U9 FORMAT UPDATE 2025-2026

Key Highlights of the Upcoming Season:

Team Structure

• Team rosters will increase in size, with 16-18 players per team.
• Only two teams will share the ice at any given time (previously four), providing significantly more space and focused instruction.
• Teams will have the option to divide the ice for half-ice practices or utilize the full sheet for combined sessions (previously quarter ice).

Game Format

• September through February 1: Teams will be split into two squads for concurrent half-ice games.
• After February 1: Teams will transition to full-ice games with use of their full roster.

Ice Times

• CMHA has secured three additional weekly ice times dedicated exclusively to the U9 division.
• In addition, weekday practice sessions will be extended from 45 minutes to a full 60 minutes, offering more time for skill development and game play.

Jerseys

• Timbits jerseys will be retired for U9.
• Co-ed teams will wear Cochrane Rockies jerseys.
• Female teams will wear Mini Chaos jerseys.
• All teams will be issued both home and away jerseys for the full season.

These enhancements align with the structure adopted by surrounding associations and support our pilot initiative to introduce full-ice games later in the season. We are confident that these changes will contribute to a more engaging and developmentally appropriate experience for every U9 player.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the upcoming changes, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to connect with you.

Thank you for your continued support of CMHA and myself as director. We’re looking forward to an exciting and successful 2025-2026 season!