The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) and InnVest Hotels are pleased to announce the renewal of their successful partnership agreement for an additional two years, through to August, 2027. This extension continues the collaboration that has been supporting NOHA teams and families since 2015, providing access to discounted hotel rates at more than 40 locations across Ontario.
The renewed partnership ensures that NOHA member teams will continue to benefit from preferential rates of up to 15% discount when traveling for tournaments, games, and hockey-related events throughout the province. With InnVest's extensive network of hotels strategically located across Ontario, teams can find convenient and affordable accommodations wherever their hockey journey takes them.
"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with InnVest Hotels," said Jason Marchand, Executive Director of the NOHA. "This agreement has been instrumental in helping our member teams manage travel costs while ensuring comfortable accommodations for our players and families. InnVest's commitment to supporting minor hockey in Northern Ontario has been unwavering, and we look forward to another two years of this valuable collaboration."
Since the partnership began in 2015, thousands of NOHA families have benefited from the discounted rates of up to 15%, making hockey more accessible and affordable for communities across Northern Ontario. The agreement supports the organization's mission to provide quality hockey experiences while minimizing the financial burden on families.
"InnVest Hotels is proud to support the development of young hockey players across Northern Ontario," said Saverio Gioffre, National Sales Manager at InnVest Hotels. "Hockey is an integral part of Canadian culture, and we're honored to play a role in making the sport more accessible to families. Our team is committed to providing exceptional service and comfortable accommodations for all NOHA teams."
The NOHA Rate program allows teams to book accommodations through the dedicated NOHA Rate Landing Page at innvesthotels.com/noha or by contacting participating hotels directly to request the special member rate.
North Bay, ON – June 25, 2025 – The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) is pleased to announce the immediate approval of the Association du sport jeunesse du Nord-Est de l'Ontario (ASJ) as a new Minor Hockey Association serving the Greater Sudbury region for the 2025-26 hockey season.
The pilot program will initially operate two U9 teams and one U11 team, providing fully French-language minor hockey programming to meet growing community demand.
"This approval demonstrates NOHA's core values in action and our commitment to Hockey Canada's inclusion mandate," said NOHA President, Steve Lawrence. "By supporting ASJ, we're showing Leadership in expanding access to hockey, prioritizing Safety through comprehensive programming, fostering Teamwork by working collaboratively with community partners, and ensuring Fun for francophone youth who can now fully participate in their language and culture. This aligns perfectly with Hockey Canada's vision of hockey programs that are 'customized to meet unique needs at all levels and regions.'"
Addressing Community Need and Strategic Growth
The ASJ approval directly supports NOHA's ambitious 10-year strategic plan to grow participation by 25%, with particular emphasis on expanding access in underserved communities. The new association responds to documented community demand, with nearly 40,000 French-first-language speakers in the Greater Sudbury Census metropolitan area representing a significant underserved population.
ASJ builds upon the remarkable success of the existing "Dragons du Nord" hockey initiation program from the Centre de santé Communautaire du Grand Sudbury, which has grown from 63 participants in 2021-22 to 116 participants in 2024-25. Critically, surveys over the past three years consistently show that 73% of Dragons du Nord participants indicated they would not have had hockey exposure without this French-language programming. This data demonstrates the vital need for culturally and linguistically appropriate programming that ASJ will now provide at the competitive minor hockey level.
ASJ's mission focuses on reaching previously unserved families rather than recruiting from existing programs. The association targets children who would not otherwise participate in organized hockey, specifically the 73% of families identified through the Dragons du Nord program who indicated they would not have tried hockey without French-language programming and players who are not currently part of organized hockey who are looking to participate in French-language programming.
Upholding NOHA Values
ASJ's mission directly supports NOHA's core values and aligns with Hockey Canada's national commitment to inclusion:
Leadership: Breaking barriers to create new pathways for francophone youth participation in hockey
Safety: Implementing comprehensive risk management plans and certified coaching standards
Teamwork: Collaborating with municipal partners and existing hockey community to expand opportunities
Fun: Ensuring positive experiences for participants regardless of background, with emphasis on cultural celebration and inclusive programming
The approval also reflects Hockey Canada's 2023 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Path Forward, which emphasizes programming that is "customized to meet unique needs at all levels and regions in Canada." ASJ exemplifies this commitment by creating culturally appropriate hockey opportunities that preserve francophone identity while building bridges with the broader hockey community.
"The Association du sport jeunesse du Nord-Est de l'Ontario (ASJ) extends its sincere thanks to the Northern Ontario Hockey Association for their support and commitment to minor hockey in Sudbury. We are especially grateful for the opportunity to expand access for families and children to play hockey in French, among peers who share their language. Being integrated into NOHA's existing structure opens exciting new avenues for participation, particularly for children who may have stepped away from the sport due to language barriers. We are thrilled to join the NOHA family and contribute to its ongoing success," said ASJ Director, Dhiren Chohan.
Ice Time and Community Support
The City of Greater Sudbury has confirmed ice availability to support the program. This demonstrates the community's commitment to expanding youth sports opportunities without impacting existing programming.
Pilot Program Structure
The ASJ will operate as a pilot program during the 2025-26 season, with continuation based on registration numbers and community interest. The association exemplifies NOHA's leadership standards with a founding board of nine experienced volunteers including legal, financial, educational, and hockey governance professionals.
