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Maple - ABOUT

MAPLE NATION INLINE

CANADA'S NATIONAL ROLLER HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

More Opportunities. More Development. More Hockey.

WHAT IS MAPLE NATION INLINE?

For years, Roller Hockey Canada, Canada Inline, Pure Maple, and True North have heard the same question from players and families across the country:

"How can I play more roller hockey? My local league doesn't offer the opportunities I'm looking for."

The answer to that question has evolved into something bigger than ever before.

Maple Nation Inline was created through the unification of the Pure Maple and True North development programs under the Roller Hockey Canada banner. The result is a national pathway that provides players from every region of Canada with access to elite tournaments, high-level competition, player development opportunities, and unforgettable team experiences.

Canada is fortunate to have many outstanding local roller hockey leagues that serve as the foundation of our sport. These leagues provide athletes with opportunities to learn, compete, and grow within their communities.

However, many players aspire to do more.

They want to challenge themselves against top competition, attend major events, travel with teammates who share their passion, meet players from across the country, and continue developing throughout the year.

Historically, assembling enough players from a single city or region to attend major tournaments was often difficult. Talented athletes who wanted to compete at larger events were frequently unable to participate simply because there were not enough local players available to form a team.

Maple Nation Inline removes those barriers.

By bringing together athletes from across Canada, geography no longer limits opportunity. If there is a tournament that provides a meaningful development and competition experience, Maple Nation Inline can assemble teams from coast to coast and provide athletes with the opportunity to represent one of Canada's premier roller hockey development programs.

This is more than a tournament team.

It is a national community of players, families, coaches, officials, volunteers, and leaders working together to grow roller hockey in Canada while creating experiences that athletes will remember for a lifetime.

GOVERNANCE

Maple Nation Inline operates under the authority and governance of Roller Hockey Canada.

All participants are subject to applicable Roller Hockey Canada policies, participation agreements, insurance requirements, disciplinary procedures, and playing rules.

Maple Nation Inline staff, coaches, volunteers, and administrators work in partnership with Roller Hockey Canada to maintain consistent standards of athlete development, safety, sportsmanship, and program administration.

OUR HISTORY

The foundation of Maple Nation Inline began in 2018 when Canada Inline launched the first Pure Maple Men's Pro Team at the NARCh Winternationals as a pilot project.

The success of that initiative demonstrated the potential of a national team model that could unite athletes from across Canada.

In 2019, the program expanded significantly, sending multiple teams to the NARCh Finals in California. The response from players and families was overwhelmingly positive, and Pure Maple quickly became one of Canada's most recognized roller hockey development programs.

At the same time, the True North program continued creating opportunities for players across Western Canada, helping athletes access elite tournaments and memorable team experiences.

Today, these two successful programs have come together under one banner.

Maple Nation Inline combines the strengths, resources, relationships, and communities built by both Pure Maple and True North to create a stronger national platform for player development and competition.

Together, we are creating more opportunities, attending more events, building stronger teams, and providing a clearer pathway for athletes looking to take their game beyond the local level.

ROSTER STRUCTURE

To ensure athletes receive meaningful playing time and development opportunities, Maple Nation Inline generally follows the following roster guidelines:

Team Minimum

8 Players
1 Goalie

Team Maximum

12 Players
2 Goalies

Two-goalie rosters will generally only be utilized when both goaltenders agree to share playing responsibilities.

Roster sizes may be adjusted when necessary based on tournament requirements or exceptional circumstances.

PLAYER EVALUATION & TEAM SELECTION

Spring & Summer Events

Players interested in participating in Maple Nation Inline programs will be considered through our player assessment and roster selection process.

Player placement decisions may consider:

Playing experience
Skill level
Positional requirements
Team balance
Competitive readiness
Overall roster needs

Where registration numbers allow, multiple teams may be formed within a single age division. Players will be placed on the roster and competitive level that best supports their current stage of development.

Our goal is to provide every athlete with an environment where they can contribute, improve, and enjoy the experience.

Winter Events

For events such as NARCh Winternationals and State Wars Winter Wars, Maple Nation Inline utilizes a broader evaluation process that considers information gathered throughout the year.

Player placement may include consideration of:

Previous Maple Nation Inline participation
Historical Pure Maple and True North evaluations
Coach assessments
Tournament performance
Development progression
Team needs and roster balance

Rather than relying solely on a single tryout or evaluation session, we believe in taking a comprehensive view of each athlete's development and potential contribution.

TEAM FORMATION & PLAYER PLACEMENT

Most major inline hockey tournaments utilize tiered divisions such as Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze to ensure teams compete against opponents of similar ability.

Depending on registration numbers and player evaluations, Maple Nation Inline may form multiple teams within an age division.

Placement decisions are made with consideration for:

Athlete development
Team balance
Positional requirements
Competitive opportunities
Tournament success

Placement on a specific team or competitive level cannot be guaranteed.

Players accepting roster positions are expected to be willing to compete on the team to which they are assigned.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY

Maple Nation Inline coaches are selected based on:

Leadership
Communication
Coaching experience
Commitment to athlete development
Dedication to growing roller hockey in Canada

Our coaching staff may include experienced coaches, former athletes, current players, educators, and community leaders from a variety of backgrounds.

We believe effective coaching is built on:

Preparation
Mentorship
Accountability
Communication
Athlete development

The role of a Maple Nation Inline coach extends beyond wins and losses. Our coaches are expected to help athletes develop as players, teammates, and individuals.

THE UNIFORM PROGRAM

Maple Nation Inline is committed to maintaining a consistent national identity.

Players purchase a Maple Nation Inline uniform package designed to be used across multiple events and seasons whenever possible.

This approach helps:

Reduce long-term costs for families
Maintain consistent national branding
Strengthen team identity
Increase program recognition
Build pride in representing Canada

While uniform updates may occur periodically, unnecessary annual changes are avoided whenever possible.

LOOKING AHEAD

We are incredibly excited about the future of Maple Nation Inline and the continued growth of roller hockey across Canada.

The merger of Pure Maple and True North represents more than simply combining programs. It represents a shared commitment to creating more opportunities for athletes, strengthening development pathways, and building a thriving national roller hockey community from coast to coast.

Our mission is simple:

To help as many athletes as possible experience the game we love, compete at meaningful events, build lifelong friendships, and create memories that will last forever.

Whether your goal is to challenge yourself against top competition, represent Canada at premier tournaments, or simply be part of an incredible team experience, we look forward to welcoming you to Maple Nation Inline.