It’s time to play some hockey!

We are excited to announce the Town of Ajax has approved us to proceed with our season. The AOHL Executive met on September 14 and reviewed the requirements for Return to Play and although there will always be risk associated with Covid, we felt the mandatory double vaccination rule and Arena screening protocols are sufficient to proceed.

Although not perfect, it will be as close to normal as we can get for now.

It is critical that players review the guidelines below carefully before they commit to playing this season. It is completely understandable that some players may choose not to return under the current circumstances. Your team representative from the prior season will be reaching out to you to get your commitment.  Any delay in getting commitments may lead to a delayed start to the season.

DEADLINE:  Friday September 24 to respond to your team rep.  After September 24^th, we will be filling vacancies from the waiting list.

On-line Registration will be opening in the near future.  You will be notified when it is available.  Check back often for the update.

DEADLINE:  Even if you previously filled out your registration, you must fill re-register using the 2021/22 Registration form and waiver by Friday September 24^th 

For players that are on the waiting list – no action required. You will be contacted by our Registrar to fill vacant positions.

Target season start is Sunday Oct 17.

25 game schedule. 

League fees:   $300

Town of Ajax Facility/Arena Protocols

The Town of Ajax has provided the following Return to Play protocols for the Arena. 

It is all of our responsibilities to abide strictly by these protocols so we can minimize, and hopefully avoid any Covid outbreaks.

These protocols are currently under review by the Town, and will be amended as the situation dictates.

• Double vaccination is mandatory.   Proof of double vaccination will be required.  
• Before entering the arena/facility (players, referees, timekeeper)  must complete a COVID-19 Screening Survey www.ajax.ca/CovidScreen  OR complete the hard copy form upon arrival.

(click on link to review criteria).

• Cannot enter arena until 15 min before and exit arena 15 min after. This is strictly enforced, as there are cleaning protocols that must also be completed by staff.
• Facility person will check screening surveys at the door.
• Mask on at all times including dressing room, except when ready to get on ice.
• No showers
• No water fill stations (you must bring your own water).
• No spectators

The AOHL Executive is hopeful with the above protocols, including the double vaccination requirement, there will not be a Covid exposure.

As a player - if you are not feeling well (even if it is not covid related) – STAY HOME.

If a Covid exposure does occur at the rink and it is deemed to be high risk  (which will be determined by Public Health),  it is possible that one or both teams affected may be restricted from playing the following week.  This decision will not be made by the AOHL – it will be made by Public Health. 

Looking forward to getting back on the ice and seeing everyone again.

Lets Play!

AOHL Executive

◊ The on-line registration application for next season is now available here ◊

Hello Everyone,

We were hoping to share some positive news on our plans for the 2021/2022 season, however fall ice allocations from the town are currently on hold pending moving out of Stage 3 of the Ontario re-opening. As mentioned in the July update, plans and guidelines for return to play are still being finalized for indoor sports by both the Local Health Units and the Town of Ajax, post Stage 3.

Unfortunately, case counts are on the rise; which may further delay the move to the next stage.

As a result of the heightened health risks associated with covid-19/variants and the game of ice hockey, as well as the age demographics of our membership, it will be mandatory that all players be vaccinated this season.  The Executive received unanimous support in favour of mandatory vaccinations at our recent AGM.    This will significantly help to limit  exposure to our players and their families.

Play safe. Get vaccinated!

The website will be updated when we have further information to share.

The outlook is very promising these days with Ontario opening back-up and the awesome vaccine uptake.

We are very hopeful to return to a “normal” hockey season this year.   As we have only just reached Stage 3 of Ontario re-opening, we can all appreciate plans and guidelines for return to play are still being finalized for indoor sports by both the Local Health Units and the Town of Ajax.

The Exec is currently preparing for the start of a season.  Once we have received formal communications from the Town of Ajax on protocols and ice allocations, we will open up the Registration for 2021/22.  Keep checking back for updates.

Although we did not complete a season last year, we are required to host an AGM meeting to approve the prior year’s minutes, accept the financials and discuss topics that benefit the league.    

This year's AGM will be via video conference on Wed. July 21st @ 7:00pm. 

If you would like to attend the AGM, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by July 19th in order to receive the invite.  If there is something you would like to have added to the agenda, please include it in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly.

Hello fellow AOHL players.  There are some promising days ahead with the majority of people already receiving their first Covid vaccination,  and 2nd round vaccinations should be completed by end of summer. We are hopeful for a meaningful hockey season for 2021/22.  

RETURN TO PLAY PLANNING FOR 2021 / 2022 season

·       League Exec to meet early June to discuss start-up logistics.

·       Connect with Town of Ajax on Return-to-Play considerations. 

