The Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) has announced the U16 Prep and U17 Prep divisions will combine into one for the 2023/24 season.
In a continued effort by the CSSHL and its member programs for a competitive, like-on-like game schedule, the new U17 Prep division will see 33 teams compete in one division.
“The CSSHL member organizations have made this decision to provide the most meaningful competition for the student athletes in this division. This structure will allow teams to play like-on-like competition at showcases and still have regional competition throughout the rest of their season,” said CSSHL Chairperson Andy Oakes.
All 33 teams will participate in 4 division wide ranked showcases, for a total of 16 games, plus an additional 12 regional games.
“We are very excited with the recent announcement by the CSSHL to merge both the U16 and U17 divisions. We feel strongly that this will allow programs the ability to participate in the most meaningful competition possible while balancing some of the restraints faced in a league of our size geographically. Member programs continually find new ways to improve upon the experience for players within the league and this is another example of how we are able to separate our experience and create something truly unique for players and families that commit to the CSSHL,” added Northern Alberta Xtreme President and CSSHL Vice-Chairperson Jason Stewart.
Additional information will be released at the end of April after the CSSHL AGM which takes place in Toronto, ON, April 18-20, 2023.