Ontario Hockey League - Feed

Bulldogs Sign UConn Commit Nathan Hauad

Mon, 25 May 2026 19:27:14 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO - Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman announced the signing of UConn commit, forward Nathan Hauad, from the Des Moines Buccaneers to a Standard Players Agreement. Hauad, a Chicago, IL, product, was a standout with the Windy City Storm AAA program, leading his team in scoring in both his 14U & 15U seasons, with 48 goals & 46 assists for 94 points in 58 games in 14U & 35 goals & 45 assists for 80 points in 52 games in 15U. Hauad moved to Michigan for his 16U season, playing with the Oakland Grizzlies 16U AAA program and again leading his team in scoring. Hauad debuted for his rookie junior season in Des Moines in 2025-26 scoring 5 goals & 4 assists for 9 points over 47 games beginning his junior career accepting a role on a veteran Buccaneers squad and providing a heavy physical presence and playing a full 200-foot game. The 6’0”, 184lbs right-shot winger, Hauad, will bring speed, and a highly touted work-ethic to Brantford as he joins the Bulldogs for the 2026-27 season. “Nathan Hauad is a player that immediately stood out to us because of the unique combination of size, skill, and offensive instincts he brings to the game.” said Hyman. “He has the ability to make plays at high speed and owns a quick release that makes him a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick. Just as importantly, Nathan is a high character young man who carries himself the right way and fits exactly what we value as an organization.”

2026 Graduating Class: Sudbury Wolves

Mon, 25 May 2026 18:00:28 +0000

After earning a playoff berth the hard way, the Sudbury Wolves finished as the only Eastern Conference team with a record below .500 before ultimately being eliminated in the opening round of the postseason. It was not always a smooth ride, but in a league where simply getting into the playoffs is half the battle, the Wolves found a way. Sudbury battled inconsistency throughout much of the season, though the club showed flashes of promise down the stretch as it began to establish its identity at the right time. Now, the Wolves prepare to say goodbye to members of their graduating class as Chase Coughlan and Gavin Ewles move on from the Ontario Hockey League. Chase Coughlan (Sudbury Wolves, Guelph Storm – 2021-26) Acquired by Sudbury in 2022, Chase Coughlan spent the latter half of his Ontario Hockey League career with the Wolves. During his overage season, Coughlan recorded 33 points (18-15–33) in 59 regular-season games before adding three points (2-1–3) in the postseason. The Toronto, Ont. native closes out his OHL career with 116 points (66-50–116) across 261 regular-season games, highlighted by a career-high 43-point campaign in 2024-25. Originally selected by the Guelph Storm in the third round (59th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Coughlan is committed to Bowling Green State University for next season. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2028187309997252684 Gavin Ewles (Sudbury Wolves, Flint Firebirds, Ottawa 67’s – 2021-26) Acquired by Sudbury in the 2024 offseason, Gavin Ewles spent the final two seasons of his OHL career with the Wolves. In his overage campaign, Ewles recorded a career-high 14 points (4-10–14) while registering 82 shots on goal, before adding an assist in the postseason. Prior to arriving in Sudbury, he also spent time with the Flint Firebirds and Ottawa 67's. The 6-foot-1 defenceman closes out his OHL career with 52 points (13-39–52) across 230 regular-season games. Originally selected by the Ottawa 67's in the fifth round (91st overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Ewles is committed to Robert Morris University for next season. https://twitter.com/Sudbury_Wolves/status/1842360455748083740 2006-born players: Currently, the Sudbury Wolves boast five 2006-born players in Artem Gonchar (New York Rangers), Daniel Berehowsky, Trevor O’Dell, Karsen Chartier, and Paolo Frasca.

