Local Girls Hockey Initiative Update
Earlier this spring, a community survey was circulated to gauge interest in establishing a local girls house league hockey program in the Ottawa Valley. The purpose of the survey was to help local minor hockey associations better understand the level of interest and determine whether there were enough players to support a local program.
Based on the survey results, it was clear there was sufficient interest to explore the opportunity further and begin discussions about creating a local girls house league.
With the support of the Ottawa Valley District Girls Hockey Association (OVDGHA) Executive, the President of Barry's Bay Minor Hockey initiated discussions with the Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA) to seek the necessary approval to move forward. Over the past several months, numerous conversations and follow-up communications took place; however, due to the approval process and the timelines involved, it has been determined that there is not enough time to implement a new local girls house league for the upcoming 2026-2027 hockey season.
What Happens Next?
While this is disappointing news, the work does not stop here.
OVDGHA will continue to offer its girls house league program for the 2026-2027 season, providing girls with the opportunity to play in a well-established league against teams from across Eastern Ontario.
At the same time, OVDGHA, together with local minor hockey associations, remains committed to working collaboratively with OWHA to continue exploring the development of a local girls house league program for future seasons.
We sincerely appreciate the enthusiasm and support shown by families throughout this process and look forward to continuing these conversations as we work toward creating more opportunities for girls to play hockey close to home.
Registration for the 2026-2027 OVDGHA season remains open until August 3, 2026.
To register, please visit www.girlshockey.ca.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at president@girlshockey.ca.
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First Shift - Fall Program - REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
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Ottawa Valley Thunder took home some medals from the OWHA Provincials this weekend!
We are so proud of all of our teams!!!
A HUGE congratulations to our U15BB Team on their 1st place finish! Bringing home the gold in their division this weekend!
Our U11B Team took home the Bronze this weekend at the OWHA Provincials!!!
And our little U9C Team took home Silver in their Jamboree at OWHA Provincials!
