Greetings Thunder Families!On behalf of Oro Minor Hockey, I would like to welcome all players and families to the 2019/20 hockey season! For those returning we wish you all the best in the coming season. For those new to Oro, welcome. We are glad you decided to play for the Thunder!
We will be back on the ice starting Sunday September 8. The day will start with an open ice session to provide players a chance to shake the rust off and test out any new equipment. It will be followed by practice time for our youngest players in IP and Minor Novice before turning to tryouts in the afternoon for all age groups except bantam. We always like to start the bantam season off with a body-checking clinic to prepare them for the season ahead.
Total registration continues to increase and is at the highest levels in 10+ years. While this is great news as an Organization, it put a strain on the available ice time. It also means we need even more people to step up and help on and off the ice.
Here is what you can expect this year:
1. Continued Change: Novice will implement half ice games to start the season before transitioning to full ice in January. We will continue to work closely with the OMHA to implement new guidelines as seamlessly as possible
2. Focus on Development: There will be 12 weeks of outside development programs for IP and Minor Novice. We hope to set aside ice time for development in older age groups as well
3. Goalie Clinics: Goalie specific practices with on-ice correction again.
4. Rep and AE Teams: It is the intention of the organization to have Rep teams from Novice through Midget and AE teams from Atom through Midget. However, until we hit the ice at tryouts it is not a guarantee.
Remember to thank those who volunteer. The hockey season is 6 months long during some of the darkest, coldest and miserable days of the year. Coaches and Board Members contribute a significant amount of time to help the organization run. There are also countless other people who give their time for the love of friends, family and community. The Oro Fair, Golf Tournament, scheduling practices and games, coaching, booking referees, working the time clock, collecting gate fee’s, keeping jerseys clean all has to be managed by volunteers.
Please remember: These are just children, referees are only human, you and your kid do not play in the NHL. Cheer for all the players, lead by example and help cultivate a child’s lifelong love of the game!
Best Regards,
Scott Bjaanes, President
Oro Minor Hockey Association