ATOM (U11) AND PEEWEE(U13) MOVING TO LOCAL LEAGUE, News (St. Thomas Minor Hockey)

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Feb 25, 2020 | STMHA | 15176 views
ATOM (U11) AND PEEWEE(U13) MOVING TO LOCAL LEAGUE
NOTICE TO ALL HOUSE LEAGUE FAMILIES.  Starting in the 2020-21 hockey season, STMHA will be switching our Atom and Peewee house league program over to local league.  This decision was not an easy one and much time and consideration went into it.  We understand this will not be a popular decision to some but registration numbers are dictating this.  More details will follow in the coming months. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions that will hopefully answer some initial questions.

1) What about Novice (U9) , IP (U7) and IP2(U8) hockey?
There will be no changes to these age groups.  STMHA will still offer in house games and development.

2) Our family cannot do the travel associated with Local League, what options do we have?
STMHA is working on a solution for this.  Our hope is to offer a Saturday morning pickup or shinny hockey solution.  For players that just want to play some games on Saturday mornings only, we will be providing an option to do so.  More details to follow on this.  This option will have no practices during the week, it will simply be games on Saturday mornings, refs and scorekeepers will still be provided.  

3)  Why was this decision made?
STMHA thought long and hard about this but the registration numbers for house league have been declining and we are finding it hard to have 4 team leagues with sufficient numbers on each team. House league registration numbers are not finalized until the end of September and if not enough players register it leaves the association no time to react.  Our Peewee (U13) division has 8 skaters per team this year and at times needs to be back-filled with Atom (U11) aged players.

4)  Where would new local league teams play?
Local league teams play in the Lambton-Middlesex Local League.  Please visit their website to see what centers we would compete against.  LOCAL LEAGUE WEBSITE

As we get more information and details we will be sure to pass on.  If you have any questions or concerns please email them to [email protected]
Sponsors
atoMc - McDonalds Canada
In keeping with a 40-year heritage, McDonald’s Canada is proud to support minor hockey in communities across the country, by offering young players a unique opportunity to build their sense of teamwork and focus on the joy of playing.
Tim Hortons
Timbits Hockey is a community-oriented sponsorship program that provides opportunities for kids aged four to nine to play minor hockey. The philosophy of the program is not based on winning or losing, but on learning a new sport, making new friends, and just being a kid.
BRIWOOD FARM MARKET
Quality & Freshness have been our #1 priority since we opened our doors in 1991. At Briwood Farm Market, our dedicated , friendly staff work every day to provide fast , friendly service with a smile. Our management personally inspects all arriving product for Quality and Freshness, and we make a point to support local producers whenever possible. Being community-minded, we also support a number of local minor baseball and hockey teams. Our Garden Centre opens every Spring in April, and offers a variety of Soils, Fertilizers, Decorative Metal Work, Ground Covers, Decorative Stone and Mulches. We also stock a selection of Ornamental Trees, Fruit Trees, Roses, Annuals, Perennials and ready-to-plant vegetables
Kumon
Welcome to our Kumon Math and Reading Centre. For more than 60 years, Kumon’s after-school academic enrichment program has helped children achieve success worldwide. We strive to instill in children the desire to achieve and the motivation to learn on their own. Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up or is just beginning his or her academic career, Kumon is designed to help him or her develop a love of learning. Students advance through the program at their own pace. Our emphasis on individualized learning helps your child become focused, motivated and self-reliant. We monitor each child’s progress to ensure comprehension before moving on to a new concept. With a strong academic foundation, critical thinking and problem solving abilities.
Elgin Chrysler
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M & M Food Market
Food’s our thing. But like most things, every once in a while they need to be revamped. Given a fresh new look. A fresh new taste. So that’s exactly what we did. We’ve changed to bring you more. More real tastes, real adventures, real experiences. So real, that our food is now completely free of artificial flavours, colours or sweeteners. Because you expect more from your food. So that’s what we’re giving you. More than meat. We’re giving you a place to create inspired dishes. And to find everything you need to make dinner worth sitting down for again. Just as your needs have changed, we’ve changed for you.