Recreational General Information (Sarnia Hockey)

ALLIANCE HOCKEY Digital Network

PrintRecreational General Information
Sarnia Hockey Development and Recreational Leagues are a community based activity for youth ages 5 to 20.  Sarnia Hockey's main focus with our recreational leagues is to give children an inclusive and safe organized activity. We encourage our participants to develop healthy relationships with friends, peers, amateur coaches & developing game officials.  Anyone who registers with Sarnia Hockey becomes a member of Hockey Canada.  Hockey Canada mandates that all of our team officials, game officials and administrators complete a criminal reference check.  Hockey Canada also mandates training for different positions and has quite a development program for coaches and officials.  Sarnia Hockey also has a "Select" program.  This is the first level up from recreational hockey.  Players interested in added ice time, more challenging practices, and more challenging opponents should look to try out.  If you are interested in "Select" Hockey - CLICK HERE FOR SELECT HOCKEY

Sarnia Hockey is not gender specific and our programming is set up for entry level at all ages.  You do not need to be experienced or skilled with the game of hockey.  All you need is a team player attitude and a willingness to learn.

Sarnia Hockey also develops it's own officials.  If you are interested in being a referee or time keeper please contact our Game Official Assignor - Ian Dunn - CONTACT Ian Dunn - Click Here

NEW FOR THE 2023/2024 SEASON :   SARNIA HOCKEY FOUNDATIONS**
This is an existing Sarnia Hockey Program that is being expanded.  Formerly referred to as Instructional or U6, we are expanding "FOUNDATIONS" beyond 4 & 5 Yr Old Players.  Foundations will be available for players that fall within the U6 to U9 Birth Years*.  Foundations will remain to be one ice time per week (1 Hr Practice) dedicated to player skill development.  This program is recommended for any beginner that wants to learn "FUNdemnetals" to play a game of hockey and to learn to work with team mates and coaches.  There are no traditional games scheduled within the FOUNDATIONS structure.  Tim Hortons is the main sponsor & supporter for the U6,U7,U8 & U9 age groups.

*FOUNDATIONS enrolment eligibility will be based on BIRTH YEAR & OHF/ALLIANCE RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS
**Players can enrol & participate in FOUNDATIONS or LEAGUE or BOTH if they choose

***NO LATE FEE FOR FOUNDATIONS - ENROL ANY TIME UNTIL REGISTRATION CLOSES

NEW FOR THE 2023/2024 SEASON :   SARNIA HOCKEY U6/U7 LEAGUE**

This is an existing Sarnia Hockey Program that is being expanded.  Formerly referred to as IP6 or U7, we are offering a "LEAGUE" experience for both 5 & 6 Yr Old Players.  U6/U7 League will be available for players that fall within the U6 or U7 Birth Year*.  U6/U7 League will remain to be two ice times per week (1 Hr Practice/1 Hr Game) focused on player skill development through the Modified Cross Ice Game Guidelines .  This program is recommended for a player that has spent at least one season in other skill development programs and can move around on the ice independently.  This is not recommended for players looking for a "LEARN TO SKATE" program. This league operates using a cross ice game schedule.  There is no official game score or league standings within the U6/U7 League structure.  Tim Hortons is the main sponsor & supporter for the U6,U7,U8 & U9 age groups.


*LEAGUE enrolment eligibility will be based on BIRTH YEAR & OHF/ALLIANCE RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS
**Players can enrol & participate in FOUNDATIONS or LEAGUE or BOTH if they choose
***LATE FEE WILL BE APPLIED AFTER AUG 1

STAYING THE SAME FOR THE 2023/2024 SEASON :   SARNIA HOCKEY U8/U9 LEAGUE**

This is an existing Sarnia Hockey Program that is staying the same.  Formerly referred to as Novice or U9, we are offering a "LEAGUE" experience for both 7 & 8 Yr Old Players.  U8/U9 League will be available for players that fall within the U8 or U9 Birth Year*.  U8/U9 League will remain to be two ice times per week (1 Hr Practice/1 Hr Game) focused on player skill development through the Modified Cross Ice Game Guidelines with transition to full ice after the Christmas Break.  This program is recommended for that has spent at least one season in other skill development programs and can move around on the ice independently.  This is not recommended for players looking for a "LEARN TO SKATE" program. There is no official game score or league standings within the U8/U9 League structure until after the Christmas Break.  Tim Hortons is the main sponsor & supporter for the U6,U7,U8 & U9 age groups.

*LEAGUE enrolment eligibility will be based on BIRTH YEAR & OHF/ALLIANCE RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS
**Players can enrol & participate in FOUNDATIONS or LEAGUE or BOTH if they choose
***LATE FEE WILL BE APPLIED AFTER AUG 1

STAYING THE SAME FOR THE 2023/2024 SEASON :  SARNIA HOCKEY U11 to U21 LEAGUES
This is a basic recreational league for age 9yrs old to 20yrs old.  All U11 to U15 Hockey League programs offer 2 (two) hours of ice time a week and focus on basic hockey skill development, individual skill development leading into team skill development. U18/21 is 1 ice time per week (90 min) with the focus on developing a more adult recreational hockey experience

Our U11 & U13  programs also offer 2 (two) hours of ice a week.  One hour a week will be spent practising with your team while the second hour will consist of a game against another team in your division.  U11 and U13 focus on skill development both at the individual and team level as well as learning the basics of the game of hockey. 

