OHF and OMHA announce the most dramatic changes to player movement in 30 years. Please read.
Dear Kent Minor Hockey Membership,
We are writing to inform you of a significant change in minor hockey across Ontario. On December 17, 2024, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) confirmed that, effective next season, there will be totally open borders across Ontario at the U10 age group and above—at all levels of hockey (HL, BB, A, AA, AAA, etc.).
For more details, you can review the OHF’s official announcement and FAQ page:
What Does This Mean?
This change means that any player U10 and above is free to play wherever they want in the province. If a player from Chatham-Kent wants to play in Belle River, they are free to do so. Similarly, there is no limit on the number of Kent players who could play for Belle River or the number of non-Kent players who could play for our teams. Any hockey programming below U10 will stay the same as it is currently with boundaries in place.
This is, without a doubt, the biggest change in minor hockey in Ontario.
Why Was This Change Made?
The primary reason for this move is player and parent choice. Families should have the freedom to decide where they want to invest their time, money, and energy. This change also brings the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) and Alliance Hockey in line with other minor sports organizations and leagues across Canada, such as the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA), the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), and the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA), all of which have already adopted open movement policies.
Concerns and Downsides
Despite the potential benefits, there are valid concerns, shared by hundreds of minor hockey clubs (including ours):
- The impact on hometown hockey: Small-town clubs may struggle to survive, leading to mergers or closures.
- Increased travel and disruption to local communities: Families may drive long distances for practices and games, reducing the sense of community.
- Frequent team changes: Players may switch teams often, which could disrupt team chemistry and the formation of long-term friendships.
- Implementation challenges: The OHF has not provided sufficient time or planning for associations to adjust, leading to concerns about unforeseen consequences.
What Does This Mean for Kent Cobra Hockey?
With open borders, Kent Minor Hockey must adapt to a more competitive environment where players have the choice to move to larger centers in search of opportunities. However, we remain committed to maintaining a strong, vibrant hockey community in Kent and ensuring that local players continue to thrive.
Why Players Should Stay with Kent Cobras
We understand that families will explore their options, but we strongly believe that Kent Cobras remain an excellent choice for young hockey players. Here’s why:
- Preserving the Spirit of Hometown Hockey
Playing for your local team is about more than just competition—it’s about community, friendship, and creating lifelong memories.
- Personalized Development & Strong Coaching
Kent Minor Hockey is committed to high-quality coaching and player development at all levels. Open borders also allow us to bring in new talent to enhance our teams.
- Staying Close to Home & Building Local Rivalries
Local hockey fosters pride, strong rivalries, and a connection to your community. Traveling long distances can be exhausting and expensive—staying local allows players to focus on their development while balancing school and family life.
- Supporting the Growth of Local Hockey
By choosing Kent Minor Hockey, you are ensuring the sustainability of hockey in our community and helping to build a stronger, more competitive program for future players.
- Long-Term Commitment & Stability
Frequent team changes can be disruptive. Players who stay with Kent can develop alongside their teammates and benefit from long-term coaching stability.
Player Movement FAQs
- Do I need a release from Kent Minor Hockey to attend tryouts at another center?
No. The Freedom of Movement rule does not require any player to obtain a release or attend tryouts in their home association before trying out elsewhere. NRP cards were required in the past, however you no longer need that form.
- Will Kent Minor Hockey allow players from other centers to join our teams?
Yes. We will welcome players from outside of Kent to compete for roster spots on our teams.
- Will Kent Minor Hockey allow coaches from other centers to join our teams? Yes. We will welcome coaches from outside of Kent to compete for head coaching positions within Kent.
- Will there be limits on the number of non-Kent players on Kent Cobra teams?
Team rosters will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to maintain a competitive balance.
- Will Kent Minor Hockey change the number of Rep teams for the 2025/2026 season?
No. Our current team structure will remain the same for next season, as mandated by the OHF.
- Can a player try out for multiple teams at the same time?
Yes, but once a player commits to a team, that decision is final for the season.
Looking Ahead
Kent Minor Hockey is fully committed to navigating these changes strategically and ensuring a bright future for hockey in our community. We have established an Open Boundary Committee to manage this transition effectively. In the coming weeks, we will:
- Host roundtable discussions with our current head coaches to gather input and align on strategies.
- Launch head coach evaluations to ensure we have the strongest coaching staff in place.
- Open applications for head coaching positions to ensure we attract passionate leaders dedicated to player development.
We acknowledge the challenges ahead, but we also see tremendous opportunities for growth. Kent Minor Hockey remains dedicated to offering a top-tier hockey experience, fostering local talent, and preserving the hometown spirit that makes our community special.
More information will be shared in the upcoming weeks as we expect further updates from OHF and OMHA, please check back to kentminorhockey.com for this information.
Stay with Kent Cobras. Stay Local. Stay Strong.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Kent Minor Hockey. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kent Minor Hockey Association