Ontario Hockey League - Feed

Attack hire Sean Murphy as Head Scout

Fri, 29 May 2026 18:11:49 +0000

2026 Graduating Class: Brampton Steelheads

Fri, 29 May 2026 17:00:47 +0000

Despite a rocky season that ultimately ended short of a playoff berth, the Brampton Steelheads gained valuable experience with one of the Ontario Hockey League's younger rosters. While the club faced its share of challenges throughout the year, the foundation remains in place for a group that will look to take another step forward in the years ahead. Now, the Steelheads prepare to say goodbye to the lone member of their graduating class as Zach Bowen moves on from the OHL following the conclusion of his overage season. Zach Bowen (Brampton Steelheads, Peterborough Petes, London Knights – 2022-26) Acquired by the Steelheads during the offseason, Zach Bowen stepped into the starting role for Brampton in his overage season, posting an 18-24-3-2 record along with a 3.14 goals-against average, .899 save percentage, and one shutout. He also earned OHL Goaltender of the Week honours twice throughout the season. Prior to arriving in Brampton, Bowen spent time with the Peterborough Petes and London Knights. Originally selected by London in the fourth round (77th overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, the Kanata, Ont. native concludes his OHL career with a 51-62-8-5 record, a 3.49 goals-against average, a .896 save percentage, and two shutouts across 135 regular-season appearances. He is committed to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for the 2026-27 season. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2031446238223282317 2006-born players: * denotes players who are committed to the NCAA/USports for next season Currently, the Brampton Steelheads boast six 2006-born players in MacGregor Richmond, Reed Gee, Julian DeMiglio*, Justin Bottineau*, William Eggleton*, and David Green*.

Bulldogs’ Jay McKee named Head Coach of AHL’s Hamilton Hammers

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:31:30 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. On Friday morning, the Hamilton Hammers of the American Hockey League named Jay McKee as the franchise’s new head coach, elevating the coach that set a new standard with the Bulldogs in both Brantford & Hamilton over the past five seasons. McKee was originally hired by the Bulldogs on July 6^th, 2021 as the OHL looked to return to play in the 2021-22 season and the Bulldogs embarked on a five year run of excellence that has set the benchmark for the franchise moving forward. Running a sterling regular season record of 213-91-30-6, for a .627 winning percentage, McKee won three East Division titles, including the franchise first back-to-back in 2025 & 2026, two Hamilton Spectator Trophies and of course led the 2022 team that would capture the Bobby Orr Trophy as Eastern Conference Champions and the franchise’s 2^nd J. Ross Robertson Cup. The playoffs saw McKee run a 37-20 record in his tenure behind the Bulldogs bench and his record for development in that time is second to none. Fostering the franchise’s first four NHL 1^st round picks; Marek Vanacker & Adam Jiricek (2024), Jake O’Brien (2025) & Caleb Malhotra (2026, expected), McKee also sent 31 players to be drafted or signed at the pro level and numerous more to the collegiate level. Additionally, as bench boss, McKee graduated his first two assistants to the pro level with Andrew Campbell joining the Belleville Senators & Andreas Karlsson going to the Edmonton Oilers. Ranking 19^th all-time in wins over his OHL tenure, McKee cemented his name in the upper echelons when he matched Brian Kilrea for 4^th fastest to 300 wins in an OHL coaching career and now sets for the next step. In looking at his time with the Bulldogs Jay was quoted: “I’m beyond grateful for my time as head coach of the Brantford Bulldogs and for the great relationships that were built over the years. The great memories, experiences and friendships made with our players and staff with stay with me forever. To the fans in the madhouse, thank you for providing our players with incredible motivation and support, you are the best! Lastly, thank you to ownership from myself and my family for treating everyone with such class and professionalism. I appreciate you all.”. Bittersweet for the Bulldogs franchise in graduating an incredible coach and even better person to the pro level behind the bench, Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman said: “Jay McKee has left an incredible mark on the Bulldogs organization, the cities of Hamilton and Brantford, and everyone fortunate enough to know him. What Jay accomplished throughout his tenure as head coach goes far beyond wins and banners. He helped build a culture rooted in professionalism, accountability, toughness, and genuine care for people. He has impacted countless players, staff members, and families, not only as a coach, but as a mentor, leader, and role model. Beyond the bench, Jay has been an unbelievable leader for our organization and our community. The respect he has earned throughout Hamilton, Brantford, and across the hockey world speaks volumes about the type of person he is. Humble, loyal, selfless, and authentic, Jay has been a close friend to all of us and someone our organization will always be grateful for. While this is an emotional day because of how much he means to our team and Brantford, there is nobody more deserving of this opportunity. We are incredibly excited for Jay, Sam, and their family as they begin this next chapter. Congratulations to the entire McKee family, and thank you for everything you have given to the Bulldogs organization and our community.”. While Jay, and the entire McKee family will be missed in Brantford, there is no easy way to sum up all he has meant to the entire organization that Jay has represented so tremendously so we say THANK YOU JAY & Once A Bulldog, Always A Bulldog!

