Collingwood Hockey: Where Community, Excellence and Opportunity Meet– The Place to Play, The Place to Excel
Collingwood Minor Hockey Association (CMHA)Announcement: Open Boundaries – A New Era for Hockey in Ontario
December 19, 2024
Dear CMHA Membership,
The Town of Collingwood has a rich and storied hockey history, known for producing talented players and fostering a passionate hockey community. This proud tradition continues to thrive, with Collingwood being recognized as a premier hockey destination. READ FULL ARTICLE
(The Eddie Bush Memorial Arena, formerly the Collingwood Community Arena opened on Dec 16, 1948)
Collingwood Minor Hockey Association (CMHA)
Announcement: Open Boundaries – A New Era for Hockey in Ontario
December 19, 2024
Dear CMHA Membership,
The Town of Collingwood has a rich and storied hockey history, known for producing talented players and fostering a passionate hockey community. This proud tradition continues to thrive, with Collingwood being recognized as a premier hockey destination.
This week, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) announced a landmark change to the landscape of minor hockey across the province. Effective next season, boundaries for player movement will be eliminated for U10 and above, empowering players to choose where they want to play, regardless of where they reside. This monumental shift marks one of the most significant transformations in Ontario minor hockey in decades, presenting a tremendous opportunity for players, families, and associations alike.
OHF Announcement: Link
OHF FAQ Page: Link
At CMHA, we wholeheartedly embrace this change with both excitement and a forward-thinking vision. Collingwood Hockey has long been dedicated to excellence, community engagement, and the holistic development of players. This announcement provides an even greater platform to showcase why Collingwood has become the destination of choice for hockey families seeking the best experience both on and off the ice.
We are also incredibly proud to be home to the Collingwood Blues, who were recently ranked nationally #1 in the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Top 20 Rankings. This remarkable achievement underscores the high level of hockey talent and development within our community. Collingwood is truly a place where players can rise to the top, with our very own CMHA players transitioning successfully to the Collingwood Blues and beyond, continuing their hockey journeys at higher levels, including Junior A, collegiate, and even professional leagues.
Additionally, Collingwood’s hockey community benefits from the presence of former elite athletes, including Olympic medalists and NHL players, who have called this area home. This legacy of excellence continues to attract top-tier talent, including EXOS-certified athletes and coaches who are committed to the development of our youth. The combination of such accomplished figures and our comprehensive approach to training helps our players reach their full potential, ensuring they thrive both on and off the ice.
Why Choose Collingwood Hockey?
-
Development-Focused Programs
Our programs are meticulously designed to challenge players at every stage of their journey, fostering growth, skill, and success. The complementary development sessions we've offered over the past three years have been met with overwhelming positive feedback and have played a pivotal role in our players' achievements.
-
Proven Success
Since transitioning to an ‘A’ base category, our teams have achieved remarkable success on the ice, underscoring the talent, commitment, and passion of our players, coaches, and families.
-
Elite Coaching
CMHA places a premium on recruiting and developing exceptional coaches who are not only skilled in the game but also dedicated to nurturing the full potential of every athlete. Our coaching staff is deeply committed to inspiring players, building cohesive teams, and guiding each individual to excellence.
-
Comprehensive Training
Through our partnership with Gym Giant and Warrior Athletics, we provide hockey-specific off-ice training, ensuring our athletes are physically and mentally prepared to perform at the highest level. These training sessions are an integral part of our holistic approach to player development.
-
Unwavering Community Support
Collingwood Hockey thrives because of the unwavering support from our incredible community. From local businesses to the Town of Collingwood itself, our community partners fuel our success and contribute to the unparalleled experience of playing hockey here.
-
Unmatched Environment
Collingwood is more than just a place to play hockey – it's an experience. From our vibrant downtown to the iconic Eddie Bush Memorial Arena, the environment here offers a distinctive setting that enriches the lives of our athletes and their families. Collingwood also boasts the infrastructure to accommodate prestigious tournaments, providing a world-class experience for players, families, and visitors alike.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Collingwood Hockey
The announcement of open boundaries represents a new era for Ontario minor hockey, one that presents both challenges and exciting opportunities. In Collingwood, our commitment remains steadfast: to provide the very best experience for our athletes. As we move forward, we are putting together exciting plans to continue enhancing our programs and facilities, ensuring that Collingwood remains a top destination for hockey players.
Additionally, we are actively engaged in conversations with surrounding municipalities to explore collaborative opportunities that will further elevate our hockey community. These discussions are aimed at fostering stronger partnerships and creating an even more vibrant and competitive hockey environment for all.
While this shift in boundaries brings change, it also reinforces our belief that Collingwood is the place to play and grow in hockey. Together with your continued support, we are confident that we will thrive in this new landscape and solidify our place as a leader in Ontario minor hockey.
Join Us – Be Part of Something Special
This is an exciting time for Collingwood Hockey, and we invite all families to explore the OHF’s resources linked above. With your involvement, we will ensure that this new era of open boundaries leads to growth, success, and unforgettable memories for our players.
Thank you for being a vital part of our community and for supporting the development of our athletes.
Collingwood Hockey: Where Community, Excellence and Opportunity Meet– The Place to Play, The Place to Excel.
Warm regards,
Dave Epp, President
Collingwood Minor Hockey Association