Ontario Hockey League - Feed

Schedule announced for 2026 OHL Championship Series Presented by Nissan

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:57:36 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has officially announced the schedule for the 2026 OHL Championship Series presented by Nissan. The League's top two teams will battle for the 114th J. Ross Robertson Cup, with all the highly anticipated action set to be broadcast on TSN and streaming live on FloHockey. The stage is currently being set in the penultimate round of the playoffs, as four teams vie for their spot in the Championship Series. Western Conference Championship Series (Wayne Gretzky Trophy): The Kitchener Rangers and Windsor Spitfires enter tonight's Game 4 in Windsor with the Rangers currently holding a 2-1 series lead. Eastern Conference Championship Series (Bobby Orr Trophy): The Brantford Bulldogs defeated the Barrie Colts 6-1 in Tuesday's Game 4, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. Regardless of which two teams advance to the final round, the dates for the championship clash are locked in. Schedule for the 2026 OHL Championship Series presented by Nissan (Host cities and exact matchups to be determined upon the conclusion of the Conference Championships) Game 1: Wednesday, May 6 at 7:00pm Game 2: Friday, May 8 at 7:00pm Game 3: Sunday, May 10 at 6:00pm Game 4: Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00pm Game 5: Thursday, May 14 at 7:00pm (if necessary) Game 6: Saturday, May 16 at 6:00pm (if necessary) Game 7: Monday, May 18 – Time TBA (if necessary) Additional broadcast details will be announced in the coming days

Seven OHL-Affiliated Players Capture the Buckland Cup with Toronto Patriots

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:18:11 +0000

Seven OHL-affiliated players captured the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) title on Saturday, winning the Buckland Cup with the Toronto Patriots. The Patriots secured the championship in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series, earning a decisive 5-2 victory. Newmarket opened the scoring with a power-play goal from Lucas Teixeira (Guelph/Oshawa) in the first period, but the Patriots quickly answered with a tally from Tommy Karmiris (Brantford) and never trailed again. Cole Cooksey (Niagara) extended the lead with his 15th goal of the postseason, while Tate Collins (Barrie) sealed the win with an empty-net marker in the final minutes. With the victory, the Patriots advance to the 2026 Centennial Cup, representing the OJHL on the national stage in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, from May 7-17. Toronto will compete against champions from the eight other CJHL member leagues, along with host Summerside Western Capitals, for the National Junior A Championship. Players with OHL Ties on Toronto Patriots

Tate Collins (Barrie)
Bodhi Ryan (Sudbury)
Tommy Karmiris (Brantford)
Luke Howard (Barrie)
Cole Cooksey (Niagara)
Kyle Morey (Kitchener/Barrie)
Nico Armellin (Barrie)

https://twitter.com/OJHLOfficial/status/2048446595402797321

Greyhounds and John Dean mutually agree to part ways

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:57:21 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Soo Greyhounds Hockey Club announced today that the organization and Head Coach John Dean have mutually agreed to part ways.

Dean served as Head Coach of the Greyhounds since originally being hired by the club on July 12, 2018, and played an important role in the development of the team both on and off the ice during his tenure.

He served as the franchise’s longest-serving Head Coach (8 years, 7 seasons) while guiding the Hounds to an overall regular season record of 245-178-31-18 in 472 games.

“We would like to thank John for his time as our Head Coach and the impact he had on our players and organization,” said General Manager Kyle Raftis. “He carried himself as a true professional every day and made a lasting impression on so many of our players and staff through his passion and work ethic. As his coaching career continues, there is little doubt he will go on to do great things. We wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

Tim Lukenda, President and Governor, added, “John is a high character individual that represented our organization well at all times. We appreciated John’s passion and dedication and wish him personal and professional success as he moves forward to his next opportunity.”

The organization will begin the process of identifying its next Head Coach immediately.

Further updates will be provided as they become available.

OHL mourns the loss of John Garrett

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:06 +0000

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is deeply saddened by the passing of former Memorial Cup champion Peterborough Petes goaltender, long-time NHL netminder, and beloved hockey broadcaster John Garrett. He was 74.

Born in Trenton, ON, Garrett’s journey through the game took a foundational step in Peterborough, where he developed his skills with the Petes, was a two-time OHA Goaltender of the Year and won a Memorial Cup title before turning professional in 1971.

Garrett went on to enjoy a 13-season professional career spanning both the World Hockey Association (WHA) and the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Vancouver Canucks, consistently stopping shots from some of the most prolific forwards and defencemen of his era. A memorable highlight of his playing days came in 1983 when he was named the Canucks' lone representative at the NHL All-Star Game.

