Competitive Hometown
Rep Hockey + Community Pride = UPPER YORK MINOR HOCKEY!
At Upper York Minor Hockey, we
remain unwavering in our commitment to offering a competitive, hometown rep
hockey experience that fosters community pride. Even with the Ontario Hockey
Federation (OHF) decision to open player movement across Ontario starting in
the 2025/26 season for U8 and above, Upper York Minor Hockey Association
(UYMHA) continues to stand strong in offering top-tier hockey opportunities for
our local athletes.
While borders may open, we are
focused on making Upper York Minor Hockey the
Destination of Choice for hockey
players in our community.
What Makes Upper York Minor
Hockey Stand Out?
Great People Make Great
Programs:
Our programs begin with the people who lead them. We're bringing in individuals
with exceptional hockey knowledge, a proven track record, and a passion for the
game to drive our rep teams. When the right people run the right programs,
success follows – attracting even more passionate individuals to contribute
their energy, expertise, and love of the game to UYMHA.
Coaching Excellence:
We understand that strong coaching is the cornerstone of any successful hockey
program. That’s why we’re focused on attracting, retaining, and developing the
best possible coaches across all skill levels. Accomplished coaches who
consistently run successful programs are critical to our mission. They not only
help retain players but also develop them into skilled athletes who are
prepared for the next level.
In a world where players can
choose where they play, we are confident that the caliber of our coaching staff
will position us as a top choice for local athletes. At the AA level, we are
introducing non-parent coaches, with the Association absorbing majority of the added costs associated to this so that
team budgets remain unaffected by this strategic decision.
We are also excited to
announce that our head coach roster for the 2025/26 season is stronger than
ever, giving us a solid foundation for growth and success in our first season
as an amalgamated association.
Coaching Resources:
To support our coaches in their development, we are providing them with the
very best in hockey industry technology and coaching development training
programs at no cost. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that our
coaches have the tools they need to succeed, which in turn enhances the
development of our players and ensures the long-term success of our programs.
On-Ice Professional
Development:
In the 2024/25 season, we launched an exciting new initiative—bringing in
professional development coaches with deep hockey knowledge and experience to
provide specialized training for our players. This initiative was well-received
and will continue to evolve and expand in the 2025/26 season, making our rep
programs even more effective and impactful.
Off-Ice Professional Development:
We know that success on the ice is directly tied to athletes’ physical and
mental development off the ice. To enhance our players' all-around development,
we have formed an exclusive partnership with Blood, Sweat, Train, a premier training
facility located in Newmarket, Ontario. This collaboration will provide our
players with access to hockey-specific training programs designed to boost
strength, speed, agility, and injury prevention—crucial elements for any hockey
player’s success.
Blood, Sweat, Train
Partnership:
Blood, Sweat, Train is an
8,000-square-foot private facility dedicated to hockey-specific training. Their
programs are tailored to improve the physical attributes and skills necessary
for hockey players to excel. These include increasing skating speed, shooting
power, reaction time, and overall agility on the ice. Additionally, the
training emphasizes injury prevention through strength, flexibility, and
stability exercises that reduce the risk of common hockey-related injuries.
Beyond physical conditioning, Blood, Sweat, Train
enhances overall hockey skills such as puck handling, shooting accuracy, and
coordination—helping our players become more complete athletes. Their focus on
long-term athletic development sets players up for success at higher levels of
competition and prepares them for increasingly challenging physical demands.
Furthermore, regular training
promotes mental toughness and discipline, essential qualities for hockey
players who aim to push through obstacles and continuously improve.
Focus on U7, U8, and U9
Grassroots Programs:
We’ve placed a strong emphasis
on our U7, U8, and U9 programs because we know these early stages of hockey
development are key to a player’s growth. The competition in the grassroots
hockey market is fierce, but we are ensuring that our U7 programs in both East
Gwillimbury and Georgina receive the same level of high-quality coaching and
skill development as our higher-level teams.
As players progress into
U8/U9, we’re committed to finding the right head coaches to continue their
growth and ensure proper leadership. This commitment will allow our grassroots
programs to feed directly into Upper York Minor Hockey for the 2025/26 season
and beyond, creating a seamless pathway for players to continue their
development.
Local Commitment, Local
Pride:
We understand that local
players and their families are looking for a competitive, community-oriented
hockey experience close to home. Upper York Minor Hockey offers just that—from
U8 all the way to U18. We are committed to providing a positive, competitive
environment where athletes can thrive, learn, and develop while maintaining a
strong sense of community pride.
Upper York Minor Hockey is
fully invested in positive growth, continuous improvement, and creating a
hometown hockey culture where local players can excel, stay close to home, and
pursue their dreams. We believe in fostering a positive and competitive
environment for all players.
Join Us in Making
History!
We are incredibly excited
about the future of Upper York Minor Hockey and together, we can create a
community that values hard work, dedication, and teamwork, all while fostering
pride in our local hockey programs.
Let’s Build a legacy of
excellence together, ADMIRALS PRIDE!