OHL Alumni – Beyond the Rink: Ryan Thompson

Thu, 28 May 2026 21:32:03 +0000

Former OHL Team: Guelph Storm Years in the OHL: 2000-2003 Current Occupation: Owner/CEO of RELM Sports Academy Ryan Thompson has turned his passion for hockey into a lifelong career dedicated to developing the next generation of athletes. After his time in the Ontario Hockey League, Thompson continued playing hockey professionally, suiting up for the Niagara Falls Canucks (GHL) and the Jacksonville Barracudas (SPHL) before finishing his playing career at the Royal Military College. In his final OHL season with the Guelph Storm, Thompson earned both the Guelph Storm Leadership Award and the Fay Scott Memorial Award during the 2002-03 campaign, recognition of the leadership and character he brought to the organization. Today, Thompson remains deeply involved in the game as the Owner and CEO of RELM Sports Academy, where he helps student-athletes balance academics and hockey development. The academy supports students in Grades 6-12 from around the world who also compete with the Wranglers Hockey Club, while additionally offering on-ice development, skatemill programming, and tournaments throughout Eastern Ontario. From the Ice to Industry For Thompson, the transition into his current career path was a natural one. “It kept me in hockey.” That passion for the sport has continued to shape his professional journey and the opportunities he now provides for young athletes pursuing their own goals both on and off the ice. A Student of the Game and Beyond Following his OHL career, Thompson attended the University of Waterloo, Brock University, and the Royal Military College of Canada. Reflecting on the impact the OHL had on his life, Thompson says the league played a major role in helping open educational doors for him and his family. “The league supported me financially, and I was the first person in my family to go to University due to this.” Shaped by the Game For Thompson, the lessons, specifically preparation and leadership, learned during his junior hockey career continue to influence the way he approaches both life and business today. Those values have become central to the culture he now tries to build through RELM Sports Academy and its development programs. A Memorable Moment “Hosting the Memorial Cup in Guelph in 2002.” An Enduring Influence Thompson credits several coaches and teammates from his OHL days as having a lasting impact on his development. “Coach Jeff Jackson, Coach Shawn Camp and Coach Jason Brooks. All of my teammates.” Life Today Today, Thompson says he is most proud of building RELM Sports Academy, a business rooted in both hockey and family. “Starting RELM Sports, which stands for my family, Ryan, Erin (wife), Libby (daughter), and Molly (daughter).” Through RELM Sports Academy, Thompson continues to help young athletes pursue their goals while creating opportunities for personal growth, education, and development both on and off the ice. His Message to Current Players “Pursue your passion!” About RELM Sports “We started in 2009, and after rebranding in 2018, we reintroduced RELM Sports. We are a family company based in Kingston, Ontario. Our philosophy is simple: provide a great experience through sport and encourage players of all levels to return to their sport as often as they can. RELM stands for Ryan Erin Libby Molly (our family members' names). We offer tournaments, teams, camps, and clinics for various sports. We are incredibly grateful for our involvement in sports and love that we can offer opportunities for you and your family to participate! We believe that sports should be fun." Learn More & Connect

