The Ontario Hockey Goaltender Assist Program initiative is aimed at supporting Associations within Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), and Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) by providing free goaltender equipment for their Under-7 and Under-9 programming. This initiative to bolster youth hockey development is generously funded by the proceeds from 50/50 draws held during the 2022, 2023, and 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship events.
The Ontario Hockey Goaltender Assist Program is a demonstration of the commitment of Hockey Associations and communities to nurture young goaltending talent from the grassroots level upwards. By removing financial barriers, the program ensures that more young athletes have access to quality goaltending equipment provided by their local association, thereby allowing them to try the position before making a full commitment to the position.
Associations within HEO, HNO, and OHF are encouraged to apply for the Goaltender Assist program, which will provide eligible organizations with essential goaltending equipment tailored for the unique needs of Under-7 and Under-9 players. The program aims to not only enhance the playing experience but also to encourage more youth to take up the goaltender position and enjoy the sport.
Associations receiving equipment through the Goaltender Assist Program must retain the equipment provided, ensuring participants that wish to try the position have that opportunity throughout the season. This approach allows more kids to experience and develop an interest for the position before their family makes the financial commitment.
The NOHA has scheduled four additional Development 1 Clinics in the Month of September. Please see links below to register or visit the Clinics Page.
Development 1
September 5-6 | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 7 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
September 12-13 | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 14 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
September 19-20 | 6:00 pm – 10:00, September 21 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
September 26-27 | 6:00 pm – 10:00, September 28 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Please access the below link if you are unsure what qualifications you require for the upcoming season.
Should you have any questions, please direct them to NOHA Technical Director Jacob Brown, jbrown@noha-hockey.ca or 705-474-8851 EXT 103.
Approximately 40 kids from throughout out Northern Ontario convened in North Bay this past weekend, (August 9-11) for the Annual NOHA Under 14 Development Weekend.
The weekend was a success both on and off the ice as players were exposed to elite coaching and hospitality.
Friday Morning saw three consecutive hours of skill-specific sessions take place.
The first session was run by Goalie Coaches Matt Bourgeois and Brian Kment. Both individuals are High Performance Hockey Canada Certified Goalie Coaches with Major Junior and NCAA Coaching experience. Goaltenders were put through their paces and learned many valuable lessons throughout the session.
The Forward and Defence sessions were run by new North Bay Battalion Assistant Coach Matt Marquardt. Matt's extensive experience as both a professional player and now an elite-level coach was invaluable to all athletes, not only for these skill sessions, but throughout his participation through team practices and off-ice presentations as well.
Athletes in this camp also had an opportunity to speak with Battalion Team President, Adam Dennis, who brought in a local North Bay Police officer to discuss social media awareness and the importance of conducting oneself in an acceptable manner, not only on the ice, but off of it as well.
Each athlete was also afforded the opportunity to see the ins and outs of the Battalion facilities within the Memorial Gardens and sat through insightful conversations delivered by Adam Dennis outlining what hockey looks like at the next level and what people look for in a player.
Newly appointed Owen Sound Attack Head Coach Scott Wray also gave his time to these athletes by facilitating a practice for each U14 Team.
Saturday morning began with on-ice practices with Marquardt, followed by nutrition presentations, an introduction to weightlifting, and a practical activation of a dynamic warmup by Battalion Strength & Conditioning Coach Caleb Mady.
The two teams then played each three times over the course of Saturday and Sunday, giving our volunteer coaches an opportunity to run the benches and oversee competitive action from the young athletes.
Players completed team-building exercises created by their Team Coaches and got to know each other over a short span of time.
Players and Staff were also treated like pros in the nutrition department, as weekend meals were catered by Steve Bitonti and his excellent Battalion Food and Beverage Team.
The NOHA wishes to extend thanks to all who participated in this fantastic weekend, as well to highlight our fantastic volunteers. Without their dedication and love for our great game, events like this aren’t possible!
