October 2025 Newsletter “Building Community Through Hockey”, News (Collingwood Minor Hockey)

🍁 Message from the CMHA Executive Hello CMHA families, October is off to a fantastic start, and we’re so proud of the effort, energy, and enthusiasm shown across all divisions—from CHIPS to U21. This newsletter is packed with important updates and valuable resources. Thank you for your continued support—and see you at the rink!

🏒 Huronia Tournament – CMHA Members Reminder

Hosted by: Collingwood Minor Hockey Association
Event Dates: October 24–26, 2025
Divisions:

• U10A
• U12A
• U14A
• U16A

📣 Get Involved!
If you would like to volunteer, please reach out to Gary Jeffrey.
And don't miss the chance to come out and watch some great hockey — it's a fun event for the entire family!

📧 Contact:
Gary Jeffrey – Tournament Director
Email: [email protected]

🧰 Coaching Tools & Resources

📚 OMHA Coach & Player Resource Hub
Create custom practice plans, download drills, and access nearly 100 instructional videos with the OMHA & Hockey Canada Drill Hub, powered by Samsung. Great for new and experienced coaches alike!

📹 How to Tape Your Stick
Check out this helpful guide from the OMHA to teach young players stick-taping basics.
Watch here →

🏆 OMHA Team of the Month – Presented by CoachThem

The OMHA and CoachThem are recognizing teams making a difference—on and off the ice! This award celebrates sportsmanship, community involvement, teamwork, and perseverance—not just wins.

👉 Up to 5 teams are selected monthly
🎁 Coaches receive a CoachThem prize pack
📥 Click here to nominate your team

“Minor hockey is so much more than scores and standings. We’re proud to highlight the positive stories taking place across the province.”
— Ian Taylor, Executive Director of the OMHA

💚 Green Armband Initiative – Support Young Officials

Reminder, all on-ice officials under the age of 18 will wear a green armband to promote respect and awareness for youth officials.

Why it matters:
✔️ It reminds us that these young referees are learning, just like our players
✔️ No Ref = No Game
✔️ Please be patient and encouraging!

🧠 CMHA Policy Spotlight

🕒 The 24-Hour Rule – Respectful Communication

We ask that all families follow the 24-Hour Rule:

If a concern arises after a game or practice, wait 24 hours before contacting your coach or team staff. This cooling-off period helps reduce emotional responses and leads to more productive, respectful conversations.

Need help after that? Please contact our Vice President and Director of Risk Management  by submitting our NEW Complaint Resolution Form on our website.

👥 The Two-Deep Rule – Player Safety First

The Two-Deep Rule ensures that no adult is ever alone with a player. There must always be two screened and certified adults present during:

• Dressing room supervision
• Off-ice sessions or meetings
• Transportation (if applicable)

This is a Hockey Canada mandate designed to protect both players and volunteers. Parents – if you're assisting, always ensure a second adult is present.

🙋‍♂️ Why Governance Matters at CMHA

✅ Why Governance Is Important

Governance ensures that CMHA operates with fairness, safety, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

Good governance:

• Promotes consistency and fairness in decisions
• Protects player and volunteer safety
• Manages our budget and policies responsibly
• Aligns with OMHA/OHF/Hockey Canada standards
• Supports trust across the entire hockey community

🧑‍💼 Who Is the CMHA Board?

The CMHA Board is a VOLUNTEER group responsible for strategic planning, day-to-day operations, compliance, and supporting the many programs that make CMHA successful. Our Board includes roles such as:

• President & Vice Presidents
• Treasurer & Secretary
• Directors for Risk Management, Development, House League, Rep, Communications, and more
• Stay in the loop, by reviewing bylaws, policies and meeting minutes on our website.

Not sure who to reach out to, please see the full list at: collingwoodhockey.com/Executive

📣 Your Role as a Member

CMHA is a member-driven organization. That means:

• You can attend the AGM
• You can run for board positions
• You can volunteer and have a voice

Good governance starts with all of us. Thank you for supporting our players and our association with integrity and respect.

 

✅ Volunteer Reminders

Volunteer Eligibility and Compliance Requirements

All team volunteers must complete the following:

1. Respect in Sport – Activity Leaders
2. Gender Identity & Expression Training
3. Role-specific Certifications
4. Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
   ➤ Email [email protected] to request the form
   ➤ Include your team name in the subject line
   ➤ Confirm your role with your Head Coach before applying

 

🧤 Equipment Safety – 2025-2026 Season

The OMHA has released updated equipment safety guidelines. Please take time to review helmet expiration dates, proper fitting of neck guards, and approved protective gear.
🔗 Read the full safety article here

📸 CMHA Spotlight – Let’s Hear Your Hockey Stories!

🚨 New Feature Alert! We're rolling out the CMHA Team/Player/Volunteer Spotlight, and we want to hear from YOU!

Got a beauty of a teammate, a coach who never quits, a parent who’s always in the corners doing the dirty work, or a player who lit the lamp or laid it all on the line? Let’s give 'em the shoutout they deserve! 🏒🔥

📣 Examples:

• U10A – Cameron was buzzing during the season opener in Barrie! His hustle, heart, and team-first attitude are what CMHA is all about. Keep flying, Cam!
• U15LL – Karen, team manager and total legend. From hauling gear, organizing rides, to keeping the score sheets in check — she's always got the squad’s back.
• U21 – Coach, you’re the glue guy. The whole bench wants to give you a stick tap for being a rock all season.

