After two days of presentations and discussions, participants unanimously agreed upon 11 recommendations for hockey in Canada:

1. Create a system of mentor/master coach for every minor hockey association. One master coach for every 20 teams. Move toward a mentor/master coach being a paid professional. Ensure that coaches are trained to reward and encourage a child's use of creativity and imagination while practising and playing.
   (Read the Discussion Paper)
   
   
2. Adjust the practice-to-game ratio so that the number of games does not exceed the number of practices. (The ratio is currently as low as 1-to-3 in Canada.) Need to examine and redefine the meaning of "practice".
   (Read the Discussion Paper)
   
   
3. Examine the date of age determination. (The cut-off date is currently December 31st, but some thought has been given to rotating it throughout the calendar year. The objective is for a player to not always be the youngest or oldest in a given division.)
   (Read the Discussion Paper)
   
   
4. Raise awareness of the importance of skill development and establish a system to measure and celebrate skills.
   (Read the Discussion Paper)
   
   
5. Expand the implementation and marketing of the Initiation Program, including the use of the public school system. (The Initiation Program is designed to introduce children to hockey, with an emphasis on fun and skill development.)
   (Read the Discussion Paper)
   
   
6. Include a "software skills" module and a mentor program as part of the ongoing rewrite of the coaching program. ("Software skills" are the mental skills that help players make the best decision at the best time.)
   (Read the Discussion Paper)
   
   
7. Examine the raising of draft ages (NHL and CHL). (Currently, draft ages are 18 for the NHL, 15 for the Western League, 15 for the Ontario League and 16 for the Quebec League.)
   (Read the Discussion Paper)
   
   
8. Initiate a public awareness campaign on the positive values of hockey and having respect for all participants, rules and the game itself.
   (Read the Discussion Paper)
   
   
9. Educate all Canadian players, partners and stakeholders in Canadian hockey on the recommendations of Open Ice.
   
   
10. Promote cooperative efforts between school boards, local hockey associations and sponsors, to better utilize ice times and school facilities and move towards development of sport schools. (Arenas in Canada sit unused most weekdays between 9am and 4pm.)
    (Read the Discussion Paper)
    
11. Expand communication amongst all partners in hockey with respect to program developments.