KIDSPORT OIL COUNTRY

HOCKEY ASSIST PROGRAM

HOCKEY
101
GUIDE
WHERE TO BEGIN?
THE KIDSPORT
OIL COUNTRY HOCKEY ASSIST PROGRAM

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF),

KidSport Alberta & Sport Central have teamed up to
launch the KidSport Oil Country Hockey Assist
Program!

We recognize that hockey can be confusing for new

players and families. This guide will serve as a quick
reference with the basics about the game of hockey.

There are various forms of hockey for all skill levels

and age groups, so let's find the best fit for you and
your family!
 AGE GROUPS
The first step in the registration process is to determine what age group your
child will fall into. The age breakdowns are reflective of the child's age as of
December 31st of that year.

Under-7 (U7): Consisting of 5 and 6 year olds.

Under-9 (U9): Consisting of 7 and 8 year olds.

Under-11 (U11): Consisting of 9 and 10 year olds.

Under-13 (U13): Consisting of 11 and 12 year olds.

Under-15 (U15): Consisting of 13 and 14 year olds.

Under-16 (U16): Consisting of 15 year olds.

Under-18 (U18): Consisting of 15, 16 and 17 year olds.

 HOCKEY MODELS
The second step in the registration process is to determine what model of hockey you
would like your child to play. Each season typically begins in September and wraps up in
March. Refer to your team specific page for more approximate dates.

Intro to All games are played on cross ice/half ice for U7 and U9 participants.
Hockey These games include 4 on 4 game play and there is typically one ice
Model session per week.

Minor Full ice games with standard 5 on 5 game play for groups U11 and older.
Hockey Options for local city division play, competitive play with minimal travel, as
Model well as elite levels (AA/AAA) that require more travel.

Recreation Full ice games with standard 5 on 5 game play. Providing a moderately
Hockey structured option with a lower time and financial commitment.
Model Local game play and minimal travel.

Full ice games, standard 5 on 5 game play with no defined rules or age
Pond
categories. This is an option with a lower time and financial commitment,
Hockey
with local game play and minimal travel. Players can join a team and enjoy
Model
the game regardless of their skill set or commitment levels.

Hockey is for everyone at

any skill level.
 EQUIPMENT
MOUTH GUARD JERSEY NECK GUARD

HELMET AND CAGE

SOCKS
SHOULDER PADS

GLOVES SKATES
SHIN PADS

STICKS

HOCKEY PANTS

JOCK/JILL HOCKEY BAG

Now that we have determined an age group and hockey model, we will need equipment.
Equipment is required with every model, but please refer to your specific team to determine
their specific requirements. Equipment that fits properly is incredibly important for safe
play.

Our partners at Sport Central can help ensure your equipment is appropriately sized for your
hockey season.
 THE RINK
The hockey rink is an ice surface specifically designed for hockey.
It is rectangular with round corners and surrounded by a wall called the boards.

ZONE FACE-OFF
CIRCLE AND DOT

NEUTRAL ZONE
FACE-OFF DOT
200ft

RED LINE

CENTER ICE FACE-OFF

CIRCLE AND DOT

BLUE LINE

GOAL CREASE

GOAL LINE

85ft
 THE POSITIONS
Let's take a look at the different positions in the game.
Each position celebrates different skill sets.
There are 5 players (3 forwards and 2 defence) and 1 goalie on the ice at a time.

OFFENCE THE TEAM WITH POSSESSION OF THE PUCK TRYING TO SCORE ON THEIR OPPONENTS

PRIMARY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS TRYING TO SCORE ON OPPONENTS

FORWARD
LEFT WING CENTRE RIGHT WING

DEFENCE THE TEAM WITHOUT THE PUCK TRYING TO DEFEND AGAINST A GOAL FROM OPPONENTS

PRIMARY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS, HELPING THE GOALIE DEFEND INCOMING SHOTS

DEFENSEMEN
LEFT DEFENCE RIGHT DEFENCE

PLAYER RESPONSIBLE FOR BLOCKING AND CONTROLLING SHOTS FROM OTHER TEAM
GOALIE
AND PREVENTING THEM FROM GOING INTO THE NET

COACHES ARE VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT,

COACHES COMMUNICATE IN A POSITIVE WAY, TEACH FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS AND TACTICS AND
GIVE DIRECTION DURING GAMES
 THE RULES
Depending on age levels, there are different combinations of referees and linesmen on
the ice who maintain a safe environment by penalizing players who break rules and
ensure the game follows the appropriate structure.

WHEN A PLAYER ON THEIR TEAM’S SIDE OF THE RED LINE SHOOTS THE PUCK ALL THE
WAY DOWN THE ICE AND IT CROSSES THE GOAL LINE AT THE OTHER END.
ICING
WHEN THIS OCCURS, PLAY IS STOPPED AND THE PUCK IS RETURNED TO THE OTHER
END OF THE ICE FOR A FACE-OFF IN THE OFFENDING TEAM’S ZONE.

WHEN ANY MEMBER OF THE ATTACKING TEAM GOES OVER THE OFFENSIVE BLUE
OFFSIDE
LINE BEFORE THE PUCK.

A GAME THAT ENDS REGULATION PLAY (THREE 2O MIN PERIODS) WITH A TIE SCORE
WILL GO INTO A FIVE-MINUTE, SUDDEN-DEATH OVERTIME PERIOD. IF AT THE END OF
OVERTIME
THAT OVERTIME PERIOD THE GAME REMAINS TIED, THE GAME WILL THEN GO INTO A
SHOOTOUT.
 PENALTIES

Penalties are typically 2 minutes in length and spent in the penalty box, so their team
will have one less player on the ice (5 vs. 4). Depending on the severity of the penalty,
they can be 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and result in a game misconduct.
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY...

HAVE FUN!
 WE LOOK FORWARD
TO SEEING YOU ON
THE ICE THIS YEAR!

For more information about the KidSport Oil Country Hockey Assist
Program, visit us at kidsporthap.ca.

Our Partners