The governing body for minor hockey in Nova Scotia is teaming up with the provincial government and Doctors Nova Scotia to crack down on energy drink use among young players.
"We've had reports of kids, (who are) 9 and 10 years old, having these drinks before they go out to play. And that's alarming," says Darren Cossar, the executive director of Hockey Nova Scotia.
The trend also worries doctors. In a study released a year ago, doctors recommended that kids stay away from energy drinks as the beverages are under-studied, overused and can be dangerous.
One of the main ingredients in energy drinks is caffeine. They can also contain high amounts of sugar.
"They cause stimulation, increased heart rates...or even, irregular heart beats... nervousness, tremors, nausea, dizziness, and depressive symptoms. So, we don't think it's wise or healthy for kids," says Dr. John Chiasson, the president of Doctors Nova Scotia.
"These (drinks) are meant for adults, and that's fine if an adult chooses to consume them, but when a young child takes these drinks, with caffeine and things that are in them, they can have a harmful and even devastating effect."
Cossar and Chiasson both agree young children see a bad example when older players consume energy drinks.
"We've seen parents give their kid a Red Bull before a hockey game," Cossar says.
Chiasson adds, "That is not where kids get energy. Energy from muscles comes from glucose. It comes from real, normal foods that we buy and drinks that contain sugar and glucose."
Before he hits the ice, Liam Dempster, 10, stays away from energy drinks. Instead, he fuels up on a solid meal. "It's not Red Bull or anything like that. I drink lots of fluids and eat lots of chicken and pasta."
There are also concerns players could get dependent on energy drinks, leading to other dependencies down the road. "Caffeine is a drug and is addicting and to get hooked on it at a young age - that's scary," says Cossar.
Hockey Nova Scotia says the new policy will educate players, parents and coaches about the risks of energy drinks, and about "healthy energy alternatives."
The caffeine in energy drinks can either be pure or from herbs, like yerba matéa and guarana.
However, current labelling laws dictate companies only have to list the pure caffeine amount. Listing caffeine content from herbs is not required. Health Canada advises people to carefully read labels before consuming energy drinks.
According to Health Canada, kids under 12 should not consume more than 2.5 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight.
Hockey Nova Scotia is asking for input from parents on forming the new energy drink policy. It is expected to be unveiled in May.
With files from Ross Lord and Ray Bradshaw
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