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The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) has announced major updates to its Player Movement Regulations for the 2025–2026 season. These changes aim to improve fairness, accessibility, and development in minor hockey across Ontario.
Beginning in 2025, players aged U10 and above will be allowed to join any Association, regardless of Category (AAA, AA, A, etc.). U9 House League players can continue playing anywhere within the OHF, but Minor Development (MD) and Select players in U9 must remain within their Member Association.
Dean Pettitt, Vice President of Delhi Minor Hockey, shared his concerns about the removal of residential restrictions. “It’s another blow to hometown hockey,” Pettitt said. He emphasized that Delhi’s 59ers program remains strong and affordable, drawing loyalty from local players and families.
Pettitt believes rural communities may still see parents choosing local teams to avoid long commutes to practices and games. “Driving long distances adds stress to families,” he noted.
Additional changes include stricter penalties for recruitment tampering and geographically structured leagues to reduce travel demands. A pause on new U10 Representative teams will allow for team structure reviews.
Most updates are effective immediately, except for rostering rules, which remain unchanged for 2024–2025.
Written by K. Freeman and Jeremy Hall