By: Devan Mighton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
It was, literally, a banner year for the Belle River District Minor Hockey Association (BRDMHA). Of the association’s 12 travel teams, exactly half were crowned Bluewater League champions and moved on to represent their region at the OMHA Championships.
“We are extremely proud of all our teams,” states Dennis Tatomir, director of coach development. “In particular, having 50 per cent of our Rep teams represent the Bluewater League at the OMHA Championships is an accomplishment that our entire organization should feel very proud of.”
The victorious teams included the Under-18 B, Under-15 B, Under-14 A, Under-13 A & B, and Under-11 A teams.
“We believe in our players, coaches, and the families who support them. As an association, we set an aspirational goal each season of sending every team to represent the Bluewater League at OMHAs,” explains Tatomir. Across the association, the Jr. Canadiens also won 17 tournaments, including the Under-18 A team, which won four tournaments, and the Under-14 A’s, who also won four, including the International Silver Stick in Newmarket.
“Across every division, our players represented BRDMHA with heart, determination, and pride,” says Tatomir. “We couldn’t be prouder of the athletes, coaches, and families who wore our jersey and showcased what our association is all about.”
“While not every team can capture an OMHA championship, BRDMHA had an incredible showing this season with six teams advancing—and every one of them made us proud. Among those six, two teams earned top-two finishes: our U13B and U18B teams both finished as OMHA finalists. Two more teams battled their way into the OMHA semifinals—U11A and U15B—demonstrating tremendous competitiveness and resilience. Our U13A and U14A teams also earned their spots as OMHA qualifiers, competing hard in very strong divisions, even though they were unable to advance.”
With the season officially over, the BRDMHA is now switching over to tryouts for the 2026-27 season. Beginning on May 2, the organization is expecting over 500 participants.
Over the years, the BRDMHA has instituted a variety of programs to increase interest in hockey within the community and to make the game more affordable. For a number of years, they have partnered with the NHL/NHLPA First Shift Program to introduce new players to the sport. They run Sensory Friendly Skates in partnership with the Municipality of Lakeshore. Beginning in the 2025-26 season, the association launched the Breakaway Fund to help subsidize the cost of hockey for its participants. The Breakaway Fund supported three players in its first season, including two house league and one rep player, and is “supported through partnerships, including Jumpstart, and an annual golf tournament, with 100 percent of proceeds going directly toward youth sport initiatives.”
“Hockey is, at its core, about fun, connection, and growth. When players experience that, they want to keep coming back,” explains Tatomir. “We are committed to creating an environment where every player can grow, compete, and feel a true sense of belonging. Whether your child is stepping onto the ice for the first time or striving to compete at a high level, we provide the support, development, and community to help them succeed. We invite families across Lakeshore to come be part of something special and experience what makes hockey in Belle River truly unique.”