Hockey P.E.I. reverses its 2025 girls’ tournament format after backlash, restoring equal game guarantees for the 2026 provincial championships.
Hockey P.E.I. Reinstates Round-Robin Format for 2026
Community Reaction Drives Change
After public criticism over last season’s tournament structure, Hockey P.E.I. has announced it will return to the traditional round-robin format for the 2026 provincial championships. The decision follows complaints from players and parents who said the new system gave girls’ A-division teams fewer opportunities to compete.
Unequal Play Sparked 2025 Controversy
The 2025 girls’ A-division championships introduced an elimination-style format that left some teams playing only one game. Meanwhile, boys’ teams at the same level played multiple matches under a round-robin system. The change quickly drew accusations of unfairness and gender inequity in provincial competition.
Decision Effective for 2026 Championships
Hockey P.E.I. confirmed that beginning with the 2026 tournament, all girls’ A-division teams will once again be guaranteed three games. The move restores the structure used in previous years, ensuring parity between male and female divisions at the same level of play.
Reasons Behind the Reversal
“It was clear the change in format was not well received,” said Tami Lewis, executive director of Hockey P.E.I., in an emailed statement. “This prompted the decision to return to the original round-robin format used in previous years.” The organization said the shift reflects its commitment to fairness and equal development opportunities.
How the Original Change Came About
The elimination format introduced in 2025 was proposed by Hockey P.E.I.’s female council, which aimed to host all female teams at one venue to celebrate women’s hockey. While that initiative received some support, the limited playtime led many associations to question whether it truly benefited the female game.
Next Steps for Female Hockey
Hockey P.E.I. said the idea of holding all female divisions in a single venue remains under review and could return depending on host interest. Elimination formats will continue for leagues that have traditionally used them, including major, AAA, girls’ AA, and U18 boys’ AA divisions.
