Novice Program - Upcoming Changes

Beginning in the 2017 – 2018 season, players in the Novice age category (7-8 yrs) will play on a modified ice surface –slightly over half the size of a normal hockey rink – until December 31st each season.  Games after December 31st within each hockey season may be played on full-ice. Hockey Manitoba has provided multiple resources to outline this upcoming change, including a general summary, demo video, guidelines document, officiating procedures and other supporting information. This information is found at http://www.hockeymanitoba.ca/players/novice and this link is also listed under our website in the Programing Information under the SMHA Documents tab.

This new concept will be culture change in how the Novice program is delivered across Manitoba and within SMHA. SMHA is reviewing this new information to ensure that these changes are implemented in the most efficient way possible. All members are encouraged to review this information to become familiar with the new format and outlined justification for the changes. We thank you in advance for your support in the implementation of this mandated format change.