OHF Issues Public Update on Tampering Allegations and Consequences

Date: Jan, 14, 2026 11:00 AM EDT

Upholding Integrity, Fairness, and Player Well-Being Across Minor Hockey

The Ontario Hockey Federation is providing a public update on tampering allegations and resulting sanctions since the introduction of open player movement in Minor Hockey in December 2024.

This update reflects the OHF’s continued commitment to its core organizational values:

  • Safe – Ensuring all participants feel mentally and physically secure

  • Fun – Creating positive, development-focused hockey experiences

  • Accessible – Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion across the game

  • Integrity – Upholding fairness, respect, accountability, and honesty

  • Progressive – Strengthening collaboration, learning, and responsible leadership

Why Tampering Rules Matter

Integrity is central to the OHF’s revised tampering regulations, introduced in December 2024 to reinforce fairness, transparency, and accountability across all levels of the game.

These rules exist to protect players from unnecessary pressure and distraction during the season, allowing them to focus on development, team belonging, and enjoyment of the game—without the stress of early recruitment or uncertainty about their future.

To put this into perspective:

Imagine being partway through a season while already knowing you will not be part of your team next year. How would that affect your motivation, confidence, and sense of belonging? How would it impact your development on and off the ice?

As stewards of the game, associations, coaches, and administrators share a responsibility to foster environments where players feel valued, respected, and supported throughout the season.

Summary of Tampering Allegations (Dec. 2024 – Jan. 8, 2026)

Since the implementation of the amended regulations, the OHF has received multiple reports related to alleged tampering. All allegations are reviewed carefully and assessed on the balance of probabilities.

  • Total allegations received: 52

  • Substantiated allegations: 16

  • Unsubstantiated allegations: 26

  • Withdrawn allegations: 3

  • Currently under investigation: 7

Sanctioned Tampering Cases (Substantiated Allegations)

Case #

Description of Violation

Sanction

Association

T25-001

Coach announced prior to Feb. 15

18-game suspension + $250 fine

Don Mills Flyers

T25-002

Paid development skates prior to evaluations

15-game suspension + $5,000 fine

Scarborough Ice Raiders

T25-005

Text message recruitment prior to evaluations

15-game suspension + $5,000 fine

Markham Waxers

T25-006

Text message recruitment prior to evaluations

15-game suspension + $5,000 fine

Richmond Hill Hockey Association

T25-007

Social media recruitment prior to evaluations

15-game suspension + $5,000 fine

Riverside Minor Hockey Association

T25-008

Email recruitment prior to evaluations

15-game suspension + $5,000 fine

Streetsville Minor Hockey

T25-010

Private skates used for recruitment

15-game suspension + $5,000 fine

Mississauga Beast

T25-015

Recruitment with financial incentive

20-game suspension + $5,000 fine

York Mills Hockey Club

T25-016

Arena recruitment / business cards

15-game suspension + $5,000 fine

Kingston Minor Hockey

T25-018

Early coach announcement + birthday skate

15-game suspension + $5,000 fine

West Mall Lightning

T25-026

Private skates prior to evaluations

6-month suspension + $5,000 fine

Mississauga Rattlers

T25-028

Offered roster spot prior to evaluations

15-game suspension + $5,000 fine

Cambridge Minor Hockey

T25-032

Private skates prior to evaluations

15-game suspension + $5,000 fine

Pelham Minor Hockey

T25-033

Private skates prior to evaluations

15-game suspension + $5,000 fine

Aurora Minor Hockey

T25-038

Text message recruitment prior to evaluations

15-game suspension + $5,000 fine

Richmond Hill Hockey Association

T25-048

Invited player from another team to practice

15-game suspension + $5,000 fine + player ineligible for team

Grey Bruce Highlanders AAA MHA

 

Commitment Moving Forward

The OHF and it's Members remains committed to improving the culture of hockey across Ontario. By enforcing tampering regulations consistently and transparently, we aim to protect player well-being, preserve fairness, and reinforce trust in the development process.

Together, by respecting timelines and boundaries, we can continue to grow the game the right way.

OHF Issues Public Update on Tampering Allegations and Consequences