Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today 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 over an 11 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 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 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.
“We are excited for this opportunity for OHF players, coaches and staff 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 Tony Foresi, OHF President.
The program will be offered at Whitby’s Iroquois Park Sports Centre, Oakville’s Sixteen Mile Sports Complex and Kitchener’s Activa Sports Complex. Only 44 participants will be accepted at each location divided into four teams each comprised of 11 skaters and one goaltender. Eligible players must be registered with the OHF, entering Bantam (2006) or Minor Bantam (2007) programs for the 2020-21 season. Each team will be coached by an OHL Alumnus and every ice session will have a Goaltending Coach.
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. 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 PEP certified coach.
“Power Edge Pro Hockey is excited to partner with the OHL’s Performance Development League to bring PEP’s Reactive Countering TrainingTM to the next wave of outstanding hockey players in Ontario. We look forward to seeing these players follow in the footsteps of PEP Ambassador Connor McDavid and current OHL PEP Athletes Cole Perfetti and Shane Wright,” said Nick Quinn of Power Edge Pro.
NEW THIS SEASON:
– Three Ice Sessions led by Power Edge Pro (PEP)
– Three Information Sessions will be held to focus on the OHL Player Experience, High Performance Nutrition, and Mental Skills.
Registration is now open online: Click Here
Sample Schedule: Click Here
OHL Writers 