Major changes are coming to boys' representative hockey across most of Midwestern Ontario as the Western Ontario Athletic Association (WOAA) prepares to launch a two-year “A-Zone” pilot project. Set to begin with the 2025-26 season, the initiative aims to enhance player development and competitiveness in A and B-level hockey by redefining the structure of minor hockey associations into six regional zones.
The six regional zones:
Zone 1: Tri-Centre Junior Attack (Owen Sound, Shallow Lake, Bruce Peninsula)
Zone 2: Bruce Grey Bulls (Arran-Elderslie, Saugeen Shores, Chatsworth)
Zone 3: Midwest 49ers (Saugeen Valley, South Bruce, Walkerton)
Zone 4: Westcoast Whitecaps (Huron Bruce, Kincardine, Wingham)
Zone 5: Southwest Admirals (Blyth-Brussels, Goderich, Mid-Huron, Mitchell, Zurich)
Zone 6: Southeast Surge (Central Perth, Listowel, Mount Forest, Drayton, Minto, Howick, Wallace)
The two six-team loops:
A-level loop: For players aged under-10 (U10) to under-18 (U18).
B-level loop: For U11, U13, U15, and U18, structured in double-age cohorts.
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The new zone-based system is designed to pool resources and talent, creating stronger representative teams that can compete at higher levels.
The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) recently announced the removal of residency regulations for players aged under-10 and above across all categories of minor hockey. Starting in 2025-26, players and families will be able to join any minor hockey association in Ontario, regardless of their home address.
The pilot includes plans to organize crossover games between WOAA teams and those outside the league to broaden competition. For further details, visit the website of your local hockey association.