Although in the past I believe there have been players as young as 16 years, today a players has to be 18 by a certain date ( I think it's Sept. 15 of his draft year) before he can be drafted or signed to a contract.
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In Australia, you can play Minkey (a young child's version of hockey) from 5 years old. You can play half-Field Hockey from 7 years old, and there are no goal keepers. Full field starts from when you are nine years old.
Hockey level categorizations are based on birth year. For the 2008-2009 season, Pee Wees are those born in 1996 and 1997.
Peewee hockey (a.k.a. U-12) is supposed to be played by 11 and 12 year old players. Some exceptions are made, though, for players of the Squirt (U-10) level.