This Hockey Season, W.A.I.T. Before you Act to Keep Hockey Safe and Fun!

The NOHA has seen a dramatic increase in behaviours not conducive with good sportsmanship during and after game play. Far too often, we have to investigate complaints about behaviours that reflect poorly on our sport and are damaging to to the recipients of these actions. The majority of these investigations lead to suspensions.
 It is the NOHA’s goal to eliminate these behaviours from the hockey arenas in Northern Ontario. In order to achieve the goal of reducing these incidents, we are asking everyone to W.A.I.T. before they do something that they will likely regret later. PLAYERS – Before you say an inappropriate comment – Why Am I Talking?COACHES – Before you berate officials for a missed call – What Am I Teaching?PARENTS – Before you yell from the stands – What Am I Teaching? We are asking ALL of our stakeholders to utilize this strategy to eliminate maltreatment both on and off the ice. We’ve created a W.A.I.T. Toolkit with the W.A.I.T. sign, banners, and videos to post on websites and share via social media. How to Get Involved:Access the W.A.I.T. Toolkit to find the W.A.I.T. sign, banners, and videos to post on your website and social media.Post the W.A.I.T. sign on your website and arenas.Share the message on social media Together, we can make sure hockey remains the greatest sport in the world. Here is NOHA 3rd Vice President Craig Maki with more information on the genesis of the acronym:
If you have any questions or need more information or assets, please reach out to NOHA Membership Services Coordinator Lindsay Morell at [email protected]  

OHF Survey – Development Phase

The Ontario Hockey Federation wants to understand your experiences with the new Playing Regulations for the 2023-2024 season. Three (3) surveys will be sent over the 2023-2024 hockey season.
 The first survey that was sent out in September sought feedback on the Preparation and Evaluation Phases. This second survey explores your experience with the Development Phase. The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. As a reminder: – The Development Phase is a 27-day period that takes place after Labour Day where teams may only play a minimum of four (4) exhibition games and/or one Tournament. On-ice practices are permitted during this period.Your feedback will be used in future decisions that support player development.
 Survey #1 is still open!Survey #2 now open until November 12, 2023 Your participation is completely voluntary. You do not have to answer any questions you do not want to and may stop the questionnaire at any time. You may also withdraw from the project at any time without penalty. Your decision to withdraw will not impact your involvement with your Association, Membership or the Ontario Hockey Federation. All survey data will be anonymous. Your name will not be recorded anywhere. For reporting purposes, your responses will be grouped together with other participants. All responses you provide will remain completely confidential. Should you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Ontario Winter Games NOHA Team Staff

