Ontario Hockey League - Feed

Battalion acquire forward Maximus Crete from Knights

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:09:31 +0000

The North Bay Battalion have acquired 2008-born forward Maximus Crete from the London Knights in exchange for an eighth-round pick in the 2028 OHL Priority Selection.

The deal sees North Bay add a third-year forward with OHL experience and offensive upside, while London acquires future draft capital as they continue to shape their roster for the future.

Crete appeared in 54 games for the Knights during the 2025-26 season, recording five goals and eight assists for 13 points. The Ottawa, Ontario native joined London prior to the season after spending his rookie campaign with the Niagara IceDogs.

Originally selected by Niagara in the second round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Crete recorded 11 goals and 8 assists for 19 points in 68 games during his first OHL season in 2024-25. His combination of speed, skill, and offensive instincts made him an intriguing young prospect before being acquired by the Knights in June 2025.

Still just 18 years old, Crete has already appeared in more than 130 OHL regular season games and brings valuable experience to the Battalion's forward group.

All confirmed trades can be found on our OHL Trade Window Tracker.

Otters sign free-agent forward Anton Gesink

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:36:44 +0000

Erie, Pennsylvania -- The offseason is in full swing and the Otters have made another move to add depth to their forward group. General Manager Dave Brown and Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve announced today the Otters have signed forward Anton Gesink to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Gesink comes to Erie following an unbelievable season at Ridley College where he collected 60 points (24G+36A) in 57 games. The 6'2 native of Wilmette, IL is a right-shot forward who comes to Erie as a proven goal scorer at the prep hockey level and looks to add size and scoring to the Otters' lineup. During his time with the Chicago Reapers U14AAA Program, Gesink was teammates with current Otter Tyler Cooper, bringing a bit of familiarity to the Flagship City. Otters Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve spoke about the addition of Gesink and what he brings to the Otters organization. "We are very excited to be welcoming Anton to our organization," Grieve said. "We have followed Anton throughout the year and believe his development curve over the last 12 months has been steep. He possesses a blend of size, skill and pace. We look forward to working with Anton to further his development both on and off the ice." The Erie Otters are thrilled to welcome Anton Gesink to the Flagship City and look forward to seeing what the forward can bring to the club in the fall.

About the Erie Otters:

The Erie Otters are an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1996, the Otters have a rich history of excellence both on and off the ice. The team is committed to creating memorable experiences for its fans and contributing to the growth and well-being of the Erie community.

For further information on the Erie Otters and for media inquiries, please contact Trevor Kubeja at trevorkubeja@ottershockey.com.

Stay Informed:

Keep up-to-date with the latest Erie Otters news by visiting OttersHockey.com, or follow along on social media with the Otters Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

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Calgary Wranglers hire John Dean as Assistant Coach

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:20:44 +0000

The Calgary Wranglers of the American Hockey League announced that they have hired John Dean as an Assistant Coach. Dean spent the past eight seasons as head coach of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the, becoming the longest-serving head coach in franchise history. Over 472 games behind the bench, he compiled a winning record of 247-178-49. Dean also represented Canada at the U17 and U18 levels, winning medals at both tournaments while coaching current Calgary Wranglers defenceman Etienne Morin. During his time in Sault Ste. Marie, he also coached current Wranglers forward Rory Kerins and Flames forward Morgan Frost. Dean and the Greyhounds mutually parted ways on April 29th, following the Greyhounds playoff run.

Bulldogs’ Vince Laise joins Hamilton Hammers coaching staff

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:02:16 +0000

The Hamilton Hammers have announced the hiring of Vince Laise as an Assistant Coach ahead of their inaugural AHL season in 2026-27.

Laise joins Hamilton after spending the past two seasons with the Brantford Bulldogs, serving as the Associate Coach in 2025-26 alongside newly appointed Hammers Head Coach Jay McKee. The Brampton, ON. native also served as an Assistant Coach with the Bulldogs in 2024-25 and previously spent four seasons with the organization from 2016-20, including a stint as Head Coach during the 2019-20 campaign.

Laise also spent time behind the bench with the Erie Otters, serving as an Assistant Coach from 2013-16 and again from 2021-23.

