Hockey wouldn't happen without Officials. The NOHA is proud to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Officials.
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We are pleased to announce the introduction of the Official of the Month program for the 2025-2026 hockey season. This new recognition initiative, proudly supported by our partner Zebrasclub.com, will celebrate the outstanding contributions of our young Officials across Northern Ontario.
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From October to April, the NOHA will name an Official of the Month to recognize excellence in officiating. Each monthly recipient will receive prizing from Zebrasclub.com, our exclusive official Officiating equipment supplier.
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To be eligible for the Official of the Month recognition, nominees must meet the following criteria:
Be under 18 years of age
Be registered as an Official with the NOHA
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Nominations may be submitted by any of the following individuals or organizations:
Minor Hockey Associations
Officials Assignors
Referees-in-Chief
NOHA Director of Officials
NOHA Officiating Program Coordinator
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Nominations can be submitted here: https://forms.gle/T6WWTtve5YpLq2RQ6
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Nominations can be submitted at any time and will be kept on file throughout the season.Â
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Upon selection, the NOHA will reach out to the Official of the Month to arrange for a photo and, if agreed upon, a short video interview. These materials will be used to celebrate the recipient across NOHA social media platforms, newsletters, and other communications channels.
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Each monthly winner will be publicly recognized and will receive their prize package from Zebrasclub.com, featuring quality officiating equipment and accessories.
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This program represents an important step in recognizing and supporting the development of our young Officials. We encourage you to identify deserving candidates within your Associations and submit nominations.
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If you have any questions about the Official of the Month program, please contact Grant Love at glove@noha-hockey.ca.Â
New partnership provides equipment, recognition, and development opportunities for Officials across Northern Ontario
North Bay, Ont. – The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) is proud to announce a new partnership with Zebrasclub.com, designating them as the exclusive Officiating equipment supplier for the Association. The partnership, which runs through the 2025-2026 season, represents a significant investment in Officiating development and recognition across the region.
"This partnership with Zebrasclub.com demonstrates our commitment to supporting the Officials who are such a vital part of Minor Hockey in Northern Ontario," said Jason Marchand, NOHA Executive Director. "By providing quality equipment, recognition programs, and development opportunities, we're investing in the future of Officiating while helping to keep costs manageable for our Officials."
Under the agreement, Zebrasclub.com will provide comprehensive support for the NOHA's Officiating community through multiple initiatives:
Monthly and Annual Recognition Programs
Zebrasclub.com will supply branded gear and accessories for monthly Officiating award recipients from October through April. The partnership also includes premium prize packages for annual award winners in three categories: Most Promising Official, Most Improved Official, and Most Deserving Official.
Development Camp Support
Zebrasclub.com will provide custom bibs, branded gear, and starter kits for Officials attending the NOHA's Program of Excellence Camps and Regional Development Camps. An estimated 30-50 Officials per season will receive equipment packages that may include whistles, lanyards, t-shirts, ballcaps, towels, skate mats, shin tights, and discount codes.
Enhanced Visibility and Accessibility
As part of the partnership, Zebrasclub.com will be featured on the NOHA website's Officials page, promoted at Officials clinics throughout the region, and recognized across the NOHA's social media platforms. The company will also supply jerseys with pre-sewn NOHA and Ontario Hockey Federation crests, making it easier for Officials to access proper equipment.
"We're thrilled to partner with the NOHA and support the incredible Officiating community in Northern Ontario," said Mathieu Poissant, Co-founder of Zebrasclub.com. "Our mission is to provide Officials with high-quality equipment and the recognition they deserve. This partnership allows us to do that while contributing to the development of Officiating excellence in the NOHA region."
For more information about Zebrasclub.com's products and services, visit www.zebrasclub.com. Information about the NOHA Officiating Programs can be found at www.noha-hockey.ca.
About the Northern Ontario Hockey Association
The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) governs Minor Hockey across Northeastern Ontario, overseeing more than 60 Minor Hockey Associations and 12 Junior A Hockey Clubs with more than 14,000 annual participants. The NOHA is committed to providing quality hockey programs that promote player development, fair play, and positive experiences for all participants, including Officials.
About Zebrasclub.com
Zebrasclub.com is a specialized supplier of Officiating equipment and accessories for hockey Officials. The company is dedicated to providing high-quality products and supporting the Officiating community through partnerships, recognition programs, and accessible equipment solutions.
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Media Contact:
Jason Marchand
Executive Director
Northern Ontario Hockey Association
Email: jmarchand@noha-hockey.ca
Mathieu Poissant
Co-founder
Email: mathieu@zebrasclub.com
The NOHA has released a new Bulletin - New Rep Team Applications - 2026-2027
The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) has implemented a Moratorium on the addition of any AA and below competitive programs for the 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028 seasons (OHF Bulletins 24-054 and 24-055). This decision aligns with the OHF Members' directive to adopt Playing Regulations that promote greater player movement opportunities.
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The Moratorium allows Member organizations like the NOHA to request approval from the OHF for new Teams in "vacant categories" where Associations did not operate a Team during the 2024-2025 season. The NOHA must submit all new Team requests to the OHF by January 15, 2026.
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This bulletin outlines the process for NOHA Member Associations to apply for new Representative Teams for the 2026-2027 season.
If you have any questions, please email NOHA Executive Director Jason Marchand at jmarchand@noha-hockey.ca
