Saskatchewan votes against national body-checking ban

REGINA – Hockey Canada voted to ban body-checking in peewee leagues at its annual general meeting in Charlottetown on Saturday, with only the Saskatchewan Hockey Association voting against it.

“Saskatchewan feels that it’s a skill, and actually by teaching the skill at a younger age verses a higher age, you reduce the chance of injury,” said Blair Watson, Executive Director of Hockey Regina.

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Hockey Canada says growing concern over head injuries is one factor contributing to the decision.

While non-contact hockey leagues are an option in Saskatchewan, parents and players in Regina have shown almost no interest in that. Hockey Regina confirmed that only six of the over 400 registered peewee players have enrolled in the non-contact league.

The changes will take effect in the upcoming 2013 to 2014 season which begins in September.