The people behind the start of the Central Ontario Hockey Association began their quest in March 1991. At the time they made their initial contact with the O.M.H.A. displaying their interest in starting Zone AAA Hockey in this region.

The O.M.H.A. required a proposal as well as guidelines and a constitution had to be drafted. Along with this they needed signatures of support from all the presidents of Minor Hockey in the original centres. After meeting with all 24 presidents the entire package was presented to O.M.H.A. and approval was granted.

The search began for people to represent all 21 centres at the regular meetings. Regular meetings began in the fall 1991 and an executive was formed The ground work had been laid and it was time to work on the details; equipment was ordered, a logo was drafted; fundraising began and the coaches were put in place.

The first set of tryouts for 9 teams began in August 1992. In September 1992, the first COWHA teams began their season on the ice.