(Donations not sought, just signatures.  Please do NOT donate $!)

Ridgetown, Ontario,  is a vibrant community with a deep passion for hockey. Known as "Ontario's Friendliest town", we just celebrated the towns 150th anniversary.

Despite this enthusiasm, the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) has recently declined the town's application for a senior hockey team in their league, the OEHL. This decision stands in stark contrast to the OHA's mission of fostering grassroots hockey across the province. Many residents and hockey fans are left puzzled and disheartened by this unexpected denial.

CK Region has a rich hockey history and a dedicated base of players, families, and fans who are eager to support and nurture a local Senior Hockey team. With Jr C & Jr B in surrounding CK towns, our Sr team seems a notable omission.

Establishing a senior hockey team in Ridgetown would not only invigorate the town’s sporting community, utilizing East Kent Arena on Saturday Nights, but also align with the OHA's stated aim to promote hockey at a grassroots level. It would provide a platform for local athletes to showcase their talents and inspire younger generations in our community to engage with the sport.

Evidence suggests that having local teams significantly bolsters community engagement and supports economic activity. According to a study by the Sports and Recreation Association of Ontario, communities with local sports teams report higher attendance at local businesses, a surge in community events, and an overall uplift in civic pride. By admitting Ridgetown to the league, the OHA would not only be aiding hockey development but also contributing to the socio-economic growth of this enthusiastic town.

We understand the OHA has stringent criteria for league admission, but Ridgetown believes it meets these guidelines and is ready to address any concerns. The necessary infrastructure and community support are in place, making Ridgetown an ideal candidate for the league.

We urge the OHA to reconsider their decision and recognize the positive impact a senior team in Ridgetown could have. By doing so, they would reaffirm their commitment to expanding grassroots hockey efforts across Ontario.

Private politics & agendas from outside our community,  seem to have driven our exclusion, & our community does not see why other communities can have the right to withhold the game of Hockey from ours.

While we are prepared to join an alternative league, our town should not be excluded for membership into the OHA Sr League (OEHL).

Please sign this petition to help bring a senior hockey team to Ridgetown and support our appeal to the OHA.