Open Borders in Ontario Hockey: Why the Clarington Toros Are the Best Choice for Your Player
Ontario Hockey Federation Announces Open Borders
On December 17, 2024, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) made a groundbreaking announcement: starting next season, Ontario will adopt an open borders policy for all hockey players at the U10 level and above. This means that players are no longer restricted to teams within their local minor hockey association. Families now have the freedom to choose the program that best fits their child’s development needs, regardless of their home address.
Learn more about the OHF announcement here and review the FAQs for detailed information here.
What Does Open Borders Mean?
The new OHF policy allows hockey players U10 and older to play wherever they choose in Ontario. Whether you live in Clarington or outside our region, this policy provides the opportunity to find the program that aligns best with your player’s development and family goals. There are no limits on how many players can join or leave a team, meaning your options have never been more open.
Why Did the OHF Make This Change?
The primary reason for this change is player and family choice. Parents now have the ability to decide where they invest their time, money, and energy. This aligns hockey with many other minor sports in Ontario, including soccer, baseball, and basketball, which already allow freedom of movement. The OHF’s goal is to create opportunities for players to join programs that offer the best fit for their skills, aspirations, and values.
While the benefits are clear, the change also presents challenges for associations to adapt to an open-border environment. At the Clarington Minor Hockey Association (CMHA), we view this as an exciting opportunity to attract new talent, strengthen our community, and continue to deliver an exceptional hockey experience for our players and families.
Why Choose the Clarington Toros Rep Program?
The Clarington Toros are more than just a hockey team—we are a community. We believe the OHF’s open borders policy will allow more families to experience the unique benefits of our program. Here’s why the Clarington Toros are the premier choice for hockey families:
1. Comprehensive Player Development
At the Clarington Toros, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond to develop well-rounded players:
- Position-Specific Training: In addition to regular team practices, we provide specialized forward and defense training sessions to sharpen skills and improve game performance. We utilize highly skilled vetted 3rd party suppliers to deliver top notch development.
- Skill Development: Our additional development programs focus on skating, shooting, puck control, and positional awareness to ensure players have the tools they need to succeed at the highest levels.
2. Dedicated Goalie Support
We understand that goaltending requires specialized attention. That’s why we offer the following:
- Financial Support: We provide subsidization to goalie parents, allowing them to choose the training provider that best suits their child’s needs. This ensures personalized and high-quality development.
3. Experienced and Empowered Coaches
Great programs are built on great coaches. The Toros are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and supporting high-quality coaching staff:
- Coach Development: We provide ongoing training and resources to ensure our coaches stay at the forefront of player development strategies.
- Top Tier Software & Tools: Our coaches have access to some of the best software to help them develop practices, review games and the ability to develop individualized and team plans to achieve development goals.
- Team Leadership: Our coaches are empowered to make decisions that benefit the team as a whole, free from external influence.
4. Access to Quality Ice Time
Many associations struggle with limited ice availability, but the Toros ensure that every team has access to sufficient practice and game time:
- Extra Ice Hours: Our teams benefit from more on-ice development time, helping players improve their skills faster.
- Convenient Scheduling: Ice times are thoughtfully scheduled to balance development needs with family convenience.
5. Game Recording and Review Facilities
The Clarington Toros take player development one step further with advanced tools for learning:
- Game Recording: Our teams have the ability to record games, providing players and coaches with valuable footage for analysis and improvement.
- Dedicated Review Areas: We offer designated spaces for game reviews, enabling coaches and players to break down gameplay and identify areas for growth in a collaborative setting.
6. A Community-Centered Program
At the heart of the Clarington Toros is a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment:
- Team Bonding: Players develop lifelong friendships while families build meaningful connections.
- Hometown Pride: Representing Clarington means being part of a close-knit hockey community that values teamwork, sportsmanship, and development.
7. Affordable Fees
The Clarington Toros are proud to offer some of the lowest league fees in the Lakeshore Loop, ensuring affordability for all families.
Additional Features That Set the Toros Apart
Top Facilities and Resources
Clarington players have access to some of the best training facilities in the region, including partnerships with leading performance training providers for off-ice conditioning and strength programs.
A Hockey Program Led by Passionate Volunteers
At the Clarington Minor Hockey Association, our hockey program is proudly led by a team of dedicated volunteer board members. These individuals are parents, community members, and hockey enthusiasts who are committed to creating the best possible experience for your child.
Because our board members volunteer their time, their focus isn’t on profits—it’s on building a program that fosters skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and a love for the game. When you choose Clarington Minor Hockey, you’re choosing a league driven by people who care deeply about your child’s growth both on and off the ice.
Proven Success at All Levels
Our teams consistently compete at the highest levels and develop players who go on to excel in junior hockey, university programs, and beyond.
What Open Borders Mean for Clarington Families
For Clarington residents, this change means you have the opportunity to remain with a program that prioritizes development, community, and excellence. The Toros are committed to retaining our hometown talent by offering top-tier coaching, development opportunities, and a welcoming environment.
For those outside of Clarington, we invite you to explore the benefits of joining the Toros. Whether you’re looking for advanced player development, goalie-specific support, or a community-focused program, Clarington is the place to play.
Join the Clarington Toros for the 2025 Season
The OHF’s open borders policy allows families to choose the best program for their player. With our exceptional training programs, dedicated coaches, advanced game review capabilities, and a strong sense of community, the Clarington Toros Rep Program is the top destination for hockey families in Ontario.
Take the first step toward your player’s best hockey experience today.
Visit our website or contact us directly to learn more. We look forward to welcoming you to the Toros family!