The
OMHA announced that St. Marys Minor Hockey has been recategorized to the base
category “A” for the 2023/24 season. This change impacts all boy
players U10 and above. Currently, SMMHA is categorized as a “B” centre.
U5, U7, U9 programming and Local League programming would not be impacted by a change to ‘A’ category.
SMMHA has the ability to appeal the decision and file an appeal by December 31, 2022. SMMHA can also appeal to have a specific team/cohort placed in another category higher or lower on an annual basis.
OMHA is planning to run an ‘A’ loop for 2023/24 that will include Dorchester, Mt. Brydges, Strathroy, Tillsonburg and St. Marys. St. Thomas would be added in 24/25 with the potential for other centres to be added.
Moving to an “A” category would require SMMHA to operate minor and major 1st entry representative programming at all age groups (i.e. U10A, U11A, U12A etc.). Each 1st entry Rep team at U12 and above has the option to carry up to 3 Non-Resident Passport (NRP) players from other centres. These players can be players released from ‘AA or above’ or players from ‘below A’ that wish to try out with our teams. NRP players can be accepted or rejected on a per team basis. Note: SMMHA is running an ‘A’ U16 team this season.
If SMMHA runs a 2nd entry Rep team, the team would be considered “BB” and can be formed with minor or major aged players (similar to how are teams are formed now).
The recategorization issue has been discussed at each general meeting since September. The meetings were used to share information and generate open discussion on the potential implications for SMMHA and the pros and cons of such a change. It is our intention to revisit this issue at the November 1st association meeting and determine if we have a general direction on pursuing an appeal or not. A final decision will need to be made by the December association meeting.
If you wish to comment on the recategorization issue or receive additional detail, please send an email to our SMMHA OMHA Rep Mike Johnson at [email protected].
Thank you
SMMHA Executive and Directors