The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) has unveiled key updates to its Player Movement Regulations for the 2025–2026 season, aimed at improving accessibility, development, and fairness in minor hockey.
Starting in 2025, U10 players and above can join the Association of their choice, regardless of Category (AAA, AA, A, etc.). For House League players aged U9 and younger, they can continue playing anywhere within the OHF. Minor Development (MD) and Select players in U9 and below will need to stay within their Member Association programs.
To improve participation, OHF will also introduce geographically structured leagues, reducing travel demands for families. A temporary pause on new Representative teams at U10 and above will allow for a review of team structures.
Additionally, stricter penalties will address tampering violations during player recruitment. The OHF and its Minor Members will introduce timelines and increased penalties for recruiting players, during the current season, on other teams for the next season. Such penalties will apply to anyone involved with a team.
The new regulations take effect immediately, except rostering rules, which remain unchanged for 2024–2025.
Written by: K. Freeman