South Simcoe Storm.
That's the name of the newly created South Simcoe Minor Hockey Association amalgamated centre between Innisfil and Bradford Minor Hockey.
On Sunday, Feb.26, board representatives from Bradford West Gwillimbury Minor Hockey, Innisfil Minor Hockey and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) revealed the new name and logo during a ceremony at the Bradford Leisure Centre.
The executive team said it is thrilled to bring the South Simcoe Storm Brand and Logo to the more than 800 athletes and their families currently playing with Bradford and Innisfil Minor Hockey Associations.
“Our new logo represents the intense force our athletes are bringing to the newly created South Simcoe Minor Hockey Association,” said Janice Tee, Director, Marketing SSMHA. “We are excited to showcase the talent of our teams in the 2023-24 season.”
It was in June, 2022 that board representatives from the local minor hockey associations and OMHA met to discuss the creation of a new hockey association. The merger created a new association within the York Simcoe Minor Hockey League, called the South Simcoe Minor Hockey Association, which will compete at the AA level.
Sunday's event was followed with the U-14 game - Bradford Bulldogs vs. Innisfil Winterhawks. It was the last regular season game between the two teams before the amalgamation.
The SSMHA also honoured former Bradford West Gwillimbury Hockey Association President, Paul Dossey, who was one of the initiators of the merger between the hockey associations. He died Feb. 12 at 66 years of age and is remembered as a passionate advocate for minor hockey and youth sports.
