The OAAA Board is evaluating a potential move to the Three County Hockey League (TCHL) beginning in the 2026–2027 season. A final decision must be made by the end of March and we want families to have clear, upfront information on the reasons for this consideration, what would remain the same for players and how to submit questions before registration opens.
To Our Membership
As we head into our final weeks of hockey, the Orono Amateur Athletic Association (“OAAA”) board would like to take a moment to thank all our members for another successful year. Watching our players grow and develop is always one of the greatest aspects of being part of Canada’s favorite winter sport.
The OAAA is always focused on providing the best possible experience for our players and families, making sure to balance development, competition, and accessibility with long-term sustainability. From time-to-time, this requires reviewing whether our current league structure continues to meet those expectations.
After careful evaluation and with feedback generated from the survey conducted back in October, we are steps closer to moving leagues for the 2026-2027 season.
We want to ensure our current membership is fully informed, and this FAQ outlines the reasons behind this consideration and what families can expect if a change occurs.
Why is the OAAA considering a move to the Three County Hockey League?
The OAAA board has spent time evaluating whether our current league continues to align with our goals for player development, scheduling requirements and long-term needs. It also includes ensuring that governance and decision-making processes provide appropriate representation and transparency for all associations involved.
Moving to the Three County Hockey League (“TCHL”) may better support the needs of our membership and the future of our programming as shifts in Hockey Canada, Ontario Hockey Federation and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association continue to change the landscape of hockey programing across Ontario. And consistency with scheduling, operational efficiency and alignment with similar-sized associations are all elements that appeal to Orono’s future.
Additionally, the October survey conducted with approximately 70% of our families showed that a large amount of our membership was open to change and exploring new opportunities with some questions on what will be expected.
Our goal in exploring this move is to not change the day-to-day experience of our players, but to ensure that the league structure supports our program and remains the best possible fit for our membership and association over coming years.
Has a final decision been made?
The OAAA must make a decision by the end of March. The Board has already voted to move forward; however, we are giving our members one final opportunity to ask questions and provide insight with the additional information that has been gathered since the first survey was completed.
The final decision will be posted on our website in advance of registration, which will open for current members first, before opening to the public.
How will this impact my child directly?
Teams will continue to be formed and operated as they have using the same coaches and development approach that is in place today. The focus will remain on providing a positive, well-organized, and competitive environment for all players.
What can you tell me about the Three County Hockey League?
Minor adjustments exist in game lengths and inter-division formats. Understanding expectations at each age division helps families to be able to make the best informed decision.
U7 - Team will play 2 development games and 8 regular season games against divisional teams divided into South-East and North-West with Lindsay teams being split between the two, if needed. For the end of season games, they play 6 games (3H & 3A) against teams from the other division.
Games are 50 minutes in length with 2 x 22 minute periods. A kick-off league jamboree includes 3 cross ice games with individual awards for each player.
U9 - Teams are divided into South-East and North-West and play within that division for their 10 half-ice games from start of season to the second week of January. Once games move to the full ice portion the U9s play against the other division, plus a few games within their division to get to 14 full ice games (7 home & 7 away). TCHL found that center’s preferred the longer travel games be full ice rather than half ice.
Games are 50 in length with half-ice games at 2 x 22 minute periods and full ice games with periods running at 10-10-10. A year end tournament includes 2 – 3 games.
Important to note for U8 players… Although these players will get the opportunity to play full ice games in what is considered their “minor” U9 year, they will have to return to half ice the following season if they are rostered to a U9LL team.
U11 & U13 - Games times will adjust to 1 ¼ hours with periods running at 10-10-15. Some center’s (depending on ice availability) may have additional ice time allowing for a longer 2nd period.
U15 & U18 – Game times will adjust to 1 ½ hours with periods running 10-15-15.
For all U11-U18 – Teams will play approximately 20-26 regular season games and then will be broken up into two or three divisions by ability for play-off play. The top two teams at the end will advance to Championship Day for a chance to bring home the league banner. Additionally, each level participates in an All-Star day where center’s will send representative(s) to participate in an additional fun game.
How far will we be travelling?
All home games and practices will remain in Orono. The number of cross-over games will be dependent on the amount of teams in each age division. The less teams, the more cross over.
For families looking to understand the travel impact that moving leagues may have, below is a look at what travel will look like by kilometers and approximate time from Orono Arena to the various center’s.
| Association |
Arena / Town |
Approx. Drive Time |
Distance (km) |
| Manvers Mustangs |
Manvers |
20 min |
24 |
| Durham Crusaders |
Harman |
21 min |
30 |
| Millbrook Stars |
Millbrook / Cavan |
24 min |
31 |
| Durham Crusaders |
Iroquois Park Complex |
26 min |
37 |
| Durham Crusaders |
McKinney |
28 min |
38 |
| Kawartha Coyotes |
Emily / Omemee |
35 min |
45 |
| Lindsay Muskies |
Lindsay |
37 min |
48 |
| Mariposa Lightning |
Little Britain |
43 min |
56 |
| Mariposa Lightning |
Oakwood |
44 min |
58 |
| Sturgeon Lake Thunder |
Fenelon Falls |
55 min |
72 |
| Woodville Hurricanes |
Woodville / Eldon |
56 min |
74 |
| Brock Township Wild |
Cannington |
58 min |
75 |
| Sturgeon Lake Thunder |
Bobcaygeon |
1 hr |
75 |
| Brock Township Wild |
Beaverton |
1 hr 10 min |
90 |
| Highland Storm |
S.G. Nesbitt |
1 hr 33 min |
123 |
| Highland Storm |
A.J. LaRue |
1 hr 50 min |
147 |
Note: Drive times are approximate and may vary with traffic, weather and time of day.
How are games scheduled in Three County Hockey League?
The TCHL will set the season timeline and determines which teams will play each other. Centre’s then work together to build the schedule using their available home ice.
Game scheduling will now become the responsibility of the coaches, with support from their other team officials, while the OAAA will continue to assign Orono ice and provide approved game slots. Once the schedule is finalized, any conflicts or weather-related cancellations will be addressed cooperatively by the affected centers. This gives teams more flexibility to plan around tournament weekends and to schedule longer road trips at times that make more sense for families.
Will this change the cost of hockey in Orono?
Every year the OAAA re-evaluates the costs required to cover all fees associated with Hockey Canada, OHF and the OMHA (including insurance fees), ice time and official charges, and all other operating costs associated to the OAAA. Additional charges for jerseys for teams that do not receive jerseys through sponsorship programs, may apply.
In regards to ice time, every effort will remain to provide every team with adequate practice and game times per week, and the fees will reflect this. There will be an increase, but likely within reason from last years costing. Final fees will be approved and published prior to registration.
The OAAA will continue to commit to ensuring that hockey remains affordable.
Where can I get more information and have the opportunity to ask questions?
While we have done the best to pull together as much information as possible, we understand that more questions may need to be asked. For any additional questions, please reach out to Rhonda (President) at [email protected]. All emails will be acknowledged within 48 hours and any new information collected from those questions will be updates to the FAQ’s portion of the OAAA website. If a response requires more time or consultation, we will let you know.
In Closing
We recognize that each player and their families will need to carefully consider whether staying with Orono and it’s potential move to TCHL is right for them. If remaining local is something that is needed for your family, we can honestly say we will be sad to see you go, however local league options will remain with our neighboring associations.
Yours in Hockey,
The OAAA Board