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2026 OHL Awards – General Manager of the Year Finalists

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:30:47 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced finalists for the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award, presented annually to the OHL General Manager who best excelled at his role during the regular season. Marty Williamson of the Barrie Colts and Dave McParlan of the Flint Firebirds were the front-runners in the voting process carried-out by OHL General Managers. The winner will be determined by a panel consisting of accredited OHL media members, as well as a representative from NHL Central Scouting. Here's some information on this year's finalists: Marty Williamson (Barrie Colts) - 45-14-5-4, 99 Pts., 1st Central Division In his first season exclusively focused on managerial duties, Marty Williamson helped push the Barrie Colts to the next level with key additions at the OHL trade deadline, bringing in veterans Parker von Richter and Mason Zebeski from the Brampton Steelheads as well as Ben Wilmott from the London Knights. The Colts cruised to their second straight Central Division title, finishing 19 points ahead of second place North Bay under first-year Head Coach Dylan Smoskowitz. Led by previous Williamson acquisitions in Cole Beaudoin, Kashawn Aitcheson and Emil Hemming, the Colts led the OHL with 24 road wins, and were 31-1-1-1 in games where they scored first. Dave McParlan (Flint Firebirds) - 44-17-4-3, 95 Pts., 2nd West Division The Flint Firebirds turned-in the best season in their 10-year history, with 44 wins, 95 points and 199 goals-against setting new benchmarks. General Manager Dave McParlan brought in several names who turned into key pieces for Flint, most notably offseason goaltending addition Mason Vaccari from the Kingston Frontenacs who helped them make a 32-point improvement in the standings. The Birds benefitted from McParland's deadline addition of Winnipeg Jets prospect Kevin He from the Niagara IceDogs, who joined Jacob Battaglia, Ihnat Pazii and Brady Smith as in-season trade pick-ups. The Flint program also benefitted from McParlan's signing of 2007-born former draft picks Dryden Allen and Luka Graziano on the blueline along with first-year 2006-born 20-goal scorer Darian Anderson. The Firebirds boasted the Western Conference's best road record under Head Coach Paul Flache, and gave the Flint faithful plenty to cheer about in 2025-26.

10 OHL Officials Selected to Work 2026 TELUS Cup and IIHF U18 World Championship

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:00:09 +0000

Toronto, Ont. - The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to congratulate 10 officials currently working in the league who have been selected to officiate at national and international events this spring, including the 2026 TELUS Cup and the 2026 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.

Seven OHL officials have been selected by Hockey Canada to work the 2026 TELUS Cup, Canada’s U18 Men’s National Club Championship, taking place from April 20–26 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

OHL referees Charlie Giesler, TJ Hunter, Derek Risebrough, Ian Rush, and Kyle Whiteman will take part in the event, joined by linespersons Devon Marson and Meck Wright.

The TELUS Cup features the host Peterborough Petes alongside five regional champions competing for a national title, showcasing the top U18 club talent from across Canada.

At the international level, three OHL officials have been selected by the International Ice Hockey Federation to officiate at the 2026 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship in Slovakia.

Referees Chad Ingalls and Tyson Stewart, along with linesperson Spencer Knox, will represent the OHL at the tournament, which runs from April 22 to May 2 in Bratislava and Trenčín.

The event features the world’s top under-18 players, including eight from the Ontario Hockey League, with Canada set to face Slovakia, Latvia, Norway, and Finland in the preliminary round. TSN and RDS will broadcast 16 tournament games, including all Team Canada preliminary-round matchups and the medal rounds.

“These assignments reflect the strength and depth of officiating in the Ontario Hockey League,” said OHL Director of Officiating Conrad Haché. “To see our officials recognized by Hockey Canada and the IIHF is a strong endorsement of the work being done across the league.”

The Ontario Hockey League continues to serve as a development path for officials, with opportunities at national and international events providing valuable experience on some of hockey’s biggest stages.

TELUS Cup – OHL Officials

Referees

REFEREE	OHL SEASON	NOTES
Charlie Giesler	4	All seasons as linesperson prior
TJ Hunter	4	1st season as OHL referee
Derek Risebrough	2	1st season as OHL referee
Ian Rush	4	1st season as OHL referee
Kyle Whiteman	1	1st season as OHL referee

