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

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Jan 06, 2025 | Diana Wilson | 7482 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
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.
eWyn Weight Loss Studios - St Thomas
EWYN Studios is the newest leader in Weight Management & Nutritional Health Products. EWYN is focused on changing the lives of our clients by helping them achieve their personal weight loss goals. Our diet plans, weight loss products, and one-on-one personal health coaching combine to help you shed pounds and feel great. EWYN’s mission is to give you the tools to be the best you can be through the concepts of living a healthy lifestyle and setting positive goals. This mission is accomplished through a proven approach of: One-on-One Health Coaching Dietary plans designed to boost metabolism and promote safe and consistent weight loss Access to EWYN’s exclusive, high quality health supplements designed specifically for our program
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.
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.
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.
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