Hockey Canada has announced the implementation of a series of significant changes in the western provinces, aimed at enhancing the development of junior players through the Western Canadian Development Model pilot project for the 2024-25 season. This initiative follows the submission of a comprehensive proposal to Hockey Canada by its four western members, their respective junior A leagues, and the major junior Western Hockey League.
The changes introduced include the mandatory requirement for junior A players under the age of 18 to continue wearing full-face protection in accordance with the International Ice Hockey Federation guidelines. In contrast, players over the age of 18 are now permitted to choose to wear half-face protection. Moreover, the Western Hockey League (WHL) teams can now have up to nine 15-year-old players participate in up to 10 games in a season, an increase from the previous limit of five affiliate players for only five games. Additionally, WHL clubs can now dress two 15-year-old affiliate players if the team is unable to field a full lineup, as opposed to the previous limit of one.
All junior A leagues in Western Canada involved in the pilot project will adhere to the WHL Rule Book, with some exceptions. Hockey Canada aims to conduct ongoing evaluations of the pilot project throughout the 2024-25 season, with the expectation of potential expansion in subsequent seasons.
According to Pat McLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President of Strategy for Hockey Canada, “By increasing flexibility for junior hockey players and families in Western Canada, we anticipate that we will see higher quality competition on the ice, all the way up to the national team level when Canada is competing internationally in the years to come.”
In other hockey-related news, the Kelowna Rockets have engaged in a minor trade, sending forward Trae Johnson to the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for a 2026 bantam draft pick. The Rockets will receive a sixth-round pick in the deal. Johnson, who was acquired from Brandon at the 2023 trade deadline, completed his only full season with the Rockets, recording three goals and 10 assists in 57 games.
Furthermore, the Kelowna Rockets have secured Czech defenceman Max Psenicka in the Canadian Hockey League import draft, adding height to their defensive lineup. The 6’4″ defenceman spent a significant portion of the previous year with HC Slavia Praha U17 in the Czech U17 league.
Moreover, the Rockets are bidding farewell to their Director of Communications and Social Media, Paige Bednorz, as she transitions to a new role with the Edmonton Oilers digital team. Bruce Hamilton, President and General Manager of the Rockets, has expressed well wishes for Bednorz’s future endeavours and recognized her substantial contributions to the Rockets organization.
These developments in the hockey world are expected to have a substantial impact on the landscape of junior hockey and the operations of teams, with potential implications for player development and team dynamics.