Welcome to Waterloo Girls Minor Hockey Association
2022-23 Season

Welcome to the 21st season of Ravens hockey in Waterloo. We are happy to have so many returning players and families. A special shout out to players and families that are joining us for the first time – glad you are with us!.  

Organized sports such as female hockey, offer participants many many benefits including enhancing passion for the sport, skill development, leadership opportunities and friendships that will last a lifetime.

There is no question that COVID-19 has provided many challenges and opportunities - Most of all it showed how resilient Ravens are. Coaches, players, families and volunteers all adjusted, readjusted, came out to play and supported each other throughout the past two years. It has been a very different few years that’s  for sure and we want to thank all of you for supporting your Ravens organization. 

We are excited about the 2022-23 season. Getting back on the ice, playing games, participating in tournaments, hosting tournaments, celebrating 21 seasons and seeing friends and colleagues are all in store. 

Focus on Programs

2022-2023 is a new season, plans are already in place for it to be a fantastic year. We will be offering Learn to Skate, Rookie Ravens, Rookie Ravens Plus, House League and Rep programming this year. Our special programs are back as well – Power Skating, Goalie Clinics, Mental Wellness, High Performance Training Program and more. 

Players ages 5 to 55+ can find a program to join. Specific details on each of the programs can be found on the website or by contacting Steve Woods, Director Rep Hockey, [email protected] , Ryan Terpstra, Director House League Hockey, [email protected] or Chris Holdsworth, Admin Assistant [email protected]  

Once registration opens for the season, please register as soon as you can – this helps us better plan based on the number of players. 

Focus on Ravens Wear

McPhail’s Cycle and Sport will be the sole supplier for the Ravens Off Ice Uniform and Dry-Land Gear. Ravens Spirit wear can be purchased from both McPhail’s and the Sports Zone. Keep checking out the Ravens website for ordering details. Online ordering will be available as well as in-store. 

Focus on Volunteers

We are a volunteer run organization. Without the countless hours of many – coaches, committee members, board members and more,  we would not be able to offer our programs and events.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our Admin Assistant.

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the volunteers who help in many different ways to make this one of the best run female hockey associations in Ontario. It is with your support that we achieve our goals on the ice and off, allowing us to continue to develop and grow this association.

Your Board of Directors is a working board of volunteers who spend many, many hours delivering programs and ensuring that our direction lines up with our strategy and the guiding principles of the Association. We do our best with the available volunteer hours we have to ensure that we meet your expectations and more.  If you are interested in joining the Board, a committee or Tournament Planning Team, please don’t hesitate to contact Ian Murphy  [email protected] or myself. We are always looking for more voices around the tables. 

Focus on Creating a Safe and Fun Environment

COVID-19 will still have an impact on our 2022-23 season. We must continue to follow the directions provided by the Government of Ontario, the OWHA and the Regional Medical Officer of Health. Many of the safeguards that were put in place last season will continue through this season. 

The health and safety of our players, coaches and families is paramount. A reminder about two key policies that help us assure the safety of all: 

Harassment, Abuse, Bullying and Misconduct

Please refer to the WGMHA Manual of Operations for more details.

The WGMHA continues to fully endorse this extremely important policy. To that end: 

• The WGMHA is committed to providing an environment that is safe and respectful for all participants.

• The WGMHA supports the right of all its members to participate in an environment that prohibits discriminatory practices of all kinds.

• There will be no harassment, abuse, bullying or misconduct of any participant in any of the WGMHA programs.

• The WGMHA will not tolerate cyber bullying of any form. 

Rowan's Law 

Concussion awareness, management and safe return to play have been key areas of focus for our trainers and coaches. WGMHA has hosted two workshops focused on Concussions in Hockey. Information is available on the Ravens website for parents, players and coaches in managing concussions and ensuring the safe return to play for a player.

Since the introduction of Rowan's Law in 2018, all players, parents, and coaching staff must sign a declaration indicating that they have read and agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policies from OWHA. As part of the registration process, forms have been included for players, parents and coaches to sign.

So, there you have it . . . unique year ahead of us and if you should have any questions throughout the year, or wish to make comments, please do not hesitate to contact myself or any one of the WGMHA Board of Directors.

We are looking forward to another great season. Please remember ... “it is not about whether you win or lose, it's about how much fun you make it for the kids” The WGMHA is not a “Win at all Cost” centre and will do what’s right … “For the Kids, For the Game, For the Fun”

Sandra 

Sandra Hanmer
President, WGMHA

[email protected] 

“For the Kids, For the Game, For the Fun”