RELM Sports: relmsports.com

Bulldogs sign free-agent forward Xavier Lieb

Thu, 28 May 2026 16:54:37 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the signing of Penn State commit, forward Xavier Lieb from the Dubuque Fighting Saints to a Standard Players Agreement. Lieb, a product of Carrolltown, PA, starred with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite AAA program posting 78 points in 61 games while skating to a plus-46 rating in his 15U season, following that up with 23 goals & 44 assists for 67 points in 40 games while skating to a plus-39 rating in his 16U season. Lieb led his 16U team at the US Nationals with 4 goals & 4 assists for 8 points across 5 games before making his move to the junior level with the Dubuque Fighting Saints for the 2025-26 season. In his rookie season at the junior level, Lieb was instantly productive with the 5’9”, 168lbs right-shot forward posting 8 goals & 19 assists for 27 points in 52 games. Lieb finished second in playoff scoring for the Fighting Saints recording 2 goals & 2 assists for 4 points in the team’s 5 playoff games. In addition to his skills on the ice, Lieb has exemplified being a student athlete, being named to the 2025-26 USHL All-Academic Team. “Xavier Lieb is a dynamic centreman and elite playmaker who impacts the game in every situation.” said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “His skill level and vision with the puck allow him to create offense at a high level, while his ability on draws and attention to detail make him a very reliable player all over the ice. Xavier is a high character young man who brings the complete package with skill, hockey sense, versatility, and a team first mentality. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Bulldogs.”. “I’m honored to be able to represent the Bulldogs organization and excited to compete in front of the best fans in the OHL at the Madhouse!”. said Lieb on signing with the Bulldogs.

Bulldogs sign US NTDP defenceman Abe Barnett

Thu, 28 May 2026 16:47:03 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO – Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman has announced the signing of Michigan commit, defenceman Abe Barnett, from the United States National Team Development Program to a Standard Players Agreement. Barnett, a product of Wilmette, IL, had his rights acquired by the Bulldogs from the Ottawa 67’s on January 9^th, and now officially joins the organization. Arriving after two years with the National Team Development Program, Barnett has been a tower of power, skating in 180 games across the U17, U18 & USHL levels. In the 2025-26 season, Barnett skated in 87 games between the U18 & USHL sides collecting 15 points from the blueline while posting a plus-21 rating. The 6’3”, 198lbs left shot rearguard additionally skated in all three games at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge skating to a plus-1 rating. Internationally, Barnett has represented the United States at the U17 World Hockey Challenge, U18 World Hockey Championship & 2024 Youth Olympic Games, capturing a gold medal. Barnett, like older brother & Edmonton Oilers draft selection Asher, is a graduate of the Chicago Mission program where he won a 15U Tier 1 National Championship in 2024, after posting 7 goals & 33 assists for 40 points in 64 games, with another 5 points in 6 games at Nationals. “Abe Barnett is a big, heavy, hard-nosed 6’3 defenceman that defends with purpose and competes at an extremely high level," said Hyman. “He’s the type of player that makes opponents uncomfortable every time they’re on the ice against him. Abe brings a physical edge, strong defensive instincts, and a shutdown presence that is incredibly difficult to play against. Beyond the player, he is an incredible young man and someone we are proud to welcome into our organization. We’re thrilled he’s a Bulldog".

2026 Graduating Class: Guelph Storm

Thu, 28 May 2026 16:18:20 +0000

After returning to the postseason with one of the league's youngest rosters, the Guelph Storm saw their playoff run come to an end in the opening round. Despite the early exit, the organization has plenty to be optimistic about moving forward as its young core continues to develop ahead of a significant chapter in franchise history. Last season, it was announced that the Storm would host the 2027 Memorial Cup, giving the club an opportunity to continue building toward the national spotlight over the next year. Now, they say goodbye to the lone member of their graduating class as Ethan Miedema moves on from the OHL following the conclusion of his overage season. Ethan Miedema (Guelph Storm, Kingston Frontenacs, Windsor Spitfires – 2021-26) Acquired by the Storm during the offseason, Ethan Miedema put together a strong overage campaign, recording 47 points (25-22–47). In December, he also became the first OHL player born in the 2000s to reach the 300-career-game milestone. Prior to arriving in Guelph, Miedema spent time with both the Kingston Frontenacs and Windsor Spitfires. The 21-year-old from Cobourg, Ont., concludes his OHL career with 235 points (100-135–235) across 335 regular-season games. Originally selected fourth overall by Windsor in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Miedema was later chosen by the Buffalo Sabres in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. He is committed to Bemidji State University for the 2026-27 season. https://twitter.com/Storm_City/status/2035157752645923229 2006-born players: * denotes players who are committed to the NCAA for next season Currently, the Guelph Storm boasts four 2006-born players in Leo Serlin, Hunter McKenzie, Rowan Topp, and Christopher Soares*.