Rangers’ Alexander Bilecki Making The Most of Extended Draft-Year Opportunity

Mon, 25 May 2026 15:40:54 +0000

Kitchener Rangers defenceman Alexander Bilecki has continued to raise his NHL Draft profile at the perfect time. Now in his second season with the Rangers, the Mississauga, Ont. native enjoyed a career year in 2025-26, recording 29 points (9-20–29) alongside a plus-16 rating in the regular-season before adding another 11 points (2-9–11) during Kitchener’s run to the OHL championship. Selected in the second round (31st overall) of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Bilecki has steadily developed into a reliable two-way presence known for his flashy, but accurate, passing ability. https://twitter.com/KRangersReport/status/2045514657234858086 With many draft-eligible players already finished for the season, Bilecki has benefited from continuing to play meaningful hockey deep into May and now at the Memorial Cup, gaining valuable experience on one of junior hockey’s biggest stages. Ranked 49th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, the extended postseason run has provided additional opportunities for scouts to evaluate his game against elite competition. He has already made an impact at the tournament as well, recording a two-assist performance in Kitchener’s opening game. https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2058032996595179528 “Just playing my game and doing what it takes to help the team win,” said Bilecki. “It’s always nice to contribute, especially on this big stage.” “As much as it is a big stage, you have to love all the eyes that are on you and just play like any other game.” Bilecki’s growth throughout the season has not gone unnoticed internally either, particularly with the strides he has made away from the puck while continuing to provide offensive upside from the backend. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2047819104589865306 “Alex’s game has really matured throughout the course of the season,” said Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “He has all the tools and offensive skill and instincts to be a dynamic player, and has improved a lot on the defensive side of the puck.” On a deep Rangers blueline already filled with NHL prospects and high-end talent, Bilecki has continued working to separate himself and prove he belongs among the next wave of drafted players coming out of Kitchener. “[He’s a] smooth skating defenceman who has a real sense of calm and poise,” said TSN Director of Scouting, Craig Button. “He uses those qualities to handle defensive challenges and to get play moving in the offensive direction.” “Very good vision and gets puck to the right spots at the right times” added Button. “He doesn’t play outside his capabilities and has a lot of room to expand his game.” https://twitter.com/OHLRangers/status/1997120140719067640 With the Rangers continuing their pursuit of a Memorial Cup title, Bilecki will have even more opportunities to showcase the steady, composed game that has quietly made him one of the more intriguing and underrated blueliners to watch ahead of the upcoming NHL Draft.

Bulldogs sign free-agent forward Owen DeGraff

Mon, 25 May 2026 14:55:44 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the signing of Penn State commit, forward Owen DeGraff from the Waterloo Black Hawks to a Standard Players Agreement. DeGraff, from Odessa, FL, comes to the Bulldogs following a single season in the USHL after being a standout for the previous three with the Long Island Gulls AAA program. A power forward with a 6’3”, 200lbs frame, DeGraff possesses a nose for the net and the ability to make plays, racking up 26 goals & 51 assists for 77 points in 78 games in his draft year on Long Island. DeGraff flashed the offensive side of his game in Iowa in the 2025-26 season but became known for his hard to play against style, wearing down opposing defense corps with a heavy and fast forecheck. DeGraff capped his 2025-26 season being named to the USHL All-Academic Team and skated in the 2026 Chipotle All-American Game showcasing his hard-working style in advance of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. “Owen DeGraff is a player we identified as someone who fits exactly what we’re building in Brantford.” said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “He brings size, competitiveness, and a heavy power forward identity that’s hard to find. He has the ability to score, get to the difficult areas of the ice, and impact the game in a variety of ways. We believe his style of play and willingness to compete will make him a very important piece of our group moving forward.” “I am very excited to be a part of this first-class organization. Can’t wait to wear the Bulldogs jersey!” said Owen DeGraff on signing.

