General Info (Oakville Hornets)

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What are the age-categories that OHGHA offers in House League?
The divisions are based on age and are as follows:

U7:   4, 5, 6 years old
U9:  7, 8 years old
U11:  9, 10 years old
U13:  11, 12 years old
U15:  13, 14 years old
U18:  15, 16, 17 years old
Intermediate/U22: 18, 19, 20, 21 years old


U18 and U22 players are combined for HL play. 

*PLEASE NOTE* As The Oakville Hornets have Rep import policies in place, non Oakville residents do not qualify for our competitive Rep program with the exception of our U13/U15/U18/U22 "AA" divisions/level only.
What is the tentative schedule for practices and games? 

All Teams will be on the ice approximately forty (40) times between late September/late March for practices/games. There are no practices or games Monday through Friday for any House League teams (DS teams excepted). 

All categories (except U18/U22) have a one-hour practice on Saturdays, on ice shared with one other team.  All categories play inter-division games on Sundays. U18/U22 will have extended game times in lieu of practices.

*Below are tentative ice blocks and arenas for each division.  Confirmed 2023-24 schedules will be posted before the beginning of the new season. 
*Assessment dates are Sept. 16 and 17. Please check back on this site for your schedule (day, time and arena) which will be based on the initial of your last name. 
*The season starts Sep. 30/Oct. 1 and your Coach will send your assigned team's schedule by that weekend.  


U7

Saturday - Joshua Creek Blue (8:30 am and 9:30 am)

Sunday - Joshua Creek Blue (8:30 and 9:30 am)

U9

Saturday - Joshua Creek Red (8:00 am and 9:00 am)

Sunday - Joshua Creek Red (8:00 am and 9:00 am)

U11

Saturday - Canlan Ice Sports Rink 4 (9:30, 10:30 am)

Sunday - Canlan Ice Sport Rink 4 ( 10:30 and 11:30 am)

U13

Saturday - Canlan Ice Sports Rink 4 (1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 pm)

Sunday - Canlan Ice Sports Rink 4 (12:30,1:30 and 2:30 pm)

U15

Saturday - Canlan Ice Sports Rink 4 (11:30 am, 12:30 pm)

Sunday - Canlan Ice Sports Rink 4 (3:30, 4:30 pm)

U18 and U22

Sunday - Canlan Ice Sports Rink 4 (5:30 ,7:00, 8:30 pm)

Is there tiering in House League?
Players of all abilities play together on teams. To the best of our ability, we balance teams with players of all skill levels based on players who are evaluated in September and returning players who are evaluated according to the previous season's report. 

In very rare instances players may be moved no more than three weeks into the season for re-balancing purposes.
What is DS?

DS stands for Development Stream, and was born from an initiative of the Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA, our governing body) to provide an opportunity for girls who wish to have an extra level of development, instruction and competition. DS teams are comprised of House League players and families who are looking for a bit more, but are not yet ready for Rep-level.

Players are assessed throughout the season leading up to the DS tryouts. Teams are formed on a try-out basis in November, and are on the ice no more than an additional 10 - 15 times throughout the remainder of the year for practices, exhibition and tournament games. Additional fees will apply. Watch for details after the HL season has started. The DS program starts at the U11 age group, there are no DS teams in U7 and U9.  

Is there body checking in House League play?
Body checking in girls' minor hockey at any level is NOT permitted.
How many players/goalies are on each team?
Maximum of 16 players (15 skaters plus 1 goalie). From U7 to U9 age groups, players will rotate through the goalie position (goalies are usually dedicated at the higher age groups). In some circumstances, the maximum number of players may exceed that number.

The Hornets encourage participation in hockey and wish to accommodate as many players as we can. There may be circumstances whereby a team or teams will be asked to take an additional player or may have less than 16, based on registrations. These will be reviewed by the teams and the House League Committee.
Do goalies need to have their own gear? Do you offer development for goalies?
The goalie equipment is provided (loaned) by OHGHA for U7 through U11. U13 age goaltenders and above are expected to have their own goalie equipment.

The Hornets may offer free goalie instruction to any House League goalie or any House League player who is interested in playing in net. Details will be provided when the season begins.
Can I request a specific coach or friend?
NO - Only for Medical Reasons.  Unfortunately, we cannot accept special requests for coaches or friends as we must balance teams with players of all abilities. 

However, the Head Coach may protect up to three players whose parents are either an Assistant Coach or Trainer.
Are there tryouts and evaluations?
There are no tryouts for House League. Everyone is eligible to play.

Assessment skates 2023-2024 season will be scheduled for September 16 and 17, 2023 (both days).  We will contact the families directly to let them know which team their player will be on and their schedule.
My daughter has a disability, is she eligible to play?
The OHGHA recognizes its' obligations to accommodate players pursuant to the grounds enumerated under the Ontario Human Rights Code. In the event that accommodation may be required, please contact the OHGHA office to discuss this matter at the time of registration.
How long is the season?
The season starts in September 2023 and continues to the end of March 2024. Championship Day is Saturday March 30th, 2024.  House League teams typically sign up for one or two Tournament weekends in other centers, and all participate in our House League Tournament in February (additional team fees apply). Practices and games are cancelled during the Christmas and March Break periods (usually two weekends each).


