U9 Lightning Update

Greetings U9 Families,

As you may or may not know, the COLGHA is entering its sixth year in operation. As our Lightning organization grows, we face very difficult decisions regarding development and further opportunities for our players. The COLGHA has always prioritized offering House League teams first and foremost. Without our HL teams, we cannot offer competitive play and continue to build our membership, this is not a long term succession plan. 

The Collingwood Girls Hockey Association was established in order to provide girls of all ability the opportunity to play hockey close to home. We must balance the desire for competitive teams, while maintaining our mission and vision. 

The COLGHA offered families the ability to sign up for a tryout package in order to gauge interest in a U9 competitive team for the 22/23 season. The deadline to sign up for that was Aug 15th.

Based on the purchased U9 tryout packages, there was not enough interest to support a U9 Competitive Team for the 22/23 season. The COLGHA will offer two U9 HL Teams. These teams will play in the Simcoe Muskoka Girls Hockey League. Travel will consist of games in Barrie, Midland, Orillia, Baysville and possibly Alliston. We are very focused on the development of this division and will provide every possible opportunity for all players to excel. We hope you will support this decision and do your utmost to encourage your players, and allow them to lead their own pathway.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

At this time, we are seeking two U9 Head Coaches, and bench staff. If you are interested, please contact Mike Lougheed at lougheed87@gmail.com

All the best, COLGHA

OWHA Terminology and Notes of Interest; The OWHA uses the term "House League" instead of "Local League". The OWHA uses the term Competitive instead of "Rep" or "Select".

Both HL and Competitive girls teams travel for games.

HL teams play within the Simcoe Muskoka Girls Hockey League; Barrie, Midland, Orillia, Huntsville. Games are played on weekends. 

Competitive teams play within the OWHL Southern (League); each year this loop can be slightly different from the last. Games may be played mid week and weekends.

All U9 divisions, regardless of HL or Competitive follow the Hockey Canada player pathway, and OWHA seasonal structure. Half ice is mandatory until Jan 15th.

To view the seasonal structure: https://www.owha.on.ca/content/u9-program