The Salvation Army Junior Hockey League is a hockey league for young people 5 to 19 years of age run by the Salvation Army Richmond Hill Community Church.  The purpose of the league is to provide a positive hockey experience for young people in a Christian environment. 

There are currently 4 divisions (Tyke, Novice, Junior, Intermediate) encompassing 16 teams and approximately 265 players.  The league plays out of the Tom Graham Arena at Richmond Green in Richmond Hill.  Games are held once per week on Saturday mornings between 6:30am and 11:30am.  The Tyke division, for 5 – 7 year olds and older beginner skaters, focuses on skill development with all players remaining on the ice for the full time period.  The Novice division (generally 8 – 10 year olds) incorporates a mix of practice time and games each week.  The Junior and Intermediate divisions play full games once each week.  This focus on games for older players is consistent with the focus of the league on having fun playing the game.  Players of Junior and Intermediate age looking for more focus on skill development should consider other house leagues that offer regular practice time or supplemental skills development programs.

Coaches are volunteers who give of their time each week to lead the teams.  They are required to coach the teams in a manner consistent with Christian principles.

A typical season runs from late September until early April.  A complete season includes regular season games, a playoff round-robin, semi-final and championship game days.  There is also a fund-raising initiative each year to help pay the costs associated with operating the league.  Associated with this fund-raising initiative is a 4-on-4 tournament for the older players and parent / player games for the younger players.  There is an annual Awards Night at the end of the season where individual and team trophies are distributed.

Registration for the league begins May 1 of each year for all returning players.  Returning players who participate in the league fund-raising initiative have an exclusive opportunity to re-register until May 31.  Beginning June 1 registrations are accepted from new players.  Priority is given to Richmond Hill residents.  Registration forms are available for download from the league web site at www.sajhl.com by May 1 each year.

The Salvation Army reserves a number of league spots for sponsored children who would otherwise be unable to participate in the league.  This sponsorship pays for a full set of hockey equipment and the league registration fees.  For more information on the sponsorship program please contact the Salvation Army Richmond Hill Community Church office (905-737-0496).