NORTH BAY, ON – November 2nd, 2023 – The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) is proud to announce the U14 Ontario Winter Games Team NOHA Staff for the 23-24 season. Head Coach – Tim McWhirter, North BayAssistant Coach – Anthony Miller, Sault Ste. MarieAssistant Coach – Rick Barron, New LiskeardDirector of Operations – Jacob Brown, North BayTrainer – David Losier, KapuskasingTrainer – Lacey Rigg, Timmins Tim McWhirter has been involved in coaching hockey in Parry Sound since 1995 at all levels. Most recently, Tim was awarded the 2021-2022 Ontario Hockey Federations Bill Richmond award recognizing outstanding achievement and involvement in the area of hockey development. Tim is a National Coaching Certification Program facilitator as well as a Hockey Canada Instructional Stream Development instructor. Tim has been a fantastic contributor to NOHA Development in addition to his work with the OMHA. McWhirter lists his family as his greatest joy and his biggest supporters. Anthony Miller has been involved in youth sports in Sault Ste. Marie for nearly ten years, holding various coaching positions at the AA and AAA levels. Miller has previously served as an Assistant Coach with the Thunderbirds (NOJHL) from 2021-2023. He has also worked with the Soo Greyhounds (OHL) as the Teams video Coach during the 2018-2019 season. Additionally, Miller served as a Coach for Team NOHA at the 2022 OHL Cup. Anthony is also a registered NOHA and Hockey Canada on-ice official.
 Rick Barron brings a wealth of knowledge with him aboard this Staff, as an individual who has been involved in Coaching within the NOHA for the Last forty plus years and counting. Barron currently sits on the NOHA Board as the district four Council Director. A constant contributor of his time and knowledge, “Bear” is a key individual that the NOHA leans on for Hockey Canada Course facilitation. Rick truly is an ambassador of all good things in our game, an individual who has extensive experience Coaching at the highest levels in the NOHA, Rick has since reverted to the grass roots levels and is currently giving back through the initiation program in New Liskeard.
 Jacob Brown currently serves as the Technical Director of the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. Brown has a passion for player development, which lends itself well to the parameters of his duties with the NOHA. Brown started his hockey journey, like most do, at a very young age. Jacob has yearly involvement with Team NOHA that represents the North at the OHL Cup. He thoroughly enjoys the planning and execution of the annual U14 NOHA Development weekend. Giving back to the community is a huge part of his life and he hopes to pass those values along to his son. Dave Losier is the Head Trainer for the Kapuskasing Flyers of the Great North U18 League, a role he has held since the 1998 season. He is an HTCP Level III Trainer and prior served as an ambulance attendant. He has been a trainer at some capacity for over 38 years, collecting a 3M Award for Safety in 1994. Five seasons ago, he was the recipient of the Tom Pashby Trainer of the Year Award for the NOHA. Lacey Rigg was born and raised in Timmins, Ontario. She completed her post-secondary education predominantly in St. Catharine’s, Ontario but returned to her hometown and has continued to call it home ever since. Lacey embodies everything Northern Ontario is known for – a warm heart, friendly smile, strong sense of community, the glass-half-full attitude, and of course, a love for hockey. Lacey was introduced to hockey at a young age, coached by her dad, Dean. She continued to play in women’s leagues and joined the Timmins Rock Junior A Team as a board member and eventually took on the role of Head Trainer and Equipment Manager for four seasons. As she stepped away from her role of Head Trainer and Equipment Manager of the Timmins Rock, she has maintained her position on the board and continues to work closely with the organization. Off the ice, Lacey juggles her family, her position as an auxiliary officer with the Timmins Police Service, her full-time job with the City of Timmins as the Coordinator of Meetings, Conventions, & Sports Tourism, and still always makes time for her team. Through her community partnerships, Lacey encourages the Rock players to participate in various events, meetings, and giving back to the community who supports the team so strongly. Lacey was the recipient of the NOHA Trainer of the Year Award for the 2021-2022 season. Rigg is the current Trainer of the U15 AAA Timmins Majors.
 This Staff will be responsible for evaluating players, and eventually creating a U14 Team NOHA roster that will compete in the Ontario Winter Games. The event will take place February 22-25 in Thunder Bay. If you have any questions, please contact NOHA Technical Director Jacob Brown at [email protected]

