PCAHA ANNOUNCES U7/U9 PATHWAYS

Semiahmoo Ravens Hockey is pleased to share the new PCAHA U7/U9 Pathway for the 2023-2024 season. It aligns with Hockey Canada’s U7 and U9 Pathways, a model that the rest of Canada is already following, which combines U6/7 and U8/9. U7 and U9 hockey is the foundation upon which the entire hockey experience is built. It is a crucial piece in building the skills of players at every level – players benefit from getting the ‘right start’ in the game.

Rationale for Combining Age Groups

The Hockey Canada model combines five and six-year-old players in the U7 division and seven and eight-year-old players in U9. These pathways recommend that like-skilled players be grouped together. The Pathway development philosophy aims to maximize puck touches by all players by using small area games and skill stations in practices, and a reduced ice surface size in games – this approach yields 2 times more puck touches, 6 times more shot attempts, 3 times as many shots on goal, 2 times as many pass attempts, and 5 times more passes received than in full-ice practices and games.

U7 / U9 Major and Minor Divisions

Semiahmoo Ravens will have two streams in U7 and U9, a development stream and a proficient stream to provide the best hockey experience possible, regardless of skill level.

U7 and U9 will consist of the following divisions:

• U7 Minor (development stream) / U7 Major (proficient stream)

• U9 Minor (development stream) / U9 Major (proficient stream)

The number of Minor and Major teams in each division will be determined based on number of players, skill level, and ice availability; however, all teams within a division will be balanced as per PCAHA. Semiahmoo Ravens anticipates 3 Minor/4 Major for U7 and 4 Minor/8 Major for U9; however, this is subject to change.

Placement Process

Semiahmoo Ravens will provide a series of pre-placement skates to U7 and U9 players to get back on the ice and "skate the rust off". Following those ice times, a minimum of three placement skates will occur to determine division placement and team balancing. These placement skates will involve a combination of standardized skills and games with quantifiable evaluation criteria and conducted by a committee of non-parent evaluators for fairness and transparency. Please note - our U7 and U9 divisions begin on Saturday, September 16th, 2023. Your division manager will be sending out information.

Roster Size

Semiahmoo Ravens rosters are expected to have 12-14 players per team, but subject to change based on registration.

Tournament/Jamborees

Semiahmoo Ravens U7 and U9 teams will be permitted to participate in tournaments and jamborees, in compliance with the association tournament policy and the “maximum game” guidelines as prescribed by PCAHA. Tournaments and jamborees are an important part of culture, team building, and the fun of hockey.