SEASONAL STRUCTURE
2024-25
U10 & Above
Associations can provide sanctioned individual skills training or hockey schools from August 11-September 1, with the regular season starting as soon as September 30. All teams must be engaged in meaningful competition until March 1, 2025.
U9 & Below
- Prep Phase may begin September 3rd
- Player Evaluations may begin September 9
HOCKEY CANADA PLAYER PATHWAYS:
With the new Hockey Canada Player Pathways our season will now follow its development model and have five phases, from the first steps onto the ice right to the last buzzer of the championships.
LATEST UPDATES
U9 & Below and U21 Player Movement Regulations Update
- By Ontario Minor Hockey Association 03/14/2025, 10:30am EDT
Four Tips For a March Break Tournament
- By Weekend Hockey Tournaments 03/04/2025, 10:00am EST
6 Secrets to the Best Hotel Experience at a Tournament
- By Weekend Hockey Tournaments 02/13/2025, 9:15am EST
The Pre-Tournament Packing Checklist for Hockey Parents
- By Weekend Hockey Tournaments 01/24/2025, 9:45am EST
#1: PREPARATION PHASE
RE-CONNECTING WITH OUR LOVE OF THE GAME
Players have the option to participate in warm-up skates, allowing them to reconnect with friends, both on and off the ice. It is a chance for players to get back on the ice in a stress-free environment, before entering formal tryouts or evaluations.
#2: EVALUATION PHASE
ASSESSING PLAYERS’ SKILL LEVELS TO PROVIDE AN OPTIMAL EXPERIENCE
For players U9 and below, this is the time when we assess each player’s skill level and group players with players of similar skill levels. Players U10 and above will have the opportunity to try out for Representative ("rep") programming. This will provide all players with the optimal hockey experience.
#3: DEVELOPMENT PHASE
SHARPENING SKILLS AND SKATES
Skill development and team building exercises are designed to help players gain self-confidence before starting the regular season. This phase gives players the chance to practice on-ice skills and settle in and feel comfortable with their team and coaches.
#4: REGULAR SEASON PHASE
THE PUCK DROPS, AND AN EXCITING NEW SEASON BEGINS
The details of this phase are set by each league. This includes the number of games, the season schedule, and the league’s playoff format. Always working to make hockey better for families, we have a scheduled seasonal break during the December holidays.
#5: PLAYOFFS / END OF SEASON PHASE
With the removal of elimination-style series, the need for travel for families will be reduced. As league playoffs wrap up, teams earn spots in the OMHA Championship Weekends.
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Welcome to the OMHA Championship Weekends. These Championships see hundreds of teams from across the province battle #RedHats - the ultimate prize in minor hockey remains the goal for all competing and are distributed to the winning teams.
The OMHA Championship Weekends feature sponsor activations and gifts, excited crowds, official merchandise and live-streaming of games.
This playoff format extends the length of playing meaningful hockey, minimizes travel for busy hockey families and aligns with the Player Pathway’s optimal season structure. It removes the elimination-style series, and keeps more teams playing during the year for a longer period of time.
HOW IT WORKS
OMHA Championships make League Championships even more important. League playoffs now turn into local qualifier showdowns to see who moves on to compete for #RedHats.
Leagues will determine their format of play to advance their assigned number of teams and identify the team(s) that advance. Each League is assessed and assigned a Tier to ensure fair competition during the Championship Weekends. Every League is guaranteed at least one representative at all age groups.