PAYHL doubles in size for second summer season

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He continued that the addition of the U15 division is one of the bigger changes coming this season. 

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PAYHL doubles in size for second summer season

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“[It’s] something to just go a little bit above and beyond so that some of the older kids get to take part in it too.” 

Other changes to the league include some tweaks to the rule book that make the games more about the play and less about the whistles. 

For example, the PAYHL will be axing all icings to increase the pace of play and reduce unnecessary stoppages. Offsides will also see a change as the clock will not stop if an offside is called. This change is meant to help players develop better timing on zone entries, stronger communication with teammates, and improved awareness of positioning.  

More changes include limiting the individual goal tally to four per player, as well as some tweaks to the penalty shot system. 

Looking back at how much the league has grown since its inception, Massey said he was uncertain PAYHL would ever reach over a hundred players. 

“It starts at a time where there’s spring hockey going on in the background, plus there’s baseball starting up, soccer, ball hockey, you name it, just all these other sports. So I didn’t know what kind of interest you’d get from a bunch of different age groups, but I think it even goes beyond even next year where you could say, ‘Well, maybe we can add a third division or maybe we could add another team to each division or another two teams so that more kids can experience it.’ As of right now, I’m excited with this growth that we’ve had, and I’m excited for this season to get a bunch of new faces to experience the league like they did last year.” 

The original start date for year two was set for Friday, May 1, but with the Prince Albert Raiders set to host Medicine Hat that night in WHL playoff action, puck drop on the new PAYHL summer season has been pushed back 24 hours to Saturday, May 2. The move was made to avoid potential conflict with player schedules and participation.  

All games during Saturday’s opening day are slated to be played at the Art Hauser Centre. All other games will be played at the Lake County Co-op Leisure Centre, unless otherwise specified. 

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com