Ontario Hockey League - Feed

Bulldogs sign forward Jack Torr

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:02:22 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO - Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman has announced the signing of forward Jack Torr from the Fargo Force of the USHL to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Torr, from Philadelphia, PA, grew up in the Philadelphia Flyers Elite program before spending his 15U season split between the AYHL’s Valley Forge Minutemen & Haverford School in the Pennsylvania High School circuit. Torr was productive in both spots, posting 8 goals & 10 assists for 18 points in 20 games in Valley Forge before striking 18 times & adding 12 assists for 30 points in 16 games for Haverford while skating to a plus-19 rating, all team leading marks as were his 7 points in 2 playoff games. The 6’2”/201 right-shot winger moved from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts for the 2024-25 season with The Governor’s Academy Prep-School where he posted 10 goals & 9 assists for 19 points in 30 games and was the youngest regular on the team (the only ’08 to skate in all 30 games). After starting the 2025-26 season with 5 points in 4 games for the East Coast Militia U18 AAA program, Torr was signed by the Fargo Force of the USHL where he went on to skate in 43 games, recording 2 goals & 8 assists for 10 points while bringing the added versatility of being able to skate in multiple positions. Torr becomes the second UConn commit to sign with the Bulldogs in 2026, joining Nathan Hauad. “We’re extremely excited to add Jack Torr to our organization.” said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “He gives us valuable versatility with the ability to play both centre and wing, but what really stands out is his combination of size, physicality, and NHL calibre tools. Jack is a big, heavy player who fits exactly the identity we’re building in Brantford. He’s going to make a significant impact on our hockey club, and we’re thrilled to welcome him and his family to the Bulldogs.”.

Bulldogs sign 2026 first-round selection Aiden Kelly

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:14:20 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO - Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman has announced the signing of 2026 1^ST round, 20^th overall selection, Aiden Kelly, from the Detroit Little Caesars 15U to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Kelly, of Rochester, MI, is a noted dynamic offensive force, carrying eye popping numbers to the OHL. In the 2024-25 season skating with the Little Caesars 14U, Kelly was otherworldly posting 74 goals & 90 assists for 164 points across 80 games in all competitons. Kelly was no less impressive in the 2025-26 season with the 15U side, with the 6’0”/170 centerman posting 14 goals & 21 assists for 35 points, along with 80 penalty minutes, in 20 MAHA league games, adding a team leading 6 goals and 3 assists, leading the team with 9 points in 3 playoff games. Kelly continued his dominance north of the border in the OHL Cup, striking 5 times and adding 7 assists to lead the Little Caesars 15U side with 12 points in 5 games, adding 16 penalty minutes while skating to a plus-6 rating. Kelly looks now to bring his brand of dynamic physical hockey to Brantford patterning his game after Stanley Cup Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist and OHL alumnus, Matthew Tkachuk. Following his selection by the Bulldogs Assistant General Manager & Director of Scouting Mike Galati said: “Aiden was our top rated player going in to the draft and when he was available at 20 we were pretty happy. Aiden brings extremely high end skill, high end IQ and is nasty to play against. He scores and brings offense in every way. He likes to get inside guys and doesn’t shy away. His compete level is through the roof. We are extremely excited to make Aiden a Bulldog and look forward to seeing him in black and yellow in September.”.

OHL clubs select 32 players in 2026 CHL Import Draft

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:01:00 +0000

TORONTO — Ontario Hockey League (OHL) clubs added 32 players in the 2026 CHL Import Draft on Tuesday, a class made up of 21 forwards, six defencemen and five goaltenders.

The five goaltenders match the most ever taken by OHL teams at a single Import Draft, tying marks set in 2025 and 2009.

Five of the 32 selections have already heard their names called at the NHL Draft, headlined by defenceman Juho Piiparinen (London Knights), a first-round pick of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2026. He is joined by goaltender Matvei Nikonovich (Barrie Colts), a fifth-round selection of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2026; goaltender Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko (Sarnia Sting), a fifth-round pick of the Utah Mammoth in 2025; forward Vilho Vanhatalo (Ottawa 67's), a sixth-round pick of the Florida Panthers in 2026; and forward Luka Arkko (Erie Otters), a sixth-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 2026.

The class also points firmly to the future. Of the 32 players selected, 15 are eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft and five are 2028 NHL Draft prospects. That group includes three 2010-born players — Matyas Michalek (first overall, Oshawa Generals), Gordei Khotkov (16th overall, Saginaw Spirit) and Roman Andreyev (55th overall, Kitchener Rangers) — along with late-2009-born selections Jiri Gombar (74th overall, Kitchener) and Maxim Shirochenkov (171st overall, Barrie Colts).

