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OHL Recognizes 2025-26 Business Award Winners by the Ontario Hockey League

Lisa Della Mattia — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:34:24 +0000

The Ontario Hockey League recognized its 2025-26 Business Award winners during the league's annual Business Meetings, celebrating outstanding achievement and innovation across a variety of business, community, retail, broadcast and fan engagement initiatives throughout the 2025-26 season. The awards recognize excellence both on the club level and across the league, highlighting organizations that have contributed to the continued growth and success of the OHL on and off the ice.

OHL Content Team Award

Presented by Collin Jennings, Manager of Social Media & Digital Content Kingston Frontenacs The Kingston Frontenacs are the recipients of the 2025-26 OHL Content Team Award. Throughout the season, the Frontenacs consistently delivered creative, detailed and authentic storytelling that helped fans connect with the players, coaches and personalities behind the team. From player features and alumni coverage to day-to-day team content, Kingston set a high standard for engagement, growth and consistency, helping strengthen the connection between the organization and its fanbase while establishing itself as one of the league's premier content operations.

OHL Game Night Theme Award

Presented by Josh Sweetland, Director of Communications Guelph Storm The Guelph Storm are the recipients of the 2025-26 OHL Game Night Theme Award for their highly successful Royal City Jockstraps rebrand weekend. Rooted in local history and executed with exceptional attention to detail, the initiative transformed every aspect of the game day experience, from centre-ice branding to broadcast presentation elements. Embraced by fans and the local community, the themed weekend demonstrated creativity, innovation and a commitment to delivering memorable experiences beyond the game itself.

OHL Best Broadcast Presentation Award

Presented by Jordan Henry, Director of Broadcast Partnerships & Video Content Erie Otters The Erie Otters are the recipients of the 2025-26 OHL Best Broadcast Presentation Award. The Otters continued to raise the bar for OHL broadcasts through innovation, creativity and a commitment to enhancing the viewer experience. From the addition of colour commentary from between the benches to elevated intermission features and compelling storytelling throughout their broadcasts, Erie consistently pushed boundaries while delivering one of the league's most engaging and polished productions.

OHL Rivalry Week Engagement Award

Presented by Matt Walker, Director of Marketing & Events Flint Firebirds / Saginaw Spirit The Flint Firebirds and Saginaw Spirit share the 2025-26 OHL Rivalry Week Engagement Award for their continued success in building the I-75 Divide Cup into one of the league's premier rivalry properties. Fueled by geography, history and community pride, the initiative featured a dedicated rivalry trophy, enhanced game presentation elements, coordinated marketing campaigns and compelling content that amplified excitement throughout Rivalry Week. Together, the two organizations created a marquee event that drove fan engagement, social conversation and community interest before, during and after each matchup.

OHL Best Game Presentation Award

Presented by Abby Perfetti, Manager of Business Operations Brantford Bulldogs The Brantford Bulldogs are the recipients of the 2025-26 OHL Best Game Presentation Award. Throughout the season, the Bulldogs delivered one of the league's most energetic and engaging in-arena experiences, combining high-quality production, impactful fan engagement and seamless execution. Through dynamic entertainment, strong storytelling, creative partner integrations and exceptional video, lighting and live-event elements, Brantford consistently created an atmosphere that kept fans engaged and elevated the overall game day experience from opening night through the OHL Eastern Conference Championship.

OHL Retail Performance Award

Presented by Joelle Wood, Manager of Marketing & Events Peterborough Petes The Peterborough Petes are the recipients of the 2025-26 OHL Retail Performance Award. Through innovative retail initiatives, strong sales results and a continued commitment to enhancing the fan experience, the Petes have established themselves as one of the league's leading merchandise operations. Under the leadership of Mark Million, Peterborough has played an important role in driving merchandise growth, strengthening purchasing power across the league and supporting initiatives that contribute to the continued success of the Ontario Hockey League.

OHL Community Involvement Award

Presented by Tracy Robert, Manager of Culture & Community Kitchener Rangers The Kitchener Rangers are the recipients of the 2025-26 OHL Community Involvement Award in recognition of an extraordinary year of fundraising and community impact. Through initiatives including game day 50/50 draws, game-worn jersey raffles and a variety of special events, the Rangers raised nearly $2 million while setting an OHL record with a 50/50 jackpot approaching $150,000. The organization's efforts allowed it to provide community impact grants to 16 local organizations and award 19 scholarships to graduating high school students, demonstrating a lasting commitment to supporting the Kitchener-Waterloo community.

