The Ontario Hockey League announced today that registration is now open for the third season of the OHL Performance Development League (PDL) presented by CCM.

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 a 10-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) and expanded to Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) for the summer of 2023. 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 offer the Performance Development League for minor hockey players to enhance their skills through the growing popularity of small area games,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “The program was designed to engage young athletes in a fun, fast paced, skills-focused environment as they grow their love of hockey and prepare for the upcoming season."

The OHL’s continued operation 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 sessions by guest coaches, creating a premier and unparalleled off-season development experience for minor hockey players in Ontario.

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"We are excited for this opportunity for OHF players to enhance their areas of skill development through the exposure of OHL quality teaching methods. The experience gained during their participation in this program will assist our players and coaches in reaching their goals for the upcoming season," said John Kastner, OHF Chair of the Board.

The program will be offered at Oshawa’s Tribute Communities Centre, Oakville’s Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, Kitchener’s Activa Sportsplex and Ottawa’s Sensplex - Kanata. A maximum of 44 participants will be accepted at each location divided into four teams, each comprised of 9-11 skaters and two goaltenders. Eligible players must be registered with the OHF, entering U16/U18 (2006/2007/2008) or U14/U15 (2009/2010) programs for the 2023-24 season. Each team will be coached by an OHL alumnus or current OHL player and every ice session will have goaltending instruction.

The PDL season will be played from Sunday, May 7th through Sunday, July 23rd, with a total of 10 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.

NEW THIS SEASON:

• Seven ice sessions led by Power Edge Pro (PEP)
• Three ice sessions led by an OHL Coach – three different focus areas
• On-ice goaltending instruction
• Three information sessions will be held to focusing on OHL player experience, high performance training, nutrition and mental skills

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