Big changes coming to local Minor Hockey in the province. Recently, the Ontario Hockey Federation updated its Player Movement Regulations for the 2025–2026 season, focused on development, fairness in minor hockey and accessibility. Starting next year, U10 players and above (or older) can join any association that they choose, regardless of Category (AAA, AA, A, etc.).
Strathroy District Minor Hockey President Warren Woodiwiss says they had known for quite a while something was coming down the pipe. He says it’s simply about player movement.
Woodiwiss says the ripple effect will probably hit the most on the competitive side of things.
For House League players aged U9 and younger, they can continue playing anywhere within the OHF. Minor Development (MD) and Select players in U9 and below will need to stay within their Member Association programs. But Woodiwiss says this decision will effect some associations, but others not as much.
And what about how that affects local minor hockey, as Strathroy has been an “A” centre since the 2023-24 season.
He adds there’s a key point that everyone needs to remember.
To improve participation, OHF will also introduce geographically structured leagues, reducing travel demands for families. A temporary pause on new Representative teams at U10 and above will allow for a review of team structures.
Additionally, stricter penalties will address tampering violations during player recruitment. The OHF and its Minor Members will introduce timelines and increased penalties for recruiting players, during the current season, on other teams for the next season. Such penalties will apply to anyone involved with a team.
The new regulations take effect immediately, except rostering rules, which remain unchanged for 2024–2025.
Written by: C. Soares