Consensus Ontario Top-100 List revealed ahead of 2026 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore

Thu, 28 May 2026 14:53:40 +0000

For the first time since the year 2000, the future of the Ontario Hockey League will be drafted under one roof. The 2026 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore is heading to Kingston, Ontario, on June 12-13, bringing the excitement of draft day back to a live, in-person format.

As the hockey world prepares to descend on the Limestone City, the scouting community has been hard at work evaluating the next wave of premier talent. To set the stage for this historic weekend, we are proud to unveil The Consensus Ontario Top-100—the definitive ranking of the province's top prospects eligible for the 2026 Priority Selection.

Building the Consensus Ontario Top-100

This Top-100 list goes beyond a single perspective. It is a holistic, data-driven aggregate built from the tireless work of the industry's leading independent scouting services.

By compiling and calculating a weighted average of the provincial rankings produced by Elite Prospects, HockeyProspect.com, Neutral Zone, PDA Evaluations, and PuckPreps, this master board mathematically cuts through the variance to reveal the independent scouting community consensus.

Leading the charge at the top of the board is Hill Academy centreman Tanner Adams, followed closely by Vaughan Kings standouts Kane Cloutier and Adrian Sgro. But with a deep and dynamic talent pool developing across the province and into the United States, the debate on who the Oshawa Generals will select first overall rages on.

By the Numbers: The Class of 2026

A look at how the Consensus Top-100 breaks down across the province:

Prospects by Position

Forwards: 63
Defencemen: 33
Goaltenders: 4

Prospects by Source

Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL): 42
Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA): 21
Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario (ALLIANCE): 14
Hockey Canada Accredited Schools: 13
Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO): 7
Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA): 1
(Includes two Ontario-based players currently developing in U.S. programs)

Be There Live in Kingston!

Don't miss your chance to be in the building when the next generation of OHL stars take the stage.

🎟️ Click here to secure your tickets for the 2026 OHL Priority Selection in Kingston!

The 2026 Consensus Ontario Top-100

(Editor's Note: Statistics below reflect the 2025-26 regular season. Goaltenders are designated with a dash in skater statistical categories).

