With the new year underway, we have reached the halfway mark of the hockey season. Playoffs are approaching next month, and teams across all divisions are settling into the most exciting stretch of the year. The NOMHA Executive would like to wish all members a happy new year and a strong finish to the 2025–2026 season
Below is a summary of the key updates, reminders, and events shared in the January newsletter.
Practice schedules and Sunbelt Fridays
Regular team practice schedules resumed on January 5.
U7 and U9 teams are following their own detailed schedules as communicated by their teams.
For U11 and U13, Sunbelt alternating Fridays continue through January and February. These sessions rotate between divisions and include several makeup practices and games. Families involved in U11 and U13 should pay close attention to team communications to ensure they are aware of date and time changes, including scheduled makeup sessions 
U7 Knights at the Vernon Vipers game
The NOMHA U7 Knights were invited to take part in a special game-day experience at the Vernon Vipers game on January 3.
U7 players participated by operating the 50/50 draw and joining a short intermission game on the ice. The newsletter encourages the community to attend these events, support our young players, and enjoy an evening of local hockey while cheering on the Vernon Vipers 
Super League game format reminder
Teams participating in Super League play are reminded to follow the Super League game outline closely.
The newsletter below includes a detailed reference chart outlining ice time lengths, warm-up times, stop-time rules, floods, and procedures when games run behind schedule. These standards help ensure fairness, consistency, and proper use of ice time across all games.
Team staff and volunteers are encouraged to review these guidelines carefully and apply them consistently during games 
January tournaments
Several NOMHA tournaments take place in January and early February. These events bring visiting teams to our communities and provide valuable development opportunities for players.
Highlighted tournaments include:
U15 Rep T3
January 2–4
Enderby
U18 Rep T3
January 9–11
Enderby
U7
January 17–18
Enderby
U9
January 23–25
Armstrong and Enderby
U11 Recreation
January 30 to February 1
Enderby
Families involved in these divisions are encouraged to plan ahead and support teams during tournament weekends 
Goalie coaching schedule for January
An update was shared from NOMHA goalie coach Brandon Mazur outlining goalie development sessions for January.
Sessions include a mix of age-specific and all-age practices, with U9 included on select dates. These sessions support goalie development across the association and provide consistent instruction throughout the season 
Player and coach development sessions
Player and coach development sessions continue in January with Aaron Hoffman, NOMHA’s player and coach developer.
The newsletter outlines specific dates, locations, times, and divisions where Aaron will be attending team practices in Armstrong and Enderby. These visits support skill development, coaching consistency, and long-term player growth across all levels, from U7 through U18 
Arena conduct reminder
All players, families, coaches, and team staff are expected to treat arena facilities with respect at all times. This includes leaving dressing rooms clean, disposing of garbage properly, ensuring no water is left on floors, and avoiding damage to walls, floors, and benches.
When facilities are not respected, the Executive Board is notified and the responsible team is identified. NOMHA asks all members to help maintain safe, clean, and welcoming arenas for everyone 
Dressing room policy reminder
The newsletter also reiterates Hockey Canada’s Dressing Room Policy, which applies to all NOMHA teams.
Key reminders include:
- Players must never be left alone in the dressing room.
- Only registered players and assisting parents or guardians are permitted.
- Siblings are not permitted to play in dressing rooms or common areas.
- A minimum of two adults must be present in the dressing room at all times.
Failure to follow these guidelines may result in follow-up by the association.
Looking ahead
January is a busy and exciting time in the season. With playoffs approaching, development sessions underway, and tournaments filling the calendar, NOMHA thanks all families and volunteers for their continued commitment.
Together, we are building a safe, respectful, and positive hockey environment for every player.
Thank you for being part of the NOMHA hockey family.