U9 and below programs will follow guidelines set forth by the Hockey Canada Pathways Guidelines and Rules.
The Local Leage (LL) model focuses on even play. LL teams shall be divided into groups with proper tiering of players' ability, as per Hockey Canada Pathways. Generally, teams will include U6, U7, U8, and U9 LL and U9 Minor Development (MD). The number of teams for each shall be determined by the Board, based on player registrations. Players making the U9MD team cannot play LL.
U8 & U9 Hockey Model
U8 & U9 Local League
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Focuses on fundamental hockey skills and power skating.
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Regular season games in the MPSLL. The regular season for LL teams will be in accordance with OHF Guidelines. Teams play local centres as their individual LL team.
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May enter jamborees as their individual LL team.
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Generally, 2 ice times per week. Typically, 1 practice and 1 game per week (weekday and weekend).
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Generally divided into 2 or 3 teams of 15-20 players.
U6 & U7 Hockey Model
U6 Timbits: Learn to Play
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For kids aged 5 and under, as of December 31, 2025.
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Focus on learning to skate and very basic hockey skills.
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No games necessary. Teams will scrimmage amongst themselves as year progresses.
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2 ice times per week (weekday and weekend).
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Generally divided into 2 teams of 15-20 players
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Could consider cross-ice exhibition games near the end of year, based on player progression.
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Tier players of similar ability during practices.
U7 Timbits: Fundamentals
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For kids aged 6 or capable 5-year-olds as of December 31, 2025 (evaluated by coaches).
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Focus on fundamental hockey skills and power skating.
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Cross-ice exhibition games and jamborees played against other centres.
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2 ice times per week (weekday and weekend), plus games/jamborees.
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Generally divided into 2 teams of 15-20 players
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Play local centres as their individual LL team.
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Tier players of similar ability during practices.
For more information on the Local League model, please contact our U7-U11 LL Director at [email protected].