The GLHA is dedicated to providing outstanding hockey experiences for its players. It’s been this way for years. Thousands of youngsters have spent their formative years playing the game – and having fun – within the GLHA, and the Association is excited to grow and offer more youth the opportunity to enjoy those same experiences.
What’s it all about? GLHA coaches are focused on teaching and coaching all the fundamental hockey skills, like skating, shooting and passing, but also skills like teamwork, work ethic and resilience – which help youngsters grow as individuals, both on and off the ice, and serve them well in all aspects of their lives.
It’s the volunteer coaches and administrators that really make the GLHA flourish, and the Association is grateful for each and every one of them for giving their time to make it possible for youngsters to enjoy the great game of hockey.
The GLHA oversees London’s four largest minor hockey clubs (the London Bandits, West London Hawks, North London Nationals and Oakridge Aeros), as well as the London Jr. Mustangs. The Association is a member of the Alliance Hockey Program.
An option for everyone
The GLHA serves nearly 3,000 players. There is a house league offered to those aged 3 to 21, a competitive program (ages 8 to 18), and a seeded program (ages 10 to 18). The house league runs from October to March, while the competitive teams have tryouts in early September and play from September to April (the seeded program has tryouts in the spring and begins its season end of September). In other words, depending on a player’s (and family’s) skill or commitment level, there’s something for everyone.
Registration for GLHA programs opens in the spring (visit www.glha.ca for full info).
New to hockey – or new to the area?
The GLHA might be the perfect fit for you! Go check out some GLHA action, and maybe you’ll be inspired to take up the game. The Association is looking to grow the game of hockey in the region to youth of all ages, abilities and backgrounds – including newcomers to London.
There are a lot of communities who aren’t experiencing all that hockey has to offer, and the GLHA is looking to change that. They’re hoping to reach these communities and provide positive hockey experiences for these youth (and their parents!). This, the Association says, is an important step in growing the game of hockey and making everyone feel welcome.
In addition to expanding opportunities to all communities, the GLHA is also focused on ensuring a safe, fun and welcoming environment for all its players. At a Town Hall meeting this year, the organization addressed anti-racism in sports and how the teams and the Association can ensure a more equitable and inclusive environment for all players, parents, coaches, and officials – and how the GLHA can support this.
And that’s the key. Hockey is a wonderful game. A wonderful game that should be enjoyed by all! Check out the GLHA. It might be the perfect fit for you.
Contributions by Greater London Hockey Association
