Twelve OHL alumni competing in 2026 Calder Cup Finals
A total of 12 Ontario Hockey League alumni are set to compete in the 2026 Calder Cup Final as the Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs) face off against the Chicago Wolves (Carolina Hurricanes), with the championship series beginning Friday, June 12.
The Marlies advanced to the final with a six-game series victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, who had previously upset the regular-season champion Hershey Bears. Toronto secured the series with a 2-1 overtime win, as former Mississauga Steelheads forward Alex Nylander scored the game-winning goal midway through the extra frame.
ALEX NYLANDER CALLS GAME!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/y4ihoJtQxg
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) June 8, 2026
Meanwhile, former London Knights standout Easton Cowan has played a key role since joining the Marlies for their playoff run. Cowan enters the final riding a five-game point streak, recording six points (4-2–6) during that span.
On the other side, the Wolves earned their berth by defeating the Colorado Eagles in a winner-take-all Game 7, claiming a 4-3 victory after twice facing elimination in the series. Former Barrie Colts and Saginaw Spirit forward Ryan Suzuki was named first star of the deciding game after contributing a goal and an assist. Suzuki currently ranks second on the Wolves in postseason scoring.
SUZUKI WITH A SIZZLER 🔥
Just like that, Chicago's back on top with a twisted wrister from Ryan Suzuki
Presented by @FortuneTiresUSA @Chicago_Wolves | #AHL #CalderCup #FortuneTiresUSA pic.twitter.com/PO7fMoRaEf
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) June 9, 2026
The matchup also creates an opportunity for a rare organizational double championship. With both the Wolves and the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes competing for league titles, the Hurricanes organization could capture both the Stanley Cup and Calder Cup in the same season. The last NHL organization to accomplish the feat was the New Jersey Devils and their AHL affiliate, the Albany River Rats, in 1995.
12 OHL alumni competing in the 2026 Calder Cup Finals
Toronto Marlies (8)
Ben Danford (Oshawa Generals, Brantford Bulldogs)
Dakota Mermis (London Knights, Oshawa Generals)
Chas Sharpe (Mississauga Steelheads)
Blake Smith (Oshawa Generals, Flint Firebirds)
Easton Cowan (London Knights)
Alex Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads)
Michael Pezzetta (Sudbury Wolves, Sarnia Sting)
Landon Sim (London Knights)
Chicago Wolves (4)
Ryan Suzuki (Barrie Colts & Saginaw Spirit)
Bryce Montgomery (London Knights)
Givani Smith (Barrie Colts, Guelph Storm, Kitchener Rangers)
Evan Vierling (Flint Firebirds, Barrie Colts)
For full coverage of the 2026 Calder Cup Final, visit theahl.com or FloHockey.
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