Linespersons

LINESPERSON	OHL SEASON
Devon Marson	2
Meck Wright	2

IIHF U18 World Championship – OHL Officials

Referees

REFEREE	OHL SEASON	YRS. AS REFEREE
Chad Ingalls	4	4
Tyson Stewart	6	6

Linespersons

LINESPERSON	OHL SEASON
Spencer Knox	5

Rangers’ Dylan Edwards named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:30:15 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that overage forward Dylan Edwards is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, producing four goals, two assists and six points over three games to help the Kitchener Rangers advance to the Western Conference Championship Series. Edwards scored a hat-trick in Kitchener's Game 3 road win on Tuesday, scoring the deciding goal with 5:17 remaining in a 4-3 victory over the Soo Greyhounds. He helped lead the charge in pushing the Rangers through to the third round of the playoffs with a goal and two assists in Friday's 5-1 win at the Aud. A 20-year-old from Toronto, Edwards has 13 points (8-5--13) over nine games in these playoffs, building-off a 40-goal, 87-point regular season over 67 games between the Rangers and Erie Otters. The 5-foot-8, 171Ib. left-wing was originally Erie's eighth round (150th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, and produced 84 goals, 100 assists and 184 points over 222 career regular season games. Completing his fourth full OHL season, Edwards as produced 20 goals, 17 assists and 37 points over 24 career playoff contests between the Rangers and Otters. He is committed to Quinnipiac University (NCAA). 2025-26 Cogeco OHL Player of the Week – Playoffs Mar. 23-29: Jacob Battaglia (Flint Firebirds) Mar. 30-Apr. 5: Ben Wilmott (Barrie Colts) Apr. 6-12: Adam Jiricek (Brantford Bulldogs) Apr. 13-19: Dylan Edwards (Kitchener Rangers) 2025-26 Cogeco OHL Player of the Week – Regular Season Sept. 18-21: Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires) Sept. 22-28: Ethan Czata (Niagara IceDogs) Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts) Oct. 6-12: Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs) Oct. 13-19: Adam Benak (Brantford Bulldogs) Oct. 20-26: Kieron Walton (Sudbury Wolves) Oct. 27-Nov. 2: Harry Nansi (Owen Sound Attack) Nov. 3-9: Alex Kostov (Flint Firebirds) Nov. 10-16: Nathan Aspinall (Flint Firebirds) Nov. 17-23: Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs) Nov. 24-30: Kieron Walton (Sudbury Wolves) Dec. 1-7: Alex McLean (Guelph Storm) Dec. 8-14: Christopher Brown (Soo Greyhounds) Dec. 15-21: Alex Pharand (Sudbury Wolves) Dec. 28-Jan. 4: Egor Barabanov (Saginaw Spirit) Jan. 5-11: Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts) Jan. 12-18: Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit) Jan. 19-25: Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs) Jan. 26-Feb. 1: Kevin He (Flint Firebirds) Feb. 2-8: Ben Wilmott (Barrie Colts) Feb. 9-15: Egor Barabanov (Saginaw Spirit) Feb. 16-22: Quinn Beauchesne (Guelph Storm) Feb. 23-Mar. 1: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires) Mar. 2-8: Sam O’Reilly (Kitchener Rangers) Mar. 9-15: Cooper Foster (Ottawa 67’s) Mar. 16-22: Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs)

Colts’ Ben Hrebik named Mary Brown’s Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:00:23 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that Ben Hrebik is the Mary Brown's Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-1 with a 2.36 goals-against average and .933 save percentage to help the Barrie Colts advance to the Eastern Conference Championship Series. Hrebik made a total of 98 saves last week, rebounding from a Tuesday night loss with 33 saves in a 3-2 road win on Thursday. He closed out the second round series with another 33 saves against the Ottawa 67's in Game 5 as the Colts prevailed by a score of 4-1. A 20-year-old from Milton, ON, Hrebik is 8-1 in these playoffs with a 2.34 goals-against average and .923 save percentage with one shutout. The 6-foot-3, 204Ib. netminder was Barrie's ninth round (173rd overall) pick in 2022, and played to a regular season mark of 26-11-3-3 with a 2.81 goals-against average and .920 save percentage over 43 games. 2025-26 Mary Brown’s Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week – Playoffs Mar. 23-30: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires) Mar. 31-Apr. 5: Jack Lisson (North Bay Battalion) Apr. 6-12: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs) Apr. 13-19: Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts) 2025-26 Mary Brown’s Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week – Regular Season Sept. 18-21: Jason Schaubel (Kitchener Rangers) Sept. 22-28: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires) Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs) Oct. 6-12: Mason Vaccari (Flint Firebirds) Oct. 13-19: Patrick Quinlan (Sarnia Sting) Oct. 20-26: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs) Oct. 27-Nov. 2: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights) Nov. 3-9: Matthew Minchak (Kingston Frontenacs) Nov. 10-16: Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts) Nov. 17-23: Easton Rye (Peterborough Petes) Nov. 24-30: Zach Bowen (Brampton Steelheads) Dec. 1-7: Vladislav Yermolenko (Niagara IceDogs) Dec. 8-14: Mason Vaccari (Flint Firebirds) Dec. 15-21: Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s) Dec. 28-Jan. 4: Easton Rye (Peterborough Petes) Jan. 5-11: Zachary Jovanovski (Guelph Storm) Jan. 12-18: Matthew Humphries (Oshawa Generals) Jan. 19-25: Carter George (Soo Greyhounds) Jan. 26-Feb. 1: Zach Bowen (Brampton Steelheads) Feb. 2-8: Easton Rye (Peterborough Petes) Feb. 9-15: Christian Kirsch (Kitchener Rangers) Feb. 16-22: Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs) Feb. 23-Mar. 1: Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s) Mar. 2-8: Arvin Jaswal (Barrie Colts) Mar. 9-15: David Egorov (Brantford Bulldogs) Mar. 16-22: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)

