My Next Big Challenge: Why I’m Launching the Ottawa Wolves and Joining the Klevr Super League
Hockey has been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a small town in Northern Ontario, it was the conduit through which I connected with my father. He had high hopes of playing in the big leagues, even if that dream was a long shot. A decent small-town player who received a personal invitation to the Oshawa Generals tryouts, he found the pressure of being away from home overwhelming. His brother (my godfather) was one of the first Canadians to play for Princeton’s Ivy League hockey team and even won the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. Our love of hockey ran deep, and expectations were high.
As much as hockey was an easy decision for me, it was never forced upon me. I had the choice—to play or not, to decide who I played with and why. Everyone was supportive. It was the ideal eco-system to foster a love of the game. Today, as I raise my kids in the Ottawa region, it saddens me that this is no longer the case.
From growing up playing to coaching, I’ve seen the best and worst of the system. One thing has become clear: the current structure of minor hockey is flawed and dangerously resistant to change. Each season, it becomes evident how connections and politics often influence team placements, with spots being secured for certain individuals and a system that seems to prioritize political considerations over player development. Meanwhile, Canada—once the undisputed global leader in hockey—has seen other countries surge ahead. The problem isn’t the players, families or coaches who sign up for the game, it’s the people at the top running it.
Step into any rink in Canada, and you’re bound to hear similar stories. So, when is enough, enough?
For me, the time is now.
The Path to Change
Like any major decision, I did my homework and due diligence before stepping into this new and exciting league. I spoke with directors, co-founders, families currently in the program, those who have graduated from it, and those who are against it. I analyzed the differences between private and public hockey programs at length. What I learned at the local level was eye-opening.
There is a shocking amount of misinformation about private hockey in Eastern Ontario—who runs it, how it operates, and what it truly offers. Change always brings skepticism, and I understand why people have questions. Families are leaving public hockey in droves across the country every year, so naturally, there are efforts to retain players. But the level of fear-mongering and disinformation from my local Hockey Canada branch, Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and its partner organizations has been astounding.
Rather than focusing on improving their programs internally, their latest strategy has been to spread fear and manipulate tryout schedules to limit opportunities for young players pursuing their dreams. Play outside their boundaries? You’re not welcome here. I’ve heard countless stories like this over the last few months. Ask for guidance or information in order to make an informed decision? Too bad. The board conveniently hasn’t decided yet.
This isn’t how hockey should work. Hockey should be about inclusion, not exclusion.
Why the Klevr Super League?
When I was approached by former NHL champion Kris Versteeg’s Klevr team, they asked me to bring a new hockey culture to Ottawa—something I’ve spent 12 years building in my professional life. I’ve fought for underdogs, represented clients against powerful insurance companies, and given a voice to those without one. I’ve built high-performance teams across the country that operate independently of corporate and government interests, making the right decisions even when they’re tough.
That’s what the Klevr Super League represents to me: an opportunity to develop the sport I love in a way that prioritizes players and their families over politics.
Let me be clear—this isn’t a battle against Hockey Canada or HEO. I’m grateful for the experiences they’ve provided and will continue to provide for my kids. This also isn’t an ‘us-or-them’ scenario. It is an ‘us-and-them and many others’ scenario. My goal, and that of families from across Ontario, is for us to work together and put kids first again. To put Hockey Canada back on top. This is a battle for choice—giving kids the freedom to decide where and when they play and providing an alternative for high-performing athletes who want to reach their full potential.
Dispelling the Myths: Advantages of Private Hockey vs. Public Hockey
Expert Coaching: Private hockey coaches have played at the highest levels—NHL, OHL, and beyond. They know what it takes to succeed and are dedicated to helping players get there.
Structured, Predictable Schedules: Unlike traditional leagues where families are left scrambling, private hockey provides a full-season schedule in advance, allowing kids to pursue other sports and interests.
Single Birth-Year Teams: This structure promotes better team chemistry, long-term relationships, and safety, as players compete against others of similar size and skill.
Elite Competition: Players are surrounded by other top-tier athletes, pushing each other to perform at their highest levels.
Smaller Rosters, More Coaching: This ensures more individualized attention, skill development, and game-time experience for every player.
Some Key Private Hockey Stats
Approximately 97% of Klevr players move on to make AAA teams after graduating from the program.
95+% retention rate in Klevr players who can return, year-over-year.
Doubling of tryout participants for private hockey in Eastern Ontario alone in 2024.
WHL Draft Impact: Private hockey out West has been a leader for a long time. Last year, 11 players from BC and Alberta were selected in the first round of the WHL—10 of them were Hockey Super League alumni.
This Is All About Choice
I’m not here to argue whether public or private hockey is better, whether full-ice is better than half-ice, or whether scores should be counted for younger kids. I’m here to say that parents and kids should have a choice. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to youth sports. Our job as parents, coaches, and leaders is to provide as many options as possible and help guide our kids as they navigate what works best for them from year to year.
Hockey shouldn’t be about gatekeeping talent—it should be about sharing it. It should be about supporting these young athletes, not restricting them.
My second-born is now aging out of U9. My six-month-old son may choose to stay in minor hockey all the way through. He may choose to join the Wolves for part of his experience. He may not play hockey at all. That’s up to him. But I’m building this so that he and his friends have the choice. And as a hockey community, we should be supporting and nurturing that freedom of choice—not trying to shut it down.
Moving Forward—Together
At the end of the day, every organization—whether it’s Hockey Canada, HEO, or Klevr—shares the same goal: to see our players be happy, love our national pastime, grow and develop as players and humans, and to see hockey in Canada thrive again. Instead of fighting to keep others out, let’s start working together to bring them in.
We need to get more kids on the ice, collaborate, share ideas, and grow the sport.
So, here’s to hockey. Here’s to Canada. Here’s to choice.
And here’s to the Ottawa Wolves.
Change is here, Ottawa. Let’s embrace it—because it isn’t going anywhere.
#GoWolves
P.S. A Much-Needed Moment for Appreciation
I couldn’t have done any of this without the mentorship of a great human being, Brock McBride, with Klevr’s Upper Canada Black Aces. He has spent countless hours helping me get this off the ground, generously sharing his resources, knowledge, and experience every step of the way. His guidance has shown me what true collaboration between teams looks like, and his support has made all the difference. Hockey is better because of you, Brock—thank you for everything!
Bradley Bezan
President
Ottawa Wolves Hockey Club
