ONTARIO HOCKEY
FEDERATION ANNOUNCES OPEN BORDERS – WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
WHAT? On December 17, 2024, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF – Ontario’s governing
body of all sanctioned ice hockey) confirmed that for the 2025/2026 season, registration
would be open borders across Ontario for the U10 and above age groups, including HL, BB,
B, A, AA, AAA. U9 MD. Players are not restricted to one card, you may attend multiple
evaluations during the allocated time period for each level. Once an offer of commitment
is offered and accepted the player is locked and rostered.
All U9 players will have the opportunity to attend evaluations and be rostered to any MD
team within the OMHA.
OHF ANNOUNCEMENT
OHF FAQ PAGE
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
This means that any player in U10 or above can play anywhere in the province of Ontario with in OMHA or Alliance. If you live in Strathroy and you want to play in Sarnia for example, you can do so. There is no limit of Strathroy players who could play for Sarnia or the number of non-Strathroy players we can have rostered on our teams. This is, without a doubt, the biggest change in minor hockey in Ontario in the last 30 Years.
WHAT IS THE STRATHROY JR ROCKETS MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
Well, I am glad you asked! First, let’s be clear – much like games of hockey – there are going to be some centers affected more than others. The Strathroy District Minor Hockey Association Board, Executive and Staff can assure you that we are going to focus on the future and foster the least amount of impact for our members. We plan to work in tandem with our members while keeping the young players’ experience at the forefront! Our association is perfectly located between London and Sarnia and we have some of the best facilities and hockey service providers in Ontario. This is more reason not to squander the opportunity these changes present.
Strathroy District Minor Hockey Association has a long past of providing amazing hockey experience as well as developing some of the great talents of the hockey world. We will continue to ensure that SDMHA is THE PLACE TO STAY if you are a resident of Strathroy Boundaries and that we are THE PLACE TO PLAY for top players from the surrounding area.
Let’s get into the details around what the Strathroy Minor Hockey is going to do to maximize the association’s, our teams’ and the players’ chances of success in an Open Border environment:
- Great hockey people: It starts here - we bring in people with amazing hockey knowledge and experience and we empower them to run our Rep program, Local League programs and Development programs. Quite simply, great hockey people run great programs, and they attract other great hockey people and their efforts, ideas and passion.
- Coaching: Since moving to an A center in the OMHA, SDMHA has put a sincere focus on attracting, retaining and developing the best possible coaches. With our new Coaching Director Rick Taylor, coach mentorship and development is at the forefront. Great coaches who run great programs are crucial– they are the key to attracting players; the key to retaining players; the key to developing players. So, with Open Borders where players can go anywhere they want, we believe they are going to go/stay where the best coaches are.
- Ice time: Given our unique location, we do see the ice requirement is very competitive. While other centres may have limited availability to ideal ice times and facilities, SDMHA has an amazing Director who seems to have no shortage of ice times and can accommodate Strathroy Jr. Rocket teams' need for ice. This is how players and teams get better – through on-ice development with great coaches.
Our Facility partners:
ü Gemini Sportsplex
ü West Middlesex Arena
ü Glencoe Arena
- SDMHA Development Program: Our New Development Coordinator Tyler Kettler has secured some of the top hockey minds in the area to help our young athletes grow and improve their game in all aspects throughout the season! SDMHA offers development training with highly experienced instructors who have played in NHL, European Hockey League and who were past coaches for Jr A/B teams. The instructors will connect with coaches before practice to highlight areas of improvement and come out to run the practice providing a hands-on experience for the players and coaches to develop new strategies and systems to apply to their teams.
SDMHA’s development team:
Tyler Kettler
Rob Schremp
Brandon Buck
Max Campbell
Mike Bondy
Pat McNeil
Tom Jobson
Mike Greguol
Josh Diamond
Evan DeBrower
- Goalie Development: We offer goalie development once a month from September to February U9 – U18. where the young players work with experienced instructors to improve their strength, conditioning and performance training. Our instructors are also available to teams to attend practices and work one on one with our goalies on player specific development.
- New to Goalie Programs: The objective is to attract, retain and develop goalies, so along with continuing our goalie development programs we will be introducing a Try Goalie program. Our goalie introduction and development program has enabled U7-U10 players who have an interest in playing goalie, be fitted with goalie equipment and have the opportunity in a goalie-specific environment to get a feel for the position instead of trying to figure it out on the fly in game situations. As we have witnessed with players of these age groups that have already shown an interest through our development program, the increase and growth in confidence and ability is undeniable.
- Local League is and remains a club priority: Despite the focus put on A-level hockey by the open border initiative, the foundation of our program with its history and achievements, there remains a heavy focus on our Local League Programs. Our Board, Executive and Staff have a heavy investment of our time, energy, money and innovation in our Local League program, and the reasoning is simple Local League IS hometown hockey! Its success is the foundation of any minor hockey club.
At our minor hockey organization, we are committed to providing an environment that fosters both player development and long-term growth. Through our innovative training programs, skilled coaching staff, and emphasis on skill development. We aim to unlock the full potential of every player, regardless of their starting point. Our focus is not just on the game itself, but on building well-rounded athletes who understand the value of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
In addition to our development programs, we prioritize player retention by creating a supportive, inclusive community where players and families feel valued. By providing opportunities for players to grow at their own pace, we ensure that every athlete has the chance to excel while enjoying the sport they love. We believe that choosing our organization means choosing a path of success, both on and off the ice. Whether you are looking for a top-tier training experience or a positive, community-driven atmosphere, our minor hockey program is the best choice for players of all ages and skill levels.
To all Jr. Rockets families, thank you for being a part of our community. We look forward to seeing you around the rinks for many years to come because we are THE PLACE TO STAY. To non-Jr. Rockets families or coaches, we hope to see you next year because we are THE PLACE TO PLAY.
If you have any questions or need clarification regarding our programming, feel free to reach out to the Strathroy District Minor Hockey Association at [email protected]. SDMHA will soon release information on player evaluations and registration for those interested, in line with OHF regulations.
On behalf of the Strathroy Minor Hockey Association, thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy announcement and see you around the rinks! Let’s Go Jr. Rockets!