IceDogs acquire defenceman Christian Colosimo from Firebirds

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:58:57 +0000

The Niagara IceDogs have acquired 2008-born defenceman Christian Colosimo from the Flint Firebirds in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2030 OHL Priority Selection.

Colosimo appeared in 16 games for the Firebirds during the 2025-26 season, recording one goal and one assist. The Vaughan, Ontario native was originally selected by Flint in the fourth round, 61st overall, of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.

Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing over 215 pounds, the left-shot defenceman brings a combination of size, physicality, and long-term potential to Niagara's blue line. Colosimo spent parts of the 2025-26 season with the Aurora Tigers of the OJHL, where he recorded 4 assists in 23 games.

The IceDogs are excited about the addition and the attributes Colosimo brings to the organization. “Christian is a big, strong puck mover who seems to enjoy playing a physical style of hockey,” said IceDogs General Manager Dale DeGray. “Seeing him in the Western Conference, I know that he is a player that opponents need to be aware of when he is on the ice. I appreciate the way that he plays and look forward to seeing him in an IceDogs jersey come September.” All confirmed trades can be found on our OHL Trade Window Tracker.

Spirit President & Managing Partner Craig Goslin to be inducted into Bay County Sports Hall of Fame

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:28:24 +0000

Bay City, Mich. – Spirit President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin was honored earlier this week as a part of the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame’s induction class of 2026. Goslin grew up in Bay City and is a 1979 graduate of Bay City All Saints. Since 2002, Goslin has been a mainstay of the Spirit organization. He has twice been named the OHL Executive of the Year (2006, 2007), has served as the Chairman of the Board for the OHL Board of Governors, and represented OHL owners on the CHL Board of Directors. Goslin spearheaded the efforts of Saginaw’s 2024 Memorial Cup bid, bringing junior hockey’s most prestigious event to the region and generating approximately $37 million in overall economic impact for its local communities. Among the many charitable initiatives carried out by the Spirit over the past 25 seasons, Goslin was instrumental in the creation of the annual Shocks and Saves charity game, which has raised over $800,000 for heart health awareness and installed more than 250 AEDs around the Great Lakes Bay Region. The team’s Hockey for the Homeless game has raised an additional $700,000 for the City Rescue Mission and Good Samaritan Youth Center since the event’s creation. Goslin was one of seven individuals named to the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame’s induction class of 2026, in addition to three local teams. He will be formally inducted to the Hall on November 8th, 2026, at the DoubleTree hotel and conference center in Bay City. Full article from Lee Thompson at MLive.com.

