Message from the NOHA President

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