Brent Ladds

Ladds felt that 31 attacks was not bad considering the number of games assigned, and noted that officials had representation on the OHA referee committee.

Ladds felt that the league had become cost-prohibitive, and noted the need to cut costs and restructure senior ice hockey to compete for the Allan Cup.

[17] In 1986, Ladds suspended the Brantford Classics for one season from the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League due to excessive on-ice violence, and since their team's "objectives are not consistent with ours".

[18] In 1987, the Port Elgin Bears withdrew from a Western Ontario Junior C Hockey League playoffs series due to perceived on-ice violence by the Hanover Barons.

Ladds and the OHA investigated the incident, which received national publicity when Port Elgin's coach was supported by Otto Jelinek, the Canadian Minister of State for Fitness and Amateur Sport.

Ladds felt that the OHA had a responsibility to enforce player safety when justified, and agreed to study controlling on-ice violence.

The dispute ended when the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) was established, with equal representation for the OHA, NOHA, MTHL, and OMHA.

Ladds was named executive director of the OHF, which was given the mandate to oversee hockey in Ontario, and be a review panel for three years to propose further restructuring if necessary.

[23] When 13 people from the Tilbury Hawks were charged with sex-related crimes in 1994, Ladds sought to eliminate hazing from the OHA and suspended the team's officials for one year.

Ladds felt that the OHA must educate its teams and players annually on acceptable practices, in order to prevent incidents and change future behaviour.

[25] Ladds subsequently published handbooks given to players annually which covered hazing, alcohol, drug use, tobacco, and sexual harassment.

Ladds hoped to negotiate a settlement despite that several teams departed the MetJHL to join the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League (OPJHL) which was affiliated with the OHA.

He felt that there was little difference in talent between the junior A and B leagues, and that more teams deserved the opportunity to compete for the Royal Bank Cup as national champions.

He envisioned a provincial championship for all teams, and to market a program divided into divisions or conferences, similar to the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the United States.

He stated that the suspension was a trend of lengthier punishments driven by public outcry, and that hockey administrators moved towards marketing a non-violent game.

[33] In 2000, Ladds served as chairman of the bid committee for Hamilton and Kitchener to host the 2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

He held the same role for Ontario's hockey teams at the Canada Games, which won gold and silver medals in consecutive events.

[37] Ladds stated that his most difficult experience as president was the death of Don Sanderson, who sustained an on-ice head injury while playing for the Whitby Dunlops in 2009.

[2] The OHA subsequently debated its rules for wearing hockey helmets, and Ladds argued for them to be properly worn and securely fastened.

[39] Ladds felt that junior hockey in Ontario needed to be more attractive to players, who were departing the OHA for leagues elsewhere in Canada.

[2] He felt that the OHA had transitioned into being "a more nimble and responsive organization" than when he began; and was proud of his work to advance player safety and reduce on-ice injuries, which included increased penalties for rough play and certification programs for coaches and referees.

[3] The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) named Ladds its president as of September 27, 2016, while it looked to restructure its administration to assist the chairman of the board.

[3] Ladds stated that his goals included increasing marketing opportunities, and to have consistent administrative practices among the ten constituent leagues of the CJHL.

[42] When Ladds became president, he wanted the CJHL to improve its position as a development program for players seeking a professional career or an education.

[41] He felt that the annual CJHL Prospects Game and the World Junior A Challenge both generated exposure and opportunity for the players, due to the number of National Hockey League (NHL) talent scouts who attend the events.