league faq’s

Midtown 4 on 4 Hockey League is the GTA’s premier 4 on 4 Spring Hockey League. Based out of UCC Arena (Toronto) and Honey Barry Memorial Arena (Vaughan), players enjoy a condensed season packed full of high-energy, fun, and safe games with certified referees and great competition! Our fast-paced, less stoppage 4 on 4 hockey is designed to provide creative and fun games for players to develop their skills in a less structured environment with lots of ice.

  • The Midtown 4 on 4 League embraces the most exciting and fun parts of hockey (scoring, shooting, and skating) and combines it with the creativity found in less structured, more dynamic gameplay. Players are encouraged to try something new, make mistakes, and enjoy the game.

  • The maximum number of players permitted on one team roster is 12 skaters plus 1 goalie. The minimum number of players needed to play a game is five (four skaters and one goalie). Players cannot be registered on two teams.

  • No! Our goal is to maximize player development and puck touches, so there are less stoppages than normal. When the referee blows their whistle for an offside, puck out of play, or a goal, the offending team must leave the puck where it is and retreat to their half of the ice. The other team can play the puck immediately and resume play.

  • Yes, regular offsides will be called in the 4 on 4 game. If an offside is called the offending team will lose possession of the puck and the other team can restart immediately.

  • No, icings will not be called in 4 on 4 games to promote more skating.

  • Yes, the normal Hockey Canada rules will apply in 4 on 4 games, but instead of a penalty the player will be awarded a penalty shot. The remaining players will start at the far blueline and “chase” the player while they take their penalty shot. Play is resumed once the shot is taken.

  • No, the Midtown 4 on 4 League is strictly non-contact and body checking is not permitted.

  • Free Agent spots may be available on certain teams. Free Agent registration can be submitted on the Register Now, and players will be assigned to teams who are looking for extra players in the appropriate age division.

  • Rosters must be submitted by April 1st in order to be permitted to play during the season. Changes are permitted during the season, but must be approved by the league in writing first.

  • Generally speaking, we only allow players to play in an older age division only if the player is exceptionally dominant at their own age division. Circumstances relating to game schedules, siblings, carpools, etc, will not be considered.

  • All games are played with “on the fly” changes, meaning players can change at any time.

  • All games are played as a full-ice 4 on 4 format. Some games will be played on a regulation NHL ice surface, while some games will be played on an Olympic size ice surface (20 ft wider).

  • Yes, all scores and standing will be recorded and posted online in the appropriate age division.

  • There is no overtime or shootouts for Round Robin games.

    For the Championship game there will be a sudden death 3-minute 3-on-3 overtime period, followed by a 2-minute 2-on-2 overtime period if needed. If there is no winner after the 2-on-2 overtime, a sudden death shootout will take place.