Ontario’s recognized senior hockey organizations are working together to ensure the success of senior hockey in the province.
Representatives from the Ontario Elite Hockey League and Allan Cup Hockey recently held discussions during the Ontario Hockey Association’s Annual General Meeting in Kincardine, Ont.
During those meetings, it was agreed that expansion of both leagues is a top priority over the next calendar year.
“We want to keep our league strong & sustainable and the way to do that is with a responsible & methodical expansion strategy,” said OEHL Chair Gord Lamont.
The OEHL is committed to keeping senior-AA hockey true to its roots in small town Ontario, and will only consider expansion applications from communities with a population of 20,000 or less.
“Our history is rooted in small town Ontario, and we want to maintain that tradition,” said Lamont.
One of the benefits of joining the OEHL is the opportunity to compete for the prestigious Allan Cup, Canada’s oldest amateur hockey championship.
Beginning with the 2024-25 season, the OEHL “AA” champion will challenge the ACH playoff champion to a best-of-three series. The winner of that series will advance to the Allan Cup Challenge Tournament.
“It’s important to be very clear that the only senior hockey leagues in southern Ontario that can compete for the Allan Cup are OEHL and ACH,” said Lamont.
Full details of the OEHL expansion requirements and process can be found at OEHLHockey.ca/expansion
OEHL and ACH reps also discussed the transfer process for players coming from the IIHF, USA Hockey and elsewhere within Hockey Canada.
Additionally, vulnerable sector checks and screening declarations will be required by September 1, 2024 for all bench staff of the OEHL and ACH in 2024-25. This includes managers, coaches, trainers and equipment staff. This is in addition to mandatory certifications required for coaches and trainers.
OEHL clubs will be meeting this week for its own Annual General Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to consider modifications to the Manual of Operations and set the 2024-25 season format.
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