By Darren Friesen /
Trying to get new faces behind the masks is the mandate of the OMHA this season and in the foreseeable future.
With so many new Canadians taking up residence in the cities and towns of Ontario, OMHA president Marg Ensoll is attempting to open up the game to a wider talent pool.
“We have to embrace and focus on the multiculturalism we have in this country and Ontario,” said Ensoll. “Just look at the population growth in Markham and Brampton. We need to focus on marketing the game of hockey and our programs to the new generations that might be interested in playing.”
Any parent who has ever put their kids through hockey knows that there’s tons of factors involved before you ever lace up your blades.
Ensoll realizes it can be a daunting task. Therefore, she and the marketing team at the OMHA are trying to give people as much information as possible so when time comes to register, they’ll be ready.
“Through our magazine and website, we’re trying to promote an outreach program, which is spreading news and information hockey both on and off the ice,” said Ensoll. “We are trying to help the parents and kids who want to play understand our programs. Much simpler, though, we are giving people guidance on equipment buying and stuff like that.”
In addition to spearheading this new initiative, Ensoll is excited about her second season at the helm of the OMHA. As was the case last year, the OMHA has plenty of great events on tap for the 2009/10 season. That said, Ensoll is already looking to the spring when one of her favourite tournaments is staged.
“The Maplelodge Festival in April is a really great tournament and one that we’re extremely proud of,” she states. “Our house leagues are important to the growth of our organization, therefore, it’s important because this tournament really exposes the game – in a positive way – to our young kids. It also gives the coaches and volunteers some guidance on how to improve the game.
“This tournament is all about having fun and we know they do because generally we see the same teams coming back year after year.”
Other than some great new initiatives and a lineup of great games and tournaments this season, the OMHA is sticking to its mandate of communicating with its membership group as best as possible.
“We’ve taken steps with our website and our magazines to continue to always make sure our membership knows what’s going on,” said Ensoll. “We want people to have lots of information and have better communication with the parents.”
Ensoll cites last year’s tragic death of a junior hockey player as an example to inform concerned hockey parents.
“We are constantly giving clinics and proper instructional advice to our parents, coaches and volunteers which should help us all keep those who are playing safe. We are portraying hockey as a safe sport. I know that doesn’t always come across in the media but we have diligently marketed our sport as safe.” |