Spirit sign defenceman Tyler Martyniuk

Sun, 24 May 2026 17:10:31 +0000

Saginaw, Mich. – The Saginaw Spirit have signed left-shot defenseman Tyler Martyniuk (MART-in-uck) to an OHL Standard Player Agreement, GM Dave Drinkill announced Friday afternoon. A late-2008 birthyear, Martyniuk stands at 6’1”, 192lbs. He was originally selected by the Spirit in the sixth round, 117th overall at the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. “Tyler is a player we really felt would be a great fit in our system going back to his days playing for Honeybaked,” said Drinkill. “We believe his game will flourish here in Saginaw, and that he is not yet close to reaching his potential as a high-end two-way defenseman. He is a very skilled, smooth skater, with offensive upside and an ability to play big minutes in all situations for us. We could not be more excited as an organization to finally have him as a part of the Spirit family and look forward to seeing him with our group at training camp in August.” From Washington Township, Mich., Martyniuk spent the last two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program. He saw 59 games of action in 2025-2026, with 11 points (2G-9A) and 65 PIM. This spring, he joined Team USA at the IIHF U18 World Championship in Trencin and Bratislava, Slovakia, recording three assists in four games. “I’m extremely excited and grateful to sign with the Saginaw Spirit organization,” said Martyniuk. “From the first time I met with the coaches and management, it felt like the right place for me to continue developing both as a player and person. The winning culture, great fan support, and commitment to player development really stood out to me, and I can’t wait to get started this fall with the team.” Martyniuk also competed at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge this year, the U17 World Hockey Challenge in 2025, and won a gold medal at the 2024 Youth Olympic Games with Team USA. He played his minor hockey with the Detroit Honeybaked program from 2021-2023.

2026 Graduating Class: Saginaw Spirit

Sun, 24 May 2026 16:12:14 +0000

After battling through an up-and-down regular season, the Saginaw Spirit secured a return to the postseason behind one of the Ontario Hockey League’s most dynamic young offensive groups before ultimately being eliminated in the opening round by the eventual OHL champions. Now, the Spirit prepare to say goodbye to the lone member of their graduating class as James Guo moves on from the OHL following the conclusion of his overage season. James Guo (Saginaw Spirit, Peterborough Petes – 2021-26) After being acquired from the Peterborough Petes in 2022, James Guo spent the majority of his junior career with the Saginaw Spirit. The smooth-skating defenceman recorded a career-high 39 points (8-31–39) during his overage season and added three points (1-2–3) in four playoff games. He was also a member of Saginaw’s Memorial Cup championship team in 2023-24. The 6-foot-1 blueliner closes out his OHL career with 96 points (19-77–96) across 287 regular-season games. Originally selected by the Petes in the fourth round (74th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Guo is committed to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) for next season. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2014512094314459149 2006-born players: * denotes players who are committed to the NCAA for next season Currently, the Saginaw Spirit boast five 2006-born players in Egor Barabanov*, Liam Storch, Bode Stewart, Josh Glavin and Kaleb Papineau.

