Hockey Mineur Ile Perrot (HMIP), Association du Hockey Mineur Valleyfield (AHMV) and Association du Hockey Mineur Soulanges (AHMS) are pleased to announce a merger for all Double Letter Hockey Teams from the U11 (atom) to U18 (midget) age categories for the upcoming 2022-23 hockey season. Recreational (Single Letter) hockey teams will NOT be affected by the merger as each minor hockey association (HMIP, AHMS and AHMV) will continue to host their own Single Letter teams comprised solely of players from their own association.

As the hockey landscape in both Quebec and more specifically in our Lac St-Louis region continues to place an emphasis on less teams at the Double Letter level entering this merger both meets the needs of our region as well as of our three associations. Merging our Double Letter programs will have the effect of creating teams that are more competitive and is consistent with a practice that is being adopted by numerous other minor hockey associations in our region. We believe strongly that combining the strengths of all three of our associations will have inherent benefits for all members of each minor hockey association regardless of the level played.

For members of each association today’s announcement has no immediate effect as each member must still register with their home association.

The volunteer leadership of the HMIP, AHMS and AHMV realize that change immediately results in numerous questions, thoughts or even concerns. We can assure all members that this announcement is the result of numerous conversations and meetings where all aspects of the merger have been discussed and agreed to in a transparent and open manner.

As the start of the hockey season gets closer, more details will be provided concerning all aspects of the merger, however, we feel it is important today to advise all members that because of the merger it is our expectation to have one U11 “AA” team, one U11 “BB” team, one U13 Double Letter team (level to be determined) and one U18 “AA” team. After a review of the expected registration numbers, it is not expected a U15 Double Letter team will be offered.