CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that its board of directors has approved a pilot project for the 2025-26 season that will see the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) follow the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Rule 202 for facial protection and adopt the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) Rule Book.
“The Aligned Rules pilot project is an important initiative to further strengthen and align the delivery of junior hockey in Canada and provide increased flexibility for players in the MHL,” said Darren Cossar, senior vice-president of member engagement for Hockey Canada. “As part of the pilot project, the MHL has committed to providing education and training for its teams, players, staff and officials on how these changes will impact them, and we look forward to working with the league and all of its stakeholders to track its effectiveness throughout the season.”
All MHL teams will follow IIHF Playing Rule 202 for facial protection, which will provide players 18 years of age or older as of Dec. 31 of the current season the option to wear half-face protection, while those under the age of 18 must continue to wear full-face protection.
The MHL will also adopt the QMJHL Rule Book in its entirety, with the exception of specific playing rules identified and agreed upon by Hockey Canada and the MHL, which will be finalized before the beginning of the 2025-26 season.
Section 11 – Maltreatment of the Hockey Canada Playing Rules will continue to be enforced in the MHL.
“This collaboration strengthens the foundation for player development across the Maritimes,” said Matt Moore, commissioner of the MHL. “By coming together as a unified group, we are better equipped to enhance the growth and progression of our athletes in response to the evolving demands of the game.
“This initiative is a significant step toward ensuring our players are supported, challenged and prepared for the next level. We’re grateful for the trust placed in us and thank the Hockey Canada Board of Directors and staff for their continued support.”
The pilot project will be reviewed on an ongoing basis during the 2025-26 season.
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Media Contact:
Jeremy Knight
Chief of Staff
Hockey Canada
416-451-3343
jknight@hockeycanada.ca