The Ontario Hockey League announced the re-launch of the OHL Performance Development League (PDL).

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. Enhancements to this program include on-ice skills and information seminars for players and parents. The concept of the OHL PDL has developed with full support from Hockey Canada and the Ontario Hockey Federation. 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 PDL season will be played from Sunday, April 26, 2020 through Sunday, July 5, 2020, with a total of 11 weekly Sunday evening sessions excluding long weekends (sample schedule). Sessions will be 75 minutes long beginning with 50 minutes of skills development, succeeded by 25 minutes of Small Area 3-on-3 Games. Skill sessions will be led by an OHL Assistant Coach or a certified coach. Each team will be coached by an OHL Alumnus and every ice session will have a Goaltending Coach.

“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 Joe Birch, OHL Vice President of Development. “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 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 by guest coaches creating a premier and unparalleled off-season development experience for minor hockey players in Ontario.

“This is a great opportunity for Minor Bantam and Bantam aged players to work on their skill development in small area games,” said Ian Taylor, OMHA Executive Director. “This is an exciting program and the skills learned by the players can be carried over and applied into next season.”