees. A Cross-Ice Jamboree is an event for Under-7 players. Hockey Saskatchewan believes the first years of hockey need to be a positive one. A fun and exciting start gives young players the opportunity to enjoy hockey for life!

Jamborees are a fun based event that players develop and learn basic skills and build confidence, through skill sessions, as well as Cross-Ice games, freeze tag and obstacle courses.

For more information on how to host a Cross-Ice Jamboree please contact Matt Miller (MattM@HockeySask.ca)

SKILL STATIONS

• Lead by Hockey Saskatchewan / Skate Canada Instructors.    
• Drills are taken from Hockey Canada Drill Hub (U7).
• Blue 4oz pucks will be used.
• PROMOTION OF SAFE & FUN!!

GAME ZONE   

• Games can be played 5 on 5 or 4 on 4. The number of players will vary depending on each team.
• There will be NO face-offs after a goal is scored, or after a line change. In both instances a puck will be shot in the corner to resume play.
• The goal of the NO face-offs during the game is to ensure the players skate and are engaged as much as possible.
• Each game will be played with a Blue 4oz puck.
• NO permanent goalies.
• NO specific skater positions.
• NO KEEPING SCORE!
• PROMOTION OF SAFE & FUN!!

Duties of the Host Minor Hockey Association

• This is FREE of charge. The Host MHA covers the cost of the ice.
• MHA can set up a raffle or prize table for fundraising.
• MHA will get all Coaches of the respective teams to help during all on-ice sessions.
• Coordinate a Registration Table (Optional)

*Please note that the host community may choose to charge a participant fee to attend.

Duties of Hockey Saskatchewan

• Covers all costs for the Hockey Saskatchewan / Skate Canada Instructors
• Hockey Saskatchewan Instructors will deliver all the on-ice skill stations.
• Networking with coaches/ Hockey Saskatchewan Instructors
• Rink Setup / Take Down

For a full listing of all the upcoming U7 Cross-Ice Jamborees being hosted around the province, follow the link below:

Jamboree Schedule

Coaching

Welcome new minor hockey coaches and team staff! The following information will assist you and your team in being prepared as well as certified for the season.

U7 Practice Plan

U7 Mentorship Program

Hockey Saskatchewan is pleased to be launching the Hockey Saskatchewan U7 Coach Mentorship Program. Under the direction of the Senior Coordinator of Hockey Development, the Hockey Saskatchewan U-7 Coach Mentor shall assist in the recruitment and retention of players and coaches in a specific region.

U7 Mentorship Program

Hockey Saskatchewan is NOT making Cross-Ice dividers mandatory for associations to purchase, but they can be very useful and come in many different forms. They are used to help stop pucks from crossing into different “zones”. They also form a barrier that defines where kids should be concentrating their efforts.

If associations are looking to purchase dividers or mini-nets, Hockey Saskatchewan can provide a list of approved vendors.

Dividers:

• Standard size is 85’.
• Each set contains 9 sections. (8 @ 10’ and 1 @ 5’)
• Made from a flexible non-tear tarpaulin material.
• High-density polyurethane foam padding.
• Velcro on each end to connect the sections together.
• Available in these colors; Black, Red, Royal Blue, Navy Blue, Kelley Green, Light Charcoal Grey

Options:

• Advertising pockets
• Custom sizes
• Individual sections
• Volume discounts

Mini-Nets:

• 36" x 24" x 12"

Based on the mandate set by Hockey Saskatchewan and Hockey Canada to use Cross-Ice Hockey for all Initiation level hockey to better help develop the skills of the players and offer age-appropriate regulations, the Hockey Saskatchewan’s Referee’s Division sees an opportunity to also help develop and introduce our officials in this controlled environment.

The option to use one official on the ice for Initiation games is still the local association’s choice and this officiating guide does not make this system mandatory, but simply provides an outline for those who chose to use this option and give young officials some guidance.

Officiating Cross-Ice (U7)