Jun 18, 2021 | Shawn Carswell | 1422 views
2021_2022 Season Roll Out
The Essex Minor Hockey Association
(EMHA) and Southpoint Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) boards have been actively
working together over the past 4 years in an attempt to achieve a sustainable
long-term model for growth and development of the great game of hockey in our
area. Every child, regardless of ability, should have an opportunity to develop
their skills and have fun playing with and against players of similar
abilities.
Declining registrations in both organizations have jeopardized the sustainability of our Rep hockey programs, and projections show that numbers will continue to decline. There simply is not enough players at ALL levels in either organization.
This past year we have made great strides, and reached a tentative agreement on a partnership (amalgamation). Unfortunately, COVID 19 has greatly obstructed the committee's ability to accurately convey the benefits of the Partnership agreement to the entirety of our memberships. Too many questions were left unanswered and EMHA members did not vote in favor of the Amalgamation.
Following the vote, a modified Shared Boundary Initiative (SBI) was applied for and granted by the OMHA. With limited hockey last season, this one season pilot program will help both EMHA and SMHA navigate through the uncertainty that this season will bring.
For the 2021-2022 Hockey Season
Local league, U9 & Under
Game play for local league, Atom and Up will remain the same as the 2019-20 Season. There will be a focus on additional development programming, a review and potential improvement for scheduled ice times and a Select program in Atom, PeeWee, and Bantam divisions.
Rep hockey
Designated “A” by the OMHA for all age groups.
ALL EMHA and SMHA players born from 2004 – 2010 wishing to play Rep hockey will try out for the Essex Ravens “A” travel teams. Any unsuccessful players have the opportunity to try out for the Southpoint “AE” travel teams.
Players born 2011-2013 wishing to play developmental travel hockey will be determined at a later date. There have been recent changes from the OMHA on program structure, and we need to ensure we follow the U9 & U11 Pathways supplied by OMHA.
A coach selection committee has been set up with 2 representatives from EMHA and 2 representatives from SMHA. A fifth independent representative will chair the committee. All interested coaches can apply to either Southpoint or Essex as all applications will be shared with the committee for every level.
It has been 1.5 years since many players have played competitive hockey. We are therefore encouraging all players interested in playing Rep hockey to attend the A tryouts. Players have likely changed over the last 1.5 years, and we want to see all players competing at their full potential. During the course of the season, we will be conducting surveys for both local league and Rep hockey. Surveys will be distributed to the membership in November, January, and March. The EMHA & SMHA boards will review the feedback and will share the survey results with the Membership to provide transparency. The intent is to provide both associations with the necessary information to make an informed decision on a future partnership.
The purpose of this agreement is to provide every player the opportunity to play hockey at a level suitable to their current ability and supply them with avenues for development to reach their goals.
Please check the website for updates and direct any specific questions to [email protected]