Frequently Asked Questions
While each league with the Nova Scotia Minor Ball Hockey League (NSMBHL) will have a similar structure some differences may occur. This will be most often caused by facility availability and the number of players we have in each division. Often times we do not have options and must schedule games when our facilities can be secured.
Each team can expect to have 1-2 sessions per week. Most games will be played on the weekend. You can expect one game on the weekend. If required, a second game maybe be played on the weekend or on a week night. Earlier time slots will be dedicated to the younger divisions and we will try be create a consistent schedule whenever possible.
A final schedule the will be posted on this website one week before your first game. On the left hand menu open, "Schedule by League" and then scroll down to find the appropriate league and age group. This schedule is subject to change however we will do our best to keep to our plan and to stay consistent.
During the 2023 Spring season the Nova Scotia Minor Ball Hockey League will operate 3 great leagues!
Halifax Minor - All games played at the Outdoor Gorsebrook Ball Hockey Court!
Sackville Minor - For the 2023 Spring season the first half of the season will be played at the RBC in Dartmouth. The second half of the season we will move to the Sackville Arena.
East Hants Minor - All games will be played at the East Hants Sportsplex.
All teams will play 13 sessions. The season will begin with one skill session/exhibition game. This session will be used to ensure all players have the correct equipment and that parents and players have a chance to meet the coaches and ask questions etc.
Please be sure to inform your player that Teams will be in "DRAFT" form and this game will be used to evaluate players and balance the teams. Final teams will be posted soon after this session. Additional player changes may be made by league officials if it is clear that switching a few players might help balance the teams and make the league better for all. We do hope to have the teams set by the 2nd game.
Each Division will typically have 4 teams and they will play a 3 round, round robin (9 games). This will be followed by a 2 game play-offs. Schedules may be adjusted depending on weather and facility availability.
Safety will always be our #1 priority. With this in mind, the NSMBHL will always err of the side of caution. When in doubt regarding equipment or rules be sure to ask your Coach or League Manager.
Mandatory Equipment
- All players must wear a CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approved helmet, approved hockey gloves and running shoes. Players under the age of 18 are required to wear CSA approved full facial protection as well.
- Standard hockey sticks are used to play the game. They can be either plastic, wooden or composite.
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More About Hockey Stick
- Players may use ANY regular styled hockey stick. No floor ball sticks are permitted.
- Plastic hockey sticks are welcomed. They tend to be cheaper and last longer
- Sticks must not be broken in any way and must have at least 1.5 inches of height to ensure they can not penetrate a regular face mask
Optional Equipment
- Although not mandatory, it is recommended that players wear elbow pads, athletic cup, soft knee pads and shin guards. As well, adult should consider wearing facial protection to protect their eyes.
Team Jersey - In 2023, the league will begin to provide each player with a jersey. The jerseys are to be returned in good shape at the end of the season. All parents must agree to pay a fee of $30 should your player not return their jersey. Please ensure your player arrives with their jersey for each game!
What About Goalie Gear?
A complete set of ball or ice hockey goalie gear must be worn. In the u8 and U10 divisions ball hockey gear can be worn. In the u12, u14 and u17 division ice hockey quality gear is to be worn to ensure adequate protection. It is understood that used, and perhaps old, ice hockey goalie gear may be used. The key to consider is goalie safety.
Goalie gear will include:
- Mask or helmet and full cage
- Trapper and blocker
- Goalie pads
- Hockey pants
- Chest and arm protector
- A goalie stick
It is the responsibility of each player and parent to know the rules including what equipment is required. When in doubt please ask your coach or League Manager.
For a complete set of rules go to the "About NSMBHL" section where you will find a "rules "page.
Generally speaking, we follow all common hockey rules. There are a few exceptions so please be sure to review all rules .
A few key exceptions:
- We play cross rink either 4x4 or 3x3
- There are no off sides
- When the goaltender covers the ball it is placed behind the net. A defending player will take possession behind the net. On the referees whistle the play will resume.
- All face-offs are at Centre floor.
- When the ball goes our of play, the ball is placed where it left the playing surface, the team that did not touch the ball last will be given possession, play will resume on the refs whistle.
It is a great idea to ask questions of your coach or referees if you or your player are unsure of a rule.
Please visit our Rules page for more information.
To register
- Go to the registration page on this website.
- Carefully highlight the league you will play in and your age division.
- Be sure to provide all required information on the registration form.
- Complete and submit the waiver form.
- Pay your registration fee in full.
- Payment can be made by credit card on this website.
- Registration will not be finalized until full registration payment is made.
- You will receive an email message confirming your players registration.
- If you do not receive your confirmation email please let us know by emailing admin@hmbhl.ca .
You will only receive a confirmation email after payment is received. Until payment is made and you receive your confirmation email you are not officially registered.
The fee per player may vary by league as the costs can be different. Of note, some leagues play outdoor while others play in an indoor arena (more expensive)
- Halifax Minor - $150 (outdoor facility)
- Sackville Minor - $165 (dry arena)
- East Hants Minor - $165 ( dry arena )
Each player will receive the following:
- 13 sessions of Ball Hockey
- Players will receive a logoed and numbered team jersey to wear during the season. The jerseys are to be returned at the end of the season.
- Coaches are trained and committed to ensuring each player learn the game and has fun.
- All games will have a trained referee.
- A safe and fun place to play ball hockey.
- Opportunities to play in future tournaments including a the Provincial Championships
Please note our refund policy: Once registration is received, if a player decides not to play for any reason, they may request a refund. The league will refund $100 of your registration fee anytime before the second game of the season as posted on this website. Please ensure your player is able to play before registering.
After the second game of the season there will be no further refunds.
Hopefully the teams will work out and players will have a chance to play with their buddies. In the past we have welcomed buddy requests and it proved to be very difficult. Particularly as our priority is to create parity amongst the teams.
That said, we are no longer going to consider buddy requests. This will be more in line with minor hockey and soccer and will ultimately give kids a chance to make more new friends.
Balancing teams will remain our priority.
Thanks