OHF Tampering Update: Upholding Integrity, Fairness, and Player Well-Being Across Minor Hockey

Amendments have been made to correctly identify Streetsville Tigers Hockey Club, rather than Streetsville 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  • Withdrawn allegations: 3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 ViolationSanctionAssociation
T25-001Coach announced prior to Feb. 1518-game suspension + $250 fineDon Mills Flyers
T25-002Paid development skates prior to evaluations15-game suspension + $5,000 fineScarborough Ice Raiders
T2 5-005Text message recruitment prior to evaluations15-game suspension + $5,000 fineMarkham Waxers
T25-006Text message recruitment prior to evaluations15-game suspension + $5,000 fineRichmond Hill Hockey Association
T25-007Social media recruitment prior to evaluations15-game suspension + $5,000 fineRiverside Minor Hockey Association
T25-008Email recruitment prior to evaluations15-game suspension + $5,000 fineStreetsville Tigers
Hockey Club
T25-010Private skates used for recruitment15-game suspension + $5,000 fineMississauga Beast
T25-015Recruitment with financial incentive20-game suspension + $5,000 fineYork Mills Hockey Club
T25-016Arena recruitment / business cards15-game suspension + $5,000 fineKingston Minor Hockey
T25-018Early coach announcement + birthday skate15-game suspension + $5,000 fineWest Mall Lightning
T25-019Early recruitment and roster offers15-game suspension + $5,000 fine + players removedSt. Thomas Minor Hockey
T25-026Private skates prior to evaluations6-month suspension + $5,000 fineMississauga Rattlers
T25-028Offered roster spot prior to evaluations15-game suspension + $5,000 fineCambridge Minor Hockey
T25-032Private skates prior to evaluations15-game suspension + $5,000 finePelham Minor Hockey
T25-033Private skates prior to evaluations15-game suspension + $5,000 fineAurora Minor Hockey
T25-038Text message recruitment prior to evaluations15-game suspension + $5,000 fineRichmond Hill Hockey Association
T25-048Invited player from another team to practice15-game suspension + $5,000 fine + player ineligible for teamGrey 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.