Hockey Canada has announced the hiring of former NHL player and executive Brendan Shanahan to conduct a review of Men’s Junior hockey across the province of Ontario.
The goal is to strengthen junior hockey across the region, and help usher in a a more “athlete-centred” approach to developing players. According to a press release, Shanahan will report to a six person governing committee consisting of Craig Halpenny (HEO), Dean Filane (HNWO), Jeffrey Turner (OHF), Jonathan Goldbloom (Hockey Canada), Joshn Kastner (Hockey Canada), and Katheriine Henderson (Hockey Canada).
“As a player, parent and executive, Brendan’s experience in the game is second to none and we are extremely appreciative of his commitment to lead this important project that will strengthen the experience for everyone involved with men’s junior hockey in Ontario,” said Henderson on behalf of the committee. “Brendan is tremendously proud of his Ontario roots, and he has the full support of Hockey Canada and our three Ontario Members as he works to deliver recommendations that will benefit junior hockey in his home province for generations to come.”
Per Hockey Canada, Shanahan’s goal will be to provide recommendations to improve upon four guiding principles:
- Prioritize the needs, development and wellbeing of players at all levels of junior hockey in Ontario, with policies and frameworks that are rooted in healthy player experiences.
- Foster collaboration across Hockey Canada, its Ontario Members and junior hockey stakeholders in the province to establish recommendations around a cohesive governance model with consistent, aligned development pathways, clear roles and responsibilities, and a unified approach to junior hockey excellence.
- Maintain transparency and openness throughout the process, ensuring stakeholders are consulted and informed in decision-making to build trust and confidence in renewed governance and the broader hockey system.
- Embed Hockey Canada’s core values into his recommendations around governance structures and actions to be taken.
The HHOF inductee will then provide an interim and final report on his findings, and submit them to Hockey Canada for review. Hockey Canada has committed to publicly releasing the findings of the report.
“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,” said Shanahan. “Throughout this review, I’m looking forward to learning from those involved in junior hockey in Ontario and better understanding their visions for how we can build a stronger system for everyone participating in our great game.”
As a player, Shanahan appeared in 1,524 NHL games, scoring 656 goals and tallying 698 assists as a member of the New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers. The 56 year old also played two seasons of hockey in the OHL for the London Knights between 1985-1987.
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