Hockey Development Summit Paves the Way for Enhanced Player Growth in Ontario

Toronto – October 24, 2024 – A two-day Junior Hockey Development Summit took place this week, uniting key decision-makers from across Ontario. The summit included representatives from all three Ontario branches of Hockey Canada—the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO)—focused on shaping the future of Junior Hockey in the province.

Representatives from all levels of Sanctioned Junior Hockey participated in the discussions, including the Ontario Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey Association and its three leagues—the Ontario Junior Hockey League, Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, and Provincial Junior Hockey League—as well as the Northern Ontario Hockey Association, Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, Central Canada Hockey League, and Superior International Junior Hockey League.

The primary goal of the Junior Hockey Development Summit was to assess, improve, and enhance Junior Hockey’s role in player development across Ontario.

Held at the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel, the summit focused on innovative strategies and best practices to foster young talent, ensuring their long-term success both on and off the ice. Detailed discussions centered around the newly adapted Western Development Model, with a focus on tailoring it to Ontario’s unique needs.

Key Highlights from the Summit:

• Holistic Player Development: Attendees stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to player development in Ontario, incorporating health and wellness education, life skills training, and community involvement to support the overall growth of young athletes.
• Innovative Training Techniques: Experts shared cutting-edge training methods designed to enhance fundamental skills, game intelligence, physical fitness and mental wellness. Emphasis was placed on age-appropriate and position-specific training and the value of multi-sport participation to develop well-rounded athletes both on-and off the ice.
• Mental Health and Wellness: The importance of mental health in player development with discussions around strategies for building mental resilience, managing stress, and fostering a positive team culture.
• Collaborative Development Pathways: A need for collaboration among coaches, parents, and organizations to create a more supportive and structured pathway for players, including changes to help athletes compete at the appropriate level.
• Data/assessment: The use of data and ongoing individual player assessments, especially through situational observation, was identified as essential to effective player development.
• Communication: Recognition of communication gaps between players, parents, and organizations as a challenge that must be addressed. Clear and consistent communication will be key to supporting long-term player development.
• Steering Committee Formation: Committee, composed of key decision-makers from all involved organizations, was established to oversee the process for the next 12-24 months. The goal is to implement initial changes for the 2025-26 season, with further enhancements targeted for 2026-27.

“Our current system has been largely unchanged for decades. These two days brought together all the Ontario Junior stakeholders into one room – which is unprecedented,” said John Kastner, Chair of the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) Board of Directors. “The level of cooperation and the desire to produce an excellent development system and landscape was universal.”

“By focusing in a holistic sense on both the physical and mental aspects of the game, we can create a more positive and sustainable environment for our athletes in Ontario. The insights and strategies shared at this summit are invaluable,” added David Branch of the Ontario Hockey League. “We are excited to implement these new approaches and see the positive impact on our players.”

“The Summit brought together key decision-makers involved in Junior Hockey across Ontario and culminated with a shared consensus and common vision supported by all attendees on making meaningful changes and reducing barriers to improve the overall developmental experience of players,” said Marc Mercier, Chair of the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) Board of Directors. “There is a collective desire for these changes to happen as soon as possible, which should also benefit the families that are the backbone of support for these players.”

About the Hockey Development Summit:

The Hockey Development Summit was launched with a focus on advancing player development within the Hockey Canada system. It brought together top experts to share insights, address challenges, and explore innovative solutions to enhance the growth and success of Junior Hockey players. In closing, attendees reaffirmed their commitment to making strategic changes aimed at improving the long-term development of players in Ontario.

About the Ontario Hockey Members:

Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), and The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) are Provincial Sports Organizations operating under Hockey Canada, responsible for overseeing amateur hockey in Ontario. At the start of each new hockey season, these organizations offer administrative support, coordinate programs, and organize services and events for hockey participants and their Associations.

• For more information on the Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) please visit hockeyeasternontario.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
• For more information on the Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO) please visit hockeyhno.com, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
• For more information on the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) please visit OHF.on.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.

For more information, please contact:

Phillip McKee

Executive Director
Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF)
(226) 533-9075
pmckee@ohf.on.ca