Dec 30, 2025 | Trevor Rose | 12 views
WMHA 2026-2027 Update
WMHA would like to provide members with an update regarding programs that will be offered for the 2026-2027 season.
Following the direction set last season, WMHA has remained focused on structured growth, competitive balance, and long-term player development. These decisions have contributed to a strong and successful 2025-2026 season, and the Association is committed to continuing this momentum into next year.
Travel Teams Offered For the 2026-2027 season:
WMHA will offer the following travel teams:
One (1) A/AA team at every age group
One (1) B/BB team per two-year age bracket (U11, U13, U15)
The split-age B/BB model continues to be an important part of our program structure, ensuring that every player has an opportunity to attend travel evaluations, while maintaining competitive and sustainable team formation.
Select team priority will continue to be given to the U7, U9, U10, U12, and U14 age groups, supporting player development at key transition stages.
There are no changes to U9 and below programming at this time, in accordance with OHF policies.
Non-Resident Players & Competitive Opportunities:
Last year's Freedom of Movement changes have provided WMHA with the opportunity to further enhance the competitiveness of its travel teams. So far this season:
- 4 of 6 Woodstock Seeded teams have qualified for the AA division
- 3 teams qualified for the International Silverstick tournament
- 2 out of 3 B/BB teams have qualified for the BB division
Woodstock players now benefit from regular competition against top Alliance AA/BB programs, as well as Interlock games versus nearby OMHA centres as part of the new Alliance/OMHA partnership.
For the 2026-2027 season, up to five (5) non-resident players may be rostered on A/AA teams, and up to three (3) non-resident players may be rostered on B/BB teams. These guidelines help strengthen team competitiveness while maintaining a strong foundation of local player development.
Coaching Applications:
WMHA is currently accepting Head Coach applications for the following travel teams being offered in 2026-2027: A/AA: U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U18
B/BB: U11, U13, U15
MD: U8 and U9
We continue to prioritize qualified, development-focused coaches who align with WMHA’s values and long-term vision.
Ice Time & Facilities:
This season, WMHA successfully secured ice contracts with nearby townships, ensuring all A/AA teams received an average of 10 hours of practice time per month. While challenges remain regarding the availability of prime-time ice within the City of Woodstock, the Association continues to work on solutions to further increase overall ice access. WMHA also continues to encourage its members to advocate to Woodstock City Council for the construction of a new arena, which would significantly alleviate current capacity constraints for all local user groups.
House League Growth:
The 2025–2026 season marked the first year of U13 and above House League teams interlocking in the Grand River Local League, and this initiative has proven to be a success. It has provided house league players with increased competition outside of Woodstock, and additional tournament and development opportunities throughout the season. WMHA is exploring the expansion of this model into the U11 division for next season. All House League and Select team decisions will be announced later in 2026, depending on registration numbers.
These initiatives reflect WMHA’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful development opportunities for every player, while continuing to establish Woodstock as a highly competitive organization within the Alliance AA and BB divisions.
We look forward to building on the success of this season and to an exciting conclusion to the 2025-2026 hockey year!