Hockey Calgary votes to keep body checking at peewee level

The membership of Hockey Calgary has rejected a proposed ban on body checking for 11- and 12-year-olds.

The vote comes even though medical evidence suggests checking, does increase the chance of major injuries.

The board of the organization passed a motion in March to ban checking, but the membership has the final word.

Todd Millar, the president of Hockey Calgary says while he personally supported the ban on checking in the peewee category, he respects the will of the majority.

But Saturdays vote likely won't end the heated debate. Both Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada will continue to review the issue of body checking for younger players.

"At the end of the day I trust the members are fully aware of the scientific research that was made available to them and all the data that is available and they've made a decision," says Millar.