Hockey Canada Updates Policy On Non-Sanctioned League Players

Summary

• Hockey Canada has updated its non-sanctioned leagues policy
• Players from non-sanctioned leagues will not be eligible to compete in Hockey Canada backed tournaments
• The new policy comes into effect immediately

Hockey Canada, the governing body for hockey in Canada has updated its non-sanctioned leagues policy and made stringent changes that have come into effect immediately.

In August, Hockey Canada published a list of 20 benefits that Hockey Canada sanctioned tournaments and players will be eligible for but may not be eligible to non-sanctioned players and tournaments.

Non-Sanctioned League Players Will Miss Out 

Hockey Canada has now made it clear through its change in policy that players who participate in non-sanctioned leagues will no longer be eligible to take part in Canadian Junior Hockey League, Canadian Hockey League, or be considered for a place in the under-18 club championships in Canada.

In a statement, Darren Cossar, senior vice-president of member engagement with Hockey Canada said

Hockey Canada, our Members and partner leagues are proud to be Canada’s official hockey system and modifying our Non-Sanctioned Leagues Policy was not done hastily. 

Cossar went on to say that

Together, we felt it was important to update the policy in the interest of the athletes who choose to compete for a national championship throughout an entire season, and we will continue to identify ways to strengthen our delivery of hockey to the benefit, safety and wellness of players, coaches, officials, parents, administrators and volunteers in sanctioned hockey programs.

Players Have Time Till Sep 30 To Make A Decision

Hockey Canada have made these changes after the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) decided to cut ties with Hockey Canada and run its own league. The BCHL was previously operating as the Junior A BC Hockey circuit. 

One of the reasons the BCHL decided to part ways as the league wanted to sign 16 and 17 year old hockey players from other provinces in the country, something that Hockey Canada was against! The BCHL launched its augural hockey season on Sep 22 and runs its league based on its own rules.

Hockey Canada has given players from these non-sanctioned leagues time till Sep 30 to cut ties if they want to be considered eligible to be a part of any of Hockey Canada’s tournaments. To find out more about these policy updates, you can visit the Hockey Canada website.