Hockey Canada has mandated that the U9 age group shall only use half ice for all game play effective the 2019-2020 season. Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) has accepted this mandate, thus Stittsville Minor Hockey Association (SMHA, HEO Minor District 4) will follow the half-ice U9 program.
Summary of new Half-Ice U9 Program Games:
- Teams will consist of approximately 16 skaters and 2 goaltenders.
- Two opposing teams will divide in half, each playing two separate games on each half-ice surface.
- The rink will be split into two game surfaces with dividers or removable boards along the centerline.
- Games will be 4 v 4.
- Shift length is 90 seconds with buzzer, no stoppage in play at buzzers. Players to leave puck and change lines.
- At the end of the half, visiting team switches ends.
- No scores will be kept.
- Penalties are assessed, the offending player will sit out the next shift, but the team will play even strength.
- Two officials are required, one for each end.
- Goaltenders may be full or part-time with all players encouraged to try the position.
Hockey PEI YouTube Video detailing new Half-Ice U9 Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6jBRXYn5JU
Ice time will be significantly increased for every player by a factor of more than 2x: Half-Ice - no stoppage games = 45 minutes of play (including 3 min. warm-up + 1.5 min. half) @ 2 lines/team vs. Full-Ice = 32 minutes of play (10/10/12 min. periods) @ 3 lines/team
There will be no Rep B Rams competitive U9 team.
Statistics from USA Hockey Study:
1. Shots Per Player: Half-Ice 6x greater vs Full-Ice
2. Individual Player Puck Touches: Half-Ice 2x greater vs Full-Ice
3. Shots on Goal: Half-Ice 3x greater vs Full-Ice.
4. Pass Attempts: Half-Ice 2x greater vs Full-Ice
5. Pass Receptions: Half-Ice 5x greater vs Full-Ice
6. Body Contact and Puck Battles: Half-Ice 2x greater vs Full-Ice
Key drivers for the shift to the new U9 format:
Hockey Canada developed the program to ensure that a child’s early experiences with hockey are delivered in a safe and positive experience. The program enables participants to become contributing members of a team effort, develop self-confidence and experience a sense of personal achievement. The goals of the program are:
1. To have fun while playing hockey and engaging in physical activity.
2. To learn the fundamental skills required to play the game of hockey.
3. To develop and refine basic motor patterns.
4. To be introduced to the concepts of cooperation and fair play.
5. Get small kids off of full size adult rinks and into an age/size appropriate game playing area.
6. Get kids off the bench, more engaged in game play, providing more enjoyment and less boredom.
7. Increase skill development in games by decreasing space and increasing the puck touches and skill executions.
8. Provide a more logical progression from cross ice game play at IP.
References:
Hockey Canada U9 Program
Under-9 Hockey | Complete Guide for Players, Parents, Coaches & Local Hockey Associations (hockeycanada.ca)
Hockey Canada Benefits to Half Ice Program
Under-9 Hockey | Benefits of Half-Ice (hockeycanada.ca)
Hockey Alberta ON-ICE STUDY: Smaller Ice Surfaces and Skating Development
https://www.hockeyalberta.ca/uploads/source/Ted/IP_Speed_Study.pdf