67’s’ Ryder Fetterolf named OHL Rookie of the Week

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:30:19 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that 2026 NHL Draft eligible goaltender Ryder Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67's is the OHL Rookie of the Week, going 1-2 with a 2.70 goals-against average and .924 save percentage. Fetterolf's 67's saw their playoff run come to an end, but the OHL Goaltender of the Year did not disappoint, making 97 saves over three games to give the Barber Poles a chance against the Barrie Colts. Fetterolf made 36 saves in a 5-2 Game 3 victory on Tuesday, turned aside 40 shots as the 67's lost 3-2 in Game 4 and made 21 saves in Game 5 as Ottawa's season came to an end in a 4-1 final. An 18-year-old from Sewickley, Pennsylvania, Fetterolf claimed the Jim Rutherford Trophy as OHL Goaltender of the Year, becoming the first rookie in his first two seasons of eligibility to do so in OHL history. He played to a record of 29-9-2-1 with a franchise record 2.07 goals-against average and league-leading .923 save percentage, posting an OHL rookie record six shutouts. In the playoffs, Fetterolf was 5-4 with a 3.04 goals-against average and .900 save percentage over nine games. He is listed as the OHL's top NHL Draft eligible netminder on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings released last week, coming in at 11th in North America. 2025-26 OHL Rookie of the Week – Playoffs Mar. 23-29: Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs) Mar. 30-Apr. 5: John McLaughlin (Windsor Spitfires) Apr. 6-12: Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs) Apr. 13-19: Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67's) 2025-26 OHL Rookie of the Week – Regular Season Sept. 18-21: Thomas Vandenberg (Ottawa 67’s) Sept. 22-28: Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs) Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit) Oct. 6-12: Jaxon Cover (London Knights) Oct. 13-19: Ryder Cali (North Bay Battalion) Oct. 20-26: Jaakko Wycisk (Guelph Storm) Oct. 27-Nov. 2: Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s) Nov. 3-9: Easton Walos (Sarnia Sting) Nov. 10-16: Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s) Nov. 17-23: Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs) Nov. 24-30: Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit) Dec. 1-7: Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs) Dec. 8-14: Robin Kuzma (Kingston Frontenacs Dec. 15-21: Caleb Mitchell (London Knights) Dec. 28-Jan. 4: Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit) Jan. 5-11: Charlie Murata (Flint Firebirds) Jan. 12-18: Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit) Jan. 19-25: Ryerson Edgar (Niagara IceDogs) Jan. 26-Feb. 1: Keaton Ardagh (Brampton Steelheads) Feb. 2-8: Kale Osipenko (Sarnia Sting) Feb. 9-15: Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit) Feb. 16-22: Joe Salandra (Barrie Colts) Feb. 23-Mar. 1: Evgeny Dubrovtsev (North Bay Battalion) Mar. 2-8: Nolan Snyder (Kingston Frontenacs) Mar. 9-15: Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s) Mar. 16-22: Cam Warren (North Bay Battalion)

From Erie to Elite: How Matthew Schaefer Took the NHL by Storm

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:54:28 +0000

There are rookie seasons, and then there is what Matthew Schaefer accomplished this past year. The New York Islanders defenceman, at just 18 years old, spent the 2025-26 season rewriting NHL record books that had stood for decades. But to appreciate just how extraordinary his first professional campaign was, you have to rewind the tape. Schaefer's path to stardom began in April 2023, when the Erie Otters selected him first overall in the OHL Priority Selection, making him just the third player in franchise history to carry that distinction, following Ryan O'Reilly and Connor McDavid. The Stoney Creek product was also the first defenceman ever taken first overall by the Otters. In his 2023-24 rookie OHL season, Schaefer suited up for 56 games on Erie's blue line, posting 17 points (3-14–17). His poise, skating, and play-driving ability earned him a spot on the OHL All-Rookie First Team, and he capped the year by captaining Team Canada White to gold at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge before adding another gold with Canada's Under-18 team the following summer. Entering the 2024-25 season, Schaefer was already a highly touted prospect for the upcoming NHL Draft, and he started the year proving exactly why. He posted 22 points (7-15–22) in just 17 games with the Otters, a pace of more than a point per game from the back end. He was then chosen to represent Canada at the 2025 World Junior Championship, which ended in a way that nobody expected. In the team's round-robin upset loss to Latvia, Schaefer suffered a broken collarbone, an injury that ended his tournament and, ultimately, his OHL season. Most prospects would have seen their draft stock slip, but Schaefer's never wavered. When June rolled around, the New York Islanders made him the first-overall pick, betting on the player they had seen and trusting that the skill set he'd flashed in Erie would translate to the game's highest level. And while most had expected him to do fairly well in his first season, Schaefer ended up defying every reasonable expectation. He signed an entry-level contract with the Islanders in August and made his debut on October 9, 2025, where he registered his first NHL point. The next game, he scored his first NHL goal, becoming the second-youngest defenceman in league history to do so, and he never looked back. By season's end, Schaefer led all NHL rookies in virtually every category that mattered for a defenceman. His 23 goals tied Hall of Famer Brian Leetch's NHL record for goals by a rookie defenceman, a mark that had stood since 1988-89. His 36 assists and 59 points were the most ever by an 18-year-old defenceman in NHL history, breaking Phil Housley's 43-year-old record of 57 points set in 1982-83. Schaefer also led the Islanders with eight power-play goals, 18 power-play points, a plus-13 rating and an average of 24:41 of ice time per game, while ranking second on the team with 221 shots on goal and third with 111 blocked shots. Along the way, he became the youngest defenceman in NHL history to record a multi-goal game, the youngest player in NHL history to score an overtime goal, and, at just 18 years and 195 days, became the youngest defenceman ever to reach 50 career points. He also broke the long-standing Islanders franchise record for goals by a rookie defenceman, previously held by Hall of Fame legend and OHL alumnus Denis Potvin. Schaefer was named NHL Rookie of the Month in both October and December, and he enters the awards calendar as a front-runner for the Calder Trophy. "It's crazy to think that I'd be playing in the NHL this year," Schaefer said. "I was going to NHL games as a fan last year, up top in the nosebleeds with my brother and parents. It's a dream come true. I can't thank this organization enough, and all my teammates, staff and everyone. It was an amazing year. I got to learn so much." Schaefer's journey has also been shaped by personal loss. His mother, Jennifer, passed away from breast cancer in February of 2024. "I wish my mom could be here too," Schaefer said. "I'd love to see her reaction with the fans. I wish she could be at the games, and I could give her a big hug after. At the end of the day, she's always with us in spirit. My dad, my brother and I looked up to my mom so much, and she was the backbone of our family, the strongest person in our family, and the boss, for sure. She's someone that you always think about and will never get off your mind." What makes Schaefer's season so remarkable isn't just the records. It's the road he travelled to get here. A draft year ended with a broken bone on the coveted World Junior stage and just 73 OHL games under his belt to prepare for the best league in the world. What he managed to do in spite of it all was historic. Schaefer completely rewrote the book on what an 18-year-old defenceman can do in his first NHL season, and more excitingly, his ceiling has no end in sight. Related Articles:

