The Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) is announcing an important policy update regarding the U15 division ahead of the 2026–27 season. Beginning this fall, the U15 B division will officially transition to a body checking tier.
For the 2026–27 season, each zone will host one (1) U15 B team.
Non-Body Checking Options in U15 & U18
U15 C Division: The U15 C division will remain a non-body checking tier for players who prefer to continue competing in a non-contact environment.The U15C teams will continue to compete to represent SMHA in Hockey Sask Provincial Playoffs.
Please note: This policy change applies strictly to the U15 B division for the 2026–27 season and does NOT apply to U18 B or U15 C.
Rationale for the Transition
Provincial Alignment & Tournament Access: Major centers across Saskatchewan—including Regina, Moose Jaw, and Prince Albert—have already transitioned U15 B to body checking. Without this alignment, Saskatoon teams face severe restrictions on tournament entry and are ineligible for Hockey Saskatchewan Provincial play. This change ensures our teams can compete safely and fully against regional peers.
Player Development & Pathway Protection: Keeping B as a body checking tier allows late-developing players to learn contact safety skills—such as angling, taking a hit, and board protection—in a structured, competitive environment. This preserves their ability to compete for A or AA spots in subsequent seasons.
Meeting Member Demand: Player registration data and feedback show a strong interest from players wanting to compete at a body checking level. It is important to note that the number of players competing in U15 leagues with body checking will not exceed the percentage of players that have shown interest in trying out for bodey chekcing hockey as determined by historical regisration data.
Safety, Officiating & Contact Prep Clinics
SMHA remains fully committed to player safety, proper contact skill instruction, and game supervision:
4-Man Official System & Senior Referees: To ensure tight game management and safety on the ice, SMHA is implementing the 4-Man Official system for all U15 B games this season and will prioritize assigning senior, experienced officials whenever possible.
U15 Pre-Tryout Body Contact Clinics: August 29 & 30, 2026 at Merlis Belsher Place.
📲 Registration: Click here to register for the U15 Pre-Tryout Body Contact Clinic
In addition to pre-tryout clinics, SMHA will continue offering our foundational U13 Development Camp with an Intro to Body Contact to develop our players, and in-season body checking instruction for all U15 teams (A-C) and coaches throughout the year.
