Guelph Storm - Feed

2026 Training Camp Roster Released

Lisa Della Mattia — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 22:41:58 +0000

Guelph Storm General Manager George Burnett announced today the roster for the team’s 2026 Training Camp, which opens on Monday, August 24th at the Sleeman Centre. Click here for the full roster PDF. PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE: Friday, August 28th, 2026 – Peterborough @ Guelph – 7:00pm – Sleeman Centre Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026 – Brantford @ Guelph – 6:30pm – Sleeman Centre Friday, September 4th, 2026 – Brampton @ Guelph – 7:00pm – Sleeman Centre Saturday, September 5th, 2026 – Guelph @ Brampton – 4:00pm – CAA Centre Friday, September 11th, 2026 – Guelph @ Brantford – 7:00pm – TD Civic Centre Individual game tickets are available now. To purchase tickets online click here, over the phone by calling 866-STORM-GO, or in person at the Guelph Storm Box Office in the Sports Hall of Game Hallway of the Sleeman Centre.

Stay connected with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, for future updates! Download the Guelph Storm app as part of the CHL app for breaking news and exclusive contests. The 2026-2027 Season is proudly presented by Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars

16th Annual Mouthguard Clinic raises $6,745.00 for Storm’s Adopt-A-School Program

Lisa Della Mattia — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:56:05 +0000

On August 20th Spyke and Storm players Leo Serlin, Grant Spada, and Rowan Topp were on hand at Speedvale Dental for the 16th Annual Mouthguard Clinic. Speedvale Dental offered custom mouthguards featuring new digital impressions for $25.00 for all ages. The clinic raised $6,745.00 for the Adopt-A-School program. The Adopt-A-School program provides rewards and incentives to elementary school students throughout Wellington County for exemplary achievement in the classroom, extra-curricular activities, and volunteer work. In many cases, the Adopt-A-School program proudly gives local kids the chance to attend their first hockey game. The Guelph Storm would like to thank Speedvale Dental and everyone who came out for making the event a success! For more information on Speedvale Dental Centre click here.

Dan Girardi to join Storm Coaching Staff

Lisa Della Mattia — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:46:07 +0000

General Manager George Burnett announced today that Storm alumni Dan Girardi will join the team to support the coaching staff as a skills development coach with an emphasis on defense.

“I am excited to welcome Dan Girardi to our coaching staff as a Skills Coach,” said Head Coach Cory Stillam, “Dan brings an incredible playing career, a wealth of experience, and a strong desire to help develop the next generation of defensemen. His experience and knowledge of the game will be a tremendous asset to our players. Working alongside Corey Locke, Dan will focus on helping our players develop their individual skills while also teaching them how to apply those skills effectively in game situations.”

Girardi played five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, skating with three different teams – the Barrie Colts, the Guelph Storm, and the London Knights. Girardi won the J. Ross Robertson Cup back-to-back, with the Guelph Storm in 2004 and the London Knights in 2005. During his five seasons in the OHL, Girardi amassed 117 points in 231 regular-season games.

Undrafted, Dan ultimately played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning. He retired from his playing career in September 2019, where he ended up 30^th in playoff game appearances by a defenseman, and as the all-time leader in shots blocked.

Following his retirement, Girardi served as a Development Coach for the Buffalo Sabres from 2020 to 2024.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be back with the Storm,” said Girardi. “I’m excited to meet all the players and to start working with their great staff. I have so many memories here as a player and can’t wait to make more as part of the staff.”

Stay connected with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, for future updates! Download the Guelph Storm app as part of the CHL app for breaking news and exclusive contests.

The 2026-2027 Season is proudly presented by Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars

OHL Concludes Annual General Meeting, Leadership Meetings Ahead of Training Camps by the Ontario Hockey League

Lisa Della Mattia — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:27:21 +0000

TORONTO – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) concluded its Annual General Meeting and Leadership Meetings over the past two weeks, with the League's Board of Governors and member clubs addressing a range of items ahead of the opening of training camps for the 2026-27 season.

