OHF Bulletin: 2021-22 OHF Seasonal Calendar for Traditional Minor Hockey

2021-22 OHF Seasonal Calendar for Traditional Minor Hockey

At its Semi-Annual Meeting of Members, the Ontario Hockey Federation approved the 2021-22 seasonal calendar for traditional Minor Hockey. The modification of the 2021-22 seasonal calendar was necessitated by the OHF’s earlier decision to move all tryouts and evaluations to the fall of 2021 because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The 2021-22 OHF seasonal calendar for minor hockey was built on the following principles:

· U7 and U9 must adhere to OHF Playing Regulation G3

· U11 must adhere to OHF Playing Regulation G4

· No on-ice activity be permitted until the Tuesday following Labour Day

· U12 and above Minor Hockey tryouts will begin the first Friday following Labour Day

· Tournaments permitted to started October 8th

· All Minor Hockey teams must be engaged in meaningful hockey on March 1st, 2022

The approved seasonal calendar provides an opportunity for Members and associations to deliver optional prep phase programming beginning the Tuesday following Labour Day until the first day of tryouts/evaluations. It has been recommended that associations deliver a minimum of one on-ice body checking education session for the U14 and U15 Divisions in Categories where body checking is permitted. This recommendation is provided on the understanding that many athletes will not have previously participated in a program where body checking has been permitted prior to the upcoming season.

The OHF understands the value and importance of tournaments to both associations and participants. That said, the overwhelming feedback from associations noted ice shortages to start the season. In consideration of the conflicting demands for ice, the OHF has made the decision to set October 8th as the first day for tournaments. While this was a difficult decision, it was made to ensure sufficient ice remains available to accommodate the proper evaluation of our participants and the orderly formation of teams.

With the approval of the seasonal calendar the OHF will now update associated Playing Regulations to accommodate traditional player movement during the fall 2021 tryout period. We expect the associated Playing Regulations to be released following approval by the Members at a Special Meeting of the Members scheduled to occur April 15, 2021.

CLICK HERE to find:

· Approved U13/U15/U18 calendar

· U11 calendar (in accordance with Playing Regulation G4)

· U7 and U9 calendar (in accordance with Playing Regulation G3)

Should any questions arise, do not hesitate to reach out for clarification. We look forward to and hope for a return to a traditional season in September 2021.

Note: The approved calendar assumes a return to traditional hockey without COVID-19 restrictions. Over the next number of months, the OHF is committed to reassessing its Return to Hockey Framework to identify necessary amendments to accommodate Ontario Law should it become evident that COVID-19 restrictions remain in place to start the 2021-22 season.