Point
By Dan Robson
The recent ruling to allow 14-year-old John Tavares to enter the 2005 OHL entry draft is a sad reminder of the poor state of the game in our country. The ruling has been presented as a positive opportunity granted by the OHL, but is nothing more than an irresponsible attempt to create a new profitable attraction in junior hockey.
Tavares was granted “exceptional player” status by a committee of three hockey experts—including Kingston’s own Doug Gilmour—and was drafted first overall by the Oshawa Generals.
There is no doubt that Tavares is an incredible hockey player. Last season, with the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midget Hockey Club, he produced an outstanding 158 points in 72 games. At the same time, the sensational forward produced 28 points in 20 games with the Tier II Junior A Milton Icehawks. On the surface it would seem that it is only logical to allow such a talent to Ontario’s elite in the OHL next season. But the implications of this decision stretch far beyond this individual situation.
We must question whether it is right to toss a 14-year-old kid into the ruthless world of junior hockey. Is the age cut-off not intended to ensure that young players are given the opportunity to enjoy the spirit of minor hockey for as long as possible? Should there not be a way to protect a boy from being thrust into the industry of sports at such a young, vulnerable age?
The practice of over-glorifying young talent in Canadian hockey is becoming tiresome. We suffered through the great debate of Jason Spezza and the Brampton Battalion five years ago, and now we have to deal with the media frenzy that surrounds Sidney Crosby in Rimouski. These young players have been packaged and marketed as the next big names in Canadian hockey.
Now the OHL has found a new product to exploit. His name is John Tavares, and you should be able to pre-order his Generals jersey this summer. Purchase your tickets in advance: Oshawa has a new hero to lead them to Ontario Hockey greatness.
By creating a loop-hole for “exceptional” young hockey players to enter the OHL prematurely, the League has set a very dangerous precedent. An age limit stands in place to prevent young hockey players from being forced to grow up too quickly.
This rule is intended to protect the interests of young hockey players across the province … unless, of course, they are “exceptionally” exploitable.
Counterpoint
By James Bradshaw
John Tavares is an outstanding hockey player and the recent decision by the OHL’s Regional Evaluation recognizes that fact. Its ruling allowed 14-year-old John Tavares of Toronto to enter the Ontario Hockey League’s draft earlier this month as an “exceptional player”. He was subsequently selected first overall in that draft by the Oshawa Generals and will suit up for them next season.
Tavares is not your average 14-year-old hockey player. He already stands at 6’1”, and he recorded 91 goals and 158 points for the Minor Midget Toronto Marlboros this past season. He also played 20 games of Tier II Junior A for Milton against significantly older players, recording an impressive 28 points in that span.
The , which included retired NHL great Doug Gilmour, was charged with deciding whether this step was one Tavares could cope with. It did so in a responsible fashion, considering not just the athletic implications of allowing the young phenom to a league composed largely of 18-and 19-year-olds, but also the emotional and educational implications of making this leap.
The interviewed a sports psychologist, Tavares’ coaches and teachers and an OHL Central Scout. It also had Tavares submit an essay stating his case and interviewed him with his mother. In granting him “exceptional player” status, they attached a condition that the team who drafts him—which we now know is Oshawa—must monitor him and provide any appropriate remedial response.
In a press conference announcing the selection, Generals general manager Brad Selwood made it clear that: “We’re totally convinced he’s the right person, and I emphasize that he’s a person first.” The OHL has faced accusations that it is handling Tavares irresponsibly in the pursuit of the exposure and profit that has been generated by marquee players such as Sidney Crosby and Jason Spezza. Its process in Tavares’ case demonstrates a concerted effort to dispel such suggestions.
Tavares, who will turn 15 on September 27, is considered good enough to be taken ahead of all the older players in the OHL draft. Assuming his development continues along its current path, he appears to have a prosperous NHL career ahead of him.
To force him to play another year of hockey at a level that offers him few challenges is to unnecessarily slow his incredible growth as a hockey player. This is not a ruling for 14-year-olds in general; it is for the exception to the rule, and Tavares has been given the opportunity he deserves.
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