Ontario's minor hockey scene is undergoing a seismic shift as the Ontario Hockey Federation's open movement enters its third year as a pilot project ahead of the 2025‑26 season.
The initiative, which allows players at the AA and A levels to move more freely between associations, has produced a mixed picture: some clubs are thriving while others are struggling to ice even a single team.
A New Era for Minor Hockey
Phil McKee, the OHF's executive director, says the experiment is forcing the hockey community to confront long‑standing assumptions about player development and team composition.
One of the most contentious issues is billeting, the practice of assigning players to teams based on geography rather than skill. The OHF has repeatedly warned that unrestricted billeting can create power imbalances and raise safety concerns, and it has now formalized policies to keep associations out of the selection process.
Feedback loops are already in place; the federation is gathering input from stakeholders to refine the open‑movement framework and address the frustrations of those who feel the old protective system is eroding.
McKee emphasizes that common sense and a developmental mindset should guide parents as they navigate this new landscape. He advises families to research coaches, consider the amount of ice time their children will receive, and ensure that enjoyment remains at the forefront of the experience.