TORONTO, ONT. – The North York Hockey League (NYHL) is pleased to announce the formation of a U9 (2017 YOB) Elite Division for the ‘25/26 season, which will consist of a minimum of four (4) Tier 1 Select teams with player representation from across the Greater Toronto Area.

Consistent with the mission and values of the NYHL, the division will focus on providing participants, coaches, and parents with an experience built upon three key principles:

1. Competitive Community Hockey: The opportunity for players to engage in a competitive development environment with reasonable travel distances for practices and games.
2. Affordable Access: Providing families with access to competitive hockey opportunities focused on affordability and financial transparency.
3. Robust Season Structure: The ability for participants to experience meaningful regular season games and playoffs, while also participating in in-season tournaments.

Initial participating teams will include Humber Valley; North Toronto; Ted Reeve; and the Vaughan Rangers, with the potential to add additional teams that are aligned with the guiding principles of the division.

“We’re truly excited to welcome some of the top 2017 YOB select programs in the GTA to the NYHL for the ‘25/26 season,” said Mario Aguiar, the Chief Operating Officer of the NYHL. “We’re excited to show that community hockey models at the U7, U8, and U9 age groups provide excellent development opportunities for players who are showing the ability to transition into the top skill levels of minor hockey, while genuinely making the game accessible to more families.”

Additional information on tryouts, season structure, and in-season tournaments will be forthcoming. For more information on the NYHL, please visit www.nyhl.on.ca or follow the NYHL on Instagram.