Our U15, U16, U18 and U21 programs are an opportunity for players of this age to enjoy the sport. 

U15 offers 2 (two) hours of ice a week.  For the first portion of the season that time consists of a one hour practice with their team and a one hour game against a team in their division.  At about the halfway point, the one hour practice becomes another game allowing these players to play 2 games a week against another team in their division.

The U16, U18 and U21 Divisions are mixed together to form a fun atmosphere for players to enjoy the game and comradely with their team mates and opponents.  This division receives 1 (one) hour of ice time a week for a game against another team in their division.

***LATE FEE WILL BE APPLIED AFTER AUG 1
****LATE FEE IS WAIVED DUE TO FALL TRYOUTS FOR U18AAA & Junior Hockey Clubs



FOUNDATIONS
Foundations was formerly known as U6 or Instructional.  Our Foundations Program focus is on fundamental skills so individuals are ready to start learning the rules of hockey as they progress into our Modified Game Structure for U9 & Below.  Foundations is typically recommended for children that are 4-8 years old that are seeking a "LEARN TO SKATE" program.  It's recommended that players interested in Foundations Programming are able to stand on their skates and can move around, but this is not necessary.    Foundations Programming is (1) ice time per week.

LEAGUES:

U6/U7 Division
U7 was formerly known as Tyke, IP6, and Pre-Novice.  Our U7 Teams focus on individual skill development and introductory game play.  U7 uses a modified game and smaller game surface.  This modified format increases ice time 60% and increases player involvement by 40%.  The smaller game surface also keeps players closer to the puck encouraging them to stay engaged in the game the entire time while on the ice.  U7 programming is (2) ice times per week.  (1) Practice and (1) Game.

U8/U9 Division
U9 was formerly known as Novice.  Our U9 Teams continue to focus on individual skill development and introductory game play.  U9 uses a modified game and smaller game surface.  This modified format increases ice time 60% and increases player involvement by 40%.  The smaller game surface also keeps players closer to the puck encouraging them to stay engaged in the game the entire time while on the ice.  Depending on the division's composition, 7 & 8 year olds may play in segregated leagues.  U9 begins a transitional phase to "Full Ice" in January for teams with 8 year old players.  7 year olds participating in the transitional phase will be run through the program a second time as 8 year olds. U9 programming is (2) ice times per week.  (1) Practice and (1) Game.

U11 Division
U11 was formerly known as Atom.  Our U11 Teams continue to focus on individual skill development and basic game play.  U11 Teams play full ice games on teams of 13-16 players.  U11 players will experience the "TEAM GAME" as they learn to work as a unit in team play.  U11 players are encouraged to focus on individual skill development so that as they progress into older divisions, they know where they fit into the bigger team picture.  In U11 players should start to realize their "Role" as part of the team.  If U11 players are interested in more ice time and more challenging opponents they are encouraged to tryout for our U11 Select Team.  U11 programming is (2) ice times per week. (1) Practice and (1) Game.

U13 Division
U13 was formerly known as Pee Wee.  Our U13 Teams continue to focus on individual skill development and basic game play.  U13 Teams play full ice games on teams of 13-16 players.  U13 players will experience the "TEAM GAME" as they learn to work as a unit in team play. U13 players start to experience "TEAM TACTICS" and "TEAM STRATEGY".  U13 players are encouraged to understand different components of the game as well as continue to develop their skills.  In U13 players should understand their "Role" as part of the team and how they can impact the game.  If U13 players are interested in more ice time and more challenging opponents they are encouraged to tryout for our U13 Select Team.

U15 Division
U15 was formerly known as Bantam.  This age group has notably shown a shift of interest other activities. Our U15 Recreational Program puts more emphasis on playing more games and less practice.  U15 Teams get an opportunity to play a series style playoff rather than the typical round robin format to add a different element of play they may not of experienced in previous seasons.  This also allows players to test more "TEAM TACTICS" and "TEAM STRATEGY".  U15 Recreational is also a place where we find players from all different levels of the game start to consolidate from more competitive leagues.  Sarnia Hockey has a U13 Select Team where they can still be competitive, but have a more flexible schedule to allow for other extracurricular activities. U15 programming is (2) ice times per week.  Regular season is (1) Practice and (1) Game. 

U18 Division
U18 was formerly known as Tier 2 Midget.  U18 Teams are a true transition from traditional "House League" hockey.  This age group develops different interests and has different aspects of life they need to commit to like part time jobs or post secondary education.  U18 is a bigger consolidation of players that still are interested in playing the game of hockey but do prefer to have flexibility in their schedule.  U18 Teams play (1) Game per week, on the weekend in late afternoon or early evening.  If U18 players are interested in more ice time and more challenging opponents they are encouraged to tryout for our U18 Select Team.

U21 Division
U21 was formerly known as Tier 1 Midget/Juvenile.  U21 Teams continue to transition from traditional "House League" hockey.  This age group develops different interests and has different aspects of life they need to commit to like part time jobs or post secondary education.  U21 is made up of older, more experienced U18 players and some U21 players.  U21 is also a great place for players that may be affiliated with Junior Teams waiting to be called upon to fill in as needed.  U21 Teams play (1) Game per week, on the weekend in late afternoon or early evening.  Sarnia Hockey does send (1) U18 team and (1) U21 team to the final Alliance Championship Tournament in late March/early April.