💬 Have a story? Whether it’s:

• A barn burner game,
• A nail-biter shootout,
• A heartbreaking L or a massive dub,
• Or just a feel-good hockey moment...

👉 We want it all — pics too!

📧 Send your spotlight stories to: Communications at [email protected]

A Huge Thank You to Our Amazing Sponsors

On behalf of the Collingwood Minor Hockey Association (CMHA), we want to extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks for your generous support.

Your commitment to supporting local sports helps build not only better athletes, but stronger communities. We are truly grateful to have you as part of the CMHA family, and we look forward to proudly showcasing your support throughout the season.

Thank you for investing in the future of our players and for helping make minor hockey in Collingwood the best it can be!

With appreciation,
Collingwood Minor Hockey Association

 

🧡Become a CMHA Sponsor!

Dear Community Sponsor,

On behalf of the Collingwood Minor Hockey Association (CMHA), we invite you to join us in supporting the development of young athletes in our community. At CMHA, we are committed not only to fostering hockey skills, but also to helping our players grow into strong, healthy individuals—both on and off the ice.

This season, sponsorship funds will directly support:

• New equipment
• Conditioning programs
• Mental health initiatives

These essential resources help our athletes build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and lifelong wellness habits.

We are currently seeking sponsorships ranging from $500 to $2,000. In appreciation of your support, we offer the following recognition opportunities:

Sponsorship Tiers

🥇 Gold Sponsor – $2,000

• Business logo displayed on team pop-up banner at all home and away games
• Business name listed on the CMHA website
• Logo featured on the CMHA sponsor page

🥈 Silver Sponsor – $1,000

• Business logo on a pop-up banner displayed at all home and away games
• Business name on the CMHA website

🥉 Bronze Sponsor – $500

• Website and social media shout-out
• All sponsor names included on the ticker tape of the CMHA website

Other Ways to Support

We understand that a financial sponsorship may not be possible for every business. In-kind sponsorships are also welcomed—this can include donations of equipment, training opportunities, facilities, or other resources that benefit our athletes.

Every contribution—financial or in-kind—makes a real impact and helps ensure our players have the tools and environment they need to thrive.

How to Donate

✅ E-transfer:
Send to: [email protected]
Please include your business name and contact email in the message notes.

✅ Cheque:
Pick-up can be arranged—just let us know!

Together, we can continue to build a strong, inclusive hockey community and invest in the future of our youth.

Thank you for considering this opportunity. For more information or to get involved, please reach out to us at:

📧 [email protected]

With appreciation,
Fundraising & Sponsorship Committee
Collingwood Minor Hockey Association

🔍 Website Navigation Tips – For New Families

Finding Your Team Calendar:

1. Go to collingwoodhockey.com
2. Click Team Finder from the top menu
3. Scroll to find your team’s name
4. Click Full Calendar to view practice/game schedules
5. Click Subscribe to sync the calendar to your phone or computer.
6. Please remember calendars can change frequently please always check the website before you head out to a game or practice.

Looking for attire:  Collingwood Blues merchandise store

🔗 Shop the Store Here

🙌 Thank You, Volunteers!

Our deepest thanks to the many coaches, trainers, managers, team parents, board members, and other volunteers who give their time and heart to make CMHA possible.

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from CMHA!

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible players, parents, coaches, volunteers, and supporters who make Collingwood Minor Hockey so special.

Your dedication, teamwork, and community spirit are what keep this association thriving—and we are thankful every day to share the rink with such an amazing group of people.

May your weekend be filled with laughter, good food, and meaningful moments—on and off the ice.

From all of us at CMHA,
Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡🍂🏒

🏒 Dinner table Dad Jokes for Hockey Players 🥅

Guaranteed to break the ice (but not your stick).

Why did the hockey player bring string to the game?
Because he wanted to tie the score!

Why don’t hockey players ever get hot?
Because they always have fans in the stands.

Why did the puck apply for a job?
It was tired of being passed over.

Why was the hockey team so good at baking?
They always knew how to whip up turnovers.

What do you call a fight between two goalies?
A net loss.

📣 CMHA Code of Conduct Reminder

At the Collingwood Minor Hockey Association (CMHA), in partnership with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive hockey environment for everyone involved.

This Code of Conduct applies to all CMHA members and participants — including players, parents, coaches, officials, volunteers, directors, team staff, and administrators — during all CMHA and OMHA events and activities.

We expect all members to:

• Treat others with courtesy, fairness, and respect.
• Uphold the values of integrity, mutual respect, and sportsmanship at all times.
• Abide by all CMHA/OMHA rules, policies, and regulations.
• Avoid behavior that could damage the reputation of CMHA, OMHA, or the sport of hockey.
• Refrain from the use of non-medical drugs, alcohol abuse, or underage drinking at events.
• Avoid disrespectful, abusive, racist, sexist, or harassing comments or actions — this will not be tolerated.

Important:
Violations of the Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the OMHA Discipline Policy. This could include suspension or loss of participation privileges in CMHA/OMHA events — both now and in the future.

Let’s continue to work together to make Collingwood Minor Hockey a positive experience for all!