Dear Chebucto Families,
On behalf of the Chebucto Minor Hockey Association (CMHA), I’d like to welcome everyone back for the 2026–27 hockey season. Whether you’re returning for another year or joining Chebucto for the first time, we’re excited to have you as part of our hockey community.
A great deal of work has been happening behind the scenes to prepare for the season. Our volunteers, coaches, Technical Director, and Executive have been working to get our programs, evaluations, teams, and ice schedules ready, and I want to thank everyone who has already contributed their time.
For the first time in a while, I’m very pleased to say that all of our Executive positions and initial tryout Division Coordinator roles are filled. I’d like to thank everyone who has stepped up to take on these roles and contribute their time and energy to CMHA.
This season, we have begun the process of replacing our team jerseys. This will be a significant undertaking that will occur over time across the association. As part of this effort, we are actively seeking jersey sponsors. Sponsorship provides an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to support minor hockey in our community while helping CMHA manage the significant cost of outfitting our teams. If you are interested in representing your business or organization on our jerseys through sponsorship, please reach out to me or our Equipment Manager.
Our complaint resolution process also continues to improve, with a focus on ensuring concerns are handled in a structured, consistent and fair manner, with the goal of reaching timely and appropriate resolutions.
One of our biggest areas of focus this season will be the culture of Chebucto Minor Hockey. We want Chebucto to be known not only for developing good hockey players, but for developing people of outstanding character—people who work hard, treat others with respect, support their teammates, and do the right thing whether someone is watching or not. Our symbol, the lighthouse, continues to shine whether someone is there to see it or not. We want that same principle reflected in our players.
That responsibility extends to all of us. Players should strive to be great teammates, coaches should model the behaviour they expect, and parents should demonstrate class, respect, and enjoyment of the game. Bullying, intimidation, and behaviour that tears others down have no place within our teams.
Our goal is for these values to become part of what it means to have played hockey at Chebucto. Years from now, when someone encounters one of our former players and is impressed by how hard they work, how they carry themselves, and how they treat others, we want them to learn where that person played minor hockey and think:
“Chebucto. Of course.”
That reputation will take time to build. This season, we are planning to put more emphasis on reinforcing these values through our communications as well as our programs. Winning and developing hockey players matter, but the character of the people who come through our association should also be one of the most important measures of our success.
As always, none of what we do would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and the support of our membership. From coaches and team managers to evaluators, tournament volunteers, and the many people working behind the scenes, your time and energy are the backbone of Chebucto Minor Hockey. The support, involvement, and commitment of our players and families are equally important in making CMHA a strong hockey community. If you have an opportunity to get involved this season, I encourage you to do so. And if you have a suggestion for how we can make CMHA better, please forward it along. We welcome the ideas and feedback of our membership.
Please continue to watch our website and social media for schedules, tryout information, development opportunities, and other important updates throughout the season.
Most importantly, I hope our players have a great year. Work hard, compete, enjoy the game, support your teammates, and make friendships and memories that extend well beyond the rink.
Here’s to a safe, enjoyable, and successful 2026–27 season. I look forward to seeing everyone at the rink.
Sincerely,
Bryan Esbaugh
President
Chebucto Minor Hockey Association
GrayJay Sports
