2019-2020 Novice Season Structure
Players born in 2011
Seasonal Framework
Begin practices Mid September (depending on ice availability due to Midget Tryouts)
Weeks 1 - 4 (Mid Sep - Mid Oct) - Development Stage (Preseason)
Due to large numbers players will split into 2 groups (Alphabetically) during this period.
Weeks 5 - 6 Evaluation Skates
After the Evaluation period players will be placed in the A, AE, or House League streams.
Half-Ice Season
Mid Oct - January 14th - 1 Jamboree can be played during this time
Half Ice Games - 2 matches going on at one time on each half of the ice per team (thus half the team will be on one half and the rest will be on the other half)
4 on 4 with goalies
BLACK Puck
No off sides (although modifications can be made here for teaching in exhibition games)
No icing
Face offs at the beginning of Periods
Two 20 - 22 minute Periods
Teams can use mid-sized goal nets
Officials will be on ice - if an infraction occurs (ie. tripping) officials are to pull that player aside to explain why its against the rules and player is allowed to remain on the ice. If the behaviour continues, that said player will be sent back to the players bench for the remainder of their shift and his/her team will play short until the shift ends. Players will not be sent to the penalty box.
FULL ICE 5 ON 5 Season
January 15th - Late March
Transition to full ice 5 on 5 will occur on January 15th.
Teams will take part in an 8 game predetermined schedule.
Teams are allowed to participate in 2 tournaments within this phase of the season.
Upon entering 5 on 5 full ice games all rules will be enforced including offside, icing and penalties.
Team Structure (After the Evaluation Period)
Teams will consist of up to 16 players (15 skaters and 1 goalie)
Full time goaltenders are not recommended.
Regardless of stream, all players will have the same opportunities for practices, games and jamborees. A and AE teams will share ice for most practices, while House (Local) League teams will do the same. It is recommended that coaches work together to create station-based practice plans to make best use of the ice and allow all CWMHA players to have the opportunity to develop equally.
All streams are to develop the same basic skills. All practices will focus 75% of its time on Individual Technical Skills (Skating, Shooting, Passing, Puck Control) and the remainder Individual and Team Tactical Skills/Strategies.
Coaches and Trainers
Coaches and Trainers will be needed for all teams. Coaches will be required to have Certification Level “Coach 1” and Trainers will need to complete the online Hockey Canada Trainer’s Certificate. All on-ice help will be required to complete (if not already done so): Gender Identity Training (online) and Respect in Sport Activity Leader.
A call for Coaching applications will be sent out in late August. Coaching interviews will begin early September.