Sault Major to Host 23-24 U18 AAA Central Regional Championship

The NOHA and OHF are excited to announce that Sault Major Hockey Association will be hosting the U18 AAA Central Regional Championship being held in April of 2024. The U18 AAA Soo Jr Greyhounds will host the top teams from the GTHL, NOHA, OMHA, ALLIANCE Hockey, and HEO in a tournament-style championship that will determine the advancing team, who will participate in the 2024 Men’s U18 National Club Championship.

Sault Major Hockey Association previously hosted the 2023 U15 AAA All-Ontario Championship, which was a fantastic experience for all the players and volunteers involved. The U18 AAA Soo Jr Greyhounds are an exciting team that have had great success in the past. They are now entering the next phase in team development with new coach Sean Gagnon, and an exciting mix of new and returning players.

“The Sault Major Hockey Association is proud to host the U18 AAA Central Regional Championship which is the pinnacle event for U18 AAA minor hockey players in Ontario. This tournament serves to crown the best team from across the province at the U18 AAA level. We hope to make this an outstanding experience for the teams visiting our great region and in doing so, provide the players with the stage to showcase their skills in a highly skilled and competitive environment,” says Tournament Chair Perry Vilaca.

The U18 AAA Central Regional Championship is part of the road to the Men’s U18 National Club Championship. The top teams from four of the OHF Member Partners, the NOHA, GTHL, OMHA, ALLIANCE Hockey, and Hockey Canada Branch HEO all compete for the title of champion and the chance to compete at the national level.

Program & Events Manager at the OHF, Scott Stevens, said: “The Sault Ste. Marie U18 AAA Central Regional Championship host committee have worked extremely hard to make sure this will be a memorable championship for all involved. This championship will provide an opportunity for participating athletes to showcase their perseverance, teamwork, technical skills, and emotional strength and ultimately to celebrate the culmination of their hard work and commitment this season. The OHF wishes all teams success, but also emphasize that sportsmanship, friendships, and the cultural experiences are what make these championships so very special. Represent your team, association, and community with pride!”

NOHA President Ted Zajac also added, “We look forward to witnessing the outstanding skill, teamwork, and the spirit of hockey that will undoubtedly be on display throughout this championship. Good luck to each of the teams participating and thank you to all the hardworking volunteers.”

The championship will be held at Northern Community Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, with additional details to follow in the coming months. You can find more information at the All-Ontario Championships website, or the Sault Major Hockey Association website.

For more information, please contact:

Perry Vilaca

Tournament Chair

pvilaca13@hotmail.com