Explore the OHL: Guelph Storm
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is home to 20 teams—17 in Canada and three in the United States. Shifting the focus beyond hockey operations, the OHL aims to highlight the distinctiveness of each member club. The League will showcase how current players and future prospects embrace their junior hockey careers within their respective cities, emphasizing the unique qualities that define each team and its community.
HISTORY
Guelph is a city in Southwestern Ontario with a population of 143,740. Known as “The Royal City,” it is located approximately 22 km east of Kitchener and 70 km west of Downtown Toronto. The Guelph Storm franchise began as the Toronto Marlboros before relocating to Hamilton in 1989, becoming the Dukes of Hamilton. After the 1990–91 season, the team was moved to Guelph, where it remains today.
EDUCATION
Current Guelph Storm high school players attend Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School. The team has a proud tradition of academic excellence, with 10 academic award winners coming through the program over the years. Additionally, the University of Guelph, located in the heart of the city, offers excellent post-secondary education opportunities for players.
Bobby Smith Trophy (Scholastic Player of the Year)
2002-03: Dustin Brown (Guelph), 2001-02: Dustin Brown (Guelph), 2000-01: Dustin Brown (Guelph), 1997-98: Manny Malhotra (Guelph), 1994-95: Jamie Wright (Guelph), 1986-87: John McIntyre (Guelph)
Ivan Tennant Memorial Award (Top Academic High School Student)
2018-19: Zack Terry (Guelph), 2016-17: Quinn Hanna (Guelph), 2013-14: Adam Craievich (Guelph)
Roger Neilson Memorial Award (Top Academic Post-Secondary Student)
2014-15: Justin Nichols (Guelph), 2011-12: Kyle Pereira (Guelph), 2008-09: Tim Priamo (Guelph)
ARENA
After the closure of the former Eaton’s store at the Guelph Eaton Centre, the city of Guelph invested in transforming the site into a modern arena. The Sleeman Centre (formerly known as the Guelph Sports and Entertainment Centre) is a 4,715-seat, multi-purpose facility located in Guelph, Ontario that opened in 2000. It has hosted a variety of events, including concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and conferences. The Sleeman Centre has notably hosted the 2002 Memorial Cup and the 2008 Founders Cup tournament.
BILLET LIFE
The Guelph Storm is supported by 22 dedicated billet families for the 2023-24 season, with one player living at home. Most of the families reside in the south end of Guelph, allowing the players to easily coordinate transportation. This arrangement helps streamline their hockey, personal, and academic commitments, making life more manageable both on and off the ice.
NOTABLE ALUMNI
The Guelph Storm has a rich history of producing notable alumni, including players who have pursued professional hockey careers and others who have transitioned into the workforce through further education. Notable NHL alumni include Jeff O’Neill, Ryan Callahan, Dustin Brown (all retired), as well as current players Drew Doughty, Matt Poitras, and Nick Suzuki.
For a complete list of Storm alumni, click here.
SPECIAL STORM FAN EVENTS
Don’t miss the exciting Storm fan events this season, including Skate with the Storm, where fans can skate with the players after the game during a free family skate. Another event not to miss is Served by the Storm! This annual event, held by the Guelph Storm in support of the Adopt-A-School program, features Storm players trading their sticks for plates as they serve fans throughout the night. Be sure to also check out the Storm Season Ticket Holder event!
WHERE TO EAT
The Guelph Storm recommends two favorite restaurants for visitors: Bon Guston, located next to the arena, and Bobby O’Brien’s, just steps away. Throughout the season, the Storm and Bobby O’Brien’s have partnered on a promotion: if the team scores five goals in a game, fans receive free wings!
NOTABLE LANDMARKS
Notable landmarks in the city of Guelph include the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture known for its intricate stained glass windows and towering spires. This church is prominently featured on the shoulder of Storm jerseys. Another landmark is McCrae House, the birthplace of John McCrae, the writer of “In Flanders Fields.”
MUST TRY HOME GAME MEAL
The Storm’s standout dish for the 2024-25 season that they recommend to all fans attending home games is the Pizza Al Taglio, available at the “Penalty Box,” their new concession in section 102. Be sure to give it a try!
For additional insights about the city of Guelph, visit www.destinationontario.com.
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