The holiday season celebrates many things but one of the most important is how we give back to those who are less fortunate in our communities. Every winter we receive many great submissions from teams about what they are doing to make their neighbourhood a better place. The OMHA is so proud of the efforts of all of our teams for knowing the values of respect and community.

Here are some of the submissions we have received over the last few weeks.

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.

Amherstburg Stars Major Bantam A and LaSalle Sabres Major Bantam AA

It is always great to see two teams work together off of the ice to help the communities around them. The Stars and Sabres aligned to give back to those in need by collecting enough donations to distribute 90 stockings stuffed with toiletries, socks, gloves and a treat, to seniors within Amherstburg and LaSalle for seniors in the area.

Lefroy IceBreakers Bantam 3

These group of IceBreakers donated seven bags filled with jackets they collected to a Winter Coat Drive. This donation will go a great way to keep people warm during the coldest months of the year.

Erie North Shore Storm Peewee A

The offence and defence competed to see who could raise the most for the local Ronald McDonald House but the real winner was the charity. The Storm gathered everyday essentials and gift cards for the charity.

Thorold Blackhawks Peewee BB

After hearing that a player on a rival team was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the boys of the Thorold Blackhawks wanted to help. They worked tirelessly for two weeks to collect money to support the boy and his family. Before puck drop at the game where the two teams played each other, the Thorold team presented a cheque for nearly $900 and three plaqued photos of the boy. In a true symbol of sportsmanship, the Thorold team reminded everyone what the game we love is truly about!

East Gwillimbury Eagles Tyke Select

This team worked very hard in November to raise awareness about Hockey4Hunger, a program that raises awareness for those in need in our communities. The Eagles had a bake sale to raise funds to purchase food for the local food bank in our community. They worked hard and made over $700 but didn't stop there. They continued to help their community by going door to door collecting non-perishable food. The boys were happy that they could help those in need and provide families with food for the holidays.

Milton Sharks Atom HL

The Milton Sharks collected toys for the annual Miracle on Main Street Toy Drive. Together, the team brought their donations to Troy's Diner where they had a team building breakfast. The donations raised each year go towards the purchase of toys, food and life essentials for families experiencing poverty via The Salvation Army and Halton Women’s Shelter. Toys are also donated to Sick Kids and McMaster Children's Hospital.

Markham Waxers Minor Peewee AE White

The Waxers supported the Love Box Project for Markham-Stouffville Hospital which provides gifts and toys for children currently staying there as a way to give back. Twenty boxes were filled with thoughtful gifts to raise the spirits of children receiving treatment at the hospital.

East Gwillimbury Eagles Minor Atom A

During a recent trip to a tournament up in Sudbury the Eagles displayed their heart in supporting the family of one of their players (whose grandfather lives in Sudbury and is currently fighting leukemia) by taping their sticks orange to help raise awareness for those fighting blood cancers.

Clarington Toros Minor Atom A

The Toros held a clean-up day to give back to their community and show pride for their home ice. They spent some time picking up garbage in the green spaces around their home rink, Garnet B Rickard Complex. The Municipality of Clarington supplied garbage bags and gloves for the event. The weather conditions were cold and windy but the boys got the work done and enjoyed some hot chocolate afterward.