Michalek's selection opened the draft, as Oshawa held the first overall pick for the first time in franchise history. He marked the first 16-year-old selected in the annual Import Draft following a rule change enabling clubs to pick 2010-born players in the first round only.

Czechia and Russia paced all nations with eight selections apiece, followed by Finland with five.

The Barrie Colts, Brantford Bulldogs and Kitchener Rangers each made three selections, the most by any OHL club. All three of Brantford's picks came within the top 62.

Two of the 32 selections came from other CHL clubs: Flint added Latvian forward Martins Klaucans from the Sherbrooke Phoenix of the QMJHL, while Brampton selected Stepan Kuryachenkov from the WHL's Swift Current Broncos.

Held annually since 1992, the CHL Import Draft allows Canadian Hockey League clubs to select players from outside Canada and the United States. For the second straight year, the draft consisted of three rounds, reflecting the three import roster spots permitted per club.

**OHL Selections — 2026 CHL Import Draft**
Rd.	Ov.	Team	Player	Pos.	Hometown	DOB	25-26 Team	NHL
1	1	Oshawa	Matyas Michalek	LD	Prague, CZE	Jan. 18, 2010	Sparta Praha Jr. B	2028
1	4	Guelph	Timothy Kazda	RW	Ilava, SVK	Oct. 4, 2008	Chicago Steel	2027
1	7	Brampton	Oskari Ahmajarvi	G	Nurmijarvi, FIN	July 25, 2008	Kiekko-Espoo U20	2027
1	10	Sarnia	Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko	G	Chernolesovsky, RUS	May 30, 2007	Ufa Tolpar	UTA
1	13	Brantford	Adam Nemec	LW	Vsetin, CZE	July 28, 2009	Liberec Bili Tygri Jr.	2027
1	16	Saginaw	Gordei Khotkov	LD	Yaroslavl, RUS	March 10, 2010	CSKA Moscow 06	2028
1	19	Erie	Paul Schuster	C	Vienna, AUT	July 26, 2009	Red Bull Akademie Juniors	2027
1	22	Owen Sound	Roderik Cernak	RD	Bratislava, SVK	March 19, 2008	Slovan Bratislava Jr.	2027
1	25	Niagara	Stepan Stejskal	F	Plzen, CZE	Jan. 6, 2009	Davos HC. Jr.	2027
1	28	Flint	Martins Klaucans	C	Riga, LAT	July 8, 2008	Sherbrooke Phoenix	2027
1	31	Saginaw	Dmitri Savin	F	Novosibirsk, RUS	April 14, 2009	CSKA U18 Moscow	2027
1	34	Sault Ste. Marie	David Vermirovsky	G	Pardubice, CZE	July 25, 2008	Dynamo Pardubice Jr.	2027
1	37	Peterborough	Patrik Polacek	F	Prague, CZE	May 13, 2009	Sparta Praha Jr. B	2027
1	40	London	Luca Santala	RW	Espoo, FIN	July 28, 2009	Kiekko-Espoo U20	2027
1	43	Flint	Tomas Selic	RW	Bratislava, SVK	May 8, 2009	Brno Kometa Jr. B	2027
1	46	Windsor	Bogdan Yakushevsky	RW	Chita, RUS	Jan. 16, 2009	CSKA U18 Moscow	2027
1	49	Barrie	Matvei Nikonovich	G	Minsk, BLR	June 28, 2008	Togliatti Ladia	PIT
1	52	Ottawa	Vilho Vanhatalo	RW	Tampere, FIN	Jan. 18, 2008	Tappara Tampere U20	FLA
1	55	Kitchener	Roman Andreyev	F	Moscow, RUS	July 10, 2010	Dynamo Moscow U18	2028
1	57	Brantford	Max Calce	C	Mannheim, GER	June 11, 2009	Adler Mannheim	2027
2	62	Brantford	Vilmer Salen Forsberg	G	Sodertalje, SWE	Aug. 21, 2009	Sodertalje SK J18E	2027
2	65	Erie	Luka Arkko	LW	Lahti, FIN	Jan. 14, 2008	Pelicans Lahti U20	DET
2	68	Brampton	Stepan Kuryachenkov	C	Ufa, RUS	July 16, 2008	Swift Current Broncos	2027
2	71	Sarnia	Jonas Frostestad Gulbrandsen	C	Stavanger, NOR	Oct. 14, 2008	Stavanger Oilers	2027
2	74	Kitchener	Jiri Gombar	LD	Karlovy, CZE	Nov. 15, 2009	Karlovy Vary Jr. B	2028
2	83	Owen Sound	Mikhail Melikov	LW	Moscow, RUS	Feb. 7, 2007	MHC Dynamo Moscow Jr.	2027
2	86	Niagara	Tobias Kramer	RD	Mannheim, GER	June 27, 2008	Jungadler Mannheim Jr.	2027
2	95	Sault Ste. Marie	Melichar Kovar	RW	Pardubice, CZE	April 7, 2009	Pardubice Jr. B	2027
2	101	London	Juho Piiparinen	RD	Lahti, FIN	Aug. 10, 2008	Tappara Tampere	VGK
2	110	Barrie	Elias Matousek	RW	Plzen, CZE	June 5, 2009	Karlovy Vary Jr. B	2027
2	116	Kitchener	Benjamin Nystrom	C	Boden, SWE	March 1, 2009	Lulea HF J18E	2027
3	171	Barrie	Maxim Shirochenkov	F	Moscow, RUS	Oct. 17, 2009	Dynamo Moscow U17	2028

