NEWSLETTER- COLLINGWOOD LIGHTNING GLIDE into SUMMER!

COLLINGWOOD LIGHTNING GLIDE into SUMMER!

As we close out another successful season and prepare for an exciting year ahead, we have several important updates and opportunities for our Lightning families.

LIGHTNING-FAST UPDATES

• Registration for all Competitive and HL Divisions OPENS June 1st
• Registration for Summer Fun Programs, U9-U18, OPENS June 1st
• Registration for Summer Gal-Tender Clinics OPENS June 1st
• HL Coach Applications DUE June 15th
• Bauer-Lightning First Shift Program Registration OPENS June 8th
• Development Stream (DS) Update
• Volunteer Task List- Coach, AC, Trainer, Staff, Manager, Den Mom, Executive
• Powering the Program
• Community Current
• Beyond the Storm
• Lightning AGM, June 17th 

REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 1

Registration for the 2026-27 season OPENS June 1st.

We encourage families to register early as registration numbers help guide planning for teams, development programs, coaching requirements, and ice allocations. Space is limited, don’t wait to secure your spot!

Please note- Competitive Teams U11A, U11B, U13A, U13BB, U15A, U15BB, U18BB, U18B registration packages will CLOSE June 15th. This is to ensure we are able to build Competitive Team Rosters and have them approved on time. 

Be sure to visit our website for REGISTRATION DETAILS- Click HERE

SUMMER FUN PROGRAM

Looking to stay on the ice this summer?

Our Summer FUN Program registration OPENS JUNE 1st. The goal of the program is simple: keep players moving, competing, creating, and having fun all summer long.

Space is limited, so don't wait to secure your spot. For summer information and schedules, visit our website- Click HERE

SUMMER GOALIE CLINICS 

The Lightning Summer Goalie Development Program is an optional program for ALL REGISTERED 2026-27 LIGHTNING Goalies. Registration OPENS JUNE 1st.

For summer information and schedules, visit our website- Click HERE

HOUSE LEAGUE COACH APPLICATIONS EXTENDED

We're still looking for passionate leaders to help guide our players next season.

The deadline for House League Coach Applications has been extended to June 15th.

Whether you're a returning coach or interested in volunteering for the first time, we encourage you to apply and make a positive impact on our players' hockey experience. To start the process, please visit our WEBSITE. Reach out if you have questions about the position(s) or have applied in the past.

LIGHTNING-BAUER FIRST SHIFT PROGRAM 

Know a girl interested in trying hockey for the first time?

Registration for our First Shift Program opens on June 8th. This program is a fantastic introduction to hockey and provides a welcoming, supportive environment for new players and their families.

Help us grow the game by sharing this opportunity with friends, neighbours, and classmates. For more information, click HERE

DEVELOPMENT STREAM (DS) UPDATE

We continue to explore the opportunity to offer a Development Stream (DS) program for the upcoming season.

Please note that implementation of a DS program remains subject to:

• Sufficient player registration numbers
• Approval from the OWHA

Additional information will be communicated as decisions are finalized. For program information, please visit the article on our WEBSITE

VOLUNTEER TASKS LIST UPDATED

The Volunteer tasks list has been updated and is available for Coaches/Staff to review.

Completing volunteer commitments early helps ensure our association can continue delivering high-quality programs and events throughout the season.

Check your task list and complete your volunteer requirements today. Click HERE

POWERING THE PROGRAM

The strength of the Lightning is built by volunteers.

From coaching and managing teams to organizing tournaments, fundraising, coordinating events, serving on committees, and supporting game-day operations, our volunteers make it all possible.

This month, we'd like to thank every coach, trainer, executive and community supporter who contributed their time and energy to our Lightning Spring Tryout process. We had a record number of non-parent volunteers this year. Their commitment reflects the care and responsibility that goes into building teams and supporting player development. Thank you for helping our athletes grow both on and off the ice.

Tryouts can be one of the most challenging experiences in sport. They bring excitement, nerves, anticipation, and sometimes difficult conversations.To our players: thank you for your effort, sportsmanship, and perseverance.

COMMUNITY CURRENTS

The Lightning are proud to be part of a community that continually supports girls' hockey.

Collingwood Lightning would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Stayner Lions Club for their generous contribution to our Power to Play Assistance Fund.

This support helps ensure that financial barriers do not prevent girls from participating in the game we love. The Power to Play Assistance Fund provides assistance to families when needed, helping more athletes access the opportunities, friendships, and life lessons that hockey offers.

The Stayner Lions Club commitment to supporting youth and strengthening our community aligns closely with the values of our association. Their generosity will have a meaningful impact on players and families throughout the upcoming season.

On behalf of our athletes, families, and volunteers, thank you to the Stayner Lions Club for investing in the future of girls' hockey and helping make the sport more accessible for everyone.

BEYOND THE STORM

One of the greatest measures of success for our association is seeing our athletes continue their hockey journeys long after their time wearing the Lightning jersey.

This month's photo captures a special moment as several former Lightning players come together each week to play in the Collingwood Sunday Knights Hockey League. While their paths have taken them to different teams, schools, careers, and communities, the friendships, memories, and love of the game built through girls' hockey remain strong.

Seeing Lightning alumni share the ice together is a reminder that hockey is about more than wins and losses. It is about developing confidence, creating lifelong friendships, building community, and fostering a passion for the game that lasts well beyond minor hockey.

We are incredibly proud of all our alumni and look forward to following their journeys wherever hockey—and life—takes them.

Once A Lightning, Always A Lightning.

SAVE THE DATE: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Collingwood Girls Hockey Association AGM, June 17th 2026, 7-8pm Central Arena

The AGM is an opportunity to:

• Review the past season
• Celebrate successes
• Learn about upcoming initiatives
• Meet association leadership
• Help shape the future of girls' hockey in our community

We encourage all members to attend.

For executive overview and nominations, please visit our WEBSITE. 

LOOKING AHEAD

As we enter our 10th Anniversary season, we remain committed to creating opportunities for girls to develop as athletes, teammates, and leaders.

Thank you to our players, families, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who continue to make the Collingwood Lightning a special place to play.

“Brave Enough to Try. Strong Enough to Grow”.

Have a great summer!

Collingwood Girls Hockey Association