The NOHA Partners with Agnico Eagle to Enhance Youth Development Through Blue Puck Initiative

The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) is proud to announce a new partnership with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited to introduce blue pucks for all U8 and below programming across Northeastern Ontario. This initiative will support thousands of young athletes by providing equipment designed specifically for early skill development.

Agnico Eagle Invests in the Future of Northern Ontario Youth

Through this collaboration, Agnico Eagle is sponsoring the rollout of blue pucks to more than 60 Minor Hockey Associations across the NOHA. The initiative aligns with Hockey Canada’s Long Term Player Development model and is supported by research from the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) and USA Hockey.

“This partnership with Agnico Eagle represents a significant investment in the foundation of hockey development across Northern Ontario,” said NOHA Executive Director, Jason Marchand. “By providing our youngest players with equipment specifically designed for their developmental stage, we’re ensuring they build proper skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of the game.”

Age-Appropriate Equipment That Supports Skill Development

Blue pucks weigh 4 ounces—33% lighter than a standard 6-ounce puck—while maintaining the same dimensions. This reduced weight allows young players to develop correct shooting, passing, and stickhandling techniques without compensating for equipment that is too heavy for their age.

Research from USA Hockey shows that since adopting blue pucks in 2009, players demonstrate improved technical form, greater confidence, and safer gameplay. Studies from the OMHA indicate that young athletes using blue pucks achieve twice as many puck touches and shot attempts compared to traditional programming.

“Similar to how other sports use age-appropriate equipment—smaller basketballs, lighter baseballs, or modified tennis racquets—hockey is evolving to meet young athletes where they are developmentally,” said NOHA Director of Hockey Operations, Jacob Brown. “Blue pucks prevent the development of bad habits that occur when children try to compensate for equipment that’s too heavy.”

Community Impact Across Northern Ontario 

The partnership will benefit communities across NOHA’s large territory, from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, and many communities in between. With more than 14,000 annual participants, the blue puck initiative represents one of the most significant youth development investments in Northern Ontario Minor Hockey.

“Hockey is part of the fabric of Northern Ontario communities, and investing in young athletes is an investment in the future of the region,” said Andre Leite, Vice President, Ontario, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. “Supporting the NOHA’s blue puck initiative reflects our commitment to helping young people build confidence, develop foundational skills, and stay active. We are proud to partner with the NOHA to strengthen opportunities for families across the North.”

Visible Demonstration of Community Support

All blue pucks provided through the partnership will feature the Agnico Eagle logo, creating lasting visibility for the company’s commitment to youth development. The pucks will be used in practices, games, and tournaments throughout the region.

About the Northern Ontario Hockey Association

The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) is the governing body for Minor Hockey across Northeastern Ontario, representing upward of 70 Minor Hockey Associations with more than 14,000 participants who register annually. The NOHA is committed to providing quality hockey programming that develops skilled players and confident, healthy young people who carry the values of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout their lives.

About Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited is a senior Canadian gold mining company operating mines in Canada, Australia, Finland, and Mexico. The Company has a long record of strong operational performance, sustainable development, and community partnership. Agnico Eagle is committed to responsible mining that supports the well-being of employees, strengthens communities, and respects the environment.

NOHA Media Contact: Jason Marchand

Executive Director

Northern Ontario Hockey Association

Phone: 705-474-8851 x101

Email: jmarchand@noha-hockey.ca 

Agnico Eagle Media Contact:Cameron Grant

Manager, Communications, Ontario

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

Email: cameron.grant@agnicoeagle.com