WHAT’S HAPPENING?
On December 17, 2024, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) announced a historic change in minor hockey: starting next season, players U10 and above can choose to play for any club in Ontario, regardless of where they live.
See the official ruling from OHF here:
This is your opportunity to join one of the best programs in the province. The Norfolk Knights are ready to embrace this change because we know what we offer: an unmatched hockey experience that develops players, wins championships, and builds lifelong connections.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CURRENT NORFOLK KNIGHTS PLAYERS AND COACHES?
The new open borders policy from the OHF marks the most significant change in minor hockey in 40 years. For the Norfolk Knights, it’s an opportunity to grow and strengthen our program while continuing to support and prioritize our current players and coaches.
A Strong Commitment to Our Current Players:
As always, the Norfolk Knights are committed to the development and success of our current players. This change doesn’t alter your importance to the program—you are the foundation of what makes Norfolk great.
Enhanced Development Opportunities:
With a growing program, we are enhancing our commitment to player development.
- Continued access to our exceptional coaching staff and unified philosophy.
- Expanded resources for off-ice training through Norfolk Athletic Performance (NAP).
- Opportunities to compete at a high level without leaving your home club.
Strengthening Our Community:
Our players and families are part of a close-knit community. This change allows us to welcome new faces while staying true to the values and culture that make the Knights special.
What Stays the Same?
- Your role within the Norfolk Knights remains central to our success.
- Our focus on your development as players and individuals is unwavering.
- We will continue to provide top-tier coaching, ample ice time, and a supportive environment to help you achieve your goals.
The Norfolk Knights are proud of our players and coaches and excited about what the future holds. Together, we’ll continue to build a program that’s the best in Ontario—one that supports every athlete’s journey while creating a legacy of excellence.
WHY PLAY FOR THE NORFOLK KNIGHTS?
Norfolk Knights make no apologies for being ambitious. We are here to attract and develop top talent from across the region. Our program isn’t just competitive—it’s elite.
Excellent Coaches, Proven Results
The backbone of the Norfolk Knights is our coaching. We’ve built a team of passionate, highly skilled coaches who inspire players to reach their full potential.
- Expert Skating Development: Every Norfolk Knights team works with a dedicated skating coach to improve speed, balance, and control. From U8 to U18, skating is our foundation for success.
- Unified Philosophy: Our coaching approach is consistent across age groups, ensuring players are guided by the same high standards at every level.
Elite Off-Ice Development
Hockey isn’t just about what happens on the ice—it’s about building athletes who are strong, fast, and resilient. That’s why we’ve partnered with local off-ice programs to deliver the best training in minor hockey.
- Tailored to Hockey: Cutting-edge training methods are designed to develop skills that translate directly to the ice.
- Comprehensive Monitoring: Metrics like speed, power, and endurance are tracked to ensure every athlete performs at their peak.
Ice Time That Rivals Any "A" Center Around
While our practices may take place across multiple locations, we prioritize securing ample ice time to ensure players have every opportunity to develop their skills where it matters most—on the ice. Practice makes perfect, and no one understands this better than the Norfolk Knights.
A Winning Tradition
Success isn’t new to the Norfolk Knights. In just three years, we’ve had 13 teams qualify for OMHA Championships, proving we’re a force to be reckoned with.
- Consistent Excellence: We don’t just make it to championships—we compete to win.
- Building Champions: Our players leave every season better, stronger, and more confident.
A Culture Like No Other
At Norfolk, hockey is more than a game—it’s a community.
- Lifelong Bonds: Our players form friendships and memories that last far beyond the rink.
- Unwavering Support: From our coaches to our families, the Norfolk Knights community is all-in for our players.
Top Competition Without Leaving Home
Players no longer need to leave Norfolk to face elite opponents or gain exposure.
- Challenging Schedules: Our teams regularly play against the best, ensuring players grow and develop against top-tier competition.
- Scouting Opportunities: Through tournaments and partnerships, Norfolk players are on the radar of scouts and higher-level programs.
Development for ALL Levels
The Norfolk Knights believe in creating opportunities for every player to thrive. Whether you’re chasing a future in competitive hockey or just love the game, there’s a place for you here.
NORFOLK IS READY FOR OPEN BORDERS – ARE YOU?
While other centers may struggle to adapt to these changes, the Norfolk Knights are thriving. We’ve built a program that doesn’t just survive—it excels in this new environment.
We Develop Players First
Our focus is on giving every player the tools they need to succeed. With excellent coaching, ample ice time, and the best off-ice training programs, the Norfolk Knights are designed to help athletes reach their goals.
We’re Bold and Ambitious
Some programs might hesitate to aim for greatness—but not us. The Norfolk Knights are unapologetically ambitious, and we’re here to dominate the "A" hockey landscape in Ontario.
We Are Built to Last
Our foundation is solid: a strong community, excellent coaching, and a commitment to excellence. As other programs falter, Norfolk will continue to rise.
WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?
For the Norfolk Knights, success isn’t just about banners in the rafters—it’s about building athletes who are prepared for the challenges of hockey and life.
- Thirteen (13) Teams in OMHA Championships in three (3) Years - A testament to the strength of our program.
- Four (4) League Championships
- Countless Success Stories: Our players consistently move on to higher levels of competition and return with stories of how Norfolk shaped their hockey journey.
- Memories That Last a Lifetime: From the bonds built in the dressing room to the victories celebrated on the ice, Norfolk players leave with experiences they’ll never forget.
THE PLACE TO STAY, THE PLACE TO PLAY
Open Borders means players have the freedom to choose where they want to play. The Norfolk Knights are here to make that choice simple:
- Choose a program that prioritizes your development.
- Choose a program that wins.
- Choose a program that’s as ambitious as you are.
- Choose the Norfolk Knights!