IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM NOHA - U9, News (West Nipissing Minor Hockey)

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Sep 04, 2025 | wnmha | 5 views
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM NOHA - U9
NOHA U9 PILOT PROGRAM INFORMATION

NORTHERN ONTARIO HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

110 LAKESHORE DRIVE

NORTH BAY, ONTARIO P1A 2A8

PHONE: (705) 474-8851 FAX: (705) 474-6019

www.noha-hockey.ca

NOHA U9 Pilot Program Information

2025-2026 Season

Important Message to NOHA Families

The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA), in collaboration with the Ontario Hockey

Federation (OHF) and Hockey Canada, is participating in an exciting pilot program for the

2025-2026 season that will enhance development opportunities for our U9 players.

What is the U9 Pilot Program?

The U9 Pilot Program is a Hockey Canada-approved initiative designed to provide earlier

implementation of full-ice hockey for select U9 teams, combined with an intensive 60-day

development phase focused on fundamental skill building. This pilot addresses the growing

demand for structured, sanctioned full-ice programming while maintaining Hockey Canada's

commitment to age-appropriate development.

This is a one-year pilot program that will be carefully evaluated to determine its effectiveness

and potential for future expansion.

Two Pilot Programs in NOHA

Main NOHA Pilot Program

Who: U9 Tier 1 teams

How Many Teams: Approximately 15 teams across NOHA

Timeline:

o Season begins with 60-day development phase (September 2 - November 1,

2025)

o Transition to full-ice hockey on November 1, 2025

o All other U9 Teams continue half-ice until January 10, 2026

Nipissing District Hockey League (NDHL) Special Pilot

Who: All U9 teams (both Tier 1 and Tier 2)

How Many Teams: Approximately 30 teams

Timeline:

o U7 and U8 players remain on modified ice for the entire season as intended in

the Hockey Canada Player Pathways

o All U9 teams transition to full-ice on November 1, 2025

o This pilot extends the half-ice experience for U8 players for a complete season

rather than transitioning mid-year, ensuring full adherence to Hockey Canada's

developmental frameworkNORTHERN ONTARIO HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

110 LAKESHORE DRIVE

NORTH BAY, ONTARIO P1A 2A8

PHONE: (705) 474-8851 FAX: (705) 474-6019

www.noha-hockey.ca

Key Program Features

Development-First Approach

60-day structured development phase from September 2 - November 1, 2025

Coaches will use standardized Hockey Canada-approved practice plans

Minimum 2:1 practice-to-game ratio maintained throughout the season

Three formal evaluation periods: November 1st, January 10th, and end of season

Game Format Changes

No special teams - penalties will be recorded but teams continue 5-on-5 play

Focus on continuous play to maximize development and ice time

Tournament participation will follow Hockey Canada pathway guidelines

Enhanced Support

Educational resources and planning tools provided by OHF

Practice and game quality monitoring through video review

Coach mentorship programs available

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are some U9 players getting full-ice while others stay on half-ice?

A: This pilot is specifically designed to test whether certain U9 players are developmentally

ready for an earlier transition to full-ice. The 60-day development phase ensures all participating

players receive intensive skill development before transitioning. Half-ice hockey provides

significant benefits including more puck touches, increased involvement, and age-appropriate

skill development. This pilot will help determine the best approach for all players.

Q: How will my child's team be selected for the pilot?

A: Teams eligible for the pilot are U9 Tier 1 teams. Player evaluations beginning September 8th

will determine appropriate placement. The focus is on matching players with similar skill levels

and developmental readiness.

Q: What about goaltenders?

A: NOHA is working closely with associations to ensure adequate goaltender coverage.

Specialized goaltender training programs are available through certified local instructors. Any

goaltender-related concerns will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Q: How many games will teams play?

