U8/U9 Teams in Our Community
You’ve watched your little one learn the basics. U8 & U9 are the next step to enjoying sports for life.
U8/U9 makes sure that taking early strides in the game is a safe and positive experience, introducing newcomers to basic skills. Kids form friendships, develop self-confidence and experience personal achievement, all through fun and fair play.
U8/U9 Recreational Division
Coordinator Janna Gordon
Any questions or inquiries can be directed to recreationalcoordinator@hockeynanaimo.com
U8U9 Notice 2026
U8 – 2019 Born Players Ice Times
U8 ICE schedule 2026 as of Aug 22 – updated
Please find the evaluation grouping lists and schedule above.
A couple things to remember:
- These are NOT the final teams for the season, these are simply evaluation groupings.
- Please do not ask for changes. These will be the groups for the three weeks of evaluations.
- If you do not see your child’s name please email administrator@hockeynanaimo.com
- Your child will need full gear including a neck guard to be on the ice.
- Jerseys will be handed out to players, do not get attached to the color or number, as they will be returned and team sets given after evaluations.
- Please check all your child’s gear fits and skates are sharpened BEFORE you come to the first ice time.
Make sure your player has a practice jersey and socks to begin the season with.
Once teams are formed please be in contact with your team manager for all ice times
Once teams are formed please be in contact with your team manager for all ice times
U9 – 2018 Born Players Ice Times
U9 ICE schedule 2026 as of Aug 18
Please find the evaluation grouping lists and schedule above.
A couple things to remember:
- These are NOT the final teams for the season, these are simply evaluation groupings.
- Please do not ask for changes. These will be the groups for the three weeks of evaluations.
- If you do not see your child’s name please email administrator@hockeynanaimo.com
- Your child will need full gear including a neck guard to be on the ice.
- Jerseys will be handed out to players, do not get attached to the color or number, as they will be returned and team sets given after evaluations.
- Please check all your child’s gear fits and skates are sharpened BEFORE you come to the first ice time.
Make sure your player has a practice jersey and socks to begin the season with.
Once teams are formed please be in contact with your team manager for all ice times
Once teams are formed please be in contact with your team manager for all ice times
Learn More about Hockey Canada Seasonal Structures:
Home Tournament Jamboree Hosted March 20-21, 2027
Benefits of half-ice for U9 hockey
Opportunity for development increases as the size of the rink decreases
There can be concerns from parents about how small-area games may impact their child’s hockey development, but parents should trust Hockey Canada and its research. Putting young players into a competitive environment too early will compromise their development; they need to be placed into competitive situations that suit their age-specific abilities. This is why Hockey Canada’s Long-Term Player Development Model is so important.
Benefits of half-ice for U9 hockey
Opportunity for development increases as the size of the rink decreases
Dividing the playing surface is a decision that has been made in consultation with experts in athlete development. It is important to understand the benefits of half-ice hockey and why Hockey Canada has a national policy ensuring U9 hockey is played in smaller, modified spaces.
You have to be able to make plays in pretty small areas. The more you practice in small spaces the better off you are. "
Sidney Crosby,
Canada’s National Men’s Team
