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

News Article
News Article Image
Jan 06, 2025 | Diana Wilson | 7985 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
Disbrowe Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac
THE DISBROWE DIFFERENCE Welcome to Disbrowe Chevrolet Buick GMC in St. Thomas, Ontario! We are your St. Thomas and area Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC dealer. Our mission is simple, to offer one stop shopping for all of your automotive needs, with an exceptional ownership experience that is worthy of your loyalty and recommendation to others.
Centennial Sports Club
The Centennial Sports Club has been a dedicated sponsor for over 20 years for both house league and tournaments.
Doug Tarry Homes
Doug Tarry Homes has been committed to our customers in St. Thomas and the surrounding areas since 1954. In that time we’ve learned a great deal about home building. Our achievements are the culmination of a legacy passed on to us by our father Doug Tarry Sr. From the time our company founder envisioned his first blueprint, Doug Tarry Sr. lived his dream of designing and building homes of superior quality and craftsmanship for the families of St. Thomas and surrounding area.
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.
Riverside Millwork Group
Trim, doors, storage, and cabinet solutions for the home. Serving local builders, contractors, and homeowners since 2005.
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.