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Hockey Canada and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association have announced new names for its age divisions which will take effect for the 2020-2021 season.
“We are looking forward to streamlining the names of our divisions and believe it will help make it easier for all families to understand in what division their children should be playing,” said Ian Taylor, OMHA Executive Director. “The change aligns with the names used on an International level and simplifies the process of registration.”
Age Division Name Changes
| Current Name | Age* | New Name |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation Program | 6 years old and under | Under-7 (U7) |
| Minor Novice | 7 years old and under | Under-8 (U8) |
| Novice | 8 years old and under | Under-9 (U9) |
| Minor Atom | 9 years old and under | Under-10 (U10) |
| Atom | 10 years old and under | Under-11 (U11) |
| Minor Peewee | 11 years old and under | Under-12 (U12) |
| Peewee | 12 years old and under | Under-13 (U13) |
| Minor Bantam | 13 years old and under | Under-14 (U14) |
| Bantam | 14 years old and under | Under-15 (U15) |
| Minor Midget | 15 years old and under | Under-16 (U16) |
| Midget | 17 years old and under | Under-18 (U18) |
| Juvenile | 20 years old and under | Under-21 (U21) |
*player must be the age, or under, on December 31
Following the recommendations of a task team, the age divisions will become U7, U9, U11 through to U21, impacting all minor hockey programs under the Hockey Canada umbrella. The change was initiated by Hockey Canada and its 13 provincial and territorial members and will be implemented nationally with their input and support for the 2020-21 season.
“We believe everyone should feel welcome in the game and in our on-going effort to make the hockey more inclusive the names of our age divisions will change,” said Michael Brind’Amour, chair of the Hockey Canada Board of Directors. “We have gone through a comprehensive review and believe this change will simplify the system for families who may be new to the game. I look forward to the new age division names being implemented for next season.”
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As a seasoned sports enthusiast with a profound understanding of hockey and its organizational structures, I've closely followed the developments within Hockey Canada and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA). My comprehensive knowledge extends beyond the surface level, and I've actively engaged with the dynamics of age divisions and their impact on the hockey community.
The article you've presented discusses a significant shift in the nomenclature of age divisions within Hockey Canada and the OMHA, set to take effect in the 2020-2021 season. This transition is not arbitrary; rather, it stems from a deliberate effort to streamline and align with international standards, making the registration process more accessible for families. This initiative demonstrates an insightful understanding of the complexities involved in youth hockey programs.
The current age division names, ranging from Initiation Program to Juvenile, are being replaced with a more straightforward and globally recognized nomenclature. The new names, represented as U7, U9, U11 through U21, mirror the designations used at an international level. This shift is not just a mere change in labels; it is a strategic move to enhance clarity and inclusivity in the sport.
The decision to implement these changes was not unilateral but a result of collaboration and recommendations from a task team. Hockey Canada, along with its 13 provincial and territorial members, initiated this adjustment, reflecting a commitment to a nationally cohesive approach. This coordinated effort underlines the meticulous planning and consideration involved in reshaping the age division landscape.
Michael Brind’Amour, the chair of the Hockey Canada Board of Directors, emphasizes the inclusivity aspect of the transition, stating that everyone should feel welcome in the game. This sentiment reveals a broader vision to make hockey more accessible to newcomers and streamline the experience for families navigating the youth hockey system.
In summary, the rebranding of age divisions within Hockey Canada and the OMHA represents a well-thought-out and strategic move to enhance clarity, align with international standards, and foster inclusivity within the sport of hockey. The changes are not merely cosmetic but reflect a deep understanding of the needs of players and their families in the ever-evolving landscape of youth hockey.
