With the recent OHF Freedom of Movement changes, there has been no better time to evaluate what WMHA offers, and highlight certain programs and initiatives which will promote successful development of hockey players in this area.
Notable
updates include:
- Travel Teams Offered:
WMHA will offer one A/AA team at all age groups and one B/BB team per
2-year age bracket (U11, U13, U15). The split-age B/BB teams aim to ensure
every player has an opportunity to attend evaluations for a travel team. Priority for Select teams will be given to the U10, U12, and U14 age groups, to promote further development at all ages. No changes have been made at U9 and below, as per OHF policies.
- Non-Resident Players:
The Freedom of Movement changes provide an opportunity for our travel
teams to become even more competitive. 5 Woodstock teams are currently in
the AA Alliance loop, with all 3 eligible teams qualifying for the
International Silverstick tournament. Playing travel hockey in Woodstock
gives players the chance to compete against the best AA/BB teams in this
area. In order to be the best, you need to beat the best. That is the
opportunity that is provided in Woodstock. Up to (5) non-resident players
will be eligible to be rostered on A/AA teams, and up to (3) on B/BB
teams.
- Coaching:
Fostering the development of coaches is the backbone of any successful
hockey organization, and something that WMHA will continue to provide.
WMHA is improving its coaching selection process by hiring an independent
third party for interviews. Ongoing coaching development will continue to
be offered, including reimbursement for Hockey Canada courses and access
to both on-ice and off-ice training tools. WMHA hosts an annual “Coaches’
Breakfast”, with relevant topics being discussed by selected guest speakers.
Furthermore, there are plans in place to designate an “Association Head
Coach,” to provide ongoing support and development to all coaches within
the organization. WMHA strives to be a leading organization for those who
volunteer their time to develop players both on and off the ice.
- Ice Time: This season, WMHA secured ice contracts with nearby townships, guaranteeing teams
at least 2 hours of practice time per week. Teams were encouraged to
combine ice times for skills sessions, allowing for 3-4 ice times per week
in addition to games and tournaments. There are exciting initiatives
being worked on for next season, to further increase the amount of ice time each team is
offered. All ice times are after school hours and on weekends, allowing
parents to fit these into their schedules.
- House League Growth:
WMHA is working on an interlock schedule with neighboring centers,
providing house league teams an opportunity to compete outside Woodstock
and attend more tournaments. This change would result in more travel and
house league practices.
- Goaltender Development: The Goalie Pilot Program will remain in place for next season. This encourages more players to try the position by offering
free registration at the House League level.
- Partnership with Diversified Media: WMHA has partnered with Diversified Media to offer
high-quality photos, videos, and an online ordering system for player and
team images. Players were interviewed during the largely successful Hockey
Day in Woodstock, adding to the experience of being a Junior Navy Vet. In
a constantly evolving digital world, Diversified Media ensures Woodstock
is a leader in products and services offered to all players and parents in
the organization.
These
initiatives aim to provide every player in Woodstock with opportunities for
growth, and the organization is committed to fostering positive change in
hockey development across Southwestern Ontario. We look forward to a
very exciting conclusion of the 2024/2025 season and welcoming a new era of
minor hockey, starting with evaluations in April 2025!