Darrell Woodley, the longtime OHL Director of Central Scouting has a new role as the league's new Director of Hockey Development—a position important to the OHL's goal of growing and strengthening hockey across the province and continent as a whole.
Woodley, who has worked as the OHL's Director of Central Scouting since 2011, but the department has since ceased operations after 35 years. That opened up a new, exciting role for the league front office veteran.
"With a tremendous amount of change occurring across the hockey landscape, it's an exciting time to embark on a new challenge," Woodley said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in the OHL as a player, coach, management team member, scout and employee at the league office and I'm looking forward to investing in the work of developing the best young players not just for the OHL, but also for Hockey Canada and its Program of Excellence."
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His new role will have him oversee the ongoing development and implementation Ontario development model and be the league's day-to-day liaison with key stakeholders which include Hockey Canada, and the province's various hockey associations
Woodley was a player for the Oshawa Generals in his rookie OHL season in 1994-95 and spent the following two with the Barrie Colts before a brief 32-game stint in the ECHL.
After his playing career, Woodley came back to Barrie as the Colts' skills development coordinator followed by two seasons behind the bench as an assistant coach. He later spent five seasons as Barrie's director of player personnel.
"Darrell brings a wealth of experience to this role," said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. "He'll serve as the league's lead on the Ontario development model and will seek to ensure that the development strategy reflects a unified vision for player growth, competitive balance and long-term success."
Woodley will also oversee the OHL Cup, OHL Performance Development Program and the return of the Battle of the Border while also exploring the expansion of grassroots hockey and diversity outreach efforts.