Amendments to Fighting Penalties

The Board of Governors approved amendments to the OHL Discipline Policy governing fighting penalties, effective for the 2026-27 season.

Under the amended policy:

Previous parameters enforced a team-wide threshold of a maximum of 50 fights in a single season and a maximum sanction of $2,000 per fight for exceeding that threshold. The new parameters will see the team-wide threshold reduced to 35 per team, with a fine of $5,000 assessed for each fight beyond the team-wide threshold.
A player may be assessed a maximum of three fighting majors between the start of the regular season and Dec. 31. That total resets on Jan. 1, with a maximum of three additional fighting majors permitted through the remainder of the regular season.
A separate threshold of three fighting majors continues to apply throughout the OHL Playoffs.
Any fighting major beyond the applicable limit results in supplemental discipline in accordance with the OHL Discipline Policy — a minimum two-game suspension for the player exceeding the threshold, unchanged from the standard currently in place.
The League will also be strengthening its application of discipline with regards to instances of premeditated fights before the drop of the puck as well as players involved in the second fight within the same stoppage.

The framework these amendments operate within

The thresholds above sit within the OHL's existing rules governing fighting conduct, which remain unchanged, and which distinguish between controlled participation and predatory behaviour.

Penalties for instigating, aggressor conduct, premeditated fights, bullying and a second fight in the same stoppage continue to apply, and are enforced independently of the thresholds set out above — as does the long-standing provision that a player who has been instigated upon does not have that fighting major counted toward his own total or his club's. Each OHL member team also remains subject to an in-game threshold of three major penalties for fighting, with a sanction of $500 per fight beyond the threshold. Fighting in the OHL is not consequence-free: it is regulated, penalized, and subject to progressive discipline.

The League will continue to sanction dangerous play more severely than spontaneous fighting and will continue to monitor for premeditated fights and predatory conduct through officiating and supervisory reporting. That monitoring is also enhanced by Spiideo, the comprehensive in-venue video review system introduced across the League in 2025-26, which gives OHL Hockey Operations the footage required to assess fighting scenarios and apply consistent judgment.

Review

Throughout the 2026-27 season, the OHL will conduct a review of fighting occurrences, including numbers and distribution across players and teams. The findings will inform policy for future seasons.

2026-27 OHL Season – Key Hockey Operations Dates

August 24 – Earliest date teams can open training camp (Erie granted exemption to start August 22) August 27 – Trade window for defected players (until September 15) September 17 – OHL regular season commences November 13 – Reduce overage protected players list players to a maximum of four December 1 – CHL/USA Top Prospects Game (Chicoutimi, QC) December 2 – CHL/USA Top Prospects Game (Quebec City, QC) December 4 – Restricted trading period for World Junior players (to January 5) December 20 – Restricted trading period begins (to December 26) January 7 – Reduce overage protected players list to a maximum of three January 7 – Final overage trade deadline (12:00pm) January 8 – Final trading deadline (12:00pm) January 15 – Final date to sign an overage player January 20 – Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game (Owen Sound) February 10 – Final date to sign a player March 21 – OHL regular season concludes March 25 – OHL Playoffs commence May 21 – 2027 Memorial Cup (Guelph, ON)

2026 Training Camp Details Announced

Lisa Della Mattia — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:21:02 +0000

Guelph Storm General Manager George Burnett announced today the schedule for the team’s 2026 Training Camp, which opens on Monday, August 24th at the Sleeman Centre. A full training camp roster to be released at a later date. The 2026 Training Camp on-ice scrimmages and select practices will be free and open to the general public starting on Monday, August 24th. For those wishing to attend the 2026 Storm Training Camp, please enter through Gate 6 (upper level of the Old Quebec Street Mall) ONLY. Training Camp On-Ice Schedule Below *Ice times are subject to change* Monday, August 24th

