The planning for A-Zone hockey is underway. Please keep reading to learn more...
A-Zone Frequently Asked Questions W.O.A.A. Pilot Project, 2025-2026, Zone 2
What is ‘A-Zone’ hockey?
‘A’ level hockey is intended to be a higher level of hockey than what is currently offered at the ‘rep’ level. The W.O.A.A is trialing a pilot project commencing in the 2025-2026 season to allow more competitive hockey by merging associations across Grey-Bruce and Huron-Perth counties to create 6 ‘Zones.’ These zones will compete against each other.
Which Zone am I in?
Township of Chatsworth and District , Arran-Elderslie and Saugeen Shores are comprised to make Zone 2. The chart below outlines all zones and each respective association that comprises each zone.
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Zone 1
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Zone 2
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Zone 3
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Bruce Peninsula
Owen Sound
Shallow Lake
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Arran-Elderslie
Saugeen Shores
TCDMHA (Chatsworth)
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Saugeen Valley
South Bruce
Walkerton
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Zone 4
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Zone 5
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Zone 6
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Huron Bruce
Kincardine
Wingham
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Blyth-Brussels
Goderich
Mid-Huron
Mitchell
Zurich
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Central Perth
Listowel
Mt. Forest
Drayton
Minto
Howick
Wallace
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Coaching:
A coaching committee with representatives from each association will be formed within Zone 2 to begin coaching selections in January 2025. Coaches will be selected by February 2025. Non-parent coaches are encouraged to apply!
Teams and Try-outs:
- There will be 8 ‘A’ teams, (U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16 and U18), and 4 ‘B’ teams which will be in double-year age divisions (U11, U13, U15, U18).
- Try-outs for ‘A’ level hockey will be conducted in early May 2025 after AAA and AA try-outs are complete. Zone 2 has the option to conduct ‘B’ try-outs in May as well or to wait until fall 2025. This will be decided on by Q1 2025.
- There will be a minimum of 3 try-outs for each team and will include a fee.
- Player fees will be released in Q1 2025 after the Zone budget is set.
Roster Sizes
A Teams will be a minimum of 15 skaters and 2 goaltenders.
B Teams will be a minimum of 14 skaters and 1 goaltender.
Ice Time and Ice Allocation:
- The intention is to have all teams on the ice an average of three times per week – ideally including one home game and one practice.
- If possible, older age groups play games on larger ice surfaces, but this is not guaranteed. Ice slots are based on availability and at times, families may be driving across the Zone for ice.
- Feeder associations are encouraged to support the Zone by providing ice.
What does this mean for non-A-Zone hockey?
Recreational hockey (Local League, House League and Select) and all Representative U21 teams will
remain the responsibility of the feeder Associations with the focus of importance of maintaining and
growing local recreational (Local League) hockey as the paramount goal of the WOAA.
Tournaments:
Each Zone team will be allowed a maximum of five tournaments during the season:
- One during the Development Phase (Pre-Season)
- Three during the Regular Season Phase
- One during the Play-off Phase (Post Regular Season).
Zone Name and Identity:
- Zone 2 is currently comprising a list of names that will be voted on and selected by December 1st, 2024. A Facebook page exists, and a website will ensue.
- New jerseys with this team name will be created and paid for with player fees.
Player Movement:
- No player movement will be permitted, including Non-Resident Players (NRP) and Authorization to Move (ATM).
- Players cannot use NRP or ATM to move to Alliance Hockey associations/teams.