The Streetsville Hockey League (SHL) will grace The Vic Johnston Community Centre and the Streetsville Arena this winter with ten different divisions (ages 4 to 18).

Darcy Walsh, Executive Director of Operations for the SHL, is very excited about the upcoming season as he and his fellow committee members have been working extremely hard to implement new policies. "We want to keep the league affordable while providing increased levels of competition and enthusiasm," stated Walsh.

The interest in the younger divisions has reached an all-time high, as the SHL will welcome the "Little NHL" to The Vic. Participants in the Tadpole group (ages 4-6) through to the Atom age group (age 10) will feel like they are in the big-leagues, as each team dawns the jerseys of a popular NHL team. Saturday mornings in Streetsville will see little Penguins, Habs and Leafs (just to name a few) tearing up the ice in the pursuit of glory. The Tadpole program has long been the benchmark of a successful house-league program in Mississauga. The SHL is aiming to take a leading role in the Tadpole program, as this age of initiation into the game can make life-long hockey players out of the participants.
According to Walsh, the SHL is adopting the Hockey Canada Initiation Program for the Tadpole division. "Stressing proper teaching techniques and skills through the guidelines set out by Hockey Canada will only serve to better the league and the players," he said.

With one game and one practice per week, the Tadpoles will have several opportunities to amaze their loved ones throughout the winter. At only $400, the Tadpole program offers terrific value in a fun-first environment.

Every age group offers unmatched value, as the league will continue to have no gate fees and low registration costs. Gate fees alone can run a family of four over $600 in a 30-game season, not to mention the financial burden of a long playoff run. The SHL keeps costs down and will once again offer affordable rates. The registration fee for the Minor Novice division (2003 birth year) through to the Minor Bantam division (97/98 birth year) will be $495. The Minor Midget division (95/96 birth year) and the Midget division (92/93/94 birth years) registration fees are only $450 and $360 respectively.

Registration night is set for June 9 at The Vic Johnston Community Centre. There, parents and players from Mississauga are welcomed to meet management and coaches while having an opportunity to learn about some of the new initiatives like the Select/All-Star Tournament Teams. The SHL is looking to offer some extra hockey for some of its players this winter. Select players from each division will have an opportunity to represent the SHL in competitive tournaments and exhibition games.

Another welcomed change is the new website, www.streetsvillehockey.com, and the addition of SHL on Facebook. League standings, news and schedules have never been easier to access.