Time	Event
6:30pm	Scrimmage

Tuesday August 25th

Time	Event
10:00am	Scrimage 1
6:00pm	Scrimmage 2

Wednesday, August 26th

Time	Event
10:00am	Scrimmage 1
5:45pm	Practice 1
7:00pm	Practice 2

Thursday, August 27th

Time	Event
9:00am-10:15 am	Practice 1
10:30am-11:45am	Practice 2
5:30pm-6:45pm	Practice 3
7:00pm-8:15pm	Practice 4

Saturday, August 29th

Time	Event
5:00pm	Grey vs. Crimson Scrimmage

PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE: Friday, August 28th, 2026 – Peterborough @ Guelph – 7:00pm – Sleeman Centre Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026 – Brantford @ Guelph – 6:30pm – Sleeman Centre Friday, September 4th, 2026 – Brampton @ Guelph – 7:00pm – Sleeman Centre Saturday, September 5th, 2026 – Guelph @ Brampton – 4:00pm – CAA Centre Friday, September 11th, 2026 – Guelph @ Brantford – 7:00pm – TD Civic Centre Individual game tickets are available now. To purchase tickets online click here, over the phone by calling 866-STORM-GO, or in person at the Guelph Storm Box Office in the Sports Hall of Game Hallway of the Sleeman Centre.

OHL Strengthens League-Wide Concussion Protocol with HEADCHECK Health by the Ontario Hockey League

Lisa Della Mattia — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:12:04 +0000

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that all 20 member teams will utilize HEADCHECK Health (HEADCHECK) to execute the league's concussion protocol for the 2026-27 season. This platform will be implemented ahead of pre-season baseline testing. By extending a system already successfully used by eight OHL teams to the entire league, this agreement establishes a consistent, high standard of concussion care across every rink. The OHL’s concussion protocol sets the standard for recognizing, assessing, and managing a player's return to sport. Dr. Michael Czarnota, the Ontario Hockey League’s Consulting Neuropsychologist, oversees the league's concussion testing and clearance protocols, helping athletes return to sport safely. This partnership eases the collaboration with Dr. Czarnota, and gives the league new aggregate data to inform future safety and policy improvements. Team medical staff will now perform each protocol action within a single, integrated platform, whether at the home rink or on the road. This transition ensures that care is documented automatically, complementing the medical records and processes already in use by team staff. A platform that seamlessly accommodates transactions and player movement, a player's concussion history and baseline data will follow him throughout his time in the OHL. This allows medical staff across all 20 OHL member teams to access a newly acquired player’s complete medical picture on day one, ensuring continuity of care and allowing players to return to the ice safely and efficiently. For parents, it means a clear answer to a hard question. When a player takes a hit, the same steps happen at every OHL rink, every time, and the protocol is followed through to completion, wherever his season takes him. In the number one development league in the world, that consistency protects more than the moment. The safest path back is also the best path forward for a player's development, draft year, career, and life beyond hockey. "Nothing matters more than the health and safety of our players," said Greg Kimmerly, OHL Director of Player Safety. "Our medical staff are highly trained, and they deserve the best tools available to assess a player and determine the correct course of action. This partnership ensures the same standard of care is applied at all 20 member teams, every time." “The OHL now has a platform to execute its protocol and the data to see a significant return on their investment in concussion safety,” said Harrison Brown, CEO of HEADCHECK Health. “We are proud to support a league that treats brain health as part of player development.” Testimonials: “I used HEADCHECK last season for the first time, and I loved how straightforward it was to use for concussion injuries. Everything was kept in one place, so I no longer had to carry a binder full of completed SCATs. Having everything accessible on the app and automatically populated saved me a lot of extra time. I found that being able to visually show my athletes what stage of return to play they were in, along with the requirements needed, really helped them understand the return to play process a little better. It truly has been an added asset to my tool belt as an Athletic Therapist.” – Tash Lagacé, Athletic Therapist, Peterborough Petes “HEADCHECK is a great program that gives Athletic Therapists in the OHL the tools and support to efficiently collect and organize baseline data for our team, allowing us to safely and accurately manage concussion rehabilitation for our athletes.” – Andy Brown, Head Athletic Therapist, Owen Sound Attack About HEADCHECK Health HEADCHECK Health is a concussion protocol execution platform built for sports organizations. Leagues, governing bodies, associations, universities, and teams use HEADCHECK to execute their concussion protocols consistently across every team, staff member, and location. Notable clients include Major League Soccer and MLS Next Pro, the Canadian Football League, the Ontario Hockey League, the British Columbia Hockey League, Cricket South Africa, the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia, and USA Cycling. Learn more at headcheckhealth.com.

