How do releases work, and can I appeal if my team will not release me?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under Hockey Canada Regulation G (2026-27): To move to another team you must first be Released from your team's HCR roster. The release is effective when the team releases you from the roster (G.1, G.4). Releases are unconditional, although a Member (provincial or territorial branch) can set conditions or criteria on releases within its own area (G.5). The Member's Executive Director can refuse a transfer to another team in the same Member even after a release (G.3). You can appeal to obtain your release under By-Law 46, after exhausting all appeal options within your Member (G.7). A suspended player can be released only at the discretion of the Member and Hockey Canada, and only if it is arranged that you serve the suspension with the new team (G.6). You do not need a release if, for example, you were not registered with any team in Hockey Canada or another federation the previous season, you are of Junior age or younger and your parent moves house and you move with them, your team disbanded on or before January 10, or you were registered the previous season with a team that does not operate this season (G.9). A player deleted or omitted from a team's roster on January 10 is automatically released on that date and can register with any other team if otherwise eligible (E.8). If you want to re-sign with your former team after being released, you must obtain a new player registration (E.16).