OTTAWA, ON – As per the agreement between Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League, beginning in the 2023-24 season and in every season afterwards, players born after December 31, 2004 will wear full-facial protection during participation in all CCHL related on-ice activities including, without limitation, practices, pre-game warm-ups, exhibition games, League games, and playoffs including Regional and National Championships.
Beginning in the 2023-24 season and in every season afterwards, players born on or before December 31, 2004 will be offered the option of wearing full facial or half visor protection. A waiver approved by Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League must be signed by any player who qualifies, and chooses to wear a half visor indicating that they understand the possible additional risks of wearing a half visor, and has chosen to do so voluntarily.
Teams which have players who qualify for and choose to wear half visors, must purchase the additional insurance for all players on their roster at the annual fee, as per Hockey Canada insurance provider.
Any affiliate player participating with a CCHL team, will be required to wear a full facial protector, regardless of the affiliate player’s age.
A CCHL player who participates with a CHL team as an affiliate player may, while playing for the CHL team, wear whatever facial protection is mandated by the CHL’s regulations and policies;
In summary the following indicates the birth year and player ages who will be mandated to wear full face protection; players may opt in earlier
2023-2024 season – 16, 17, 18 year old players (2005, 2006, 2007 birth years)
2024-2025 season – 16, 17, 18, 19 year old players (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 birth years)
2025-2026 season – All players must wear full face protection
