How big is a Junior A roster, and how many 20-year-olds can dress?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under Hockey Canada Regulation E (2026-27): Junior teams are allotted a maximum of 45 registrants, but cannot have more than 25 players on the roster at any one time (E.1, E.2 (a)). On January 10, Junior teams must reduce to no more than 25 in total of players on the roster plus allotted but unused registrations (E.4). If the maximum number of players is registered, at least two must be goaltenders (E.5). A maximum of nine (9) twenty-year-olds, including Affiliate Players, are permitted on game sheets for all regular season and playoff games in Junior A (E.3). A team that has the maximum registered players on its roster on January 10 cannot register any more players that season. A team with fewer can register eligible players until the Final Registration Date, but once a vacancy is filled it cannot be used again (E.11).