OPEN BORDERS IN HOCKEY – NCP
UPDATE
On December 17, 2024, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF – Ontario’s
governing body of all sanctioned ice hockey) confirmed that, effective next
season, there will be totally open borders across Ontario at the U10 age group
and above – at all levels – HL, BB, A, AA, AAA, etc.
OHF Announcement:
https://ohf.on.ca/player-movement/
OHF FAQ Page:
https://ohf.on.ca/player-movement-faqs/ WHAT DOES
THIS MEAN? It means that any player U10 and above is free to play wherever
they want in the province.
WHY WAS
THIS CHANGE MADE? The primary justification for this move is
player/parent choice. This move brings the OMHA (our direct governing body that
is part of the OHF) and the Alliance in line with almost every other minor
sport in the country and the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA), the
Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) and the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association
(OWHA). They all have freedom of movement.
WHAT IS THE NORTH CENTRAL PREDATORS HOCKEY ASSOCIATION PLAN TO THIS
CHANGE?
- Our goal is to continue
to be a Great hockey development center: Over the past
decade, NCP has established itself as one of Ontario's premier development
centers, advancing 47 players to the OHL, CIS, NCAA, and professional
levels. It all begins here. NCP takes pride in its exceptional coaches,
who bring a wealth of experience, hockey expertise, and a strong pedigree
to our AAA teams and programs. Our mission is to recruit seasoned hockey
professionals to lead a cutting-edge development program, setting the
standard for excellence in player growth.
Our graduates include:
à
OMHA Players of the Year - Aidan Dudas 2016, & Ethan
Procyzyn 2022. Leads all OMHA centers over the past 15 years.
à
OHL - 47 draft picks in the past 10 years
à
2019 Canadian World Junior Team - Aidan Dudas - Gold
Medal Winner
à
NCAA - 5 - Joe Howe, Jon Balah, Zach Tupker, Ben Tupker,
Will Redick
à
ECHL - 7 - Ben and Zach Tupker
à
AHL - 5 - Aidan Dudas, Mitchell Russell, Mitchell Weeks,
Phil Daoust, Chas Sharpe
à
Europe - 2 - Daryl Bat, Dave Wrigley, Aidan Dudas
à
NHL Contracts - Aidan Dudas, Phil Daoust, Colby
Barlow, Chas Sharpe, Connor Punnett, Ethan Procyzyn
Coaching: For the
past decade, the Predators have focused on attracting, retaining, and
developing exceptional coaches. Known as a preferred destination for coaching
talent, we provide unwavering support to ensure their success. Exceptional
coaches who lead outstanding programs are the foundation of our success and key
to attracting top players.
In
compliance with OHF regulations, we will announce our coaching roster on
February 15th. This roster will feature experienced, seasoned professionals
dedicated to our teams' development. Our coaches benefit from unparalleled
opportunities, including attending The Coaches Site Conference in Ann Arbor,
Michigan, where they learn from leading experts in the sport, including NHL,
OHL, and NCAA coaches. Additionally, they have access to external coaching
resources and a dedicated mentorship program, fostering continuous growth and
development.
- Video Room: Our coaches will have
access to high-speed Wi-Fi and state of the art video analysis at our home
rink in RAMA.
- Home Rink: NCP home rink has
customized dressing rooms, with trainers room, pregame prep area including
stationary bikes.
- Skill Development: We
aim to enhance on-ice skill development with sessions led by former
professional players. To achieve our goal of 4 hours of weekly practice,
the organization is seeking additional out-of-zone ice time to supplement
the current 3 hours per week.
- Player Mentor Program: Next
season, we will implement a formal plan to offer additional ice time and
development opportunities by allowing players to practice with older age
groups. This initiative, introduced this season, has been an overwhelming
success and has significantly contributed to player growth and
development.