Following his retirement from the crease in 1985, Garrett seamlessly transitioned into the broadcast booth, where he truly became a household name. Affectionately known as "Cheech," his encyclopedic hockey knowledge and authentic warmth endeared him to fans from coast to coast. Over a broadcasting career spanning four decades, he served as a premier colour commentator for Hockey Night in Canada and Sportsnet, becoming the definitive voice of the Vancouver Canucks for over 20 years.

The entire OHL extends its thoughts and condolences to the Garrett family and all those who loved John.

2026 OHL Awards – Spitfires’ Woodall named OHL Humanitarian of the Year

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:00:07 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that Windsor Spitfires defenceman Carson Woodall is this year's recipient of the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the OHL Humanitarian of the Year. Woodall has made charitable contributions to cancer research in excess of $175,000 through his Woody's Hoodies initiative, a cause near and dear to his heart. The initiative was inspired by Woodall's two grandmothers, including the late Nana O'Brien and in support of Nana Woodall, who has also battled cancer. His creative fundraising endeavours have included engaging minor hockey tournaments, partnering with teams, schools and local businesses as well as rappelling down one of Windsor's tallest buildings on two separate occasions. While hoodies are Woodall's most sought after line of fundraising apparel, he's ventured into other creative styles such as pucks, stickers and drink koozies. "We did a lot in the community for cancer research in honour of my grandma," said Woodall of the honour. "I'm just hoping that this can bring some awareness to it and we can do more with Woody's Hoodies in the future. I'm thankful for all of the support I've received and have really enjoyed doing this work." Named the 2025 Youth Philanthropist of the Year by the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation, Woodall's charitable efforts have benefitted causes such as Play for a Cure, the Windsor Cancer Foundation and Erie Shores Hospice. His iconic "Woody's Hoodies" can be seen throughout Windsor-Essex as he continues to roll out new customized designs and has sold more than 5,500 items including over 4,800 hoodies. He becomes the first player in Windsor Spitfires history to be named OHL Humanitarian of the Year. "Carson is a local product who developed through the LaSalle Vipers of the GOHL, growing into a Defenceman of the Year finalist," said Spitfires General Manager Bill Bowler. "His initiative with Woody’s Hoodies also speaks volumes about his character and the values instilled by his family. He’s not only made an impact on the ice, but in the community as well, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of." A former 10th round pick by the Spitfires in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Woodall stepped up his offensive production this past season, finishing with 12 goals, 51 assists and 63 points over 68 games to be named an OHL Defenceman of the Year finalist. The Belle River native was the OHL Defenceman of the Month for October, and finished his fourth OHL season with 21 goals, 109 assists and 130 points over 194 games in a Spitfires uniform. Woodall placed second in OHL Coaches Poll voting as the Western Conference's most improved player, as well as best offensive defenceman. He recently announced a commitment to Boston College (NCAA). Each year the OHL awards a player that has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a positive role model in the community with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy. The Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors announced in 2004 that the OHL Humanitarian of the Year award would be named in recognition of the former Owen Sound Platers captain, who was twice named his team’s Humanitarian of the Year in recognition of his tremendous efforts in supporting community activities. Woodall emerged as this year's award winner from a group of finalists also consisting of David Egorov of the Brantford Bulldogs, Tristen Trevino of the Erie Otters, Thanasi Marentette of the Peterborough Petes and Beckham Edwards of the Sarnia Sting. Woodall will be formally presented with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy at the 2026 OHL Awards Ceremony this June at The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. For a full history of OHL award winners, click here.

DiPietro Named AHL MVP After Dominant 2025-26 Season

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:54:06 +0000

The American Hockey League (AHL) has announced that Ontario Hockey League (OHL) alumnus goaltender Michael DiPietro of the Providence Bruins has been named the recipient of the Les Cunningham Award as the league’s most valuable player for the 2025–26 season. The honour follows back-to-back Baz Bastien Awards as the AHL’s outstanding goaltender, with DiPietro building on a career year in 2024-25 by elevating his performance even further this season. He posted a 34-8-1 record while leading the league in goals-against average (1.91), save percentage (.930), and wins (34). He also ranked fifth in minutes played (2,644), shots faced (1,202), and saves (1,118). DiPietro opened the season with seven straight wins and went 14-1-0 over a two-month stretch from Jan. 17 to Mar. 14. He allowed two goals or fewer in 33 of his 45 appearances, backstopping the Bruins to the MacGregor Kilpatrick Trophy as regular-season champions. He also made his second appearance at the AHL All-Star Classic in February and was named a First Team AHL All-Star for the second consecutive year. The 26-year-old Windsor, Ont., native spent four seasons in the OHL, primarily with the Windsor Spitfires, before finishing his junior career with the Ottawa 67’s. In 2016–17, DiPietro helped lead the Spitfires to a Memorial Cup championship, earning the Hap Emms Memorial Trophy as the tournament’s top goaltender after going 4-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage. Across 174 regular-season games, he compiled a 98-53-8-5 record, along with a 2.52 goals-against average, .913 save percentage, and a league-record 19 shutouts, a mark that still stands. Selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft, DiPietro has appeared in four career NHL games, including one this season with Boston. Over 190 AHL games across seven professional seasons with Providence, Abbotsford, and Utica, he has posted a 118-50-14 record, along with a 2.39 goals-against average, .918 save percentage, and 12 shutouts. https://twitter.com/AHLBruins/status/2047752695155450231

