Player evaluations are run by a 3^rd party who ranks all the players in the age group. Our teams are created using those scores - ensuring that teams are made up of similarly-skilled individuals that will be able to compete in their tier. Ideally, a team is made up of 1-2 goalies, nine forwards and 6 defense - with a bit of room to adjust based on total number of players in the age category.

Each team receives roughly one practice per week from Hockey Edmonton. Most teams decide to purchase extra ice in order to supplement development. Practice expectations will be discussed at the beginning of the season during the parent meeting.

U13 Tier A: 24 games per season

U13 Tier B, C, D: 20 games per season

The number of tournaments entered by a team is at the discretion of the team. On average, teams will enter two or three tournaments (one or two at home and one away).  This does not include minor hockey week. The number of tournaments and fundraising expectations should be discussed at the beginning of the year at the parent meeting.

U13 tiers 2-6 will have a 20-game season, consisting of six tiering games and fourteen regular season games.

U13 Tier 1 will increase their schedules to 24 games for the season. Ice time will increase to 1.75 hours, and games will follow a 15-20-Flood-20 format for tiering, regular season, and playoffs.

Hockey Canada engaged in a process to create national consistency around team naming and registration within the HCR. Leagues will continue to complete the tiering process, and the total number of tiers operated by each League will continue to be determined by each League. Hockey Alberta and the Leagues will continue to work together to ensure clarity and consistency in the team name, category, and tier to best align with HCR consistency requirements.

Yes, in accordance with Hockey Canada’s defined purpose for affiliation, a team can access affiliates to dress a maximum of 20 players for any game, even if the team has less than 20 registered players. The affiliates must be eligible (in accordance with all Affiliation regulations), properly registered and properly affiliated. To ensure transparency, we recommend that MHAs educate parents and coaches about how and when you want affiliation to be used for your registered teams.

Yes, that coach must serve their suspension with the U11 team that they received their suspension with and can continue coaching with their U13 team as long as the suspension was not for an 11.4 or 11.5 infraction.

At the start of the season, there will be a parent meeting, after which the treasurer will prepare the full budget based on the wants/needs of the team. This meeting will cover all expected costs, explain the fundraising plan, and outline how cash calls will be handled. By understanding these costs early, families can plan ahead and ensure a successful and enjoyable season for everyone.

Cash calls are contributions made by each player’s family to help cover team costs. Typically, these range from $100 to $200 per player but varies depending on the team’s specific needs. At the end of the season, part or all of this amount may be refunded if the team successfully raises enough funds through fundraising, donations, or sponsorships.

In addition to cash calls and team expenses, families should plan for personal costs throughout the season. These may include:

• Travel: Gas, hotels, and meals for away games or tournaments.
• Equipment: Items like sticks, tape, skate sharpening, and any necessary gear upgrades.

In U13, goalies are goalies and players are players - there isn't any crossover. If a team has two goalies, one of the goalies must be on the bench. The head coach will decide to either split each game (each goalie plays half) or goalies may alternate games (play one game, sit out the other).