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

News Article
News Article Image
Feb 25, 2020 | STMHA | 15354 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
Optimist International "Talbotville"
Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization made up of more than 2,500 local Clubs whose Members work each day to make the future brighter by bringing out the best in children, in their communities, and in themselves.
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 Centre
Elgin Centre is located in the east end of St. Thomas at 417 Wellington Street, at the intersection of Wellington Street and Highview Avenue. Easily accessible from Talbot Street/Hwy. #3, Elgin Mall is convenient to nearby lodging, attractions and other amenities. With 32 retailers/services and free parking, there is sure to be something for everyone.
Comfort Inn St Thomas
Welcome to the Comfort Inn, a St. Thomas hotel located on Highway 3 near Waterworks Park. This Comfort Inn® hotel is close to Waterworks Park, the JOE THORNTON Community Center, the Elgin Mall and the Jumbo the Elephant Monument, a tribute to the star of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Hawk Cliff and Port Stanley beach, two attractions on nearby Lake Erie, are just minutes away. Annual hawk migrations make for great bird-watching opportunities on the water's edge. Rooms at this St. Thomas hotel feature televisions, coffee makers, irons and ironing boards. Barbecue grill are available. Refrigerators and microwaves are available in all rooms and a hot tub suite is also available. Handicap accessible rooms are available and children under 18 always stay free with their parents.
H.D. Painting
HD Painting is a leader in the painting community serving South Western Ontario. For 27 years we have continued to grow to perform on any size project in all market sectors. Working alongside project managers, business owners and residential clients we protect and maintain your facility. We believe it’s about more than just painting.
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.