Which players are eligible for U13, and how is a player's age worked out?

Under the Hockey Canada By-Laws, Regulations and History (2026-27 season), Regulation B:

• U13 and U13 Female are open to players twelve (12) years of age and younger in the current playing season.
• A player's age is calculated as of December 31 of the current season.
• A Member may allow a player to register in a lower age division if the player qualifies under the Member's guidelines. That player is ineligible to register with or affiliate to any team in a division or category that could earn the right to play in a National or Regional Championship.
• In non-Female divisions of minor hockey, a Member may split a division by age so first-year players play in a separate subdivision from second- or third-year players. Each subdivision counts as a division and carries an age identifier matching its players.
• A division can be split into categories: AAA, AA, A, B and any lower categories a Member creates.