PCAHA Changes to Under-6 through Under-9 Hockey
New for the 2023-24 Season:
We are excited to let Langley Minor Hockey Members know of the changes coming to the Under-6 through Under-9 age groups, as voted on by PCAHA at this year’s Annual General Meeting.
Starting in the 2023-24 season, PCAHA and LMHA will align with the Hockey Canada Long-Term Development model by merging the Under-6 and Under-7 Divisions into a new Under-7 age-group as well as merging our Under-8 and Under-9 Divisions into a new Under-9 age-group.
We expect that many of you will have questions, and as such we’ve prepared some answers for you below. If you have any questions about this change that are not addressed below, please email Operations at: Operations@LangleyMinorHockey.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why is this change being made?
This change is being made by PCAHA and its’ members to better align with Hockey Canada’s Long-Term Development Model. Hockey Canada’s model recommends that Associations adopt Under-7 and Under-9 Divisions and that “Players are grouped with like-ability players for maximum growth”. The objective of this change is to create environments for athletes where they touch the puck with the highest frequency possible and receive coaching better tailored to their specific needs – this will create positive experiences for athletes who will be more engaged during their time on the ice.
Q: Does this mean there will be “Rep” Hockey for younger kids?
No, there will be no ‘Rep’ or ‘A’ hockey in these Divisions. While athletes will be assigned to one of two groups based on their development needs, all teams will be balanced within these two groups to ensure a good developmental environment for each athlete. Teams in each group will receive an equal number of ice times and development sessions.
Q: Will there be evaluations or tryouts?
At the start of the season athletes will be assigned to an Assessment Group and will be assessed based on their development needs prior to being assigned to one of two player-groups and subsequently rostered to a specific team for the season. Assessments will be conducted over multiple skates prior to the start of the season and will be considered along with the athlete’s assessment scores from the previous season, if available.
Q: How many teams will there be in each Division?
Team numbers will depend on registration as well as the results of the assessment process.
Q: Will there be any limits on the number of first or second years on any of the teams?
No, players will be assigned to a team based on their individual development needs.
Q: Will there be a different number of ice times for each group?
No, regardless of where your athlete is placed, they will receive the same number of weekly practices, games, and development ice times.
Q: Are other Associations making the same or a similar change?
All Associations within PCAHA are operating with the same information and under the same regulations. While some Associations may adopt different approaches in order to conform with this change, all are required to align with PCAHA and this new model.
We expect more updates from PCAHA’s working group as to how these changes will affect the upcoming season and will share new information as it becomes available.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Hockey Operations Manager Alex Guiney at: Operations@LangleyMinorHockey.ca