Competitive - General Information

OGHA Competitive Program

The Ottawa Girls Hockey Association (OGHA) Competitive Program offers an elite hockey experience for female athletes who want to develop their skills and compete at the highest level. Our program emphasizes work ethic, dedication, discipline, teamwork, and respect—both on and off the ice. Players represent Central Ottawa proudly in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Leagues - Eastern and, for U22AA, in the Ontario Women’s Hockey League- U22 Elite division.

Program Overview

Our Competitive Program provides teams at multiple levels to suit player development needs:

• Elite AA Teams: For athletes committed to advanced training, frequent practices, and travel.
• Competitive A/BB/B/C Teams: Competitive hockey with balanced time and cost expectations.

Benefits of Competitive Hockey

Playing competitive hockey provides athletes with opportunities that go beyond the rink. It helps players develop essential life skills while pursuing their passion for the sport.

• Advanced Skill Development: Players receive high-level coaching and structured training designed to improve skating, puck handling, positioning, and game strategy.
• Teamwork and Leadership: Athletes learn to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and take on leadership roles within their team environment.
• Discipline and Time Management: Balancing practices, games, school, and other commitments teaches players responsibility and organizational skills.
• Exposure to Higher-Level Play: Competing in leagues such as OWHL-Eastern and U22 Elite allows players to experience faster-paced games and prepare for future opportunities in hockey.
• Personal Growth: Competitive hockey fosters confidence, resilience, and perseverance—qualities that benefit players both on and off the ice.
• Community and Friendship: Players build lasting friendships and represent Kingston with pride, creating a sense of belonging and shared achievement.

Why Choose OGHA Competitive Hockey?

• High-level coaching and structured skill development.
• Opportunities to compete in OWHA-sanctioned tournaments and Provincials.
• A strong team culture built on commitment and respect.
• A fun, diverse and inclusive environment to met and play with like minded players

Tryouts

Most if not all our divisions hold tryouts in the spring, with the exception of U9 tryouts occurring in the fall as per the Hockey Canada Pathway recommendations.

Commitment & Expectations

Competitive hockey requires dedication from players and families:

• Practice & Game Schedule: Regular practices (approx 2-3/wk), league games (approx 1-2/wk), Dryland Sessions (approx 1-2/wk), and up to six tournaments.
• Travel: Long-distance winter travel (Dec-Feb) may be required dependant on the tournaments selected by the team.
• Attendance: Missing practices without valid reason may affect game ice time.

Fees/Budget

There are two main costs:

• Association Registration Fee: Covers ice, referees, league fees, player development, and other approved costs. (about $1000/yr)
• Team Fee: Includes tournament entry, Provincials, apparel, and extras such as specialized skills clinics, dryland sessions, etc. (approx. $1300-2400 dependant on the level of play)