Young hockey players in Mattawa, Ontario, are now permitted to play full-ice as a Northern Ontario Hockey Association policy allows U9 teams to transition mid-season. Starting January 10, 2026, Under-9 teams that choose to opt in can move away from half-ice sections to prepare for older divisions.
According to the Northern Ontario Hockey Association, the change applies to teams that were not already participating in the NOHA U9 Pilot Program. The Mattawa Minor Hockey Association — locally known as the Rockets — will now have the option to move their seven- and eight-year-old players to full-ice play at the Mike Rodden Arena.
For the past several years, younger children have played on smaller sections of ice to increase puck touches and improve skating. This mid-season switch is intended to help second-year U9 players learn the flow and rules of full-ice hockey — including offsides and icing — before they move up to Under-11 next year.
Local coaches will need to adjust practices, shifting from station-based skill work to teaching how the whole team moves together. The Nipissing District Hockey League is coordinating with member towns — including North Bay, French River and East Nipissing — to ensure competing teams are prepared for the larger game format.
While the move aims to support player development, it may also mean changes to ice time allocations and travel for families, and could have implications for arena scheduling and costs. Parents seeking context or dates related to how this fits into the wider calendar should consult the Ontario Hockey Federation’s 2025–26 seasonal calendar.