Toronto Jr. Canadiens Capture 2026 U14 OHL Cup Championship

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:15:15 +0000

KINGSTON, ON – The Toronto Jr. Canadiens have claimed the 2026 U14 OHL Cup title, defeating the Toronto Marlboros 5-1 in an all-Toronto championship final at the INVISTA Centre in Kingston on Sunday afternoon.

Forward Tristan Reynolds led the way in the championship game, opening the scoring and finishing with two goals and an assist as the Jr. Canadiens capped off a perfect run through the tournament.

Cruz Sabatelli, Jaxson Pollard and Lucas Sieradzki also scored for the Jr. Canadiens, with Pollard adding an assist. Reynolds factored into three of the team’s five goals in the final.

“It feels great,” said Reynolds. “I can’t even describe how I’m feeling right now. I’m even surprised.”

“It means a lot. We’ve been preparing for this all year. I’ve been looking forward to this for two years. It just means so much to me. The boys deserve it. They worked hard.”

Cal Reilly scored the lone goal for the Marlboros. Reilly is the brother of 2026 OHL Priority Selection eligible prospect Braden Reilly of the Marlboros.

The victory marks the second U14 OHL Cup championship for the Jr. Canadiens, who previously captured the title in 2023. It also extends the GTHL’s run to five straight tournament wins.

“I mean, it’s huge,” said Jr. Canadiens head coach Lee Jinman. “There was probably a moment earlier in the year that nobody would have expected we’d be here. Full credit to them. They’ve come together over the last three, four months. It’s been unbelievable to watch them grow as young men on and off the ice.”

The Jr. Canadiens advanced to the final with a 5-1 win over the York-Simcoe Express in the semi-final. Reynolds scored twice and added an assist in that contest, while Jaxson Pollard, Andrew Carrique and Michael Alati also found the back of the net. Cruz Sabatelli contributed with a pair of assists.

“We were really confident going into the playoffs and we ended up sweeping a really good Vaughan Kings team,” Jinman said. “After that series, something clicked with everybody. The players had really bought in and everything really seemed to take off.”

On the other side, the Marlboros earned their spot in the final with a 2-0 shutout win over the Chatham-Kent Cyclones. Stefano Amodeo and Cal Reilly provided the offence in the victory.

Both finalists were dominant throughout the tournament. The Jr. Canadiens posted a 3-0 record in round robin play before defeating the Elgin Middlesex Canucks 9-0 in the quarterfinals. The Marlboros also went 3-0 in the preliminary round and advanced with a 7-0 quarterfinal win over the Halton Hurricanes.

Behind the bench, both teams featured ties to the Ontario Hockey League. Jinman spent three seasons in the OHL with North Bay, while Marlboros head coach Justin Donati is a former OHL forward who suited up for Oshawa, Toronto and Sudbury.

“If you get a chance, go watch a couple of these JRC games,” added Jinman. “You’re going to see some of these names in a few years for sure.”

The 2026 event was once again hosted by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), and showcased the depth of talent across the province at the U14 level, with the Jr. Canadiens adding their name to the growing list of champions in Kingston.

The U14 OHL Cup has historically featured current OHL stars such as Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting) and Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs).

U14 OHL Cup Champions
2026 – Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
2025 – Vaughan Kings (GTHL)
2024 – Markham Majors (GTHL)
2023 – Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
2022 – Vaughan Kings (GTHL)

For full results and statistics from the 2026 U14 OHL Cup, visit u14ohlcup.ca.

86 OHL alumni to compete in the NHL’s 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:30:06 +0000

A total of 86 Ontario Hockey League alumni are set to compete in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, part of a CHL-leading presence that continues to shape the NHL’s biggest stage. In all, 190 graduates of the Canadian Hockey League will take part in the postseason, accounting for more than 45 percent of the 417 players competing, the highest total of any development league in the world. The OHL’s 86 representatives lead the way among CHL member leagues, followed by 65 from the WHL and 40 from the QMJHL. Every NHL club in the playoffs features at least eight CHL alumni, with the Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Tampa Bay Lightning each rostering 15. At the club level, the London Knights top all CHL teams with 11 alumni competing in the playoffs, while the Erie Otters are close behind with eight. Barrie, Owen Sound, and Windsor each have seven, highlighting the OHL’s footprint across contending NHL rosters. That influence continues to show in championship success. Since 2014, 156 of the 294 Stanley Cup champions, more than half, have come through the CHL, including 10 members of last year’s champion Florida Panthers. Across the 2025-26 regular season, 478 CHL alumni appeared in at least one NHL game, representing 46.1 percent of all players league-wide, further underscoring the league’s role as the primary path to the NHL. Quick Facts