2026 Graduating Class: Niagara IceDogs

Sat, 23 May 2026 22:00:43 +0000

After battling through an inconsistent first half, the Niagara IceDogs were able to find their footing down the stretch and secure a return to the postseason before ultimately being eliminated in the opening round. Despite the early playoff exit, the club showed signs of progress late in the year behind a veteran group that helped guide one of the league’s younger rosters. Since the conclusion of the season, the organization has also undergone changes off the ice, parting ways with members of its hockey operations staff. Now, the IceDogs prepare to say goodbye to members of their graduating class as Jakub Chromiak, Grayson Tiller and Charlie Robertson move on from the Ontario Hockey League. Jakub Chromiak (Niagara IceDogs, Kitchener Rangers, Kingston Frontenacs, Sudbury Wolves – 2022-26) Acquired from the Kitchener Rangers at the January trade deadline, Jakub Chromiak arrived in Niagara after spending a season and a half with the Rangers organization. Between the two clubs during his overage season, Chromiak recorded a career-high 47 points (12-35–47). He also spent time with the Sudbury Wolves and Kingston Frontenacs during his OHL career. The Slovakian blueliner closes out his OHL career with 117 points (25-92–117) across 237 regular-season games. Originally selected by the Wolves eighth overall in the 2022 CHL Import Draft, Chromiak has returned to Europe and is expected to play with HC Plzeň. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2032249157507768702 Grayson Tiller (Niagara IceDogs, Barrie Colts – 2021-26) Acquired by the IceDogs during the offseason, Grayson Tiller joined his hometown team in Niagara after spending the majority of his OHL career with the Barrie Colts. In 2024-25, he played an important role in Barrie’s run to the Eastern Conference Final, recording 10 points (2-8–10) in 16 playoff games. Between the two clubs during his overage season, Tiller recorded a career-high 39 points (12-27–39). The St. Catharines native wraps up his OHL career with 71 points (16-55–71) across 277 regular-season games. Originally selected by the Colts in the third round (44th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Tiller is committed to Brock University for next season. https://twitter.com/OHLIceDogs/status/1977453623123607777 Charlie Robertson (Niagara IceDogs, North Bay Battalion – 2022-26) After being acquired from the North Bay Battalion in 2023, Charlie Robertson spent the majority of his junior career in Niagara, splitting time in the crease and appearing in a career-high 31 games during his overage season. The 6-foot-4 netminder wraps up his OHL career with a 37-29-6-4 record, along with a 3.89 goals-against average, .885 save percentage and six shutouts. Originally selected in the seventh round (130th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Robertson is committed to Toronto Metropolitan University for next season. https://twitter.com/OHLIceDogs/status/1972115908228427883 2006-born players: * denotes players who are committed to the NCAA/USports for next season Currently, the Niagara IceDogs boast six 2006-born players in Riley Patterson (Vancouver Canucks), Callum Cheynowski, Liam Spencer, Hayden Reid*, Sean Doherty* and Blake Barnes*.

OHL Officials Ingalls and Pye Selected to Work 2026 Memorial Cup Presented by Kubota

Fri, 22 May 2026 19:00:16 +0000

Toronto, Ont. - The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to congratulate referee Chad Ingalls and linesperson Luke Pye on being selected to officiate at the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota in Kelowna, B.C.

Ingalls and Pye are among the officials chosen to work the Canadian Hockey League’s championship event, which runs from May 22-31 and features the champions of the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, along with the host Kelowna Rockets.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for both Chad and Luke and a reflection of the work they have put in over the past several seasons,” said OHL Director of Officiating Conrad Haché. “The Memorial Cup is one of the biggest stages in junior hockey, and earning an assignment there speaks to the confidence they have built through consistency, preparation, and strong performances throughout the season and playoffs. We are extremely proud to see both of them representing the Ontario Hockey League.”

Ingalls has completed his fourth season in the Ontario Hockey League and will be working his first Memorial Cup. His recent officiating resume includes assignments at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he earned a gold medal assignment, the 2025 World Junior A Challenge, and the 2026 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship. He has also officiated the past two J. Ross Robertson Cup Finals, the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, the 2023-24 CHL/NHL Officiating Program, and the 2026 U SPORTS University Cup.

Pye also completed his fourth OHL season and will make his Memorial Cup debut after a strong year that included working the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. His growing list of major assignments also includes the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, and the 2026 OHL Championship Series. Pye has additionally worked back-to-back American Hockey League Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025 and is part of Hockey Canada’s National High Performance Program at Level 6 certification.

The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota begins Friday in Kelowna, with every game airing nationally in Canada on TSN and RDS. Streaming coverage will also be available on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app, while viewers in the United States can watch on Victory+ and NHL Network.

The Ontario Hockey League continues to serve as a key development path for officials advancing to the highest levels of hockey both nationally and internationally.

