SEFHA is pleased to share an important update regarding the continued growth and evolution of female hockey in Southeast New Brunswick.

 

Following discussions between SEFHA, Hockey Dieppe-Memramcook (HDM), and Hockey New Brunswick, a pilot project has been approved for the 2026-2027 season that will allow HDM to establish a dedicated female hockey structure within their association.

 

This pilot project reflects the significant growth of female hockey participation throughout our region and aims to provide additional local pathways while maintaining strong regional collaboration and a player-first approach.

 

What does this mean for the 2026-2027 season?

 

As part of the approved pilot:

 

HDM (Zone B) plans to host:

• U11 AA Panthères
• U13 AA Panthères
• U15 AA Panthères
• Recreational Panthères program U7-U18

 

SEFHA (Zone A) will continue to host:

• U11 AA Fury
• U13 AA Fury
• U15 AA Fury
• U18 AA Fury
• Recreational Stars Program U7-U18.

 

The regional AAA Fury program will remain under the SEFHA umbrella and will continue to operate as a collaborative program serving athletes from both Zone A and Zone B.

 

Geographic Boundaries

 

Beginning with the 2026-2027 season, player registration will follow updated geographic boundaries approved through the pilot project.

 

SEFHA (Zone A) boundaries will include:

• Moncton
• Riverview
• Salisbury
• Petitcodiac
• Hillsborough
• Lewisville

 

HDM (Zone B) boundaries will include:

• Dieppe
• Memramcook

Current grandfathering provisions and eligibility guidelines will apply as outlined in the attached FAQ document.

 

Continued Collaboration

SEFHA and HDM remain committed to working collaboratively throughout this transition process to ensure that female athletes continue to have access to strong development pathways, quality coaching, and competitive opportunities.

The primary goal of this pilot project is to support the continued growth of female hockey while maintaining a positive experience for players and families across Southeast New Brunswick.

 

Information Session

A public information session will be held on:

 July 15, 2026 @ 7:00pm
 Uniplex, Dieppe

 

Representatives from both HDM and SEFHA will be present to answer questions and provide additional information. Families from both Zone A and Zone B are welcome to attend.

Please refer to the attached Frequently Asked Questions document for additional details regarding the pilot project.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

SEFHA Female Hockey – 2026-2027 Season

 

1. What is changing for female hockey in Southeast

New Brunswick?

 

Hockey New Brunswick has approved a pilot project allowing Hockey Dieppe-Memramcook

(HDM) to establish a dedicated female hockey structure within its association beginning in the

2026-2027 season.

This pilot reflects the continued growth of female hockey in our region and creates additional

opportunities for players while maintaining important regional partnerships.

SEFHA remains committed to providing strong female hockey programming and will continue to

work collaboratively with HDM throughout this transition.

 

2. Is SEFHA going away?

 

No.

SEFHA will continue to operate and provide female hockey programming throughout Zone A. Our

organization remains committed to:

• Recreational and development programming;

• Competitive AA hockey;

• Regional AAA programming;

• Player development;

• Coach development; and

• Growing female hockey opportunities for all athletes.

 

3. Why is this pilot being introduced?

 

Female hockey participation has grown significantly over the past several years.

Following discussions between SEFHA, HDM, and Hockey New Brunswick, it was determined

that a pilot project could help:

• Increase opportunities for female athletes;

• Strengthen local programming;

• Improve player retention;

• Support athlete development; and

• Continue growing the game throughout Southeast New Brunswick.

 

4. Which association will my daughter register with?

 

Beginning in 2026-2027, registration will follow geographic boundaries approved through the pilot.

 

SEFHA (Zone A)

• Moncton

• Riverview

• Salisbury

• Petitcodiac

• Hillsborough

• Lewisville

 

HDM (Zone B)

• Dieppe

• Memramcook

 

5. What does this mean for Lewisville players?

 

Beginning in 2026-2027, new female players residing in Lewisville will register within SEFHA

(Zone A).

Players currently participating within the HDM Panthères program may continue within that

pathway through grandfathering provisions approved by Hockey New Brunswick.

 

6. What teams will SEFHA offer in 2026-2027?

 

SEFHA plans to offer:

A

• U7-U18 A Stars

AA

• U11 AA Fury

• U13 AA Fury

• U15 AA Fury

• U18 AA Fury

AAA

• U13 AAA Fury

• U15 AAA Fury

The AAA program will remain a collaborative regional program involving athletes from both Zone

A and Zone B.

 

7. What teams will HDM offer?

 

As part of the pilot project, HDM plans to offer these additional teams:

• U11 AA Panthères

• U13 AA Panthères

• U15 AA Panthères

Their regular Panthères recreational program remains unchanged.

 

8. Will AAA hockey change?

 

No.

The regional AAA model will remain under the SEFHA umbrella and continue to serve athletes

from both Zone A and Zone B.

SEFHA and HDM remain committed to working together to provide the highest level of female

hockey opportunities available in Southeast New Brunswick.

 

9. What happens if there are not enough players for all

teams?

 

The pilot includes flexibility.

Should participation numbers not support multiple teams at certain levels, SEFHA and HDM will

work collaboratively to ensure athletes continue to have appropriate competitive opportunities and

the U15AA Fury will remain.

Player experience and development remain the priority.

 

10.Will players lose opportunities because of these

changes?

 

No.

The objective of this pilot is to create more opportunities for female athletes, not fewer.

Both organizations remain committed to:

• Player development;

• Competitive opportunities;

• Athlete retention;

• Strong coaching;

• Positive player experiences.

 

11. What does this mean for our Stars recreational

program?

 

Our Stars recreational program remains a vital part of our association and is not going anywhere.

In fact, this transition will provide us with an opportunity to place an even greater focus on

supporting and growing our Stars program.

The Stars program is truly the foundation of our association. It is where many players first discover

their love of hockey, build friendships, develop their skills, and become part of our hockey

community. While the Fury program will continue to operate as it always has, we remain equally

committed to ensuring that our Stars program continues to thrive and remains a strong, vibrant,

and essential part of our organization for years to come.

 

12. What does this mean for the Zone C Sackville

Sirens?

 

Nothing changes for the Zone C Sackville Sirens. The Sirens program will continue to operate

as it does today, and players and families can expect the same opportunities, programming, and

commitment to girls’ hockey that they have come to know and appreciate

 

13. How are SEFHA and HDM working together during

this transition?

 

Both organizations have committed to a collaborative transition process, including:

• Joint communications;

• Shared operational planning;

• Continued AAA collaboration;

• Regular meetings between leadership teams; and

• Ongoing evaluation throughout the pilot season.

 

14. How will the pilot be evaluated?

 

At the conclusion of the 2026-2027 season, Hockey New Brunswick, HDM, and SEFHA will

review:

• Registration numbers;

• Team viability;

• Player development outcomes;

• Financial sustainability;

• Athlete and parent feedback; and

• Long-term growth opportunities.

 

15. Where can parents ask questions?

 

A public information session will be held:

Uniplex

July 15, 2026 @ 7:00PM

Representatives from both HDM and SEFHA will be available to answer questions. All families

from Zone A and Zone B are welcome to attend.