10 CHL alumni will serve as captains for their respective NHL clubs in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, including Minnesota Wild defenceman Jared Spurgeon (Spokane Chiefs / WHL), Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog (Kitchener Rangers / OHL), and Philadelphia Flyers forward Sean Couturier (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL).
Over the last 30 years, 12 of the 18 captains to have lifted the Stanley Cup played in the CHL, including CHL Top 50 selections Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins / Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), Scott Niedermayer (Anaheim Ducks / Kamloops Blazers / WHL), and Scott Stevens (New Jersey Devils / Kitchener Rangers / OHL).
Since the CHL’s inception in 1975-76, 21 of the 28 captains to have hoisted the Stanley Cup have been developed in the WHL, OHL/OHA, or QMJHL.
Of the 16 head coaches leading teams into this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, 10 have either coached and/or played in the CHL, including Travis Green (Ottawa Senators), Joel Quenneville (Anaheim Ducks), and André Tourigny (Utah Mammoth)
Among the players competing in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are seven CHL alumni who have been named to the CHL’s Top 50 Players list from the league’s first 50 years (since 1975-76): Carolina Hurricanes forward Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL), Edmonton Oilers forwards Connor McDavid (Erie Otters / OHL) and Leon Draisaitl (Prince Albert Raiders & Kelowna Rockets / WHL), Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty (Guelph Storm / OHL), Tampa Bay Lightning forward Corey Perry (London Knights / OHL), and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL).

2025-26 Regular Season Highlights

With 138 points (48G-90A) in 82 games, McDavid (Erie Otters / OHL) extended the streak of CHL alumni winning the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer to 13 consecutive seasons, dating back to 2013-14. McDavid’s six career Art Ross Trophies are tied for the second most in NHL history, behind only Soo Greyhounds (OHL) grad Wayne Gretzky.
With an NHL-best 53 goals in 2025-26, MacKinnon (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) became the third different CHL alumnus in the last four years to win the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. He also became just the third player in Avalanche franchise history to record multiple 50-goal seasons, joining fellow CHL alumni Michel Goulet (Québec Remparts / QMJHL) and Joe Sakic (Swift Current Broncos / WHL).
With the Colorado Avalanche allowing an NHL-low 203 goals in 2025-26, goaltenders Scott Wedgewood (Plymouth Whalers / OHL) and Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie Colts / OHL) captured the William M. Jennings Trophy. They are the first CHL-developed goaltending tandem to win the award since Marc-André Fleury (QMJHL) and Robin Lehner (OHL) in 2020-21.
Wedgewood (Plymouth Whalers / OHL) finished the season atop the NHL in both goals-against average (2.02) and save percentage (.921), leading the league by a sizable margin in each category.
New York Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL) set the NHL benchmark for most points by an 18-year-old defenseman (59), tied the single-season NHL record for most goals (23) by a rookie defenseman and became the first defenseman in more than 90 years – and fourth in NHL history – to lead all NHL rookies in goals (tied or outright).
Schaefer shared the NHL rookie lead in goals with fellow OHL alumnus Beckett Sennecke of the Anaheim Ducks (Oshawa Generals / OHL), as each scored 23 times.
Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL) extended his NHL record by averaging a point-per-game or better for the 21st time in his 21-season career, ahead of second-place and OHL alumnus Wayne Gretzky (19).
Colorado Avalanche defenceman Brent Burns (Brampton Battalion / OHL) became just the second player in NHL history to play 1,000 consecutive games.
Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (London Knights / OHL) reached 500 goals and 1,400 points during the same campaign in which he became the all-time leader for points by a U.S.-born player.
Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack & Guelph Storm / OHL) became the first Montreal Canadiens player to record a 100-point season since 1985-86, while Mark Scheifele (Barrie Colts / OHL) joined WHL alumnus Marian Hossa (Portland Winterhawks) as the only players in Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets franchise history to reach the 100-point mark.
Of the 32 skaters who led their team in scoring during the 2025-26 regular season, 14 of them are CHL alumni, including Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard (Regina Pats / WHL), Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters / OHL), and Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL).
Seven of the NHL’s top 10 scorers in 2025-26 are CHL graduates, including the league’s top three point-getters: McDavid, Nikita Kucherov (Québec Remparts & Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / QMJHL), and MacKinnon. The other CHL alumni in the top 10 are Scheifele, Suzuki, Draisaitl, and Jason Robertson (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL).
Six of the NHL’s top 10 goal-scorers in 2025-26 are CHL alumni: MacKinnon, McDavid, Robertson, Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Kucherov, and Steven Stamkos (Sarnia Sting / OHL).

