The Ontario Hockey Federation announced on December 17th, 2024 the removal of player movement borders within "A", "B" representative hockey leagues . The Southeast Surge Hockey club continues to work with its Zone partners and the WOAA on how this change will affect the upcoming 25/26 Season. We ask that players and families Please Email:
[email protected] we will do our best to get back to you with any information required. Please see additional information in the attached article.
ONTARIO HOCKEY FEDERATION ANNOUNCES OPEN BORDERS
What does it mean to the South East Surge Hockey Club
WHAT? On December 17, 2024, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF–Ontario’s governing body of all sanctioned ice hockey) confirmed that, effective next season, there will be totally open borders across Ontario at the U10 age group and above – at all levels – HL, BB, A, AA, AAA, etc.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? It means that any player U10 and above is free to play wherever they want in the province. If you live in Zone Six and you want to play “A” or “B” level hockey somewhere other then within the Surge you can do so
WHY WAS THIS CHANGE MADE? The primary justification for this move is player/parent choice. Customers should get to choose where they want to spend their time/money/energy – hard to argue against at a macro level. This move also brings the OMHA (our direct governing body that is part of the OHF) and the Alliance in line with almost every other minor sport in the country and the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA), the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) and the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA). They all have freedom of movement, and the world has not come to an end.
WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS/DOWNSIDES? The primary concern expressed by literally hundreds of clubs (including ours) is that this change could mean the end of hometown hockey and ultimately, negatively impact a player’s minor hockey experience. Small town clubs will fold or be forced to amalgamate to survive. Families will be driving all over the place. Players will not be on teams with their neighbours and classmates. Players will regularly change teams and so will not develop long-term friendships but will end up with 5 different colours of helmets, gloves and pants – nice! Families will not develop a bond with a group of other families.
The other major concern expressed by clubs is that this is happening too fast and the OHF has not given enough thought to unintended, potentially avoidable consequences and have not figured out important details around implementation. Having been involved in this process, I can confirm that this concern is valid, but we move on.
WHAT ARE THE UPSIDE/POSITIVES: The South East Surge Hockey Club see’s this as a competitive opportunity to grow and develop our new centre. Allowing current players from neigh boring leagues the change to play closer to home, with school friends. Creating a brand new environment where players can come together as one.
“A” Hockey locally allows a place for players to experience high skill level hockey, in a small town setting close to their communities. Reducing travel time, cost, to players and families, while increasing value to elite coaching, competition, skill development.
SOUTHEAST SURGE HOCKEY CLUB JOURNEY:
Starting players at a young age in their home centers, having a direction and path to follow as their hockey journey builds within the local area. From U5 to U18 Zone Six can provide all levels of hockey.This path creates an amazing space to match all players' skill levels.
Creating long lasting friendships within the game. Developing relationships with local hockey’s key players and coaches. Growing local skill development camps, off season training options all with a local players community.
The Surge Hockey Club looks to build this strong foundation for local players in its inaugural season, as well as moving forward.
Seek the Truth
We as a club understand there is a lot of misinformation around the player movement announcements, as well as our new organisation. We ask to work with all parents, families, players, coaches and staff within our hockey community with a fair, open, honest approach.
Please reach out to our group of volunteers, created from our Zone six associations for any information or to answer any questions you have. We want to be good stewards in the hockey community, answering truthfully, with informative answers. Allowing everyone to make good decisions that meet their players' needs.
Email us at: [email protected]
Thanks for considering the Surge,
See you at the Rink