Click on linked player names to watch OHL Priority Selection Prospect Profile

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
1	Tanner Adams	C	Hill Academy	52	34	54	88	1.69
2	Kane Cloutier	C	Vaughan Kings	33	32	26	58	1.76
3	Adrian Sgro	LD	Vaughan Kings	33	10	21	31	0.94
4	Arjun Nanubhai	C	Mississauga Senators	32	22	25	47	1.47
5	Logan Prud'Homme	C	Upper Canada College	69	44	52	96	1.39
6	Kash Kwajah	C	Toronto Jr. Canadiens	31	28	35	63	2.03
7	Drew Bate	C	London Jr. Knights	27	34	38	72	2.67
8	Colin Kennedy	C	Detroit Little Caesars	20	24	12	36	1.80
9	Max Fransen	LD	Upper Canada College	69	29	60	89	1.29
10	Landon Roulston	C	Vaughan Kings	33	18	20	38	1.15
11	Declan McNally	LD	Don Mills Flyers	29	3	15	18	0.62
12	Lauchlan Whelan	C	Quinte Red Devils	34	32	22	54	1.59
13	Jaden Licastro	LD	Toronto Marlboros	32	11	19	30	0.94
14	Kyler Lauder	C	Central Ontario Wolves	32	35	34	69	2.16
15	Braden Reilly	RW	Toronto Marlboros	30	18	15	33	1.10
16	Roman Vanacker	C	Brantford 99ers	30	30	40	70	2.33
17	Ryan Beaulieu	LD	London Jr. Knights	28	13	34	47	1.68
18	Evan Bannister	C	Credit River Capitals	33	38	26	64	1.94
19	Andrew Laurin	RW	Quinte Red Devils	34	26	25	51	1.50
20	Shayden Hintenberger	LD	Hill Academy	60	5	33	38	0.63
21	Brody Brown	RW	Vaughan Kings	33	7	28	35	1.06
22	Lucas Matheson	LD	Barrie Jr. Colts	34	18	22	40	1.18
23	Gavin Godick	RD	Don Mills Flyers	28	2	11	13	0.46
24	Shane Roche	LD	Toronto Marlboros	31	5	8	13	0.42
25	Jace Voortman	RW	Toronto Jr. Canadiens	21	12	9	21	1.00
26	Finley Butler	RW	London Jr. Knights	30	23	37	60	2.00
27	Finn Ellery	C	Central Ontario Wolves	31	20	25	45	1.45
28	Jakub Kuklinski	LW	Mississauga Senators	32	35	24	59	1.84
29	Matthew Zilinski	C	Mississauga Senators	25	14	21	35	1.40
30	Brayden Grima	C	Toronto Jr. Canadiens	30	21	23	44	1.47
31	Nixon McCaig	LD	Vaughan Kings	33	5	7	12	0.36
32	Brayden Jaravata	LD	Hill Academy	63	12	28	40	0.63
33	Evan Fitzgerald	C	Vaughan Kings	32	16	17	33	1.03
34	Finley Merrill	C	Hill Academy	59	48	41	89	1.51
35	Jack Samek	C	Markham Majors	23	12	11	23	1.00
36	Cole Guizzetti	C	Upper Canada College	68	42	51	93	1.37
37	Ronan Quinn	RW	Markham Majors	25	12	9	21	0.84
38	Quinn Roberts	C	London Jr. Knights	30	21	34	55	1.83
39	Henri Packalen	C	Peterborough Petes	32	13	30	43	1.34
40	Kosta Housseas	LD	Markham Majors	30	7	9	16	0.53
41	Emry Lowe	C	Brantford 99ers	30	29	27	56	1.87
42	Nathan Hewitt	C	Niagara North Stars	34	17	26	43	1.26
43	Kayden Kelly	LW	Markham Waxers	31	26	20	46	1.48
44	Brady Nash	LW	Don Mills Flyers	31	14	18	32	1.03
45	Colton Lapierre	LD	Toronto Red Wings	33	9	8	17	0.52
46	Rory Shaughnessy	LD	Hill Academy	61	2	29	31	0.51
47	John Montanino	LD	Detroit Little Caesars	15	5	10	15	1.00
48	Declan McCotter	RW	Huron-Perth Lakers	30	28	32	60	2.00
49	Jay Nimchonok	RD	Upper Canada College	66	9	25	34	0.52
