The Ontario Hockey Federation has denied an appeal by core members of the Ontario Provincial Jr. A Hockey League to overturn a pilot project involving at least eight member teams starting with the 2008-09 season.

The federation ruled Monday night the Ontario Hockey Association did not contravene its rules and regulations in endorsing the pilot project, to be known as the Central Division, which is to include the Stouffville Spirit, Newmarket Hurricanes and Markham Waxers.

may take case to hockey canada

The goal of the one-year project is to focus on player development for the Ontario Hockey League and university level hockey in Canada and the United States.

The core group may take its appeal to Hockey Canada.