Employment Opportunity: Vice President, Hockey Operations
Location: Hybrid (Toronto, ON preferred)
Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Reports to: Commissioner
Salary & Benefits: Commensurate with experience
About the OHL
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is recognized globally as a leader in the development of elite hockey talent. With 20 member teams across Ontario, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, the OHL is a vital component of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), committed to excellence in competition, player development, and community leadership. The League prides itself on upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and innovation in junior hockey.
Position Overview
The OHL is seeking a strategic, experienced, and highly respected hockey executive to serve as its Vice President, Hockey Operations. This senior leadership role is responsible for the oversight and execution of all core functions within the League’s Hockey Operations department, ensuring competitive excellence, rule and policy compliance, player and official development, and operational integrity across the League.
The successful candidate will bring a proven track record in elite-level hockey leadership, outstanding communication skills, and a deep commitment to advancing the mission and values of the OHL.
Key Responsibilities
1. Hockey Operations Oversight
- Lead all facets of OHL Hockey Operations including officiating, player services, registration, eligibility, discipline, and competitive structure.
- Enforce League rules and policies; guide strategic development of rule evolution and on-ice innovation.
- Represent the OHL at CHL, national, and international events and meetings.
- Chair or support discipline reviews, investigations, and appeals with integrity and fairness.
2. Team and General Manager Relations
- Act as primary liaison between the League and OHL General Managers.
- Provide regular communication, guidance, and leadership support to teams on rules, policies, and compliance.
- Maintain and update the OHL General Managers Manual.
- Lead the planning and execution of the Annual OHL General Managers and Coaches Leadership Conference.
3. Departmental Supervision
Provide management and leadership oversight for the following functions and staff:
- Officiating: Support the Director, Officiating to oversee officiating leadership and development; ensure accountability and consistency in performance evaluation.
- Education Services: Guide implementation of scholarship and education policy in partnership with the Director, Education Services.
- Player Experience & Recruitment: Collaborate on retention strategies, orientation programs, player wellness initiatives, and standards development with the Director, Player Experience.
- Player Safety: Support the Director, Player Safety and League medical advisors in implementing safety protocols and welfare strategies and carrying out discipline policies.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with: Marketing & Communications: Shape communication strategies around player development, officiating, and League initiatives.
- Culture & Community: Strengthen League values, inclusion strategies, player programs and team culture initiatives.
- Hockey Development: Align on-ice performance goals with League development programs.
- League Administration: Coordinate logistics for scheduling, officials, and regulatory processes.
5. Committee Leadership
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- Serve as the staff lead and active participant of internal OHL committees, including:
- General Managers Committee
- Competition Committee
- Officiating Committee
- Hockey Development Committee
- Recruitment Committee
- Athletic Therapists Committee
- Additional ad-hoc working groups as required
- Represent the OHL on CHL-level committees: CHL Hockey Operations Committee
- CHL National Drug Testing Program (CDT)
- Memorial Cup Hockey Operations & Game Committee
- CHL Import Draft and Special Event Committees
6. Player Registration & Transactions
- Review and approve Standard Player Agreements (SPAs) and transactions involving player movement and draft picks.
- Oversee protected list management and all forms of player registration, including:
- HCR entries
- International (IIHF) and U.S. transfers
- SPA and player card certification
7. Draft & Priority Selection
- Lead all aspects of the U16 and U18 Priority Selections.
- Manage software platforms (e.g., RinkNet) and validate draft order and procedures.
- Oversee live execution of the OHL Draft in coordination with the Communications team.
8. Budget & Financial Accountability
- Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets across all Hockey Operations units.
- Ensure alignment with League-wide financial policies and cost-efficiency targets.
- Work collaboratively with finance staff on forecasting, reporting, and funding for strategic initiatives.
Qualifications
- Senior-level experience in hockey operations, ideally within the CHL, NHL, international, or national sport organization environment.
- Demonstrated leadership ability in managing multidisciplinary teams and high-stakes operations.
- Strong knowledge of CHL/OHL policies, player development pathways, and regulatory environments.
- Skilled communicator with experience managing sensitive issues and fostering trust with diverse stakeholders.
- Background in law, sport management, or business administration considered an asset.
Why Join the OHL?
- Lead strategic and operational transformation in one of the world’s premier hockey development leagues.
- Play a central role in shaping the future of junior hockey and supporting the next generation of athletes.
- Work alongside a passionate team of professionals committed to excellence, inclusion, and player-first values.
- Make a meaningful impact on the sport at the regional, national, and international level.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: Sunday, June 22, 2025
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume in confidence to: Katrina Deas Email: [email protected]
The Ontario Hockey League is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented communities.
