U11, U13 and U15 DS Tryout Registration is OPEN

U11, U13 and U15 (DS) Development Stream Tryout Packages are NOW OPEN. Please read the information below prior to purchasing a tryout package. 

COLGHA Lightning Development Stream (DS) Program - General Information

All players registered in the COLGHA House League program are eligible to try out for the DS team in their respective age group.

The Development Stream (DS) program supplements the house league season and is designed to further develop players while bridging the gap for those who are not playing Rep hockey but want a more competitive experience. It gives participants the opportunity to train and compete at a higher level, helping them continue to enhance their skills and overall development. The House League Development Stream (DS) program began in 2011 as a pilot project in response to requests from OWHA members seeking a way to bridge the gap between house league and competitive (Rep) play. This season, Lightning DS teams will be offered in the U11, U13, and U15 divisions.

Please note: This may result in players having both a DS and house league game or practice on the same day. COLGHA will make every effort to minimize scheduling conflicts; however, occasional overlaps may occur due to ice availability and league commitments.

How Will Teams Be Selected?

Teams will be selected by COLGHA evaluators and DS coaches based on skills and abilities demonstrated during the tryout process. Players must attend all tryouts for their age group in order to be considered for a DS team.

How Can Players Try Out?

Tryouts will be held on November 17th and 20th and are open to all COLGHA House League players that REGISTER for the Tryout Package. The cost to participate in the tryout is FREE per player BUT still requires Registration. 

Locations and times for each division can be found on the COLGHA WEBSITE CALENDAR. Under Collingwood Lightning Teams, from the drop down choose “Competitive Tryouts” and then the DS division.  

GAL-TENDERS- ALL Gal-Tenders are FREE for Tryouts, but are still required to register for the TRYOUT Package. Please use the promo-code TRYOUTGOALIE upon checkout. No Payment is required. Goalies must attend all tryouts for their age group in order to be considered for the DS team.

Tournament Dates

Tournament participation is an important part of the DS experience. It is expected that selected players must attend all tournaments designated for their division:

U11 DS

• Orangeville 46th Annual Sweetheart Tournament — January 23-25, 2026

• Brampton 57th Annual Easter Tournament — April 2-5, 2026

U13 DS

• Orangeville 46th Annual Sweetheart Tournament — January 23-25, 2026

• Guelph Springs Classic Tournament — March 20-22, 2026

U15 DS

• Orangeville 46th Annual Sweetheart Tournament — January 23-25, 2026

• Brampton 57th Annual Easter Tournament — April 2-5, 2026

What Is The Additional Commitment?

The DS program includes up to a maximum of 8 exhibition games against other DS teams, as well as two tournaments throughout the season. Between games and practices, players can expect to be on the ice approximately once per week in addition to their regular house league schedule. There may be occasional instances when a DS activity and a house league activity occur on the same day.

How Much Travel Is Involved 

This will depend on which other associations have DS teams.We anticipate that associations such as Barrie, Orangeville, Durham West, Aurora, Markham, Whitby and Etobicoke will have teams.

How Much Will It Cost?

Costs are based on ice time, tournaments, team registration fees, referees, timekeepers, and team practice jerseys. Fundraising or sponsorship is optional and not required; any funds raised can support team development or additional extras. Depending on team size and overall costs, the estimated fee per player is $400-$500.

Good Luck to all Lightning Players!!