The University of Guelph and Guelph Minor Hockey Association have extended their partnership for another five years.
The two have been in partnership for 10 years, with GMHA hockey the first of 10 local minor sports programs to enter an agreement with the school and become "Jr. Gryphons."
"The partnership will continue to provide support for all members of GMHA, including access to U of G facilities, skill development, and free tickets for Jr. Gryphon players to U of G varsity games, while now offering resources and access to professionals in the areas of equity, diversity and inclusion, education, sport science, safe sport, sports management, and other non-specific support," said a joint news release.
“This is a great community partnership and something very unique to Guelph,” said director of athletics, Scott McRoberts. “Our vision is to enhance hockey in our community not only on the ice, but off the ice as an educational resource, while giving our students experiential learning opportunities. We’re excited to see Guelph minor hockey players continue to develop, while continuing to see the support of our Gryphon teams, cheering our athletes on in the stands.
"With such a rich history of hockey in Guelph, we are proud to be growing our partnership with our local minor sport community.”
GMHA has roughly 1,450 players across 32 representative teams, six select teams, and 51 house league teams.
“We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with the University of Guelph,” said GMHA president, Chris Ste Croix. “Our members will have the opportunity to continue to utilize the exceptional support, resources, and access to facilities the University of Guelph has to offer.
"Additionally, all of our players will continue to take great pride in wearing the iconic gryphon logo, as they have over the past 10 years. As an association, we are looking forward to strengthening our partnership and for the excellent athletic and personal development opportunities offered through this continued partnership.”
