Hockey Alberta has said it plans to introduce significant updates to player eligibility, registration, and movement rules, giving families more flexibility and choice starting in the 2025-2026 season.
For the first time in over 25 years, first-time hockey players would no longer be tied to residency-based boundaries, allowing them to choose the Minor Hockey Association (MHA) that best fits their needs. These changes aim to adapt to the evolving sports landscape, where MHAs face increasing competition to recruit and retain players.
What’s changing?
- First-Time Registration: New hockey registrants will have the freedom to join any MHA, regardless of their address.
- Transfers Between MHAs: Written permission will still be required for players to transfer between MHAs, except in specific scenarios, like when an MHA lacks age-appropriate teams.
- AA and AAA Recruitment: Recruitment areas and draw zones for elite levels (AA and AAA) will remain, but player eligibility will now depend on their last registered MHA instead of residency.
Hockey Alberta says the updates will simplify administrative processes for MHAs and prioritize player experience by focusing on factors such as coaching, level of play, and programming over residency rules.
Impact on communities
According to Hockey Alberta, Smaller MHAs may find new opportunities to attract players by promoting benefits such as lower fees, better ice times, or more consistent schedules. Meanwhile, larger organizations like Hockey Edmonton and Hockey Calgary will still manage their own internal boundaries and membership policies.
Next steps for MHAs
The proposed changes are open for feedback until January 31, 2025, allowing MHAs time to review the impacts and adjust their own policies ahead of the 2025-2026 season.
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