Hello KDMHA Families,
As we head into the winter break, we hope all teams have been enjoying a positive and successful season so far.
KDMHA would like to share a few important updates with our families. Please take a moment to read the information below.
1. Storm/Thunder AA Program
KDMHA recently met to discuss the future of the Storm/Thunder AA Program. The Executive reviewed options to operate U13 AA and U18 AA teams for the upcoming season. Unfortunately, due to several factors, the Board has decided not to proceed with AA programming at these levels next season.
After reviewing our current ice allocations between the Municipality of North Grenville and Spencerville, it was determined that adding two AA teams would result in both Storm and Royals teams losing consistent full-ice practices. KDMHA has already reached capacity, and ice availability is currently impacting practice time across all divisions. Without the ability to secure additional ice, we cannot expand programming at this time.
2. Equipment Requirements (HEO Policy 6.46)
Player safety remains a top priority. We would like to remind all athletes, parents, and coaches of the importance of properly fitted helmet cages and the correct use of neck guards, as outlined in Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) Policy 6.46.
Properly Fitted Cages
Helmet cages must be fitted correctly, with the chin cup snug against the player’s chin.
Benefits of proper fit:
- Provides effective protection against facial injuries
- Prevents shifting or loosening during play
Risks of improper fit:
- Gaps may allow sticks or pucks to contact the face
- Increased risk of injury upon impact
Neck Guards — Do NOT Fold
Neck guards must be worn flat, fully extended, and as intended by the manufacturer.
Why folding is unsafe:
- Reduces protective coverage
- Creates gaps and does not meet HEO Policy 6.46 requirements
Proper use includes:
- Wearing the guard flat and comfortably snug
- Ensuring full coverage of the intended area
- Regularly checking for damage, tears, or folds
Compliance with HEO Policy 6.46 is mandatory for all players.
Water Bottles
With the flu running through our teams and schools please make sure your player is bringing their own labeled water bottle. Please remind players to not share their water bottle and only use their own.
If you have questions or need assistance with equipment fitting, please contact your team staff or the Association.
3. Updated OWHA Music Policy
KDMHA will be supporting the updated OWHA Music Policy across the entire Association. All teams are expected to follow this policy.
Policy link:
https://cloud.rampinteractive.com/whaontario/files/Forms%20and%20Policies/2025-2026/OWHA%20MUSIC%20POLICY.pdf
4. Warm-Ups / Dryland at NGMC
The Municipality of North Grenville has installed new signage indicating that running up and down the stairs in Rink 1 during pre-game warmups is strictly prohibited.
KDMHA has worked with the municipality to permit warmups in the corners of the arena. Teams are reminded to ensure warmups are not disruptive to those on the ice by:
- Refraining from loud music
- No throwing balls or other equipment
5. Dressing Rooms
We have seen an increase in dressing rooms being left in poor condition. All teams are reminded to leave dressing rooms clean and to respect facilities at both home and away arenas.
6. Officials
Officials are essential to our game and deserve respect at all times. Without officials, games cannot take place.
Please remember:
- Yelling, swearing, or arguing will not change a call
- Officials officiate out of love for the game
- The Code of Conduct must always be followed
Officials wearing green armbands are under the age of 18 and does not mean they are new or untrained officials. Any abusive behaviour toward these officials will result in
double the suspension.
KDMHA works hard to develop and support our officials through regular training and supervision. Your support is crucial to retaining and developing young officials.
7. Social Media
We love celebrating our teams’ successes on social media. Team Managers are encouraged to send write-ups and team photos to our Media team for posting.
Important reminders:
- Photos must not be taken in dressing rooms
- HEO/OWHA policies prohibit dressing room photos at any time
- Please take photos outside dressing rooms only
- Do not post dressing room photos on any social media platform
8. Goalie Clinics
Our
free goalie clinics with
Pivotal Goaltending continue to be a huge success. We have three sessions remaining this season:
- January 15, 2026
- February 12, 2026
- March 12, 2026
Please watch your emails and check the KDMHA website and Facebook page for registration details. Spots fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged. We hope to see all goalies—new and returning—at the remaining sessions!
We wish all our families a wonderful and safe holiday season and Good Luck for the remainder of the season!
KDMHA Executive
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