Info & Register

Occasional (Substitute) Player Registration

Occasional Playing Membership is intended for skaters who want to participate in TGHA without being assigned to a permanent team. Occasional Playing Members may be contacted when teams need substitute skaters and may participate in eligible on-ice activities and off-ice events throughout the season.

Use the Register Now button on this page to complete your registration.

Registration at a Glance

• Registration fee: $25.
• Who may register: Skaters seeking Occasional Playing Membership.
• Team assignment: Occasional Playing Members are not assigned to a permanent team.
• Substitute opportunities: Invitations depend on team needs, position, availability, and skill-level matching and cannot be guaranteed.
• Goalies: Goalies must complete the separate Occasional Goalie registration.

Who Should Register?

Occasional Playing Membership may be suitable for you if:

• You are interested in joining TGHA but are not ready to commit to a permanent roster position.
• Permanent team rosters are currently full.
• You would like to be considered for substitute opportunities when teams need additional skaters.
• You would like to participate in eligible TGHA activities and remain connected with the League community.

Registering as an Occasional Playing Member does not place you on a permanent team or guarantee that you will be invited to substitute.

Fees and Membership Benefits

Registration Fee

The registration fee is $25 and covers insurance for on-ice injury and liability.

Membership Benefits

Registered Occasional Playing Members may receive:

• Consideration for substitute opportunities during the season.
• Access to eligible on-ice activities, including skills development sessions and shinnies.
• Invitations to off-ice events, including the holiday party and year-end banquet.
• An opportunity to participate in and remain connected with the TGHA community.
• Occasional Playing Members who meaningfully participate during the season may be invited to register as Permanent Playing Members after returning players and before new players, subject to roster availability and applicable TGHA policies.

Availability, eligibility requirements, registration requirements, and any additional fees for specific activities or events may vary.

How Substitute Opportunities Work

Teams may request substitute players on a game-by-game basis when they have fewer than 10 confirmed skaters. To help maintain fair and competitive team balance, substitutes are selected based on the skill level of the player being replaced.

When a substitute is needed, TGHA will send an email to eligible Occasional Playing Members whose skill level is appropriate for the available position. Opportunities are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Receiving an invitation will depend on several factors, including:

• The needs of the team.
• Your assessed or reported skill level.
• The skill level of the absent player.
• Your position and availability.
• The number of eligible Occasional Playing Members available for the game.

Substitute opportunities vary throughout the season and cannot be guaranteed. Completing this registration does not guarantee game invitations, a minimum number of games, or placement on a permanent team.

Skill Self-Evaluation and Player Evaluation Sessions

Skill Self-Evaluation

As part of registration, you will be asked to complete a self-evaluation of your hockey skills and provide information about your playing experience. TGHA welcomes players of all skill levels.

Your responses help TGHA understand your hockey background and identify substitute opportunities that are appropriate for your current skill level.

Pre-Season Player Evaluation Sessions

Players who register as Occasional Playing Members before the start of the season and who have never previously played with TGHA may have the opportunity to register for a pre-season player evaluation session.

When evaluation sessions are available, eligible players will receive a registration link in their Occasional Playing Member registration confirmation email. Evaluation-session capacity may be limited, and the availability of a session is not guaranteed.

New players are strongly encouraged to attend an evaluation session when one is available. An on-ice evaluation gives TGHA a clearer understanding of your current playing ability than a self-evaluation alone. This allows TGHA to make more confident and accurate skill-level matches when teams request substitute players.

Attending an evaluation does not guarantee substitute opportunities or permanent placement. Players who have never previously participated in a TGHA game as either a permanent player or substitute player may also be required to complete an on-ice assessment before being approved for substitute play.

What Happens After You Register?

1. You will receive a registration confirmation email. Please check your junk or spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox.
2. If you registered before the start of the season, have never played with TGHA, and evaluation sessions are available, your confirmation email will include information about registering for a session.
3. TGHA will use your registration information, self-evaluation, and any applicable on-ice evaluation or assessment to determine your appropriate skill level.
4. When a suitable substitute opportunity becomes available, you may receive an invitation by email.
5. If you are available, follow the instructions in the invitation promptly. Substitute positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Because substitute requests may arise on short notice, Occasional Playing Members should monitor the email address used during registration throughout the season.

Membership Status and League Governance

Occasional Playing Members are non-voting members of TGHA. They are not eligible to participate in Board nominations or Board elections.

Can Occasional Playing Members Become Permanent?

Yes. Eligible Occasional Playing Members may have an opportunity to become Permanent Playing Members when roster positions become available, subject to TGHA's Player Replacement and Substitution Policy and other applicable League policies.

Occasional Playing Members who meaningfully participate throughout the season may receive an invitation to register as Permanent Playing Members after returning players and before new players. Meaningful participation may include:

• Substituting in TGHA games.
• Attending eligible on-ice activities.
• Participating in off-ice events.

Meaningful participation does not guarantee an invitation or permanent placement. All invitations remain subject to roster availability, registration priorities, and applicable TGHA policies.

Before You Register

By completing this registration, you acknowledge that:

• You are registering as a skater and will not be assigned to a permanent team.
• The $25 registration fee covers insurance for on-ice injury and liability.
• Substitute invitations are based on team needs and skill-level matching.
• Substitute games, permanent placement, and access to any particular activity or event are not guaranteed.
• You may be required to complete an on-ice assessment before being approved for substitute play.

Use the Register Now button on this page when you are ready to complete your registration.

Questions or Assistance

For questions about Occasional Playing Membership, registration, player evaluations, or substitute eligibility, please contact:

Justin Hawkins
Director, Member Relations
member_relations@gayhockey.com