Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire “.
Last week during random conversations pertaining to hockey in Ontario, I stumbled into an avenue that outlined a Hockey Canada initiative that was on the burner.
The concept apparently is designed for the now labelled U18 & U16 divisions.
For argument’s sake, let’s say we’re talking about the 400 corridor from Orillia to Barrie.
Those markets would be able to build a roster of 22 players and create two teams of 11 players apiece.
Rather than just playing intrasquad games, Orillia would take their two teams of 11 players and travel to Barrie and play the host center twice. The first 11 players from Orillia would play one entry from Barrie while the 2nd group of 11 players from Orillia would play the other group from Barrie.
The games would be shorter in nature, 3 on 3, or 4 on 4 in format, plus, the games would be non-contact
My understanding through the conversation is the concept would create 30 such hubs in Ontario, each within a certain radius of a Ministry of Health Unit.
So I wondered how that might impact the traditional rep team programs in our region.
A call to the Grey Bruce Highlanders who have split their program into divisions of 4 teams in most age brackets for intrasquad play, indicated they’ve received no such direction.
Not from the OMHA; Not from the OHF; & not from the SCTA, all of whom provide the guidelines for the Highlanders.
Meanwhile, another call to the Owen Sound Minor Hockey Group and the Junior Attack echoed the Highlanders statement.
In fact rather than progression, officials in Owen Sound are more wary, with other Minor Hockey groups closing down, that they too might be informed to do likewise.
I’m Fred Wallace