Regional Development Program
The Regional Development Program gives players quality coaching close to home, no matter their skill level or postal code. It’s built to close the gap in development options between regions, cutting down on travel while keeping players rostered with their Minor Hockey Association. No athlete is cut, and every athlete is welcomed as part of the program. The focus stays on development, growth and participation, with Hockey Manitoba, regions and associations working together to keep it affordable and consistent.
The program consists of:
- Regional Development Practices – one practice every two weeks
- Regional Development Exhibition Games – one game day every month
- Showcase Competition Weekends – November, January, March
There will be no programming in the Brandon or Winnipeg regions for the 2026-27 season.
If you have questions about programming in your home region, contact the applicable person below:
| Region | Name | |
| Interlake | Chantel Finnbogason | director@interlakeminorhockey.ca |
| Interlake | Sean James | vicedirector_male_grassroots@interlakeminorhockey.ca |
| Pembina Valley | Joel Enns | pvmhavicedirector@gmail.com |
| Central Plains | Tyson Unrau | tysonunrau@hotmail.com |
| Westman South | Tristan Dietrich | tcdietrich@outlook.com |
| Parkland | Ryan Gardner | development@parklandhockey.com |
| Yellowhead | Matt Saler | yhdeastrep@gmail.com |
| Yellowhead | Shawn Turchinski | yhdvicedirector@gmail.com |
| Norman | Brett Pearson | developmentnrha@gmail.com |
RDP Monthly Exhibition Game Dates
The following Sundays have been confirmed for regions to use when scheduling exhibition games and/or competitions with other regions participating in the Regional Development Program.
Blackout dates include:
- Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Sunday, November 15, 2026
- Sunday, December 20, 2026
- Sunday, January 17 or 31, 2027 (TBA, dependent on showcase date)
- Sunday, February 21, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Regional Development Program?
The Regional Development Program provides athletes with additional opportunities to develop their skills and understanding of the game through practice, competition, and other development opportunities.
Who can participate?
The program is available to eligible athletes in the U11, U13, and U15 age categories within participating regions.
Is the program gender-specific?
No. The RDP is open to eligible athletes regardless of gender.
How do I register?
Registration is handled by your region. Contact your regional representative (listed above) to register and get details on program fees and next steps.
Why am I registering through Hockey Manitoba?
As this is a developing program, Hockey Manitoba is using a centralized registration to track participation across regions and monitor the program’s growth and success over time.
Which registration should I complete?
Register through the registration for the region you will be participating with and select the appropriate age category.
How much does the program cost?
Program fees are not collected through this registration. Your region will provide information about the applicable fee and payment process at a later date.
What happens after I register?
Your region will follow up directly with practice schedules, payment details, and any other next steps. Your registration will also be shared with Hockey Manitoba to help track participation across the province.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
- For questions about the centralized registration, please contact Stephanie Keith – Coordinator, Player Development with Hockey Manitoba – at skeith@hockeymanitoba.ca.
- For questions about regional programming, schedules, or payment, please contact your regional representative.
