Under-13 (U13)

UNDER-13 (U13)

“Dream Big, Feel the Rush… Together”

Welcome to Phase 2 of Hockey Saskatchewan’s Where Fun Wins initiative. After setting the stage with Under-7, Under-9, and Under-11, we are proud to now introduce Under-13 hockey, where players take the next exciting step in their journey.

At this age, hockey is still about fun, but the game begins to feel bigger with full-ice play, new challenges, and fresh opportunities.

U13 is the first age division with Provincial Playoffs, the introduction of AA hockey, and pathways that lead to Sask First programs and eventually Team Saskatchewan.

Players will experience hockey through three unique branches: Recreational, Competitive, and Off-Ice Wins. No matter which path they take, U13 is where players dream big, feel the rush, and grow together.

"As players transition into a higher level of hockey, having fun, continuing to develop fundamental skills and being introduced to game play concepts, habits and decision making, they will continue to develop their love of the game.” Corey McNabb Director, NextGen Development, Hockey Canada.

What does the season look like at U13?

Preparation Phase (Introduction to skill development in a fun environment prior to evaluation/selection)
Evaluation/Selection Phase (Teams are formed to participate in season activities)
Development Phase (Continuous skill development through practice, lessons, small-area games)
Regular Season Phase / Development Season Phase (Practices, games and tournaments)
Playoff Phase (Tournament/short-term competition-style playoffs at U13)
Off-Season Phase (Try other sports)

What does the game look like at U13?

Skaters should rotate through all positions.
Skill- and station-based practices.
Players should play in all situations power play, penalty kill and end-of-period/end-of-game situations.
Goalies should play an equal number of games.
Skills before tactics; tactics before structure.

Fair and Equal Ice Time

Fair and equal ice time is designed to ensure that all players get the same opportunity to contribute to the outcome of games, regardless of skill or ability. A coach’s responsibility is to develop all players to contribute. Shortening of the bench in an attempt to win games is not permitted. All players and goaltenders should receive fair and as close to equal as possible ice time.