Background
Over the past several years, OMHA hockey category changes, amalgamations and reorganizations have taken place including in our surrounding area. The St. Marys Minor Hockey Association (SMMHA) began rep play at the “A” level during the 2023-2024 season. As an “A” organization, SMMHA is significantly smaller than most other associations it competes against. Throughout the season, players and parents began to ask questions about the competitive future of SMMHA if it remained a standalone association, and what the competitive future might look like if re-organization or amalgamation was to be pursued.
SMMHA is interested in better understanding the option of reorganizing its Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) rep hockey program with another association(s). The Board struck a Re-Organization Exploratory Committee to conduct preliminary research into this concept.
Amalgamation vs Reorganization
The OMHA defines amalgamation as the joining of two or more associations to become one association. An amalgamation would require the joining of all aspects of the involved associations. OMHA considers any hybrid amalgamation configurations to be reorganizations.
SMMHA is currently focused on reorganization. The format would see SMMHA join with another centre or centres to become one larger rep program while maintaining the OMHA Local League and Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) programs as they currently stand.
Current Status of Reorganization (updated November 1, 2024)
SMMHA is currently in discussions and no reorganization vote is scheduled at this time.
SMMHA will be hosting a Reorganization Meeting for members in early November (Date/Time/Location TBC).
FAQ (updated November 1, 2024)