OHL Largest Corporate Partner Revenue Increase Award

Presented by Jeff Elia, Director of Corporate Partnerships & Business Development Owen Sound Attack The Owen Sound Attack are the recipients of the 2025-26 OHL Largest Corporate Partner Revenue Increase Award after delivering exceptional growth across their corporate partnership portfolio. The club achieved a year-over-year increase of more than 50 per cent in corporate partner revenue while generating substantial growth in arena inventory sales and increasing the value of its average partnership agreements. Owen Sound's average cash sponsorship deal now ranks among the top three in the Ontario Hockey League, reflecting the organization's success in building meaningful and valuable relationships with its corporate partners. Through a strategic and results-driven approach to sponsorship sales, the Attack established themselves as one of the league's top-performing business operations during the 2025-26 season.

OHL Largest Ticket Revenue Increase Award

Presented by Jason Diplock, Senior Director of League Development Ottawa 67's The Ottawa 67's are the recipients of the 2025-26 OHL Largest Ticket Revenue Increase Award after achieving the league's largest year-over-year percentage increase in ticket revenue. The growth was fueled by strong performance across multiple ticketing categories, including significant gains in single-game sales, partial season memberships and group ticket sales. Ottawa also ranked among the league leaders in average group ticket revenue per game, demonstrating the organization's success in attracting and engaging fans throughout the season.

OHL Franchise Development Award

Presented by Matt Gergely, Director of Business Operations Windsor Spitfires The Windsor Spitfires are the recipients of the 2025-26 OHL Franchise Development Award in recognition of outstanding growth across multiple areas of the business. The club achieved significant increases in both corporate partnership and ticket revenue while continuing to strengthen fan engagement through creative promotions and themed events. From innovative initiatives such as cash drops and Elvis-themed weddings to a strong commitment to hospitality for league partners and guests, the Spitfires demonstrated excellence across all facets of their business operation throughout the 2025-26 season. The Ontario Hockey League congratulates all award recipients and thanks every club for their continued commitment to growing the game and enhancing the experience for players, fans, partners and communities across the league.

2026 OHL Priority Selection

Lisa Della Mattia — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:24:05 +0000

The 2026 OHL Priority Selection, presented by the Real Canadian Superstore, gets underway on Friday, June 12th at 7:00pm with round one. On the morning of Saturday, June 13th the draft will continue with two four through fifteen. The annual Priority Selection welcomes 300 new players to the OHL as member clubs draft prospects from across Ontario and select US States to join their organization. In partnership with Tourism Kingston, the 2026 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore will take place June 12–13, 2026, at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston, home of the Kingston Frontenacs. Fans and media from across the League are invited to take in one of the most anticipated events on the OHL calendar as teams lay the groundwork for future success, welcoming the most talented prospects from across Canada and parts of the United States to their organizations. In addition to the festivities in Kingston, the Storm are hosting a Draft Party on Friday, June 12th from 6:30pm-10:00pm at Montana’s BBQ & Bar in Guelph. Join play-by-play commentator Ryan Drury and representatives from the Guelph Storm as the team gets set to welcome the 2026 draft class. A raffle ticket will be given to each fan attending the event, as the first round pick rings in, Storm staff will randomly select a ticket for the chance to win a commemorative stick signed by the 2025/2026 team. Montana’s kitchen will be open and available for orders, but as a special thank you to fans, the team has arranged for appetizers of nachos and spinach dip to be delivered to each table of four guests. Please call Montana’s BBQ & Bar, (519) 766-1549, to confirm your party number. All other seating will be first-come, first serve Click here to view the 2025 OHL Priority Selection prospect profiles. For more information on the OHL Priority Selection process click here. Guelph Storm Draft Class 2025

Round	Pick	Name	Position	Last Team
1	2	Jaakko Wycisk	C	Sun County Panthers U16 AA
2	25	Mark Pape	LW	Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 15’s
2	36	Carter Lewandowski	LW	Vaughn Kings U16 AAA
3	47	Charlie Sullivan	LD	Don Mills Flyers U16 AA
3	56	Cruz Reznik	C	Toronto Red Wings U16 AAA
4	65	Hayden Martin	LD	Barrie Jr. Colts U16 AAA
5	85	Illia Shybinskyi	LW	Toronto Jr. Canadiens
6	105	Zack Naish	RD	North Shore Whitecaps U16 AAA
7	125	James Roy	RW	Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA
9	165	Andrew Baker	RW	Sun County Panthers U16 AAA
10	185	Oliver McKinney	C	Chicago Mission 15’s
10	190	Malcolm Robin	RD	Markhan Waxers U16 AAA
11	205	Owen Devlin	LD	Carelton Place Canadians U16 AAA
12	225	Nash Willsie	C	Guelph Gryphons U16 AAA
13	252	Camillo Milani	LW	Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA
14	265	Christopher Mabey	RD	Waterloo Wolves U16 AAA
15	285	Robert Matson	C	Bishop Kearney Selects 15’s

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.

