Mar 22, 2026 | Michelle O'Brien | 62 views
Changes coming to the U8/U9 Program for 2026/2027 Season
Changes are coming to the SSMHA U8/U9 program for the 2026–2027 season.The U8 and U9 divisions will operate as separate programs.
This change is designed to better support player development and provide a more focused experience for each age group.
For more details about these updates, please review the Questions and Answers below.
Q & A - U8 / U9LL / U9MD
Q: What are the changes for the 2026/2027 hockey season for the U8/U9 program?
A: The U8 and U9 divisions will operate as separate programs. This change is intended to better support player development and provide a more focused experience for each age group.
This past season, the program operated in a House League format where U8 and U9 players were combined to form teams that played against each other within the association.
For the 2026/2027 season, the U8 and U9 LL divisions will be separated.
Teams will have the opportunity to play against teams from other centres.
Q: Will there be pre-skates and evaluations for all hockey groups in U8/U9?
A: Yes, U9 MD/U9 LL/U8 will have 4 pre-skates and 3 evaluations. U9 MD pre-skates and evaluations will take place in April 2026. U9 LL & U8 pre-skates and evaluations will take place in September/October 2026. Evaluations are conducted to ensure player skill levels are balanced across all teams.
Q: Will there be a cost for pre-skates and evaluations ?
A: Yes. If your skater signs up for U9 MD there will be a separate cost for pre-skates and evaluations. Sign up for U9 MD Pre-Skates and Evaluations will open late March 2026.
If your skater signs up for U8 or U9 LL pre-skates there will be an extra cost (to be paid during registration for the season). There is no extra cost for U8 and U9 LL evaluations.
Q: Can U8 skaters be evaluated for the U9 MD team?
A: It is possible for a U8 skater to be evaluated for the U9 MD Team however the skater must be an exceptional player. Please refer to the exceptional player policy found on the SSMHA website in the Rules of Operation.
Q: Can U8 skaters play on a U9 LL team?
A: U8 skaters can be evaluated at the MD level however they are not able to be evaluated or play on the U9 LL teams.
Q: What is the ice structure for the different groups?
A: U8 skaters will play half ice all year. U9 LL skaters will play half ice to December then switch to full ice. U9 MD skaters will play full ice all year. We follow the OMHA pathways, changes may occur at any time.
Q: What is the cost for the season?
A: The cost for the 2026/2027 season is still to be determined. Due to the U9 MD program moving to full-ice play for the entire season, this program will cost more than the U8 and U9 LL programs.
Q: Will there be dedicated goalies for teams in the U8, U9LL, and U9 MD programs?
A: No. The recommendation through Hockey Canada is that all players rotate through all positions - forward, defence and goaltender. SSMHA provides each team with a set of goalie gear.
Q: Can a player be evaluated as a goalie for the U9 MD team?
A: Skaters may choose to participate as a goalie during the U9 MD evaluations, but will also be assessed on their overall skating and hockey skills, as they may also be playing out as a player. Hockey Canada recommends no full-time goaltenders, all players will get a chance to play goalie before players who want a second chance will play again.
Q: Are U8 and U9 LL able to play in tournaments?
A: Yes, please refer to the pathways. U8 teams will register for U8 jamborees/tournaments and U9 teams will register for U9 jamborees/tournaments.
For more information please see links below:
https://hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/hockey-programs/coaching/under-9https://www.omha.net/u9andbelow