NOHA Around the Rinks Oct 21st, 2026
Every Rink Has a Story. Here’s What’s Happening This Week!
Welcome back to Around the Rinks!
Upcoming Important Dates:
Nov 15th, House League Player Registrations must be submitted to the NOHA Office
Dec 4th, NOHA Tournament of Champions Team Applications and Fees Due
Time Keeper Information
How to Register as a Timekeeper for returning Timekeepers
1. If you need an HCR Number, register here:
2. Register for the NOHA Timekeeper clinic. This is not a real clinic; it will create the qualification in Spordle Play, which is necessary to have access to scorekeeping.
3. Register to activate your Spordle Play Account. This is a manual activation; the email will arrive within 48 hours of filling it out.
How to Register as a Timekeeper for NEW Timekeepers
1. Confirm with your MHA they need timekeepers.
If you have played or coached hockey, you do not need to complete step 1.
3. Register for the NOHA Timekeeper clinic.
3. Register to activate your Spordle Play Account. This is a manual activation, the email will arrive within 48 hours of filling it out. Spordle Play Activation
FOR MORE INFORMATIONS CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE,
STILL HAVE SPORDLE PLAY QUESTIONS?
Spordle is hosting more "Ask Me Anything" Q&A sessions this week, so there's still time for your league managers, assigners, associative planners, or anyone interested to get their Spordle Play questions answered as the season gets going:
Need help finding something on our website?
We’ve got you covered!
Have you found our website a little tricky to navigate in the past? We’ve made it easier than ever to find the information you need!
Meet our NEW Website Assistant! Your helpful guide to all things NOHA! Have a question? Looking for a specific form, resource, deadline, or piece of information? Our new web assistant can answer your questions and point you in the right direction — making it easier to find what you’re looking for!
Quick answers
Easier navigation
Important information at your fingertips
Don’t miss out — visit our website, explore the new assistant,
Visit noha-hockey.ca and stay connected.
NORTHERN ONTARIO IS HOSTING!
The NOHA is proud to congratulate Sault Major Hockey Association and Porcupine Minor Hockey Association on being selected as hosts for the 2027 OHF All-Ontario and Central Region Championships!
Out of 10 host associations selected across Ontario, we’re excited to see two NOHA associations recognized for this incredible opportunity!
Congratulations to:
Sault Major Hockey Association – U18 AA
Porcupine Minor Hockey Association – U18 A
Hosting a championship is a fantastic opportunity to showcase not only the talent on the ice, but also the dedication, hospitality, and passion that make our Northern Ontario hockey communities so special.
A huge thank-you to the volunteers, organizers, and everyone who helps make these events possible. We look forward to seeing these communities welcome teams, families, and fans for an unforgettable championship experience!
Congratulations to both associations — Northern Ontario is proud of you!
VOLUNTEERS WANTED:
Apply by Monday, October 26
Help shape the future of Northern Ontario hockey.
The NOHA is forming three new ad hoc committees, and we are looking for volunteers who care about the game in our region and are willing to think creatively.
2027 AGM Planning Committee – Help build an AGM weekend in Timmins (June 11 and 12, 2027) that is worth the trip for every association, including workshops aimed at the betterment of hockey in Northern Ontario.
Rep League Structure Committee – Help find a better way to place Representative teams so they get the right level of competition with reasonable travel across our vast geography. New ideas, including seeded league models, are on the table.
U9 Programming Review Committee – Help return U9 hockey to what it is meant to be: fun and development for the athlete, and a positive experience for every player, regardless of tier.
Meetings are virtual, about once a month, from November 2026 to spring 2027.
Apply by Monday, October 26: https://forms.gle/PVcNLCH4tXuPi1sg9
Questions? Contact Jason Marchand at jmarchand@noha-hockey.ca.
Please read the Terms of Reference for any committee you apply to:
NOHA Players Selected for Team Red and Team Black at the ALLIANCE Hockey Face Off
The NOHA is proud to recognize 36 players from across Northern Ontario selected to represent Team Red and Team Black at the upcoming ALLIANCE Hockey Face Off!
Taking place October 30 – November 1, 2026, in Komoka, Ontario, this exciting opportunity will allow these athletes to showcase their skills, compete against top talent, and continue developing both on and off the ice.
Their selections reflect the hard work, dedication, and passion these players bring to the game, along with the commitment they show to growing as athletes and teammates.
Congratulations to all 36 players on this exciting achievement! You make Northern Ontario proud, and we’ll be cheering you on!
