Major Off-Season Rule Change: PJHL Opens Player Movement Between Junior Levels

Big news is shaking up the Ontario junior hockey scene this off-season.

The Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) is making headlines with a significant change to player movement rules that takes effect this off-season—one that’s expected to benefit players whose priorities are shifting beyond the rink.

Effective June 1, players from Junior A and Junior B teams will be allowed to sign with PJHL teams without needing a release or permission from their current clubs. Even more notably, no compensation or transfer fees will be required between teams.

This rule change, passed under the Ontario Junior Development Model, reflects a growing understanding that junior hockey players aren’t just athletes—they’re also students, employees, and young adults making important life decisions.

As players move through their late teens and early twenties, many begin to prioritize education, career opportunities, or staying closer to home. The PJHL recognizes this, and now offers a more flexible, accessible path for players who still want to compete at a high level while balancing life outside of hockey.

For the first time, PJHL teams can also contact players from Junior A and B leagues directly during the off-season, without requiring approval from those players’ current organizations.

“This change gives players more control over their future,” said the PJHL Commissioner, Terry Whiteside. “When hockey is no longer the only priority, the PJHL offers a competitive option that better fits their evolving goals.”

Whether it’s a university schedule, a new job, or simply a desire to be closer to home, players now have more freedom to choose the environment that works best for them — without red tape.

As of June 1, expect to see a wave of movement across Ontario as players reassess where hockey fits in their lives — and many will find the right balance within the PJHL.