What ages are youth Ball Hockey?
Youth Divisions:Ages, Birth Years, Fees & Schedule (2026 Season)
Age is determined as of January 1, 2026, using a January 1-December 31 birth-year cutoff.
U5 - Age 4 Only
Birth Year: 2021
Fee: $110/player (+GST)
Days/Times:
Saturdays: 11:00-12:00 PM or 12:00-1:00 PM
U7 - Ages 5-6
Birth Years: 2019-2020
Fee: $140/player (+GST)
Days/Times:
Saturdays
U9 - Ages 7-8
Birth Years: 2017-2018
Fee: $335/player (+GST)
Days/Times:
Monday & Wednesday: 6:00-7:00 PM or 7:00-8:00 PM
U11 - Ages 9-10
Birth Years: 2015-2016
Fee: $335/player (+GST)
Days/Times:
Monday & Wednesday: 6:00-7:00 PM or 7:00-8:00 PM
U13 - Ages 11-12
Birth Years: 2013-2014
Fee: $335/player (+GST)
Days/Times:
Tuesday & Thursday: 6:00-7:00 PM or 7:00-8:00 PM
U15 - Ages 13-14
Birth Years: 2011-2012
Fee: $335/player (+GST)
Days/Times:
Tuesday & Thursday: 6:00-7:00 PM or 7:00-8:00 PM
U18 - Ages 15-17
Birth Years: 2008-2010
Fee: $335/player (+GST)
Days/Times:
Monday & Wednesday: 8:00-9:00 PM
Additional games may be scheduled on Friday and/or Sunday as needed.
Note:
Divisions, fees, and schedules may be adjusted based on registration numbers and facility availability.
Mens and Womens Season Start Dates and Fees
Fees
Individual Player Fee:
Womens & Mens: $335.00/player
If we do not have enough individual registrations to form a full team, we will make every effort to place players on existing teams that need players. If placement is not possible, your fee will be refunded.
Team Fees:
Womens Teams: $3,650.00
Mens Teams: $4,250.00
Why is there an increase in team fees?
Floor time costs have continued to rise over the past few years, and there has been another increase this year. Team fees have been adjusted to reflect these higher facility costs.
What days do the Womens; Mens teams play?
Womens Division: Games are scheduled for Monday and Wednesday evenings.
Mens Division: Games are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with additional games slotted into other weekdays as needed.
Overflow: Friday and Sunday evenings may be used for overflow games.
All scheduling is subject to change based on registration numbers and facility availability.
Can we register a full kids teams this season?
Yes and no.
The only youth division permitted to register full teams is U18. This exception is in place to help players gain team-building experience before transitioning into the mens league.
Full team registrations are not allowed in any other youth division. As the league continues to grow, this policy may be reviewed and updated in future seasons.
Can I coach the youth programs?
Yes, you can absolutely be a coach. You can register online.
Do you need Referees and Scorekeepers?
Yes, we do. If you're interested, please send an email to admin@npbh.ca.
Are Jersey's supplied?
Mens and Womens teams supply their own jerseys. Or for a fee, we can provide jersey, shorts and socks. Jerseys for youth divisions are supplied by the league and need to be returned once the season is over.
How will seeding and team placement be determined?
For the mens and womens divisions, Initial tiering will be based on previous seasons’ results and players’ past experience. Our goal is to maintain strong parity across all teams, and we will make adjustments when necessary to ensure balanced competition.
Is there an Old Timers division?
If there are enough teams to form the division, we will revisit each season.
What equipment is required for Youth?
Players will need a helmet with a cage, gloves, a stick, a ball hockey shin pad (soccer-style), and soccer socks to cover the guards.
Why do I have more games in one arena than another?
Currently, we only have access to Dave Barr Arena and Sexsmith Arena for ball hockey. These facilities are shared by all NPBH teams and by other community programs that use the space. Because of this, floor time availability varies, and some divisions may end up with more games in one location than in another.
As our league grows, additional arenas may be added. We will always do our best to keep schedules as balanced as possible, though perfect equality may not always be achievable due to overall numbers and facility availability.
When and Where are Youth Provincials?
When: TBA
Where: TBA
As soon as the dates and location are announced, we will be arranging blocks of hotel rooms for teams and families.
Can we have practice time in the Youth Divsions?
Yes. This year, each team will receive three half-floor practice sessions before the season begins. These sessions will be shared with another team.
If youth teams are not balanced, will there be player movement?
Yes. If the league determines that a team is significantly stronger than others, we may adjust rosters. Our goal is to ensure fair play, competitive balance, and an enjoyable experience for all players.
You collect suspension fees for the mens and womens divisions: where does the money go?
All suspension fees are directed back into the league. These funds help support families who may not otherwise be able to afford ball hockey, ensuring more kids and adults can stay involved in the sport.
None of this money goes into our pockets: it is fully reinvested to support our players and strengthen the league.
Womens and Mens team is in need of a spare goalie? Can we use another goalie from our Division?
Yes, you may use another goalie from within your division. However, they may only play for your team up to 5 times during the regular season.
For playoffs, teams must use their own goalie or dress a player as a replacement.
My stats are incorrect. Can they be changed?
If you believe your stats are incorrect during your game, please speak with the referee immediately after the game so corrections can be made on the spot.
If you notice an issue after the game, please email admin@NPBH.CA
with the details. We will review the game sheet along with the information provided.
Please note:
Not all stat-change requests will be approved, as changes must match the official game sheet and information from all parties.
Stat updates may take up to 48+ hours to process.
Handing out jerseys took a long time. Will this be done differently next season?
Yes. We will be implementing an Equipment Night where each team’s coach or designated jersey parent will pick up all jerseys and equipment at the same time.
To keep things organized throughout the season:
Each team will have a jersey parent responsible for managing and bringing the jerseys to every game.
Jerseys will be kept together to ensure nothing is lost and players always have what they need.
Extra jerseys will be available if players require a different size.
This new system will streamline the process and reduce delays.
Do you have a 24 hour rule?
Yes, please use the 24-hour rule when having an issue with your game. That includes any issues with parents, other coaches, Ref's, Scorekeepers or other players and teams.
Are we allowed to pick up players?
Yes, teams may pick up players as long as the player has not played for another team this season.
After your team has played 10 games, the roster becomes frozen, and no additional players can be added.
Who should contact the league with a question or complaint once the season has started?
To help us respond efficiently, please use the proper communication channels:
Mens & Womens Teams: Contact your team captain.
Youth Teams: Contact your coach or team manager.
We receive a high volume of emails each day, and following these channels ensures your question or concern is addressed faster and more accurately.
If you do not receive the response you’re looking for, please email admin@NPBH.ca
.
If a player quits, in the Mens or Womens division, can they play for another team in the same season?
Yes. (NEW 2026 Season) If a player wishes to join another team during the same season, they must first receive a release from their original team captain. A player cannot be added to a new roster until that release is confirmed.
Where are Mens and Womens Provincials?
Provincials are July 14-16 TBA
Friend Requests: Are they allowed?
No. (NEW 2026 Season)
We understand how busy family schedules can be, especially when you have more than one child in sports, work commitments, or when kids simply love playing with their friends. Unfortunately, accepting friend requests can make it very hard for us to create balanced teams where all players have a fair and positive experience.
Our goal is to build teams that give every child the chance to learn, grow, and enjoy ball hockey.
To help with convenience, we will provide your team list with contact information, so parents can easily connect and arrange carpooling when needed.
Are there goalies in the Youth Divisions?
U5: No: this group is a development division, and we focus on fundamentals.
U7: No: this is also a development division with no goalies.
U9, U11, U13, U15 & U18: Yes, these divisions will have goalies.
Do you provide Youth goalie equipment?
Yes. We have limited goalie gear available for players who need it. Please email admin@NPBH.CA
If you have your own goalie equipment:
Goalies must have the following CSA-approved gear:
Goalie helmet
Goalie pads
Blocker
Glove
Chest protector
Hockey pants
Goalie stick
Referee Clinic
Registration is MANDATORY for all NEW & RETURNING referees
Minimum age: 13 years old (by April 30)
Attend all-day referee clinic (must pass exam)
Referee Clinic (mandatory for all officials):
Date: TBA
Time: 10:00- 4:00 PM
Location: TBA
Fee: $50
Includes: On-line Casebook/Rulebook, classroom & on-floor instruction, exam
What rule book will be held accountable for the game being played and the officiating being taught in clinic?
We will be using the CBHA (Canada Ball Hockey Association) rule book and official training program.
How will the league be structured?
We will be mirroring the CBHA (Canadian Ball Hockey Association) model. We intended to align ourselves with national standards and improve the overall player experience.