We are excited to announce that registration for the 2026-2027 season is now open!

Important Deadlines:

• Conditioning Registration: Closes on August 25
• Tryout Registration: Closes on August 31
• General Registration: Closes on October 1

Please note that space in Conditioning is limited. Additionally, players wishing to be considered for a competitive team must register for both the regular season and competitive tryouts. Registering for the regular season alone does not include registration for competitive evaluations.

For further details, please refer to the following links:

• Register & Pay via GrayJay Pay – Click HERE
• View Fees – Click HERE
• Financial Assistance Information – Click HERE
• Complete Registration Details - Click HERE

If you have any questions or require further details regarding registration, please reach out to the Registrar, Erin Madden, at registrar@whalers.org.

We encourage families to review the Hockey Nova Scotia Seasonal Structure to better understand the timing of evaluations, team formation, and the season schedule. Conditioning and Tryout dates will be released soon.

Updated Policies

A significant effort was made to update our policies in order to enhance the experience for our families and players. We strongly encourage you to take the time to review the revised policies, which include important information and clarification on key procedures. Your understanding of this information is important for a smooth and successful season.

• DWMHA Policies & Rules – Click HERE
• Tryout Process - Click HERE 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in drafting these documents. Your hard work and dedication to improving our organization is greatly appreciated!

We can’t wait to see you at the rink!

The Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund will launch for its 7th season on August 1st, 2026. Applicants can apply through the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) on the Assist Fund Application page (assistfund.hockeycanadafoundation.ca)

As a reminder, to apply for an assist, the applicant must be registered with a Hockey Canada-sanctioned Minor Hockey Association, and it must be attached to their HCR account. 

Timeline & Key Milestones

August 1, 2026

Assist Fund applications open in HCR

November 13, 2026

Payments disbursed

April 30, 2027

Final deadline for MHA banking info submission

 Payment Process

• All payments will be fully electronic.
• Payment distribution date: November 13, 2026
• If MHA payment info is not submitted by April 30, 2027, the payment will be void.
• If funding is unused (e.g., participant withdraws or surplus remains), return funds via E-Transfer to: rsavoy@hockeycanada.ca

Payment Links

-          E- Transfer:  https://forms.office.com/r/C6qtydT3XH

-          Direct Deposit: https://forms.office.com/r/0b3aqNE6cB

We are sending out a call for volunteers who are interested in taking on the role of a Divisional Coordinator for the 2026-2027 season for the following Divisions:

• U7 
• U9 
• U11 Rec 
• U11 Rep 
• U13 Rec 
• U13 Rep 
• U15 Rec 
• U15 Rep 

Divisional Coordinators act as the point of contact for team managers and coaches. In particular, a significant portion of the role is dedicated to supporting the Association with season start-up, including organizing logistics for Conditioning, Tryouts and Balancing. Below are some key responsibilities of Divisional Coordinators:

Conditioning:

• Schedule and support off-ice volunteers for conditioning using the call out to volunteer forms provided by the Secretary (check-in/two deep)

Balancing/Try-outs:

• Schedule, coordintate and support off-ice volunteers (including check-in/two deep/uniform washers)
• Coordinate jersey dispersement and collect/track/count all jerseys during the process making sure players do not take them home

Communication:

• Keep in communication (email, in person and over the phone) with managers all year
• Verify accuracy of team rosters (those on the ice/bench/safety are on the roster)
• Ensure teams are following correct policies (banking/fundraising)
• Provide information on tournaments to all teams 
• Support complaint management process
• Highlight important information needed for the year, make sure coaches have their certifications, answer any questions from parents, coaches and managers, etc.

If you are interested in volunteering as a Divisional Coordinator, please send your expression of interest (stating which Division you would be interested in) to the Vice President, Chris Prentice, at vicepresident@whalers.org by Monday, August 3.