Bantam/Midget Rec Division

HRI has committed to offering Bantam/Midget Rec divisions for the 2014/15 season.  Over the past month the Board of HRI has been considering a proposal from a group of its members to offer the new divisions, and recently confirmed that they are supportive of moving forward.

"Hockey Regina's mandate includes growing its membership," says HRI President Stephen Eger. "So the Board sees this as an option to keep kids playing."

"Declining registration numbers in the Bantam and Midget age categories is not unique to Regina," says Saskatchewan Hockey Association general manager Kelly McClintock "Hockey associations across Saskatchewan and Canada, are observing the same trend, and several have started to offer similar divisions with promising results."

"We believe our proposal addressed the key challenges that minor hockey associations are facing across Canada today," says Jeff Brick, devoted hockey coach and member of the group who brought the proposal forward. "There are several studies completed in Canada over the past few years that illustrate the barriers to playing hockey to include the perceptions of excessive time commitment, lack of affordability, safety and fun. We believe this to be particularly true for families of Bantam and Midget aged kids who are faced with greater competing priorities from school, jobs and other extra-curricular activities.  These are also the two divisions that many jurisdictions are only offering a contact option. Our proposal recommended reduced time commitments, including starting later in the fall and scheduling around holidays and school breaks, which will translate into greater affordability.  It will also be non-contact.  As for the perceived lack of fun, that's just crazy.

"There is still lots of work to do," says Blair Watson, Executive Director of HRI, "but we are planning to have the option in place for early registrations that will take place at the end of this season, and e know that we have a committed group that is willing to work with HRI to get this of the ground."

Poster

For more information, contact:

Stephen Eger,
President, HRI
Cell: 306-530-9736
Email: hri.stephen@gmail.com

Blair Watson,
Executive Director, HRI
Phone: 306-949-2577 ext 3
Email: bwatson@hockeyregina.ca

Jeff Brick
Bantam/Midget Rec Committee Member
Cell: 306-520-8101
Email: jbrick2@mobility.blackberry.net

HRI Bantam & Midget Rec Hockey

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I play HRI Rec hockey?

* Rec hockey features less time commitment than traditional tiered Bantam and Midget hockey

* Lower cost

* HRI Rec features non-body checking rules.  Suspensions for infractions will be longer than in the HRI tiered system

Who can participate in HRI Rec hockey?

* The HRI Rec division will be open to any Bantam or Midget aged players living or going to school in Regina, as per HRI policies.  Players residing outside of Regina who do not have a Rec program to play in will be eligible to participate after receiving a release from their local minor hockey association and approval by SH

* Overage 18 year old players still attending high school will be eligible to apply for an exemption to play in the league     

What is the cost?

* The cost is estimated to be $700. This includes a HRI fee of $600 and a maximum team fee of $100 per player.  Note these are based on projections for ice costs and officials and are subject to change slightly 

Can I play on a tiered HRI team and a HRI Rec team?

* No. You are only able to register on one HRI tea

* An exception to this will be for goaltenders in the event of a goalie shortage.  In the case of a goalie shortage in the Rec program, goalies from the HRI tiered program may be able to play as affiliated players at no cost to them     

Can I play HRI Rec hockey and High School hockey?

How do I register?

How many game and practices will there be throughout the season?

* The goal of the program is to be on the ice an average of 1.5 to 2 times per week.  The goal is to run a program between 20-25 games and 5 practices.  This is dramatically less than the 75-100 ice time on the typical HRI bantam or midget tier team

* There would be no ice time scheduled over Christmas or February break     

When will the season start?

 * There will be a brief evaluation process at the beginning of November with practices and games starting soon after.  The season will conclude in mid-Marc

* This will be a perfect opportunity for players who have jobs, play other sports and especially for those who play RMF or High School football.  One of the goals of the HRI Rec division is to allow football players to finish their season and then move into hockey. No more decisions in August or September of whether to play football or hockey.  Now you can play BOTH     

Where will the games be played?

* All game are to be played in Regina arenas

* Games will be between 75 and 90 minutes in length

* Games will be scheduled within HRI allotment of ice time

How many players will be on a team?

 * Roster sizes will be between 11 and 15 players depending on registration numbers. Teams will be formed by HRI after two evaluation scrimmages

* The HRI Rec division will allow one (play with a buddy÷ request. The two players must both request to play with each other to be paired together. (ie. Player A must request Player B & Player B must request Player A)     

Being Rec hockey will it be competitive?

Is there a special set of rules for Rec hockey?

* HRI Rec will fall under Hockey Canada/SHA rules for game play, equipment and certification of coaches and officials.  The only modification is the removal of body checking as defined by Hockey Canada rule

* All players and coaches will be registered with Hockey Canada/SHA for insurance purposes     

We have signed up for (non-contact÷ before and there has never been a league. Why will this be different?

 * A group of very motivated parents have been working for several months and have asked the HRI Board for the opportunity to start HRI Rec hockey.  This group is very committed to work thru the growing pains and to be flexible to make sure the division succeeds

* The HRI Rec committee has changed the focus from simply creating a (non-contact÷ league to addressing all reasons why players are leaving the game.  Overall cost, time commitment and lack of fun are listed as main reasons why players quit hockey, in addition to safety concerns.  The HRI Rec program addresses the issues of cost and time commitment while also providing a safer, fun environment with no body checking rules.