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November 24, 2007
NR.158
CALGARY, AB – Hockey Canada’s semi-annual meeting concluded on Saturday afternoon in Calgary, AB, as the
Hockey Canada Board of Directors voted on a number of proposals impacting hockey at all levels in Canada.
The Hockey Canada semi-annual meeting brings together the Hockey Canada Board of Directors – the Hockey
Canada Officers, representatives from all 13 member Branches, council directors, Canadian Hockey League (CHL)
and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) representatives and athlete representatives - to discuss ways to
enhance hockey at all levels in Canada.
Highlights from this weekend’s proceedings:
A motion to allow body checking at the Atom level (9-10 years old) was defeated. The regulation for the
introduction of body checking will remain at the Peewee level (11-12 years old) and above in Canada. This
ruling will take effect in 2008-09, which means that current pilot projects in Ontario and Saskatchewan will
be able to complete the current season with body checking at the Atom level. As of 2008-09, body checking
will be introduced at the Peewee level or above.
In response to concerns voiced at the minor hockey association and membership levels, the Hockey Canada
Board of Directors and the member Branches approved a one-year delay in the implementation of new goaltender
equipment rules, which will now take effect in the 2009-10 season;
In the third year of the implementation of the Canadian Development Model, Hockey Canada will conduct a
national survey this season through its 13 member Branches to assess the impact and evaluate the program
since it’s inception;
The Officers informed the Board of Directors that the Canada Winter Games Council has confirmed that the
male hockey competition at the Canada Winter Games will become an Under-16 program and no longer an Under-17
program. Hockey Canada will continue to present the World Under-17 Challenge annually, including years when
the Canada Winter Games are being staged.
Hockey Canada’s Board of Directors, Branches and councils will meet again at the Annual General Meeting in
May 2008 in Quebec City, during the 2008 IIHF World Championship. The Hockey Canada officers meet on a
regular basis over the course of the year to establish direction and to work with the Branches on growing the
game in Canada.
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