Hockey Manitoba’s Under-7 Face-off Festivals are one of the largest and most impactful grassroots initiatives across Canada. The scope of the project sees a collaborative hosting effort by Hockey Manitoba, its regional bodies, and Minor Hockey Associations. Last year, 8 sites across the province hosted over 1,500 Under-7 aged players!
The objectives of this initiative are to create a fun and exciting event for Under-7 players, while promoting cross-ice hockey and skill development. This is often the first large-scale hockey event for our players, and is designed in a safe, fun, and inclusive manner that fosters a sense of community for everyone involved. In conjunction with the on-ice development of the players, there is also an educational component wherein new hockey parents will learn about the U7 program, its development evolution, what it means to be involved in the sport through a pre-recorded presentation created by Hockey Manitoba.
Join Hockey Manitoba in welcoming Under-7 (U7) players across the province to hockey in a fun-filled event across the province!
Who: U7 Teams in Manitoba
What: On-ice events and other activities
When: October 15, 2026 – December 15, 2026
Where: Facilities across the Province
Why: To celebrate a return to the ice and welcome new players to hockey.
Regions
Regions should schedule ice times for all U7 teams throughout the day. If multiple MHAs apply from the same Region, Hockey Manitoba will work with the Region to determine the best course of action. We are encouraging each Region to hold one larger event in collaboration with Minor Hockey Associations, providing an opportunity for the kids and parents to connect across their regions and associations.
Aim to create a fun event atmosphere by including games, off-ice training, special guests, fundraisers, prizes, and other fun events or attractions.
Dates
Dates will be confirmed based on availability. We aim to have one Faceoff Festival per weekend; however, Hockey Manitoba will work with the Regions to determine the best solution. Hockey Manitoba will work with regions to schedule a U7 Faceoff Festival when it works within their community approximately mid-October to mid-December to ensure the event is a key component of the start of the hockey season.
Winnipeg
In the Winnipeg region, we recommend that the ten (10) Area Associations work together to run a total of three (3) U7 Faceoff Festivals. Ideally, two to four (2-4) Associations will combine to run their respective event and collectively decide on the date and location that works best for them.
Rural Regions
Each rural region will designate and work with a host location/Association to run their U7 Faceoff Festival and determine the location that works best for them. Due to the cost of covering the ice, Regions will only be guaranteed one (1) event. Should Regions wish to host a 2nd U7 Faceoff Festival event, they are welcome to submit an application which will be subject to approval by Hockey Manitoba.
RECORDED GRASSROOTS PRESENTATION
A recorded presentation will be circulated by Hockey Manitoba to the hosts for distribution to parents and families. It is highly encouraged that people take the time to watch the presentation, which will highlight the Long-Term Development principles, important information regarding grassroots hockey, the importance of teaching skating and incorporating skill development and age-appropriate training, as well as information on coach expectations at the U7 level.
Additionally, Hockey Manitoba will provide:
- Support in planning and preparations of events
- Gifts for participating players
- Communications support
More information/details will be provided to interested Regions/Minor Hockey Associations once their applications have been approved.