Former Frontenac Vitali Pinchuk Signs with Nashville Predators

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:59:12 +0000

The Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL) announced this afternoon that the club has signed forward Vitali Pinchuk to a one-year, entry-level contract for the 2026-27 season. A native of Zhlobin, Belarus, Pinchuk spent the 2019-20 campaign with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), recording 34 points (13-21–34) in 54 games. He most recently skated with Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he finished third on the team with 31 goals and tied for sixth in scoring with 66 points. One of just 10 KHL skaters to average a point per game, Pinchuk also set career highs in goals, assists (35), and points during his fourth full season in the league. Undrafted, Pinchuk made his KHL debut in October 2020 and has since totalled 145 points (73-72–145) in 252 career regular-season games, along with 22 points (9-13–22) in 28 playoff appearances. https://twitter.com/PredsNHL/status/2048801997302710599

Bulldogs’ Jake O’Brien named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:30:56 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that Seattle Kraken prospect Jake O'Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, four assists and six points over three games. O'Brien was the hero of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Championship Series on Wednesday, with his second goal of the night coming as the game-winner with 1:35 remaining in the third period of a 4-3 win. He added two assists in a 5-3 loss on Friday before setting-up Jett Luchanko's deciding goal in Sunday's Game 3 as Brantford won a 2-0 contest. An 18-year-old from Toronto, O’Brien has 21 points (5-16--21) over 11 games in these playoffs. He finished the season with a league-leading 65 assists and 1.75 points-per-game derived from 93 points (28-65–93) over 53 contests in his third OHL season. The 6-foot-2, 177Ib. centre was originally Brantford’s first round (8th overall) pick in 2023 from the OHL Cup champion Toronto Jr. Canadiens AAA program, coming to the OHL to earn Rookie of the Year honours in his first season. O’Brien was Seattle’s first round (8th overall) pick last summer, and signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with the Kraken on Jul. 3, 2025. He won Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold with Canada in 2024. 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) Apr. 20-26: Jake O'Brien (Brantford Bulldogs) 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)

Rangers’ Christian Kirsch named Mary Brown’s Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:00:31 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that San Jose Sharks prospect Christian Kirsch of the Kitchener Rangers is the Mary Brown's Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0 with a 1.74 goals-against average and .922 save percentage. Kirsch backstopped the Rangers to a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Championship Series, making 20 saves on Friday as the Blueshirts defeated the Windsor Spitfires 4-3 on Sam O'Reilly's overtime winner. He was the first star of Sunday's 2-1 victory, making 27 saves to improve to 10-1 in the 2026 OHL Playoffs. A 19-year-old from Basel, Switzerland, Kirsch was selected by San Jose in the fourth round (116th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-4, 193Ib. netminder owns a 2.20 goals-against average and .901 save percentage over 11 games in these playoffs after going 27-10-2-1 with a 2.42 goals-against average, .899 save percentage and four shutouts in his first OHL season. Kirsch represented Switzerland at each of the past two World Junior tournaments and is committed to Quinnipiac University (NCAA). 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) Apr. 20-26: Christian Kirsch (Kitchener Rangers) 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)

Bulldogs’ Caleb Malhotra named OHL Rookie of the Week

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:30:48 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that NHL Draft prospect Caleb Malhotra of the Brantford Bulldogs is the OHL Rookie of the Week, producing two goals, four assists and six points over three games. Malhotra helped the Bulldogs take out a 2-1 series lead on the Barrie Colts in the Eastern Conference Championship Series, providing three points (2-1--3) in Wednesday's 4-3 win to kick-off the series. He added two assists on Friday as the Bulldogs dropped Game 2 by a score of 5-3 and helped them rebound on the road Sunday night with an assist in a 2-0 victory. A 17-year-old from Toronto, Malhotra leads rookies with 19 points (10-9–19) over 11 games in the 2026 OHL Playoffs. The 6-foot-2, 182Ib. centre enjoyed a productive season with 84 points (29-55–84) over 67 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-33. Ranked sixth among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, Malhotra scored eight game-winning goals during the season, and was a finalist for the OHL Rookie of the Year Award. He was originally Kingston’s first round (8th overall) pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. Malhotra is committed to Boston University (NCAA). 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) Apr. 20-26: Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs) 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)