Futures Watch: Guelph Storm’s 2026 Draft Class and New Faces by the Ontario Hockey League

Lisa Della Mattia — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:11:35 +0000

As the 2026-27 OHL season approaches, the Guelph Storm are preparing for a highly anticipated campaign that will culminate with the club hosting the 2027 Memorial Cup. We spoke with the organization about its 2026 draft class and the new faces fans should keep an eye on heading into the upcoming season. 2026 Draft Class Revisit Player Spotlight: Declan McNally Profile: 6’6”, 180lbs, left-shot defenceman Hometown: La Salle, ON Birthdate: Sept 28, 2010 Drafted: 1st Round, 7th Overall (2026 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Don Mills Flyers U16 AAA): 59 GP, 7G, 26A, 33 PTS Selected seventh overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Declan McNally put together a strong season on the blue line with the Don Mills Flyers U16 AAA program, registering 33 points (7-26–33) through 59 games in the regular season. The 6-foot-6 defenceman also added four points in five games at the 2026 OHL Cup and earned an invitation to Canada’s National U17 Development Camp. “Looking ahead, our club’s goal was to improve our size, skill, and physicality through the OHL Priority Selection, and we believe defenseman Declan McNally addresses these needs,” – General Manager, George Burnett Player Spotlight: Finley Butler Profile: 6’6”, 216lbs, right-shot forward Hometown: London, ON Birthdate: Mar 22, 2010 Drafted: 2nd Round, 29th Overall (2026 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (London Jr. Knights U16 AAA): 30 GP, 23G, 37A, 60 PTS Selected 29th overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Finley Butler put together an impressive 2025-26 campaign with the London Junior Knights U16 AAA squad. The 2010-born forward ranked second on his team in scoring with 60 points (23-37–60) in 30 regular-season games. Butler added four goals and three assists in six OHL Cup contests and also suited up in three junior hockey games with the GOHL’s Komoka Kings. “Butler is a big, powerful forward who combines size, skill, and physicality, making him difficult to contain in the offensive zone. He has soft hands, a strong touch around the net, plays with an edge, and is a high-character kid with big upside.” – Wade Branch, Head Scout Player Spotlight: Timothy Kazda Profile: 6’1”, 189lbs, right-shot forward Hometown: Ilava, SVK Birthdate: Oct 4, 2008 Drafted: 1st Round, 4th Overall (2026 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Chicago Steel): 59 GP, 22G, 19A, 41 PTS Selected fourth overall in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, Timothy Kazda was the Storm’s lone selection in this year’s import draft. Last season, the Ilava, Slovakia native recorded 41 points (22-19–41) in 59 games with the USHL’s Chicago Steel and was named to the league’s All-Academic Team. Prior to joining the Steel, Kazda spent three seasons with Seacoast Performance Academy from the 14U to 16U levels, amassing 228 points (136-92–228) in 146 games. “Timo Kazda - our first round selection in the CHL Import Draft - had an impressive U18 World Championships where he led the tournament in scoring and was awarded MVP honours. We expect Timo to complement our scoring, pace, and physicality as he enters his NHL draft year.”– General Manager, George Burnett Other members of the 2026 class include:

