The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on sports was massive and the NHL and other NHL leagues were forced to cancel the remainder of their seasons. Now that the danger of the pandemic has receded, people are eager to get back to their regular lives and the demand for sports activities will be high. One area that has seen a large increase in participation is minor hockey. In fact, many minor hockey associations across Canada have recorded a 100% participation rate among their members. Moreover, many minor hockey players have expressed an interest in continuing their play once the pandemic is over.
With so many people participating in hockey and the desire to continue playing the game in the post-pandemic world, it is important to determine how many minor hockey players there actually are in Canada. Fortunately, the information is available and a quick Google search will reveal accurate figures and statistical information about the state of minor hockey in Canada.
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How Many Minor Hockey Players In Canada?
According to the most recent figures from Statistics Canada, there are currently 4.9 million minor hockey players in Canada. That is 9.8% of the total population. In 2016, there were 4.7 million minor hockey players in Canada and 4.8 million in 2015. Moreover, the number of minor hockey players has risen by 23% since 2012.
It’s important to remember that these figures only represent organized hockey and do not include in-house or outdoor hockey or any other forms of the game. They also do not include students or people who played in high school or university hockey. These are all important details to keep in mind when trying to determine the size of the minor hockey population in Canada.
Minor Hockey Player Growth Since 2012
Minor hockey in Canada has seen a significant uptick in participation since 2012, particularly in the last five years. In fact, the number of minor hockey players has increased by 23% between 2015 and 2020. Moreover, the number of minor hockey players has increased by 18% and 14% in 2020 alone compared to 2019 and 2018 respectively.
These are very strong figures and they reflect the growing popularity of the game and the desire to continue playing outside the house. It is also important to consider that many families have more than one child that plays hockey and that is increasing the collective pool of minor hockey players. Moreover, it is likely that many families that play hockey support and help their children at home, which also contributes to increased participation rates. Finally, fewer people are playing high school hockey due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that is also contributing to the increased number of minor hockey players. Together, these factors are shaping the future of minor hockey in Canada.
Minor Hockey Affiliations Across Canada
There are several minor hockey organizations across Canada that track and report on the statistics for their association. Below, we have compiled a list of the 10 largest minor hockey associations in Canada.
These are the associations that track and report the most information online. They also maintain websites, social media pages, and provide analytics on their leagues, teams, and players. The associations on this list are as follows:
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA)
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) is the governing body of minor hockey in Ontario. It maintains and enforces rules and regulations for all organized hockey activities across the province. It also manages and distributes funds to the over 70 minor hockey leagues in the province. Finally, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association tracks and maintains the statistical information for its member associations. Thus, it is the most accurate source of information on minor hockey in Ontario.
In 2019, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association had 740,000 registered players, according to their website. Moreover, the association’s most recognizable program is the OHL Priority Selection Process. The process allows the association’s member teams to select the best players in the province for their next season. The OHL Priority Selection Process has become a fan-favorite and a significant factor in the growth of minor hockey in Ontario. The process began in 2012 and that is when the association began tracking player numbers. Before the process, the OHL did not have a formalized player selection procedure. Now that the association has a centralized system in place, the numbers appear to be going up every year.
The Canadian Hockey Association (CHA)
The Canadian Hockey Association (CHA) is the governing body of amateur hockey in Canada. It is a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). The CHA promotes and establishes rules and regulations for ice hockey in Canada. Moreover, the association runs national competitions, including the Canadian National Junior A Championship and the Canadian National Midget Championship. Finally, the Canadian Hockey Association collects and maintains the statistical information for all of its member associations. Thus, it is the most accurate source of information on amateur hockey in Canada.
In 2019, the Canadian Hockey Association had 6.2 million registered players, according to their website. Moreover, the association’s most recognizable programs are the NHL Draft and the import draft. The draft system was created to allow existing NHL teams to select players from the major junior hockey leagues (usually in the spring) and provide them with top-notch talent. The purpose of the import draft is to allow European and Canadian teams to acquire top-notch talent from the major junior hockey leagues and the NCAA.
The Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL)
The Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) is the governing body of professional hockey in the province of Manitoba. It was established in 1912 and is one of the oldest sports leagues in North America. Like other leagues on this list, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) promotes and regulates the game of hockey in their province. However, the league also provides aid and support to the amateur hockey community. For example, the MJHL hosts the annual Manitoba Junior Hockey Tournament and awards the Ed Chynoweth Trophy to the tournament’s MVP. The league also maintains the Statistical Club, which compiles and publishes the statistics for all of its teams and players. Finally, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League tracks and maintains the statistical information for all of its teams and players. Thus, it is the most accurate source of information on the MJHL.
In 2019, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League had 4.3 million registered players, according to their website. Moreover, over 9% of the population of Manitoba is registered to play hockey on some level. This is compared to the figure of 4.2% in 2018, 4.1% in 2017, and 3.9% in 2016. The interest in hockey is clear.
The West Division of the British Columbia Hockey League (WBCHL)
The West Division of the British Columbia Hockey League (WBCHL) is one of three major junior hockey leagues in the province of British Columbia. It was created in 1967 and named after the province. The WBCHL promotes and manages the game of hockey throughout the province and makes sure that the rules and regulations are followed. Moreover, the West Division of the British Columbia Hockey League collects and maintains the statistical information for all of its teams and players. Thus, it is the most accurate source of information on the WBCHL.
In 2019, the West Division of the British Columbia Hockey League had 2.7 million registered players, according to their website. Moreover, 9.3% of the population of British Columbia is registered to play hockey on some level. This is compared to the last three years (8.2%, 7.9%, and 7.6%). Interest in hockey is clearly on the rise in the province.
The Alberta Hockey League (AHL)
The Alberta Hockey League (AHL) is the governing body of hockey in the province of Alberta. It was founded in 1912 and is one of the oldest hockey leagues in Canada. The general manager of the AHL is Doug Humbolt, who also serves as the league’s president. The Alberta Hockey League (AHL) promotes and manages the game of hockey throughout the province. Moreover, the Alberta Hockey League (AHL) tracks and maintains the statistical information for all of its teams and players. Thus, it is the most accurate source of information on the AHL.
In 2019, the Alberta Hockey League had 3.5 million registered players, according to their website. Moreover, 10.3% of the population of Alberta is registered to play hockey on some level. This is compared to the last three years (9.8%, 9.3%, and 8.8%). The interest in hockey is definitely increasing in the province.