What ice surface and game format does U9 use?

U9 is a learn-to-play program for 7-8-year-olds, and Hockey Canada requires all U9 hockey to be played in smaller, modified spaces (half-ice).

• Surface: the maximum size is 100 feet by 85 feet (dividers placed at the centre line of a regular rink).
• Format: the Two-Team, Two-Game Model. Two teams play each other in two half-ice games at once, one on each half of the rink. Each team is split into two units, each with its own goaltender, so each team dresses two goaltenders.
• Players: 4-on-4 plus a goaltender in full goalie equipment.
• Length: two periods on a run-time clock, not to exceed 60 minutes total. The pathway says two 25-minute halves is only a recommendation, based on a 60-minute ice session.
• Benches: teams share the player benches, each using the gate closest to its net. After the first half the visiting team switches ends and benches so players face the other half of the opposing team.
• Where there are fewer players, only one end may be used for the game and the other half used for practice.