OPEN BORDERS & UNRESTRICTED MOVEMENT
WHAT ARE THE CENTRAL ONTARIO WOLVES DOING ABOUT IT?
WAIT, WHAT?
On December 17th, 2024, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF- Ontario’s governing body of all sanctioned hockey) announced that effective next season (2025-26), players U10 and older will have the freedom to join any team in Ontario.
OHF Announcement: https://ohf.on.ca/player-movement/
OHF FAQs: https://ohf.on.ca/player-movement-faqs/
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
This groundbreaking change in minor hockey opens incredible new doors! Non-Wolves players can join the Central Ontario Wolves and current Central Ontario players now have the freedom to explore opportunities with other teams, without any restrictions. It’s a game-changer—the most monumental shift in Ontario minor hockey in over 30 years!
If you're already a Wolf, take pride in knowing that Central Ontario remains the ultimate hub for honing your skills, competing with top talent, and advancing to elite programs like Junior A and the OHL. While concerns about this transition are understandable, our dedicated Executive team is laser-focused on ensuring Central Ontario is the premier destination for passionate players. The future here has never been more thrilling- let’s embrace it together!
WHAT IS THE CENTRAL ONTARIO WOLVES ASSOCIATION DOING ABOUT IT?
This change may have been thrust upon us, we choose to see it as an incredible opportunity—a rallying cry to come together and make this an extraordinary transformative moment for our players. We are laser-focused and determined to turn this into the most exciting and beneficial chapter in Wolves hockey history.
We’re stepping into this new era with a clear, bold vision: attract, retain, and develop elite players. Our goal is to be the ultimate destination for player development and success. We are committed to creating an environment where every player thrives—honing their skills, building confidence, and showcasing their talent at the highest level.
With open borders, the competition is fierce, but so is our commitment to excellence. We are doubling down on top-tier coaching, unmatched facilities, elite training programs, and unparalleled pathways and opportunities to prepare players for Junior A, OHL, NCAA and beyond. This is more than hockey—it’s a pathway to your dreams.
HOW WILL CENTRAL ONTARIO MAXIMIZE A PLAYER’S CHANCE OF SUCCESS IN AN OPEN BORDER ENVIRONMENT?
1. Elite Coaching: We’ve increased our investment (we mean that literally) in highly experienced coaches with proven records of advancing players to Junior A, OHL, and NCAA programs. Great coaches build great hockey programs. We believe players stay where the coaches are unmatched. While OHF’s regulations prevent us from announcing next season’s coaches until February 15, we want to assure you that we are already hand-picking top-tier coaches to lead our teams and next season is shaping up to be one of our most exciting yet!
2. Ice Time: In many areas ice is scarce, teams scrape by with 2-2.5 hours of practice each week. Not here. At Central Ontario, we’ve got ice and we’re not afraid to use it. We guarantee AAA players a minimum of 4 hours of practice ice weekly at top-tier facilities. Pair that with elite coaching and you’ve got the ultimate recipe for player improvement; consistent, high-quality on-ice development with the best in the game.
3. Off-Ice Fitness & Mental Performance Development:
We offer year-round strength, conditioning, and mental performance training, powered by partnerships with top performance experts who have taken many athletes to the highest levels of success. Get ready to elevate your game and push your limits—both on and off the ice!
4. Pathways to Junior A & OHL Development Programs:
Our extensive network of scouts, advisors, and program partnerships provides players with clear actionable pathways to reach Junior A or OHL levels. To parents who think their child needs to join the GTHL to get noticed by scouts- think again. Players can stay right here in Central Ontario, develop their skills and still get the attention they deserve. The opportunities are here and so is the recognition. Play here, stay here, dominate everywhere!
5. Video Analysis & Scouting Content:
Creating an impactful video for scouts is both a skill and a strategy—and at Central Ontario, we’ve got you covered. We provide families with access to expert videography and top-notch game footage, ensuring your player’s highlight reel stands out and grab the attention of scouts.
6. Enhanced Recruitment:
We are passionate about preserving and strengthening hometown hockey. Our priority is to develop teams filled with players from Central Ontario, but sometimes, that means bringing in talent from outside the region. History has demonstrated that even with a strong core of talented local players, a team can struggle if it’s missing a few key players with game-changing skills. When that happens, top Central Ontario players may seek opportunities elsewhere, believing they have a better chance to win. We are committed to keeping the best players here and building teams that are unstoppable.
To keep the best local talent and build championship-caliber teams, we will strategically bring in top-tier players from across Ontario. Our goal is simple: support our local players while adding the right mix of talent to create teams with a true Central Ontario identity. It’s all about building the best teams, with the best of both worlds.
WHY IS CENTRAL ONTARIO THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR FAMILY?
The Central Ontario Wolves are your ultimate destination for elite coaching, unmatched development resources, and proven pathways to higher levels of hockey.
With the new OHF open-border policy, we’re turning the Wolves into an organization where players want to come, not just a club they have to play for due to geography. Our commitment to building a cutting-edge development model ensures that small-town hockey stays strong, while giving every player the tools they need to reach their full potential.
We’re beyond excited to embrace this new opportunity and continue to be the top choice for players and families across Ontario. We hope to see you around the Central Ontario rinks for many years to come.
Play Here, Stay Here, Dominate Everywhere! Go Wolves!