What are the goaltender safety and goaltender-change rules in U13?
Rule- Canada
- Hockey Canada
- Minor hockey
- U13
- Body contact
- Playing Rules 2026-2028
- 2026-27
- Coaches
Rules from the Hockey Canada Playing Rules 2026-2028 that apply in U13:
- Puck to the head (Rule 6.18): in categories of U13 and below, if a goaltender is struck in the head by the puck, the referee stops play as soon as it is safe, unless the puck deflects directly into the goal, in which case the goal stands. Otherwise the face-off is at the nearest end-zone face-off location to where the shot was taken. Officials must allow team staff to evaluate the goaltender during that stoppage so concussion protocols can be applied.
- Skater who goes into goal (Rule 2.4 d): a player who replaces the goaltender must use at least a helmet, proper facial protection and a goaltender's stick, and is allowed the goaltender's full equipment. In divisions of U13 and above, goaltender leg pads are mandatory for that player. In U13 and below, a player who has been designated as a goaltender may return to a non-goaltender position.
- Injured goaltender (Rule 2.4 c): if a dressed alternate goaltender is available, the injured goaltender is replaced by them with no warm-up. With no alternate, the injured goaltender gets 10 minutes to recuperate, plus 5 more minutes if a replacement is needed, for a total of 15 minutes, and then must stay off the ice until the next stoppage.
Added 25 Oct 2026