COLGHA Mission and Vision

COLLINGWOOD LIGHTNING GHA ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE

As many of you know, we are preparing to enter our 10th season as the Collingwood Lightning.

What began with just 30 girls and four hours of ice per week has grown into an organization of more than 450 players, 150 staff members, 21 board members, and over 35 hours of weekly ice time. Our competitive teams travel throughout Ontario, from North Bay to the GTA and everywhere in between. Our House League program continues to thrive, with multiple teams competing successfully within the SMGHL. Our development pathway supports players at every stage, from learning to skate to elite-level training.

Today, we compete with established centres, win championships, attend provincial championships, and have become the largest girls' hockey association north of Barrie.

But our beginnings were much more modest.

In our first season, we didn't have dedicated goalies—even at the Peewee level. Players rotated through the net because we simply didn't have enough goaltenders. We lost more games than we won. We worked hard to attract players and establish ourselves within the hockey community.

At times, we struggled just to exist.

Today, there is no question that we exist. More importantly, there is no question why we exist.

We exist because girls want to play hockey.

They want to play with their friends. They want to compete. They want to improve. They want to be challenged. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Over the years, expectations have grown alongside our organization. We have invested in our players, our coaches, our volunteers, and our programs. Success on the ice is now something we celebrate and, in many ways, expect.

But the reason we exist has never changed.

Our players still want the same things they wanted ten years ago: the opportunity to play with their friends, to compete, to learn, to grow, to overcome challenges, and above all else, to play the game they love.

As we continue to grow, it is important that we remain focused on what matters most: our players and the values that guide our association. Every decision we make should reflect our mission, our vision, and our commitment to providing the best possible experience for the girls who wear the Lightning crest.

With that in mind, we ask that you take a few moments to read the following message.

MISSION

The Collingwood Girls Hockey Association promotes participation, develops opportunities and provides a fun, safe and rewarding hockey experience. We are committed to providing an environment that builds solid friendships through teamwork, respect and integrity.

VISION

The Collingwood Girls Hockey Association will be the female hockey association of choice for players in the Collingwood and South Georgian Bay region. The organization will provide opportunities for all members to develop to their full potential while promoting health and well being of all its members.

VALUES

• Fun
• Fair Play & Equity
• Respect
• Integrity & Honesty
• Good Character & Citizenship
• Development

Regarding Fair Ice time

It is the policy of the Collingwood Lightning that all players are given "as equal ice time as is reasonably possible".  Our focus as a club and as coaches should be development. Winning is absolutely fun and is the goal of the game, but winning must come as the result of a well-coached, well-developed team and never at the expense of player development.  

For our local league teams this means it is never permitted that the bench be shortened or that players be used in certain situations to the exclusion of others.  For our rep teams more latitude is given but it is still our goal and our policy that all players be given the opportunity to develop in all situations.  'Shortening the bench at the end of an important game, or utilizing a first powerplay or penalty kill unit in important games is understood to be a part of rep hockey, but we encourage you to use this latitude minimally; it is a long season and having depth in February is much better than winning games early in the year.

If you have questions regarding Fair Play or would like further support and assistance with your coaching staff, please reach out to President Brad Rawn, colghaprez@gmail.com

Regarding our Treatment of one Another

Coaches

I will remember that players play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.

I will remember that participants need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a good example.

I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.

Parents

I will remember that my child plays hockey for her enjoyment, not for mine.

I will remember that children learn best by example.

I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteer coaches who give their time to coach hockey for my child.

Please take the time to read our COLGHA Policies and Procedures. CLICK HERE

Parents, please take the time to complete the NEW Hockey Canada- The Shift Forward Program CLICK HERE

THE LIGHTNING WAY

As our association continues to grow, one thing remains true: it is always better to have a conversation with one another.

Every parent, coach, volunteer, and board member wants what is best for the players in our care. At the same time, we must balance the needs of individual players and families with the needs of an entire association. While we may not always agree, we can always choose to communicate with respect and understanding.

We are fortunate to have an incredible community of players, staff, volunteers, and families. The culture we create together will shape our players' experience long after the season ends.

We encourage everyone to choose conversation over complaints, support over friction, and the development of our players over individual interests.

As teams come together for a new season, we challenge each of them to look beyond the rink and into the community. Volunteer for a food drive, support a toy drive, help with the poppy campaign, participate in a community event, or find another way to give back. These experiences teach our players leadership, gratitude, teamwork, and the importance of making a positive impact.

The Collingwood Lightning has come a long way in ten seasons, and we are proud of what we have built together. More importantly, we are proud of the opportunities we continue to create for girls in our community.

Every player deserves a place to belong. Every player deserves the opportunity to dream, to grow, to be challenged, and to achieve.

If we remain focused on our players, our values, and our shared purpose, there is no limit to what we can accomplish together.

That is The Lightning Way. "Brave Enough to Try. Strong Enough to Grow".

Have a great season Lightning!