15 Jan OHF Tampering Update: Upholding Integrity, Fairness, and Player Well-Being Across Minor Hockey
The Ontario Hockey Federation is providing a public update on tampering allegations and resulting sanctions since the introduction of open player movement in Minor Hockey in December 2024.
This update reflects the OHF’s continued commitment to its core organizational values:
- Safe – Ensuring all participants feel mentally and physically secure
- Fun – Creating positive, development-focused hockey experiences
- Accessible – Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion across the game
- Integrity – Upholding fairness, respect, accountability, and honesty
- Progressive – Strengthening collaboration, learning, and responsible leadership
Why Tampering Rules Matter
Integrity is central to the OHF’s revised tampering regulations, introduced in December 2024 to reinforce fairness, transparency, and accountability across all levels of the game.
These rules exist to protect players from unnecessary pressure and distraction during the season, allowing them to focus on development, team belonging, and enjoyment of the game—without the stress of early recruitment or uncertainty about their future.
To put this into perspective:
Imagine being partway through a season while already knowing you will not be part of your team next year. How would that affect your motivation, confidence, and sense of belonging? How would it impact your development on and off the ice?
As stewards of the game, associations, coaches, and administrators share a responsibility to foster environments where players feel valued, respected, and supported throughout the season.
Summary of Tampering Allegations (Dec. 2024 – Jan. 8, 2026)
Since the implementation of the amended regulations, the OHF has received multiple reports related to alleged tampering. All allegations are reviewed carefully and assessed on the balance of probabilities.
- Total allegations received: 52
- Substantiated allegations: 16
- Unsubstantiated allegations: 26
- Withdrawn allegations: 3
- Currently under investigation: 7
Sanctioned Tampering Cases(Substantiated Allegations)
| Case # | Description of Violation | Sanction | Association |
| T2 5-0 01 | Coach announced prior to Feb. 15 | 18-game suspension + $250 fine | Don Mills Flyers |
| T2 5-0 02 | Paid development skates prior to evaluations | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine | Scarborough Ice Raiders |
| T2 5-0 05 | Text message recruitment prior to evaluations | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine | Markham Waxers |
| T2 5-0 06 | Text message recruitment prior to evaluations | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine | Richmond Hill Hockey Association |
| T2 5-0 07 | Social media recruitment prior to evaluations | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine | Riverside Minor Hockey Association |
| T2 5-0 08 | Email recruitment prior to evaluations | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine | Streetsville Minor Hockey |
| T2 5-0 10 | Private skates used for recruitment | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine | Mississauga Beast |
| T2 5-0 15 | Recruitment with financial incentive | 20-game suspension + $5,000 fine | York Mills Hockey Club |
| T2 5-0 16 | Arena recruitment / business cards | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine | Kingston Minor Hockey |
| T2 5-0 18 | Early coach announcement + birthday skate | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine | West Mall Lightning |
| T2 5-0 19 | Early recruitment and roster offers | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine + players removed | St. Thomas Minor Hockey |
| T2 5-0 26 | Private skates prior to evaluations | 6-month suspension + $5,000 fine | Mississauga Rattlers |
| T2 5-0 28 | Offered roster spot prior to evaluations | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine | Cambridge Minor Hockey |
| T2 5-0 32 | Private skates prior to evaluations | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine | Pelham Minor Hockey |
| T2 5-0 33 | Private skates prior to evaluations | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine | Aurora Minor Hockey |
| T2 5-0 38 | Text message recruitment prior to evaluations | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine | Richmond Hill Hockey Association |
| T2 5-0 48 | Invited player from another team to practice | 15-game suspension + $5,000 fine + player ineligible for team | Grey Bruce Highlanders AAA MHA |
Commitment Moving Forward
The OHF and it’s Members remains committed to improving the culture of hockey across Ontario. By enforcing tampering regulations consistently and transparently, we aim to protect player well-being, preserve fairness, and reinforce trust in the development process.
Together, by respecting timelines and boundaries, we can continue to grow the game the right way.