Key Takeaways
- Brendan Shanahan, a former NHLer and Toronto Maple Leafs president, has been hired to lead a review of junior hockey in Ontario.
- The review aims to make recommendations to further evolve junior hockey in the province, focusing on developing athletes’ skills and character.
- Shanahan will report to a six-person committee and produce two public documents: an interim paper and a final report with his recommendations.
- The review will prioritize players’ needs, well-being, and development, while maintaining collaboration, transparency, and openness.
Introduction to the Review
A former NHL executive has found a new role in a different capacity. On Saturday, Hockey Canada announced that longtime NHLer and former Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan has been hired to lead a review of junior hockey in Ontario. This role comes in partnership with Hockey Eastern Ontario, Hockey Northwestern Ontario, and the Ontario Hockey Federation. The review aims to make recommendations to help "further evolve junior hockey in the province." As a Team Canada alumnus, Shanahan is well-suited to lead this review, bringing his experience and expertise to the table.
The Review Process
The review process will involve Shanahan reporting to a six-person committee, as well as producing two public documents. The first document will be an interim paper, set to be submitted in the coming weeks, which will include a framework for consulting with stakeholders. The second document will be a final report with Shanahan’s final recommendations, which will be submitted later in the year. The recommendations will focus on how to develop the skills and character of athletes, considering their overall experiences while playing junior hockey in Ontario. The goal is for Shanahan to "ensure the model in Ontario is athlete-centred, development-focused," providing the proper path for players and families, while giving insight to the changing landscape of junior hockey.
Shanahan’s Approach
Shanahan’s work will include taking four principles into account: prioritizing the players’ needs, well-being, and development, maintaining proper collaboration between Hockey Canada and Ontario members, maintaining transparency and openness through the process, and embedding Hockey Canada’s core values in his recommendations. Shanahan has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work on this project, stating that "playing hockey for Team Canada was one of the greatest honours of my career, so to work on this project with Hockey Canada and its three Ontario Members to help give back to the game in my home province is an opportunity that I am very grateful for." He looks forward to learning from those involved in junior hockey in Ontario and better understanding their visions for how to build a stronger system for everyone participating in the game.
Research and Consultation
The initiative will be informed by existing studies that have been conducted by members, as well as additional consultation and research that Shanahan will conduct with stakeholders in Ontario in the coming months. This will ensure that the review is comprehensive and takes into account the perspectives of all those involved in junior hockey in Ontario. By prioritizing the needs and well-being of players, Shanahan’s review aims to create a positive and supportive environment for athletes to develop their skills and character. The review’s focus on collaboration, transparency, and openness will also help to build trust and ensure that the recommendations are implemented effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brendan Shanahan’s review of junior hockey in Ontario is an important step towards creating a stronger and more supportive system for athletes. With his experience and expertise, Shanahan is well-suited to lead this review and make recommendations that will benefit players, families, and the sport as a whole. By prioritizing the needs and well-being of players, and maintaining collaboration, transparency, and openness, the review aims to create a positive and supportive environment for athletes to develop their skills and character. The final report and recommendations will be eagerly anticipated, and it is hoped that they will have a positive impact on the sport of hockey in Ontario.