Ancaster Avalanche House League Program
The AAGHA is made up of both house league and Representative (Rep). We also offer an Instructional Program (IP) or players and goalies of all ages and skill levels. Lastly, we also offer a Development Stream (DS) designed for House League players who are looking for extra development, instruction and competition. Some players join a DS team to help them work towards joining a Rep team.
If you are new to the AAGHA we hope that the following information will help you and your player prepare for the upcoming House League Hockey year.
The AAGHA House League plays within the structure of the Greater Hamilton Girls Hockey League (GHGHL). Under 9 (U9) through Under 15 (U15) divisions play a 14 game schedule usually (but not always) on weekends with one 1 hour practice per week. Our U18 age group has a slightly different practice to game ratio with a higher percentage of games but the same amount of ice time. We strive to keep consistency in the times/days of practices at each age group, but this is not always possible as we are working with many other teams in our League.
Program Start:
In mid/late September, we hold Mass Practices or Mass Evaluations and a Scrimmage. These practices are meant to help coaches place girls on teams that will be balanced at each age group. This will ensure a great season ahead for our girls as they will be well matched within AAGHA, as well as withing the broader GHGHL where they will be competing. Normally, we hold 2 Mass Evaluations over 2 consecutive weekends. The coaches determine teams after the evaluations and on the 3rd weekend, the teams scrimmage. Coaches may shift players around depending on the scrimmage results, and some coaches may even take the next practice or two to determine final teams. Practices start in late September/early October depending on what ice package we can secure with the City of Hamilton. Our aim is to start House League games the week of Thanksgiving (pending OWHA roster approval).
Program Ending:
Post season playoffs will be scheduled for all teams and will culminate on Super Sunday that will take place on April 6th, 2025 and will take place in St. Catharines. Please mark your calendars!! On Super Sunday, girls are pooled together based on the standings they achieved during play-offs. Multiple pools of similar standings will be formed and play each other on Super Sunday. For instance, the top 4 teams will play each other, the next 4 or 5 teams will play each other, and so on. This structure ensures that teams are well matched and provides multiple medal opportunities for the girls.
Instructional Program:
Girls can register in the league until the age 17, with most players entering the league by the U13 division and as early as U7. However, we find that all ages can learn the game quickly, in particular if they take advantage of the additional ice time and skill building offered in our Instructional Program (IP) that runs once per week. The IP program is intended for all comers, as girls are pooled together by skill level and are taught by some of the best instructors in the Hamilton area. The IP program is strongly recommended for girls who are new(er) to hockey in order to help accelerate their hockey skills. It is a very popular program that begins the week of Thanksgiving and ends the week prior to March Break. More information on that here.
Goalie Details:
If your player is interested in playing goalie, we offer reduced fees, excellent training programs and support with equipment. More information on our goalie school here
We are often limited on space so it is advisable to register when registration opens in May and take advantage of the early bird rate! That way, in September, your player will once again be with her friends and teammates playing Canada's favourite sport. Registrations may be accepted after the deadline, but only if teams have available spots on their rosters.
We know that being involved in sports benefits girls throughout their lives so at AAGHA, we strive to provide your player with memorable experiences over the years. Hockey is an incredible sport that demands physical and mental strength, but hockey is also about forming bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime, for our girls AND our families!
For any questions or further information regarding the AAGHA House League program please contact:
House League: [email protected]
Registrar: [email protected]