This page includes information regarding items not covered or those buried in other sections of this resource
MAHA Annual Guidebook page 28
6. The number of games played by any player or team on one day in Michigan shall not be more than two (2) with a minimum of four (4) hours between the finish of the first game and the start of the second. This rule will be waived if a team is competing in both League playoffs and District or State Playoffs on the same day. Teams competing with teams from District 7 and District 8 may have the four-hour rule waived with the consent of each team’s District Chairperson due to travel distances. Excludes all Adult games, leagues, and sanctioned tournaments. The maximum of two (2) games in one day cannot be waived. Failure to comply
with this rule may result in a recommended six (6) month suspension of the head coach.
MAHA – Districts, States and Nationals Player and Team Eligibility
- In order to qualify for Districts/State/National Tournaments please note the following game counts for Individual Players and teams:
-
- Individual Player Game Counts
- National Bound Teams: Player must participate in 10 USA Sanctioned games before Feb. 1st or before the first game of District Playoffs with their team.
- Non-National bound teams: Individual players need to play in 7 games before Feb. 1st or before the first game of District Playoffs with their team.
- Team Game Counts
- National Bound teams: must play at least 17 games in its classification, category and division before the earliest of Feb. 1st or before the regularly scheduled first game of District Playoffs
- Girls Classification and Non-National bound teams: must play at least 14 games in its classification, category and division before the earliest of Feb. 1st or before the regularly scheduled first game of District Playoffs
- Individual Player Game Counts
-
The following game counts shall be adhered to by players and teams in the classification in which they participate or roster.
All games played with a referee and a scoresheet will go toward your game count unless specified below. This includes:
All preseason scrimmages or alignment games played with a referee and logged on a scoresheet.
All games played in LCAHL or MGHL, including playoff games, are included in the game count.
All Tournaments games shall count four (4) games maximum (10u and older), regardless of the actual number of games played. So if you go to a 5th championship game, that game will not count.
District, State, and National games do not apply to the maximum game count.
ESTIMATING YOUR # OF GAMES
When you are planning your season, much of what you play from September 1st until the State Tournament will count toward your game count.
The # of league games is hard to determine, it depends on how many teams. You should estimate 16 -20 games for LCAHL league play from beginning to end of playoffs. You will know early in the season how many games you will be on pace to play
For District games, you can expect to play 3 first round games, 4 second round games, if you advance to hockey day it is one game and then the state tournament is another 4 games and these do not count toward your total game count.
The length of periods during regular season play shall be at the discretion of the individual leagues and teams in all divisions with the following recommendations as a general guideline.
NOTE: Time requirements for District and State tournament play may vary.
PERIOD LENGTHS BY DIVISON
|
AGE CLASSIFICATION |
PERIOD LENGTH | ALLOTED ICE TIME |
|
10U|Squirt AA-A-B |
10-12 minutes |
50-65 minutes |
|
12U|PeeWee AA-A-B |
12-15 minutes |
65 or 80 minutes |
| 14U|Bantam AA-A-B | 15-16 minutes |
80 minutes |
| 16U|19U|Midget AA-A-B | 15-17 minutes |
80 minutes; 120 mins with resurface |
CANADA/UNITED STATES TRAVEL PERMIT FOR EXHIBITION GAMES ($25 FEE)
A permit is required for all exhibition games and tournaments played in Canada. This permit has a date of issue and date of expiration. To obtain your permit, click on the registration link below through MAHA's website and fill in all the required information. There is a $25 fee for this permit.
The following information will be needed when applying:
- Proposed Game Dates
- USA Hockey Team Name
- USA Hockey Team Registration Number (Can be found on your certified roster)
- Classification (Mite/Squirt/ Pee Wee, Bantam, Midget) Girls (8U/10U/12U/14U/16U AND 19U) Division (B, BB, A, AA, AAA,)
- Chief Officer (coach, manager or responsible person for the team)
- Address (coach, manager or responsible person for the team)
- Telephone (coach, manager or responsible person for the team)
- Email address (coach, manager or responsible person for the team)
Note: You can list all your exhibition games of the season when you apply of the $25 fee. If you need to add games at a later date you will need to submit a new application, which will result in an additional fee being due.
ALL REQUEST MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO YOUR DEPARTURE FOR CANADA.
CANADIAN TOURNAMENT APPLICATION FORM (TRAVEL PERMIT) $25 FEE REQUIRED
Any team participating in Canadian Tournaments must complete the Canadian Tournament Application form together with a $25.00 application fee. To complete the form click on Canadian Travel Permit link below. This must be completed prior to your departure or your USA Hockey insurance will not follow you to Canada and you will be turned away by the Canadian Tournament Director as it will compromise the Canadian teams as well. When entering tournaments in Canada, we recommend that you ask the Tournament Director if the tournament is a sanctioned tournament.
You must submit your application at least (1) one week in advance to ensure time for approval prior to the tournament.
When you apply for a Canadian Tournament permit you will need the following:
- All the pertinent information for where and when you will be playing in Canada
- Your USA Hockey Team Number
- The $25 application fee will be collected at the end of the application process.