Complete list of the 86 OHL alumni competing in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs * denotes player who is injured and/or non-roster Anaheim Ducks (5) John Carlson (London Knights / OHL), Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes & Hamilton Bulldogs / OHL), Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit & Ottawa 67’s / OHL), Petr Mrazek (Ottawa 67’s / OHL)*, Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals / OHL) Boston Bruins (2) Pavel Zacha (Sarnia Sting / OHL), Nikita Zadorov (London Knights / OHL) Buffalo Sabres (7) Sam Carrick (Brampton Battalion / OHL), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury Wolves / OHL), Ryan McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads & Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Tanner Pearson (Barrie Colts / OHL), Jack Quinn (Ottawa 67’s / OHL), Logan Stanley (Windsor Spitfires & Kitchener Rangers / OHL), Conor Timmins (Soo Greyhounds / OHL) Carolina Hurricanes (4) Jalen Chatfield (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Jordan Staal (Peterborough Petes / OHL), Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts / OHL) Colorado Avalanche (5) Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie Colts / OHL), Brent Burns (Brampton Battalion / OHL), Nazem Kadri (Kitchener Rangers & London Knights / OHL), Gabriel Landeskog (Kitchener Rangers / OHL), Scott Wedgewood (Plymouth Whalers / OHL) Dallas Stars (9) Nathan Bastian (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL), Micheal Bunting (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), Kyle Capobianco (Sudbury Wolves / OHL), Matt Duchene (Brampton Battalion / OHL), Radek Faksa (Kitchener Rangers & Sudbury Wolves / OHL), Thomas Harley (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL), Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Jason Robertson (Kingston Frontenacs & Niagara IceDogs / OHL), Tyler Seguin (Plymouth Whalers / OHL)* Edmonton Oilers (8) Evan Bouchard (London Knights / OHL), Jason Dickinson (Guelph Storm / OHL), Adam Henrique (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Max Jones (London Knights, & Kingston Frontenacs / OHL), Connor McDavid (Erie Otters / OHL), Connor Murphy (Sarnia Sting / OHL), Darnell Nurse (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), Josh Samanski (Owen Sound Attack / OHL) Los Angeles Kings (6) Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves / OHL), Cody Ceci (Ottawa 67’s & Owen Sound Attack / OHL), Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts / OHL), Drew Doughty (Guelph Storm / OHL), Scott Laughton (Oshawa Generals / OHL), Jacob Moverare (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL) Minnesota Wild (7) Zach Bogosian (Peterborough Petes / OHL), Robby Fabbri (Guelph Storm / OHL) ,Nick Foligno (Sudbury Wolves / OHL), Marcus Foligno (Sudbury Wolves / OHL), Ryan Hartman (Plymouth Whalers / OHL), Micheal McCarron (London Knights & Oshawa Generals / OHL), Jacob Middleton (Owen Sound Attack & Ottawa 67’s / OHL) Montreal Canadiens (3) Josh Anderson (London Knights / OHL), Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack & Guelph Storm / OHL), Arber Xhekaj (Kitchener Rangers & Hamilton Bulldogs / OHL) Ottawa Senators (5) Mike Amadio (Brampton/North Bay Battalion / OHL), Nick Cousins (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), Warren Foegele (Kingston Frontenacs & Erie Otters / OHL), Hayden Hodgson (Erie Otters, Sarnia Sting & Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Kurtis MacDermid (Owen Sound Attack & Erie Otters / OHL) Philadelphia Flyers (8) Denver Barkey (London Knights / OHL), Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters / OHL), Christian Dvorak (London Knights / OHL), Tyson Foerster (Barrie Colts / OHL), Travis Konecny (Ottawa 67’s & Sarnia Sting / OHL), Porter Martone (Sarnia Sting & Mississauga/Brampton Steelheads / OHL), Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads & Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Garrett Wilson (Windsor Spitfires & Owen Sound Attack / OHL) Pittsburgh Penguins (4) Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion / OHL), Rickard Rakell (Plymouth Whalers / OHL), Arturs Silovs (Barrie Colts / OHL), Ilya Solovyov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Tampa Bay Lightning (6) Erik Cernak (Erie Otters / OHL), Anthony Cirelli (Oshawa Generals & Erie Otters / OHL), Nick Paul (Brampton/North Bay Battalion / OHL), Corey Perry (London Knights / OHL), Darren Raddysh (Erie Otters / OHL), Scott Sabourin (Oshawa Generals / OHL) Utah Mammoth (4) Lawson Crouse (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL), Sean Durzi (Owen Sound Attack & Guelph Storm / OHL), Barrett Hayton (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor Spitfires / OHL) Vegas Golden Knights (3) Rasmus Andersson (Barrie Colts / OHL), Mitch Marner (London Knights / OHL), Brandon Saad (Saginaw Spirit / OHL)

