Interim report on men's junior hockey in Ontario published

Public survey launched in conjunction with report

NR.013.26

February 13, 2026

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TORONTO, Ontario – In partnership, Hockey Eastern Ontario, Hockey Northwestern Ontario, the Ontario Hockey Federation and Hockey Canada have published Players First, an interim report from IIHF Triple Gold Club member and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Brendan Shanahan, who is leading a review of men’s junior hockey in Ontario.

The report outlines the current state of junior hockey in Ontario and highlights five pillars that appear to be impacting the player experience:

Player Movement and Pathways
Training and Competition Standards
Safety, Wellbeing and Healthy Culture
Off-Ice Experience
Financial Accessibility and Equity

To support the ongoing review, a public survey is open to provide Ontario men’s junior hockey players, parents, alumni, billet families, administrators, volunteers, owners and staff the opportunity to help inform the recommendations that will be delivered to the six-person governance committee of Craig Halpenny (Hockey Eastern Ontario), Dean Filane (Hockey Northwestern Ontario), Jeffrey Turner (Ontario Hockey Federation), Jonathan Goldbloom (Hockey Canada), John Kastner (Hockey Canada) and Katherine Henderson (Hockey Canada).

“In the last month, I have reviewed research, started to meet with those involved in the system and attended Junior A and Junior B games as I continue to learn what areas may be impacting the player experience across the province,” said Shanahan. “It is clear from everyone I have talked to thus far that there is a new opportunity to evolve, as well as alignment on ensuring the system is doing what’s best for Ontario, and Ontario’s junior hockey players, their leagues, teams and communities.”

Players First can be downloaded here.

“Since Brendan began his review, his commitment to doing what’s right for men’s junior hockey players and their experiences on and off the ice has been second to none,” said Henderson, on behalf of the governance committee. “We are looking forward to hearing from him as he continues his research, and to receiving his recommendations this spring.”

The public survey will remain open until Feb. 24 at 11:59 p.m. ET.