What is U9 Minor Development (MD)?
Huntsville Minor Hockey Association is excited to announce that it will once again be offering a U9 Minor Development (MD) team for the 2025/26 season. This program focuses on beginning to prepare our young athletes for competitive hockey, with a focus on skill enhancement and higher-level competition. U9 MD will be a cornerstone for aspiring Rep hockey players.
General Information
👉 For players aged 7 & 8 as of December 31, 2025 (U8 and U9).
👉 Follows all Hockey Canada and OMHA rules and regulations, including seasonal structures like half ice.
👉 Focuses on fundamental hockey skills and power skating.
👉 Generally comprised of a minimum of 13 skaters and 1 goaltender.
👉 Regular season in the MPSLL, playing MD teams from South Muskoka and Parry Sound.
👉 2 practices per week – 1 early morning and 1 evening.
👉 Subject to the same rules and regulations as Rep Teams as it relates to tournaments, etc.
Registration/Evaluations
👉 Evaluation fee is $75/player and includes 3 evaluation skates.
👉 Additional fees will apply, just like rep hockey. Additional fee for 2025/26 is $300.
👉 At registration, parents will identify whether their child is interested in playing MD.
👉 Coaches evaluate players during the U9 MD evaluation skates. Upon the conclusion, all interested parties will be notified via email whether or not their child was selected for the MD team.
U9MD FAQ
How is U9MD any different from Select if the team will only be playing against SMMHA and Parry Sound?
A Minor Development (MD) team begins to prepare players that are aspiring to play Rep hockey in U11. An MD team will practice twice a week (morning and evening) with games, playdowns and up to 5 tournaments. A player on an MD team does not play for a Local League team, whereas a player on a Select Team must prioritize playing for their Local League team first, making it challenging to book extra practices, games and tournaments. Across Ontario, there are more tournaments available for MD teams at the U9 division versus Select.
Will the team travel and play in the Georgian loop? Will there be exhibition games in the Georgian loop if the team does not get to play against these teams in the regular season?
This is still to be determined, but not likely. Technically, MD is still under the Local League umbrella and model, meaning it would stay in the Muskoka-Parry Sound Local League (MPSLL). That said, exhibition games can be booked with teams in that loop.
How will evaluations be for this age group?
Evaluations will follow the same model as Rep teams. In 2025, they will take place in the Fall. There will be 4 prep skates followed by 3 evaluation skates.
Will U8 players that make the team this year be allowed to tryout for U11 next year?
No. Players wishing to play up a division must follow the procedures outlined in the Manual of Operations.
How many players will be U8 and how many U9?
Just like a Rep team, the team will select the best players available no matter the age.
How many tournaments will this team attend?
The MD team will follow the same tournament guidelines as Rep teams. The maximum number of tournaments permitted is 5.
Why are there rep fees if MD is not rep?
While MD is not technically called Rep, the goal of the MD program is to prepare players for Rep. The additional fees go towards the extra practice each week, practice jerseys, officials, and Rep quality game jerseys.
How do I get a refund if I decide MD is not for my kid?
All refunds can be processed as per the procedures in the Manual of Operations.
For more information, please contact our U7-U11 Local League Director at [email protected]