Who is the Nickel Centre Minor Hockey Association?

The Nickel Centre Minor Hockey Association (NCMHA) is a not-for-profit organization whose aim is to provide a wholesome hockey experience, in both competitive (Rep) and non-competitive leagues (house). The Association’s House league program's main interests will always be in the individual child and NOT his or her hockey ability. Sportsmanship, fair play, good citizenship, friendly competition, enjoyment, and full participation for all team members will be the principal intent.

Who runs the Association?

The Association's activities are run by an Executive Committee which is elected at the N.C.M.H.A.'s annual general meeting each spring. The Committee’s duties are governed by the Association’s Constitution and its Bylaws.

Can I get a copy of the NCMHA Constitution and its By-laws?

Yes. A copy of the N.C.M.H.A.'s Constitution including its by-laws is available for viewing or downloading in pdf format from our download page or Home page.

What programs are offered by the NCMHA?

The Nickel Centre Minor Hockey Association offers two distinct hockey programs. We have a house league program with divisions from Initiation to Midget playing in the Northeastern Hockey League and a Rep league with divisions from Novice to Midget playing in the Nickel District Minor Hockey League.

How long is the hockey season?

The Nickel Centre Minor Hockey Association's season generally runs from October to the end of February with playoffs for some teams often running into March. A teams official end of season terminates after the teams last league playoff game or after N.O.H.A. Tournament of Champion whichever is latest. In the event a team qualifies for the OHF Provincial finals, that team's season ends following this event (if later).

How much does it cost to play hockey in Nickel Centre?

Registration fees for both the house League and rep teams are established each year by the current Executive Committee prior to registration time. Registration is usually held in late August and early September. The current rates for the curent season are posted on our registration page when available.

What age group does my child belong in?

Age groups are posted on the Registration page.

What do the registration fees include?

Registration fees include registration and insurance, all ice times for one game (dependent on division) and one practice per week, any training or certification required for coaching staff, registration fees in respective playing league, registration fee for respective N.C.M.H.A. tournament where provided. Timekeepers are paid by the team. All other expenses such as player equipment, player sponsorship, tournaments, travel permits, tournament gate fees, travel, accommodations and other expenses are not included in the registration fee.

Is any player equipment supplied?

It is the parent’s responsibility to supply all equipment. However the Association does have a limited amount of goalie equipment which can be used by players in the younger age groups.

How and when do I register?

Registration is generally held during the last week of August and first week of September at the Garson Arena. Specific dates will be posted on this site once they are set for the 2009/2010 season. It is the Association's policy that no child may participate in Association activities, including practices and/or tryouts unless he/she is properly registered. Commencing with the 2007/2008 a late fee has been enforced for late registrations. The deadline being the last date advertised for registrations. Check the registration page for specific dates, time and locations for registrations.

My child is not sure if he/she will like hockey, can he/she pull out after having registered?

A first year player of any age not wanting to continue playing hockey prior to their 4th practice can request a full refund less NOHA Card fee (if filled out). ALL requests for refunds must be submitted, in writing (by the parent requesting a refund), to the Association’s Registrar and approved by the Executive Committee. Refund request will be dealt with at the next available Executive meeting.This request must be dated and signed by the parent/guardian of the player, and must contain a reason for the request. All refunds will be subject to a $25.00 administrative fee. A full copy of our Refund Policy is available on our download page.

What is NCMHA's refund policy?

In general, refunds will only be allowed when the player’s resignation is the result of, 1. a player, having registered for a team that is not iced or where the player cannot be placed on a team prior to their first game. 2. an injury or medical condition that prohibit a player from playing (a doctor’s certificate may be required for any refund citing medical reasons/injury) ; 3. a player moving out of Nickel Centre; or 4. a first year player of any age not wanting to continue playing hockey prior to their 4th practice. ALL requests for refunds must be submitted, in writing, to the Association’s Registrar and approved by the Executive Committee. The request must be dated and signed by the parent/guardian of the player, and must contain a reason for the request. All refunds are subject to a $25.00 administrative fee. The remainder of the refund will be based on a pro-rated formula less the current costs of Hockey Canada’s Player Registration Certificate. A full copy of our Refund Policy is available on our download page.

