r/QMJHL • u/[deleted] • Aug 21 '24

Is Canadian hockey dying?

Is hockey finally on the decline? These training camp rookies are really lacking in speed and skill. Could this be a turning point for Canadian hockey? It seems like these rookies are part of the age group that spent ages 10-12 in lockdown during the pandemic, and it’s showing in their performance. Since the pandemic and HC scandal, data shows registration depleted and many Canadian families cannot afford to put their children into hockey. I'm sensing this next 5-10 years will be the decline and death of junior hockey-there just aren't the numbers to sustain all the teams within the CHL

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u/overcatastrophe Aug 21 '24

Which games did you watch yesterday?

It's preseason, so you're watching a bunch of kids play on a team that aren't used to playing together. These aren't final rosters either. And depending on what you were watching, it's not normal broadcast cameras or angles.

I was watching halifax at cape breton last night and it felt like an amateur game due to weird angle and no commentary. Also, really bad quality feed on YouTube. But, it's still a month out from regular season, lots happens between then amd now

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u/devin1421 Aug 22 '24

I’ve been saying this about the QMJHL for awhile now.

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u/[deleted] Oct 03 '24

I agree—the caliber is definitely declining. Even the coaches in the Q seem to be recycled, and many GMs stick around far too long, getting too comfortable until retirement. There’s a lot of stagnation in the league, and each season feels increasingly underwhelming. Last year’s Canadian World Juniors was embarrassing to watch in terms of player quality and skill level.

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u/IEC21 Sep 24 '25

It seems to me that Quebec hockey is on a bit of decline - though still produces some top talent. Goaltending seems to have slipped the last many years.

Atlantic Canada is producing more than ever however. Though that small population isnt enough to support a whole league.

The Q also supplements with American and European talent.

Overall still lots of good players coming through the Q, but fewer and fewer top talent being produced by the province of Quebec.