Body Checking League Structures for 2010-2011

The change will cover Pee Wee to Midget male divisions. For minor hockey associations with multiple teams in the "A" category, those additional teams will be classified as recreational and will participate in the non-checking league. For example, if an association had three (3) Pee Wee "A" teams last year, then this coming season, one (1) will be Pee Wee "A" checking and two (2) will be Pee Wee Recreational.

1.  "AAA" – Checking (max. 1 team per association or designated zone)
2.  "AA" – Checking (max. 1 team per association)
3.  "A" – Checking (max. 1 team per association)
4.  Recreational – non checking (unlimited number of teams)

Minor Hockey Associations that only have one (1) team at the "A" level, may choose to play in the "A" checking category or choose to participate in the recreational category. Some associations with one team will have many things to consider when making the decision to participate in the "A" checking league or recreational non-checking. Discussion with members and neighboring associations about their choices will all be factors that can aide in that decision.

These changes have been endorsed by the Hockey PEI board of directors. We are just in the process of re-working the language regarding the applicable regulations in the Hockey PEI constitution. However, we wanted to inform you that this change will be effective beginning in the 2010-2011 season.

Presently we are finalizing all the details related to player transfers and player affiliation in relation to the adoption of this new category of play. Those details should be confirmed and released by the end of July.

There has been some misleading information distributed recently through the media. This memo clarifies some of those misconceptions going forward. If you have any questions regarding this change, do not hesitate to contact myself or talk with Executive Director Rob Newson at the office.

Regards,

Barry Thompson

Chair, Hockey PEI Minor Council