OHL Alumni Capture Six Major NHL Awards in 2025-26

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:57:32 +0000

The Ontario Hockey League was well represented at the 2026 NHL Awards, with OHL alumni taking home six of the league's most prestigious honours following standout performances throughout the 2025-26 season. Leading the way was Erie Otters alumnus Matthew Schaefer, who made history by becoming the youngest player ever to unanimously win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year. Schaefer enjoyed a record-breaking rookie campaign with the New York Islanders, recording 59 points (23-36–59) in 82 games. His 23 goals tied Brian Leetch's NHL record for goals by a rookie defenceman, while his 59 points established a new NHL record for an 18-year-old blueliner, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1982-83. He also became the youngest defenceman in NHL history to record a point in his debut, the youngest defenceman to reach 50 career points, and the first defenceman in nearly a century to lead all NHL rookies in goals scored. Schaefer's rookie season also saw him break the Islanders franchise record for goals by a rookie defenceman, previously held by OHL alumnus Denis Potvin. Fellow Erie Otters alumnus Connor McDavid continued to add to his legendary resume, earning both the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's leading scorer and the Ted Lindsay Award as the league's most outstanding player, as voted by the NHLPA. McDavid captured his sixth career Art Ross Trophy after finishing atop the NHL scoring race with 138 points (48-90–138) in 82 regular-season games. He also etched his name further into the record books by recording a point in all 41 of Edmonton's victories, becoming just the third player in NHL history to accomplish the feat. The Ted Lindsay Award marked the fifth time McDavid has received the honour, tying Wayne Gretzky for the all-time record. During the season, he became the third-fastest player in NHL history to reach 1,200 career points, doing so in only 784 games. He also recorded his eighth career season with at least 70 assists. Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, who starred with both the Owen Sound Attack and Guelph Storm, earned the first Selke Trophy of his career as the NHL's top defensive forward. Suzuki claimed the award following a commanding victory in the voting after recording 101 points (29-72–101) in 82 games while posting a plus-37 rating. The London, Ont., native reached both the 100-point and 70-assist milestones for the first time in his NHL career, producing the third-highest point total by a centreman in franchise history. Renowned for his two-way play, Suzuki consistently drew assignments against the opposition's top offensive threats while remaining one of the league's most productive forwards. The Colorado Avalanche tandem of Barrie Colts alumnus Mackenzie Blackwood and Plymouth Whalers graduate Scott Wedgewood captured the William M. Jennings Trophy after helping Colorado allow a league-low 203 goals during the regular season. The Avalanche surrendered 25 fewer goals than the next closest NHL club en route to capturing the Presidents' Trophy as the league's top regular-season team. Wedgewood appeared in 45 games, posting a 2.02 goals-against average, .921 save percentage, and four shutouts, while Blackwood suited up for 39 contests, recording a 2.51 goals-against average, .904 save percentage, and three shutouts. Together, the duo formed one of the NHL's most effective goaltending tandems throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Rounding out the list of OHL award winners was Kitchener Rangers alumnus Gabriel Landeskog, who received the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Landeskog completed one of the sport's most inspiring comeback stories, returning to play a full NHL season after missing three years due to a series of knee injuries and surgeries. The veteran forward underwent four separate procedures, including a cartilage transplant, before successfully returning to the Colorado lineup for the first full season since 2021-22.

Otters hire Kyle Makaric as Assistant Coach

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:03:56 +0000

Erie, Pennsylvania - There's a new face behind the Otters bench, and it's one with plenty of familiarity to the OHL. General Manager Dave Brown and Head Coach Kris Mallette announced today the addition of Kyle Makaric to to the Otters' coaching staff as an Assistant Coach. The 37-year-old native of LaSalle, ON comes to Erie following last season where he was an Assistant Coach with the Saginaw Spirit. "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the Erie Otters organization," Makaric said. "After speaking with Dave, Kris, Jeremy, and Ken, it became clear why the organization is held in such high regard throughout the hockey community. I look forward to working alongside the players and staff each day, both on and off the ice, helping our athletes develop, compete, and achieve their goals. I am excited to get to work and contribute in any way I can to help our team achieve success." Makaric brings an extensive list of experience with him to the Flagship City, including two CCHL Championships as Head Coach of the Ottawa Jr. Senators, including being named the Coach of the Year in the league in 2023. During his time in Ottawa, he led the Jr. Senators through a period of incredible success culminating in the pair of championships. Other stops along the way for the Otters' new assistant include four years with the Windsor Jr. Spitfires AAA Program, multiple stints with the University of Windsor, the Chatham Maroons, and Leamington Flyers. He also coached with Canada East at the World Junior 'A' Championship and with BioSteel Sports Academy. General Manager Dave Brown spoke with excitement about the arrival of Makaric and what he will bring to the organization. "Kyle represents a promising young mind in hockey with prior experience as a head coach at the Tier II level, where he was responsible for coaching and assembling elite teams," Brown said. "The combination of Kyle's understanding of the OHL and his background in USports made him highly appealing. Kyle exemplifies innovation and maintains an openness to novel ideas that motivate players to engage in learning and persist in their developmental journey with enthusiasm." Otters' Head Coach Kris Mallette spoke on the addition of Makaric to his staff and why he was the right pick for the group. "Kyle will bring a strong work ethic and hockey knowledge that will immediately strengthen our bench and maximize our players' potential," Mallette said. "We are excited to add another person who shares the same team-first culture mentality both on and off the ice. Kyle's communication and overall skill set will be a valuable addition to our existing group."

