Blue Jackets Hockey League Overview

The Blue Jackets Hockey League, presented by Tim Hortons, is a local, city-wide hockey program for boys and girls ages 5 to 14. Our league follows the American Development Model and long-term athlete development principles to help young players grow, build confidence, and enjoy the game.

Registration Dates

• Option C Registration: September 1 - November 2, 2026 or until all spots are filled. 

Registration Options

Option C: January-February

• 6U and 8U - $446

Option D: April- May

• Program details will be announced in January 2027.
• Available only for 6U, 8U, and 10U players that have recently graduated Learn to Play or Option C only players with no prior Blue Jackets Hockey League experience.
• Registration for Option D will open in January, 2027

Age Categories

Below are the age classifications set by USA Hockey for the 2026-27 season.

Learn more on our Long-Term Athlete Development page.

Season Schedule

Please click on the link below to view the season schedule:

• Option C Season Schedule

Please note, schedule dates are subject to change.

Typical Weekly Schedule

6U and 8U:

• 2 Ice Sessions per week
• 1x Practice Sessions at your home rink*
• 1x Game Day at your home rink**

*Practice days and time vary and your players specific schedule will be announced after team placement. More information will be available closer to the season.

**Games will be played at your home rink, except for special events (see season schedule for event dates) and played on modified ice surfaces.

Team Placement

At the beginning of the season, the players will participate in assessment skates. During the assessment skates, players will be divided based on experience and into the most age and developmentally appropriate teams. Assessments will take place in phases, depending on age group and experience. Please plan on attending all assigned sessions.

• 6U and 8U: December 14, 15, or 16 (1 session)

*Your player’s exact assessment schedule will be released a month prior to the start of assessments.*

Pre-Requisites

Completion of the CBJ Learn to Play Hockey Series (1, 2, and 3) and/or previous playing experience in the Blue Jackets Hockey League or comparable ice hockey experience.

Your player will need a 2026-27 USA Hockey Membership. This can be completed before Blue Jackets Hockey League Registration opens. Please allow up to 48 hours for USA Hockey Membership Confirmation to process.

Required Gear

League Provided

• One Blue Jackets Hockey League reversible jersey (1 per hockey year)
• Home and away hockey socks (1 per hockey year)

Player Provided

• Helmet with cage
• Gloves, elbow pads, shoulder pads, shin pads, jock/jill, hockey pants
• Hockey stick
• Hockey skates
• Neck laceration protection (neck guard)
• Mouth Guard (recommended for all ages, required for 12U and 14U)

Goaltending Equipment

• At 6U and 8U, goaltending equipment will be provided by the Blue Jackets Hockey League, and everyone will have the chance to play goalie.

Volunteer Opportunities

The league thrives on volunteers in both on-ice and off-ice roles.

• On-ice: Coaches and goalie coaches - skating ability is not necessary
• Off-ice: Team manager, social manager, equipment manager

Enjoy benefits such as:

• Opportunities for discounts on season costs
• USA Hockey certification reimbursements
• Exclusive events at Nationwide Arena

We want to know more about you, your experiences, and how you want to help. Please sign up through the link below if you are interested in volunteering.

Scholarships

The Blue Jackets Hockey League is committed to making hockey accessible to all families. Scholarships are available and awarded based on financial need, with support ranging up to 100% of the registration cost.

Each application is reviewed individually to ensure we are supporting families in a meaningful and responsible way.

As part of the program, all scholarship recipients agree to support the league by volunteering for at least one fundraising or league event.

The deadline for scholarship applications is October 14, 2026, please apply at this link. Applying for a scholarship automatically reserves your player’s spot in the Blue Jackets Hockey League. All applicants will be notified of determination prior to November 3, 2026.

Refund Policy

OPTION C:

• Refund requests made prior to October 23, 2026, will receive a full refund minus a $75 administrative fee.
• Refund requests made on or after October 23, 2026, and prior to November 14, 2026, will receive a full refund minus a $150 administrative fee.
• Refund requests will not be accepted on or after November 14, 2026.

Questions?

If you need help with registration or have additional questions, please contact us.