Introduction to Ottawa Centre Minor Hockey Association

The Ottawa Centre Minor Hockey Association (OCMHA) belongs to 'District B' of the HEO (Hockey Eastern Ontario) Minor branch of Hockey Canada. We play in the Bytown Minor Hockey League (BMHL) which also includes the Ottawa East, West End, Southend, and Canterbury associations (see External Links page for all websites).

Click for map to see the OCMHA boundaries within HEO Minor District B.

Our non-contact, house league divisions are tiered to allow players to play with children of similar skill levels with the goals of having fun, developing skills and learning to cooperate in a team environment.  Each player has a place regardless of ability; each is an essential element of the team. We count on each player to make their team and our Association successful.

Parents also share the responsibility for our success by supporting all players and being positive role models through respectful behaviour to players, coaches, referees and other parents.

Minor Hockey in Canada

There are thousands of minor hockey associations across Canada, all governed by Hockey Canada (HC).  Where you live, determines your "Home Association". If you haven’t already done so, follow this link, enter your child's primary address, to determine if you fall within the OCMHA’s boundaries: roughly, the neighbourhoods of Centretown, the Glebe and Old Ottawa South. If you belong with one of the other organizations, you must register with them.

The first time a child is registered to play minor hockey in Canada, they receive a unique identity in the Canada-wide HC database. This identity lasts in perpetuity, even if you move and play hockey in a different part of Canada. This is why it is important to transfer into a new association if you move, rather than sign up as a new player.

The Hockey Season

The season will begin with pre-season practices, typically in the first week of September (a little later in September for the Initiation Program). The pre-season schedule will be posted on this website and you'll receive emails concerning schedules and processes. At these initial practices, coaches will be evaluating skills in order to form balanced teams at the A, B, and C levels of play in preparation for the regular season. Every registered child will play. A very good note on this "tiering" process is available here.

Teams will be organized as efficiently as possible with parent volunteers as Coaches, Trainers and Managers. The initial team lists may be adjusted to ensure the teams are fairly balanced within each tier.  The regular season game schedule begins starting in mid-October and playoffs are held in February and March.

In addition to the regular season of play, each team is encouraged to enter tournaments during the year. Your OCMHA registration fee does not cover the costs of tournaments; therefore, each team will decide on tournaments jointly between coaches and parents. Additional expenses are covered by the parents through team fees that are typically collected by managers once teams have been formed.  

By agreement, teams may incur other operating expenses (Ottawa 67s tickets, team events, equipment).  Typically, to cover these costs, parents can expect to contribute in the range of $200 to their team’s operating budget.

Fund Raising

Fund raising ideas and organizers (e.g. raffle of donated Senators’ tickets, bake sale, etc.) are always welcomed. Your team manager will likely discuss fundraising and sponsorship opportunities for your team at the beginning of the season. 

Volunteers

The OCMHA runs entirely on the efforts of volunteers. In addition to coaches, trainers and managers, the Association needs active parents serving as time-keepers, event organizers, and facilitators in various roles. All parents are encouraged to take part during the course of the season.

More information regarding the roles and responsibilities of volunteers can be found here. We encourage anyone who has an interest in any of these volunteer positions to indicate their interest during the registration process.

Player Clinics

Again this year, the OCMHA will be sponsoring optional Skills Development Programs for players and goalies in Novice, Atom and Peewee divisions.  These programs start in September and provide extra on-ice training and development sessions for interested players. Information about these will be available here by early August.

Photo Day

You will be informed of your team’s photo day by your Manager. Each player receives one individual photo and one team photo, (included in registration fee). Additional photos can be purchased.

For those who would like more information, please read our Parent Resources page which includes a list of equipment your child will need before hitting the ice.