As identified by Hockey Canada as a core element in U9, one of the keys to improving the flow of each game and reducing the stoppages is to create continuous play, particularly on change of possession. These basic rules apply:

• One coach from each team will assist in moving of bumpers/boards at the end of each shift.
• A face-off will take place at the start of every shift.
• There will be no stoppages in play during shifts; continuous play will be used. (Exception: Injury)
• Puck shot out of play: Official blows whistle, defending team backs off and non-offending team gets possession.
• Goalie freezes puck: Official- blows whistle, attacking team backs off and defending team gets possession.
• Goal scored: Official blows whistle, attacking team backs off and defending team gets possession.

• 3-minute warmup.
• Officials will draw a dot in the middle of the game zone for all face-offs.
• Shifts are 2 minutes.
• For sixty (60) minute ice sessions, use the model of two twenty-four (24) minute halves with two (2) minute shifts
• For ninety (90) minute or two-hour time frames, use a model of two thirty (30) minute halves or three twenty (20) minute periods with two (2) minute shifts but stop the clock at the end of every two (2) minute shift.
• Teams may play 3 on 3; 4 on 4; 5 on 5 format, depending upon team composition and strength on any given day.
• Skills zone is optional, however games must still remain Half-Ice format.
• Teams can use the benches if they wish.
• A face-off will take place at the start of every shift.
• There are no icing or off-side calls.
• Score will be kept; however, goals and assists will NOT be recorded.
• Goalies may not be pulled at any time.
• Line matching must take place. The more advanced players from each team being matched against the more advanced players from the opposing team.

• All games and practices must be in the Half-Ice format.
• There will be NO U9 Exhibition Games sanctioned by Hockey Saskatchewan prior to November 15th.
• There will be NO Tournament Games sanctioned by Hockey Saskatchewan prior to December 1st.
• There will be NO U9 League Games sanctiond by Hockey Saskatchewan prior to January 1st.
• U9 League Playoffs must be in a Tournament style format over a maximum of two (2) weekends.
• Geographic zones 2-5 are closed for all U9 League play.
• Forty-five (45) is the maximum number of games allowed in a season.

ABC's of Hockey - Parent

Introduction To U9 Hockey Program

Practice Plans

Development Season

U7/U9 Error Correction & Detection

U7/U9 Equipment Fitting

For a full listing of all the upcoming U9 Half-Ice Events being hosted around the province, follow the link below:

Event Schedule

• Standard: Delayed penalty procedures are followed. (NOTE: Goalie can’t be pulled during delay)
• The official calling the penalty blows whistle, identifies offending player and penalty.
• Offending player is escorted to player bench by the official who called the penalty.
• The second official gives possession to the non-offending team. (Offending team must back-off)
• The offending player is eligible to return during the same shift if goal is scored by the non-offending team.

Officiating U9 Hockey

Under-11 (U11)