When can U9 players move to full-ice games?

Hockey Canada policy permits the transition to full-ice game play December 26 or later for U9 players (earlier editions of the pathway said January 15, so older material may differ).

• Seven-year-olds play half-ice all year.
• Eight-year-olds play half-ice from October through December and may transition to full ice December 26 or later.
• Each Hockey Canada Member (provincial or territorial body) determines whether a transition to full ice is permitted in its jurisdiction.
• Where age divisions are combined, the options are half-ice all year for ages 7-8, half-ice all year plus a six-week transition program for players who turn eight in February and March, or half-ice with a transition to full ice December 26 or later.

If a team transitions, the regular season is up to 14 weeks and the end-of-season phase up to 6 weeks, and practices continue to introduce full-ice concepts.