The rules around player movement and residential guidelines under the Ontario Hockey Federation are changing. Click "Read More" for details.
Player movement changes for the upcoming 2025-2026 season have been approved by the Ontario Hockey Federation.
Please click the links below to understand how this change came about and how it will affect you.
2024 OHF Player Movement Press Release
OHF Player Movement: FAQ
OHF Player Movement Overview
Key Points and Regulation Changes:
Enhanced Player Movement
Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, OHF Minor Hockey Players in the U10 age group and above will have the opportunity to participate with the Association of their choice regardless of Category (AAA, AA, A, BB, B, etc.).
House League for U9 and Below Participants
House League players in the age group of U9 and below can continue to play anywhere within the OHF.
Local Programming for Younger Participants in MD and Select
Players in the U9 age group and below will participate within their Member (Alliance, GTHL, NOHA, and OMHA) under Member Regulations for Select and Minor Development hockey.
Pause on addition of Representative Teams for U10 and Above
The OHF is implementing a temporary hold on the addition of Rep teams at the U10 age and group and above by Associations and OHF Members. This hold will allow for a thorough review of and adjustment of the number of teams at each age group and Category.
Development of Geographically Structured Leagues
To improve accessibility and participation, the OHF, in conjunction with our Minor Members, will work to establish geographically structured leagues. This new framework will reduce travel burdens and promote a more inclusive hockey environment across all regions.
Increased Penalties for Tampering
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 Work is Not Done
The Player Movement Committee will remain active, adjusting the Rules and Regulations for the 2026-2027season and addressing any unintended consequences that may arise.
Immediate Application of Adopted Regulations
The adopted Regulations will be effective immediately, with the exception that rostering and affiliation of the 2024-2025 season will remain in effect for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season.
Upcoming Engagement Sessions
- OHF -All Association Call: Monday, January 13th 2025
- Coaches Session to cover team formation instructions: Monday, January 20th 2025
For more information about the upcoming changes or the review process, please contact:
Phillip McKee
Executive Director, Ontario Hockey Federation
[email protected]