Colts sign first-round pick Lucas Matheson

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:48:15 +0000

The Barrie Colts are proud to announce that first-round pick Lucas Matheson has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the club. The Barrie native joins his hometown team after being selected 17th overall at the 2026 OHL Priority Selection.

A puck-moving defenceman out of the Barrie Jr. Colts U16 AAA program, Matheson captained his squad throughout the 2025-26 OMHA season, backing up the "C" with elite offensive numbers: 18 goals and 22 assists for 40 points in 34 regular-season games, then adding 4 goals and 3 assists in 8 playoff contests.

Matheson reflects on being drafted and now signed by his hometown club

"It doesn't feel real, getting the opportunity to be on the ice under the same roof that I've been in the stands watching games for as long as I can even remember."

An exceptional skater with outstanding edge work, Matheson's development is deeply rooted. Lucas models his game by Montreal's Lane Hutson as a blueprint for his style of play as an elite offensive defenceman. General Manager Marty Williamson made clear that Matheson was a priority target from the start of the scouting process, and the organization's confidence in him hasn't wavered since.

"Lucas is an elite defenceman that we know will translate well into this level and our team. We have watched him all year and believe he will make an impact immediately on and off the ice."

Scouts who followed Matheson throughout the 2025-26 OMHA season consistently flagged him as one of the most exciting defencemen in the entire league to watch. His calling card at the blue line is his deception — constantly shifting his hips, selling one direction before attacking the other, leaving opposing forwards flat-footed and dangerous slot chances wide open. He's far from a one-dimensional offensive player, though. Matheson backs up his offensive instincts with reliable defensive-zone play, a physical edge, and the kind of crisp breakout passing that translates immediately at the next level. The consensus among those who watched him all year: he has the tools to be a play-driving defenceman in the OHL. Head Coach Dylan Smoskowitz reflects on the signing:

"Lucas was always meant to be a Barrie Colt. From his character and natural leadership abilities, to his on-ice skill and high IQ, we could not be more excited to add Lucas to our team and get to work with him this coming season."

As for Matheson himself, the focus is already on what comes next.

"I just can't wait to bring everything I've done so far into the next level and continue to build with new people."

Frontenacs sign 10th overall pick Logan Prud’homme

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:03:16 +0000

Kingston, ON - The Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club and General Manager Kory Cooper are happy to announce the signing of first-round pick Logan Prud'homme to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. The Frontenacs used the 10^th overall pick to select Logan in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. The towering 6’7”, 220 lbs. forward joins the Frontenacs from the Upper Canada College U16 AAA program. During the 2025-26 season, Prud'homme was a force to be reckoned with, producing stellar numbers across 69 games, scoring 44 goals and 52 assists for 96 points. He would go on to add an additional 5 goals and 3 assists at the 2026 OHL Cup.

"Logan has the tools and the ability to be a difference maker in this league," said General Manager Kory Cooper. "His size obviously stands out, but his vision, high IQ, and competitiveness are what really impress us. Off the ice, he possesses incredible character, strong work habits, and is very coachable; qualities that go a long way. We're excited to add Logan and his family to the organization."

The Ottawa, ON native was ranked 10th on the OHL’s Consensus Ontario Top-100 rankings heading into the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. Frontenacs Head Scout Aaron Van Leusen had nothing but high praise for Prud'homme after the Frontenacs selected him on night one of the draft.

