MUSTANGS - Memo & FAQ

 Official Double-Letter Program Alignment Announcement – Mustangs du Sud-Ouest

Dear Minor Hockey Members and Families, The Association de Hockey Mineur Île-Perrot (AHMIP), the Association de Hockey Mineur de Vaudreuil-Dorion (AHMVD), the Hudson-Rigaud-Saint-Lazare Minor Hockey Association (HRS), and the Association de Hockey Mineur de Soulanges (AHMS) are proud to officially announce the alignment of their competitive double-letter hockey programs. Starting next season, our organizations will unite under a brand-new banner: the Mustangs du Sud-Ouest. 

This strategic alliance is directly aligned with the upcoming structural changes introduced by Hockey Québec and Hockey Lac St-Louis. These changes notably include the elimination of the BB category from U13 to U19 (making AA the sole elite competitive level), the replacement of the U18 division with U17 and U19 categories, as well as the implementation of strict roster size limits at the U11 level. In addition, the U22 (Junior) category is being restructured to allow players aged 19 to 21 to compete together, without restrictions on the number of 21-year-old players per team. 

 FAQ – Mustangs du Sud-Ouest (Preliminary Version)

1. What are the Mustangs du Sud-Ouest? 

The Mustangs du Sud-Ouest represent the new alignment of the competitive double-letter programs from: 

•  AHMIP 

• AHMVD 

• HRS 

• AHMS 

This structure will include AA and BB competitive teams from U11 to U22. 

2. Why is this alignment being implemented? 

 This alignment follows the structural changes and directions introduced by Hockey Québec and Hockey Lac St-Louis. 

The goal is to: 

• strengthen player development; 

• ensure greater stability of elite programs; 

• provide a more competitive environment; 

• unify the hockey vision across our region. 

3. Are the local associations disappearing? 

 No. 

Each local association: 

• retains its identity; 

• continues operating its single-letter teams; 

• maintains its local activities and administration. 

This alignment only affects competitive double-letter programs. 

4. Are single-letter teams affected? 

 No. 

Single-letter teams (A, B, C, etc.) will continue to operate within their respective local associations as they currently do. 

All players will continue to have a place within their local association according to their level of play. 

5. Which divisions will be included? 

 U11 

• 3 U11 AA teams 

• 5 U11 BB teams 

U13

• 2 U13 AA teams 

U15 to U19 

• 1 team per category 

U22 / Junior 

• 1 Junior team 

Subject to final Hockey Québec and Hockey Lac St-Louis approvals and directions. 

 6. What will team rosters look like?

 U11 AA and U11 BB

 Teams will consist of: 

• 10 skaters/players 

• 1 goalie

This structure aims to:

• maximize ice time;

• promote player development; 

• align with Hockey Québec’s new U11 roster guidelines. 

U13 to U19 

Teams will consist of: 

• a minimum of 12 to 15 skaters/players; 

• 1 or 2 goalies depending on category and needs. 

Roster structures were developed to balance player development, ice time, and competitiveness. 

7. Why are U11 rosters smaller? 

 Hockey Québec’s new directions promote smaller U11 rosters in order to:

• increase ice time;

• enhance development; 

• increase repetitions; 

• allow greater involvement for each player during games and practices.

8. Where will teams play? 

 Team locations, practices, and game venues are still to be determined. 

Details will be communicated once finalized. 

The primary objective when assigning teams and locations will be to ensure the best possible competitive balance between teams, rather than grouping players strictly based on their local association or place of residence.

 We understand that this approach may increase travel for some families; however, team balance and overall player development will remain the priority within the Mustangs du Sud Ouest structure. 

9. Where will evaluation camps take place? 

 Evaluation camps will begin at Centre Sportif Soulanges starting August 28, 2026, depending on the category and group. 

Additional arenas within the partner associations’ territory may also be used throughout the evaluation process. 

Detailed schedules and specific locations will be announced at a later date.

10. When will evaluation camps take place? 

Evaluation camps will begin starting: August 28, 2026 

11. Will evaluation camps be open to everyone? 

Yes. 

All eligible players wishing to compete at the AA or BB level may register for the camps. 

12. Will there be registration fees? 

Yes. 

Registration fees will apply for participation in evaluation camps.

Exact costs will be announced shortly. 

13. How will teams be selected? 

 Players will be evaluated based on: 

• skating; 

• technical skills; 

• hockey IQ; 

• attitude and competitiveness. 

Evaluations will be conducted by independent evaluators with no affiliation to the partner associations or selected coaches. 

These evaluators will provide recommendations to ensure the process remains as objective, fair, and transparent as possible. 

Complete evaluation details will be published before the camps.

14. How will coaches be selected? 

The coach selection process is currently being developed. 

More information will be communicated shortly. 

15. What will the official team name be? 

Teams will compete under the banner: Mustangs du Sud-Ouest

16. Who will manage the Mustangs du Sud-Ouest? 

The administrative structure of the alignment is currently being finalized.

Additional details will be communicated soon. 

17. Will there be increased travel? 

Travel will depend on league schedules and categories. 

The objective remains to maintain a balanced and reasonable structure for families in the region. 

18. What are the benefits for players?

 This alignment will provide: 

• a higher level of competition; 

• greater team stability; 

• additional resources; 

• improved development continuity; 

• and a stronger elite hockey structure for our region. 

19. If a player is released from AA or BB, will they lose their place in their local association? 

 No.

 All players will continue to have a place within their local association according to their level of play. 

20. When will registration open and how will evaluation camps operate? 

Registration for evaluation camps will open after: July 1, 2026 

The expected registration deadline is to be determined, approximately August 1st, 2026. 

This deadline will help ensure proper planning of groups, schedules, and ice allocations. 

Each registered player will be guaranteed participation in a minimum of: 

• 3 evaluation sessions 

Each player will also receive an official evaluation camp jersey, which must be worn during all sessions. 

Registration procedures, exact fees, and official registration links will be communicated in the coming weeks. 

21. When will more information be available?

 Additional communications will be sent in the coming weeks regarding: 

• registration; 

• fees; • schedules; 

• coaches; 

• team structures; 

• and administrative details. 

This FAQ is a preliminary version and will continue to evolve as additional details are confirmed.