Ontario Minor Hockey Association

The #OMHA, in partnership with Respect Group, has released a new ‘Respect in Hockey’ video to remind parents and everyone involved in the game why kids love hockey and what respect means to them. #HockeyIsFun Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gt8je8MH

The OMHA has released its annual Year in Review book, highlighting our favourite stories, award winners and programs from the 2023-24 season: https://bit.ly/4eNZbFf

Volunteers are essential to making minor hockey a positive experience across the #OMHA. Thank you to everyone involved in the game for giving back to your communities!

Stouffville resident Peter Harmsen was acclaimed as President at the 2024 OMHA AGM. 

A handful of OMHA players recently celebrated a gold medal as part of Team Ontario at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) in Grand Prairie, Alberta.

10 high school students who made a big impact in their schools and in their communities - in addition to being recognized as top players and volunteers in the OMHA - are the winners of post-secondary bursaries from the #OMHA-Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary Program: https://lnkd.in/gekEsEHt

The OMHA Honour Award was established to recognize a person who has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to minor hockey for a considerable period of time, doing so of their own free will and not as part of a job or position for which they receive monetary consideration. The recipient for 2024 is Don Collison of the South Muskoka Minor Hockey Association. Collison started coaching minor hockey in 1982, became an Official in 1984 and eventually the Supervisor of Officials and Assignor. He served as Referee in Chief in the Muskoka area and was also a member of the Discipline and Ethics Committee. Don became a life member for Bracebridge Minor Hockey during the 1997-98 season. He took it upon himself to personally mentor new Officials and skate beside them in their first games. He is the ultimate volunteer and his spirit and love for the game of hockey always ensured kids were able to continue playing.

The OMHA Excellence in Development Award recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to hockey development programming in minor hockey. Nominees can be from any area of hockey development, including Player development, Coaching, Officiating, Safety, and Program Administration. Melissa Hendrikx of North Middlesex Minor Hockey is this year's winner. Her dedication, care and loyalty to player development, combined with her years of coaching and behind-the-scenes work as an executive administrator, has provided years of fun, development and safety for the Jr. Stars. She has spent countless hours as a coach and a trainer putting in the effort to ensure every player's individual needs are met, that the kids are safe on the ice and that everyone has fun while learning important skills. As Player Development Coordinator, she treated all the players as equals and also served on the Coaching Committee and Player Evaluator.

The Patricia Hartley Administrators Award is given in recognition of exemplary service in the field of sports administration. This award reflects the achievements of a local executive board member or volunteer staff person who worked toward the efficient operation of an association and the betterment of hockey. This year's winner is Eva Ivetac of Stoney Creek Minor Hockey Association. Ivetac has served on the Board of Directors for SCMHA for a remarkable 18 years, many of which as a non-parent volunteer. During her tenure, she has been a driving force behind the success of the Rep and House League divisions. Her contributions have been extensive, including holding various important roles over the years. Furthermore, she’s also taken the lead in organizing key Association events, including year-end banquets, Christmas parades, tryouts, fitting days, registration, and super Saturday events. Her dedication to ensuring every child has a fulfilling and enjoyable hockey season is apparent in the countless hours she has devoted to the organization.

Thank you to the Hockey Hall of Fame for hosting the #OMHA Evening of Champions presented by Egg Farmers of Ontario. #RedHats