Congratulations to the following players on their selection:
• Jayden Fisher-Ruck – SSM
• Blake Bubalo – SBY
• Maximus Falcioni – SBY
• Lukas Maninos – SSM
• Kadin Micomonaco – SSM
• Jonathan Croome – SBY
• Dante Caruso – SSM
• Kohen Zubyck – NL
• Ben Boissoneault – NL
• Greg Beckerson – SSM
• Daniel McNally – SSM
• Dustin Primeau – NB
• Seamus Blain – NB
• Carson Barr – SBY
• Van Sakellaris – SBY
• Logan Claveau – SBY
• Ben Clayton – SSM
• Blake Dubois – SBY
• Jasper Jarratt – SSM
• Gavyn Nevers – SSM
• Hayden Brason-Doan – SSM
• James Stevens – SSM
• Jonathan Valade – SBY
• Emmitt Deforge – SBY
• Bailey Scott – NB
• Caleb Boucher – NB
• Hayden Horbul – NB
• Noah Moyer – NB
• Jeremy Jarratt – SSM
• Thomas Ubaldi – SSM
• Cullen Fotheringham – NL
• Bryce Perrott – SSM
• John Langois – NB
• Noah Watson – KAP
• Aiden Scott – NB
• Benson Renaud – NB
we look forward to following their progress throughout the event.
TOC Team Applications are due by midnight December 4th.
Fill in the Application below to register to attend the NOHA Tournament of Champions. Applications are due by midnight December 4th. Any applications submitted after December 4th will be charged a late fee.
Please send e-transfers to etransfer@noha-hockey.ca Please Put TEAM NAME TOC FEE in Notes/Memo of Transfer
Please note: all teams that register for the NOHA Tournament of Champions will participate.
Any Team withdrawing from the Tournament of Champions after December 4th shall forfeit their monies to the NOHA
Questions or concerns please email: Playoff Committee Chair: Sue Shepherdson at toc@noha-hockey.ca Staff Personal: Caitlin Hill at chill@noha-hockey.ca
NOHA
HISTORY :
The North Bay Trappers were making noise almost immediately after the NOHA was formed
.
The junior Trappers began in the 1921–22 season and finished first in their group in six of their first seven seasons.
They won Northern Ontario junior championships in 1923–24 and 1925–26.
Then the 1928 arena fire changed everything.
For years, North Bay’s junior hockey situation was disrupted, with local all-star teams sometimes representing the city instead.
Despite those challenges, the Trappers eventually returned to championship form.
Northern Ontario hockey history is full of teams that survived more than just tough opponents.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 1932, the Sudbury Cub Wolves won the Memorial Cup — Canada’s national junior hockey championship.
One of the players on that team?
Hector “Toe” Blake.
Blake would go on to become a Hockey Hall of Fame player and coach with the Montreal Canadiens.
But before all of that, he was a young hockey player in Northern Ontario.
The Cub Wolves defeated the Winnipeg Monarchs two games to one, winning the deciding game 1–0.
Northern Ontario hockey was producing national champions — and future legends.
Make Fundraising Sweeter with Purdys Chocolatier!
The NOHA is excited to continue offering Purdys Chocolatier fundraising to all NOHA Minor Hockey Associations!
With Purdys’ simple online fundraising program, teams can raise money while offering friends and family delicious, quality gifts. It’s fundraising made easy — so you can spend more time cheering your players on at the rink!
We’re working to bring our NOHA member associations helpful articles, seasonal tips, best practices, and proven strategies to make fundraising a little easier and more successful!
Stay tuned for useful resources, creative ideas, and opportunities to learn more about fundraising.
We’re also exploring interest in a virtual fundraising information session to share knowledge, answer questions, and help associations discover new ways to reach their fundraising goals.
Questions?
Contact Yvette Lauer,
Manager of Digital & Direct Sales 1-888-478-7397 ext. 1
That’s a wrap for this week! Keep the hockey stories coming, and stay tuned for more highlights, great moments, and community happenings in next week’s Around the Rinks!
Have a great story, team achievement, special moment, volunteer shoutout or photos to share?
We want to see it!
YOUR RINK. YOUR STORIES. OUR HOCKEY COMMUNITY!
Send your stories, photos and updates to: mjames@noha-hockey.ca
We’ll see you next week… Around the Rinks!
NOHA is excited to announce the return of the 4th Annual NOHA Christmas Camps this holiday season.
