U9 Program Overview

U9 Overview

North SEERA’s U9 program is designed for athletes aged 7 and 8. This stage builds on foundational skating and hockey skills by introducing structured gameplay in a fun, inclusive environment. Players continue to develop through small-area games, station-based practices, and weekly ice sessions.

The U9 division uses a modified half-ice format and follows the Alberta One Standardized Tiering Model (Tiers 1–6), allowing players to be grouped by ability while keeping teams balanced.

For a full breakdown of the U9 model, visit the Hockey Edmonton U9 Program Resources page.

IMG_6589

What to Expect

  • Half-ice games with 4-on-4 format
  • Shared ice for practices and games
  • Minimum of 18 games and 18 practices (October–March)
  • Games take place on weekends (Saturday or Sunday)
  • Practices on weekends plus 3–6 midweek practices per team
  • Participation in Minor Hockey Week (minimum 2 games)
  • No scorekeeping, no standings, no playoffs
  • Season ends with a Jamboree event
  • Buzzers used for shift changes, faceoffs only at half-start
  • Modified tiering system (1–6) to create balanced teams
  • No full-time goalies — goalie rotation required
  • No positional specialization — players rotate positions
  • Blue pucks and small nets (occasionally full-sized) used
  • Note: We expect Hockey Alberta and EFHL to approve full-ice gameplay for U9 teams later in the season

Additional Notes

  • Players can register in U9 even if they did not participate in Discovery, Junior, or Senior Timbits