The OMHA and CoachThem are excited to reveal the winners of the OMHA Team of the Month for February!
The program is aimed at recognizing minor hockey teams in the province making a positive impact on the ice and in their communities who demonstrate all of the positives that hockey has to offer.
This award isn’t about going undefeated during the month or scoring hat tricks, it’s about stories of teamwork and perseverance, leadership and being good role models in and around the rink. We want to hear the stories of food drives, helping a teammate, making new friends and having fun!
Three teams will be selected every month, with each coach receiving a CoachThem prize pack. Use this form to submit your team's story or find it at the bottom of the article!
Caledon Hawks U15 BB: The U15 BB team had a food drive from June to November and raised over 1,110 lbs. of food donations. They surpassed their goal of 1,000 lbs. and also beat last years amount of 551 lbs. It was a great, rewarding team effort that built strong bonds amongst the players and parents. They even showed full dedication on a rainy day when they went out door to door for additional donations. All donations were delivered to The Exchange in Bolton where the entire team sorted and organized the items on designated shelves.
St. Marys Rock U11 A: At the beginning of their season, the team, along with many family members - ranging from eager younger siblings to supportive grandparents - successfully completed the 5K Terry Fox run. Not only was it an opportunity to be part of a worthy community initiative, it was also a fantastic team-building event. Together, the team raised $2,325 for cancer research, making the day meaningful and rewarding for everyone involved.
Huntsville U15 B - Team 2: In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and community spirit, the Huntsville U15 Rep Northern Upfitters Hockey Team traded their usual practice routine for a special evening dedicated to an extraordinary young fan, Grayson.
Due to a condition called ectodermal dysplasia, Grayson has almost full vision loss. Despite the challenges of participating in a sport built largely on sight, he is deeply passionate about ice hockey.
This special evening began with the team learning about the game of Goalball – a sport designed for athletes with visual impairments. Players wore opaque eyeshades to level the playing field, relying on hearing and communication to track the ball, which makes noise as it rolls. Laughter and cheers filled the gym as teenagers quickly discovered the skill and focus required to navigate a sport where sight is no advantage.
“I didn’t realize how hard it would be,” said one player. “It really opened my eyes to how incredible Grayson is.”
The highlight of the night came when the team and Grayson hit the ice for a game of hockey. Using opaque eyeshades and a specially-designed hockey puck for the blind that makes noise when it moves, Grayson skated with the players, his joy radiating across the rink. With the team calling out directions and cheering him on, Grayson took shots on goal and celebrated several goals of his own.
“Seeing Grayson out there was inspiring,” said U15D Coach Quinn Scott. “His energy was amazing. Tonight was a reminder of what sport is all about – teamwork and having fun.”
For Grayson’s grandparents, the evening was a memorable one. “He talks about hockey all day, every day,” his grandmother said with a smile. “Playing on the ice with the team – it’s something he will never forget.”
U15D team manager, Trudi MacKinnon, said, “We are really excited to provide this opportunity, as we believe it fosters inclusivity and teamwork as players work together to adapt the game.”
For all who participated and joined as spectators, the evening wasn’t just about hockey – it was about belonging, connection, and proving that sport has room for everyone. As the game ended, Grayson skated off the ice with his new friends, and his smile said it all.
Please note previous submissions are still eligible throughout the season. You do not need to resubmit every month.