The Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) and Dairy Farmers of Ontario are proud to announce the extension of their long-standing partnership for two more years to continue supporting local community-based sports. The partnership will support 47 boys’ and girls’ hockey teams across the province and provide a jersey sponsorship program. The program is open to eligible House and Local League teams of any age.

“Teams and hockey families appreciate the support provided by Dairy Farmers of Ontario and its jersey sponsorship program,” said Ian Taylor, Executive Director of the OMHA. “Partnerships like this help reduce the costs of the game and make the sport more affordable for everyone. We thank Dairy Farmers of Ontario for their continued backing of minor hockey across the province.”

"Dairy Farmers of Ontario is committed to supporting youth sports in communities across the province,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer at DFO. “Through MilkUP, DFO’s youth lifestyle brand, we are proud to continue our partnership with OMHA to provide young athletes the opportunity to reach their goals in the classroom and on the ice, while highlighting the benefits of milk in a healthy and active lifestyle. Good luck to all the athletes in the upcoming 2023-2024 season.”

As part of the sponsorship program, all players will don the MilkUP logo on their jerseys and each team is given $600 in direct funding. The funds could be used to help offset some of the costs that occur during the regular season such as registration, team apparel, tournament fees and other expenses. Jersey sponsorship programs are popular in minor hockey as a way for local businesses to help support youth sports in their communities.

DFO will continue to support the OMHA’s Bursary Program by providing eight $5,000 post-secondary education grants, as well as sponsoring the annual U14 OHL Cup event. Details on the Bursary Program will be released in January, including how eligible OMHA and OWHA players can apply.