Minor Hockey Talks - Hockey Forum

The OHL cancelling its 2020 season due to COVID-19 raises some interesting questions about player development. How did this lost season impact the long-term trajectory of these young athletes? Did it create an unexpected advantage for some players, perhaps allowing late bloomers to catch up? Or did it disproportionately hurt others, especially those draft eligible? I’m curious to hear from coaches and parents who experienced this firsthand. What were the biggest challenges, and were there any unexpected silver linings?

Furthermore, this unprecedented disruption forces us to consider the bigger picture. Is our current hockey development model too rigid? Should we be rethinking how we prepare young players for the next level, particularly in the face of potential future disruptions? I’m going to go out on a limb and predict that we’ll see some significant changes in the coming years, possibly with more emphasis on individual skill development and off-ice training. What changes do you envision, and what impact might they have on the future of the game?