Under-9 (U9) Games
In Saskatchewan, ALL games must be played at U9 will be in a Half-Ice format for the whole duration of the season.
Total Games: 40-45
Start Date for Games:
- Exhibition - November 1st
- Tournaments - November 1st
- League Games - November 1st
- League Playoffs - Must be tournament-style format over no more than two weekends.
Tournament Host Resource Guide
Basic Rules:
- Games can be played 5-on-5 or 4-on-4 or 3-on-3 depending on the number of players.
- Each game will be played with a Blue 4oz puck.
- Mini nets are recommended, but regular ones are accepted.
- 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 to their net and defending team gets possession with the official or coach placing the puck behind the net.
Game Length:
- Warmup for 3 to 5 minutes.
- For a 60-minute ice allocation; play two (2) twenty-five (25) minute straight time periods.
- For a 75-minute ice allocation; play two (2) thirty (30) minute straight time periods.
- For a 90-minute ice allocation; play three (3) twenty (20) minute straight time periods.
Shifts:
- Clock can be stopped after each two minute or three minute shift, then start the clock when the puck is dropped for the next shift.
- Both teams should use one players bench with a team at each end of the box or one players box and a penalty box (in the event the penalty box is across from the players boxes).
Faceoffs
- Start of each shift.
- There will be NO face-offs after a goal is scored. In this instance, the official or coach will place the puck behind the net and the team that got scored can bring the puck up the ice while the team that scored goes back to their net.
PENALTIES
- Officials will raise their non-whistle arm, note the player’s color, number, and infraction, and blow the whistle when the player’s team gains possession of the puck.
- They will then stop, lower their arm, and, with an open hand and fingers together, point at the player, record the color, number, and infraction, and make the appropriate signal.
- The official will escort the player to the skills area, their team bench, or the penalty box, depending on the rink setup.
- Next, they will gather the puck at center ice and blow the whistle to start play for the non-penalized team.
- Penalties will last for the remainder of the player’s shift or until the opposing team scores a goal.
Considerations
- Coaches should try to match lines so the stronger players from both teams are on the ice at the same time.
- All players should have the same opportunity to contribute, regardless of skill or ability. A coach’s responsibility is to develop all players. Shortening of the bench to win games is not permitted. All players and goaltenders should receive fair and as close to equal as possible ice time.
- Score can be kept; however, goals and assists will NOT be recorded.
- Goalies may not be pulled at any time.
Reminders
- NO permanent goalies.
- NO specific skater positions.
- PROMOTION OF SAFE & FUN!
Half-Ice Boards Suppliers
|
Company |
Location |
Website |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Saskatoon Bag & Case |
Saskatoon, SK |
||
|
Athletica |
Waterloo, ON |
||
|
Omni Sport |
Stony Plain, AB |
HALF-ICE LAYOUT OPTIONS
Under-9 Regulations
For regulations on U9 hockey, please head to Hockey Saskatchewan's Governnance (click here).
Other Links
