New to Hockey

FAQ about starting minor hockey with SMHA:

What age groups does the SMHA offer programs for? 
The SMHA offers programs for boys and girls ages 5 through 17.  Timbits U7 is for 5 & 6 year olds; U9 is for 7 & 8 year olds; U11 is for 9 & 10 year olds; U13 is for 11 & 12 year olds; U15 is for 13 & 14 year olds; U18 is for 15-17 year olds.  Hockey registration is based on the calendar year for birth years.  Example:  a player born in January 2010 is considered the same "hockey age" as a player born in December of 2010.

How much does it cost to register for Saskatoon minor hockey?
The annual registration fee to your zone can range from $500 to $1500 depending on the age group and level of the player in question. This fee covers all assigned league games, practices, provincial playoff games (if applicable), city playoff game (if applicable), referee fees, Hockey Canada insurance, SHA and Hockey Canada Registration fees.

When does registration for hockey take place?
Each zone conducts its main registration on-line through the zone website between June 1st and  June 30th of each spring. There is no fall registration.

Can I register past the regular registration date?
Yes, a late registration period will be established each year to register on-line with your home zone.  Note that the registration fee will be higher if registering after June 30th.

My son or daughter has never played ice hockey before. Is it ok to register them in an older age group than U7?
Yes, for sure!  SMHA offers four levels of play in each of U9, U11, U13 and U15 hockey -there is a place for all abilities and experience levels. It si recommended that the new player has some skating experience if looking to start out in U11, U13 or U15.
Note" any new players to minor hockey that start in U15 or U18 must play in a no body checking league for their first year of hockey for safety reasons.

Does my child have to play hockey with body checking?
No, the SMHA offers excellent No Body Checking leagues for players in U15 & U18 hockey.  A player may play hockey with no body checking from age 5 through age 17 if they wish to. 
NOTE: Per Hockey Canada, Body checking begins at the U15  age group in minor hockey (age 13 and 14). There is no body checking in female hockey at any age.

TEAM FEES

One aspect of minor hockey that can be a surprise to new families is team fees.  These are additional costs set by each team to cover extra practices, off-ice training and events, and tournament entry fees (including possibly travel).  SMHA has a helpful document explaining this process.