Below are the most frequently asked questions. If you feel that you need more clarification or there is something that we missed, please reach out to one of our exec members.
Please keep in mind that this has many moving parts and we are still working on finalizing details.
What is “A-ZONE”?
A-zone hockey is a 2-year pilot consisting of 6 A-ZONE’s, beginning the 2025-2026 season. The intention is to offer a higher level of hockey than is currently offered within the W.O.A.A and to align with the OMHA's vision of hockey in Ontario.
Each zone will be the new home of Rep hockey in the W.O.A.A.
What divisions are offered in the A-ZONE?
Each zone will consist of 8-A divisions; U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16 & U18 (U17 & U18 combined) and 4-B divisions; U11, U13, U15 & U18.
B will be considered Tier 2. There will no longer be tiering within a division.
What will happen to our current Minor Hockey Organization?
All feeder associations (Kincardine Minor Hockey, Huron Bruce Minor Hockey & Wingham Minor Hockey) will continue to run Local League and OWHA programs.
All OMHA rep teams will be run out of the A-ZONE
What arena’s will we have to travel to for practices?
Ice allotment will be spread through the 5 arenas, Tiverton, Kincardine, Lucknow, Ripley and Wingham. At this time, we do not know what the schedules look like, but we are working with all centres and municipalities closely, and we hope to have finalized by the start of tryouts.
How much ice will be included?
Our teams will get 3 hours of ice a week. We know that ice availability is at a premium so we need to make sure that we can provide equal ice to each of our teams. Due to the travel, ice slots will be 1.5 hours each practice, with 2 practices a week = 3 hours.
There is the potential for more ice through private rentals at the cost of each individual team. That would go for any off-ice training as well.
How will coaches be selected?
We are currently accepting coaching applications for all divisions until January 31, 2025. We have a coach selection committee that consists of one representative from each feeder association.
They will review all applications and reach out to selected candidates for an interview.
Coaching announcements will be on or about February 15, 2025.
We are looking for quality coaches with experience to fit the higher-level hockey. Non-parent coaches are highly recommended and considered an asset.
When will tryouts begin?
Tryouts for both A and B will be in May. A tryout will begin once AAA and AA tryouts have concluded, with B tryouts once A teams have been selected.
U18 A & B tryouts will be in September to allow for Junior tryouts and releases.
There will be a cost for tryouts and there will be a minimum of 3 tryouts per team.
What will the Roster size be?
A Teams will be a minimum of 15 skaters and 2 goaltenders.
B Teams will be a minimum of 14 skaters and 1 goaltender.
Registration Fees and what does it include?
Executive is currently working on finalizing our budget. We are looking at costs in the range of $1300-$1600. This would include practices, games, home and away jerseys, and socks.
Fee will be release prior to tryouts and will be required upon signing.
Are there additional costs?
Additional costs would include tournament entry fees, and any additional ice or fees not listed above.
We are working on a Whitecaps online store with items and packages for anyone looking for “swag”.
Are there options to offset the cost?
Yes! Teams and individual players will be encouraged to seek out sponsorships and fundraising opportunities.
We are currently working on guidelines and will be provided prior to tryouts.
Open Borders
The OHF (Ontario Hockey Federation) has announced changes to its player movement regulations for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Previously, players playing Rep hockey were previously required to play in their local associations (based on a player’s home address). Under the new guidelines approved by the OHF, all residency restrictions have now been lifted. This means that all levels of Rep hockey (beginning at U10), players in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario (Alliance), Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) and the Norther Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) are free to try out for any team within the OHF. Local associations cannot prohibit players from leaving their association.
This means that players can opt to sign up for tryouts in any of the 6 new W.O.A.A zones, or play elsewhere if willing to travel.
We understand that this may cause some uncertainty and confusion, along with the other changes being implemented in the 2025-2026 season. We will continue to engage with W.O.A.A and OMHA and ensure that any further details are communicated to our members.
The West Coast Whitecaps are focused on building a strong program, centered around player development at a high level.
We encourage you to read over the OHF player movement and FAQ that was released.
Please see link below on OHF player movement
https://ohf.on.ca/news/2024/key-changes-to-player-movement-regulations/