ST. PAUL — Minnesota Hockey has announced a new 13U and 16U pilot program aimed at providing an age-appropriate development path for girls in the state.
Certain 13- and 16-year-old players will be able to play on 12U and 15U teams when their organization isn't able to provide the appropriate team for them to play on (for example, a 15U team for a 13-year-old, or a 19U team for a 16-year-old).
This program is aimed to encourage participation of girls playing at higher and older levels.
Players hoping to participate in this new opportunity must fill out a "play-down" request form and then receive an approval letter. Any player that receives approval must also play on an "A" level team (unless petitioned for exception).
Teams must still have at least two-thirds of the roster at the appropriate age level (12U or 15U). No more than one-third of the team may be playing up or down.
ADVERTISEMENT
The new program will be in effect from 2022-23 to 2023-24.