PLAYER	POSITION	HOMETOWN	DOB	2025-26 TEAM	DRAFTED
Kellen Paetsch	RD	Spencerport, NY	Dec 11, 2010	Bishop Kearney Selects 15's	4th round, 68th overall
Joseph Fenwick	LW	Markham, ON	Jan 6, 2010	Markham Majors U16 AAA	5th round, 82nd overall
Ayden Dark	G	Ottawa, ON	Mar 5, 2010	Hill Academy U16	6th round, 114th overall
Alexander Moore	LW	Northville, MI	Aug 2, 2010	Detroit Little Caesars 15's	8th round, 148th overall
Chace Minard	LW	Owen Sound, ON	Jan 4, 2010	Grey-Bruce Highlanders U16 AAA	9th round, 168th overall
Colton Van Geffen	RD	Strathroy, ON	Feb 19, 2010	Huron-Perth Lakers U16 AAA	10th round, 188th overall
Jaxson Menary	C	Whitby, ON	Jun 1, 2010	Vaughan Kings U16 AAA	11th round, 208th overall
Jacob Tysick	C	Perth, ON	Feb 14, 2010	Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA	12th round, 228th overall
James Ware	LW	Greenwich, CT	Jun 3, 2010	Mid Fairfield Jr. Rangers 15's	13th round, 248th overall
Landon Girardi	LW	Niagara Falls, ON	Mar 8, 2010	Southern Tier Admirals U16 AAA	14th round, 268th overall
Joshua Pagani	LW	Toronto, ON	May 1, 2010	Vaughan Kings U16 AAA	15th round, 288th overall
Landyn Quirk	G	Cambridge, ON	Dec 30, 2009	Kitchener Jr. Rangers U18 AAA	1st round, 7th overall (U18)
Maddyx Chaput	LW	Oakville, ON	Jun 16, 2009	Huron-Perth Lakers U18 AAA	2nd round, 27th overall
Francesco Porporino	LD	Woodbridge, ON	Jul 6, 2008	Toronto Red Wings U18 AAA	3rd round, 44th overall

