Southwest Admirals FAQs
Welcome to the FAQ section for the Southwest Admirals Minor Hockey Organization. Here, we address key questions about the upcoming 2025-26 season and the new Representative Hockey Programming pilot initiated by the Western Ontario Athletic Association (WOAA).
General Information
What is the Southwest Admirals Hockey Organization?
- A collaborative effort between Blyth-Brussels, Goderich, Mid-Huron, Mitchell and Zurich Minor Hockey programs. This initiative is part of the WOAA’s pilot program aimed at forming “Zone Hockey” to develop A-level Representative Teams for more competitive play in our local region.
What is the goal of this pilot project?
- The pilot program aims to enhance hockey development by creating stronger, more competitive teams through the collaboration of multiple associations. This approach ensures every player has a pathway to participate and grow, whether at the A, B, or Local League level.
What teams are within the WOAA “Zone Hockey” pilot program?
- Zone 1 - Tri-Centre Jr. Attack: Owen Sound Minor Hockey, Shallow Lake Minor Hockey, Bruce Peninsula Minor Hockey
- Zone 2 - Bruce Grey Bulls: Arran-Elderslie, Saugeen Shores, TCDMHA (Chatsworth)
- Zone 3 - Midwest 49ers: Saugeen Valley, South Bruce, Walkerton
- Zone 4 - West Coast Whitecaps: Huron Bruce, Kincardine, Wingham
- Zone 5 - Southwest Admirals: Blyth-Brussels, Goderich, Mid-Huron, Mitchell, Zurich
- Zone 6 - Southeast Surge: Central Perth, Listowel, Mt. Forest, Drayton, Minto, Howick, Wallace
This structure was assembled by the W.O.A.A to ensure competitive hockey opportunities across the region while fostering collaboration among neighboring associations.
Teams and Tryouts
What teams will be offered?
- For the 2025-26 season, the Southwest Admirals plan to offer:
- One A-level Representative Team for each age group (U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16 and U18).
- Double-cohort B-level Representative Teams for U11, U13, U15, and U18.
What will be the roster sizes?
- Rep A teams will be a minimum of 15 skaters and 2 goaltenders.
- Rep B teams will be a minimum of 14 skaters and 1 goaltender.
When will tryouts take place?
- Tryouts for A-level hockey will begin May 4, 2025.
- Tryouts for the B-level team will follow after A tryouts have concluded in May 2025.
How much will tryouts cost?
- Tryout fee will be $100 which will include Rep A and B tryouts
What if my child doesn’t make an A or B team?
- Players who do not secure a spot on an A or B team will return to their home center (Blyth-Brussels, Goderich, Mid-Huron, Mitchell or Zurich) for Local League hockey.
Ice Time Allocation
What will ice time for practices and games look like?
- Rep A can expect 3 home ice times per week – typically 2 practices, 1 game.
- Rep B can expect 2 home ice times per week – typically 1 practice, 1 game.
What arenas will be used?
- In effort to maximize centrally located arenas within the zone will be made
Fees and Equipment
What will the registration fees include?
- Registration fees for Rep A level teams are expected to range between $1,500 and $2,000. These fees cover ice time, officials and miscellaneous organization expenses.
- Registration fees for Rep B level teams are expected to range between $850 and $1,000. These fees cover ice time, officials and miscellaneous organization expenses.
Will additional costs apply?
- Yes, these fees will vary per team and at the coaches discretion. Additional costs may include: team swag, tournament fees, dry land training, specialty sessions such as power skating, etc.
Fundraising
- Players will be given the opportunity to find sponsors for their individual player registration such as home jersey, away jersey and helmet sponsor. Sponsorship letter templates will be provided.
- Teams will also have the opportunity to fundraise as a team for additional fees such as tournament cost, etc by way of team sponsor and/or group fundraisers should the team want to offset costs.
Player Movement and Open Borders
What does “open borders” mean with respect to the Zone Participation?
- Starting in 2025-26, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) has lifted residency restrictions for Representative hockey at U10 and above. Players are free to try out for teams in any zone or association if willing to travel.
What impact does this have on Local League hockey?
- The Local League hockey program will continue to be managed by individual associations.
- Each association remains focused on maintaining and growing local recreational hockey, providing the best programming possible.