Canadian Tournament Travel Permit Application
THINGS TO KNOW WHEN GOING TO CANADA OR PLAYING A CANADIAN TEAM
Consent Letter for Travel to Canada? A consent letter demonstrates that a child has permission to travel outside Canada from every parent or guardian who is not accompanying them on the trip. A consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada, but it can simplify travel for Canadian children as it may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country or by Canadian officials or airline agents when re-entering Canada.
CANADIAN PLAYING RULES Per a standing agreement between USA Hockey and Hockey Canada (HC), the following policy regarding playing rules and protective equipment is in effect.
CANADIAN TEAMS PLAYING IN THE UNITED STATES
All USA Hockey sanctioned 12‐&‐Under age classification games that are played in the United States are required to play under the Body Contact Category Playing Rules. This includes all invitational tournaments sanctioned by USA Hockey and non‐league games involving teams from each respective country. All U.S. based games played in this age classification and younger shall also play under the immediate off‐sides rule.
USA Hockey sanctioned games played at the 14‐or‐under age classification and below shall also play under the USA Hockey Icing rule (no icing is allowed by a team that is shorthanded).
In addition, all Canadian players must wear the following Hockey Canada mandatory equipment:
- Hockey Skates (approved design for hockey)
- CSA Certified Helmet (All age classifications)
- CSA Certified Face Mask (with color-coded CSA sticker – per following chart)
- BNQ Certified Throat Protector (For players in all Female and Youth classifications)NOTE: Hockey Canada rules do not mandate the wearing of a mouthpiece at any age classification where a full face mask is required. A mouthpiece is required for any junior player wearing a visor.
| CATEGORY | DESCRIPTION | TYPE | CSA STICKER COLOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full‐face protectors | Players older than 10 years of age (other than goalkeepers) | B1 or 1 | White |
| A | Green | ||
| Players 10 years of age and younger (other than goalkeepers) | B2 or 2 | Orange | |
| B | Red | ||
| Goalkeepers of all ages | D1, D2 or D3 | Blue | |
| C | Purple | ||
| Eye Protectors (visors) | Players in the major junior age category and older (other than goalkeepers) | C or 4 | Yellow |
If a player on a Canadian team is not wearing the proper equipment, as outlined above, the player shall be sent off the ice and a warning issued to the coach of that team. Any subsequent violation for the same equipment by the same team shall result in a misconduct penalty being assessed to the offending player. In all instances where a Hockey Canada team is not wearing their proper mandated equipment, a game report shall be submitted by the Referee to the Proper Authorities.
USA HOCKEY TEAMS PLAYING IN CANADA
USA Hockey registered teams playing games in Canada are authorized to play under the Hockey Canada playing rules provided they have received the proper travel authorization from their USA Hockey Registrar.
In addition, USA Hockey registered players must wear the following USA Hockey mandatory equipment:
- Hockey Skates of approved design for hockey
- HECC Approved Helmet (Mandatory for all Youth and Female classifications and those players under the age of 18 in Junior classifications. HECC approved helmets recommended (with or without earpieces) for players in the Junior or Adult classifications. However, non‐HECC approved helmet must be designed for ice hockey.)
- HECC Approved Face Mask (Required for all Youth and Female classifications and Juniors below age 18. Junior players who have reached age 18 may wear a HECC approved Visor.
- Non‐Clear Internal Mouthpiece (Required for Youths‐and Girls 12‐&‐Under and older, including Junior Classifications.
NOTE: USA Hockey playing rules do not mandate the wearing of a neck guard at any age classification and USA Hockey registered teams are not required to wear neck laceration protectors while playing in Canada.
Any USA Hockey player/coach committing major infractions while playing in Canada that would normally incur a suspension under USA Hockey rules, or count towards the progressive suspensions rules, shall serve all suspensions according to the USA Hockey Playing Rules. This includes the 5/15 penalty rule and anytime a game misconduct penalty is assessed.
Summary
The standard insurance coverage will be considered to be in effect as long as the injured participant was wearing the proper protective equipment as mandated by the organization (Hockey Canada or USA Hockey) with which he/she is registered.
Please note that all other playing rules of the host country are in effect for games played in that country, except when U.S. teams are playing on U.S. soil in Canadian‐based leagues using Hockey Canada rules under league direction, and vice versa.
For additional information on playing rules in each federation, please visit:
KVHA TEAM SPACE - MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!!
- The space upstairs in the lobby in Brighton is for KVHA teams to use exclusively.
- Teams will be scheduled around their ice time – TBA
- Can be utilized for film review, team meetings, workouts, or pre-game stretching – no weights
- Can be reserved off team hours, if available
- Teams will be provided their own key but must adhere to reservation system to use space
- Teams must follow the rules and ensure that the kids are supervised at all times. Misuse of the space will result in disciplinary action.
Team building starts on the first day of the season and continues until the end of the playoffs.
The keys to establishing a cohesive team are staying positive and focusing on having fun while learning the valuable lessons that team sports teach. Coaches should set standards, such as accountability, selflessness, effort and attitude and help athletes achieve these by providing perspective, methods and positive reinforcement.
