OMHA: OUR PLANS TO BE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER, News (Gananoque Minor Hockey)

Some of the changes we have made include:  

• increasing focus on the mental well-being of our players. By allowing more prep time before tryouts, the season start-up will be less stressful for everyone.
• scheduling seasonal breaks in December and March. This makes it easier for families to spend time relaxing together over the holidays.
• ensuring a longer, more meaningful season for all players. Our new format and playoff structure keep everyone playing right up to March!

In addition to these new elements, we’ve adopted Hockey Canada’s development model known as Player Pathways.* This takes players through five phases during the season, from their first steps onto the ice right to the last buzzer of the championships.

PREPARATION PHASE
 

During the preparation phase, likely in early September, players can participate in warm-up skates hosted by local associations and scheduled to begin just around the time school is starting up. This means kids will be able to meet their friends again, both on and off the ice, find their skating legs, and feel that exhilarating rush of wind on their face. With a concern for kids’ mental health top of mind, we want to give everyone a chance to get back onto the ice in a stress-free way, rather than in formal tryouts or an evaluation setting. 

The earliest start date for OMHA-sanctioned programming is Tuesday, September 7. 

EVALUATION PHASE

For players at the U8 level and below, this is the time when we assess each player’s skill level. By placing players in groups of similar skill level, we help make sure each child has the best possible development experience during the hockey season.  

Players at the U9 level and above will have the opportunity to try out for representative (“rep”) programming.

U9 AND U11

• AAA tryouts: Monday, September 13
• AA tryouts: Monday, September 20
• A & below tryouts: Monday, September 27

U12 AND ABOVE

• AAA tryouts: Friday, September 10
• AA tryouts: Friday, September 17
• A & below tryouts: Friday, September 24

DEVELOPMENT PHASE
 

Once evaluation has been done, players move into the development phase. This includes working on skills and team-building exercises. These activities are designed to help players gain self-confidence before they begin regular season play. This phase runs for at least seven days after evaluation - before the season starts - so players have a chance to practice on-ice skills, and settle in and feel comfortable with their teams and coaches.

REGULAR SEASON PHASE
 

As players go through the development phase, they start to get excited about the regular season. Each league sets the details of this phase for itself, including number of games, season schedule, and the way its playoffs will run. Always working to make hockey even better for families, the OMHA has scheduled seasonal breaks periods for the December holidays and the March Break. There will be no league play during these times. Teams may choose to offer skill development, or participate in jamborees or tournaments, but these are optional. This welcome change will allow families to plan other activities during these school breaks.

Tournaments may begin as early as Friday October 8. 

PLAYOFF PHASE
 

The end of season phase offers some of the most important benefits of the new OMHA model. The traditional playoff format has been changed to make sure we keep players on the ice until March 1. It’s a longer regular season, keeping kids active and involved, with no chance of elimination in February. 

Each league will begin playoffs in March. This means extended meaningful competition, with well-matched teams playing together. This format also replaces elimination-style series and reduces the need for families to travel for games. 

As league playoffs wrap up, teams earn spots in the OMHA Championship Weekends. These exciting and action-packed weekends are scheduled for March 25-27, April 1-3 and April 8-10. 

The OMHA is excited to launch Hockey Canada Player Pathways. We know this model will make hockey an even better experience for our players and families. See you at the rink! 

For registration and season start-up information, please contact your local hockey association.

*In the coming season, all elements of Player Pathways will be applied to U11 levels and below, while many of its key elements will apply to all age levels.

RELATED LINKS

• U7 Player Pathway
• U9 Player Pathway
• U11 Player Pathway