“It’s rare you get a player with his combination of size, skill, and athleticism,” said Van Leusen. “He scored some big goals in big moments this year and we believe he has a very high ceiling. He’s a player that has a lot of maturity and is a leader both on and off the ice. He doesn’t rest on his talent and puts the work in to continually improve his game.”

When asked about what it means to join the Frontenacs, Prud'homme could hardly contain his excitement.

"It's awesome, I wanted to be in Kingston. I love it here; I've got a bunch of family here." said Prud'homme. "A lot of people helped me get to this point. I'm super proud to make it official with the Frontenacs and I get wait to get started."

After attending Development Camp this past weekend, Prud'homme is the first member of the 2026 Frontenacs draft class to sign his OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Prud'homme will wear number 55 for the black and gold.

Five OHL Players Named to U.S. Roster for 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:00:46 +0000

TORONTO - Five present and future Ontario Hockey League players have been named to the United States roster for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase, taking place July 26 to Aug. 1 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, ON. The event serves as the primary evaluation camp ahead of the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, which will be held this December in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta. The OHL is represented by defensemen Henry Brzustewicz of the London Knights and Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds, goaltenders Ryder Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67's and Brady Knowling of the Saginaw Spirit, along with Oshawa Generals forward Brooks Rogowski. Brzustewicz has had a standout junior career with the London Knights, helping the club capture back-to-back OHL championships in 2024 and 2025 while winning the 2025 Memorial Cup. Selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, 31st overall, of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Washington, Mich., native recorded 102 points (31-71-102) in 178 career regular-season games with London. Fetterolf earned OHL Goaltender of the Year honours in his rookie season with the Ottawa 67's after posting a 29-9-2-1 record, a league-leading .923 save percentage and a 2.07 goals-against average. The Sewickley, Pa., native set an OHL rookie record with six shutouts before being selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fourth round, 125th overall, of the 2026 NHL Draft. Reid enters the showcase after an outstanding season with the Soo Greyhounds that saw him receive the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award. The seventh overall selection of the Seattle Kraken in the 2026 NHL Draft finished the 2025-26 campaign with 48 points (18-30-48) in 45 games while leading all OHL draft-eligible defencemen in points per game. Rogowski heads to Windsor following his selection by the Vancouver Canucks in the second round, 33rd overall, of the 2026 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-7 forward recorded 42 points (15-27-42) in 46 games with the Oshawa Generals last season after helping the club reach the OHL Championship Series in 2025. Knowling, who signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Saginaw Spirit earlier this month, will represent the OHL before making his league debut this fall. The Toronto native and dual Canadian-American citizen was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the fourth round, 127th overall, of the 2026 NHL Draft after spending the past two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program. He also represented the United States at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Team USA's roster features 47 players, including nine first-round NHL Draft selections and three returning members of the 2026 U.S. National Junior Team. The camp opens with split-squad games before a consolidated U.S. roster takes on Sweden, Finland and Canada later in the week. The World Junior Summer Showcase returns to Windsor for the first time since 2022, bringing together many of the top under-20 players from Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States as they compete for spots on their respective national teams ahead of the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship. For the full U.S. roster, click here. Tickets for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase are on sale now, with full-event packages starting at $164. A three-game Canadian package begins at $129, while single-game tickets start at $18 plus fees. For more information, visit HockeyCanada.ca/SummerShowcase.

Generals select Matyas Michalek first overall in 2026 CHL Import Draft

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:00:18 +0000

The Oshawa Generals selected Czech defenceman Matyas Michalek with the first overall pick of the 2026 CHL Import Draft, the highest selection in franchise history.

The choice surpasses the club's previous top pick, Nicklas Jensen, taken eighth overall in 2010. Jensen went on to post 29 and 25-goal seasons with Oshawa before being selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the 2011 NHL Draft.

Michalek's selection also makes history league-wide. He becomes the first 16-year-old ever taken in the CHL Import Draft, following a rule change that makes 2010-born players eligible in the first round only. The updated format also opens eligibility to 20-year-olds for the first time.

A 6-foot-3, 187-pound left-shot defender from Prague, Czechia, Michalek produced 39 points (13-26—39) in 30 games with Sparta Prague's U17 team last season, adding eight points (3-5—8) over 12 playoff games as the club captured the Czech U17 championship. He also appeared in 18 games at the U20 level, recording eight points (1-7—8).

Internationally, Michalek represented Czechia at both the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and the World Under-18 Hockey Championship, helping his country to a bronze medal.

