2025 - WHIP 4 on 4 Hockey Leagues

(Runs mid April to end of June)

• Ten week run
• Mostly Sundays (Possibly 2 Saturdays as well to avoid playing on Long Weekends)
• Schedule & game specifics depend on ice allocation
• We have decided to bring back the Competitive league to Stouffville as such, all Traditional and Competitive league games will be played at the Clipper complex. Having both leagues playing in the same facility and on the same day will help in balancing the level of play which is always our goal.
• Whip Hockey reserves the right to place any team or player(s) in the league according to their skill level at any time no matter their request at registration.

Traditional League (in Stouffville)

Consists of single sign ups as we build the teams to maintain a competitive balance.

• Registration (invoiced separately)
• Price per skater is $375 (+HST)
• Traditional division teams generally consist of House League, Select, AE and A caliber players.
• The price for GOALIES is $340 (+HST)
• Every year we have a waiting list so don't hesitate to register, as ice is always limited.
• Any players and/or teams found stacking their team by giving false information will be removed from the league with no refund.
• First come, first served based on registration Timestamp.

Competitive League (in Stouffville)

Is our 'bring your best team' league! With limited ice availability, the number of teams will be determined by interest.

• Registration (invoiced separately)
• Price per Skater is $375 (+HST)
• This league generally consists of AA and AAA caliber players.
• To run a division we must have at least 4 teams of the same caliber (i.e. 4- AAA teams, 4- AA teams or 4- A teams )
• Single player registrations are encouraged and will be assigned to those teams needing players.
• To secure a team spot, you must contact me (Mark) directly (mark.watson@whiphockey.com OR 416-371-7002) to make further arrangements for your team members to register.

Girls League/Teams (Competitive & Traditional)

We've always encouraged girls to register for all levels and age groups of WHIP Hockey and this year is no different.

• All girls should register as normal in our Traditional or Competitive Leagues.
• Depending on interest (via registrations) we may setup specific girls divisions
• If a whole team is interested, please contact me (Mark) directly (mark.watson@whiphockey.com OR 416-371-7002) to make further arrangements for your team to register.

Our Principles

Entering our 16th season, WHIP 4 on 4 Hockey is a fun and friendly extension of your child's hockey season, regardless of whether you decide to organize your own squad for our COMPETITIVE ("Bring Your Best") division or just want to individually register your child for our TRADITIONAL ("Have Fun") division. 

• Regarding '4 on 4' vs. '3 on 3' or standard '5 on 5'
  • '4 on 4' seems to be the perfect balance of team structure versus individual skill development (stick-handling/skating/passing/shooting)
  • '4 on 4' allows for larger teams than '3 on 3' which helps defer costs
• Fun Quotient
  • Our mandate at all levels and age-groups is that 'Fun' is the most important ingredient of any league and any of our league decisions regarding operations, team balancing, discipline etc. are primarily governed by this principle
• Length of Season
  • 10 Games is the length of the season ( 8 League + 2 Playoff )
  • Start date is determined by facility availability

Other League Details

• Each player will receive a jersey and a pair of socks
• Traditional teams consist of 12 skaters / 1 Goalie
• Competitive teams at minimum must consist of 12 Skaters / 1 Goalie (total numbers are at the discretion of the team manager).
• The number of teams and divisions created will (as always), be determined by enrollment numbers.
• As per Hockey Canada, WHIP Hockey has adopted the age group nomenclature below.

Division Groupings from Hockey Canada (2025-26)

League Rules and Operation/Coaching Protocols

• All Whip Hockey is non contact 
• All Penalties are served via "penalty shot with chasers", with all pucks being live unless the goalie holds the puck for a face off.
• No icing rule in place
• Offsides are called when the tag up rule isn't in play.
• Any clear intent to injure a player results in a season suspension (Decided by WHIP Hockey Officials)
• Fighting results in a season suspension (Decided by WHIP Hockey Officials), In addition a lifetime ban may be implemented.
• All Referee decisions are final.
• Shootout (Tie Breaker) Rules (no games end in a tie), best out of 3 ... If still tied, shoot out continues until a team scores ... must be a different shooter every time until roster is exhausted, cycle will then start again.

Coaching: TRADITIONAL DIVISION

• We ask on Opening day that, 2 parents offer to help on the bench and in the room every week to organize the players. In the traditional league we enforce the best method for 4 on 4 hockey, which is, "Count to 4 and open the door, 4 out and 4 in", ensuring equal ice for all
• We ask that you always make sure the goalie is present and if you are under 8 skaters, please ask when possible for players from the previous game to play again. Less than 8 makes for a less than competitive game.
• Whip Hockey supplies pucks for the 3 min warmup. We ask that you leave the pucks on the bench for the next games.

Coaching: COMPETITIVE DIVISION

• To all teams without a team name (just a color or teams called team WHIP) these are teams made up from single sign ups and we ask that, 2 parents offer to help with game organization in the room and on the bench
• To the parents who have contacted me about helping with teams please announce in the room on opening day that you are willing to coach and ask if someone is willing to help.