50	Alexandre Saulnier	C	Ottawa Jr. 67's	17	5	19	24	1.41
51	Miles Reilly	C	Toronto Marlboros	32	15	19	34	1.06
52	Ethan Davidson	RD	Central Ontario Wolves	33	4	16	20	0.61
53	Drew Hulbert	LD	Don Mills Flyers	16	4	7	11	0.69
54	Ethan Bridges	LW	Huron-Perth Lakers	30	16	30	46	1.53
55	Sebastien Fortin	RD	Vaughan Kings	32	12	9	21	0.66
56	Xavier Carroll	C	Hill Academy	65	15	30	45	0.69
57	Cole Krottner	RW	Ottawa Valley Titans	31	18	32	50	1.61
58	Graham Littlejohn	LW	London Jr. Knights	28	20	31	51	1.82
59	Colten Sixsmith	LD	Burlington Eagles	34	14	18	32	0.94
60	Leo Hendriks	LD	Eastern Ontario Wild	32	7	12	19	0.59
61	Owen Loftus	G	Don Mills Flyers	-	-	-	-	-
62	Austin Ottenhof	RW	Quinte Red Devils	31	14	21	35	1.13
63	Cooper Ross	RD	Toronto Jr. Canadiens	32	1	17	18	0.56
64	Roman Shtefan	C	Windsor Jr Spitfires	30	29	24	53	1.77
65	John Kanyo	RD	Barrie Jr. Colts	34	7	18	25	0.74
66	Turner Stephenson	LD	Upper Canada College	64	3	15	18	0.28
67	Gavin Martin	RW	Brantford 99ers	29	17	14	31	1.07
68	Gabriel Barakat	C	Hill Academy	60	19	40	59	0.98
69	Lucas Cranney	LD	Markham Majors	30	1	8	9	0.30
70	Mason Quinn	C	Toronto Marlboros	28	15	10	25	0.89
71	Marko Mesich	G	Toronto Jr. Canadiens	-	-	-	-	-
72	Robbie Knight	RW	Mississauga Senators	31	10	19	29	0.94
73	Cole Coristine	C	Don Mills Flyers	27	18	7	25	0.93
74	Johnathan Tait	LD	Mississauga Senators	32	0	9	9	0.28
75	Ryder Nobes	C	Markham Majors	31	21	21	42	1.35
76	Trent Clow	C	Quinte Red Devils	34	9	12	21	0.62
77	Matthew Taylor	C	Ajax-Pickering Raiders	34	28	37	65	1.91
78	Brayden Barkic	LD	Don Mills Flyers	31	1	3	4	0.13
79	Jake Readings	C	London Jr. Knights	30	14	26	40	1.33
80	Jack Lee	C	Barrie Jr. Colts	34	26	24	50	1.47
81	Benjamin Legros	LW	Credit River Capitals	32	19	15	34	1.06
82	Joseph Fenwick	LW	Markham Majors	31	15	12	27	0.87
83	Innis Robinson	C	Ottawa Jr. 67's	32	16	15	31	0.97
84	Christian Del Buono	C	Upper Canada College	67	40	45	85	1.27
85	Michael Warner	C	Toronto Marlboros	25	11	8	19	0.76
86	Egor Sokolov	G	Toronto Marlboros	-	-	-	-	-
87	Colton Van Geffen	RD	Huron-Perth Lakers	28	4	6	10	0.36
88	Ayden Huisman	RD	Don Mills Flyers	27	2	11	13	0.48
89	Mitchell Nouwens	G	Toronto Red Wings	-	-	-	-	-
90	Brody Schulz	RW	Ottawa Myers Automotive	32	13	9	22	0.69
91	Kohen Chrastina	RD	Niagara North Stars	32	4	16	20	0.62
92	Owen Stevens	RD	Eastern Ontario Wild	30	1	11	12	0.40
93	Nathan Slack	RW	Don Mills Flyers	31	9	13	22	0.71
94	Cameron Jolicoeur	LW	London Jr. Knights	30	12	29	41	1.37
95	Tayden Smith	RD	Sudbury Wolves	34	8	21	29	0.85
96	Jacob Tysick	C	Ottawa Valley Titans	31	18	26	44	1.42
97	Landon Bellchamber	RW	Credit River Capitals	35	17	34	51	1.46
98	Michael Pacek	C	Toronto Marlboros	23	5	9	14	0.61
99	Gavin Henry	RD	Credit River Capitals	34	9	30	39	1.15
100	Jax Martin	LW	Quinte Red Devils	33	11	12	23	0.70

