As a parent and coach, I've seen firsthand how the current system restricts youth hockey players in Niagara. Talented young athletes from smaller centres like Niagara on the Lake, Thorold, Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Pelham, and Welland are limited by their geographic boundaries. If they don't make AAA for Niagara North or Southern Tier, they're forced to compete for only 3 available spots per team on AA teams in larger centres like Niagara Falls or St. Catharines. This is not just unfair; it's detrimental to their development as players.

Every child deserves an opportunity to play hockey and develop at the level that is most appropriate for their skill level without being restricted by geographic boundaries. Unfortunately, this isn't always possible if their home centre can't offer access to all levels of play within a single year age group.

According to Hockey Canada's Long Term Player Development Plan (LTPD), "all children need full opportunity to develop hockey skills". Yet our current system does not support this principle. It's time we change that.

We call upon the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) and their member local hockey assocations in the Niagara region to review these restrictions and ensure equal opportunities for all youth hockey players regardless of where they live. Let's give every child an equal shot at reaching their potential - sign this petition today!

The following is a proposed resolution that can be brought forth to local associations at their annual general meetings to formally recognize and take steps to remedy this issue: 

Resolution Proposal:

Title: Proposal for Partnership with (Garden City/Niagara Falls/West Niagara) Minor Hockey Association to Facilitate Access to AA Hockey for (Fort Erie/Niagara-on-the-Lake/Pelham/Port Colborne/Thorold) Players

Whereas, the (Fort Erie/Niagara-on-the-Lake/Pelham/Port Colborne/Thorold) Minor Hockey Association recognizes the value of providing enhanced opportunities for our players to excel in hockey at higher competitive levels; and

Whereas, the current non-resident player system presents barriers for (Fort Erie/Niagara-on-the-Lake/Pelham/Port Colborne/Thorold) players to access AA hockey programs; and

Whereas, establishing a partnership with the (Garden City/Niagara Falls/West Niagara) Minor Hockey Association could provide a pathway for (Fort Erie/Niagara-on-the-Lake/Pelham/Port Colborne/Thorold) players to participate in AA hockey;

Therefore, be it resolved that the (Fort Erie/Niagara-on-the-Lake/Pelham/Port Colborne/Thorold) Minor Hockey Association shall formally request to enter into negotiations with the (Garden City/Niagara Falls/West Niagara) Minor Hockey Association to explore the possibility of establishing an agreement that would allow (Fort Erie/Niagara-on-the-Lake/Pelham/Port Colborne/Thorold) players access to AA hockey in Niagara, bypassing the current restrictions imposed by the non-resident player system;

Be it further resolved that the negotiation process shall include discussions on the terms and conditions of the agreement, including but not limited to player registration, team composition, financial considerations, and any other relevant factors;

Be it further resolved that the (Fort Erie/Niagara-on-the-Lake/Pelham/Port Colborne/Thorold) Minor Hockey Association shall appoint a negotiating team consisting of [insert names] to represent the association in the negotiation process with the (Garden City/Niagara Falls/West Niagara) Minor Hockey Association;

Be it further resolved that upon successful negotiation of the agreement, the terms shall be presented to the membership for approval at a special general meeting or the next annual general meeting of the (Fort Erie/Niagara-on-the-Lake/Pelham/Port Colborne/Thorold) Minor Hockey Association.

Resolved this [insert date] day of [insert month], [insert year].

[Signature of the President of the (Fort Erie/Niagara-on-the-Lake/Pelham/Port Colborne/Thorold) Minor Hockey Association]