Please note that the following changes will take effect immediately in Female Hockey and our elite leagues (NSU15MHL, NSU18MHL, and NSU16AAAHL). These changes will be implemented in Minor Hockey at the start of the 2025-26 season.

Hockey Canada Regulation F defines the purpose of affiliation as providing an opportunity for higher division or category teams to dress the maximum number of players allowable for a game in accordance with the playing rules. In alignment with this purpose, Hockey Nova Scotia is revising its affiliation regulation to provide greater flexibility and support for teams.

What’s Changing?

Previously, Hockey Nova Scotia’s affiliation regulation permitted affiliates to replace players on a roster only when rostered players were missing. Under the revised regulation, teams may now use affiliates to dress players in addition to their rostered players, up to the maximum allowed within the playing rules (20 players for a game).

This update aligns our regulations with Hockey Canada’s standards.

It is important in helping with small roster sizes. Teams with smaller rosters can use affiliates to ensure they have a full lineup, improving competitiveness and safety.

As in the past, any affiliate requests must be made through and approved by the team that the player is currently on. The team requesting the participation of the affiliate must receive permission.

We encourage all teams to familiarize themselves with this updated regulation.

Please note this update will be reflected in our regulations document later this season.

Thank you for your continued commitment to hockey in Nova Scotia. We appreciate all that you do.

Yours in Hockey,

Mike Field

Executive Director

Hockey Nova Scotia

Brad MacKinley

President
Hockey Nova Scotia