To: Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF)

Subject: Request for Full-Ice Games and Special Teams in the NYHL

Dear OHF,

We are writing on behalf of the parents of players participating in the NYHL Elite Division to respectfully request that games be played full-ice, with standard special-teams rules, including 5-on-4 and 5-on-3 situations when penalties are assessed.

We believe it is counterproductive for players competing in an Elite Division to play 3/4-ice hockey without meaningful special-teams situations. These players are being developed for the A, AA and AAA levels, where full-ice hockey, power plays, penalty kills and the consequences of taking a penalty are fundamental parts of the game.

When a player receives a penalty, there should be a meaningful advantage for the opposing team. Real hockey means that a penalty results in a player being removed from the ice and the other team gaining a power play. Keeping the game at 5-on-5 does not properly teach players the discipline, positioning, penalty killing or power-play concepts they will soon be expected to understand.

Let's come together as a community to make these much-needed changes. Together, we can create an environment where our young hockey players can thrive and fully realize their potential. Please sign this petition to support the implementation of full-ice games and special teams for the U9 NYHL Elite Division, and let’s give our children the tools they need to succeed in the sport they love.

We respectfully ask the OHF to consider immediate implementation of full-ice games and standard special-teams rules for the NYHL Elite Division.

Sincerely,

The Parents of the NYHL Elite Division