Current Age Jurisdictions in Youth Ice Hockey in North Americaa
| Category . | Age (y) on December 31 of the Playing Season . | Where Body Checking Is Allowed in 2013–2014 Season . |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation (in Canada) | <7 | Nowhere |
| Mite (US), Novice (Canada) | 7 and 8 | Nowhere |
| Squirt (US), Atom (Canada) | 9 and 10 | Nowhere |
| Pee Wee | 11 and 12 | Nowhereb,c |
| Bantam | 13 and 14 | US, Canada |
| Midget | 15–17 | US, Canada |
| Category . | Age (y) on December 31 of the Playing Season . | Where Body Checking Is Allowed in 2013–2014 Season . |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation (in Canada) | <7 | Nowhere |
| Mite (US), Novice (Canada) | 7 and 8 | Nowhere |
| Squirt (US), Atom (Canada) | 9 and 10 | Nowhere |
| Pee Wee | 11 and 12 | Nowhereb,c |
| Bantam | 13 and 14 | US, Canada |
| Midget | 15–17 | US, Canada |
Age categories were shifted down by 1 y in Canada in 2002.
In the United States, age of legal body checking in games raised from Pee Wee to Bantam starting with 2011–2012 season.
In Canada, age of legal body checking in games raised from Pee Wee to Bantam starting with 2013–2014 season.