2026 OHL Playoff Tracker

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:00:41 +0000

2026 OHL PLAYOFFS PRESENTED BY NISSAN - CONFERENCE FINAL SCHEDULE EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (1) Brantford Bulldogs vs. (2) Barrie Colts Game 1 - Wed., April 22 at Brantford, 7:00pm Game 2 - Fri., April 24 at Brantford, 7:00pm Game 3 - Sun., April 26 at Barrie, 6:00pm Game 4 - Tues., April 28 at Barrie, 7:00pm Game 5 - Thurs., April 30 at Brantford, 7:00pm* Game 6 - Sat., May 2 at Barrie, 7:00pm* Game 7 - Mon., May 4 at Brantford, 7:00pm* WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (1) Kitchener Rangers vs. (2) Windsor Spitfires Game 1 - Fri., April 24 at Kitchener, 7:00pm Game 2 - Sun., April 26 at Kitchener, 6:00pm Game 3 - Mon., April 27 at Windsor, 7:05pm Game 4 - Wed., April 29 at Windsor, 7:05pm Game 5 - Fri., May 1 at Kitchener, 7:00pm* Game 6 - Sun., May 3 at Windsor, 4:05pm* Game 7 - Mon., May 4 at Kitchener, 7:00pm* *- if necessary 2026 OHL PLAYOFFS PRESENTED BY NISSAN - SECOND ROUND SCHEDULE EASTERN CONFERENCE (1) Brantford Bulldogs vs. (5) North Bay Battalion Brantford wins series 4-0 Game 1 - North Bay 1 at Brantford 8 (BFD: Jiricek 1G, 3A) Game 2 - North Bay 1 at Brantford 4 (BFD: Vanacker 2G) Game 3 - Brantford 3 at North Bay 2 2OT (BFD: Danford GWG) Game 4 - North Bay 3 at Brantford 5 (BFD: O'Brien 1G, 1A) (2) Barrie Colts vs. (3) Ottawa 67's Barrie wins series 4-1 Game 1 - Ottawa 2 at Barrie 4 (BAR: Aitcheson, Hemming 1G 2A) Game 2 - Ottawa 3 at Barrie 5 (BAR: Beaudoin 1G, 2A) Game 3 - Barrie 2 at Ottawa 5 (OTT: Marrelli 1G, 2A) Game 4 - Barrie 3 at Ottawa 2 (BAR: Hemming 1G, 1A) Game 5 - Ottawa 1 at Barrie 4 (BAR: Beaudoin 2G, 1A) WESTERN CONFERENCE (1) Kitchener Rangers vs. (5) Soo Greyhounds Kitchener wins series 4-1 Game 1 - Sault Ste. Marie 1 at Kitchener 3 (KIT: Ellis 2G) Game 2 - Sault Ste. Marie 5 at Kitchener 8 (KIT: O'Reilly 3G) Game 3 - Kitchener 4 at Sault Ste. Marie 3 (KIT: Edwards 3G) Game 4 - Kitchener 2 at Sault Ste. Marie 4 (SOO: Charron 2G) Game 5 - Sault Ste. Marie 1 at Kitchener 5 (KIT: O'Reilly 2G, 2A) (2) Windsor Spitfires vs. (3) Flint Firebirds Windsor wins series 4-0 Game 1 - Flint 2 at Windsor 4 (WSR: Nesbitt 2G) Game 2 - Flint 5 at Windsor 6 (WSR: Walton GWG) Game 3 - Windsor 2 at Flint 1 (WSR: Costanzo 18 SV) Game 4 - Windsor 5 at Flint 3 (WSR: Woodall 1G, 1A) 2026 OHL PLAYOFFS PRESENTED BY NISSAN - FIRST ROUND RESULTS EASTERN CONFERENCE (1) Brantford Bulldogs vs. (8) Sudbury Wolves Brantford wins series 4-0 Game 1 – Sudbury 2 at Brantford 6 (BFD: Malhotra, Testa, 2G) Game 2 – Sudbury 2 at Brantford 4 (BFD: Malhotra 1G, 1A) Game 3 – Brantford 6 at Sudbury 5 OT (BFD: Vanacker GWG) Game 4 – Brantford 2 at Sudbury 1 (BFD: Engle, Testa, 1G) (2) Barrie Colts vs. (7) Niagara IceDogs Barrie wins series 4-1 Game 1 – Niagara 1 at Barrie 4 (BAR: Beaudoin, Wilmott 1G, 1A) Game 2 – Niagara 4 at Barrie 3 OT (NIAG: Reid GWG) Game 3 – Barrie 5 at Niagara 2 (BAR: Gardiner, Wilmott 1G, 2A) Game 4 – Barrie 9 at Niagara 6 (BAR: Hemming, Beaudoin, 2G, 2A) Game 5 – Niagara 0 at Barrie 5 (BAR: Hrebik 29 SV SO) (3) Ottawa 67’s vs. (6) Kingston Frontenacs Ottawa wins series 4-0 Game 1 – Kingston 4 at Ottawa 7 (OTT: Ekberg 2G, 1A) Game 2 – Kingston 3 at Ottawa 4 (OTT: Vandenberg 2G, 1A) Game 3 – Ottawa 4 at Kingston 1 (OTT: Foster 3A) Game 4 – Ottawa 3 at Kingston 2 (OTT: Ekberg GWG) (4) Peterborough Petes vs. (5) North Bay Battalion North Bay wins series 4-2 Game 1 – North Bay 1 at Peterborough 0 (NB: Lisson 26 SV SO) Game 2 – North Bay 3 at Peterborough 4 OT (PBO: Walton GWG) Game 3 – Peterborough 2 at North Bay 1 OT (PBO: Walton GWG) Game 4 – Peterborough 0 at North Bay 4 (NB: Lisson 33 SV SO) Game 5 – North Bay 3 at Peterborough 1 (NB: Lisson 44 SV) Game 6 – Peterborough 4 at North Bay 5 2OT (NB: Vaughan GWG) *- if necessary WESTERN CONFERENCE (1) Kitchener Rangers vs. (8) Saginaw Spirit Kitchener wins series 4-0 Game 1 – Saginaw 4 at Kitchener 6 (KIT: Humphreys 2G, 2A) Game 2 – Saginaw 0 at Kitchener 4 (KIT: Kirsch 14 SV SO) Game 3 – Kitchener 4 at Saginaw 3 OT (KIT: Romano GWG) Game 4 – Kitchener 5 at Saginaw 1 (KIT: Humphreys 2G, 1A) (2) Windsor Spitfires vs. (7) Guelph Storm Windsor wins series 4-0 Game 1 – Guelph 0 at Windsor 4 (WSR: Costanzo 20 SV SO) Game 2 – Guelph 1 at Windsor 4 (WSR: Greentree 2G) Game 3 – Windsor 2 at Guelph 1 (WSR: McLaughlin 2G) Game 4 – Windsor 11 at Guelph 3 (WSR: Garden 2G, 2A) (3) Flint Firebirds vs. (6) Owen Sound Attack Flint wins series 4-0 Game 1 – Owen Sound 1 at Flint 8 (FLNT: Battaglia 2G, 4A) Game 2 – Owen Sound 1 at Flint 11 (FLNT: He 2G, 1A) Game 3 – Flint 10 at Owen Sound 0 (FLNT: Aspinall, Anderson, 2G, 1A) Game 4 – Flint 6 at Owen Sound 1 (FLNT: Battaglia 2G, 3A) (4) London Knights vs. (5) Soo Greyhounds Sault Ste. Marie wins series 4-1 Game 1 - Sault Ste. Marie 4 at London 1 (SOO: Mignosa 1G, 2A) Game 2 - Sault Ste. Marie 3 at London 2 OT (SOO: B. Martin GWG) Game 3 - London 2 at Sault Ste. Marie 3 2OT (SOO: Andrew GWG) Game 4 - London 4 at Sault Ste. Marie 1 (LDN: Brown 3G) Game 5 - Sault Ste. Marie 4 at London 0 (SOO: Mignosa 2G, 2A) *- If necessary EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS: 1. Brantford Bulldogs, 106 points (48-10-8-2), 46 ROW* - The Bulldogs are 2026 OHL Regular Season champions and East Division champions, and will enter the playoffs as the first seed in the Eastern Conference, facing the Sudbury Wolves. 