#HockeyIsFun
We have commandeered this iconic catchphrase as we are underway in another Ontario Minor Hockey Association season! The next seven months will be filled with exciting plays, amazing goals and saves, the thrill of victory and agony of defeat, and most of all, memories that will last a lifetime.
As we drop the puck on our new season, we want to take a moment to look back before we move forward.
We wanted to share some of the interesting results from the OMHA Player Experience Survey, which was distributed as we do every year (since 2019) to families who had a child registered during the 2024-25 at the conclusion of the season. Nearly 8,000 respondents completed the survey with almost equal representation from Representative and Recreational (House/Local League, MD) participants. That’s close to 10% of our total number of players, so your voices were well represented.
The survey results provide insight into the experience of hockey families and highlight areas of focus where they would like to see change.
One of the most discussed topics heading into the 2025-26 season was the change to Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) Player Movement regulations which allows for more player movement and providing additional opportunities to programming for players across the OHF.
When asked in previous surveys if all players should have access to AA and A Representative hockey, an overwhelming 86% of respondents were in favour. There was also a desire for a Representative category of non-body checking hockey. With your feedback, both of those programming changes now exist in the OMHA through open player movement and a non-body checking BB stream respectively.
While open player movement is now an option, the 2024-25 Player Experience Survey results indicate that at least two thirds of OMHA families who responded plan on continuing to stay home to play in their home communities. While some were undecided, only 20 per cent of participants said they planned to move to another association.
According to responses in the survey, for both Rep and Rec hockey families, the most important factor for families is having their child plays close to home. Playing with friends ranked as another top reason for staying home in both Rec and Rep hockey.
The impact of Coaching on the player experience continues to be of significant importance to families, and was ranked second in determining where families choose to play. Families also indicated that time and efficient use of this precious commodity is highly valued, as is the importance of friendships made in enhancing their enjoyment of the game.
Winning games? That was ranked last overall as a determining factor on where to play.
Reflecting on their child’s overall experience in hockey, the top ranked areas of the game were:
- Safety – Parents are confident their child will have a safe experience at the rink.
- Fun – Players enjoy the game of hockey and look forward to being on the ice.
- Respect & Fair Play – Players feel welcomed and included as part of a team and that they are treated fairly.
In the survey, families also shared how more than 70% of players first registered for hockey at six years old or under and the appetite for the sport only increases as they get older. Providing age-appropriate programming for the game’s youngest players where they can thrive and become confident in their skills is therefore very important for our associations. Participation comes first, with performance emerging naturally from positive participation experiences.
As participants grow older, over half of them report they are on the ice three to four times a between practices and games over the course of a seven-month season. 75% of hockey families say they are happy with the length of the season that provides a lower average cost per session than most sports.
And when asked why kids play hockey in the first place?
Love of the Game was ranked number one in over half of the responses. Their unique passion for hockey is evident in that over 60% of respondents list hockey as their Only or Primary activity. It’s the sport of choice for families and they want to continue sharing #HockeyIsFun with others - 90% would recommend to another family to sign up for hockey.
Thank you for another incredible season and let’s keep the momentum in 2025-26!
WHAT ELSE IS IN STORE FOR 2025-26?
We will continue to celebrate all aspects of the game both in Rec and Rep hockey with programs like Team of the Month, Coach of the Month and Volunteer of the Month. The number of stories that are shared showcase the impact that volunteers are making in our game at every level.
We look forward to supporting teams and associations through team sponsorship programs, Hockey is Fun grants as well as partner discount offers for hockey families that will be shared throughout the season.
Please always have our #HockeyIsFun phrase in the back of your mind whether you are sitting in the stands, behind the bench or a player on the ice. Remember, we are not the NHL. Stay connected with us – share your best photos showcasing how #HockeyisFun in your community and tag us in your posts. We want to celebrate as many of these special moments as possible during the 2025-2026 season.