Michalek will not be eligible for the NHL Draft until 2028. He follows Tomas Poletin (Kelowna Rockets) as the second-straight Czech player selected first overall in the CHL Import Draft.

Michalek joins fellow first overall picks Kane Cloutier (OHL Priority Selection) and Ethan Cava (U18 Priority Selection) on the Generals' depth chart.

2026 CHL Import Draft Results

OHL Players Head to 2026 NHL Development Camps

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 23:09:10 +0000

With the 2026 NHL Draft now complete, Ontario Hockey League talent continues to take centre stage as NHL Development Camps get underway across the league this week. A total of 47 OHL players were selected in the 2026 NHL Draft, and many of them will be joined at development camps by current OHL players, league alumni, free agent invitees and future OHL talent looking to make an impression on NHL organizations. Below is a team-by-team look at the OHL representation at NHL Development Camps. A total of 191 players with ties to the OHL are attending NHL camps, including 39 free agent invites, 38 who played in the League prior to 2025-26 and five who are committed for 2026-27. OHL Players Attending NHL Development Camps: * free agent invite ^- Played in OHL prior to 2025-26 season #- committed to OHL for 2026-27 season Anaheim Ducks (5): Eric Frossard (Guelph Storm), Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit), Ethan Procyszyn (North Bay Battalion), Noah Read (Niagara IceDogs), Darels Uljanskis (Flint Firebirds) Boston Bruins (1): Jacob Vandeven (London Knights) Buffalo Sabres (2): David Bedkowski (Ottawa 67's), Cohen Bidgood (London Knights)* Calgary Flames (4): Egor Barabanov (Saginaw Spirit), Ryder Boulton (Brantford Bulldogs)*, Simon Katolicky (Sarnia Sting)#, Aidan Lane (Brampton Steelheads)^ Carolina Hurricanes (3): Filip Ekberg (Ottawa 67's), Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67's), Zachary Jovanovski (Guelph Storm) Chicago Blackhawks (5): Ty Henry (Erie Otters), Parker Holmes (Sarnia Sting), Ryan Roobroeck (Guelph Storm), AJ Spellacy (Windsor Spitfires), Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs) Colorado Avalanche (3): Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)*, Linus Funck (London Knights), Christian Humphreys (Kitchener Rangers) Columbus Blue Jackets (6): Kocha Delic (Sudbury Wolves)^*, Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting), Owen Griffin (Guelph Storm), Vladimir Provorov (Sudbury Wolves)*, Nic Sima (Ottawa 67's)*, Rowan Topp (Guelph Storm)* Dallas Stars (8): Ryan Brown (London Knights), Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)*^, Cole Emerton (Sarnia Sting), Emil Hemming (Barrie Colts), Jasper Kuhta (Ottawa 67's), Angus MacDonell (Brampton Steelheads)^, Charlie Paquette (Brantford Bulldogs), Connor Punnett (Oshawa Generals)^ Detroit Red Wings (4): Michael Dec (Erie Otters)*, Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting), Adam Levac (Peterborough Petes), Michal Svrcek (Windsor Spitfires)# Edmonton Oilers (9): Beau Akey (Barrie Colts)^, Weston Cameron (Kitchener Rangers)*, Connor Clattenburg (Flint Firebirds)^, Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)^, Caden Harvey (Windsor Spitfires), William Nicholl (London Knights), Andrew Robinson (Windsor Spitfires), Brady Stonehouse (Peterborough Petes)^, Dalyn Wakely (Barrie Colts)^ Florida Panthers (5): Ryder Cali (North Bay Battalion), Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)*, Shamar Moses (North Bay Battalion), Emil Pieniniemi (Kingston Frontenacs)^, Cole Zurawski (Owen Sound Attack) Los Angeles Kings (11): Lucas Ambrosio (Erie Otters), Henry Brzustewicz (London Knights), Nolan Buttar (Kingston Frontenacs)*, Tyler Challenger (Sarnia Sting)*, Jan Chovan (Sudbury Wolves), Kristian Epperson (Saginaw Spirit)^, Carter George (Soo Greyhounds), Alex Kostov (Flint Firebirds), Jimmy Lombardi (Flint Firebirds), Thomas Vandenberg (Ottawa 67's), Jared Woolley (Kitchener Rangers) Minnesota Wild (2): Lirim Amidovski (North Bay Battalion), Adam Benak (Brantford Bulldogs) Montreal Canadiens (4): Wesley Royston (Owen Sound Attack), Andrew MacNiel (Kitchener Rangers), Owen Protz (Brantford Bulldogs), Braidy Wassilyn (London Knights)* Nashville Predators (6): Dylan Edwards (Kitchener Rangers)*, Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads)^, Jack Lisson (North Bay Battalion)*, Brady Martin (Soo Greyhounds), Charlie Puglisi (Kitchener Rangers)#, Cameron Reid (Kitchener Rangers) New Jersey