The Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) is committed to providing a safe, fun and welcoming environment for all participants. Together, all stakeholders must ensure that every player — regardless of age, skill, or ambition — has the opportunity to belong, develop, and thrive within the game of hockey. The Board of Directors of the OMHA has identified areas of focus and emphasis in our game that require increased awareness, education and enforcement this season. The implementation of this emphasis and addressing the overall standard of play and behaviour in our game will continue to allow for improved skill development and positive hockey experiences.
BB Hockey
The category of BB hockey was introduced as a result of demand from our membership to provide a Representative level of hockey without body checking. BB hockey has been established to be a parallel level of hockey to A, simply without body checking.
Since being piloted in 2022-23, the BB category has grown substantially while keeping more players in our game and playing at a level appropriate to their skills.
Unfortunately, we have also seen a significant increase in all types of penalties and game suspensions which conflicts with the goals of this program offering. To address this concern, there will be an increased level of awareness of play at this level which may include increased suspensions beyond the minimum.
U18 & U21
The growth of participation at U18 and U21 has also been a massive success story across the OMHA. Retention of players is a pillar of our strategic plan where we keep players coming back. Increased concerns over conduct and behaviour at these age divisions have been brought forward and are negatively impact player safety and overall player experience. This conduct will draw increased attention this season and will result in increasing the standard of play and suspensions across these age divisions.
Conduct of Teams at Tournaments and Hotels
Tournament participation and travel provide access to additional and varied competition and some of the very best minor hockey memories. However, tournament participation must be viewed as a privilege and one where our teams represent their team, community and families.
To that end, Teams that do not uphold this standard will face possible sanctions including the denial of future travel permits. Associations whose teams cannot meet this standard may see the removal of travel permits and tournament sanctioning for all teams.
We ALL play a role in supporting the improvement of our game.
All stakeholders and participants must demonstrate awareness and support for the application, spirit and the respect of the rules of the OMHA, OHF and Hockey Canada.
Should you have any questions regarding the standard of play or areas of emphasis for this season, please contact your respective Regional Director for further clarification.