Goals, Values & Purpose
Hockey Manitoba’s Regional Development Pilot Project was created with one core belief: every player deserves access to quality development – close to home, regardless of skill level or postal code.
This development program is designed to bridge the gap in development programming that is offered from region to region by addressing overextended travel, limited development options, and other factors that lead to players leaving the game. It will deliver accessible, consistent, and regionalized development while keeping players engaged with their Minor Hockey Association.
Inclusion and Belonging
The Regional Development Pilot Project is committed to making hockey a place where every child feels welcome and valued. With that at the front of our minds, the program will focus on three core principles:
1 – No athlete will be cut from the program
2 – Every athlete will be welcomed and made to feel that they belong and are a part of the program.
3 – The focus of the program is on development, growth and participation for all athletes – regardless of their starting point.
Program Goals
The overall goals of the program are identified as the following:
1 – Enhance access to on and off-ice development for all athletes.
2 – Keep hockey an affordable activity that can take place within the local community.
3 – Support volunteer coaches and minor hockey associations.
4 – Inspire athletes at all levels leading to better athlete retention.
5 – Foster collaboration between MHA’s and enhance regional unity.
Core Values
Accessibility – Development shouldn’t be limited by geography or income.
Collaboration – We succeed when Hockey Manitoba, Regions and Minor Hockey Associations all work together.
Transparency – Families deserve to know how the program works.
Balance – Understand and support that players play the game for a variety of reasons which include joy and connection, not just for performance.
Consistency – Development should occur on a regular basis with a high quality of instruction.
Retention – Keep players in the game by fostering a love for the sport through development and inclusion.
- Athletes must register within the minor hockey region where they reside. If you are unsure which region you are a part of please consult the Minor Hockey Association Directory by clicking HERE.
- Program Cost – $750 (U11), $900 (U13 & U15). $100 deposit goes toward jersey/socks with the remaining balance due before evaluations.
- This is a supplementary program designed to complement regular season play – athletes must still register and roster with their minor hockey association.
- Program will run from October to March with one weekly practice hosted by the regional in a centralized location.
- Practices will be led by regional committees or hired Development Coordinators.
- Athletes may attend skill-based showcases held throughout the season. Parent coaches will be used at the events to limit overall cost.
- Educational components/presentations at showcase are mandatory for athletes.
- Athletes will continue to register for their regular minor hockey through the HCR.
- Athletes will still follow the closest center rule.
- MHA’s and Leagues must avoid scheduling practices on blackout nights (determined by the region).
- Athletes cannot be held back by the MHA or their club team from attending practices or showcases as a part of the pilot project.
- Club teams may want to consider going to one practice per week to accommodate different commitment levels.
- Explore reducing travel to cut costs and time demands.
- Maintain open communication with your regional committee.
- Coordinate weekly practices from October to March.
- Use skilled volunteer coaches or hired Development Coordinators for all practices.
- Select centralized location to host practices that can reduce the overall travel burden.
- Set and share blackout nights by age group.
- Organize and assign staff for Showcase Events.
- Deliver mandatory athlete education at Showcase Events.
- Maintain communication with MHA’s, families and Hockey Manitoba.
- Manage program budgets transparently and refund any surplus.
- Provide mid-season and end of season reports.
U11 Gold/Silver/Bronze
- December 12 - 14 - Brandon
- February 12 - 16 - Central Plains
U13 AA
- October 10 - 12 - Westman South
- November 7 - 9 - Central Plains
- January 2 - 4 - Westman South
- March 19 - 22 - Parkland – Playoff Weekend
U13 Gold/Silver/Bronze
- November 7 – 9 - Central Plains
- January 2 - 4 - Westman South
- March 19 - 22 - Parkland
U15 Gold/Silver/Bronze
- October 10 -12 - Westman South
- January 2 - 4 - Westman South
- March 19 - 22 - Parkland – Playoff Weekend