2026 New Faces: *Note: Player additions are current as of publication. Team signings remain ongoing, and this section will be updated throughout the offseason as additional players are signed and trades are completed. “Our club has made significant additions over the past number of months to complement our returning group of players for the 2026-27 season. Acquiring Ethan Czata, Ryan Roobroeck, Owen Griffin, and Adrien Bartovic provides us with depth up front in overall experience, skill, and leadership. Vlad Dravecky - a proven puck-moving defenseman who can play in all situations – is a welcome addition to our back end. Finally, bringing in goaltender Ben Hrebik gives our team a very capable and dependable tandem in goal.” – General Manager, George Burnett Player Spotlight: Ethan Czata Profile: 6’1”, 178lbs, left-shot centreman Hometown: Brampton, ON Birthdate: May 29, 2007 Acquired: June 2, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Niagara IceDogs): 63 GP, 25G, 28A, 53 PTS Acquired in a major offseason trade, Ethan Czata arrives in Guelph following three seasons with the Niagara IceDogs. Originally selected fifth overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, the Brampton, Ont. native has recorded 125 points (53-72–125) in 193 career regular-season games. Czata served as Niagara’s captain during the 2025-26 season and was selected 56th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2025 NHL Draft. He also recently represented Canada at the World Junior Summer Showcase. Player Spotlight: Ryan Roobroeck Profile: 6’4”, 215lbs, left-shot winger Hometown: London, ON Birthdate: September 25, 2007 Acquired: June 19, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Niagara IceDogs): 49 GP, 30G, 28A, 58 PTS Acquired in another major offseason trade, Ryan Roobroeck joins the Storm following three standout seasons with Niagara. Originally selected second overall by the IceDogs in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, the London, Ont. native recorded 196 points (99-97–196) in 176 career regular-season games, averaging better than a point per game in each of his three OHL seasons. His 99 career goals are the most among all 2007-born OHL players over the past three seasons. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound forward was selected 35th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2026 NHL Draft. Player Spotlight: Owen Griffin Profile: 5’11”, 165lbs, right-shot centreman Hometown: Markham, ON Birthdate: April 8, 2007 Acquired: June 10, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Niagara IceDogs): 66 GP, 25G, 42A, 67 PTS Acquired in an offseason trade, Owen Griffin joins the Storm following three seasons with the Oshawa Generals. Originally selected sixth overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, the Columbus Blue Jackets prospect recorded 124 points (48-76–124) in 189 regular-season games with the Generals. Griffin was also a key contributor during Oshawa’s back-to-back appearances in the OHL Championship Series, producing 34 points in 42 playoff games, including 17 goals. He led all OHL players with 17 goals during the 2025 postseason. Selected by Columbus in the fifth round of the 2025 NHL Draft, Griffin also represented Canada at the 2023 U17 World Hockey Challenge, winning gold alongside several current Storm players. Player Spotlight: Adrien Bartovic Profile: 6’0”, 185lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: Pardubice, CZE Birthdate: Mar 9, 2007 Signed: July 23, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Bili Tygri Liberec U20): 29 GP, 20G, 25A, 45 PTS Originally selected in the first round (42nd overall) by the Brantford Bulldogs in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, Adrien Bartovic had his OHL rights acquired by the Storm earlier this offseason. Last season, the Pardubice, Czechia native recorded 45 points (20-25–45) in 29 games with Bili Tygri Liberec U20, finishing second on the team in scoring. The 2007-born forward also suited up in 17 games in Slovakia’s top professional league, recording three goals and an assist. Player Spotlight: Vladimir Dravecky Profile: 6’0”, 189lbs, right-shot defenceman Hometown: Trinec, CZE Birthdate: Dec 19, 2007 Signed: June 9, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Brantford Bulldogs): 58 GP, 9G, 19A, 28 PTS Acquired in an offseason trade, Vladimir Dravecky joins the Storm after establishing himself as one of the OHL’s top rookie defencemen with the Brantford Bulldogs. Selected 50th overall by Brantford in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, the Trinec, Czechia native recorded 28 points (9-19–28) and a plus-24 rating in 58 regular-season games. He added three assists in 11 playoff contests as the Bulldogs advanced to the Eastern Conference Championship Series. Dravecky also represented Czechia at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, helping his country earn silver, before being selected 141st overall by the New York Islanders in the 2026 NHL Draft. Player Spotlight: Ben Hrebik Profile: 6’3”, 204lbs, goaltender Hometown: Milton, ON Birthdate: April 4, 2006 Acquired: Aug 4, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Barrie Colts): 43 GP, 2.81 GAA, .920 SV% Acquired in one of the first trades following the reopening of the OHL trade window, Ben Hrebik joins the Storm after establishing himself as one of the league’s top netminders over the past two seasons. The Milton, Ont. native posted a .920 save percentage in each of his past two regular seasons and has compiled 47 victories across 77 career appearances. Last season, Hrebik helped backstop Barrie to the OHL Championship Series, posting a 12-6-2 playoff record with a 2.66 goals-against average and .922 save percentage in 20 postseason appearances. Originally selected by Barrie in the ninth round (173rd overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Hrebik elected to continue his junior career in the OHL after deciding not to attend his committed NCAA program. Additional new faces include:

PLAYER	POSITION	HOMETOWN	DOB	2025-26 TEAM	DRAFTED/ACQUIRED
Charlie Sullivan	LD	Toronto, ON	Mar 21, 2009	St. Andrew's College	3rd round, 47th overall (2025)
Hayden Martin	RD	Barrie, ON	Feb 27, 2009	Collingwood Blues + Guelph (2 GP)	4th round, 65th overall (2025)
Robert Matson	C	Binghamton, NY	Mar 10, 2009	Bishop Kearney Selects 16U AAA + Guelph (1 GP)	15th round, 285th overall (2025)

With the 2027 Memorial Cup on the horizon, the Storm have added a significant mix of size, skill, experience and leadership to complement their returning group. Between an intriguing 2026 draft class and several established OHL veterans joining the roster, there will be plenty of new faces to watch in Guelph as the club prepares for training camp and a highly anticipated season. ____________________________________________________________________________________ FloHockey remains the exclusive streaming home of the Ontario Hockey League, delivering more than 680 regular-season games throughout the year, plus complete coverage of the OHL playoffs. Subscribers can stream games live or watch on demand from anywhere, ensuring they never miss a goal, save, or highlight during the 2026-27 season. Whether you’re following your hometown team or tracking prospects across the league, FloHockey provides comprehensive coverage of every OHL club all season long.

