Article Written By Ella Tsotsos
It’s a long journey from backyard rink to the NHL, and going from Jr. A to major junior is a key step along the way
When a young player makes the jump from Ontario Jr. A to the OHL, it’s a big step. Players tend to call the OHL ‘The O Show’ because the OHL is the big show, the highest level of hockey for teenage players. For many players it will be the highest level of hockey they will ever play in their entire life. And of course, it’s the first big step before the NHL.
Andre Mondoux, a 17-year-old defenseman from North Bay, Ont., made his OHL debut with the Kingston Frontenacs on Dec. 20, 2024, in a 4-1 win over the Peterborough Petes.
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Mondoux continues to adjust to his transition from the Ontario Jr. A League as he signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. He says the opportunity to play in the OHL is a result of his lifelong dedication and love for the game.
“Since I was a kid it was always my dream,” Mondoux said.
Growing up in North Bay, Mondoux’s ambition for hockey was fuelled by watching the OHL’s North Bay Battalions. Ever since he was a child, his love for hockey grew.
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Make no mistake, the OHL is the league where young hopeful players strive to be. For generations of players, the OHL has been a pipeline to the NHL. Mondoux’s skill has afforded him the opportunity to play at this high level, furthering his development and the potential to be scouted by NHL teams.
“The transition was very smooth,” Mondoux said. “It’s a bit of a change of pace and size, but once I got comfortable with the speed, the size, just the skill level, everything went well,” Mondoux said.
Every day, players train on and off the ice in order to ensure their skills and development are of their highest caliber. Transitioning from Ontario Jr. A to the OHL is a higher skill performance and can be a difficult jump for many players.
Currently, Mondoux bounces back from the Pickering Panthers Jr. A team to the OHL’s Frontenacs. This is a developmental process as players often go back and forth between the leagues to continue refining their skills and gain increased roles in the OHL. This is to ensure their preparedness for playing at a higher level.
The OHL not only provides players with equipment, a full support staff, and health and dental insurance, but also prioritizes their education by covering tuition, books and other expenses.
OHL scholarships can be used at any university or college, subject to certain requirements. Committed to developing well-rounded individuals, the league prepares its players for both academic success and potential careers in the NHL.
“It’s the major Canadian pipeline,” said Rob Pearson, a former OHL and NHL player, and the head coach for the Pickering Jr. A team. “I believe it's the one spot if you can go and you're drafted in the higher rounds to the OHL and you're gonna play and get lots of ice time. Every single game there are NHL scouts and they're looking for the next guy.”
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From a coaching perspective, Pearson noted that Mondoux’s confidence has soared since signing with Kingston. He believes Mondoux has shown remarkable growth from his time playing in the OHL and Jr. A.
“For me, (the OHL) had a great impact.” Pearson said. “I wanted to go there, I wanted to play the highest level I could and to me it was just a great spot to excel and get to that next level.”
To be able to play in the NHL is the goal for every dedicated young hockey player. If you’re fortunate like Mondoux or Pearson, NHL scouts are in the stands looking for potential big-league players.
“I’m just taking one step at a time right now, just hopefully being able to play full-time with Kingston next year,” Mondoux said. “For sure, being able to play in the NHL would be awesome and just being in the OHL is one step closer to the NHL, but still very far.”
Mondoux has ambitious goals but is focused on a strategic, day-by-day approach to his development. Hockey is one of the most competitive sports, demanding relentless dedication from players striving to advance their careers.
The OHL remains a vital platform for growth, both on the ice and academically. For Mondoux, it’s the next step in a journey that began years ago.
“My dad built me an (outdoor rink) when I was younger, maybe three or four years old and I started skating,” Mondoux said. “From there, I just always started playing hockey and just fell in love with it.”
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