A: The 2:1 practice-to-game ratio ensures appropriate development focus. Specific game

schedules will depend on your association and league structure, balanced with the limited

weekends available from November 1st through early March.NORTHERN ONTARIO HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

110 LAKESHORE DRIVE

NORTH BAY, ONTARIO P1A 2A8

PHONE: (705) 474-8851 FAX: (705) 474-6019

www.noha-hockey.ca

Q: Can U8 players move up to participate?

A: Requests for U8 players to participate in U9 programming require substantial evidence of

developmental readiness and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Will there be tournaments?

A: Tournament opportunities will be available following Hockey Canada pathway guidelines.

Specific tournament schedules and limitations are being finalized and will be communicated by

your association.

Q: What happens after this pilot year?

A: The program will be thoroughly evaluated based on player development, family satisfaction,

and operational effectiveness. Results will inform decisions about continuing or expanding the

program in future seasons.

Q: How is this different from previous years?

A: This pilot introduces a structured development phase and earlier transition to full-ice for

select U9 teams. The Nipissing District pilot also keeps U7/U8 players on modified ice for the

entire season rather than transitioning mid-year.

Q: What if our smaller organization doesn't have enough players to form separate U7/U8

and U9 teams?

A: Organizations facing player number challenges should contact their League for support to

determine the best approach for team formation. Solutions may include partnering with a

neighbouring association, moving players up or down age groups based on skill and

development readiness, or other collaborative arrangements. Each situation will be evaluated

individually to ensure all players have appropriate playing opportunities while maintaining the

integrity of the pilot program.

Q: What resources will be available for coaches?

A: Coaches will have access to comprehensive support including Hockey Canada-approved

practice plans during the development phase. The Hockey Canada Network provides free access

to practice plans and coaching resources for U9 and below programs. Additional educational

resources and planning tools will be provided by the OHF, and coach mentorship programs are

available to support program delivery.

Q: What if my child isn't selected for a Tier 1 team?

A: All hockey programming within NOHA follows Hockey Canada's development model.

Players not in Tier 1 teams will continue in age-appropriate programming designed to maximize

their development and enjoyment of hockey. Half-ice hockey provides excellent developmental

benefits with increased puck touches and participation.NORTHERN ONTARIO HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

110 LAKESHORE DRIVE

NORTH BAY, ONTARIO P1A 2A8

PHONE: (705) 474-8851 FAX: (705) 474-6019

www.noha-hockey.ca

Q: What are the game rules for full-ice games in the pilot?

A: Full-ice games will be played with traditional hockey rules, with one important exception:

there will be no power play or penalty kill situations. Teams will always play 5-on-5 to

maximize player development and continuous play. Penalties will still be recorded and the

penalized player will sit in the penalty box, but both teams continue playing with five skaters on

the ice.

Q: What will games look like for U7/U8 players this season?

A: U7/U8 games will follow the half-ice model as outlined in the Hockey Canada U9 Player

Pathways. Games are played 4-on-4 with goaltenders on a maximum surface of 100 feet by 85

feet. The format uses running time with continuous play on shift changes, no offside, no icing,

and no face-offs after goals. Penalties are called and recorded. The half-ice format maximizes

puck touches, player engagement, and development opportunities - research shows that direction

changes, puck touches, pass attempts and puck battles are doubled, and shots per player are six

times higher compared to full-ice hockey.

Q: Can U9 teams participating in the pilot play games before November 1st?

A: Yes, U9 teams in the pilot can play games during the 60-day development phase (September

2 - November 1, 2025), but these games must be played in a half-ice structure following the

Hockey Canada U9 Player Pathway rules. Teams can also use controlled scrimmage settings

during this period to begin teaching concepts like off-sides and icing that will take effect when

they transition to the full-ice model on November 1st.

Contact Information

For questions about the pilot program:

Please contact your local minor hockey association first, who will coordinate with NOHA

as needed.

Final Message

This pilot program represents an exciting opportunity to enhance player development while

maintaining our commitment to age-appropriate, fun, and skill-focused hockey. The structured

approach ensures all participants receive quality instruction and development opportunities.

We appreciate your support as we implement this innovative program and look forward to a

successful 2025-2026 season.

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