Brendan Shanahan to review men's hockey in Ontario, but the results may reinforce the sport's decline in Canada

"Some people may think of his illustrious playing career, which saw him regarded one of the league's better power play specialists while also winning the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and three Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings. Others may think of his work in the NHL's front office, specifically with regard to business development and as the league's senior vice president."

"Just half a year after his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs expired in the summer of 2025, Brendan Shanahan will be appointed by Hockey Canada to lead a review of men's junior hockey programs in the province of Ontario. As part of the review, Brendan Shanahan will be reporting directly to three Ontario hockey federations - Hockey East Ontario, Hockey Northwestern Ontario, and the Ontario Hockey Federation - in addition to Hockey Canada's higher-ups."

"But while the move is a promising sign for Ontario hockey, it's only coming a little while after the fact that hockey isn't necessarily the most popular sport in Canada became more common knowledge than a rumour. According to a Sports360 study conducted between March and April of 2025, 73% of Canadian youth (ages 3 to 17) were registered in at least one physical activity."

Brendan Shanahan had an illustrious playing career, regarded as a top power-play specialist, winning the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and three Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings. He later worked in the NHL front office on business development and served as senior vice president. He helped bring Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares to the Toronto Maple Leafs and experienced the collapse of his "Shanaplan." Half a year after his Leafs contract expired in summer 2025, he will lead a Hockey Canada review of men's junior hockey in Ontario, reporting to three provincial federations and Hockey Canada. A Sports360 study found hockey tied at 10% youth participation, behind swimming and soccer, and youth hockey participation has been declining.

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