Ontario Hockey Federation Updates Player Movement Regulations; Residency Regulations Removed

The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) has updated its Player Movement Regulations to enhance participant experience and accessibility, removing several residency restrictions for players within the organization, announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The decision was voted on by OHF members in Toronto, where a vote was carried out to remove residency regulations in Minor Hockey for the U10 age group and above in all categories from AAA to House League inclusive.

This applies to the four Minor Hockey Members, including the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario (ALLIANCE), the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA).

“This is a transformational and historic moment for hockey in the OHF,” said Phillip McKee, OHF executive director. “These changes are designed to create a more inclusive and player-focused system, ensuring every participant has fun and the opportunity to thrive. Through collaboration and listening to our hockey community, we are shaping a stronger future for the game.”

“These changes are the result of extensive feedback and unprecedented collaboration with our Members, Minor Hockey Associations and participants and we are confident they will positively impact hockey families across the OHF,” said John Kastner, Chair of the Board.

OHF says these changes align boys' and co-ed hockey with the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) structure and the standards followed by most sports organizations across Ontario and Canada.

Conversations regarding the changes began in 2022, leading to the formation of a dedicated committee in March. Chaired by former OHF Chair of the Board, Tony Foresi, the committee included representatives from all four Minor Member Partners and OHF Board Members.

The process involved gathering input through parent surveys and town hall meetings with Associations. On Nov. 30, over 200 Minor Hockey Representatives joined the conversation in Toronto as the final details were discussed.

“The changes to Player Movement Regulations represent a significant step forward in creating a system that prioritizes fun, player development, accessibility, and fairness,” said Foresi.

The following are the organization’s key points and regulation changes:

Enhanced Player Movement

Beginning in the 2025–2026 season, OHF Minor Hockey Players in the U10 age group and above will have the opportunity to participate with the Association of their choice regardless of Category (AAA, AA, A, BB, B etc.).

House League for U9 and Below Participants

House League players in the age group of U9 and below can continue to play anywhere within OHF.

Local Programming for Younger Participants in MD and Select

Players in the U9 age group and below will participate within their Member (ALLIANCE, GTHL, NOHA, and OMHA) under Member Regulations for Select and Minor Development hockey.

Pause on addition of Representative Teams for U10 age group and above

The OHF is implementing a temporary hold on the addition of Rep teams at U10 age group and above by Associations and OHF Members. This hold will allow for a thorough review and adjustment of the number of teams at each age group and Category.

Development of Geographically Structured Leagues

To improve accessibility and participation, the OHF, in conjunction with our Minor Members, will work to establish geographically structured leagues. This new framework will reduce travel burdens and promote a more inclusive hockey environment across all regions.

Increased Penalties for Tampering

The OHF and its Minor Members will introduce timelines and increased penalties for recruiting players, during the current season, on other teams for the next season. Such penalties will apply to anyone involved with a team.

The Work is Not Done

The Player Movement Committee will remain active, adjusting the Rules and Regulations for the 2026-2027 season and addressing any unintended consequences that may arise.

Immediate Application of Adopted Regulations

The adopted Regulations will be effective immediately, with the exception that rostering and affiliation for the 2024-2025 season will remain in effect for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season.

The changes are effective for the 2025–26 hockey season.

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