Under-13 Competitive
For players looking for new challenges, Under-13 (U13) introduces the excitement of competitive hockey. This level brings opportunities such as dryland training, AA hockey in the Saskatchewan AA Hockey League or the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League, and the beginning of high-performance pathways through Sask First.
It is also the first time players can compete for a Provincial Championship and be crowned as Saskatchewan champions, a tradition shared with older age groups all the way up to senior hockey.
The competition is exciting, the atmosphere is energizing, and every game brings a chance to grow skills, build friendships, and create lasting memories.
Promotion of Wellness/Dryland
1. Age-Appropriate Training
At the U13 level, players are in the "Learn to Train" stage of Hockey Canada's Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model. This phase focuses on developing fundamental movement skills, basic strength, and introducing structured training. Emphasis should be on fun, skill development, and building a love for the game.
2. Off-Ice Training Components
- Strength Training: Incorporate bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and core exercises to build foundational strength.
- Cardiovascular Conditioning: Activities such as running, cycling, or skating sprints help improve endurance.
- Plyometrics: Exercises like jump squats and lateral bounds enhance explosive power and agility.
- Flexibility and Mobility: Regular stretching and mobility drills reduce injury risk and improve range of motion.
3. Sample Weekly Training Schedule
A balanced weekly routine might include:
- Monday: Strength training and flexibility exercises.
- Tuesday: Cardio workout (i.e., cycling or running).
- Wednesday: Plyometric drills and agility training.
- Thursday: On-ice practice or game.
- Friday: Active recovery with light stretching or yoga.
- Saturday: On-ice practice or game.
- Sunday: Rest day.
This schedule ensures a balance between training, rest, and skill development.
Mental Wellness and Team Support
Mental health is as important as physical fitness. Programs like the Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association's "Know the Score Wellness Program" focus on topics such as mental health, building healthy relationships, and anti-bullying. Each U13 team designates a Wellness Champion to support players and families.
Example - 'Know the Score' Wellness Program
Hockey Saskatchewan Mental Health Webpage
Nutrition and Hydration Tips
- Balanced Diet: Ensure a mix of lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats to support growth and energy needs.
- Hydration: Encourage regular water intake throughout the day, especially before and after training sessions.
- Pre-Game Nutrition: A light, carbohydrate-rich meal 1-2 hours before games can provide sustained energy.
Around the Rink: Sports Nutrition with Heather Hynes
IDEAL SEASONAL CHART (RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES)
U13: Competitive "A" Season
- Start Date for Practices: October 1
- Development Season (4 weeks):
- 10 practices
- 2 exhibition games
- Start Date for Games: November 1
- Regular Season (16 weeks):
- 32 practices
- 20 games
- Playoff Season: Begins March 21
- Playoff Series Rounds
- Total Practices: 40-45
- Total Tournaments: 3 tournaments (roughly 12 games)
- Total Games: 30-35
U13: Competitive "AA" Season
- Start Date for Practices: September 20
- Development Season (5 weeks):
- 15 practices
- 5 exhibition games
- Start Date for Games: November 1
- Regular Season (16 weeks):
- 40 practices
- 24 games
- Playoff Season: Begins March 21
- Playoff Series Rounds
- Total Practices: 50-60
- Total Tournaments: 3 tournaments (roughly 12 games)
- Total Games: 40-45
Introduction to AA Leagues
With the introduction of AA hockey at U13, a new set of registration regulations are now in place.
- A player must tryout at the closest center that has a AA team to their residence (with the exception of Saskatoon and Regina as both of those cities are closed).
- There is no radius restriction.
- If the player is cut from their closest AA team, or they have secured a release from their closest AA team, they can then move on to tryout at the next closest AA team…and so on.
- A player does not require a release from their home center in order to tryout at their closest AA team. If they are successful in making said AA team, they then are required to secure the release from their home centre.
- All Co-ed AA teams participate within the Saskatchewan AA Hockey League and all Female AA teams participate within the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League. Both leagues are province wide with divisions created within to restrict as much travel as possible.
- The winners within the Saskatchewan AA Hockey League and the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League will be both the league and provincial champions.
- With AA hockey in U13, both the player and parents throughout the province are now introduced to tiering and evaluations.
- Hockey Saskatchewan sets the tryout dates for all AA teams in all divisions with U13 AA commencing on September 17th with a registration deadline of September 27th.
Hockey Saskatchewan annually has between 180 and 190 Minor Hockey Associations registered in the province. The majority of those associations have U7, U9 and U11 teams registered locally. However, in the older divisions, many of these associations do not have enough players to field U13, U15 and U18 teams. This is where the cooperation between communities is both vital and necessary.
- With less players available, it is necessary for communities to work together to form teams.
- If Town 'A' has six U13 players and Town 'B' has seven U13 players, Towns 'A' & 'B' could combine those 13 players to form a U13 team. One town would register the team with Hockey Saskatchewan. An agreement between the two towns would be put in place to ensure that both communities arenas are being utilized and to equalize the travel for all players. No releases would be required when combining to form a team.
With the two provincial leagues, the introduction of Provincial Playoffs and the growing need for communities to work together to form teams, one of the largest differences in U13 hockey is the increased travel required to play.
Introduction to Sask First (The province's high-perfomance program)
Sask First U13 Female Futures Program
Hockey Saskatchewan is proud to offer the Sask First Female Futures Program. This exciting opportunity is designed for U13-aged female athletes who aspire to play for Team Saskatchewan or pursue hockey at the U Sports or College level.
But this program is about more than just growing great players—it’s also committed to the development of female coaches and officials. For the past three years, every coach and official involved has been female, providing valuable experience and mentorship opportunities in all areas of the game.
NEW - Sask First Male U13 Prospects
The Sask First Male U13 Prospects program is your first big step into Saskatchewan’s high-performance platform! Built for driven athletes who want to sharpen their skills and get a sneak peek at what’s ahead in the Sask First Male U15 Program, this two-weekend experience is all about learning, competing, and having a blast.
It kicks off with Camp Weekend — three days packed with on-ice skill sessions in shooting, puck handling, skating, and checking, plus Hockey Canada skating tests, dryland workouts, off-ice hockey training, and even a multi-sport activity to mix things up. You’ll also suit up for two full-length games to put your new skills to the test.
Then it’s on to Tournament Weekend, where you’ll hit the ice for a four-game round-robin that mirrors the Sask First U15 Top 80 format. Rosters change from camp to tournament so you can meet new teammates, face fresh competition, and keep the development going.
Introduction to Provincial Playoffs
- In U13 and older divisions, teams may enter the Hockey Saskatchewan Provincial Playoffs and compete against teams across the province in categories determined by the total population of the team’s player’s residence. The Provincial draws are determined by Hockey Saskatchewan and can commence as of January 20th with the finals being played in March annually. Each Provincial series within a draw has both teams hosting a single game in a modified best of three (3) to determine the winner.
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