Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a few important reminders as we head into the second half of the season. At the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, our main goal is simple. We want every player to feel safe, supported, and excited to come to the rink. No matter a child’s age, skill level, or goals, hockey should be a place where they can learn, grow, and have fun.
For the rest of the season we’re putting a bit more focus on a few areas that affect the experience for everyone. By paying closer attention to these things, we can help make sure our players enjoy the game and continue developing in a positive environment.
Conduct of Teams at Tournaments & Hotels
Tournaments are always a highlight each season, with new rinks, great competition, team bonding, and memories that stick with families for years. But they’re also a privilege. When we travel to other towns and cities, we represent our sport, our team, our community, ourselves and our family.
If teams don’t meet expected behaviour standards at tournaments or hotels, there’s a chance future travel permits could be affected. In more serious or repeated cases, Associations may also lose the ability to send teams to tournaments. The goal isn’t to take away opportunities, it’s to make sure these experiences stay positive for everyone involved.
BB Hockey
BB hockey was created because families asked for a competitive Rep option without body-checking. It’s meant to run alongside A hockey as the same level of play, just without the checking.
The program has grown quickly since it started in the 2022-23 season, keeping more players in the game and giving them a level that fits their skillset. But we’ve also seen a jump in penalties and suspensions, which goes against what this program was designed for.
So this season, there will be more attention on gameplay in BB, and in some cases suspensions may go beyond the minimums to help get things back on track.
U18 & U21
These older age groups have grown a ton in recent years, and that’s something we’re really proud of as keeping teens and young adults playing minor hockey is a huge priority for the OMHA.
However, we’ve seen more concerns pop up around conduct and behaviour in these divisions. It’s affecting safety, enjoyment, and the overall experience. The OMHA will be taking a closer look here as well, and you may see the bar raised when it comes to standards of play and suspensions.
At the end of the day, we all have a part to play whether we are players, parents, bench staff, officials or volunteers.
When everyone respects the rules and the spirit of the game, we create the kind of hockey environment that keeps kids coming back year after year.
Peter Harmsen
President, Ontario Minor Hockey Association
Click Here to View Article on OMHA website.