Once you know how the various hockey organizations fit together, it makes reasonable sense, but for many hockey parents, and not just those that are new to minor hockey, it is a bit of a mystery. This is intended to unravel that mystery!
Hockey Canada
Formerly known as the Canadian Hockey Association (CHA), Hockey Canada is the sole governing body for amateur hockey in Canada. Hockey Canada makes major decisions such as player divisions (age). It has 13 branches, including Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO). See more at www.hockeycanada.ca.
Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO)
The HEO is the governing body of amateur hockey in the Ottawa area, and in Hockey Canada context, is our branch. Included in this is direct management of the officiating program, development programs (including Speak Out - for bench staff), and other administrative responsibilities. HEO governs the junior leagues in the area directly (Central Junior A Hockey League (CJHL), The Eastern Ontario Junior B Hockey League, and The Eastern Ontario Junior C Hockey League). More information at www.hockeyeasternontario.ca/
District 4: Rideau/Carleton
We are part of District 4 (Rideau Carleton), which meets monthly, composed of district executive and the Presidents of the respective associations. District 4 is the link between all associations and the HEO structures. Most interpretation and enforcement of HEO regulations takes place at District 4.
Lanark Carleton Minor Hockey League (LCMHL)
As described above, competitive leagues operate at the branch level. Some associations participate there, and offer an internal house league as the only alternative. In our case, all of the associations within District 4, run in the Lanark Carleton Minor Hockey League (LCMHL). This league has the mandate to schedule, operate, and track games, playoffs, etc. West Carleton Warriors house league teams from Novice to Midget play in LCMHL. See more at www.lcmhl.ca.
Ottawa Valley Titans
The Titans operation combines District 4 (except Richmond and Osgoode/Rideau) and District 5 (Upper Ottawa Valley), to play in the AAA league. Many WCMHA players are playing for the Titans at all levels from U12 to U18. You can check their website: www.ottawavalleytitans.ca.
Ottawa Valley Silver Seven
The Silver Seven Association represents Districts 4 players that play in the AA & A league from U9 to U18. Many WCMHA players are playing for the Silver Seven at all levels. You can check their website: www.silversevenhockey.com.
West Carleton Crusaders
The Crusaders represent West Carleton players that play in the B league from U10 to U18.
West Carleton Minor Hockey Association (WCMHA) – This is us!
The WCMHA operates under the rules and regulations of Hockey Canada, HEO and District 4. We place teams in the LCMHL/HEO, and we have players take part in the Crusaders, Silver Seven, and Titans. Internally we rent and schedule ice, we arrange and nurture the development of officials and players, we select coaches and players for LCMHL/HEO B teams, we set registration and fundraising fees and practices, we host tournaments, and lots of other fun things. Each year, at our Annual General Meeting (late April) we elect a Board of Directors for a two year term. Some come up for election each year on a staggered basis. The Board of Directors meets monthly at minimum.