NOHA and Great North U18 League Announce Pilot Program for 2026–2027 Season
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NORTH BAY, ON —The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA), in collaboration with the Great North U18 League (GNU18L), is pleased to announce the approval of a structural adjustment to the League for the 2026–2027 season. This change, which will be implemented as a pilot program and evaluated on an annual basis, reflects the NOHA’s ongoing commitment to providing the best possible development environment for players across all of Northern Ontario.
The Pilot Program
Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, the three (3) NOHA U16 AAA programs — the North Bay Trappers, Sudbury Wolves, and Soo Jr. Greyhounds — will participate in a partial schedule against U18 AAA Teams within the GNU18L. The specific number of cross-divisional games between U16 and U18 AAA competition is to be confirmed as scheduling details are finalized. The overall structure is designed so that U16 AAA Teams will play the majority of their games against one another, while U18 AAA Teams will continue to compete primarily against U18 competition. This approach ensures that the scheduling experience for each age group remains appropriate and development-focused, while creating a defined number of competitive touchpoints between the two divisions.
Consistent with the League’s competitive structure, only U18 AAA Teams will be eligible to compete for the GNU18L Championship. U16 AAA Teams participating in the pilot will not be eligible for the League standings or for the GNU18L Championship, which they had been in previous seasons.
In addition to their regular season schedule, U16 AAA Teams will be permitted to participate in up to five (5) tournaments during the 2026–2027 season. This includes one (1) tournament during the Development Phase at the beginning of the season, which is structured to take place prior to the regular season schedule and will provide early competitive opportunities without impacting regular season game commitments.
Annual Evaluation
The pilot program will be subject to formal annual review by the NOHA and its Member Associations. Evaluation criteria and success thresholds have been established in advance of the pilot’s commencement to ensure transparent, evidence-based assessment. The NOHA Board of Directors retains full authority over the continuation, modification, or discontinuation of the pilot based on the outcomes of each annual review.
New U16 Showcase Event
As part of this announcement, the NOHA is pleased to introduce a new annual showcase event designed for all U16-aged players in the NOHA, regardless of whether they compete for a U16 AAA Team or a U18 AAA Team. This event will provide every U16-aged player in the NOHA with a dedicated opportunity for increased visibility before OHL scouts, regional scouts, and other evaluators who travel to Northern Ontario to assess talent. Further details regarding the showcase format, dates, and hosting arrangements will be communicated to Member Associations in the coming weeks.
Playing at Home
For U16-aged players in communities where a local U16 AAA program is not available, the NOHA wants to be clear: the path to development and exposure does not require leaving home. Players competing for a U18 AAA Team in the GNU18L face older, larger, and more physically mature competition on a nightly basis, an environment that accelerates development in ways that age-equivalent competition simply cannot replicate.
This experience also directly prepares players for the next level. Learning to compete, battle, and succeed against that calibre of opponent while still in the minor hockey system is a meaningful advantage that northern players have always carried with them.
The new U16 Showcase Event ensures that every U16-aged player in the NOHA, regardless of program, has access to the same dedicated scouting weekend. Team NOHA and the OHL Cup remain available as a pathway for eligible U16-aged players on U18 rosters. Northern Ontario has always developed elite players, and the NOHA is committed to making sure that continues to be true in every community we serve.
A Commitment to Northern Hockey
The NOHA's mandate extends across all levels of the game in Northern Ontario, from House League to Junior A, and from North Bay to Moose Factory. This pilot program reflects the NOHA's commitment to making evidence-based decisions that serve the entire membership.
The NOHA is grateful to the Great North U18 League and its member organizations for their collaboration in designing a model that supports both U16 and U18 programming without compromising the viability of either. The NOHA will continue to keep Member Associations and the broader membership informed as implementation planning proceeds through the spring and summer of 2026.
About the Northern Ontario Hockey Association
The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) is the governing body for minor and junior hockey across Northern Ontario, representing Member Associations from North Bay to Moose Factory. The NOHA is a Member Association of the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) and oversees all levels of minor and junior hockey competition in the region, including the Great North U18 League and the Team NOHA Program.
Media Contact
Northern Ontario Hockey Association
Jacob Brown – NOHA Director of Hockey Operations
110 Lakeshore Drive, North Bay, Ontario P1A 2A8
Phone: (705) 474-8851
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