Woodstock Minor Hockey Association: Opening the Door for More Kids to Play Hockey

For Woodstock Minor Hockey Association (WMHA), growing the game begins with ensuring every child has an opportunity to participate.

When the association noticed a decline in House League registration and heard from families struggling with the cost of hockey, its volunteers recognized a growing need within the community. Families wanted to keep their children involved, but rising registration and household costs were making participation increasingly difficult. Tarnya Petch, Director of Fundraising and Volunteers at Woodstock Minor Hockey Association speaks on the Player Assistance & Development Program:

“The Player Assistance and Development Program was created after we noticed a decline in House League registrations and began hearing from more families who were struggling with the cost of hockey. Several parents reached out asking about payment arrangements and whether any financial assistance was available, making it clear that many families wanted their children to play but were facing financial barriers.”

In response, WMHA created its Player Assistance and Development Program. The initiative helps families manage registration costs while also investing in development opportunities for players throughout the association.

The program is designed in part to support working families whose income may place them above the eligibility requirements of traditional assistance programs, but who still face difficult decisions when balancing the cost of hockey with housing, groceries, transportation and other everyday expenses.

“At WMHA, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to play hockey, regardless of their family's financial situation. We didn't want to see children miss out simply because their parents earned just above an assistance program's cutoff.”

Through the support of local businesses, organizations, volunteers and families, money raised within the community can be directed into programs that respond to the association’s specific needs. That support helps reduce financial barriers, provides meaningful development opportunities and strengthens the overall House League experience.

“Our Player Assistance and Development Program is about more than financial support—it's about removing barriers, creating opportunities, and making hockey accessible to as many families as possible. When we invest in helping kids play today, we're investing in a stronger hockey community for the future.”

The program has also helped shape a welcoming culture in which families can ask for support without feeling embarrassed or excluded. For WMHA, House League hockey is not solely about what happens on the ice. It is an opportunity for young players to build friendships, develop confidence, learn teamwork and feel part of their community.

That commitment was reflected during the association’s House League Year-End Tournament, where players and families enjoyed a Healthy Snack Zone, swag bags and mini sticks. WMHA also provided coffee and tea, along with pizza for coaches, creating an environment that recognized everyone who contributed to the season.

Another area of community investment is the House League Goaltender Reimbursement Program. Created in response to challenges finding and retaining goaltenders in some divisions, the initiative encourages more young players to try the position while helping reduce the barriers families may face.

“We wanted to find a way to encourage more players to try goaltending and help remove some of the barriers that may prevent families from choosing that position. The program was designed to support families while also recognizing the commitment and importance of our goaltenders.”

The association has already seen a positive impact, with more players receiving opportunities to experience the position and House League teams gaining the goaltending support they need. The program also allows children to try something new without feeling pressured to make a long-term commitment before discovering whether they enjoy it.

On the ice, WMHA’s House League players are also finding new opportunities to grow and compete. During the association’s first season participating in the Grand River Local League, the U13 Toyota Green House League team advanced to the Division A Finals and finished as one of the league’s top teams.

It is one example of what can happen when players are given an opportunity, families feel supported and a community works together around a shared purpose.

“The success of the Player Assistance and Development Program wouldn't be possible without the incredible support of our community. Seeing local businesses, organizations, volunteers, and families come together with a shared goal of helping children play hockey has been truly inspiring.”

Every donation, sponsorship and volunteer contribution helps WMHA direct support where it can make a meaningful difference. Together, the Woodstock hockey community is helping more children get on the ice, develop their skills and experience the confidence, friendships and sense of belonging that come with being part of a team.