We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the increasing barriers preventing children from playing hockey in Eastern Ontario. Hockey is a sport that fosters teamwork, discipline, and community spirit, yet many young athletes are being denied the opportunity to participate due to unnecessary obstacles imposed by HEO under the leadership of President Craig Halpenny.

Hockey should be an inclusive sport that welcomes all children, regardless of location or administrative policies. However, restrictive eligibility rules and inconsistent policies have made it increasingly difficult for families to register their children and allow them to enjoy the game they love. These restrictions contradict the mission of HEO, which is to promote fair and equitable access to hockey for all players in the region.

HEO has recently altered tryout dates in a deliberate attempt to prevent players coming from private hockey programs from having the opportunity to try out for new teams. This unfair manipulation of scheduling forces families to make difficult choices and limits the options available to young athletes, ultimately restricting their ability to compete at the highest level. These changes serve no purpose other than to create unnecessary barriers and prevent fair access to team placements.

Lack of Clarity is Hurting Families

Year after year, HEO continues to change and manipulate rules, making it nearly impossible for families to plan their child’s long-term hockey development. We demand clear, transparent, and permanent language that families can rely on to make informed hockey decisions for years to come.

Hockey is a serious commitment—both financially and emotionally—and families deserve stability in the rules governing their child’s participation. Constant changes and last-minute rule adjustments only serve to create confusion, stress, and unnecessary hardship. Parents should not have to worry each season about whether their child will suddenly be ineligible to play for a team or forced into a situation that does not align with their development goals.

Violation of Safety and Inclusion Policies

Most importantly, HEO’s actions directly contradict its own stated commitment to safety and inclusion. According to HEO’s website, the organization is “committed to contributing to the physical, psychological, social and spiritual health of individuals of varying abilities, backgrounds, and interests.” HEO also states that “only when sport environments are safe and inclusive can these values be realized.”

However, by implementing unfair policies that create anxiety and uncertainty, HEO is doing the opposite. Children are scared. They are anxious. Many are struggling to sleep, unsure if they will even be allowed to play hockey this season. Some are beginning to question whether they even want to play the sport they love anymore. This is unacceptable. No child should have to endure this kind of emotional distress just to participate in hockey.

Additionally, HEO’s actions directly violate Hockey Canada’s policy on bullying and abuse, as outlined in Hockey Canada’s Safety Requires Teamwork document (linked here). Hockey Canada explicitly states that:

 “Bullying and harassment have no place in the game. Hockey Canada is committed to ensuring that all participants have a safe and positive environment in which to enjoy the game.”

By implementing policies that exclude, intimidate, and unfairly disadvantage players, HEO is fostering an environment that runs counter to Hockey Canada’s commitment to player safety and well-being. Instead of making hockey more accessible, HEO is creating an atmosphere of exclusion and fear—something that should never happen in youth sports.

Our Demands:

 1. Eliminate Unnecessary Bureaucratic Hurdles: Streamline registration processes and remove excessive restrictions that hinder young athletes from joining teams.

 2. Ensure Fair and Transparent Tryout Scheduling: Restore fair tryout dates that do not intentionally exclude players coming from private hockey programs, allowing all players an equal opportunity to compete for roster spots.

 3. Uphold Bylaw 6.54 and Protect Player Choice: Honor the intent of Bylaw 6.54 by ensuring players can make a fair and informed decision about where to play at the start of each season, without unnecessary obstacles.

 4. Provide Clear and Permanent Policy Language: Families deserve stability, transparency, and consistency in the rules governing their child’s hockey future. HEO must implement long-term policies that families can rely on year after year, instead of constantly changing the rules to fit an agenda.

 5. Follow HEO’s Own Commitment to Safety and Inclusion: Stop implementing policies that cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for young athletes and instead foster an environment where all players feel welcome and supported, as stated in HEO’s own mandate.

 6. Adhere to Hockey Canada’s Policy on Bullying and Abuse: Reverse policies that exclude and intimidate players, ensuring that HEO provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment in line with national hockey standards.

 7. Prioritize the Interests of Players and Families: Make decisions that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility rather than restrictive policies that limit participation.

 8. Accountability from HEO Leadership: If President Craig Halpenny cannot fulfill his mandated duties to ensure open and fair access to hockey, we demand that he step down and allow new leadership to take action on behalf of the community.

We urge HEO and President Halpenny to take immediate action to remove the barriers that are keeping children off the ice. If these changes are not implemented, we call for new leadership that will prioritize the development and well-being of young athletes over bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Hockey is for everyone, and it is time to make that a reality.