Does the NCMHA have select teams or use a tiered player system?

No, the Nickel Centre Minor Hockey Association does not ice select teams nor do they use a tiered system.

My child is not a great skater can he/she still play in a younger age group that would be better suited to his/her abilities?

Hockey Canada rules state that the division a player plays in is determined by the age of the player on December 31st of the current year. All players must be registered into a division by their age. Any request to play in a lower division than that applicable to the player’s age group must be made in writing to the Registrar. Final approval will be made by the Executive Committee at their next regularly scheduled meeting. If approved a player must still register on an age appropriate card. Commencing with the 2005/2006 season, all players born in 1996 and later will be required to play in the age-group that corresponds with their birth year. (This motion was duly motioned and carried at the April 14, 2005 Executive Committee meeting).

My child is a strong player; can he play in an older group that would be better suited to his abilities?

If the player was born prior to 1996, the Association will not stop such a move. However, commencing with the 2005/2006 season, all players born in 1996 and later will be required to play in the age-group that corresponds with their birth year. (This motion was duly motioned and passed carried at the April 14, 2005 Executive Committee meeting).

Where can I find information on other hockey associations in the Sudbury area?

This site has a links page with links to other associations in the surrounding area as well as other hockey related links.

We live in Nickel Centre but my child goes to school in Sudbury. Can my child play with his school friends on a Sudbury team?

In order to play outside of a child’s area of residence, a release must be obtained by the Association within the area where the child resides. This applies to children wishing to play at both the house league and the rep level. For information on NCMHA's player release see question 20.

Can my child play for Nickel Centre and his high school hockey team?

Yes & No! N.O.H.A. has no rule preventing any player from playing high school hockey and with the NCMHA. However in 2008/09 the High School League did not allow high school players who also played in the Rep NOHA league. They did allowed players who played in the House league system. Specific rules may apply with players serving game suspension(s) when playing in both leagues. This rule can change at any time. A player wishing to participate in both leagues should look into these rules.

Who can play hockey for Nickel Centre? (rev. 2008)

Any resident of Skead, Falconbridge and Garson can play in our House League. Players outside these areas must first obtain a release from their respective Associations. Any resident of Skead, Falconbridge, Garson, Wannapitae and Coniston can play rep hockey for Nickel Centre. Players outside these areas must first obtain a release from their respective Associations. Other rules may affect a player's ability to play in Nickel Centre.

What is N.C.M.H.A.'s policy on player releases? (rev. 2008)

The Nickel Centre Minor Hockey Association does not issue releases indiscriminately. House league releases are dealt with on a case by case basis. Releases for rep players are dealt with in the following manner: A player must first attend the tryouts for their appropriate age group. A player cannot seek a release without first trying out with his or her own age group. A player will be considered as having tried out after having participated to his best ability during at least one complete try-out ice time. The player or parent must then ask the team coach for a release. Should the coach agree to release the player the coach will then advise N.C.M.H.A.'s of his decision. The final decision rests with the Executive and a prompt decision will be made. Should the coach not wish to release the player, the player would be obliged to continue skating with the team. Should the parent/player disagree, they must approach the appropriate Convenor with their specific reason for requesting a release. Following a discussion with the coach and assuming the dispute is not solved, the Convenor will report the conflict to the Executive. The final decision rest with the Executive and a prompt decision will be made. Any disrespectful actions while seeking a release will only delay the final decision. A player should keep a copy of any release obtained.

My Nickel Centre child wishes to tryout for AAA hockey. Do I need a release just to tryout?

Yes, your child would require a release. Because Nickel Centre does not have a AAA program, releases for AAA tryouts are issued without problems and are specific to a team. Should the child not make the AAA team he was released to and , he wishes to tryout for another AAA team elsewhere he must first return to Nickel Centre for a new release.

We just moved to Nickel Centre (or within Nickel Centre) and my child wishes to play hockey. What paper work do I need?

