North Bay, ON – The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) is proud to announce the launch of its new Coach Mentorship Program, designed to provide ongoing support and professional development opportunities for volunteer coaches throughout the season. Led by distinguished hockey professionals Rick Barron, Tim McWhirter, Mike McParland, and Matt Bourgeois, this groundbreaking initiative aims to bridge the gap between initial coach training and real-world application on the ice.
"We've all seen it happen – we provide coaches with excellent training and information, then send them out to figure it out on their own," said Jacob Brown, NOHA Director of Hockey Operations. "Our goal is to create a program where we're not a crutch for coaches, but instead a ladder with a strong base and unlimited rungs for these coaches to climb."
Program Overview
The Coach Mentorship Program will offer accessible, ongoing support through multiple channels:
Direct Access: Dedicated NOHA email contacts for mentors, providing coaches with a direct line to experienced professionals for guidance and questions
Regular Information Sessions: Free educational sessions covering topics such as goalie integration, practice variety, coach-parent communication, and systems implementation
Ongoing Support: A committee of experienced hockey professionals meeting biweekly to coordinate support and develop resources
"Too many coaches feel isolated when they encounter challenges during the season," explained Brown. "Whether they're too embarrassed to ask a question at the rink or simply want additional insight from experienced professionals, this program provides that crucial support network."
Information Session Topics
The mentorship committee will host regular information sessions addressing common coaching challenges, including:
How to involve goalies in practice when specialized coaching isn't available
Effective communication strategies with goaltenders
Adding variety to practice while reinforcing core skills
Managing coach-parent interactions and program ownership
Implementing team systems in practice
Pre-practice planning and staff coordination
Hockey Canada Skill clinics focusing on skating, skills, and goaltending will be delivered in person in various centres across the NOHA
Sessions will be designed for accessibility, with formats ranging from structured presentations to informal Q&A opportunities.
Mentorship Committee
The program is guided by a distinguished committee of hockey professionals, each bringing decades of experience from grassroots to elite levels:
Committee Member Biographies
Rick Barron (rbarron@noha-hockey.ca)
Taking part in his 50th year coaching minor hockey with New Liskeard, Rick Barron is considered a cornerstone of development and volunteerism throughout Northeastern Ontario. With 27 NOHA Championships and 2 OHF Championships under his belt, "Bear" has established himself as a premier hockey personality within the NOHA.
Rick is an HP1 Certified coach and Hockey Canada Master Facilitator. He has been the recipient of the Rick F. Albert Memorial Award for Development in the NOHA and the Bill Richmond Memorial Award for Development throughout the OHF – outstanding contribution to minor hockey from Hockey Canada. Rick continues to share his wisdom with today's coaches through his extensive real-world coaching experience.
Tim McWhirter (tmcwhirter@noha-hockey.ca)
Tim is a true supporter and honorary member of the NOHA. For nearly 20 years, he has been a constant presence in supporting NOHA development programs—running Hockey Canada Skills Camps, facilitating clinics, coaching at POE programs, and serving as Head Coach of the U14 Ontario Winter Games Silver Medalist NOHA All-Star Team.
Since 1995, Tim has dedicated himself to coaching hockey in Parry Sound at all levels. His commitment to development has been recognized through the OHF Bill Richmond Award (2021–22) and the NOHA's Rick F. Albert Award. Beyond his local work, Tim is a provincial and national leader in hockey development, contributing significantly to Hockey Canada's Coaching Certification Programs and Instructional Stream.
Mike McParland (mmcparland@noha-hockey.ca)
Entering his 17th season as Head Coach of the Nipissing Lakers Men's Hockey Team, Mike McParland brings nearly 50 years of coaching experience to the committee. The OUA's 2022 Coach of the Year and recipient of the OHF's Bill Richmond Memorial Award, McParland is a High-Performance Coach evaluator with the OHF.
McParland spent 20 years coaching in the Swiss National League, winning 3 National League B Championships, and recently led Team Canada at the 2024 Skoda Cup in Piestany, Slovakia. He has worked alongside renowned coaches including Dave King, Brad McCrimmon, and Mike Pelino. As both coach and athlete, he has been inducted into the University of Guelph Hall of Fame, North Bay Sports Hall of Fame, and is featured on the Rapperswil, Switzerland Wall of Fame.
Matt Bourgeois (mbourgeois@noha-hockey.ca)
Matthew has been a coach and scout for over 20 years at the highest levels of hockey. Currently serving as goalie coach and recruiter at NCAA D1 Canisius College since 2022, Matthew is a certified High Performance 1 coach and Goaltending Level 3 coach with Hockey Canada, as well as a Gold level goalie coach with USA Hockey.
Matthew works with the Ontario Hockey Federation, Ontario Minor Hockey Association, and Northern Ontario Minor Hockey Association as a goaltending coach and mentor. His passion lies in goalie development and guiding players to become their best. Since 2009, Matthew has traveled to Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United States to work with elite hockey programs, bringing international perspectives to NOHA development initiatives.
Program Launch
The Coach Mentorship Program will officially launch with the 2025-26 hockey season, with committee members immediately available for coach support and information sessions scheduled throughout the season. Additional information and opportunities will be rolled out throughout the 2025-26 season as the program continues to develop and expand.
Coaches interested in accessing mentorship support or attending information sessions can contact the NOHA for program details and mentor contact information.
