The CHL—made up of the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL—is Canada’s top junior league and a launchpad to the pros. Players are drafted as young as 14–16 years old after years of scouting, interviews, and hard work. It’s fast, intense, and full of pressure—but if you’re drafted, you’ve earned your shot. Now it’s time to prove you belong.
What Is The CHL?
- Is the top set of Junior Leagues (also known as the Major Junior Hockey Leagues) in Canada and includes the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, & Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
- Considered semi-professional, meaning players receive stipends but not full salaries but also receive education packages and housing/meal support.
Drafts
- OHL & QMJHL Drafts:
- Typically drafted at 15 turning 16, following their U16 or U18 AAA season.
- WHL Bantam Draft:
- Players are drafted at 14 turning 15 (U15 year) though they rarely make the team right away.
- CHL also holds an Import Draft for foreign players.
How It Works
- Prior to the draft, starting at ~14-15 years old, scouts are watching as many games as they can during their U15-U18 AAA seasons to analyze and assess players in that draft year.
- Players are ranked by Central Scouting, but rankings aren’t final—teams draft based on need and preference.
- Teams will conduct interviews either over the phone, in-person, or a questionnaire before the draft to assess personality, mindset, and fit.
- The type of interview indicates how interested the team is in you.
- Draft Day:
- It’s highly unpredictable and emotional. Whatever happens, happens.
- A player’s draft position may differ significantly from their ranking.
You Got Drafted
- CONGRATULATIONS on being drafted!
- Once drafted, a team holds your CHL rights. You can’t go to another CHL team unless traded or released.
- Your behaviour, punctuality, and professionalism will be constantly monitored, including how you are with a billet family.
- Everything is a TEST, so make the MOST of it.
Training Camps
- “Run and Gun” camps – intense, fast-paced, and highly competitive.
- By Day 1, 10-15 guys will get cut immediately.
- You get one opportunity to show how good you are, so use it!
Getting Cut
- Drafted players typically return to Junior A or AAA while free agents can try out for other CHL teams.
- If you want to make the team next year:
- Ask for feedback from the coach and use it to improve for the next year.
- Most CHL coaches will be honest with you and tell you straight.
- Even if you got cut, it just means you’re missing a few details to be a consistent player at that level and be on the team.
You Made The Team
- You’re part of a business now, you must CONSISTENTLY play at your best.
- Even if you’re on the team, you can get cut or traded at anytime.
- Trade periods differ for each league slightly with a Christmas break et un Summer break.
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