Storm acquire Blue Jackets prospect Owen Griffin from the Generals

Lisa Della Mattia — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:36:18 +0000

General Manager George Burnett announced today that the Guelph Storm have acquired forward Owen Griffin from the Oshawa Generals in exchange for forward Mark Pape, goaltender Cruz Reznik, a 2nd round pick (Guelph) in 2027, a 2nd round pick (Sudbury) in 2028, a 3rd round pick (Niagara) in 2027, and a 4th round pick (Guelph) in the 2028 OHL Priority Selection.

“Among his many strengths, Owen has the ability to create offense both 5-on-5 and on the powerplay,” said George Burnett. “He set himself a part with his playoff performance in 2025 and gained valuable experience helping his team to consecutive OHL Finals.We are excited to welcome Owen and his family to the Storm organization.”

The Markham, ON native was originally selected in the first round, 6th overall, by the Generals in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. In his first threeseasons in the OHL, the veteran forward has recorded 48 goals and 76 assists for 124points in 189 regular season games. Griffin has added another 34 points (17 goals and 17 assists) in 42 career OHL playoff games, which included back-to-back J. Ross Robertson Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025. Griffin led the OHL in goals during the 2025 OHL playoffs. He was selected in the 5th round, 160th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

The 2007-born forward represented Canada at the 2023 U17 World Hockey Challengewhere he won a gold medal with Storm players Ethan Czata, Tyler Hopkins, and Rylan Singh.

“I am excited for this new opportunity and ready to do whatever I can to help the Storm succeed this upcoming season,” said Owen Griffin. “I cannot wait to get started.”

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.

Storm and Rangers rivalry renewed in OHL Rivalry Week

Lisa Della Mattia — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:30:48 +0000

The Guelph Storm in conjunction with the Ontario Hockey League, is excited to announce the matchups for the OHL Rivalry Week. The Ontario Hockey League is highlighting geographical rivalries with Rivalry Weekend; every team will play its designated rival, with many featuring home-and-home matchups. The Storm travel to Kitchener on Friday, October 23rd, before returning home on Sunday, October 25th, to take on the Midwest Division rivals. Season tickets are on sale NOW, while single-game tickets for the Guelph Storm’s 2026-2027 season will be available starting on Wednesday, August 5th! Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here, call 519-837-9690 or 1-888-STORM-GO (1-888-786-7646) to order.

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.

Storm acquire picks from Firebirds for Simon Belohorsky

Lisa Della Mattia — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:59:59 +0000

Guelph Storm General Manager George Burnett announced today that the club has traded import forward Simon Belohorsky to the Flint Firebirds in exchange for a 5th round pick (Flint) in 2028 and an 8^th round pick (Flint) in the 2027 OHL Priority Selection.

The Storm would like to thank Simon for his hard work and dedication to the club and would like to wish him and his family the best with the Flint Firebirds organization.

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.

Storm acquire Vladimir Dravecky and the rights to Adrien Bartovic from the Bulldogs

Lisa Della Mattia — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 23:14:11 +0000

General Manager George Burnett announced today that the Guelph Storm have acquired import defenseman Vladimir Dravecky and the rights to import forward Adrien Bartovic from the Brantford Bulldogs in exchange for a 2nd round pick (North Bay) in 2026, a 3rd round pick (Guelph) in 2028, a 4th round pick (London) in 2028, a 5^th round pick (Guelph) in 2029, and a conditional 12^th round pick (Brampton) the 2028 OHL Priority Selection.

“Vladimir is an elite, puck-moving defenseman who is expected to contribute and lead in all situations for our team this season,” said George Burnett. “We anticipate signing Adrien to an OHL Standard Player Agreement, and we expect him to play a key role with our forward group in the fall. We are excited to welcome both Vladimir and Adrien to the Storm organization.”

Dravecky, a Czechia native, was originally selected in the first round, 50^th overall, by the Bulldogs in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. In his first season in North America, the right-shot blueliner notched 9 goals and 19 assists for 28 points and was plus-24 in 58 regular-season games. The 6-foot, 190 lbs defender added 3 points in 11 playoff games, helping Brantford to an Eastern Conference final appearance. Dravecky represented Czechia at the 2026 U20 World Junior Championships, where he won a silver medal. He will be eligible for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo later this month.

Bartovic, also a Czechia native, was selected by the Bulldogs in the first round, 42^nd overall, in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. The 6-foot-1, 185 lbs forward recorded 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points in 29 regular season games for the Bili Tygri Liberec U20 squad, ranking second on his team in points. He finished the season with 17 games in the Slovakian men’s league, where he notched three goals and an assist.

