Body-check ban begins this fall for Winnipeg minor hockey

WINNIPEG — There will be no more hitting allowed in minor hockey for anyone playing in the A3 level in Winnipeg.

Hockey Winnipeg passed a motion in May to completely ban body checking for 13- to 17-year-olds playing in the A3 category, executive director Monte Miller told Global News.

Body checking in the five- to 12-year-old groups was already eliminated for the A1, A2, and A3 levels.

The changes come into effect when the season begins in October.

Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta all have variations of non-body-checking programs or non-contact leagues.