Pathway to Hockey

Welcome to Hockey Canada's comprehensive guide to getting your child started on the exciting journey of minor hockey! Hockey is more than just a sport; it's a thrilling team activity that fosters friendships, physical fitness, and essential life skills in a safe and welcoming environment, all while accommodating your family's schedule. As a passionate advocate for the sport, Hockey Canada and it's Members are committed to providing a clear and engaging pathway for players and parents who are eager to embark on this adventure together.

Benefit		Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs		Non-sanctioned programs
Recognized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF)		Yes, which allows teams sanctioned by Hockey Canada to compete against teams from other IIHF Member National Associations		No, as well as not guaranteed to be overseen by any governing body
Supported and recognized by government as the official system for hockey in Canada		Yes		No
Eligible to participate in sanctioned hockey tournaments		Yes		No
Partners with the NHL, CHL, CJHL, U SPORTS and others that operate under sanctioned hockey		Yes		No
Opportunity to be an affiliate player in a Hockey Canada-sanctioned league, including the CHL, CJHL and Junior A		Yes		No
Suspensions are tracked and upheld if a player, coach or staff member move between leagues		Yes		No, and any suspension from a Hockey Canada-sanctioned league is not guaranteed to be recognized in future non-sanctioned play
Eligible to submit confidential complaints of maltreatment, abuse or harassment to the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner or Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party		Yes		No
Opportunities to participate in low-cost entry-level introduction to hockey programs, such as NHL/NHLPA First Shift, Esso Fun Days and Dreams Come True		Yes		No
Eligible to be selected for national and provincial and territorial high-performance teams and programs		Yes		No
Coaches, officials and staff may be considered for additional sanctioned assignments and opportunities including participation in IIHF events, CHL, CJHL and Junior A games, Program of Excellence events and regional and national championships		Yes		No
Eligible to compete in provincial and national championships hosted by Hockey Canada and its Member branches		Yes		No
Opportunity to collaborate with Hockey Canada and its Member branches across the country, who have successful track records of organizational and financial stability		Yes		No
Eligible to be rostered in a Hockey Canada-sanctioned league for the remainder of the season, including CHL, CJHL and Junior A		Yes		Ineligible if participating in non-sanctioned hockey after September 30
Officials have been trained and certified by Hockey Canada		Yes		Not guaranteed
Proven model for hockey to be enjoyed recreationally and competitively		Yes		Not guaranteed
Mandatory criminal record and/or vulnerable sector check for all coaches, bench staff, trainers and officials.		Yes		Not guaranteed
Full, standardized insurance coverage, including Commercial General Liability, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance and Directors and Officers Liability		Yes		Not guaranteed
Standardized rulebook for all levels of hockey		Yes		Not guaranteed
Mandatory education, certification and training required for coaches, trainers and officials		Yes		Not guaranteed
Standardized age-appropriate hockey programs		Yes		Not guaranteed

Ultimately, Hockey Canada and our Members are tasked with ensuring that participants of all ages and abilities can enjoy playing hockey in communities across the country, both recreationally and competitively.

While we feel strongly that our model for delivering hockey is to the benefit, safety and wellness of players, coaches, officials, parents, administrators and volunteers, we recognize that others remain free to participate in the game outside of sanctioned programs.

Beyond fun, hockey’s about teamwork, building self confidence and providing lifestyle benefits and skills that give your child an edge in life, away from the rink."

Need a hand with introducing your child to hockey?
Select you provincial/territory Member.

Register your child, through your local hockey association.

PLEASE NOTE: The information provided on this platform is of a general nature. It is intended to provide a starting point for determining where a player may register to play minor hockey and is not necessarily conclusive of where a player is eligible to play.