The partnership will continue to support youth in sport within their local communities
CAMBRIDGE, ON (October 22, 2025) – The Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) is proud to announce it will extend its long-standing partnership with Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) to continue supporting local community-based sports. This exclusive partnership will see DFO’s involvement in a number of areas across OHA’s leagues including: OJHL, GOHL and PJHL.
Part of the partnership is the continuation of the very successful annual ‘OHA Bursary Program, presented by DFO’, where Six (6) OHA members receive a bursary of $5,000 each for their outstanding achievements on the ice, in their classroom and within their communities. All OHA members are eligible for the Bursary program. In addition, DFO will support key programming throughout the calendar year with activations and product distribution as well as having branding on-site in all the OHA member-leagues.
“DFO is proud to continue partnering with the OHA and supporting athletes on and off the ice,” said Cheryl Smith, CEO at Dairy Farmers of Ontario. “Through our partnership with OHA, we are able to foster the next generation’s passion not only for sport, but also for personal growth and achievement, reflecting the commitment and pride our dairy community carries throughout Ontario.”
“The OHA looks forward each year to continuing its strong partnership with Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Over the years, OHA leagues, players, and officials have greatly benefited from this valued relationship,” OHA Executive Director Mark Tuck said. “The OHA sincerely thanks DFO for their ongoing support of our Bursary Programs, League Showcases, and All-Star Games, which continue to provide meaningful opportunities for our athletes and officials both on and off the ice.
For more information about the OHA, please visit OHAHockey.ca. For more information on the Dairy Farmers of Ontario please visit new.milk.org.
About the Ontario Hockey Association
The Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) was founded on November 27, 1890, and is the governing body for the majority of Junior and Senior hockey in the Province of Ontario. It is comprised of three Junior hockey leagues and two Senior hockey leagues: Junior A – Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior B – Greater Ontario Hockey League; Junior C – Provincial Junior Hockey League, Senior –Allan Cup Hockey (AAA) and Ontario Elite Hockey League (AA). For the 2025-2026 season, these five leagues encompass 123 teams. 3100 players, and about 6,000 games each hockey season. The majority of our players are 16 to 21 years of age.
The objectives of the OHA are to foster and encourage the sport of amateur hockey, to conduct competition in the various categories established, to determine teams for entry into the inter-branch competitions that may be provided by Hockey Canada, and to provide for the affiliation of other hockey organizations.
The OHA provides administrative resources, coordinates programs, services and events for hockey participants and provides support to various Development Programs for coaches, officials, trainers and players, Safety and Risk Management Issues and offers resources for Harassment and Abuse education.
About Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk for a dynamic, profitable growing dairy industry. Ontario’s 3,187 dairy farmers, their families and employees are proud to produce high-quality milk for Canadians. For more information, visit www.milk.org.
About MilkUP
MilkUP is Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s bold and dynamic Gen Z lifestyle brand. Whether through academics, sports or entertainment, MilkUP is there encouraging Gen Zs to ‘milk every moment’. Our brand motivates Ontario youth using authentic experiences that inspire them to realize their untapped potential and re-embrace milk as a lifestyle staple. Learn more about MilkUP initiatives at new.milk.org/MilkUP.
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For more information or to set up an interview, please contact:
Chris McCleary
General Manager, Operations & Marketing
Ontario Hockey Association
Dairy Farmers of Ontario
