To be considered as a Hockey Cares participant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a youth aged 13 to 15 years old
- Possess hockey experience
- Have an openness to learning about a new culture
- Be willing to abide by Hockey Cares’ Code of Conduct
- Be willing to take part in preliminary cross-cultural training
- Have a support system committed to facilitating the exchange and welcoming exchange players
Additionally, participants from southern communities must:
- Have a support system that is committed to supporting events and fundraising initiatives in support of Hockey Cares