Shaping the Future of Minor Hockey in Ontario, News (St. Thomas Minor Hockey)

News Article
News Article Image
Jan 06, 2025 | Diana Wilson | 8379 views
Shaping the Future of Minor Hockey in Ontario
The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) has announced a significant change for the 2025 season, opening up the borders for all players in the U10 age group and beyond. This new regulation allows players from across Ontario to choose any team, regardless of their residential location, marking the most considerable shift in Ontario's minor hockey landscape in decades.

OHF Announcement 
OHF FAQ Page

What does this mean for the St. Thomas Minor Hockey Association (STMHA) and its players?

For STMHA, this development presents an exciting opportunity to continue providing top-tier hockey programming while adapting to this evolving landscape. Our association is committed to ensuring that every player and family receives the best support as we navigate these changes together.

What Makes St. Thomas Minor Hockey Association the Right Fit?


State-of-the-Art Facilities

  • The Joe Thornton Community Centre: One of the finest hockey facilities in the region, providing an ideal setting for player development and team activities.
  • Dedicated Media Room: Located within "The JOE," STMHA boasts a media room where teams can strategize, review game footage, and refine their gameplay.

A Legacy of Excellence in Player and Coach Development

For over 70 years, STMHA has been at the forefront of hockey development, offering a wide range of programs designed to nurture players and coaches alike. From beginners to seasoned athletes, we provide top-notch training, skill-building opportunities, and mentorship to ensure every individual reaches their full potential.

Player Skill Development

  • STMHA offers a comprehensive approach to skill development, focusing on fundamental skills, technique refinement, and fostering a passion for the game.
  • Players are continually challenged and supported through structured programs that incorporate expertise from leading skill development companies, ensuring diverse and enriching training experiences.

Goalie Training Programs

  • Tailored specifically to netminders, STMHA’s goalie development program provides specialized coaching to meet the unique needs of goalkeepers at all levels, setting them up for success on the ice.

Coach Mentorship

  • At STMHA, we believe great coaches are the key to developing great players. Our mentorship program offers resources, support, and guidance to coaches of all experience levels, helping them sharpen their on-ice strategies and team management skills.

Introduction to Hockey

  • For newcomers to the sport, STMHA offers a fun and supportive Introduction to Hockey program. This is the perfect entry point for young athletes to build foundational skills, learn the basics of the game, and become part of the St. Thomas hockey community.


“St. Thomas Minor Hockey Association has a long history of developing athletes and coaches who not only excel on the ice but also contribute to the growth and vibrancy of our community. We remain dedicated to fostering player development, coaching excellence, and introducing hockey to the next generation of players.” - Joe Doyle, STMHA President


Join our STMHA Family

We're currently accepting coaching applications for the 2025/26 season.

For more information on our programs, registration, or upcoming events, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Contact Us
St. Thomas Minor Hockey Association
Phone: (519) 631-3607
Email: [email protected]

 

 
Sponsors
STMHA Hockey Moms Association
St. Thomas Hockey Moms....we want YOU!!!! Would you like to be a part of something new, fun and exciting? If the answer is YES then we want you to join the STMHA Hockey Moms Association. We are an amazing group of HOCKEY MOMS looking to promote our local hockey association throughout our community and represent this great organization on the road. If you are interested and want more information about our committee please send an email to [email protected] Our Mission; Supporting our community...Supporting our GAME!
Mark REID Memorial Fund
Mark participated in minor hockey in St Thomas as a child. His love of the game continued throughout his life. In his memory, a fund has been created, providing annual funding to offset costs to those in need. Those children selected will in turn get an opportunity to participate in minor hockey in St Thomas, and experience the same enjoyment from our great game as Mark did. To apply: speak to Vicki in the STMHA office.
Talbot Trail Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a specialized profession in health care whose primary goal is to assist people with restoring, maintaining and maximizing their strength, function, movement, and overall well-being. They assess and treat all conditions related to bone, muscle and joint problems. At Talbot Trail Physiotherapy all of our physiotherapists are registered which means they are members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. As a condition of membership, individuals agree to adhere to the CPA’s Rules of Professional Conduct, are expected to meet the CPA Standards of Physiotherapy Practice and have to undergo continued professional development the same way as a doctor or nurse.
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
Locke Insurance Brokers
Locke Insurance Brokers offers expert advice & tailors services to the client’s best fit. Serving St. Thomas and area residents, commercial enterprises, & non-profits.
Kilbank Metal Forming & Turning Inc.
Kilbank Metal Forming & Turning started operations in St. Thomas in 1979, producing screw machine product for local industry, adding a Transfer Press Division in 1991. Kilbank has expanded our primary facility to 20,000 square feet to accommodate all Screw Machines, Presses (AKA Eyelet Presses), providing better efficiency and material flow. Keeping up with industry and technology, Kilbank added CNC machining and CNC milling capabilities to meet our expanding customer needs.