SHOA Fightin' Zebras

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR ALL SAULT HOCKEY OFFICIALS 🏒

The NOHA is moving to Spordle Play for officiating assignments this season!

📅 Effective August 28, 2026, the NOHA will no longer have access to Horizon. All officiating assignments and communications will be handled through Spordle Play.

📧 What you need to do:
• Watch for your Spordle invitation email
• Check your junk/spam folder if you don't see it
• Your invitation is valid for 7 days only
• Complete your registration and make sure you can access Spordle Play before games begin

⚠️ Haven't received an invitation? Check your junk/spam folder first. If it's still not there, contact Caitlin Hill at [email protected].

📚 A referee guide is also available, with additional training dates coming soon.

Please get your account set up as soon as possible to help ensure a smooth start to the season!

🏒 See you at the rink soon!

08/18/2026

2026–27 NOHA RECERTIFICATION CLINICS 🏒

Current and returning Hockey Canada officials — The Northern Ontario Hockey Association is now accepting registrations for the 2026–27 Recertification Clinics.

HOW TO GET REGISTERED‼️

1️⃣ Visit the NOHA Officials Registration Page
Start your registration through the NOHA Officials portal.

2️⃣ Create or Sign In to Your Spordle Account
Make sure your account information is up to date.

3️⃣ Complete the Required Hockey Canada Officiating Program – Recertification
Complete the online requirements for the upcoming season.

4️⃣ Register for a NOHA Recertification Clinic
Once clinic registration becomes available, select a clinic in your area and complete your registration.

5️⃣ Make Sure Your Requirements Are Up to Date
Officials 18 years and older must also ensure their Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) is current, where required.

📍 LOCAL SAULT STE. MARIE / AREA CLINIC DATES
Local NOHA recertification clinic dates will be posted in the near future. Stay tuned to the Sault Hockey Officials Association socials for more updates!

⏰ DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!
Get your online requirements completed now so you're ready when local clinic registration opens.

🏒 STAY CERTIFIED. STAY INVOLVED. MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

08/18/2026

HOCKEY CANADA RULE OF THE WEEK IS BACK! 🏒🇨🇦

We’re kicking off the 2026–27 season with our first Rule of the Week, and there are some important changes that every official needs to know!

This week’s feature focuses on the rule changes being implemented for the 2026–27 season, helping current and returning officials get up to speed before hitting the ice.

🔎 WHAT’S COVERED?
• Key rule changes for the upcoming season
• How the changes will impact gameplay and officiating
• Important reminders and clarifications
• What officials should be watching for
• Tips to help you start the season prepared and confident

🎥 WATCH THE VIDEO!
Check out Hockey Canada’s latest video on the 2026–27 Rule Changes and make sure you know what’s new before the puck drops!

👉 Link in our STORY

Whether you’re a veteran official or preparing for your first season, knowing the rules is essential to being the best official you can be.

📣 Stay informed. Stay involved. Keep learning.

08/11/2026

Legendary Fighting Zebra and local firefighter Michael Steven getting out in the community before he's back in the rinks again!🦓💪👨‍🚒🚒

A big thank you to the firefighters from the East End fire house for coming to visit our Summer Day Camp today! The kids loved getting to see the fire truck! 🚒

08/10/2026

08/04/2026

The Great North U18 Hockey League is now the Great North Hockey League (GNHL)!

As the League continues to feature both U16 AAA and U18 AAA competition, the new name better reflects the full scope of elite hockey in Northern Ontario. While the name and logo have been refreshed, the League's commitment to high-level competition and player development remains unchanged.

To read more, visit the link in bio.

07/10/2026

The Sault Hockey Officials Association is proud to recognize Drew Hankinson as our Junior Official of the Year! 👏

Drew's hard work, dedication, and passion for officiating have earned him this well-deserved honour. Keep up the great work—we're excited to watch your officiating journey continue!

As part of this recognition, Drew received a Northern Sports Excellence gift card and an Officials Bag, generously provided by our sponsor Force Sports.

A big thank you to Northern Sports Excellence and Force Sports for supporting the development of hockey officials in Sault Ste. Marie!

07/07/2026

It’s time to get registered for the 2026-27 hockey season!🦓🏒

This is a rule-change year, meaning all officials must complete BOTH the OHF online clinic and the NOHA in-person clinic!🚨

✅ STEP 1 – VSC/Screening Declaration

Officials 18+ must complete the OHF Screening Declaration before registering.

A new VSC is required every 4 years.

Officials 17 & under do not require a VSC

✅ STEP 2 – Complete OHF Online Recertification

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Member High Performance

National High Performance

Note - Level 1 officials who are 16 years or older as of Dec 31, 2025 must register as Level 2

✅ STEP 3 – Register for NOHA In-Person Clinic

Once the online component is complete, register for the appropriate NOHA in-person clinic.

📢IMPORTANT
To officiate tryouts, inter-squad games, and exhibition games, you must be registered for and have completed the appropriate online clinic.

Check your HCR profile to confirm your VSC expiry date.

Questions? Please contact us at the Sault Hockey Officials Association for assistance - www.saulthockeyofficials.ca