Aug 28, 2025 | Colin McElrea | 459 views
Updates to U9 Tier 2 MD
Pilot Program
We wanted to share an important update regarding the upcoming season. The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), together with its Minor Members and Hockey Canada, has announced changes to the U9 (MD, Select, and Tier 1) Pilot Program for 2025–2026. Under this program, all U9 MD teams will begin with a 60-day structured development phase starting September 2, 2025, with a transition to full-ice programming beginning November 1, 2025. This means our tournament schedule has been adjusted accordingly.
2025–2026 Tournament Schedule
This year, our team plans to participate in four tournaments as well as the Alliance Championships:
- Tournament 1 – Burlington Jr. Raider Jamboree – Friday, October 17th to Sunday, October 19th (half-ice)
- Tournament 2 – Nazem Kadri North London Classic (London) – Friday, November 21st to Sunday, November 23rd (full-ice)
- Tournament 3 – Belle River (Windsor) – Friday, January 16th to Sunday, January 18th (full-ice)
- Tournament 4 – Hespeler U9 Full Ice Tournament (Cambridge) – Friday, February 13th to Sunday, February 15th (full-ice)
- Alliance Championships – Cambridge – Saturday, March 28th to Sunday, March 29th (full-ice)
➡️ All of the tournaments this season will take place in Ontario.
In addition to these tournaments, the season will also include:
- 20–25 league games
- An OHL experience game with the Sarnia Sting on January 30th, 2026
- Chuck a Puck Fundraiser at Sarnia Sting game on February 18th, 2026
U9 Tier 2 MD Tryout Schedule Reminder
- Tryout 1: Wednesday, September 10 – 6:45 PM to 8:15 PM
- Tryout 2: Thursday, September 11 – 5:15 PM to 6:45 PM
- Tryout 3: Friday, September 12 – 6:45 PM to 8:15 PM
- Final Tryout: Saturday, September 13 – 2:15 PM to 3:45 PM
(All tryouts to take place at Clearwater Arena Red)
➡️ Each player will be guaranteed two tryouts.
After each session, the names of the players invited back to the next Tier 2 tryout will be posted. At the conclusion of the tryouts, if you are selected for the team, an offer to sign will be sent to you by email. You will have until 4:00 PM the following day to complete the registration link in that email and sign with the team. The email will include the full team fee details. The SHA registration fee is $2,000, with a payment plan available for families who require it.
Please ensure players arrive early enough to be dressed and ready to go at the scheduled start time.
Team Values
Our focus this season will be on:
Fun – Growing a love for the game while competing as a team.
Respect – For teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents.
Effort – Giving their best in every drill, practice, and game.
At this age, our priority is developing skills, confidence, and a love of the game — while introducing the kids to a more competitive level of hockey.
I am excited to get the season underway and wish all players the best of luck throughout the tryouts. I’m confident this will be a great year of growth, teamwork, and fun for the players.
See you at the rink!
Colin McElrea, Interim Head Coach, Sarnia Sting U9 Tier 2 MD