The Ontario Hockey League announced the launch of the new 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 over an 11 week program.
The concept of the OHL PDL has 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 introduce the Performance Development League for Minor Hockey players to enhance their skills through the growing popularity of small area games,” said Joe Birch, OHL Senior Director of Hockey Development and Special Events. “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. Sessions will be led by OHL personnel with special 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 new program and the skills learned by the players can be carried over and applied into next season.”
The inaugural PDL season will be played from Sunday June 3, 2018, through Sunday August 26, 2018, 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.
There will be a number of professional guest coaches and alumni at each location.
Name | Role | Information |
---|---|---|
James Richmond | Guest Coach | General Manager & Head Coach, Mississauga Steelheads |
Stefan Legin | Guest Coach | Skill Development Coach, Mississauga Steelheads |
Jeff Kyrzakos | Guest Coach | Asst. General Manager & Asst. Coach, Mississauga Steelheads |
Brendan Taylor | Guest Coach | Asst. Coach, Mississauga Steelheads |
Luca Caputi | Guest Coach | Asst. Coach, Guelph Storm |
Adam Dennis | Guest Coach | Asst. Coach & Asst. General Manager, North Bay Battalion |
Liam Herbst | OHL Alumni Team Coach | Player Alumni |
Stephen Gibson | OHL Alumni Team Coach | Player Alumni |
Aaron Berisha | OHL Alumni Team Coach | Player Alumni |
Michael Cramarossa | OHL Alumni Team Coach | Player Alumni |
Name | Role | Information |
---|---|---|
Nathan McIver | Guest Coach | Asst. Coach, Oshawa Generals |
Derrick Walsner | Guest Coach | Asst. Coach, Peterborough Petes |
Mike Duco | Guest Coach | Skill Development Coach, Peterborough Petes |
Wes Wolfe | Guest Coach | Asst. Coach, Erie Otters |
Greg Nemisz | Guest Coach | Asst. Coach, Oshawa Generals |
Todd Miller | Guest Coach | Asst. Coach, Barrie Colts |
Nick Zottl | OHL Alumni Team Coach | Player Alumni |
Scott Simmonds | OHL Alumni Team Coach | Player Alumni |
Jake Smith | OHL Alumni Team Coach | Player Alumni |
Jake Friend | OHL Alumni Team Coach | Player Alumni |
Share with your friends on Facebook and join the largest network of hockey parents.