Brendan Shanahan Report Offers 11 Recommendations for Ontario Junior Hockey Brendan Shanahan's report on Ontario junior hockey makes 11 recommendations, approved by Hockey Canada and set for immediate adoption to improve player development. Brendan Shanahan, a Hockey Hall of Famer and former president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has delivered a report on junior men's hockey in Ontario that makes 11 recommendations to improve the system. The report, released Friday by Hockey Canada, was commissioned in January and is designed to help junior hockey in the province develop and care for athletes while navigating changes in NCAA eligibility that have altered the junior hockey landscape and created more playing opportunities for players aged 19 and 20. Background and Scope of the Ontario Junior Hockey ReviewShanahan was asked by Hockey Canada to conduct a review of junior hockey in Ontario. His report is intended to help teams and leagues adapt to the evolving hockey environment. Ontario's junior hockey system is more complex than other provinces, with three member associations and multiple Junior A, B and C leagues. The review involved over 50 interviews and a survey of 700 people.In a statement, Shanahan said it was clear that many dedicated people are involved with men's junior hockey in Ontario and are passionate about ensuring the system thrives. He said the 11 recommendations reflect what was heard from individuals across the province. He expressed hope that once implemented, men's junior hockey in Ontario will be more athlete- and development-focused, with clearer pathways for players and their families to navigate.Key Recommendations for Player Development and GovernanceThe recommendations include that Hockey Canada create an executive role to oversee men's junior hockey in Ontario. They also call for separating the governance and delivery of men's junior and minor hockey in Ontario. Another recommendation is for Hockey Canada to establish an Ontario men's junior hockey advisory committee that reviews and provides recommendations on potential rule, regulation and policy changes.To improve player movement, the report recommends allowing incoming players aged 16 and 17 to register with eligible teams across the province without geographic restrictions. It also suggests adopting consistent playing rules aligned with the Ontario Hockey League across all men's junior hockey leagues. Additionally, it calls for improved communication and collaboration between men's junior hockey and Ontario University Athletics, accredited schools, and under-18 and under-16 hockey.Other recommendations include developing a standardized billeting policy for men's junior hockey. The report also recommends expanding annual mandatory off-ice education and training courses from Hockey Canada. It suggests requiring all men's junior hockey leagues to have education consultants available to players. A player pathway hotline through Hockey Canada is proposed to give players and their families independent and real-time support and guidance. Finally, the report recommends expanding and enhancing post-playing career pathway programs.Approval and Implementation PlansHockey Eastern Ontario, Hockey Northwestern Ontario, the Ontario Hockey Federation and Hockey Canada have approved the report. Hockey Canada president and chief executive officer Katherine Henderson said Shanahan's recommendations will be adopted immediately.In a statement, Henderson said Hockey Canada is just as optimistic as Shanahan for the future of men's junior hockey in Ontario and is eager to implement his recommendations as early as this winter. She said this will continue to strengthen the experience for players and their families.This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 25, 2026.