Benefit | Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs | Non-sanctioned programs | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Recognized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) | Yes, which allows teams sanctioned by Hockey Canada to compete against teams from other IIHF Member National Associations | No, as well as not guaranteed to be overseen by any governing body | ||
Supported and recognized by government as the official system for hockey in Canada | Yes | No | ||
Eligible to participate in sanctioned hockey tournaments | Yes | No | ||
Partners with the NHL, CHL, CJHL, U SPORTS and others that operate under sanctioned hockey | Yes | No | ||
Opportunity to be an affiliate player in a Hockey Canada-sanctioned league, including the CHL, CJHL and Junior A | Yes | No | ||
Suspensions are tracked and upheld if a player, coach or staff member move between leagues | Yes | No, and any suspension from a Hockey Canada-sanctioned league is not guaranteed to be recognized in future non-sanctioned play | ||
Eligible to submit confidential complaints of maltreatment, abuse or harassment to the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner or Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party | Yes | No | ||
Opportunities to participate in low-cost entry-level introduction to hockey programs, such as NHL/NHLPA First Shift, Esso Fun Days and Dreams Come True | Yes | No | ||
Eligible to be selected for national and provincial and territorial high-performance teams and programs | Yes | No | ||
Coaches, officials and staff may be considered for additional sanctioned assignments and opportunities including participation in IIHF events, CHL, CJHL and Junior A games, Program of Excellence events and regional and national championships | Yes | No | ||
Eligible to compete in provincial and national championships hosted by Hockey Canada and its Member branches | Yes | No | ||
Opportunity to collaborate with Hockey Canada and its Member branches across the country, who have successful track records of organizational and financial stability | Yes | No | ||
Eligible to be rostered in a Hockey Canada-sanctioned league for the remainder of the season, including CHL, CJHL and Junior A | Yes | Ineligible if participating in non-sanctioned hockey after September 30 | ||
Officials have been trained and certified by Hockey Canada | Yes | Not guaranteed | ||
Proven model for hockey to be enjoyed recreationally and competitively | Yes | Not guaranteed | ||
Mandatory criminal record and/or vulnerable sector check for all coaches, bench staff, trainers and officials. | Yes | Not guaranteed | ||
Full, standardized insurance coverage, including Commercial General Liability, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance and Directors and Officers Liability | Yes | Not guaranteed | ||
Standardized rulebook for all levels of hockey | Yes | Not guaranteed | ||
Mandatory education, certification and training required for coaches, trainers and officials | Yes | Not guaranteed | ||
Standardized age-appropriate hockey programs | Yes | Not guaranteed |
Beyond fun, hockey’s about teamwork, building self confidence and providing lifestyle benefits and skills that give your child an edge in life, away from the rink."
2,500+local hockey association across Canada
Municipal parks & recreation
Skate Canada & CanSkate programs events in your community
Hockey Canada programs offered periodically across the country:
The First Shift
6-week learn-to-play program for kids aged 6 to 10 that includes head-to-toe Bauer equipment
First Shifts in your community
Esso Fun Days
An introduction to the female game for girls and women of all ages
Esso Fun Days in your community
Timbits U7 Hockey | 6 and under
U9 Hockey | 7 and 8 years old
Recreational programs
Competitive programs
Elite level programs
Register your child, through your Hockey Canada member
Hockey Canada Skills Academy
A joint program with school boards that involves on-ice skill development as well as off-ice lessons on nutrition, goal setting and self-motivation
Academies in your community
Floorball
A gym-based program that introduces kids to hockey as a safe, fun and inclusive sport
Floorball programs
School Program
Hockey is the basis for lessons in language arts, math, social studies, science, phys. ed, art and music
Learn more