"Our new Board of Directors have been working hard to ensure that the assembly of a great hockey program for the upcoming year will lead to excitement and optimism regarding the season that lies ahead," the Trappers stated in a release.
"Our main goal is to build on the successes of last year and incorporate additional improvements that will enhance our sustainability as a competitive AAA hockey association moving forward."
This season we will see four teams within the association as the U13 (Zach Bratina), U14 (Dan Garagan), U16 (Jeff Mancini) and U18 (Josh Dale) teams will take part in their respective league and tournament schedules.
It will be a groundbreaking season for some AAA Trappers teams through hard work alongside the Northern Ontario Hockey Association, to allow interlocking play in southern Ontario.
"We are thrilled and thankful for the support and cooperation of the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) and Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), which will see the U13 and U14 teams competing in a new interlocking schedule with teams from the OMHA," the release continued.
"For many years, parents, players and hockey supporters alike have hoped for a change to the landscape of AAA hockey in northern Ontario, and members of the NBDTHA Board of Directors have contributed significantly to this becoming a reality. Furthermore, for the U16 and U18 programs who play in the Great North Midget League (GNML), will have the opportunity to participate in two separate showcase weekends along with teams and players from the OMHA and the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario to ensure that we are providing more opportunities for exposure to those looking to pursue hockey beyond our association after their careers within our association.
"Our mandate for this season is to take steps to enhance the sustainability of our AAA teams in District 5 of the NOHA."
The NBDTHA’s focus for the upcoming season is to work collaboratively with all other hockey associations within District 5 to create new development plans at younger ages to ensure that players are excited to play and compete at the AAA level once their opportunity presents itself at the U12 and older age categories.
The new board members from other district hockey associations to promote the collaboration of all associations when developing players to play at the AAA level.
The new Board of Directors for the 2024-25 hockey season:
- Mark Lockhart – President
- Kris Anello – Vice President
- Graham Loyst – Treasurer
- Mike Brideau – Secretary
- David Dugas – Director
- Mike Purdon – Director
- Troy Lefebvre – Director (West Nipissing Hockey Association)
- Justin Sauvé – Director (East Nipissing Hockey Association)
- Justin Carré – Director (North Bay Minor Hockey Association)
Trappers officials say AAA hockey in the north is evolving and as such we must evolve as an association.
"We are taking a different approach than previous years to ensure that we are creating a sustainable and optimistic outlook for our teams as we move into the future of our association," the release stated.
"We have made a concerted effort to include the district associations within our Board of Directors to ensure that we are all collaborating to ensure that we are listening to the families within our entire district that might one day become members of the NBDTHA.", explains Mark Lockhart, NBDTHA President,
”The North Bay & District Trappers Hockey Association represents the highest level of hockey for players in the NOHA. Our association is looking to continuously improve and develop a reputation as the example for how AAA hockey should be operated in northern Ontario and beyond. The NBDTHA offers players a chance to enjoy hockey at its highest level while abiding by its rules of operation. Our new development plans alongside other associations will enhance the product that is on the ice for future years to come. We are committed to fostering and developing skills and character for our players to ensure that North Bay is the place to play for all players residing in District 5 and any other areas of the NOHA that would like to play their AAA hockey in North Bay."
