Hockey Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan has been appointed to lead a comprehensive review of men's junior hockey in Ontario. This initiative has been announced by Hockey Canada, which will receive recommendations from Shanahan and three of its Ontario members. Shanahan, who previously served as the president of the Toronto Maple Leafs for over a decade until his departure in May 2023, will report to a six-person governance committee tasked with overseeing the review process.
As part of his responsibilities, Shanahan will produce an interim paper that outlines a framework for consulting with various stakeholders involved in junior hockey. This interim report is expected to be completed in the upcoming weeks. Following this, a final report containing his recommendations is anticipated to be delivered later in 2026. Hockey Canada has emphasized the importance of this review by stating that it is critical to understanding and improving the junior hockey experience.
In remarks regarding his new role, Shanahan expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the sport that has been a significant part of his life. He stated, “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.” His commitment to engaging with stakeholders highlights his intent to gather diverse insights on how to enhance the junior hockey system.
The three Ontario members involved in this initiative are Hockey Eastern Ontario, Hockey Northwestern Ontario, and the Ontario Hockey Federation. The recommendations from Shanahan’s review will focus on the experiences necessary for developing both the skills and character traits required for competitive athletes in Ontario’s junior hockey league.
Furthermore, the review aims to ensure that the proposed model for junior hockey is athlete-centred, development-focused, and provides clearly defined pathways for players and their families. This is particularly relevant considering the ongoing changes in the junior hockey landscape, which may impact how young athletes progress in their hockey careers.
Hockey Canada plans to make both the interim paper and the final report publicly available once they are submitted to the Ontario governance committee. This transparency suggests a move towards fostering collaboration and communication within the hockey community, aimed at creating a stronger infrastructure for junior hockey in Ontario.
Overall, Shanahan’s leadership in the review signifies a crucial step towards reevaluating and potentially transforming the junior hockey system in Ontario. His vast experience in the sport, combined with a clear focus on athlete development, sets a promising foundation for future improvements in the game's structure and the athlete experience.