Looking Forward
Registration for the 2025-26 season will open shortly, with detailed information available through the association's communication channels. The program emphasizes player development, safety, sportsmanship, and cultural celebration in a supportive French-language environment.
"This exciting development showcases hockey's power to build not just better players, but better communities," added Steve Lawrence. "ASJ embodies our commitment to leadership, safety, teamwork, and fun while directly supporting our strategic goal to grow participation by 25% over the next decade, particularly in underserved areas. By 2035, NOHA will be a national benchmark for growth, retention, and culture, and ASJ represents exactly the kind of innovative, inclusive programming that will help us achieve this vision. We look forward to seeing these young Dragons develop their skills and love for the game."
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The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) celebrated excellence in hockey development and volunteerism during its Annual General Meeting held June 13-14, 2025, in Sudbury, Ontario. Five deserving individuals were recognized with the organization's most prestigious awards, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to hockey in Northern Ontario.
"These award recipients represent the very best of what Northern Ontario hockey stands for," said NOHA President Steve Lawrence. "Their dedication, passion, and commitment to developing our young players and strengthening our hockey community is truly inspiring. We are proud to recognize their outstanding contributions."
Award Recipients
Angus Campbell Merit Award
Al Willard – New Liskeard Cubs
The Angus Campbell Merit Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to hockey development and administration in Northern Ontario. Al Willard has demonstrated nearly four decades of dedication to the New Liskeard Cubs, beginning as a player from 1969-1972 and evolving into a cornerstone of the organization's leadership. Since joining the Cubs executive in 1986, he has served in numerous capacities including registrar, Vice President, and Alternate Governor for the Great North U18 AAA League. His leadership was instrumental in the Cubs' Midget AAA Regional Championship victory and subsequent representation at the Air Canada Cup. Willard continues to contribute through training camps, broadcasts, and coaching candidate interviews while maintaining his passion for the game as an active player.
Ken Neeb Memorial Award
Trevor Desrosiers – Temiskaming Shores Minor Hockey Association
The Ken Neeb Memorial Award, established in 1975, honors individuals who exemplify dedication to minor hockey through coaching, officiating, or volunteer service, commemorating the late Ken Neeb who served as NOHA convenor for the Noranda District. Trevor Desrosiers has dedicated over three decades to minor hockey in the Temiskaming region, beginning as a goaltending coach in the late 1980s and expanding his role to include coaching at all levels up to Midget. His exceptional leadership includes 17 years as a Board Member and 10 years as Association Administrator for both New Liskeard Minor Hockey and Temiskaming Shores Minor Hockey associations. Recognizing the need for more officials, he became a certified Senior Official and now mentors the next generation of referees. Under his guidance, TSMHA has become one of NOHA's leading associations, consistently hosting Tournaments of Champions and contributing to hockey development across Northern Ontario.
Rick F. Albert Memorial Award
George Suszter – East Nipissing Minor Hockey Association
The Rick F. Albert Memorial Award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to hockey development at the grassroots level. George Suszter's commitment to grassroots hockey spans over two decades, beginning with his coaching certification at age 16 alongside his father. After returning to hockey in 2005 when his son joined the Hockey for Beginners program, he has served East Nipissing Minor Hockey Association as coach, trainer, and President. His involvement expanded to the Nipissing District Hockey League, where he has held key positions including East Scheduler, League Secretary, and Vice-Commissioner. Suszter's most impactful contribution has been his leadership of the Hockey for Beginners program, where his focus on learning, development, and fun has fostered a love of hockey in countless young players while building community connections.
Trainer of the Year Award
Geena Oxford – Sudbury Minor Hockey Association
The Trainer of the Year Award recognizes excellence in athletic training and player safety within Northern Ontario hockey programs. Geena Oxford, a practicing physiotherapist in Sudbury, has been an integral part of the Sudbury Minor Hockey Association for five years as a dedicated team trainer. Despite never playing hockey herself, she quickly developed a passion for supporting young athletes across multiple AAA teams from U14 through U18. Her expertise includes certifications in Complete Concussion Management, First Responder training, sports massage, and taping. Oxford's high-level care was recognized when she served as trainer for Team NOHA at the 2024 OHL Cup and supported teams at OHF All Ontario Championships. Her commitment extends beyond medical care, as she builds meaningful connections with athletes and contributes to the team family atmosphere.
Life Membership
Claudette Myre
Life Membership represents the highest honor bestowed by the NOHA, recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to hockey in the region. Claudette Myre has been a cornerstone of hockey development for more than two decades, serving in numerous leadership roles from the community to provincial levels. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and deep knowledge of Hockey Canada and NOHA policies, she became a trusted resource for volunteers and associations across the region. Her contributions include service on multiple NOHA committees and working groups, where she helped shape key policies that improved governance and increased access to the game. Myre's legacy extends beyond administration through her mentorship of countless players, families, and volunteers, demonstrating quiet leadership and an unwavering commitment to fairness and opportunity for all participants in Northern Ontario hockey.
The Annual General Meeting brought together hockey administrators, volunteers, and stakeholders from across Northern Ontario to review the past season and plan for the future of hockey development in the region.
