Shanahan report makes 11 recommendations to improve Ontario junior hockey

Former NHL player and executive Brendan Shanahan delivered an 11-point report to improve Ontario’s junior men’s hockey system. Shanahan, a Hockey Hall of Famer and former president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was commissioned by Hockey Canada to review the system in January. The report, released by Hockey Canada on Friday, aims to develop athletes, navigate NCAA eligibility changes, and create more playing opportunities for players aged 19 and 20.

Shanahan expressed appreciation for the dedicated people involved with Ontario’s men’s junior hockey and stated his hope that the implemented recommendations would make the system even more focused on player development and provide clearer pathways for players and their families.

The recommendations include creating an executive role for Hockey Canada to oversee junior hockey in Ontario, separating the governance and delivery of men’s and minor hockey in the province, establishing an Ontario men’s junior hockey advisory committee, allowing incoming players aged 16 and 17 to register without geographic restrictions, aligning playing rules across all junior leagues, improving communication between junior hockey and Ontario University Athletics, developing a standardized billeting policy, expanding mandatory off-ice education and training, requiring education consultants in all junior leagues, creating a player pathway hotline, and enhancing post-playing career pathway programs.

Hockey Eastern Ontario, Hockey Northwestern Ontario, the Ontario Hockey Federation, and Hockey Canada have all approved the report. Hockey Canada’s president and chief executive officer, Katherine Henderson, confirmed that the recommendations will be adopted immediately, aiming to strengthen the player experience and support for players and their families as early as this winter.