Dear NOHA Members, Players, Parents, Coaches, and Volunteers,
As we drop the puck on another exciting hockey season, I'm proud to address you as President of the Northern Ontario Hockey Association and reflect on the significant progress we've made together through our strategic initiatives.
Our 10-Year Vision: Growing the Game
In April 2025, we embarked on an ambitious journey with a clear mission: to grow hockey participation across Northern Ontario by 25 percent by 2035. This isn't just about numbers on a registration sheet – it's about ensuring that every child who dreams of playing hockey has the opportunity to do so, regardless of their community size, economic circumstances, or skill level. Central to this vision is addressing three critical areas: welcoming late entry players into our programs, focusing intensive support on our U14 age group where we experience our largest player dropout, and fostering lifelong involvement in hockey through transitions to coaching and officiating roles. We recognize that not every child begins their hockey journey at age four or five.
Our late entry initiatives will be designed to provide meaningful pathways for older beginners, ensuring they receive appropriate skill development and integration opportunities without feeling overwhelmed or left behind. Hockey should be accessible regardless of when a player discovers their passion for the game. The U14 level represents a pivotal moment in every player's hockey journey. This is where we see our greatest loss of participants, often due to increased academic pressures, competing interests, and the transition to more competitive play. We're implementing targeted retention strategies, enhanced coaching education, and programming that keeps hockey fun and engaging during these crucial developmental years.
Perhaps most importantly, we're committed to creating pathways for lifelong involvement in hockey. Players don't have to hang up their skates forever when their playing days end. We're actively developing programs to transition former players into volunteer (coach, manager, trainer) and officiating roles, recognizing that their passion and knowledge of the game can benefit future generations while keeping them connected to the hockey community they love.
Addressing Parent Behaviour
One of our most important initiatives has been our comprehensive approach to improving parent behaviour at rinks across Northern Ontario. We've implemented enhanced education programs, clear behavioral expectations, and supportive resources for families. Our "Sportsmanship begins in the stands" initiatives have created measurable improvements in the atmosphere at our facilities, ensuring that hockey remains fun and positive for our young athletes. When parents model good sportsmanship, our children learn valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the ice.
I want to specifically acknowledge Temiskaming Shores, Espanola, and Timmins Minor Hockey for their outstanding support and leadership in our pilot project initiatives. These associations have embraced our vision for positive change and have served as valuable partners in testing and refining programs that benefit all of Northern Ontario hockey.
OHF U9 Pilot Program Success
Our participation in the Ontario Hockey Federation's U9 Pilot Program has begun and ongoing communication with the Associations is taking place. This innovative approach to introducing young players to hockey emphasizes skill development, fun, and age-appropriate competition. This pilot reinforces our belief that the foundation years of hockey should prioritize development over results.
I'm particularly excited about our expanded pilot partnership with the Nipissing District Hockey League, and its large membership base. This collaboration has created new opportunities for player development, enhanced competition levels, and improved efficiency in league operations. By working together, we're demonstrating that regional cooperation strengthens hockey for everyone involved and creates pathways for players to reach their full potential.
Maltreatment Prevention and Response
Perhaps most critically, we've strengthened our maltreatment prevention and response systems. We've streamlined our reporting processes, enhanced training for officials and volunteers, and established clear, expedited procedures for addressing concerns. Every player deserves to participate in hockey free from harassment, abuse, or discrimination. Our updated protocols ensure that issues are addressed swiftly and appropriately, creating accountability while supporting all parties involved.
Ensuring Every Player Has a Place to Play
As we work toward our 2035 growth target, we've encountered concerning situations where eager young players have been left without a place to play due to artificial roster limitations. This goes against everything we stand for as an association committed to growing the game.
I want to remind all our member associations that both Hockey Canada and NOHA rules permit teams to roster up to 20 players. This isn't just a maximum – it's a tool designed specifically to ensure that no player who wants to participate is turned away. Too often, we've seen associations limit rosters to 15 or 16 players, inadvertently excluding children who are passionate about playing hockey in their home community.
A Call to Action for Our Associations
I strongly encourage every association to maximize their roster sizes and embrace the full complement of 20 players per team. Yes, it means more ice time coordination and perhaps additional planning, but the reward – seeing more children experience the joy of hockey – far outweighs these logistical challenges.
When we leave players without a place to play, we're not just disappointing individual families; we're undermining our collective goal of growing hockey across Northern Ontario. Every player we turn away is a step backward from our 2035 vision.
Looking Ahead
As we begin this new season, I encourage every member of the NOHA family to embrace these positive changes and our inclusive approach to registration. Our strategic plan continues to guide us toward excellence in all aspects of minor hockey, and your support and participation make these improvements possible.
Hockey is more than a game – it's a community that shapes character, builds friendships, and creates memories that last a lifetime. Together, we're ensuring that the NOHA provides the very best experience for every participant who wants to be part of our hockey family.
Thank you for your continued dedication to Northern Ontario hockey. Here's to a safe, successful, and enjoyable season where every child who wants to play, can play.
Yours in hockey,
Steve Lawrence
President
Northern Ontario Hockey Association
The Copper Cliff Minor Hockey Association has been selected to host the U13 AA OHF Championships from April 17-19, 2026 at the McClelland Arena in Copper Cliff.
The bid, endorsed by the NOHA, was supported by the OHF's selection committee amongst other applications.
The OHF Championships will bring five (5) teams from the OHF, including representation from Alliance Hockey, the GTHL, NOHA, OMHA and the Host Copper Cliff Reds.
Additional details, including additional host selections, will be available soon!