OHL Alumnus Corey Locke Receives 2026 OMHA Excellence in Development Award

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:28:07 +0000

Former Ottawa 67's star and one of the most accomplished players in Ontario Hockey League history, Corey Locke, has been recognized with the 2026 OMHA Excellence in Development Award. Currently serving as Executive Director of the Burlington Eagles Elite program and as a development coach with the Guelph Storm, Locke has become a respected leader in player development, guiding young athletes on and off the ice while drawing on a hockey career that spanned more than two decades. "I've been working with Corey for over five years now, and I don't think we could have brought a better guy into the organization to run and lead our development," said Burlington Eagles Director of Hockey Justin Howard. "I think it's what makes Corey the way he is. It's that connection with each individual and each individual's family. They put trust in him to bring them along, and as an organization, we put the trust in him to help those players develop." One of the most dominant offensive players the OHL has ever seen, Locke spent three seasons with the Ottawa 67's from 2001-04. During the 2002-03 campaign, he produced an astounding 151 points (63-88-151) in just 66 regular-season games. Over 186 career regular-season contests, he amassed 312 points (132-180-312), cementing his place among the league's all-time greats. His remarkable junior career earned him numerous accolades, including two Eddie Powers Memorial Trophies as the OHL's leading scorer, two Red Tilson Trophies as OHL Most Outstanding Player, two OHL goal-scoring titles, an OHL assists title, CHL Top Scorer honours and CHL Player of the Year recognition. Following his junior career, Locke was selected 113th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2003 NHL Draft. He appeared in nine NHL games, recording one assist, before establishing himself as one of the premier players in the American Hockey League. Locke captured the Calder Cup twice during his professional career, first with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2007 and later with the Binghamton Senators in 2011. He remains the Bulldogs' franchise leader in career goals, assists and points. His finest professional season came in 2010-11 when he led the AHL with 86 points (21-65-86) while helping Binghamton capture the Calder Cup championship. Locke's outstanding campaign earned him both the Les Cunningham Award as league MVP and the John B. Sollenberger Trophy as the AHL's leading scorer. After concluding his playing career in Europe, Locke transitioned into coaching and player development, where he has continued to make a lasting impact. "When you see Corey at the rink, the players just kind of swarm around him, and he is so approachable," said Burlington Eagles Vice President Jean Longfield. "He's joking with them and having fun with them. He really relates to them, and they sense that. He's really got a magical touch." The OMHA Excellence in Development Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to fostering growth and development in the game, making Locke a more-than-fitting recipient.

OHL Unveils 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:00:50 +0000

TORONTO — The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today released its complete 2026-27 regular-season schedule, a 684-game slate that sees all 20 member clubs play 68 games apiece. The season opens Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, and runs through Sunday, March 21, 2027, ahead of the OHL Playoffs and the road to the J. Ross Robertson Cup. The schedule again features interleague play with the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), with eight crossover games arranged in four home-and-home series. The campaign drops the puck Thursday, Sept. 17, when the Peterborough Petes host the Kingston Frontenacs in the league’s first game of the season (7:05 p.m.). One night later, on Friday, Sept. 18, the Kitchener Rangers raise their J. Ross Robertson Cup and Memorial Cup championship banners before hosting the Owen Sound Attack in their home opener (7 p.m.). The OHL’s second annual Rivalry Week runs Oct. 21-25, sending all 20 clubs head-to-head with their fiercest rival in a home-and-home set. Ten of the league’s most storied rivalries will play out twice across the five-day stretch — once on each club’s home ice — with bragging rights and early standings positioning on the line. Two franchises celebrate landmark anniversaries in 2026-27. The Erie Otters celebrate their 30th season in the OHL, while the Saginaw Spirit comemmorate 25 years. The 2026-27 schedule includes nine school-day games — weekday morning starts getting underway before noon — giving thousands of students across OHL markets the chance to take in a game as part of a class trip. The season points toward the 2027 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, hosted by the Guelph Storm beginning May 20, 2027. The event coincides with the City of Guelph’s bicentennial, setting the stage for a landmark celebration of junior hockey in the community. All OHL games stream live on FloHockey. Lock in a full season of OHL action: 12 months for the price of three — a saving of more than 75 percent compared with the monthly plan. Offer valid through July 31, 2026.