Age Division Changes for 2020-21 Season
Edmonton, Alta. - March 25th, 2020
At Hockey Canada’s 2019 Winter Congress in Montreal, a national regulation change was approved to revise the naming of the age divisions used in minor hockey across Canada.
The changes outlined by Hockey Canada will be in effect in Alberta and Edmonton effective for the 2020-21 season:
| Minor Hockey Age Division Chart 2020-21 Season | |||
| Current Division Name | Division Name for 2020-21 | Age on Dec. 31, 2020 | Year of Birth |
| Initiation | Under-7 (U7) | 6, 5, 4 | 2014, 2015, 2016 |
| Novice | Under-9 (U9) | 7,8 | 2012, 2013 |
| Atom | Under-11 (U11) | 10,9 | 2010, 2011 |
| Peewee | Under-13 (U13) | 12,11 | 2008, 2009 |
| Bantam | Under-15 (U15) | 14,13 | 2006, 2007 |
| Minor Midget | Under-16 (U16) | 15 | 2005 |
| Midget | Under-18 (U18) | 17,16,15 | 2003, 2004, 2005 |
The change to Age Divisions from Division Names aligns with current practices within the IIHF and other national and provincial sports organizations. Longer term, we believe that using Age divisions rather than Names will be easier to understand for all involved in our sport and newcomers looking to join our sport for the first time.
The process is underway to identify changes and updates that need to occur at various levels, including Bylaws, Operating Directives, leagues, events, etc. We will be working on updates for our website, as well as forms and documents, awards and plaques, and other items, with a goal of having updates in place prior to the start of the season. Historical references to Division Names will not be changed; the focus is looking forward on existing documents and resources.
Clubs, Districts and Operating Areas (CDOA’s) are encouraged to examine their resources and identify changes that need to be made, as well as connect with Hockey Edmonton staff members or key volunteers about changes in documents or processes that may need to be implemented.
Our goal is to work with our member organizations to make this process as smooth as possible such that you will have minimal questions from your respective registered participants. If you have questions, please submit them to registration@hockeyedmonton.ca.