- Strength and
Conditioning: Players build their athletic foundation,
strength, and power at Sports Medicine, our dedicated team training
facility. In addition to team sessions, players will benefit from
individualized training and gain access to an online app, enabling them to
train at home or at their local facility between scheduled sessions. These
services are essential to player athletic development.
- Nutrition and Mental
Performance: Each team benefits from mental performance and
nutritional coaching, designed to enhance on-ice performance and support
overall athlete wellness.
- On-Ice Sport Testing
and Fitness Testing: Data collection and athlete tracking
are vital for growth and development, monitored consistently through
in-gym KPIs and on-ice testing and evaluations.
- Hockey
Advisor: The association has engaged a
highly experienced player consultant who specializes in NCAA regulations,
the OHL draft, and junior hockey pathways. This expert will work closely
with players and their families to help them understand available
opportunities and maximize their chances of achieving their goals. At the
start of the season, a seminar with a Q&A session will be organized
for U15, U16, and U18 players.
- Videographer/Producer: The organization
will be providing U16 and U18 players access to expert
videographers/producers who will work with the club’s Hockey Advisor to
produce content that scouts and coaches need to see.
- Player Safety: The health and
wellness of our NCP players is our top priority. Through Orillia Sports
Medicine, players receive PRIORITY access to healthcare for injury
treatment, including expedited referrals to the region’s leading
physicians and orthopedic surgeons.
Concussion Management: Certified Concussion Management practitioners ensure players return to
play both quickly and safely. These services are covered by Hockey Canada’s
insurance program and extended health care plans. Players can also opt for
multimodal baseline testing, providing practitioners with comprehensive data to
make informed return-to-play decisions.
Trainers: NCP
trainers undergo hands-on education and training from experienced
concussion-certified professionals. They have access to a support emergency
line and are required to complete additional sideline concussion education.
Trainers work directly with Orillia Sports Medicine experts to develop and
implement safe return-to-play plans.
- Affiliation: NCP has become an
affiliate of a OJHL Junior A team, GOJHL Junior B Team, and a Junior C
Team in order to facilitate pathways for players to AP throughout the
season. Exciting announcements will be made in the coming months.
12. Year-round development: The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) has
received requests from associations to offer year-round programming. While the
OHF continues to review the Seasonal Calendar in alignment with the Hockey
Canada Player Pathways, there will be no changes to the Spring and Summer 2025
calendar.
However,
we will provide high-performance,
OHF-compliant programming for 8 weeks during May and June. There will be no official Predator
programming in July or the first two weeks of August. High-performance skill
sessions will commence on August 15th, with team training camps starting on
August 23, 2025.
- Development U7, U8, U9: 2 seasons ago NCP
ran a U8/9 program and we plan to provide 2 weekend camps for these age
groups.
Why Play for NCP?: At NCP, player development is not just a priority—it
is our foundation and driving force. Your son will receive unmatched coaching, elite-level
skill development, and optimal
ice time, paired with a comprehensive focus on physical and mental growth. Our commitment to
excellence ensures that every player is equipped with the tools to reach their
full potential. When it comes to player
development, no organization delivers more—BAR NONE!
https://northcentralpredators.com/Articles/5557/Predator_Proud_-_Procyszyn_Drafted_to_the_NHL_/
https://northcentralpredators.com/Articles/5480/Predator_Alumnus_Connor_Punnett_Signs_NHL_Deal_/
https://northcentralpredators.com/Articles/5464/Predator_Alumni_Leading_their_OHL_Clubs/
https://northcentralpredators.com/Articles/5352/Pred_s_OHL_Draft_Picks_Remember_the_Past_Excited_for_their_Futures_/
https://northcentralpredators.com/Articles/5337/NCP_Grads_Punnett_and_Procyszyn_Meet_in_OHL_Playoffs/
https://northcentralpredators.com/Articles/5195/Procyszyn_-_OMHA_Player_of_the_Year/
https://northcentralpredators.com/Articles/4878/NCP_PROUD_Congratulations_PHIL_DAOUST_/