SAINT JOHN, N.B. (CP) - Hockey Canada approved sweeping changes to minor and junior hockey at its annual general meeting Monday.
The Canadian Development Model (CDM) was passed by Hockey Canada's board of directors, which affects age elibility in all levels of junior hockey, and will be effective as of the start of the 2005-06 season.
"We truly feel this model is in the best interest of our players across the country and will help develop these players by having them play at an appropriate level," Hockey Canada officer Marcel Redekop said in a release.
The CDM, which has been in the works for more than a year, tackles such contentious issues as the number of non-Canadian players in Canadian junior hockey, and the exceptional player provision, which is related to the John Tavares case.
Tavares will play major junior hockey as a 15-year-old in 2005-06 after the Oshawa Generals drafted him first overall under the "exceptional player" provision.
Under the CDM, 15-year-olds shall only register and play in minor hockey, unless the player believes he is "exceptional," and then that player can appeal to compete in major junior hockey under an exceptional player provision.
Among other rulings, Hockey Canada stated that 15-year-olds shall not be permitted to register and play as affiliated players with junior teams.
In addition, as of the 2007-08 season, each major junior team will be allowed to carry just one non-North American player. The CDM also states the major junior ranks will determine the maximum number of American players eligible for Canadian-based teams by 2007-08.