Key Takeaways
- The Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) and Hockey Canada are on a collision course over the future pathway for women’s hockey in Canada.
- Hockey Canada’s "Rise as One" document criticizes the OWHA’s governance model, citing inconsistencies and challenges in the delivery of women’s and girls’ hockey in Ontario.
- However, Hockey Canada’s own research, presented in a "research reveal" to members, does not support the criticisms made in the public report, with Ontario ranking highly in several categories.
- The OWHA is the primary producer of women’s hockey talent in Canada, with 14 members of the 2025 national team coming from Ontario.
- The OWHA has become a landing spot for top players from other provinces, with many moving to Ontario for better development opportunities and exposure.
Introduction to the Conflict
The 1987 World Women’s Hockey Tournament was a precursor event to the 1990 World Championships and 1998 Olympics, and it was planned and executed by the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA). Fast forward to 2025, and the OWHA and Hockey Canada appear to be on a collision course over the future pathway for women’s hockey in Canada. Hockey Canada’s "Rise as One" document, released in 2025, outlines a blueprint for women’s and girls’ hockey in Canada, but it also takes aim at the OWHA, citing the unique governance model in Ontario as problematic.
Criticism of the OWHA
The "Rise as One" document states that the governance model in Ontario has caused additional challenges, including inconsistencies with league and association structures, registration reporting, insurance, policies, scheduling, coaching, and training processes. The document also criticizes the overall governance structure of women’s and girls’ hockey in Ontario, stating that it is outdated or ineffective. However, the document does not provide any evidence to support these claims, and instead relies on general statements and criticisms.
Hockey Canada’s Research
Despite the criticisms made in the public report, Hockey Canada’s own research, presented in a "research reveal" to members, does not support the claims made against the OWHA. The research, conducted by marketing agency IMI International, surveyed over 7,500 Canadians, including players, coaches, parents, and volunteers, and found that Ontario did not rank at the bottom of any metric. In fact, Ontario finished atop positive scales for "level of competitiveness" and "training/support", and was one of only four provincial bodies with an overall net positive score.
The OWHA’s Success
The OWHA is the primary producer of women’s hockey talent in Canada, with 14 members of the 2025 national team coming from Ontario. The OWHA has also become a landing spot for top players from other provinces, with many moving to Ontario for better development opportunities and exposure. The OWHL U-22 Elite, Canada’s only true Junior league for women, is the primary producer of NCAA and PWHL talent from Canada, as well as members of Canada’s U-18 and senior national teams.
Critiques of the OWHA
The main critiques of the OWHA stem from a few items, including the lack of enforced borders for player movement and the push for girls to play girls’ hockey instead of boys’ hockey. However, these issues are not unique to Ontario, and are magnified in many other provinces. The OWHA has also been a historic adversary of Hockey Canada, which has been slow to support women’s and girls’ hockey.
Reaction to the Report
The report’s placement of a clear target on the OWHA was a surprise to many, including those within the OWHA and other provincial bodies. The repeated mention of Ontario and the OWHA in the blueprint has some preparing for a fight. Hockey Canada’s attempts to control all hockey in Canada have led to similar fights in recent seasons, including in men’s hockey with the departure of the BCHL from under Hockey Canada control.
Conclusion
The conflict between the OWHA and Hockey Canada is a complex issue, with both sides having valid points. However, the evidence suggests that the OWHA is not the problem, but rather a success story in the development of women’s hockey in Canada. The OWHA’s governance model may have its challenges, but it has produced some of the best female hockey players in the world. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be important to consider the evidence and the perspectives of all parties involved, rather than relying on general criticisms and assumptions.
