The AMHA Board has finalized its player release policy for the 2026-2027 season, following a review of past release requests, including those from 2025-2026.

Here’s what members need to know:

  • Players who received a release under the AMHA/SJMHA U11/U13 All-Star Pilot for 2025-2026 will not be required to return to Avalon Celtics for 2026-2027.
  • Players who received a release outside the Pilot for 2025-2026 are required to return to their home association, in line with Hockey Canada By-Laws.
  • Going forward, release requests won’t be granted unless there are extenuating circumstances, and any release must follow Hockey NL and Hockey Canada requirements.

What counts as an extenuating circumstance? The Board will review each request individually, but a release refusal has to pose a material risk to the player’s health, safety, or well-being. Supporting documentation will be required, and the Board decides what’s sufficient on a case-by-case basis.

A few things won’t qualify on their own: wanting to play for a team seen as more competitive, preferring another association for player development, or wanting to play with friends elsewhere. Preference alone isn’t an extenuating circumstance under this policy.

This policy takes effect for the 2026-2027 season and stays in place unless the Board changes it.

Questions can be directed to the AMHA Board.

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