The OHL PDL is an off-season development initiative targeted at young players incorporating Small Area 3-on-3 Games with weekly skill specific development sessions over an 11-week program. Enhancements to this program include on-ice skills with Power Edge Pro (PEP) and information seminars for players and parents. The concept of the OHL PDL was developed with full support from Hockey Canada and the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF). All parties are excited to introduce a progressive and engaging development platform that creates an opportunity for minor hockey players to be exposed to OHL quality teaching methods, technical skill development, and new skill acquisition.
“The Ontario Hockey League is proud to re-launch the Performance Development League for minor hockey players to enhance their skills through the growing popularity of small area games,” said OHL Director of Recruitment and Development Kyle Pereira. “The program has been designed to engage young athletes in a fun, fast paced, skills focused environment as they grow their love of the game in preparation for the season.”
The OHL’s introduction of a Small Area 3-on-3 Games league facilitates a practical setting for players to hone the execution of skills that are learned during drill and video work sessions by guest coaches, creating a premier and unparalleled off-season development experience for Minor Hockey players in Ontario.
"We are pleased to partner with the OHL on the PDL this spring, and are grateful for the opportunity to be part of the development of the best talent in Ontario," said Robert Zaring, Senior Director of Marketing for CCM Hockey. "By providing access to the most innovative and elite gear in the market, we hope to encourage the league's young players to pursue their goals and dreams."
The program will be offered at Oshawa’s Tribute Communities Centre, Oakville’s Sixteen Mile Sports Complex and Kitchener’s Sportsworld Twin Pads. Only 44 participants will be accepted at each location divided into four teams, each comprised of 11 skaters and one goaltender. Eligible players must be registered with the OHF, entering U-16 (2007) or U-14/U-15 (2008/09) programs for the 2022-23 season. Each team will be coached by an OHL alumnus and every ice session will have a Goaltending Coach.
The PDL season will be played from Sunday, May 29th through Sunday, August 14th, with a total of 11 weekly Sunday evening sessions excluding long weekends. Sessions will be 75 minutes long beginning with 50 minutes of skill development, succeeded by 25 minutes of Small Area 3-on-3 Games. Skill sessions will be led by an OHL Assistant Coach or a PEP certified coach.
“Power Edge Pro Hockey is excited to partner with the OHL’s Performance Development League to bring PEP’s Reactive Countering TrainingTM to the next wave of outstanding hockey players in Ontario. We look forward to seeing these players follow in the footsteps of PEP Ambassador Connor McDavid and current OHL PEP Athletes Cole Perfetti and Shane Wright,” said Nick Quinn of Power Edge Pro.
NEW THIS SEASON:
– Partnership with CCM
– Three Ice Sessions led by Power Edge Pro (PEP)
– Three Information Sessions will be held to focus on the OHL Player Experience, High Performance Nutrition, and Mental Skills.
Registration is now open online: Click Here
About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.