We’re thrilled to welcome your family to the 2025–2026 hockey season with the North Okanagan Minor Hockey Association. Whether your child is new to hockey or returning, this year will be full of fun, learning, and growth both on and off the ice.
To help you navigate the season, NOMHA has released an updated U7 & U9 Parent Information Handbook. Here’s a summary of what’s included and what to expect.
About NOMHA
The North Okanagan Minor Hockey Association runs local youth hockey programs from U7 up through U18. The U7 and U9 divisions are designed around fun, skill development, and fair play. Each team is powered by volunteers, and parent involvement is a key part of every child’s experience.
Registration and fees
Registration fees cover ice time, insurance, and referee costs. In addition to these base fees, each team typically has extra costs ranging from about $50 to $120 per player. These extra fees cover tournament registration, team parties, and things like name bars for jerseys. Most teams hold fundraisers or use home tournament profits to offset these costs.
Structure of the season
The U7 division is for players aged five and six. They usually practice one to two times per week and begin playing cross-ice games in November. Teams may share ice time for practices. Each team plays in two out-of-town tournaments and one local home tournament, typically after January 1. Teams are built to be balanced, and all players get equal ice time. Scheduling and communication are managed through the TeamSnap app.
In U7, Hockey Canada requires no games until November 1. From November through December, the schedule includes three practices for every one game. From January through March, the ratio shifts to two practices for every one game.
The U9 division is for players aged seven and eight. U9 players usually practice twice a week on fixed evenings. They start with cross-ice games and transition to full-ice games after December 15. Teams participate in one local tournament, one semi-local tournament, and one home tournament. This division starts introducing team strategy and positional play in preparation for U11.
In U9, the Hockey Canada requirements are slightly different. There are no games until November 1. From November through mid-December, the ratio is two practices per game. After December 15, the season moves to one practice per game. U9 players are capped at 40 total games per season, including tournaments and exhibitions.
Equipment requirements
Every player must be fully equipped with CSA-approved hockey gear. This includes a helmet with full face mask, neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, jock or jill, shin pads, gloves, skates, and a stick. NOMHA provides a jersey and game socks, but players need to bring their own practice jersey and socks. Each player should also have a clearly labeled water bottle.
NOMHA recommends players wear a base layer such as a long-sleeved shirt under their gear. A helpful equipment fitting video is available on the Hockey Canada YouTube channel for families who are new to the sport.
Volunteer roles and certification
Each team depends on several key volunteer roles, including Head Coach, Assistant Coaches, On-Ice Helpers, Team Manager, Safety Person, Jersey Parent, Goalie Equipment Parent, and Tournament Coordinator. During games, volunteers also help with the clock, score sheets, and other support tasks.
All on-ice volunteers must complete their certifications by December 1. Required training includes Respect in Sport, a criminal record check, Concussion Awareness training, and various coaching or safety courses depending on the role. NOMHA reimburses the costs for these certifications.
Team operations and policies
Please review all applicable NOMHA policies.
At the start of each season, players and parents are asked to sign the Hockey Canada Fair Play Code. NOMHA encourages a Team First approach and supports positive sportsmanship. If concerns arise, the Association asks families to follow the 24-hour rule before raising issues. After that, concerns should be directed to the Coach or Team Manager before contacting the Executive.
In U7, there are no full-time goalies. Each player takes a turn in net, and teams share the goalie equipment provided by NOMHA.
Players are expected to arrive about 20 minutes before ice time to get dressed. Dressing should happen in the locker room, not in the lobby. Cameras are not permitted in dressing rooms, and all supervision must follow the Rule-of-Two policy for safety.
Tournaments, photos, and team events
Each team hosts a home tournament during the season. The Coach or Team Manager will share your team’s dates. These weekends are a highlight of the season and rely on full parent participation. There may be volunteer duties like raffle tables, goodie bag assembly, or game-day setup.
Team photos take place in late October or early November. Each player receives one individual and one team photo at no cost. Families can order additional prints if they wish.
Communication tools
TeamSnap will be your go-to app for scheduling, availability, and team communication. The NOMHA website and Facebook page also post updates, forms, and contact info throughout the season. You can reach the NOMHA executive anytime via the contact page at nomha.com.
Ready to get started?
We’re excited to have your family involved in NOMHA this season. The U7 and U9 divisions are where many lifelong hockey journeys begin, and we’re here to make it fun and welcoming. If you have questions, please talk to your team’s Coach or Manager.
Let’s have a great season!