Hockey Canada loosens up on new rules after backlash

‘Select’ 6-year-old players will be allowed to play with 7-year-olds this season

Six-year-old kids who have already been chosen for select hockey teams for 7-year-olds will be allowed to play on those teams this season as an exception to Hockey Canada rules, the Ontario Hockey Federation announced Friday.

Some parents and local hockey league officials were riled as the hockey season began last week because new Hockey Canada rules for the youngest players threatened to disrupt their planned season.

The rules — part of the “initiation program” for new players — required all participating kids to adhere to practice and game curriculum that includes using only half the ice.

The rules sparked concerns that advanced kids under the age of 7 would be held back from participating on older select teams they had already tried out for and made, since those teams play on the full ice surface.

That’s not going to happen, the Ontario Hockey Federation said in a news release Friday.

“To see even one player’s season called into question because of an implementation issue of our mandate is one player too many,” Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney said in a statement.

One of those 6-year-old players affected was Brayden McPetrie, whose mom Jen spoke to the Star last week as the hockey season was starting.

On Friday, she said she appreciated that Hockey Canada reconsidered their hard-line stance and that she wholeheartedly agreed that one kid missing out is too many.

“My son will be thrilled that he will be able to play with his friends and his coaches this season,” she said.

The initiation program rules will still apply to non-select teams for the upcoming season.