U12 to U15 AAA go interlocking
It is being lauded as additional and increased competition. That is, AAA level teams from the Under 12 to Under 15 age groups that represent the Northern Ontario Hockey Association will play games outside their region as part of an interlocking schedule effective the 2024-2025 season.
Besides their games against NOHA opponents, AAA teams from Sault Ste. Marie will face off against those that are part of the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario umbrella. Sault Ste. Marie reps will play a total of 11 games against members of the Alliance that include the Windsor Jr. Spitfires, Sun County Panthers, Chatham Kent Cyclones, Lambton Jr. Sting, London Jr. Knights, Elgin Middlesex Canucks, Kitchener Jr. Rangers, Waterloo Wolves, Cambridge Hawks, Huron Perth Lakers and Brantford 99ers.
Meanwhile, NOHA teams from Sudbury and North Bay will play nine games against competition from the Ontario Minor Hockey Association. There are more than 20 AAA level OMHA teams that range in location from Barrie to Kingston.
NOHA president Brian Beaupre extended appreciation to both the Alliance and OMHA associations.
“The NOHA is grateful (to the Alliance and OMHA) for their support in allowing our teams to play against additional competition beginning next season,” said Beaupre. “With the U12 to U15 Divisions in the NOHA made up of either three of four teams, these additional games will provide different competition for our players.”
By the same token, Alliance president Larry Moreland said his association is “thrilled” to be adding teams from the Sault to its schedule of games for the ’24-25 season.
“We can further provide a positive player experience for all involved,” said Moreland. “We thank the NOHA for their initiative and look forward to welcoming the Sault Ste. Marie teams.”
And OMHA president Craig Lane chimed in with: “We are looking forward to welcoming North Bay and Sudbury to play games against OMHA teams. We believe this will only enhance the regular season schedule in our OMHA AAA league for teams. Thank you to the NOHA for their support in this initiative.”