What is Minor Hockey?
Amateur hockey in Canada is overseen by the Canadian Minor Hockey Association. In Calgary it is administered by a member organization -the Minor Hockey Association of Calgary. These organizations ensure that all players have an equal opportunity to participate in a safe and fun sport.
A number of communities operate hockey programs within Calgary and the standards established by Minor Hockey permit the communities to participate in inter-community league play on a fair and consistent basis.
The McKnight Hockey Committee operates the hockey program for the communities of Beddington, Cambrian Heights, Country Hills, Crescent Heights, Greenview, Harvest Hills, Highland Park, Highwood, Huntington Hills, MacEwan, Mount Pleasant, North Haven, Pleasant Heights, Queens Park Village, Rosedale, Rosemont, Sandstone, Thorncliffe and Tuxedo.
McKnight’s mission is to provide all participants with an affordable, fair and competitive hockey experience that focuses on the development of individual and team hockey skills, the practice of good sportsmanship and fair play and the opportunity to be challenged while having fun.
Who can play?
Any boy or girl between the ages of 5 and 20. Based on their age on December 31, they play in one of these groups:
* Junior/Senior Timbits 5 & 6
* Novice 7 & 8
* Atom 9 & 10
* PeeWee 11 & 12
* Bantam 13 & 14
* Midget 15, 16 & 17
* Junior C 18, 19 & 20
What is the age of the Junior Timbits?
Junior Timbits are typically the 5 year old players however they will also be placed based on skill. eg: a 5 year old with a higher skill level may play in "Senior Timbits" while a 6 year old with little or no experience may play in "Junior Timbits" All players that turn 7 before December 31st of that season will be in Novice regardless of whether they played in "Junior" or "Senior" Timbits the prior season.
How long is the season?
The season starts in the beginning of September with several weeks of conditioning and evaluation. League games are held in November, December, January and February. Esso Minor Hockey Week is held the end of January. Playoffs are held in March for the Atom and older leagues.
Teams may decide to participate in tournaments during the Christmas period or after the playoff rounds.
Where do they play?
The Hockey Committee has three home arenas - West Mount Pleasant (2408 6th St NW), Thorncliffe/Greenview (5600 Center St N) and Huntington Hills arena at 520-78 Ave. N.W. (for a map with these locations, see the "Arenas" tab).
How hard is it for new players?
As with any sport, players have to acquire skills. The hockey season consists of about one practice and one game per week. The practices are designed to teach the necessary skills which vary by age group. The age groups are also broken into divisions to permit a player to play with other players of equal interest and ability.
At the initiation and novice levels most players need to learn skating skills. New players will find other players at their level and coaches will provide as much opportunity as possible to learn while having fun.
What are the parent’s responsibilities?
Parents must ensure their child is properly equipped. To be fair to your child and his teammates, your child should attend all games and practices. Each team has certain volunteer positions that need to be filled (manager, phone person, etc.) In Calgary a "Fair Play" code is signed off by players, parents and coaches.
Each community has its own fundraising activities in which parent’s have to participate.
McKnight Hockey
Confederation and the Thorncliffe Greenview Hockey programs merged in early 2000 to form the McKnight Hockey Program. At the beginning of the 2002-2003 hockey season CNC merged with the McKnight Hockey Program. Harvest Hills, Country Hills, Sandstone and MacEwan joined at the beginning of the 2009-2010 season.
What equipment is required?
Player Equipment List
•Hockey Skates
•CSA Approved Hockey Helmet with full Face Mask/Cage
•Neck Guard
•Shoulder Pads
•Elbow Pads
•Hockey Gloves
•Jock or Jill
•Hockey Pants
•Shin Pads
•Hockey Socks (Practice)
•Jersey (Practice)
•Hockey Stick
•Mouth Guard (The use of mouth guards is optional at the Timbits Level)
When is registration?
Registration is usually in August although the exact dates can vary. Please check the site regularly throughout the summer for upcoming dates.
How much are the fees?
The fees vary between the communities within McKnight. They generally range between $600 - $800 depending on the age category. Timbits are usually less then this. Certain communities may reduce their fees through volunteering. (i.e. working Bingos)
What is the schedule?
The hockey schedule varies from week to week. There are no set days or times. The most common times are between 5:00pm and 11:00pm on weekdays, (age appropriate) and anytime on weekends.
Are NASA players still allowed to register with McKnight?
Players falling under the NASA Association must now register with PSA. The only exception are those players born in 1994 or earlier that Grandfathered through McKnight for the 2009/2010 season.
When is registration for 2010/11 hockey season?
McKnight is currently working on setting up online registration for all communities with the exception of Thorncliffe/Greenview. If you reside in Thorncliffe/Greenview please contact the office for registration dates. 403-274-6840
What is Quadrant hockey?
Quadrant Hockey teams are the Elite teams or "AAA". The Quadrant in which McKnight players would try out for is called the Calgary Northstars Hockey Association. For more information please visit www.calgarynorthstars.ca
Do you have to pay fees before evaluations or after and if we do, where do we send the check to??
An arrangements to pay the fees needs to be made before players will be allowed on the ice for evaluations. Up to 3 post dated cheques can be made payable to McKnight Hockey before December 15th. Each community has slightly different rules, but it is generally sufficient to give a $100.00 deposit at the time of registration and then you may post date the cheques for the balance for the end of September, October, and November. These need to be sent in to McKnight in order to be considered an arrangement to pay. If the dates are not suitable, you need to contact McKnight to make different arrangements. Cheques can be sent to RPO Box 64261. 5828 - 4th Street NW. Calgary AB. T2K-6J0.
Need an answer?
If you have a question that requires a response, please contact me at headcoordinator@mcknighthockey.com or provide your question as well as your e-mail address in the submission box below. I can not respond without an e-mail address.
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