The Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) has partnered with Nipissing University and University of New England to undertake a landmark study of past Ontario minor hockey players. The purpose of this study is to understand the impact that minor hockey experiences have on players. This research has been approved by the Nipissing University Research Ethics Board (reference #104283).

If you are at least 18 years old and have previously played minor hockey in Ontario for a minimum of three (3) seasons (between 1985 and 2025), we invite you to participate in this voluntary study. While the OMHA supports this research, this study is fully independent, and your responses will remain confidential. You do not have to participate, and you can stop at any time without any consequences. Your decision will have no impact on your relationship with the OMHA or any of its affiliated associations.

Participation in this study consists of a brief (5-minute) online questionnaire followed by a 45–60-minute virtual focus group discussion. If you are interested in participating in this study, you are asked to review the attached participant information letter and follow the link below to complete preliminary screening questions. Interested individuals can also respond directly by email to denyseh@nipissingu.ca to confirm next steps. In appreciation for your participation, complementary OMHA merchandise will be offered to participants upon completion of focus groups.

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE: Minor Hockey Experiences - Focus Groups

If you have any questions concerning this study or would like to request a copy of results, please contact a member of the research team.  

Thank you for your consideration and interest in shaping the future of minor hockey in Ontario.

Regards,
Ian Taylor
OMHA - Executive Director

Research Team:
Dr. Denyse Lafrance Horning
Nipissing University           
100 College Drive, Box 5002    
North Bay, ON   P1B 8L7    
Tel: (705) 474-3450 , ext. 4319   

Dr. Norm O’Reilly, 
University of New England
11 Hills Beach Road
Biddeford, ME 04005
noreilly1@une.edu

For more information on the research study, please click here.