This
weekend marks an exciting new chapter in minor hockey as ALLIANCE Hockey and
the OMHA officially launch a pilot program for ‘A’ level competition featuring
an interlock schedule—an initiative designed to strengthen competition, expand
opportunities, and unite hockey communities across the province.
The groundwork for this pilot began last season and continued through the summer and into the fall, driven by a shared vision between both organizations: to elevate the player experience. With teams seeking new challenges and fresh competition, the interlock was developed as an opportunity to evaluate how shared scheduling can enhance development, fairness, and overall league parity.
Behind the scenes, volunteers, administrators, and minor hockey associations have collaborated extensively to bring this initiative to life. Their dedication has played a key role in ensuring a smooth rollout and a positive experience for all participants.
The interlock includes ALLIANCE Hockey Bristol League teams along with OMHA Shamrock League and Southern Counties League teams. Each participating team will play a single home and away game within its division. All interlock games will count toward regular-season standings, and following the regular season, teams will return to compete in their respective Member Partner Playdowns/Playoffs.
As the season unfolds, ALLIANCE Hockey and the OMHA will continue gathering feedback and evaluating the pilot. Whether this interlock becomes a long-term model remains to be determined, but the collaboration already highlights what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared commitment to strengthening the game they love.