​

U9 Saskatoon Wild Hockey 
Information Package 

Welcome, Wild families, to the 2026/2027 season, 

1. The Wild Zone may be fielding 5 teams this year, as per the SMHA U9 team size requirements and grid system:

• 1A, 2B, 1C, 1D  

2. Pre-skates - 45-minute sessions 

• These sessions are meant to allow players to get back on the ice in a fun, player-friendly scenario.
• Players will NOT be evaluated during pre-skates. 
• On-ice leaders and volunteers will run drills that will help players feel prepared for their evaluation skates.
• Players will be assigned to groups and will be given times for each date. 

3. Evaluations - 45-minute sessions 

• There will be 4 evaluation skates that will consist of 2 skills and 2 scrimmage sessions. 
• Evaluations will begin with registered players being randomly placed in 4 groups. After the first skills evaluation, players will be assigned based on their scores, appropriate group sizes, and other factors. 
• Registration will open 45 minutes prior to your player's scheduled skate time. You will need to register and pick up your player's assigned jersey. This will be the only tool used to identify players. Jerseys will need to be collected after each skate so that the next group may wear them as well.
• Independent evaluators will be hired to evaluate players. Evaluators will submit their evaluations, and the coordinator will input the data to calculate the players' rating after each session. `
• Upon the completion of every evaluation skate, families will need to go to the Wild Zone website and see when your player’s next ice session is as players will start to move groups after the initial random assignments. 
• More information on pre-skates and evaluation drills can be found below. 

4. Parent volunteers:

• Parent volunteers are needed to help things run smoothly. If you are able to help out, please email or contact the co-ordinator directly. 

5. Coaching: 

• If you are interested in coaching this season, please fill out your coaching registration here. If you are late to register, please let the co-ordinator know at the skates so we can be sure you are considered for coaching this season.
• If you have any trouble registering or have any concerns prior to filling your form out, please notify me immediately. 
• If you apply to coach, you will be asked to help out on the ice during pre-skates. 
• As per our Wild Constitution, coaches will be selected by committee once the evaluations are complete.

6. Pre-Skate and Evaluation Skills

• The pre-skates and evaluations will include drills to look at multiple skills and may include the following:

• Forward and backward skating
• Stopping
• Transitions
• Tight turns
• Shooting
• Puck Handling
• Scrimmages

7. Special Notes:

• All players are to be in full equipment for all skates. If you need goalie equipment, please contact our goalie coordinator for pickup times. 
• We want to ensure there are no branded stickers on helmets or socks for recognized hockey programs.  Try to use only wild zone or non-branded gear to ensure the anonymity of the players.  We want to ensure fair and unbiased scoring of all of the players.
• Have players ready 5 minutes before their scheduled session. 
• Please return jerseys after each session to the registration table. 

If you have any questions or concerns throughout the hockey season, please feel free to contact me via email.

U9 Wild Co-ordinator
Miles Burkholder
u9.wild.smha@gmail.com