Register Today for the 5th Annual OHL Officiating Prospect Development Combine

TORONTO — The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is pleased to announce the 5th Annual Officiating Prospect Development Combine (OPDC), scheduled for June 5th and 6th, 2026, at the Courtyard Marriott and the newly renovated Susan Fennell Sportsplex in Brampton, Ontario.

The OHL continues to invest in the development of the next generation of hockey officials through this premier annual program, which is designed to identify, evaluate, and support aspiring officials seeking advancement within the game. The move to the Susan Fennell Sportsplex will provide increased ice availability and a more centralized setting for both on-ice and off-ice programming, further enhancing the overall participant experience.

The OPDC has become one of the OHL’s most important officiating development initiatives. Each year, the League receives more than 200 applications, with approximately 90 officials selected to participate. Since the program’s inception, 72 participants have advanced to the OHL Officiating Training Camp, and 54 participants are currently officiating in the OHL.

Open to current high-level hockey officials, as well as individuals transitioning from playing careers, the OPDC is intended to attract candidates from across Ontario and the United States. While previous officiating experience is not required, applicants must be strong skaters, maintain a high level of physical fitness, and demonstrate a serious commitment to officiating development.

The Combine provides a valuable opportunity for participants to showcase their abilities, gain exposure to high-performance standards, and learn directly from experienced officiating leaders. As in previous years, select attendees may be invited to the OHL Officiating Training Camp in August 2026, where they may compete for an opportunity to join the OHL Officiating Team.

Through its continued partnerships with the National Hockey League, Hockey Canada, the Ontario Hockey Federation, and the Ontario Hockey Association, the OHL remains committed to serving as a premier development league for players, coaches, and officials aspiring to reach the highest levels of the sport.

“Hosting the 5th Annual OHL Officiating Prospect Development Combine is an important part of our commitment to identifying, developing, and supporting the next generation of officials,” said Conrad Haché, Director of Officiating. “This event provides a valuable opportunity for prospects to showcase their skills, receive direct instruction, and better understand the standards, expectations, and professionalism required to succeed at the Ontario Hockey League level. We are proud to continue investing in officiating development and in the future of our game.”

Registration for the 2026 OPDC is now open through the online application form. The registration deadline is Friday, April 3, 2026. Due to limited space, all applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, and successful applicants will be notified by Friday, April 17, 2026. Additional details regarding registration, payment, and accommodations will be provided upon selection.

The cost to attend the Combine is $485.00 plus HST. This includes on-ice evaluation by a fitness and skating specialist, a minimum of 8 hours of ice time, a minimum of 6 hours of classroom instruction, meals on Friday and Saturday, access to a preferred hotel rate at the Brampton Courtyard Marriott, exposure to officiating professionals from the OHL, NHL, OHF, and OHA, and a participant gift.

The OHL looks forward to welcoming the next group of promising officials to Brampton this June as part of its ongoing commitment to officiating excellence and development.

For more information and to register, please complete the online application form.

“The OHL Exposure Combine provided me, as a newer Junior Hockey official, with the opportunity to learn from experienced officials and gain a clear understanding of the standards expected within the OHL. It was also a great opportunity to connect with officials from across the province, build new relationships, and learn more about the ins and outs of the league. The weekend challenged me both physically and mentally, and deepened my understanding of the day-to-day demands required to compete and succeed at this level.”
– Phil Nadeau

“My experience at the OHL Officiating Combine was incredibly valuable, not only for the on-ice competition but for the knowledge gained from the officiating coaches and current OHL officials. Learning directly from members of the Ontario Hockey League provided insight into the standards, mindset, and professionalism required at the next level. Their feedback challenged me to refine my game and strengthened my commitment to continuous growth as an official.”
– Mason Snell