Devils (2): Trenten Bennett (Flint Firebirds), Quinn McKenzie (Soo Greyhounds) New York Islanders (7): Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts), Gabriel Frasca (Brantford Bulldogs)*, Layne Gallacher (Niagara IceDogs)*, Isaiah George (London Knights)^, Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)*^, Jesse Nurmi (London Knights)^, Luca Romano (Kitchener Rangers) New York Rangers (10): Darian Anderson (Flint Firebirds), Nathan Aspinall (Flint Firebirds), Jacob Battaglia (Flint Firebirds), Spencer Bowes (Ottawa 67's), Andre Mondoux (Kingston Frontenacs), Artem Gonchar (Sudbury Wolves), Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires), Evan Passmore (Barrie Colts), Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters)^, Carey Terrance (Erie Otters)^ Ottawa Senators (10): Matthew Andonovski (Kitchener Rangers), Jaxon Cover (London Knights), Gabriel Eliasson (Barrie Colts), Luke Ellinas (Kitchener Rangers), Landen Hookey (Owen Sound Attack)^, Jean-Cristoph Lemieux (Sudbury Wolves)*, Blake Montgomery (London Knights)^, Harris Pangretitsch (Soo Greyhounds), Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)^, Mason Zebeski (Barrie Colts)* Philadelphia Flyers (8): Denver Barkey (London Knights)^, Oliver Bonk (London Knights)^, Jackson Edward (London Knights)^, Jett Luchanko (Brantford Bulldogs), Porter Martone (Brampton Steelheads)^, Jack Nesbitt (Windsor Spitfires), Noah Powell (Oshawa Generals)^, Maksim Sokolovskii (London Knights) Pittsburgh Penguins (11): Dryden Allen (Flint Firebirds)*, Quinn Beauchesne (Guelph Storm), Jordan Charron (Soo Greyhounds), Callum Croskery (Soo Greyhounds)*, Travis Hayes (Soo Greyhounds), Matthew Humphries (Oshawa Generals)*, Jeremy Martin (Soo Greyhounds)*, Maleek McGowan (Kingston Frontenacs), Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack), Alex McLean (Kingston Frontenacs)*, Parker von Richter (Barrie Colts) San Jose Sharks (6): Brendan Hoffmann (Erie Otters)^, Alexander Karmanov (North Bay Battalion), Christian Kirsch (Kitchener Rangers), Brady Knowling (Saginaw Spirit)#, Landon Marleau (Kingston Frontenacs), Haoxi Wang (Niagara IceDogs) Seattle Kraken (7): Maksim Corovic (Brantford Bulldogs)*, Jakub Fibigr (Windsor Spitfires), Finn Kearns (Sudbury Wolves), Jake O'Brien (Brantford Bulldogs), Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds), Rylan Singh (Guelph Storm), Nathan Villeneuve (Windsor Spitfires) St. Louis Blues (3): Colin Fitzgerald (Soo Greyhounds), Lukas Fischer (Soo Greyhounds), Carter Stevens (Guelph Storm) Tampa Bay Lightning (7): Elliot Arnett (Owen Sound Attack)*, Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs)*, Ethan Czata (Guelph Storm), Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds), Sam O'Reilly (Kitchener Rangers), Jack Pridham (Kitchener Rangers), Grant Spada (Guelph Storm) Toronto Maple Leafs (10): Sam Alfano (Erie Otters)*^, Alexander Bilecki (Kitchener Rangers), Rylan Fellinger (Flint Firebirds), Sebastian Gatto (London Knights)*, Tyler Hopkins (Guelph Storm), Sam McCue (Ottawa 67's), Harry Nansi (Owen Sound Attack), Brody Pepoy (Saginaw Spirit), Zack Sandhu (Brantford Bulldogs)*, Parker Vaughan (North Bay Battalion)* Utah Mammoth (4): Owen Allard (Soo Greyhounds)^, Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts), Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires), Noel Nordh (Soo Greyhounds)^ Vancouver Canucks (9): Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs), Adam Novotny (Peterborough Petes), Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa Generals), Kieren Dervin (Kingston Frontenacs), Riley Patterson (Niagara IceDogs), Lucian Bernat (Owen Sound Attack)#, Gabriel Chiarot (Kitchener Rangers), Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights), Anthony Romani (Barrie Colts)^ Vegas Golden Knights (9): Wyatt Kennedy (Windsor Spitfires)*, Matthew Minchak (Kingston Frontenacs), Bronson Ride (North Bay Battalion), Samuel Mayer (Peterborough Petes)^, Trent Swick (Kitchener Rangers)^, Tuomas Uronen (Kingston Frontenacs)^, Conor Walton (Windsor Spitfires)*, Vann Williamson (Kingston Frontenacs)*, Ben Wilmott (Barrie Colts) Washington Capitals (3): Cam Allen (London Knights)^, Zack Bleick (Flint Firebirds)*, Arvin Jaswal (Barrie Colts)* Winnipeg Jets (7): Colby Barlow (Oshawa Generals)^, Jacob Cloutier (Saginaw Spirit), Edison Engle (Brantford Bulldogs), Kevin He (Flint Firebirds), Jacob Julien (London Knights)^, Oliver Peer (Flint Firebirds)*^, Kieron Walton (Peterborough Petes)

