Sponsors/Affiliates
The Burlington Lions Optimist Minor Hockey Association (BLOMHA) was formed in 1951 by members of the Burlington Central Lions Club and the Optimist Club of Burlington, making it one of the oldest, longest serving youth organizations in our city. For several years members of both clubs were actively involved in the operation of the organization. BLOMHA is governed by Hockey Canada, Ontario Hockey Federation and Alliance Hockey.
We are a not for profit, non-share corporation, which has been incorporated pursuant to and governed by the Corporation Act of the Province of Ontario.
We are a volunteer based organization with 2,250 players registered making us also the largest minor hockey association in our city. Our aims and objectives are to foster, promote and teach amateur hockey within the City of Burlington and to provide the maximum opportunity for all eligible individuals to participate regardless of their ability.
We have approx 500 volunteers registered to assist in the running of our program, which includes the operation of about 135 teams. All coaches, team trainers and other volunteers are fully qualified, accredited and insured, in keeping with the guidelines issued by governing bodies of minor hockey in Canada.
A key goal of BLOMHA is to provide programs that develop each player’s full potential, subject to talent, ability and enjoyment of the game. Hockey is a competitive game therefore we are organized into three progressively competitive levels. BLOMHA is the only minor hockey association in Burlington that offers a complete range of programs available to all players regardless of ability.
The foundation of our membership has always been our House League program. Our program starts with players of 6 years of age (Tyke) and runs through age 18 (Midget). They play competitive house league (no body checking) hockey. To ensure competitive balance,teams are put together based on player evaluations conducted throughout the year. We also run a program for 4 and 5 year olds called Development. These players learn the game of hockey in a fun and safe environment. No scores are kept and the emphasis is on improving hockey skills.
Most divisions are split before the playoffs start to ensure that all teams have a fair chance to compete in our Annual Minor Hockey Day in early April.
Teams are permitted to play exhibition games and enter tournaments outside of the BLOMHA schedule as long as the teams they play are sanctioned by Hockey Canada, such as other Alliance or OMHA centres.
BLOMHA is also the proud host of the Annual House League Tournament during March Break.This tournament attracts teams from across Ontario. The year 2012 will mark the 33rd year of our popular House League Tournament.
For 30 years BLOMHA has participated in a friendship tournament exchange with teams from Amherst, New York. This fun and popular event takes place in early December and early February. Teams involved play both at home and away.
BLOMHA also operates three levels of Rep hockey, those being Rep A,Rep MD (minor development) and Select for players from 7 to 17 years old. These teams compete in their regular season with Alliance centres in Southwestern Ontario. The Select teams play a series of exhibition games and tournaments. For the 2011-2011 we will have a Minor Midget and Midget Select team.
Our A teams play in the very competitive AA / A divisions of The Alliance against centres in Hamilton, Brantford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Woodstock, Cambridge, Stratford, London, St. Thomas and Sarnia. This program is offered from Minor Atom through Bantam divisions.
Our Rep MD teams compete with centres in St. Catharines, Brantford, Hamilton, Kitchener,Waterloo, Cambridge and Stratford. This program is offered from Novice through Minor Midget(7 to 15 years old).
This year we will again be hosting our Annual Bulldogs Rep MD Challenge Cup tournament in early December. The Tournament is becoming extremely popular and is filling up very quickly this year.