What equipment is required?
CSA approved hockey helmet / chin strap properly fastened
CSA approved facial protector properly fastened
BNQ approved neck guard
Athletic support and jill for girls
Mouth guard (optional)
Shoulder, elbow & shin pads
Hockey Gloves
Hockey socks and Jersey (supplied as part of registration)
Water bottle - players must use their own bottle at all times
Hockey Stick (tape)

The association supplies goalie equipment (glove, blocker, chest, pads) from U7 to U11. U13 age goaltenders and above are expected to have their own goalie equipment.
Registration Questions

How do I register?

Online registration for returning players is now open. REGISTRATION FOR NEW PLAYERS STARTS JUNE 15TH.
- Registration Link

What are the fees? 

"Early Bird - Returning Hornets Only"  up to June 14th, 2023: $725 - in 3 installment payments:
$250 initial payment upon registering , $250 July 1st, $225 September 1st
 

"New & Returning Players"  on and after June 15th, 2023: $825 - in 3 installment payments:
$275 initial payment upon registering, $275 August 1st, $275 September 1st

“Goalie Only, U13, U15, and U18 ” – Player MUST commit to play goaltender only: $150 FEE 

New Price for all U7 players - $400 for the season! $200 initial payment and $200 August 1st, 2023

In addition, families typically contribute $400 - $500 to a team fund which covers the cost of participation in tournaments, team events and parties, etc. Fundraising activities are also used to assist with keeping the costs more manageable, subject to the Hornets Fundraising Policies.

Is there a discount for multiple players in one family?

Not at this time.

What is the refund policy?


All refunds must be requested to the Hornets' office. Refunds will be given by cheque or repaid to your credit card (less any credit card charges) and may take up to two weeks to process.

1. All withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing (email accepted).

2. Prior to September 1st, subject to a $50 administration fee.

3. House league – Withdrawal between September 1 to September 30
Subject to a $125 administration fee (to cover Hockey Canada/OWHA registration fees, insurance, and Hornets'
administration costs).

3a. House League - Withdrawal between October 1 to December 31 subject to a $350 administration fee (being the costs previously listed in (3) above and $200 for the player's share of ice and game costs (i.e. refs and timekeepers)).

4. Rep Players – Withdrawal between September 1 to December 31 subject to a $125 administration fee (to cover Hockey Canada/OWHA registration fees, insurance, and Hornets' administration costs) and the players’ share of ice and game costs incurred to the date of withdrawal (i.e. (ice hours + game costs + dryland training + instructors + other team costs) / # of players per team) = additional assessment per withdrawing player

5. No refunds after December 31st


For any questions, please contact Elsie Perioris at [email protected].
Team Officials Questions (Coaches/Trainers etc..)

I would like to volunteer on the bench. What do I have to do to get placed on a team?

We want you! Coaching experience is not required, but a willingness to learn, enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help our girls grow as hockey players and community members, are essential.  Please fill out the HL Bench Staff application on the House League Home Page or click here:  HL Bench Staff Application.  Alternatively, send an email indicating your interest to [email protected] with your name and contact details, experience, name/age of child(ren). 

How do I obtain Coaching certification?

Head Coaches in House League must have minimum Coach Level 1 or Coach Level 1/2 for Fundamental U7 and U9 teams, and Coach Level 2 for divisions above. The Respect in Sport - Activity Leaders Certification is also required.

More information on coaching pathways and certification requirements can be found on the OWHA's website: www.owha.ca.

 

Please create an account on Hockey Canada’s website and look for a Coach Level 1 or Coach Level 1/2 clinic. Here is the link:

https://ehockey.hockeycanada.ca/ehockey/ClinicSignUp.aspx


How do I obtain Trainer's certification?

The Trainer certification can be completed online (about $100.00) https://htohockey.ca/

This certification is only offered online and is valid for three years. The league does not cover the cost of these certifications.

Respect in Sports - requirement for any parents entering change rooms!

ALL bench staff and team moms require the Respect in Sports - Activity Leaders certification as well as any parent entering the dressing room. Males who are not bench staff from U9 and above (older players) can not enter the dressing room. Currently this certification does not expire and the league does not cover the fee. Click here to complete your Respect in Sports - Activity Leaders certification - https://owha.respectgroupinc.com/secure/  

Police checks
Our Security & Privacy Commissioner will advise those team members who require to submit to us their security clearance. Our policy is that we have an ORIGINAL copy and it is valid for three years. The original can be dropped off at the Hornets office at Joshua's Creek Arenas.

Members can apply for a Criminal Check and Vulnerable Sector Check online at  
https://www.haltonpolice.ca/.

Any questions regarding this, please contact our Our Security & Privacy Commissioner at 
[email protected].