15 OHL players included on Scott Wheeler’s 2027 NHL Draft Preseason Rankings by the Ontario Hockey League

Lisa Della Mattia — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:34:12 +0000

Following the conclusion of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, one of the first major international showcases of the 2027 NHL Draft cycle, The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler has released his preseason rankings, featuring a top 32 along with 36 honourable mentions. Six OHL players cracked Wheeler’s top 32, while nine more received honourable mentions. Here’s a look at the 15 OHL players recognized: 7. Dima Zhilkin – Saginaw Spirit

Hometown: Windsor, ON
Drafted: 1st Round, 19th Overall (2024 OHL Priority Selection)
Profile: 5-foot-10, 185lbs, left-shot winger

Leading the OHL contingent is Saginaw Spirit captain Dima Zhilkin, who has established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic and competitive forwards. The Windsor, Ont., native recorded 75 points (36-39–75) in 59 regular-season games last season and was voted the Western Conference’s second-hardest worker and second-best stickhandler in the OHL Coaches Poll. Internationally, Zhilkin recorded seven points in five games at the U18 World Championship before representing Canada as the country’s lone draft-eligible player at the World Junior Summer Showcase. “He’s the heartbeat of his lines and a play-driver who rises in big moments, wants to be in the fight, and can play on the perimeter or in the guts of the ice with his skill out wide and determination inside and around the net.” 16. Timothy Kazda – Guelph Storm

Hometown: Ilava, SVK
Drafted: 1st Round, 4th Overall (2026 CHL Import Draft)
Profile: 6-foot-1, 194lbs, right-shot forward

Selected fourth overall by the Guelph Storm in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, Timothy Kazda joins the Storm after an impressive season with the USHL’s Chicago Steel. The Ilava, Slovakia native recorded 41 points (22-19–41) in 59 games, finishing fourth among under-18 skaters in USHL scoring while leading the Steel with 22 goals. Kazda elevated his play on the international stage, leading the U18 World Championship with 12 points in seven games while earning tournament MVP honours and helping Slovakia reach the gold medal game as an alternate captain. “He makes quick decisions, can drive offence on his lines at five-on-five, manages the half wall on the power play well, has a good first touch, is a good skater, gets in and out of his stops and starts quickly, and protects the puck really well along the wall.” 19. Jaakko Wycisk – Guelph Storm

Hometown: Tecumseh, ON
Drafted: 1st Round, 2nd Overall (2025 OHL Priority Selection)
Profile: 6-foot-1, 190lbs, right-shot centreman

Selected second overall by the Guelph Storm in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Jaakko Wycisk recorded 43 points (16-27–43) in 60 games during his rookie campaign. The Tecumseh, Ont., native continued to make an impact internationally at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, finishing tied for the tournament scoring lead with 10 points while leading all players with eight assists. “He’s a good skater for how heavy he already is and plays a straight-line, energetic two-way game. He’s also strong in puck protection, good on the cycle, possesses excellent overall contact skills, wins pucks with a heavy stick, and can make plays below the goal line.” 23. Ryerson Edgar – Niagara IceDogs

Hometown: Holland Landing, ON
Drafted: 1st Round, 10th Overall (2025 OHL Priority Selection)
Profile: 5-foot-10, 165lbs, right-shot centreman

Selected 10th overall by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Ryerson Edgar emerged as one of the club’s most impactful young players over the course of his rookie season. The Michigan commit took on an increased role as the year progressed, moving back to centre in January and logging significant minutes down the stretch. Edgar also carried that momentum onto the international stage, recording five points (3-2–5) in five games at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. “He has quick hands and can make guys miss, jumping past them laterally. He’s a very good skater who can play off the rush and release from coverage to win foot races to pucks and keep plays alive with his active feet.” 26. Luca Santala – London Knights

