Every year many teams share with us their amazing stories of giving back to the community from across the OMHA. Whether it's collecting food donations for local shelters or raising money for a sick teammate, the OMHA is proud of the efforts of all of our teams for knowing the values of respect and community.
Below are just some of the submissions we have received this hockey season.
Get involved in the community and share your experiences with us! You can submit your team's story and picture using the form at the bottom of the page.
Stoney Creek Warriors Peewee AA
After the mother of one of their teammates was diagnosed with breast cancer, the Warriors rallied around their friend and used hockey as an outlet to keep his spirits lifted. They let him know that he had 16 friends through this tough time and wore pink armbands and put pink tape on their sticks to help raise awareness. The Warriors also donated money to the local hospice.
Elmvale Coyotes Tyke 1
The Coyotes are raising awareness against bullying and campaigning against bullying within their community and sports. They are hosting an event in February and are using social media to open up discussions about the cause. Their goal is to start a charity awareness tournament to fight the stigma and bring change through sport and their voice.
Port Stanley Sailors Bantam LL1
A few family members of the Bantam LL1 team are fighting cancer and the team decided to opt out of a tournament to instead dedicate the time and effort to raise money. They are now working hard to organize a special night of their own to raise awareness and are hoping to fill the rink.
Barrie Jr. Colts Novice AA
This group of novice players went around their neighborhood to collect non-perishable food donations as a team-building activity but also as a valuable learning experience. The team wants to highlight the importance of giving back to their community. The Colts collected seven bins of food donations for the Barrie Food Bank in their Trick or Eat program.
Belle River District Minor Hockey and Tecumseh Shoreline Minor Hockey
These two associations held the first annual Atlas Cup Challenge. This saw teams from both associations compete against each other for the chance to become the Inaugural Atlas Cup Champions. This was all done in support of the Lakeshore Community Food Bank, where combined they donated over 4200 non-perishable items and $250 in cash donations.
Richmond Hill Minor Hockey Atom LL2
During the month of October, the players on the Atom Local League #2 team used pink tape on their sticks and a few switched their laces on their skates to the colour pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The team wanted to do their part in raising awareness and honouring a family member or friend who has been inflicted with this or other forms of cancer.
Whitby Wildcats Peewee AAA
The Wildcats wore special pink jerseys for a game in October to help raise awareness about breast cancer.