Designed to help players stay sharp, build confidence, and continue developing their skills during the Christmas break, these camps are open to all players from House League to AAA. Whether you're looking to improve your skating, puck skills, hockey IQ, or overall game, there is something for everyone.
• Open to all skill levels, from House League to AAA
• Professional instruction in a positive, high-energy environment
• An excellent opportunity to continue development during the holiday season
Registration is now open. click on the link below to register.
Registration closes on December 1st.
Spots are limited, so register early to secure your place.
Inquiries should be directed to NOHA Director of Hockey Operations, Jacob Brown, at jbrown@noha-hockey.ca.
North Bay Christmas Skills, December 27-30
All sessions at WFCU place:
Sudbury Christmas Skills, December 27-30
DEC 27 Sessions at Countryside, DEC 28-30 AT McLelland:
Sault STE. Marie Christmas Skills, December 27-30
All Sessions at John Rhodes Arena:
Little Current Christmas Sills, December 27-30
All Sessions at Nemi Rec Centre:
Espanola Christmas Skills, December 27-30
All Sessions at Espanola Community Centre:
Timmins Christmas Skills, December 27-30
All Sessions at McIntyre Arena
Temiskaming Shores Christmas Skills, December 27-30
All Sessions at Don Shepherdson Memorial Arena:
Date: October 19, 2026
To: Member Associations
Re: New Team Requests for 2027-2028
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.
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 2026-2027 season. The NOHA must submit all new Team requests to the OHF by January 15, 2027.
This bulletin outlines the process for NOHA Member Associations to apply for new Representative Teams for the 2027-2028 season.
Does Your Team Require an Application?
The following Teams may return or be added in 2027-2028 without going through this application process:
1. Returning Teams
• Any Team that was active during the 2026-2027 season
• No NOHA Board approval required
• No OHF approval required
2. Teams on Approved Leave of Absence
• Teams that did not operate in 2026-2027 but were on an approved leave of absence
• No NOHA Board approval required
• No OHF approval required
3. Natural Age Progression Teams
• Teams that represent the natural aging-up of an existing program
Example: Your Association operated a U13 AA Team in 2026-2027 but did not operate a U14 AA Team in 2026-2027. You may add a U14 AA Team for 2028-2028 as this represents the natural progression of your U13 AA Team aging up, however this does require formal NOHA Board approval outside of these timelines.
• NOHA Board approval required
• No OHF approval required
• Contact the NOHA office to arrange Board approval
Teams That MUST Apply Through This Process:
Any Team that:
• Did NOT exist in 2026-2027, AND
• Was NOT on an approved leave of absence, AND
• Does NOT represent natural age progression of an existing Team
These Teams require both the NOHA Board approval AND OHF approval.
Under the OHF Moratorium provisions, applications must include:
• Rationale for not operating the Team during 2026-2027
• Demonstration that the operation will not be detrimental to adjacent Associations that did operate during 2026-2027
Application Timeline
Date | Milestone |
October 19, 2026 | Application window opens |
December 4, 2026 | Applications due by 4:00 PM EST |
Week of December 7, 2026 | Presentation to NOHA Board |
Week of December 14, 2026 | Neighbouring Association Consultation Period |
Week of January 4, 2027 | NOHA Board review and vote |
January 15, 2026 | NOHA submission to OHF |
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted using the attached application form and must include:
• Team Information: Division, category, and age group of requested Team
• Vacant Category Confirmation: Verification that this Team did not operate in 2026- 2027
• Rationale: Detailed explanation for why the Team did not operate during 2026-2027
• Impact Analysis: Assessment of how the Team's operation will not be detrimental to adjacent Associations that did operate in 2026-2027
• Supporting Documentation: Current registration data, historical registration trends (past 3 years if available), geographic/travel considerations, and any other relevant supporting information
Neighbouring Association Consultation
As part of the review process, the NOHA will share applications with neighbouring and potentially affected Associations for feedback. This consultation period will run the week of December 14-18, 2026.
Neighbouring Associations may be asked to provide feedback on:
• Potential impact on their programming
• Player retention/recruitment concerns
• Any operational concerns
How to Apply
Deadline: December 4, 2026
• Complete the New Representative Team Application Form via Google Forms
• Gather all supporting documentation
• Submit via the Google Form:
•
Important Notes
• Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered
• Incomplete applications will be returned for correction, which may impact review timelines
• Board-approved applications will be submitted to the OHF on January 15, 2027
• Final approval rests with the OHF
• All applicants will be notified of the Board's decision within 24 hours of the decision(s) being made