If your child has never played hockey before and is currently a permanent resident of our area he will only need a valid Birth Certificate.
If your child was once registered with any another Hockey Association and is now a permanent resident (prior to season start) of our area he will require a "Residential Move Form" from his previous Association. This form is also required for moves within the respective Association. Any change to previously recorded address (no matter how small), by Hockey Canada for any player, requires this form. This is generally automatic if the move is authentic. Please note that specific paperwork must accompany the form. This form must be generated from the last Association your child was registered in and also requires the current Associations signature. This form is available from the N.O.H.A. web site (you will find a link to the form on our site) and may also be required in conjunction with any releases that may be required from the players past resident Association. Please note this a Hockey Canada rule applied accross Canada. For further info do not hesitate to contact us. We will be please to explain this rule that we are mandated to follow. Please note that there are many scenarios to this rule, one of which is "a parent has plans to become a permanent resident during the season but isn't at the begining of the season". Please contact registrar with your specific situation.

What is the difference between Houseleague and Rep hockey? (Rep is also referred to as NOHA or Traveling Team)

For some, the difference is minimal, while others believe it to be substantial. Simply speaking the Rep league is a competitive league that a player must tryout and qualify for while players wishing to play house league are guaranteed a spot on a team no matter their skill. While both leagues enjoy the sport at its fullest, rep team players tend to be more skilled (this may not be indicative of each player) and tend to travel further distances for games. However, traveling distances, within the NCMHA house and rep league, is close to the same. Assuming teams travel to the same amount of tournaments team costs as far as expenses are fairly close. (Most Rep teams require and ask for a sponsorship amount up front which could minimize further fundraising.)

What is NCMHA's policy on tournaments?

NCMHA currently has no limit to how many tournaments a team may enter. It does, however, encourage the individual teams' staff to discuss this with team's parents along with team philosophies at the start of each season.

I am unhappy about my child's coach. What can I do?

If a parent is unhappy with their child's coach we ask that first you wait 24 hours before approaching the team manager who would take the matter to the specific coach or coaching staff. Should the matter not be solved to your satisfaction, you may take it further by approaching your division convenor. Failing that you can file a complaint, in writing, directly to the Executive Committee.

I wish to make a complaint to the Association’s executive. How do I?

Complaints to the executive must be made in writing. The NCMHA's Constitution mandates that all complaints must be in writing. All written complaints to the Executive Committee are placed on the next meeting’s agenda and discussed at length with the intention of making a decision promptly.

Does the NCMHA hold any tournaments?

The NCMHA hold two tournaments. A rep tournament is held in November for Novice to Major Peewee. Usually the third week in November. All NCMHA rep teams are required to participate. A house league tournament is held in January for teams in the Tyke to Midget divisions. The tournament is usually the last week in January. All house league teams tyke and up are required to participate.

How are coaches selected? (rev 2008)

All prospective coaches are invited to apply for a coaching position. The deadline for applications is March 30th of each year. Applicants are then interviewed by a Selection Committee who then presents their recommendation to Executive Committee. The Executive Committee then votes to determine final coach selection. More information is available in our Constitution.

Do NCMHA's coaches require any specific training?

Yes, all coaches and trainers require specific training. The minimum requirement for coaches an other staff is mandated by Hockey Canada.

How can I volunteer to be a coach?

Coaches for both house and rep leagues are always in demand. You must fill out a coaching Application available online and be prepared to take the necessary courses. A valid police check is also required.

I don't or can't coach a team. How else can I help my child's team or the Association?

There are several positions on the coaching staff that can be filled by a non-coaching member. They include the trainer or manager. Both positions fill a required function. Each team may also have several other functions that require someone's attention. Approaching the team's coach or manager would be the first step.

Who selects players for rep teams?

Rep team players are selected by the selected teams' coaches during the tryouts. Tryouts generally take place during September.

How are teams selected in house league?

House league players go through a sort of “mini-draft”. All players in each division are invited to skate and go through a specific set of drills. Each player in turn is rated on his skills. All players are then seperated onto teams with the intent of having equally skilled teams. In the spirit of equalizing the skill of teams, adjustments may be required after team selection.

I would like to volunteer and help out. What do I need to do?

Volunteers are always needed and in short supply. If you wish to volunteer, you can contact any executive member directly or you can email the Nickel Centre Minor Hockey Association stating your intentions.