Hockey Canada updates Non-Sanctioned Leagues Policy

CALGARY, AB – In collaboration with its Members and partner leagues, Hockey Canada has announced a change to its Non-Sanctioned Leagues Policy ahead of the 2023-24 eligibility cut-off date.

Effective immediately, any player who participates in a non-sanctioned league after Sept. 30 is ineligible to join, affiliate with or apply for reinstatement to any sanctioned hockey team that competes for a national championship for the remainder of the season, which includes teams in the Canadian Hockey League, Canadian Junior Hockey League and those that vie for spots at Canada’s U18 National Club Championships. 

“Hockey Canada, our Members and partner leagues are proud to be Canada’s official hockey system and modifying our Non-Sanctioned Leagues Policy was not done hastily,” said Darren Cossar, senior vice-president of member engagement with Hockey Canada. “Together, we felt it was important to update the policy in the interest of the athletes who choose to compete for a national championship throughout an entire season, and we will continue to identify ways to strengthen our delivery of hockey to the benefit, safety and wellness of players, coaches, officials, parents, administrators and volunteers in sanctioned hockey programs.”

Last month, Hockey Canada released a document that clarifies 20 benefits available to participants in Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs and are either not provided or not guaranteed with non-sanctioned programs, which all operate without being recognized by government in Canada and are not governed by the International Ice Hockey Federation.

To learn more about Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.