Midwest 49ers “A” and “B” Level Hockey
FAQ Update
20 Jan 2025
Why the change?
The OMHA and WOAA entered a 2-year pilot beginning in the 2025-26 hockey season to form zones at the “A” representative level for U10-U18 (single year) and “B” representative level at the U11, U13, U15, U18 (double year). Recreational hockey (local and house league) will remain within each of the feeder associations (Saugeen Valley, South Bruce and Walkerton). The Midwest 49ers Executive is made up of experienced executive members from each feeder association.
What is the season structure?
As a competitive hockey league, expectations may vary slightly depending on coaching philosophies. In general, players will be expected to bring a high level of commitment, work ethic, skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork and love for the game. This includes:
● 25 league games against 5 other WOAA zones
● “A” teams: approximately 2 practices, 1 home game and 1 away game per week
● “B” teams: approximately 1 practice, 1 home and 1 away game per week
● Game lengths will be in accordance with the rules and regulations outlined by the WOAA and the OMHA.
● Maximum entry into 5 tournaments to be determined at coaches’ discretion (not including tournaments a team qualifies for ie: International Silver Stick, OMHA)
● Option to play exhibition games against neighbouring A zones
● Playoff format remains the same per WOAA to qualify for OMHA Championship weekend
● Additional clinics including player skills and goalie development
How will coaches be selected, and players evaluated?
Coaches will be selected via interview process with the 49ers Coach Selection Committee, head coaches will be announced February 15, 2025. Player evaluations registration opens April 2, 2025. Players will register and pay for evaluations with their feeder association.
Fees:
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3 optional pre-skates, $50, sold as a package
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Evaluation fees, $100 for 3 tryouts +/- an exhibition game
Players must attend a minimum of 1 tryout to be considered for a team.
Players are eligible to try out for other zones, so long as they meet the tryout requirements for that zone. Once a player signs with a team at any level, they are no longer eligible to attend further tryouts with any other team.
Key evaluation dates:
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U10A-U13A May 3-9, 2025
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U14A-U18A May 5-11, 2025
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U11, U13, U15, U18 B May 12-18, 2025
Is there player movement?
Player Movement | Ontario Hockey Federation
Player Movement FAQs | Ontario Hockey Federation
Any player wishing to try out for a team above his/her current age group is eligible to try out and must be independently evaluated as a top 3 player/top goalie with concurrence from the Midwest 49ers Executive. The Executive may waive this due to operational requirements in the best interests of the zone.
Players will have the opportunity to affiliate.
Where are the practice and game locations?
Our zone is fortunate to have 6 fully operational arenas across 4 municipalities. Midwest 49ers teams can anticipate practice and games at all feeder locations dependent on operational requirements (ice and referee availability) including Ayton, Durham, Hanover, Mildmay, Teeswater and Walkerton.
What are the anticipated costs?
Budgets are still in draft status; however, given jersey kit, ice rental, referee, insurance, website and miscellaneous costs (pucks, first aid kits etc.) we anticipate the following (before tournament fees).
● “A” hockey (scaled per age group): $1500-1800
● “B” hockey (scaled per age group): $1200-1500
Is there an opportunity for sponsorships, fundraising and volunteers?
Yes, in order to keep costs down fundraising and sponsorships will be coordinated and agreed upon through the executive. Families can anticipate volunteer expectations for teams to run efficiently. (selling raffle tickets, timekeeping etc.)