OHL Announces Operational Updates for Niagara IceDogs Hockey Club

Wed, 27 May 2026 21:00:27 +0000

TORONTO (Wednesday, May 27, 2026) – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that the League is taking on increased involvement in both the business and hockey operations of the Niagara IceDogs Hockey Club. The Niagara region is a premier hockey market with a passionate, dedicated fanbase. It is a priority for the League to ensure that the franchise operates at the highest possible standard. This structural transition is designed to provide immediate organizational stability and support, and to put the Club in the best possible position for long-term, sustainable success both on and off the ice. To lead in this enhanced oversight, Jason Diplock, OHL Senior Director of League Development, has been appointed to oversee the restructuring and day-to-day operations of the Niagara IceDogs’ business and front office operations. Diplock brings more than 30 years of experience in the sports and entertainment industry, including leadership roles with Golf Canada and the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He has spent the past nine months with the OHL. “Jason is a highly respected leader with deep roots in the OHL and a proven track record across the sports industry,” said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. “His passion for the game and extensive experience make him exceptionally well-positioned to guide the IceDogs organization during this important period.” Concurrently, Dale DeGray has been appointed as the club’s new General Manager and has assumed responsibility for all hockey operations matters. He will embark on a thorough review of the team’s hockey operations structure and personnel, leading the club’s immediate preparations for the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, while building the foundation for the 2026–27 season. DeGray brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to Niagara. He has spent the past 19 years as the General Manager of the Owen Sound Attack, where he built a renowned reputation for consistency. Under his leadership, the Attack strung together an impressive 12 consecutive 30-plus win seasons from 2011 to 2023, a remarkable achievement operating out of the League's smallest market. DeGray guided the Attack to an OHL Championship in 2011 and has overseen the development of numerous eventual NHL talents, including Nick Suzuki, Jordan Binnington, and Joey Hishon. "When we evaluated the immediate needs of the Niagara IceDogs franchise, Dale DeGray was the definitive choice to lead this hockey operations department," said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. "Dale brings an unparalleled level of stability, professionalism, and reliability to the organization." The OHL remains deeply committed to the Niagara community. The League’s focus is squarely on delivering a strong, competitive, and community-oriented franchise that IceDogs fans and partners can be proud to support. Further updates regarding the Club's hockey operations staff and structural timeline will be provided as they become available. About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has long been regarded as the number one development league in the world, continuing to serve as a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League. The OHL consists of 20 teams, with 17 located in Ontario, two in the state of Michigan and one in the state of Pennsylvania. A proud member of the Canadian Hockey League, the OHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships, with over 329 graduates receiving OHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice in 2024-25, resulting in a collective investment of over $42 million by OHL member teams over the past 15 years.

Attack Part Ways with GM Dale DeGray

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:05:33 +0000

OWEN SOUND, ON – The Owen Sound Attack announced today that the organization and long-time General Manager Dale DeGray have parted ways. DeGray departs the organization as the winningest General Manager in franchise history with 564 wins over 19 seasons with the club. During his tenure, the Attack captured its franchise’s first Ontario Hockey League Championship, earned a berth in the Memorial Cup, and won a Western Conference Championship in 2011, made another Western Conference Championship appearance in 2017 and consistently established themselves as one of the OHL’s premier markets. DeGray was also recognized as the OHL Executive of the Year in 2010-11. Under DeGray’s leadership, the Attack qualified for the playoffs in 15 straight seasons and developed countless players who advanced to professional and collegiate ranks across North America and Europe. The organization also saw numerous players drafted to the National Hockey League during his tenure, including current NHLers Nick Suzuki, Sean Durzi, Jordan Binnington and Jonah Gadjovich. “On behalf of the entire Owen Sound Attack organization, we would like to thank Dale for his dedication, passion and commitment to our hockey club and community over the past 19 years,” said Attack Governor and President Tyler Nother. “Dale played a major role in establishing the Owen Sound Attack as a highly respected organization in the CHL, and his impact on this organization and community will not be forgotten.” DeGray’s tenure also helped cement the Attack’s reputation for player development, community involvement and sustained competitiveness despite operating in one of the OHL’s smallest markets. The Owen Sound Attack would like to sincerely thank Dale DeGray for his years of service and wish him and his family all the best in the future. In a similar move, the Attack has also parted ways with several members of its scouting staff, including Sean LaFortune (Director of Player Development & Personnel), Brian Teakle (Director of Scouting), Chris Cameron (Coordinator of Player Development & Ottawa Area Scout), David Ross (OMHA Scout), Jim Rauth (Windsor/USA Scout) and Noah Acciaccaferri (U18 Scout). The Attack organization extends its sincere thanks to each of them for their years of service, dedication and contributions in helping shape the organization into what it is today.