The Recreational Stream
The Recreational program was developed by adopting Hockey Canada's Long Term Player Development Model (LTPD) and consists of different growth/development phases that provide a safe environment for promising athletes of all ability. The concepts of these phases are illustrated below and show how the game area and dimensions grow with the player as they develop skills, strength and experience. Our focus with our Recreational Leagues is to provide a safe, positive & fun community activity for youth. All teams in the Recreational Stream are categorized as "HOUSE LEAGUE"
New for 2023/24 the OHF has requested that Minor Hockey Associations work to provide more programming opportunities for the U6 through U9 Age Groups at the HL/LL/REC Category. Please see below for our OHF PROGRAM SHIFT opportunities for U6 to U9 Recreational Players. For the 2024/25 Season SHA will be extending this program to the U11 aged players also.
The program shift is that U6 to U11 Players will be able to enrol in either FOUNDATION Programming, LEAGUE programming or BOTH. Depending on players individual preferences they can have a little hockey or a lot of hockey each week.
INTRODUCED IN 2023/2024 AND RETURNING: 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 U11 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 "FUNdamentals" to play a game of hockey and to learn to work with teammates 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 OR YOUR PLAYERS AGE CATEGORY IS FULL***
INTRODUCED IN 2023/2024 AND RETURNING: 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 AS OF AUG 1***
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 players that have 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 AS OF AUG 1***
SARNIA HOCKEY U11 to U21 LEAGUES
This is a basic recreational league for age 9yrs old to 20yrs old.
Our U11 - U15 programs 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.
The U18 and U21 Divisions are mixed together to form a fun atmosphere for players to enjoy the game and comradery with their teammates and opponents. This division receives 1 90 minute ice time a week for a game against another team in their division.
***LATE FEE WILL BE APPLIED TO U11-15 AS OF AUG 1***
***THERE IS NO LATE FEE FOR U18/21. LATE FEE IS WAIVED DUE TO FALL TRYOUTS FOR U18AAA & Junior Hockey Clubs***
POSSIBLE FOR THE 2024/25 - SARNIA HOCKEY HL SELECT TEAMS
This is in addition (at additional cost) to the Recreational Program. This becomes a travel hockey team that can play extra exhibition games and tournaments throughout the year. This team is picked via a tryout process. It would consist of 17-18 players (including goalies). Players on a Select team must still be loyal to their Recreational Team first.
The additional fees cover extra ice times, referees, timekeepers and other various team expenses. Individual Teams may request additional Fees from each Player for the Team fund; this amount will depend on Team Fundraising Activities, and is used to cover Tournaments, Extra Ice and other Hockey Development Programs that are implemented.
Select Teams are limited to the number of exhibition games they can play during the season and can participate in a limited amount of tournaments. These limits are set by Alliance Hockey and SHA.
The Select Program is designed to augment the Recreational Program for the players selected and therefore players must be registered and play on a current Recreational team within their age appropriate division.
The Representative (Rep) Hockey Stream
Representative (Rep) Hockey is the highest level of hockey that can be played within SHA. SHA cards teams in both the A & B Category. Our "A" & "B" teams participate within the ALLIANCE A/AA & B/BB Seeded Leagues. Rep Hockey consists of home and away (travel) games, development program for goaltenders and players, tournaments and play-offs.
The Rep teams are selected by annual tryout in which players must register with SHA to be eligible to participate in tryouts.
The A/AA League is offered in divisions U10 - U18. These divisions provide continued hockey development, travel and tournaments.
The B/BB League is offered in divisions U8 - U16. These divisions provide continued hockey development, travel and tournaments.
If a player is signed to an A or B team, additional costs are required. These costs cover additional ice times, developmental programs and other various team expenses.
Representative Hockey is a great way to build a young player’s skill level, work ethic and team work while creating new friendships and having fun!
Note: Body contact is added to the A/AA program starting with the U14 year. There is NO body contact in the B/BB program.