The OHL’s Best: A Look at the CHL Import Draft’s Biggest Names

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 22:37:23 +0000

Since its inception in 1992, the CHL Import Draft has helped shape the Ontario Hockey League by bringing elite international talent to teams across the league. From future NHL stars and Stanley Cup champions to OHL award winners and Memorial Cup heroes, the annual event has introduced some of the league’s most memorable players. More than 2,310 players from outside Canada and the United States have been selected since the draft began, with many leaving a lasting mark on the OHL. With the 2026 CHL Import Draft set for Tuesday, June 30, the next generation of international talent is ready to arrive. The Oshawa Generals will make the first overall selection for the first time in franchise history, kicking off another chapter in the league’s international pipeline. For the second straight year, the CHL Import Draft will consist of three rounds, reflecting the league’s continued use of three import player roster spots per club. The 2026 edition also features updated eligibility rules. Twenty-year-old import players are now eligible to be selected in any round, while 16-year-old import players may only be selected in the first round. Clubs may carry a maximum of one 16-year-old import player per season, and that player cannot be traded or replaced during his 16-year-old campaign. If a 16-year-old import player is released or removed from a club’s roster during the regular season, that club will be limited to two import players for the remainder of the season and playoffs. Before another class of international prospects hears its name called, here’s a look back at some of the biggest names to come through the OHL via the CHL Import Draft. Few players have left a greater mark on the OHL as an import than Andrei Svechnikov. Selected first overall by the Barrie Colts in the 2017 CHL Import Draft, the dynamic Russian winger recorded 72 points in just 44 games before becoming the second overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. He has since developed into a cornerstone of the Carolina Hurricanes and was part of the club’s Stanley Cup championship team in 2025-26. Among the earliest import draft success stories was Gabriel Landeskog. Originally selected third overall in the 2009 CHL Import Draft by the Plymouth Whalers, the Swedish forward was dealt to the Kitchener Rangers. Landeskog quickly established himself as one of the league's premier players, serving as Rangers captain in his second season. Selected second overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2011 NHL Draft, he went on to captain the franchise to a Stanley Cup championship. Most recently, Landeskog earned the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy after returning to NHL action following a remarkable three-year battle with multiple knee injuries and surgeries. Barrie struck gold again with Swedish defenceman Rasmus Andersson, selected 27th overall in the 2014 Import Draft. After starring with the Colts, Andersson established himself as a dependable NHL blueliner, spending several seasons with the Calgary Flames before joining the Vegas Golden Knights this offseason. He also represented Sweden at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. The Sudbury Wolves found one of the greatest import goaltenders in league history with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Selected third overall in 2018, the Finnish netminder delivered a spectacular 2018-19 season, setting a franchise record for wins while leading the OHL in victories (38), save percentage (.920) and shutouts (6). He became the first European import player to win the Red Tilson Trophy as the league’s Most Outstanding Player while also earning OHL Goaltender of the Year honours. Luukkonen has since become Buffalo’s starting goaltender, posting career highs while helping the Sabres end their 14-year playoff drought. Marco Rossi needed just one full OHL season to etch his name into Ottawa 67’s history. Selected 18th overall in the 2018 Import Draft, the Austrian forward captured both the Red Tilson Trophy and Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy after leading the league in scoring. He was selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2020 NHL Draft before recently being traded to the Vancouver Canucks. The London Knights have enjoyed no shortage of success with import players over the years. Most recently, Finnish winger Kasper Halttunen, selected 41st overall in 2022, helped lead the Knights to a Memorial Cup championship before being drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft. Barrie rounded out another impressive import class in 2024 by selecting Finnish power forward Emil Hemming 15th overall, shortly after he was chosen 29th overall by the Dallas Stars in the NHL Draft. Hemming quickly emerged as an impact player for the Colts, adding another chapter to the organization’s rich tradition of international talent. Kitchener’s latest import success story belongs to Swiss goaltender Christian Kirsch. Chosen 44th overall in the 2023 Import Draft, Kirsch backstopped the Rangers to a dominant J. Ross Robertson and Memorial Cup championship run in 2025-26. The Brantford Bulldogs added another first-round NHL prospect when they selected Czech defenceman Adam Jiricek 19th overall in the 2023 Import Draft. After an impressive OHL career, Jiricek was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft and continues his development in the professional ranks. One of the league’s newest import success stories is Adam Novotný. Selected ninth overall by the Peterborough Petes in the 2024 Import Draft, the Czech forward enjoyed a breakout first season before hearing his name called in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Vancouver Canucks. As another CHL Import Draft approaches, OHL clubs will once again look overseas in search of the league’s next standout performer. Whether it’s a future NHL star, Memorial Cup champion or franchise icon, history has shown that some of the OHL’s biggest success stories have begun on draft day. ____________________________________________________________________________________ On Tuesday, June 30, fans and media can follow along with the 2026 CHL Import Draft and view full results and draft order at chl.ca/draft.

