OHL launches Performance Development League
New opportunity for bantam-age players will be offered out Whitby, Mississagua in summer
The OHL and OHF are teaming to offer a three-on-three summer hockey league for bantam aged players.
The OHL Performance Development League was unveiled in a join OHL and OHF press release on Wednesday.
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. The concept was developed with full support from Hockey Canada and the OHF, states a press release.
Peterborough Petes GM Mike Oke said OHL staff will assist in coaching and running the league and he fully expects involvement from Petes coaches.
“It’s an opportunity for some of the kids to enhance their skills and development and introduce them to different concepts on and off the ice,” Oke said.
“It also gives them a chance to hear some different voices. As minor hockey players, a lot of them become accustomed to hearing from the same coaches. This gives them an opportunity to hear some of the same concepts but maybe delivered a little bit differently.”
Young hockey players will be exposed to OHL quality teaching methods, technical skill development and new skill acquisition. “The OHL is going to take a hands-on approach and our hockey people will be involved,” said Oke, who envisions an opportunity for OHL players, past and present, to make guest appearances.
“They can answer some of the questions players and parents might have in regard to the development process they went through,” said Oke.
The OHL’s introduction of the first 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.
Sessions will be led by OHL personnel with special guest coaches creating a premier and unparalleled off-season development experience, states the release.
“This is a great opportunity for OHF players and staff to work with the OHL in the most important areas of skill development,” said Tony Foresi, OHF president.
“The OHF and its minor members are pleased to be part of the evolving approach to player development and I am confident that the experience gained during this program will help our players, coaches, and staff involved.”
The program will be offered at Whitby’s Iroquois Park Sports Centre and Mississauga’s Iceland. A total of 56 participants will be accepted at each location divided into four teams each comprised of 12 skaters and two goaltenders. Eligible players must be registered with the OHF, entering Bantam (2004) or Minor Bantam (2005) programs for the 2018-19 season.
The inaugural PDL season will be played from June 3 to Aug. 26 with a total of 11 weekly Sunday evening sessions excluding long weekends. Sessions will be an hour long beginning with 25 minutes of skills development, succeeded by 25 minutes of small area 3 on 3 games.
NOTE: Registration is now open online at https://event.hockeycanada.ca/EMS/Event.aspx?eid=d1ad345c-3a91-4dc2-b204-ca6b318dd959.
It’s an opportunity for some of the kids to enhance their skills and development’ MIKE OKE PETES GENERAL MANAGER