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

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Jan 06, 2025 | Diana Wilson | 7290 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
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
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.
Elgin Chrysler
We’ve dedicated ourselves to serving the automotive needs of drivers in St Thomas and surrounding areas such as Alymer, London and Tilsonburg. Our team is committed to ensuring that you find the vehicle that’s right for you. On our end, that means answering questions, comparing Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM models, and getting you behind the wheel for a closer look. If a new car isn’t what you are shopping for, we carry a wide variety of pre-owned vehicles thoroughly inspected for quality and integrity, you can be sure that each one meets our incredibly high standards for excellence.
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.
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.