The Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) and its Western Ontario Athletic Association (WOAA) League are introducing a pilot project creating ‘A’ Zones for the 2025-26 season.
The 24 participating Associations will see their Representative hockey divided into six zones based on geographical proximity that will then make up Representative programming for the season. The Zones will play games against the other Zones to make up the regular season schedule and a six-team league.
Zone 1: Tri-Centre Jr. Attack – Bruce Peninsula, Owen Sound, Shallow Lake
Zone 2: Bruce Grey Bulls – Arran-Elderslie, Saugeen Shores, TCDMHA (Chatsworth)
Zone 3: Midwest 49ers – Saugeen Valley, South Bruce, Walkerton
Zone 4: West Coast Whitecaps – Huron Bruce, Kincardine, Wingham
Zone 5: Southwest Admirals – Blyth-Brussels, Goderich, Mid-Huron, Mitchell, Zurich
Zone 6: Southeast Surge – Central Perth, Drayton, Howick, Listowel, Minto, Mt. Forest, Wallace
The new Representative Zones will be classified at the A category in the U10-U18 divisions, as well as field B category teams at U11, U13, U15 and U18.
Individual Associations will continue to offer their own House/Local League and U9 and Below programming.
By bringing multiple associations and teams together into Zones, this pilot project will aim to strengthen both Representative and Local League programming; Combining development resources among Associations will have a trickle-down affect to enhance the quality of all programming.
“The WOAA has worked very hard to be able to operate the ‘A’ pilot and is very excited to be able to offer higher level programming within the WOAA,” said WOAA Regional Director Paul Sebastian. “This pilot will also put an emphasis on Recreational local programming.”
"This Western Ontario Athletic Association Zone Hockey Program Pilot aims to strengthen all programming within the WOAA and serve as a model for Zone Programming in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association,” said OMHA President Peter Harmsen. “We believe Local League; Community Based Programs, will benefit from the implementation of the WOAA Zone Hockey Pilot. Thank you to the WOAA for their work on this pilot project and we look forward to puck drop next season."
Recent Amalgamations and Reorganizations have seen on-ice achievements at the Representative level, with the Hamilton Steel (AAA), King Township Rebellion (AA), South Oxford Storm (A) and Mid-Huron Huskies (B) just some examples of the teams participating at OMHA Championships.
Those looking for more information should reach out to their local Association. Details on Evaluations, Coach selection, scheduling and other programming aspects will be released to participants in the coming months.