WCOHL in desperate need of more players for upcoming season

WEST CARLETON – West Carleton Outdoor Hockey League (WCOHL) convenors are worried if registration doesn’t pick up, what is probably Canada’s longest-running outdoor hockey league is at risk of packing it in this season.

While organizers never seem to know how long the WCOHL has been running, West Carleton Online publisher Jake Davies knows it goes back at least to the late 1970s as proven by the above photo of the Kinburn team taken some time in that era, including one player who had no idea he would someday be a reporter.

Last year, the WCOHL had its best year in a handful, thanks to proper winter weather and an engaged community. But so far this year, despite a new community returning to the fold (Kinburn), registration has stalled for the super-fun league that plays non-competitive games of hockey once a week, outdoors as the lord intended, across West Carleton for boys and girls aged five to 15. While the games are non-competitive and non-contact, they do feature refs and coaches and each team practices once a week. The season runs as soon as the rinks are ready, usually January to March, weather depending, and conclude with an indoor tournament in Carp. All of this for only $70 per registrant. It’s perfect for those just getting in to the game, or those looking for more ice time with their friends during the season.

The WCOHL was expecting to have teams in five communities this year including Constance Bay, Fitzroy Harbour, Carp, Dunrobin and this year the return of Kinburn.

But, unless registration picks up, there may be no WCOHL this year.

“Urgent ODR call out,” WCOHL convenors released in a statement yesterday (Dec. 17). “Are we really going to let the longest-running outdoor hockey league in Canada fold? Our registration numbers are shockingly low – even after an incredible season last year. This is not an exaggerated call for help.”

The Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Association currently has less than 20 registrants.

“We know this is a crazy busy time of year, but without kids registered across our communities, we can’t plan the 2026 season,” convenors said. “This league is a beloved community tradition —one many parents, and even Coun. Clarke Kelly, remember fondly from their own childhoods playing outdoor hockey. Please consider registering your kiddos this week. Decisions on whether the league can proceed will be made this weekend. Let’s keep this tradition alive for our kids.”

Convenors have extended registration to the end of this week to try to include more players.

Click the community you are most interested in signing up with to register (you do not have to live in the community you want to register with):

• Constance Bay
• Carp
• Dunrobin
• Fitzroy Harbour
• Kinburn (registration by email – please provide details of your child)