2025-2026 OHF Player Open Movement

What Does Open Borders Mean?

On December 17, 2024, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) confirmed that effective next season (2025-26) there will be open borders across Ontario at the U10 age group and above. This means elimination of restrictions and import quotas governing player movement between hockey leagues and regionally associations under the OHF, including the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) and Willowdale Hockey Club (WHC). It also means enhancement of tampering rules and stricter enforcement.

Why Open Borders?

The driver is choice – parents and players wanted restrictions removed to be able to play anywhere in Ontario. This change also brings the OHF and its members in line with most other sports across the country.

Willowdale Hockey Club Response

Willowdale Hockey Club (WHC) embraces OHF Player Movement changes and is aligned to the new rules. 

In accordance with the new guidelines, WHC has posted its player programs and coach names as of February 17, 2025. 

Click here for more information: https://willowdalehockey.com/2025-2026-gthl-teams-coaches-and-tryouts/

Highlights from OHF

Key information regarding OHF Player Movement changes is as follows. 

For complete details, click here: https://www.ohf.on.ca/news/2024/key-changes-to-player-movement-regulations/

Enhanced Player Movement

Beginning in the 2025–2026 season, OHF Minor Hockey Players in the U10 age group and above will have the opportunity to participate with the Association of their choice regardless of Category (AAA, AA, A, BB, B etc.).

House League for U9 and Below Participants

House League players in the age group of U9 and below can continue to play anywhere within OHF.

Local Programming for Younger Participants in MD and Select

Players in the U9 age group and below will participate within their Member (ALLIANCE, GTHL, NOHA, and OMHA) under Member Regulations for Select and Minor Development hockey.

Pause on addition of Representative Teams for U10 age group and above

The OHF is implementing a temporary hold on the addition of Rep teams at U10 age group and above by Associations and OHF Members. This hold will allow for a thorough review and adjustment of the number of teams at each age group and Category.

Development of Geographically Structured Leagues

To improve accessibility and participation, the OHF, in conjunction with our Minor Members, will work to establish geographically structured leagues. This new framework will reduce travel burdens and promote a more inclusive hockey environment across all regions.

Increased Penalties for Tampering

The OHF and its Minor Members will introduce timelines and increased penalties for recruiting players, during the current season, on other teams for the next season. Such penalties will apply to anyone involved with a team.

Immediate Application of Adopted Regulations

The Player Movement Committee will remain active, adjusting the Rules and Regulations for the 2026-2027 season and addressing any unintended consequences that may arise.

The adopted Regulations will be effective immediately, with the exception that rostering and affiliation for the 2024-2025 season will remain in effect for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season.