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.

Storm set to host Erie Otters in 2026 Home Opener

Lisa Della Mattia — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:02:06 +0000

In conjunction with the Ontario Hockey League, the Guelph Storm is excited to announce the 2026-2027 season will begin with a mid-west division match-up against the Erie Otters. The Guelph Storm will open the season at the Sleeman Centre on Friday, September 18th at 7:07pm against the Erie Otters. Season tickets are on sale NOW, while single game for the Guelph Storm’s 2026-2027 season will be available starting on Wednesday, August 5th! Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here, call 519-837-9690 or 1-888-STORM-GO (1-888-786-7646) to order.

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.

2026 OHL U18 Draft Recap

Lisa Della Mattia — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:17:35 +0000

On Monday, June 8th, the Storm completed three rounds of the 2026 OHL U18 Draft. General Manager George Burnett and his scouting staff led by Wade Branch, selected a goalie, a forward, and a defenceman.

Round	Pick	Name	Position	Last Team
1	7	Landyn Quirk	G	Kitchener Jr. Rangers U18 AAA
2	27	Maddyx Chaput	LW	Huron-Perth Lakers U18 AA
3	44	Francesco Porporino	LD	Toronto Red Wings U18 AAA

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.

2026 Under-18 Priority Selection on Monday at 7:00pm by the Ontario Hockey League

Lisa Della Mattia — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:45:31 +0000

TORONTO - The 2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection is set to commence at 7:00pm on Monday, June 8th where no fewer than 40 players born in 2008 and 2009 will be chosen from Under-18 AAA programs from across the province. The Under-18 Priority Selection will be held entirely online. Follow along with pick-by-pick results here at ontariohockeyleague.com. Just as they will at this coming Friday night's 2026 OHL Priority Selection in Kingston, the Oshawa Generals hold the first overall pick, followed by the Erie Otters who select second and the Brampton Steelheads who will be picking third. A complete order of selection can be found here. Here’s everything you need to know about the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection: History: The concept for the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed in 2017 with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), to assist in the growth of U18 AAA hockey and provide further opportunities for players at different stages of their hockey development. Recent Selections to Play in the OHL: A number of former U18 selections spent the 2025-26 season in the OHL including Peterborough Petes teammates Brennan Faulkner and Brett Hammond, Sudbury Wolves forward Rowan Henderson, Kingston Frontenacs forward Riley Clark, Erie Otters netminder Noah Tegelaar, Brampton Steelheads forward Julian Demiglio, Barrie Colts forward Luc Gauvreau, Windsor Spitfires goaltender Michael Newlove, North Bay Battalion blueliner Jonathan Kapageridis, Flint Firebirds forward Josh Bonnyman as well as Kitchener Rangers forward Jack LaBrash. Players Eligible for Selection: All U18 players not currently on a CHL Member Team Protected List who were carded with an Ontario-based U18 AAA Hockey Club or an accredited Hockey Canada sport school within the OHF, HNO or HEO in the 2025-26 playing season are eligible for the U18 Priority Selection. Selection Procedure: The Under-18 Priority Selection Process is two rounds with each OHL Member Team required to select two players. Teams that select a goaltender in one of the first two rounds are permitted to select an additional skater in a third round of selections.

Several Storm players attend MacKids Walk and Wheel event in Hamilton

Lisa Della Mattia — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:31:39 +0000

On Saturday, June 6th, Storm players Grant Spada, Rowan Topp, Wil McFadden, Parker Snelgrove, Leo Serlin, Chris Soares, Tyler Hopkins, and Ethan Czata attended the 2026 MacKids Walk and Wheel event in Hamilton. The annual event brings families and communities together in support of McMaster Children’s Hospital. MacKids Walk & Wheel is designed for kids, siblings, parents, grandparents, and friends of all ages and abilities. The Storm players joined nearly 1,000 event attendees for a day of fun. They participated in some games and activities, interacted with youth attendees, and handed out Storm swag. With his new initiative, Spada Strong, Grant will be raising funds to be donated to McMaster Children’s Hospital, which is one of Canada’s largest pediatric academic care teaching hospitals. Located in Hamilton, Ont., the hospital is home to one of the fastest-growing kids-only emergency departments, as well as one of the most advanced neonatal intensive care units in the country. In addition to the monetary donations, Spada and the Guelph Storm will be welcoming pediatric patients to various home games as “Spada’s Star of the Game”, with the hope of providing a meaningful way to brighten their day. Donations to Spada Strong can be made here. Throughout the 2026/2027 season, other forms of fundraising and engagement will be announced.

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