2026/27 Season Update - OHF Open Borders Impact to GLHA & Oakridge, News (Oakridge Aeros Minor Hockey)

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Feb 07, 2026 | AerosHockey | 1533 views
2026/27 Season Update - OHF Open Borders Impact to GLHA & Oakridge
The Greater London Hockey Association (GLHA) has announced upcoming adjustments to its geographic boundaries within London.

These changes align with the OHF’s updated player‑movement regulations, which provide families with greater flexibility.

The goal is not to encourage unnecessary movement, but to ensure families can choose the hockey experience that best supports their child—whether that means aligning with an organization’s philosophy, prioritizing player development, seeking a fun and positive environment, or finding a schedule/home rinks that fits their family’s needs.

Oakridge Aeros Hockey will continue to offer house league and MD/B/BB programs from U8 to U18 for players in our area.

We also look forward to welcoming players from across the GLHA and surrounding communities who wish to join our organization.

Removal of Geographic Boundaries

All geographic boundaries within the City of London will be removed for the 2026–27 season.

BB/B and Mustangs teams at U10–U18 will adopt an open‑borders model, meaning there will be no residency requirements for players wishing to join any GLHA team.

U8 and U9 MD teams will permit movement between GLHA associations (Bandits, Oakridge, North London, and West London). In accordance with OHF regulations, players residing in OMHA centres remain ineligible to try out within the GLHA.

House League programming is unchanged and will continue to operate without geographic restrictions.

Changes to Evaluation Timing

U8 and U9 MD evaluations will shift to early spring, aligning with U10–U16 B/BB and A evaluations.

U18 evaluations will continue to take place in Fall 2026.

We'll share more information about our programs, coaches and plans for next season in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued commitment to minor hockey in London.

Link to GLHA Announcement



Additional FAQ's:


What’s Changing for the 2026–2027 Season?

The Greater London Hockey Association (GLHA) is removing geographic boundaries within the City of London for the 2026–2027 season.

Families will now have the flexibility to choose the GLHA association that best aligns with their child’s and families needs and goals.


U7 Programming

Oakridge Aeros Hockey will continue to offer a full range of our strong U7 programming, including weekly skates at set times, optional weekly IP development sessions on Tuesday nights at Oakridge arena (at a great value), and our U7 Select program (additional fees apply).


There will be no geographic restrictions for U7 participants.


U8 and U9 Players

GLHA/Alliance players at U8 and U9 may try out for any GLHA association—Oakridge Aeros Hockey, Bandits, North London, or West London.

In accordance with OHF regulations:

  • Alliance players cannot try out in an OMHA centre.
  • OMHA players cannot try out within the Alliance/GLHA.

B/BB Players (U10–U18)

Players from both the GLHA and OMHA will be eligible to try out for the association of their choice at the B/BB level.


House League

There are no changes to House League programming. 

Oakridge Aeros Hockey will continue to operate IP and U8-U21 HL teams without geographic boundaries.


Why Are These Changes Happening Now?

Families want the ability to choose the hockey environment that best supports their child.

Oakridge Aeros Hockey is committed to delivering a fun and positive environment, with strong, development‑focused programs led by qualified and dedicated volunteers.

These changes will help support continued growth of hockey across the City of London.


What Does This Mean for My Oakridge Player?

Oakridge Aeros Hockey remains committed to expanding and strengthening our programming, offering development opportunities at both the team and individual level.

  • Oakridge B/BB teams may roster up to five out‑of‑area players per team.
  • House League teams will continue to operate without geographic limits.
  • Any player rostered on a 2025–2026 Oakridge team will not be considered an out‑of‑area player for the 2026–2027 season.

What Can I Expect at Oakridge Aeros Hockey?

  • Since 1962 we have run a long‑standing, community‑focused program committed to a strong player experience and meeting the evolving needs of its players
  • A very experienced and dedicated group of volunteer coaches and board members
  • Affordable development sessions led by professional coaches for both players and goalies
  • Convenient and centrally located rinks, with most teams practicing and playing out of either Oakridge, Medway or Kinsmen arenas.


Tryout Timing

  • U8–U16 tryouts will begin in the spring, following the OHF seasonal calendar.
  • U18 tryouts will take place in September.

Can My Player Try Out for More Than One Association?

Yes. Players may attend tryouts at the associations of their choice.



When Will BB Coaches Be Announced?

BB coaches will be announced in late February or early March.
Please check our website for updates.


  
The storied Oakridge Arena, which opened in 1962, was the first covered arena to be built in London. Oakridge has been running youth minor hockey programing here for over 60 years.


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