2. Barrie Colts, 99 points (45-14-5-4), 39 ROW* - The Colts are 2026 Central Division champions, and will enter the playoffs as the second seed in the Eastern Conference, facing the Niagara IceDogs. 3. Ottawa 67's, 100 points (47-15-3-3), 44 ROW* - The 67's will enter the playoffs as the third seed in the Eastern Conference, facing the Kingston Frontenacs. 4. Peterborough Petes, 84 points (40-24-1-3), 38 ROW* - The Petes will enter the playoffs as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, facing the North Bay Battalion. 5. North Bay Battalion, 80 points (38-26-3-1), 33 ROW* - The Battalion will enter the playoffs as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, facing the Peterborough Petes. 6. Kingston Frontenacs, 71 points (33-30-3-2), 31 ROW* - The Frontenacs will enter the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, facing the Ottawa 67's. 7. Niagara IceDogs, 70 points (32-30-4-2), 29 ROW* - The IceDogs will enter the playoffs as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, facing the Barrie Colts. 8. Sudbury Wolves, 56 points (27-39-2-0), 25 ROW* - The Wolves will enter the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, facing the Brantford Bulldogs. 9. Brampton Steelheads, 46 points (19-39-6-4), 18 ROW - The Steelheads have been eliminated from playoff contention and will finish ninth in the Eastern Conference. 10. Oshawa Generals, 42 points (19-45-3-1), 19 ROW - The Generals have been eliminated from playoff contention and will finish tenth in the Eastern Conference. *-clinched spot in OHL Playoffs ROW = Regulation + Overtime Wins, the first tie-breaking mechanism for teams tied in points at the end of the regular season WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS: 1. Kitchener Rangers, 101 points (47-14-5-2), 46 ROW* - The Rangers are 2026 Midwest Division champions and have clinched first place in the Western Conference. They will face the Saginaw Spirit. 2. Windsor Spitfires, 97 points (44-15-6-3), 41 ROW* - The Spitfires are 2026 West Division champions and will enter the playoffs as the second seed in the Western Conference, facing the Guelph Storm. 3. Flint Firebirds, 95 points (44-17-4-3), 41 ROW* - The Firebirds will enter the playoffs as the third seed in the Western Conference, facing the Owen Sound Attack. 4. London Knights, 85 points (40-23-4-1), 36 ROW* - The Knights will enter the playoffs as the fourth seed in the Western Conference, facing the Soo Greyhounds. 5. Soo Greyhounds, 84 points (39-23-1-5), 34 ROW* - The Greyhounds will enter the playoffs as the fifth seed in the Western Conference, facing the the London Knights. 6. Owen Sound Attack, 63 points (27-32-4-5), 25 ROW* - The Attack will enter the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Western Conference. 7. Guelph Storm, 61 points (28-35-2-3), 26 ROW* - The Storm will enter the playoffs as the seventh seed in the Western Conference. 8. Saginaw Spirit, 60 points (26-34-4-4), 24 ROW* - The Spirit will enter the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Western Conference, facing the Kitchener Rangers. 9. Sarnia Sting, 49 points (21-38-8-1), 18 ROW - The Sting have been eliminated from playoff contention and will finish ninth in the Western Conference. 10. Erie Otters, 45 points (18-41-5-4), 16 ROW - The Otters have been eliminated from playoff contention and will finish tenth in the Western Conference. *-clinched spot in OHL Playoffs ROW = Regulation + Overtime Wins, the first tie-breaking mechanism for teams tied in points at the end of the regular season

Ryder Cali added to Hockey Canada preliminary U18 roster

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:50:00 +0000

Hockey Canada has added North Bay Battalion forward Ryder Cali to its preliminary roster for the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, bringing the total to nine OHL players named to the roster. The tournament is scheduled from April 22 to May 2 in Bratislava and Trenčín, Slovakia.

Cali just wrapped up his first full season with North Bay, recording 36 points (16-20–36) across 47 games after appearing in five contests late in the 2024-25 campaign. He earned OHL Rookie of the Week honours on October 20 and added four points (1-3–4) in 10 playoff games. Cali was ranked 25th among North American skaters in the final rankings released by NHL Central Scouting.