OHL Alumni – Beyond the Rink: Kevin Reinhart

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:02:05 +0000

Former OHL Team(s): Kitchener Rangers Years in the OHL: 1975-1978 Current Occupation: Retired Kevin Reinhart’s journey following his Ontario Hockey League career has been defined by education, adaptability, and success beyond the game. After his time in the OHL, Reinhart continued playing hockey at the university level after being selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the eighth round (132nd overall) of the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. While his playing days eventually came to an end, the experiences and perspective he gained through the game helped shape a successful professional career that followed. Now retired, he remains chairman of a public company’s board, where he continues to stay involved in the oil and gas equipment manufacturing industry. From the Ice to Industry Following the OHL, Reinhart attended Wilfrid Laurier University during his final year of junior hockey before transferring to Saint Mary's University for his final three years, where he earned a Commerce degree with a major in Accounting. That transition from hockey to academics helped prepare him for a successful career in the global business world, where he was exposed to different cultures, industries, and leadership opportunities. A Student of the Game and Beyond Reinhart’s time in the OHL played a major role in shaping both his personal and professional development. “Value of teamwork; time management (especially taking a full load first year at WLU while playing for the Rangers); how to play my role on a high-performing team; dealing with adversity.” Those lessons stayed with him throughout his business career and continue to influence the way he approaches life today. Shaped by the Game For Reinhart, one of the most important realizations during his hockey career came at a young age when he understood his path might look different than originally expected. “Dealing with the reality at 16 years of age that I was not good enough to achieve my hockey dream (even more difficult given that my younger brother, Paul Reinhart, was a key factor in that reality check) AND then finding that I could define and pursue another dream that was even more rewarding and exciting.” That perspective ultimately helped Reinhart embrace new goals and opportunities outside of hockey. A Memorable Moment “For the most part, it was the camaraderie and dynamics of playing with a group of like-minded guys that were always changing, even though I didn't always recognize and appreciate that. If I had to pick one memory, though, it would have been when I played my first game in Kitchener as a 16-year-old, blocking a Marcel Dionne shot on a 2-on-1.” An Enduring Influence Reinhart points to two teammates who left a lasting impact on his OHL experience. “I would point to my two best friends on the team - my brother Paul and Don Maloney.” Life Today Today, Reinhart is most proud of his success in the business world and the opportunities it has provided him worldwide. “The success I've had in the business world while being exposed to many cultures and people while working in a global organization, including with/for a Chinese government-owned enterprise for over two years.” Away from work, he enjoys golfing, cycling, and travelling, while spending time with his growing family. “I have three wonderful adult children who have blessed us with six grandchildren who are currently between the ages of 1.5 and 5.5 years. Being a grandfather allows me to experience these young children in a very different way than I could while raising my children, when I was also trying to build my career and financial stability.” Advice for the Next Generation “Pursue your hockey dream with all your vigour, but make sure you get an education as the odds of making the 'bigs' are low and, for most that do make it, your lifespan is not long enough to set you up for life. Your education is your life ticket.”