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

News Article
News Article Image
Jan 06, 2025 | Diana Wilson | 8082 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
Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Dairy Farmers of Ontario, is the marketing organization and regulatory body representing over 4,000 dairy farmers in Ontario, Canada. DFO was formerly known as the Ontario Milk Marketing Board, which was established as result of the 1965 Ontario Milk Act. On August 1, 1995 the Ontario Milk Marketing Board and the Ontario Cream Producers' Marketing Board merged to form Dairy Farmers of Ontario.
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
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.
Yarmouth Mutual Insurance
Since 1881, generations of families from across Elgin County have trusted Yarmouth Mutual Insurance Company for a full range of insurance solutions. When choosing the insurance company that is right for you, consider a mutual insurer. As a mutual insurance company, Yarmouth Mutual Insurance Company is owned by its policyholders; therefore, we act solely to deliver insurance at the lowest possible cost. And unlike our competition, we’re people-centered, not call centered. We’re dedicated to providing our policyholders with competitively priced insurance products and services, customized to suit every insurance need. Our agents and brokers deliver helpful, friendly service, with the familiar faces of people who live, work and play right here in your community. Our Vision: To be a progressive
PG Renovations
PG Renovations is a small business that operates in the London, Sarnia, Aylmer, St. Thomas and surrounding areas. We are fully insured, offering quality workmanship for all your renovations needs at a competitive price. We have many years experience working with big box stores, so you can rely on our company. We are Baeumler approved, which means that we have confirmed references, satisfied clients, WSIB and liability insurance, so you can have a peace of mind when trusting PG Renovations to get the job done right.