LATEST NEWS & Engagement
First Whistle Applications
Hockey Canada and FORCE are pleased to open applications for the First Whistle Program for the 2026-27 season. This program is designed to drive increased registration of new officials by providing jerseys to approved MHAs that can be loaned to new officials, limiting...
NHL/NHLPA First Shift – 2026-27 – Host Application Period NOW OPEN
The application period for local hockey associations wishing to host the NHL/NHLPA First Shift in 2026-27 is NOW OPEN (closes March 15 at NOON) https://www.firstshift.ca/for-hosts/ A truly unique experience designed to help kids fall in love with hockey. The six-week...
Timbits U7 Jamboree- Registration OPEN
Timbits U7 Jamboree registration is NOW OPEN! When: March 28, 2026, Fort William First Nation Arena Registration Form Return your completed form no later than February 13, 2026, to: Brent Henley: Email: bhenley@hockeyhno.com NO ENTRY FEE, TIMBITS TEAMS ONLY
Important Dates
2025-2026 Season
| Date | Importance |
| July 1 | Membership Information must be entered into the Portal and Acknowledgement Box checked off |
| Sept 1 | Overage Player Application & Over 20 Players on a Team Request |
| Oct 15 | “AA” Teams need to be declared & entered in the HCR |
| Oct 15 | First Installment of Registration Fees Due |
| Nov 1 | “AAA” Teams must declare intent to compete in Branch Championship |
| Nov 1 | Under 9 (U9) teams can start playing half ice games |
| Nov 1 | Under 9 (U9), Under 11 (U11), Under 13 (U13), Under 15 (U15) Families – One Parent/ Guardian needs to have completed Respect in Sport Parent Program |
| Nov 1 | Applications for Joint Teams can be accepted |
| Nov 15 | “A” level and lower teams must be declared and entered in the HCR |
| Dec 1 | U9 players who are 8 years old ONLY as of Dec 31st of the current hockey season are allowed to affiliate to U11 for a maximum of 10 games starting on December 1st of the current playing season. |
| Dec 1 | Final deadline to submit Overage Player Applications & Over 20 Players on a Team |
| Dec 1 | Under-7 (U7) Jamborees are permitted |
| Dec 1 | Junior 2nd Installment of Fees Due |
| Dec 1 | Deadline for Officials to certify for the 2025-26 season |
| Dec 1 | Deadline for MHA Team Approval |
| Jan 1 | New AAA Team Applications must be received for 2026-2027 season |
| Jan 10 | Junior Cut down to 25 Cards |
| Jan 10 | Last Day to release a player |
| Jan 15 | Affiliated Player and AA Development Stream Deadline |
| Feb 10 | Final day to register players and coaches |
| Feb 1 | Full Ice permitted for U9 |
| Mar 1 | Nomination forms for HNO Order of Merit Award |
| Mar 1 | Nominations forms for Coach, Volunteer and Beyond the Ice Awards |
| Mar 15 | Final Installment of Minor Registration Fees Due |
| TBD | Notice of Motions Due for 2026 AGM |
| May 30 | 2026 Annual General Meeting in Thunder Bay |
| Sept 1 | 2026/27 Requests for Tournament Sanctions Due in the Portal |
| June 1 | Returning Bona Fide AAA Teams must be declared for 2026-27 season |
Independent Third Party Complaint Process
HNO and Hockey Canada’s response to all allegations of maltreatment is through Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party (ITP) complaint mechanism. We encourage all individuals experiencing or witnessing maltreatment (including advocates for other people) to communicate with the ITP. For more information on the ITP, including information for complaint submission, complainants, respondents, as well as policies and processes; please visit https://sportcomplaints.ca/.
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