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 junior men’s hockey, released by Hockey Canada Friday. The report aimed to enhance athlete care, navigate NCAA eligibility changes, and create more playing opportunities for players aged 19 and 20. Shanahan, a Hockey Hall of Famer and former Maple Leafs president, stated that many dedicated individuals involved in Ontario’s men’s junior hockey system were passionate about improving the system.

His recommendations were based on over 50 interviews and a survey of 700 people. The recommendations include creating an executive role for Hockey Canada to oversee junior hockey in Ontario, separating governance and delivery of men’s and minor hockey, establishing an advisory committee to review rule changes, allowing younger players to register with teams province-wide, aligning playing rules with the Ontario Hockey League, improving communication between junior hockey and Ontario University Athletics, developing a standardized billeting policy, expanding mandatory education courses, requiring education consultants for players, creating a player pathway hotline, and enhancing post-playing career pathway programs.

All four member associations of Ontario junior hockey have approved the report, and Katherine Henderson, Hockey Canada's president and CEO, stated that the recommendations will be implemented immediately, particularly in the winter.