The project comes as SMHA has experienced increased collaboration across the region, which ramped up after last season’s coordinated efforts around the 2025 Kraft Hockeyville campaign.

The pilot is anticipated to involve several neighbouring organizations including Bedford & District Minor Hockey Association, East Hants Minor Hockey Association, TASA Minor Hockey, and potentially Dartmouth Whalers Minor Hockey Association.

The initiative introduces an AI-supported system that reviews dozens of factors such as player performance trends, team composition, and regional roster distribution to identify what it describes as “optimal development environments.” The system incorporates game data, shift patterns, and bench activity to inform its recommendations. Placements will also incorporate logistical considerations, including how practice ice locations interact with a particular player's parent/guardian commute patterns.

Under this program, players at all levels may be reassigned between participating associations at key points during the season in order to support these outcomes. The goal is for no more than 50% of any given team to be optimized, to keep team budget concerns to a minimum. Ultimately, players will have increased opportunities to develop resiliency through these reassignments.

“We’re always looking for ways to evolve,” said SMHA President Rob Nurnber. “Without question, this project allows us to take a broader, more data-informed approach to player development while continuing to work collaboratively with neighbouring associations.”

Initial Competitive Tryouts and Evaluations will take place in the fall as usual, with the potential for adjustments throughout the year. Team Managers and Division Coordinators will be responsible for working with families if a change in team assignment is recommended. Participating associations are currently having talks to align scheduling models and operational processes to support the pilot. For example, each player will have a unique jersey number across the entire division, so that if a mid-season realignment is needed, they can keep their same number in their new association.

“We recognize this is a different approach,” Nurnber added. “But there is a shared interest across the region in finding new ways to support players and strengthen the overall game experience.”

Further information will be shared on our website and social media as details about this exciting project are finalized. SMHA thanks players and families for their continued support!