Hometown: Espoo, FIN
Drafted: 1st Round, 40th Overall ( 2026 CHL Import Draft)
Profile: 6-foot-2, 190lbs, right-shot winger

Selected 40th overall by the London Knights in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, Luca Santala arrives in London after establishing himself as one of Finland’s top players in the 2009 age group. The Espoo, Finland native has also gained experience playing against older competition at the international level, most recently recording five points (2-3–5) in five games for Finland at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. “He’s got a good one-touch shot and release that he can strike with, taking passes into small pockets of the O-zone. He’ll slow play down and make the right decision with the puck more often than not.” 32. Kohyn Eshkawkogan – Ottawa 67’s

Hometown: Manitoulin Island, ON
Drafted: 1st Round, 21st Overall (2024 OHL Priority Selection)
Profile: 5-foot-10, 174lbs, right-shot defenceman

Named to the OHL’s First All-Rookie Team in 2024-25, Kohyn Eshkawkogan continued to take on a significant role with the Ottawa 67’s last season, regularly logging more than 20 minutes per game on the blueline. The Manitoulin Island, Ont., native was voted the Eastern Conference’s third-best skater and third-best offensive defenceman in the 2025-26 OHL Coaches Poll before representing Canada at the U18 World Championship in the spring. “He’s strong on his feet, is extremely mobile and can break down coverage laterally on the attack. He’s also a zone-exit and entry machine who transports a lot of pucks down ice and stretches the ice with crisp tape-to-tape outlets.” Honourable Mentions:

Trevor Daley Jr. (F) – Soo Greyhounds
Levi Harper (D) – Saginaw Spirit
Cooper McAslan (D) – London Knights
Kaden McGregor (C) – Brantford Bulldogs
Charlie Murata (RW) – Flint Firebirds
Adam Nemec (LW) – Brantford Bulldogs
Dmitri Savin (LW) – Saginaw Spirit
Easton Walos (C) – Sarnia Sting
Camryn Warren (RW) – North Bay Battalion

For Scott Wheeler’s full 2027 NHL Draft preseason ranking list, visit here.

Forward Finley Butler signs with Storm

Lisa Della Mattia — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 14:03:32 +0000

Guelph, ON – Guelph Storm General Manager George Burnett announced today that 2026 second-round pick Finley Butler has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the hockey club.

The 6’5, 215 lbs forward from London, Ontario was selected 29th overall in this summer’s OHL Priority Selection in Kingston.

“Finley has a unique combination of high skill and physicality along with his tremendous size,” said General Manager George Burnett. “He has worked extremely hard this summer to improve his game and we are excited to welcome Fin and his family to the Storm organization.”

The right winger had an excellent 2025-2026 season with the London Junior Knights U16 AAA squad. The 2010-born forward ranked second on his team in scoring, recording 23 goals and 37 assists for 60 points in 30 regular season games. Butler culminated his U16 campaign with four goals and three assists in six OHL Cup games and suited up in three junior hockey games for the GOHL’s Komoka Kings.

“I’m honoured and excited to be a part of such an amazing organization,” said Butler. “I can’t wait to get started, meet the guys, and have a great season.”

Jaakko Wycisk and Team Canada win gold at 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Lisa Della Mattia — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:05:39 +0000

On Saturday, Team Canada, featuring Storm centremen Jaakko Wycisk, took home gold, defeating the United States 8-1 at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. Wycisk contributed to Team Canada with 10 points in 5 games (2 goals, 8 assists). The Tecumseth, Ont., native was the 2nd overall pick by the Storm in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. In his first season with the Storm, the 6’1, 190lbs forward had 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points through 60 games played. Internationally, Wycisk has represented Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, where Team White took home silver. Wycisk contributed to Team Canada White 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in 5 games.