Former Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan will lead a review of men’s junior hockey in Ontario, Hockey Canada announced in partnership with Hockey Eastern Ontario, Hockey Northwestern Ontario and the Ontario Hockey Federation, on Saturday.

Shanahan is tasked with improving the experience of junior hockey in Ontario, with an emphasis on improving skills, characters and building sustainable plans for the modern athlete. He will file two reports to a six-person committee, which includes an interim report, followed by a final report to be presented at a later date in 2026, per a release issued by Hockey Canada.

“As a player, parent and executive, Brendan’s experience in the game is second to none and we are extremely appreciative of his commitment to lead this important project that will strengthen the experience for everyone involved with men’s junior hockey in Ontario,” Hockey Canada president Katherine Henderson said in a release. “Brendan is tremendously proud of his Ontario roots, and he has the full support of Hockey Canada and our three Ontario Members as he works to deliver recommendations that will benefit junior hockey in his home province for generations to come.”

“Playing hockey for Team Canada was one of the greatest honours of my career, so to work on this project with Hockey Canada and its three Ontario Members to help give back to the game in my home province is an opportunity that I am very grateful for,” Shanahan said. “Throughout this review, I’m looking forward to learning from those involved in junior hockey in Ontario and better understanding their visions for how we can build a stronger system for everyone participating in our great game.”

Shanahan operated as the Maple Leafs’ president from April 2024-May 2025. Following the 2024-25 season, Shanahan’s contract was not renewed by the Maple Leafs. Shanahan was reportedly interested in a vacancy with the New York Islanders, before the club hired Mathieu Darche as their next general manager.

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