U9 Half‑Ice Program Overview
Hockey Canada has mandated that the U9 age group shall only use half‑ice for all game play effective the 2019–2020 season. Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) has accepted this mandate, and therefore the Stittsville Minor Hockey Association (SMHA, HEO Minor District 4) follows the half‑ice U9 program.
Summary of Half‑Ice U9 Program Games
- Teams will consist of approximately 16 skaters and 2 goaltenders.
- Two opposing teams will divide in half, each playing two separate games on each half‑ice surface.
- The rink will be split into two game surfaces with dividers or removable boards along the centerline.
- Games will be 4 vs 4.
- Shift length is 90 seconds with a buzzer; no stoppage in play at buzzers. Players leave the puck and change lines.
- At the end of the half, the visiting team switches ends.
- No scores will be kept.
- Penalties are assessed; the offending player sits out the next shift, but the team plays even strength.
- Two officials are required, one for each end.
- Goaltenders may be full‑time or part‑time, with all players encouraged to try the position.
Hockey PEI video explaining the Half‑Ice U9 Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6jBRXYn5JU
Ice time is significantly increased for every player — more than double: Half‑Ice: 45 minutes of play (no stoppages) with 2 lines/team
Full‑Ice: 32 minutes of play (10/10/12) with 3 lines/team
There will be no Rep B Rams competitive U9 team.
Statistics from USA Hockey Study
1. Shots per player: Half‑Ice 6× greater vs Full‑Ice
2. Individual puck touches: Half‑Ice 2× greater vs Full‑Ice
3. Shots on goal: Half‑Ice 3× greater vs Full‑Ice
4. Pass attempts: Half‑Ice 2× greater vs Full‑Ice
5. Pass receptions: Half‑Ice 5× greater vs Full‑Ice
6. Body contact & puck battles: Half‑Ice 2× greater vs Full‑Ice
Key Drivers for the U9 Format
Hockey Canada developed the program to ensure that a child’s early hockey experience is safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate. The goals include:
1. Having fun while playing hockey and being active.
2. Learning the fundamental skills required to play hockey.
3. Developing and refining basic motor patterns.
4. Introducing cooperation and fair play.
5. Providing an age‑appropriate playing surface instead of full‑size adult rinks.
6. Increasing engagement and reducing time spent on the bench.
7. Increasing skill development by reducing space and increasing puck touches.
8. Providing a logical progression from cross‑ice IP programming.
References
Hockey Canada U9 Program
Under‑9 Hockey | Complete Guide (hockeycanada.ca)
Benefits of Half‑Ice Hockey