Team NOHA Staff – 2023-2024 Season

NORTH BAY, ON – October 30, 2023 – The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) and the Great North U 18 League (GNU18L) are proud to announce the Team NOHA Staff for the 23-24 season. Head Coach – Doug Sanders, North BayAssistant Coach – Cam Peters, North BayAssistant Coach – Darren Potvin, KapuskasingGoaltending Coach – Brian Kment, Sault Ste. MarieDirector of Scouting – Marc Gagnon, Oro-MedonteArea Scout – Jaren Bellini, Sault STE. MarieArea Scout – Dillon Anderson – CallanderTrainer – David Losier, KapuskasingTrainer – Geena Oxford, Sudbury
 Doug Sanders Doug has been involved with youth sports in the North Bay area since 2002 holding a variety of positions. Notably serving as the Head Coach of the North Bay U18 AAA Trappers from 2021 to 2023. During the 2022-2023 season, Doug helped guide the Trappers to a GNU18 AAA championship. Sanders was additionally awarded as the 2022-2023 GNU18L Coach of the year.
 Cam Peters is a recently retired hockey player that had a great career in the Ontario Hockey League as well as U Sports. Since retirement as a player, Cam has since become involved as an assistant coach with the Nipissing Lakers. Cam brings a lot of playing experience combined with a strong desire to build a successful Coaching career, his current involvement in university hockey will surely be a benefit to Team NOHA.
 Darren Potvin, a member of the Kapuskasing Flyers organization for the past 14 seasons, serving as General Manager from 2010 until 2015, President from 2015 to 2017 and Assistant Coach from 2017 until 2022 and Head Coach in 2022-2023. Darren has demonstrated a vast knowledge of the game of hockey. He has learned from some of the greatest coaches in Northern Ontario. He also served as Commissioner of the Great North U18 League in 2017-2018. He is a proud member of the Kapuskasing Minor Hockey Association and Northern Ontario Hockey Association. Originally from Timmins, he relocated to Kapuskasing in 2010, he was a young coach willing to learn and he has grown immensely in his role within the Flyers and other coaching experiences. Darren currently serves as the Assistant General Manager of the Hearst Lumberjacks of the NOJHL.
 Brian Kment began coaching goaltenders in 2015 and is an integral member of goaltending development in Sault Ste. Marie. Back from last years Team NOHA, Brian consistently out does himself while ensuring he does right by each goaltender that he works with. He will continue to be an asset to goaltenders throughout the NOHA as he has also participated in the NOHA development weekend and goaltending development clinics.
 Marc Gagnon is a motivated and experienced hockey professional with skills in coaching, scouting and team management. An assistant coach of the NOJHL Powassan Voodoos Championship team in 2017, five years with the Huntsville Otters as Coach and GM/Director of Scouting. Gagnon is the current GM and Scout for the Espanola Paper Kings since June 2022 and was the award winner for NOJHL GM first all star selection for the 2022-2023 season. Gagnon was also selected as Director of hockey operations for both versions of Team NOJHL for the upcoming Eastern Canada Cup in Trenton. A highly motivated hockey professional with a positive attitude Gagnon is skilled at player evaluation and the development of the overall strength of the team.
 Jaren Bellini will join Team NOHA as an area scout in Sault Ste. Marie. Jaren brings a passion for hockey and player evaluation. Team NOHA will benefit from Jaren’s experience being involved in high level competition for a long time.
 Dillon Anderson has been scouting the GNU18L for the Powassan Voodoos since 2018. Anderson is looking forward to the challenge of helping put together a great team that can compete with the best at the OHL Cup.
 Dave Losier is the Head Trainer for the Kapuskasing Flyers of the Great North U18 League, a role he has held since the 1998 season. He is an HTCP Level III Trainer and prior served as an ambulance attendant. He has been a trainer at some capacity for over 38 years, collecting a 3M Award for Safety in 1994. Five seasons ago, he was the recipient of the Tom Pashby Trainer of the Year Award for the NOHA. This will be David’s sixth season with Team NOHA.
 Geena Oxford works at a private clinic in Sudbury as a Physiotherapist. She has concussion management, sports massage, and sports taping certifications. Her interest lies in ortho and sports rehab with a special interest in working with hockey teams. She is the current Trainer for the U16AAA Sudbury Wolves Team.
 Team NOHA will be participating in the OHL Cup in March, 2024.
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 If you have any questions, please contact NOHA Technical Director Jacob Brown at [email protected]
 110 Lakeshore Drive, North Bay, ON, Canada705 474-8851NOHA Website   

NOHA Tournament of Champions Hosts and Team Application

NOHA Tournament of Champions Applications are officially open!The 2023-2024 Tournament of Champions Hosts are as follows:
 

To apply to attend the NOHA Tournament of Champions, please fill in the online application form.
 If you will be applying to change category, please review the Criteria for Change of Category and ensure you have the proper documentation along with your application.
 Applications and payment are due December 1st.
 If you have any questions, please contact Lindsay Morell at [email protected]
 NOHA Tournament of Champions Rules & RegulationsCriteria for Change of CategoryTournament of Champions Hosts 2023-2024
110 Lakeshore Drive, North Bay, ON, Canada705 474-8851NOHA Website  
 

NOHA Rink Report – October 27th, 2023

 The NOHA is currently accepting nominations for Official of the Month. Officials nominated should be between the ages of 14-17 and have a passion for officiating! Nomination Form Read More The OHF is seeking entrants on their latest survey on the Development Phase.The survey is open to parents/guardians/athletes of MHAs.  Survey Complete Survey
 NOHA Clinics have been posted for November. View Certification Requirements and Register now to obtain your certifications. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]  Register The NOHA wants to celebrate our hard-working and dedicated volunteers by choosing a Volunteer of the Month! To nominate your Volunteers, please fill in the form HERESelected Volunteers will be posted mid-month. Nominate
Hockey Canada Pathway to Hockey Coverage Information for Associations Pathway to Hockey programs (commonly known as try hockey programs) are designed to provide fun, safe and affordable introduction to hockey opportunities to all Canadians. These are programs that are run and managed by Local Hockey Associations – with the objective of growing their membership. Pathway to hockey programs can be a simple ball hockey initiative or a 12-week program that teaches skating or the fundamentals of the game. Key objectives for this initiative are as follows:Provide an opportunity for Local Hockey Associations to expand their introductory programming offerings, leading to increased accessibility, diversity and inclusivenessEnsure that all participants and programs are insured and managed in accordance with our shared values and standardsRemove a component of the cost barrier (insurance) for program participantsTrack participants and their hockey journey, leading to greater understanding of retention and sustainabilityCollect best practices and innovative ideas, including identification of opportunities to share with others and/or scale in other areas
Read More

Navigating the Hockey Development Journey: Age-Specific Stages

Long-term Player Development (LTPD) | Long-term Athlete Development Model

Welcome back to our blog series on hockey success through the Hockey Canada Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model. In our first post, we emphasized the importance of becoming an athlete first. Now, we’ll take a closer look at the age-specific stages of athlete development within the LTPD model.