Teams who learn how to come together and find happiness throughout the journey can persevere through even the toughest of seasons.
On this page you will find links to activities and team outings that will help with your team building goals.
EQUIPMENT DONATIONS We are fortunate to have a large hockey community who is always outgrowing equipment and looking for a place to donate it.
KVHA only accepts equipment donations for small children for our Learn to Play program.
Below are some of the programs who might be able to use your gently used equipment. Please also support these organizations with a monetary donation to spread the joy of hockey!
PLEASE NOTE: When donating items, please be sure that items are clean and in good condition. Helmets have an expiration date and expired HECC dated helmets cannot be used. As well, please do not donate personal items, such as jerseys, socks, undergarments, sports cups and mouth guards.
Rico Phillips, Flint Inner-City Youth Hockey Program
East Side Youth Sports Foundation
Michigan Warriors Hockey Program
Motor City Veterans Hockey Association
USA Hockey MEMBERSHIP RELIEF FUND
The USA Hockey Foundation and USA Hockey are proud to help facilitate the Membership Relief Fund to help youth players by covering the cost of their USA Hockey membership for the 2024-25 season. To apply for this grant, which covers the cost applicable to your child's USA Hockey membership fee for the 2024-25 season, please complete this application form.
Please note if you have already registered your child for the 2024-25 season, there will be no refunds or credits offered.
Please read the following requirements:
- ELIGIBLE BIRTH YEARS ARE 2006 - 2017
- Adults (Birth years 2005 and older) are NOT ELIGIBLE
- Children born 2018 and younger are NOT ELIGIBLE
If you have further questions, please email Chris at memberrelief@usahockey.org or call (208)829-8098.
Processing can take between 5 - 7 business days.
APPLY HERE https://usahockeyfoundation.sportngin.com/register/form/248069619
MAHA PLAYER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Each year, the MAHA will grant a one-time scholarship award (up to $500) to members facing a temporary financial hardship. Applications are accepted in late summer.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria for eligibility:
- Must be registered with a MAHA affiliated In-House (Tier III) program for the 2022-23 season
- Must complete a minimum of four (4) hours of volunteer service for local association
- Application must include a letter of confirmation from local association for completion of service
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE MAHA SCHOLARSHIP
DONATE NOW TO HELP MORE KIDS PLAY THE GAME OF HOCKEY!
USA HOCKEY MEMBERSHIP RELIEF FUND
USA Hockey and The USA Hockey Foundation are helping hockey families experiencing financial hardship by covering the cost of their USA Hockey membership through this grant application.
APPLY NOW FOR THE USA HOCKEY MEMBERSHIP GRANT
BOB ENGLAND HOCKEY FOUNDATION
The Bob England Hockey Foundation supports youth hockey players whose families are experiencing financial difficulty so that those children may be able to continue to participate in the great game of hockey. Created by his loving family, the foundation honors the memory and spirit of Bob England and continues his passion for supporting others and giving to those in need.
BOB ENGLAND FOUNDATION HOME PAGE
DONATE TO THE BOB ENGLAND FOUNDATION NOW!
BLACKBEAR YOUTH HOCKEY SCHOLARSHIP
Who Can Apply?
- Athletes 18 and under are eligible to apply for a scholarship once per calendar year
- Complete the application in its entirety, including the attachment below
- If your application is approved for a scholarship you will be notified by email
APPLY NOW FOR A BLACKBEAR SCHOLARSHIP
DONATE TO THE BLACKBEAR FOUNDATION
THE KRIS PERANI HOCKEY FOUNDATION
An organization whose goal is to provide hockey players in need with financial assistance. The benefit of sponsoring hockey players in need will strengthen the hockey community and have a positive impact on the chosen nominees and their families. In addition to the application, the following items must be submitted:
- A 1,000 word essay on why the player should be sponsored.
- Three (3) recommendation letters from the coach, the president of the association, and a team parent. If you are new to a team, you may use prior team contacts. If you are new to hockey, then a reference from a teacher is also acceptable.
- Ice bill for the year.
All monies for those sponsored will be sent out directly to the team no later than the third week of October.
APPLY NOW FOR THE KRIS PERANI HOCKEY SCHOLARSHIP
DONATE TO THE KRIS PERANI HOCKEY FOUNDATION
THE GOALIE GUILD AND THE MARTHA KENNEDY MEMORIAL GOALIE SCHOLARSHIP
The Goalie Guild and the Martha Kennedy Memorial Goalie Scholarship have joined forces in order to provide young goaltenders in the USA with financial assistance for their league and team fees. This program is in honor of the late Martha Kennedy, a special hockey mom and amazing woman who dedicated her life to her goalie son, Scott Kennedy.
The scholarship is for goalies ages 11-14 born in the USA (2008-11 birth years). The submission deadline is August 31. Selected goalies will receive a donation (amount is up to $1,000) from The Goalie Guild. Donations must be put towards team or playing fees. Recipients from the previous three years will not be considered
APPLY FOR THE MARTHA KENNEDY SCHOLARSHIP HERE
DONATE TO THE MARTHA KENNEDY FOUNDATION NOW!
