House League Program Overview

Welcome

We are pleased to welcome your family to KGHA for a great season of recreational hockey! House League teams are led by dedicated volunteer coaches and team staff, supported by the KGHA with training and resources to ensure a positive and safe experience for all players.

What is the House League Program?

The KGHA offers a House League hockey program for players from U7 to U18. The season typically begins in September and runs through to March.

House League hockey is an inclusive, welcoming program designed for players of all skill levels and experience. It offers a fun environment where players can develop their love of the game, improve their hockey skills, and build confidence.

Beyond the rink, players also grow as individuals, learning important life skills such as teamwork, commitment, and sportsmanship.

Age Category and Divisions by Birth Year

U7 - 2019 & 2020*

U9 - 2017 & 2018

U11 - 2015 & 2016

U13 - 2013 & 2014

U15 - 2011 & 2012

U18 - 2008, 2009, & 2010

*Players born in 2021 may register for the U7 program - contact vphouse@kgha.ca to discuss further prior to registering.

Who can play and how to register?

House League is open to all players interested in participating in hockey. Whether you're brand new to the game or have previous experience, there's a place for you in our program. All registered players will be placed on a team for the season.

Skill levels in House League range from first-time skaters to experienced players, making it a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.

Registration is completed through our online registration portal using RAMP. For full details, please visit the Registration section of our website.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Registrars at registrar@kgha.ca .

How are teams created?

In House League, teams are formed through a process called a "sort-out."

Each September, players are invited to participate in sort-outs, where they’ll take part in various hockey skill drills and scrimmages. These sessions allow coaches and evaluators to assess players in a fun and supportive environment.

Based on these evaluations, players are placed on teams with the goal of creating balanced and competitive rosters across each age division.

What is the commitment?

House League teams typically have two ice times per week—one on Saturday and one on Sunday. While exact times may vary from weekend to weekend, schedules are posted well in advance to help families plan ahead.

Games and practices are usually held at arenas in Kanata, Stittsville, Barrhaven, Beckwith, and the Carleton University Ice House.

Teams from U9 to U18 can expect to participate in up to three tournaments throughout the season, with at least one being out of town.

KGHA is part of the Kanata-Nepean League, which means our House League teams play against other Kanata teams and cross-over to play Nepean teams during the season. The season concludes with a tournament style playoff weekend followed by a final league championship game between the Kanata and Nepean playoff champions.

How much will it cost?

In addition to the registration fees, each player will also pay team fees. These cover expenses such as tournament entry fees, additional ice time, exhibition games, and other team-related activities.

For House League teams, team fees typically range from $250 to $400, depending on the number and type of activities planned by the team. At the start of the season, each team presents a budget outlining expected costs. This budget is voted on and approved by the families to ensure transparency and agreement on planned expenses.

Season registration fees will be posted under the Registration Information section of our website once available.

What is the required equipment?

In order to participate in hockey, players are required to wear appropriately fitted mandatory equipment. The following items must be worn at all times on the ice:

Helmet with full face cage/mask - Must be CSA Approved
Throat protector / neck guard - Must be BNQ Certified
Shoulder pads / Chest protector
Elbow pads
Hockey gloves
Hockey pants
Jill
Shin guards
Hockey socks
Hockey skates
Jersey (KGHA will provide a game jersey once teams are formed. Players require a jersey for pathway skates and sort outs which can be used for practices during the season.)
Hockey stick (ensure proper length and taped)
Hockey water bottle (identified)
Mouth guards are recommended but not mandatory

For information on proper fitting of equipment, you can refer to Hockey Canada’s Proper Equipment Fitting video or reference the Safety Requires Teamwork & Safety for All document starting at page 66 for detailed information on equipment for both players and goalies.

Want to get involved?

The success of our House League program relies on the incredible support of our volunteers. There are many ways for parents and guardians to get involved—whether it's coaching, assisting behind the bench, managing a team, or helping out with tournaments and special events. Volunteering is a great way to connect with the community and contribute to a fun, supportive experience for all players. If you're interested in helping out, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to the appropriate executive member for more information.