Understanding these stages is essential for both players and parents, as they provide valuable insights into what to expect at each phase of the hockey journey.

Age-Specific Stages of Athlete Development:
1. Active Start (Ages 0-6):
   – Introduction to physical activity and play.
   – Development of fundamental movement skills.
   – Emphasis on enjoyment and exploration.

2. FUNdamentals (Ages 6-8 for males, 6-7 for females):
   – Building on fundamental movement skills.
   – Introduction to basic hockey skills in a fun and supportive environment.
   – Focus on creating positive early experiences.

3. Learn to Train (Ages 8-12 for males, 7-11 for females):
   – Developing general athletic abilities.
   – Advanced hockey-specific skill development.
   – Emphasis on balance between skill acquisition and game play.

4. Train to Train (Ages 12-16 for males, 11-15 for females):
   – Continued refinement of hockey skills.
   – Building strength, speed, and endurance.
   – Maintaining a multi-sport approach to prevent burnout.

5. Train to Compete (Ages 16-20):
   – Preparing athletes for high-performance competition.
   – Advanced position-specific training.
   – Mental and tactical development.

6. Train to Win (Ages 20+):
   – Elite-level training for competitive athletes.
   – Optimization of performance and game strategy.
   – Pursuit of excellence at the highest levels.

Navigating the Journey:
Understanding these stages helps players and parents navigate the hockey development journey. It’s essential to recognize that not every player progresses through these stages at the same pace. Some may spend more time in certain stages, while others advance more quickly.

The LTPD model encourages a player-centric approach, focusing on individual development rather than rigid timelines. This flexibility allows players to develop their skills and love for the game in a way that suits their unique needs and interests.

Balancing Hockey with Other Sports:
One key takeaway from the LTPD model is the value of balancing hockey with participation in other sports and physical activities. This multi-sport approach enhances overall athleticism, reduces the risk of overuse injuries, and contributes to well-rounded athletes.


As players progress through the age-specific stages of athlete development outlined in the Hockey Canada LTPD model, they gain valuable experiences and skills that contribute to their success on and off the ice. By understanding these stages and embracing the journey, players can unlock their full potential in the sport of hockey.

In our final post of this series, we’ll explore the concept of “Desire-Based Programming” and why it plays a crucial role in providing equal opportunities for all players, regardless of their skill level or birthdate. Stay tuned to learn how this approach fosters a more inclusive and thriving hockey community.

NOHA Rink Report – October 20th, 2023

The NOHA wants to celebrate our hard-working and dedicated volunteers by choosing a Volunteer of the Month, who will be featured on our website and social media, and receive a prize!

To nominate your Volunteers, please fill in the form HERE

Selected Volunteers will be posted mid-month.

Volunteers must be members of the NOHA for the 2023-2024 season.

Team NOHA Ontario Winter Games Staff Applications have been posted and will be accepted until October 27th, 2023.

Send to [email protected]

The OHF has announced the Hosts for the 2024 OHF Championships!

Congratulations to NOHA Hosts Temiskaming Shores Minor Hockey (U13 A) and Timmins Minor Hockey (U13 AA).

NOHA Clinics have been posted for November. View Certification Requirements and Register now to obtain your certifications.

The NOHA will be offering three free Maltreatment Information Sessions. These sessions are open to all players, coaches, officials, and parents:

Ontario Winter Games Team Staff Applications

The Northern Ontario Hockey Association is seeking applications for Team NOHA Staff for the 2024 Ontario Winter Games in Thunder Bay.

The events the Ontario Winter Games Team NOHA will be attending are the following:

• Main evaluation Camp from January 4-6, 2024, in North Bay.

• The Ontario Winter Games, hosted in Thunder Bay from February 22-25, 2024.

There is travel involved and therefore additional day(s) will be required before and after the event to get to and from Thunder Bay.

Please find more information and the application forms below, which can be sent to NOHA Technical Director Jacob Brown at [email protected] along with your resume by November 3rd, 2023.

Head Coach Application Form

Assistant Coach Application Form

Trainer Application Form