·        Solicit membership input on their  intent to return to play. It is key we have this information to adequately plan for a restart. 

·       Commence with Registration once we receive firm direction from Public Health and Town of Ajax on facility Return-to-Play protocols. 

As always, your health and safety is our top priority. We will only proceed when it is safe to do so.

Continue to check back for updates.

Stay safe and enjoy the nice summer weather!

The AOHL Executive

 The League Executive met on Tuesday Nov 3 2020 and made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020/21 AOHL hockey season.

Although very disappointing, it was ultimately the right decision in light of current Covid-19 pandemic trends and the challenges / efforts required to establish a safe return to play environment. 

The following were the major factors that led us to our decision :

• 50 player cohort would limit divisions to 4 teams
• No players can play in any other league
• A limited amount of ice is currently available on Sunday
• Play would be 4 on 4 (9 players/team)
• Significant adjustment to rules would be necessary to minimize contact on ice
• No assurances that the Town of Ajax will be approving hockey to proceed as of the beginning of January. Potential 10-12 game season.
• Players required to come dressed to the arena.
• Entry to Village arena allowed only 10 minutes before ice time and exit required 10 minutes after games.
• No change rooms.
• Increasing Covid-19 infection rates
• Mandatory contact tracing and quarantining of entire team on a positive test result of an individual

2020 Deposit Refunds – Revised Policy

Every player is entitled to a refund of their deposit.

If you request a refund, it will not impact your status for registration for the 2021/22 season.

The League will do a follow-up in March/April timeframe for all players registered in the 2019/20 season to confirm your status for 2021/22.

To minimize the administration for issuing of refunds,  please only request a refund if you do not intend to register for the 2021/2022 season. If you do not request a refund ,  it will be held for the 2021 season deposit.  Players can still make decision during the registration process for 2021/22 for return of their deposit if they choose not to play at that time.

Players must notify   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   by November 22nd to receive a refund. Refunds will be sent out by early December.

Your League Exec thank you for your understanding and support.  We look forward to reconnecting in the spring when we begin our registration for the next season.

Wishing you and your families a safe and healthy winter.

AOHL Executive

2020/21 Season Update 

Town of Ajax Ice Rental status

o   Pads 3 & 4 at ACC and the Village Arena are the only ice pads opened (as of September 14^th)

o   Arena rentals are currently available to community youth ice groups only with Provincial Sports Organizations & National Sports Organizations (PSO/NSO) return to play protocols in place. (e.g. AMHA, Durham West, Figure Skating)

o   This is part of a phased re-opening of ice that will focus on the safety and protection of our residents, sports teams and community groups while complying with the health and safety protocols advised by Durham Region Public Health.

o   There is no set timeline for opening up to the next phase.   

·       Pickering and Oshawa have moved forward to open up their ice to expanded user groups, however – we are playing in Ajax.

·       Given current Covid trends – if we can proceed with a season, it is unlikely to begin prior to January 2021.

·       As soon as we receive notification from the Town on Ice Contracts and Facility Return to Play protocols, the Executive will meet to discuss viability of moving ahead with a shortened season.  The website will be updated as soon as we have any further updates.

Here is an interesting article.  It is unlikely that any social distancing or on ice protocols had taken place; but it is clear hockey arenas are very conducive for spreading of the virus.  Should we return to play this season - you can expect some rigid protocols within the facility and on the ice.

 https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/cdc-warns-of-superspreader-potential-at-beer-league-hockey-games-1.5147463

Brent Minaker

AOHL President

Former AOHL player Tony O'Brien recently passed away.  Tony was a talented hockey player and strong supporter of our League. He stepped away from the AOHL to focus on coaching in Ajax Minor Hockey.  He was a very positive coach and mentor.  We will always remember his smile and passion for hockey.

Link to his obituary.   https://memorials.barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com/tony-o-brien/4350093/index.php  

Leighton Lee passed away on September 25, 2020, from pneumonia, unrelated to COVID 19. He joined the Ajax Oldtimer’s Hockey League in 1977, after moving to Ajax in 1975, where he played until 2018 making many friends along the way.

Leighton immigrated to Canada in 1950, from Hong Kong, with his brother and parents where he went to elementary and high school in the Toronto area. In 1970 he graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in mechanical engineering. Leighton, however decided to find employment elsewhere with the Canadian Government, from 1971 until 2008, first as an Immigration officer and then as an IT manager.

His passions were hockey and golf. He is survived by his son Jason and brother Clifford. Leighton was a kind man, who lived a simple life, but anyone who truly knew him will tell you he was a practical joker who enjoyed a good laugh, but most importantly, he would do anything to support those he cared about.

 Jason has followed in his father’s footsteps and currently plays in the AOHL.

Thanks for the great memories Leighton!