NOHA BULLETIN 26-005 New Team Requests for 2027-2028
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
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