U9 RAMBLERS PROGRAM


ABOUT OUR U9 PROGRAM
Our U9 Division (formally known as Novice) are for boys and girls aged 7-8. This level of hockey aims to enhance their skating skills, puck handling, and game play concepts. Additionally, players engage in a bi-weekly Power-Skating practice that emphasizes the significance of agility and speed on the ice.
The U9 season begins in September with Conditioning Camp and Evaluations, and concludes at the end of March. U9 teams have two 1-hour practices per week with one to two games (home/away) on weekends. Games are played on half-ice with no scorekeeping and no penalties. Didsbury Minor Hockey hosts an annual U9 Tournament the first weekend in January.
The U9 division is part of the Central Alberta Hockey League (CAHL) and play other teams from central Alberta, occasionally traveling approximately 1-1.5 hours for game play.
TOURNAMENTS
- Home Tournament: Each year, DMHA hosts a weekend tournament at the beginning of January. All DMHA U9 families are required to volunteer during the tournament. Volunteer roles may include working the raffle table, timekeeping, selling 50/50 tickets, and setting up or moving the half boards. Your support helps make this event a success and keeps it running smoothly for all players and families.
- Away Tournaments: Participation in away tournaments is optional and will be decided by each team once rosters are finalized. Team managers will discuss potential tournament options during the start-of-season parent meeting.Click here to view the list of sanctioned tournaments on Hockey Alberta’s website.
U9 PLAYER MOVEMENT TO U11
Didsbury Minor Hockey Association has implemented a U9 Player Movement policy, allowing second-year U9 players the opportunity to evaluate with the U11 group.
This initiative is designed to place players with others of similar skill levels, supporting individual growth, appropriate challenge, and enhanced development. It also provides these players with the opportunity to experience full-ice gameplay, participate in score-kept games, and gain exposure to playing defined positions, understanding offside rules, and taking penalties.
All movement decisions are based on evaluation outcomes and are made with the long-term development and best interests of each player in mind. If your child is a second year U9 player, DMHA's President will reach out to you before the season starts. Please note that if you are committed to joining this movement, you will be placed on the U11 team and will not be given the option to return to U9.
If you would like more information, please email DMHA's president at Didsburyminorhockeypresident@gmail.com.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024/2025 SEASON JERSEY SPONSORS:

