How do I sign my child up for hockey?
Welcome to Hockey Canada's comprehensive guide to getting your child started on the exciting journey of minor hockey!
To register your child for hockey in Canada, start with the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR), Hockey Canada’s official registration system.
The HCR connects you with your local hockey association based on where you live and shows the programs available for your child’s age group.
Sign in or create an account, select an eligible program and complete your child’s hockey registration through the Hockey Canada Registry.
Hockey is a fun team sport that fosters new friendships, healthy physical activity and life skills that go beyond the ice.
When kids of all ages start to play hockey, it's all about having fun. As kids advance in skill, fun remains the foundation, through increased competition.
Through hockey, players will make lifelong friends and learn teamwork, dedication, determination, perseverance and commitment.
Athlete safety is our top priority. Hockey Canada governs minor hockey to best protect all of its participants.
Does your child want to play recreationally or competitively? Once a week in your neighbourhood or more frequently? Minor hockey associations are increasingly offering scheduling options for families.
No matter your skill level or experience, there's a team for you.
Find out where to play hockey
Join the hockey community
Find HockeyRegister through your local association or province
Hockey is more than just a sport; it's a thrilling team activity that fosters friendships, physical fitness, and essential life skills in a safe and welcoming environment, all while accommodating your family's schedule. As a passionate advocate for the sport, Hockey Canada and it's Members are committed to providing a clear and engaging pathway for players and parents who are eager to embark on this adventure together.
Beyond fun, hockey’s about teamwork, building self confidence and providing lifestyle benefits and skills that give your child an edge in life, away from the rink."
Benefit |
Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs |
Non-sanctioned programs |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recognized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) |  |
Yes, which allows teams sanctioned by Hockey Canada to compete against teams from other IIHF Member National Associations |  |
No, as well as not guaranteed to be overseen by any governing body |
| Supported and recognized by government as the official system for hockey in Canada | |
Yes | |
No |
| Eligible to participate in sanctioned hockey tournaments | |
Yes | |
No |
| Partners with the NHL, CHL, CJHL, U SPORTS and others that operate under sanctioned hockey | |
Yes | |
No |
| Opportunity to be an affiliate player in a Hockey Canada-sanctioned league, including the CHL, CJHL and Junior A | |
Yes | |
No |
| Suspensions are tracked and upheld if a player, coach or staff member move between leagues | |
Yes | |
No, and any suspension from a Hockey Canada-sanctioned league is not guaranteed to be recognized in future non-sanctioned play |
| Eligible to submit confidential complaints of maltreatment, abuse or harassment to the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner or Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party | |
Yes | |
No |
| Opportunities to participate in low-cost entry-level introduction to hockey programs, such as NHL/NHLPA First Shift, Esso Fun Days and Dreams Come True | |
Yes | |
No |
| Eligible to be selected for national and provincial and territorial high-performance teams and programs | |
Yes | |
No |
| Coaches, officials and staff may be considered for additional sanctioned assignments and opportunities including participation in IIHF events, CHL, CJHL and Junior A games, Program of Excellence events and regional and national championships | |
Yes | |
No |
| Eligible to compete in provincial and national championships hosted by Hockey Canada and its Member branches | |
Yes | |
No |
| Opportunity to collaborate with Hockey Canada and its Member branches across the country, who have successful track records of organizational and financial stability | |
Yes | |
No |
| Eligible to be rostered in a Hockey Canada-sanctioned league for the remainder of the season, including CHL, CJHL and Junior A | |
Yes |  |
Ineligible if participating in non-sanctioned hockey after September 30 |
| Officials have been trained and certified by Hockey Canada | |
Yes | |
Not guaranteed |
| Proven model for hockey to be enjoyed recreationally and competitively | |
Yes | |
Not guaranteed |
| Mandatory criminal record and/or vulnerable sector check for all coaches, bench staff, trainers and officials. | |
Yes | |
Not guaranteed |
| Full, standardized insurance coverage, including Commercial General Liability, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance and Directors and Officers Liability | |
Yes | |
Not guaranteed |
| Standardized rulebook for all levels of hockey | |
Yes | |
Not guaranteed |
| Mandatory education, certification and training required for coaches, trainers and officials | |
Yes | |
Not guaranteed |
| Standardized age-appropriate hockey programs | |
Yes | |
Not guaranteed |
Hockey Canada has published Building the Future of Women’s and Girls’ Hockey, a discussion paper that has identified six key barriers negatively impacting the game.
How to Fit Hockey Gear (Goalies)
Our equipment fitting guide provides tips to ensure that your child’s hockey gear is fitted safely and comfortably.
Over 615,000 players were registered in Hockey Canada programs in 2025-26, marking a fifth-consecutive season of growth.
How to Fit Hockey Gear (Player)
A parent-friendly guide from Hockey Canada and Bauer to help ensure your child’s hockey equipment fits safely, comfortably and is game ready.
Photos
Videos
2025 World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend
HCC: One For All in Yellowknife
2023 WGIHW: Coming together to celebrate girls hockey
August 9, 2026
August 8, 2026
July 31, 2026
July 8, 2026