Back in Kelowna: Rangers’ Jack Pridham Returns on Memorial Cup Stage

Fri, 22 May 2026 18:37:51 +0000

For Kitchener Rangers forward Jack Pridham, this year’s Memorial Cup is more than just another stop on a championship run. It is a return to the city where his junior hockey journey began. Before helping the Rangers to an Ontario Hockey League championship and earning OHL Overage Player of the Year honours, Pridham was a fresh-faced 18-year-old leaving home for the first time to continue his hockey career in Kelowna, British Columbia, with the West Kelowna Warriors. Now, less than two years later, he is back in Kelowna preparing to compete for junior hockey’s ultimate prize. “Right when this got announced, like the Memorial Cup in Kelowna, it was like, wow, wouldn’t it be so special to come back here,” said Pridham. “To actually be here, it’s awesome.” Pridham spent parts of two seasons with the Warriors organization from 2023-24 onward, recording 36 goals and 33 assists across 76 regular-season and playoff games combined. During that time, he earned BCHL All-Rookie Team honours and was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third round (92nd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft. He then began the 2024-25 season with West Kelowna before making the jump to the OHL after just 12 games, where he had already recorded 10 points (5-5–10). Originally selected by Kitchener in the ninth round (177th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Pridham joined the Rangers for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign before deciding to return to Kitchener for his overage season in 2025-26 rather than head to Boston University. “I think kind of when the rules change came out, you know, I wanted to challenge myself against higher competition and be surrounded in a great environment like Kitchener,” Pridham explained. Pridham emerged as one of the OHL’s top overage players this season, leading Kitchener with 46 goals and 90 points in 65 regular-season games while helping guide the Rangers to their first OHL championship since 2008. He has continued to produce throughout the postseason, with 17 points (2-15–17) in 19 playoff games entering the Memorial Cup. More importantly, though, he built relationships that have remained strong long after leaving British Columbia. “Some of my old teammates have reached out, and actually, my parents are staying with my old billets up in Kelowna, so it’s pretty cool,” said Pridham. The connection runs even deeper than that. The Rangers are staying at a hotel located roughly ten minutes from his former billet family, giving Pridham an opportunity to reconnect during the biggest tournament of his junior career. “I actually surprised my old billets yesterday, so that’s pretty cool,” he said with a smile. “Took an Uber up there and surprised them, so that was great to see them.” While the homecoming storyline is special, Pridham’s focus remains firmly on helping Kitchener continue its championship run. “We’re a working team, we’re all working, and we’re all going,” he said. That mindset has defined the Rangers throughout the postseason. After losing out on the opportunity to host the 2027 Memorial Cup earlier in the year, Kitchener responded by earning its way into the tournament the hard way, by winning the OHL championship. Now, Pridham finds himself back in the city where his path started, only this time skating under the brightest spotlight junior hockey has to offer. “Yeah, it’s been awesome,” he said. “I’m surrounded by great teammates and a great coaching staff, so you know to win this year is pretty special, and it’s great to be here.” ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota is scheduled for May 22-31 in Kelowna, B.C. Every game of the tournament will air in Canada on TSN and RDS, with live streaming available on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In the United States, fans can watch every game on Victory+ or NHL Network. The Kitchener Rangers will begin the tournament on opening day as they take on the host Kelowna Rockets. For more information on the tournament or ticket packages, visit CHL.ca

2026 Graduating Class: London Knights

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:42:53 +0000

After remaining one of the Ontario Hockey League’s top teams throughout the 2025-26 campaign despite significant roster turnover, the London Knights once again proved why they can never be counted out under head coach Dale Hunter. The Knights now prepare to say goodbye to members of their graduating class as Jesse Nurmi, Braiden Clark, and Kaeden Hawkins move on from the OHL. Jesse Nurmi (London Knights – 2024-26) Returning to the London Knights at the end of December after beginning the season in the ECHL with the Worcester Railers, where he recorded two points (1-1–2) in 12 games, Jesse Nurmi quickly made an impact back in London. Despite appearing in nearly half the games he played the previous season, the Finnish forward matched his career-high total of 31 points (14-17–31). During the regular season, he also put together an impressive 11-game point streak, Nurmi was also an important piece of the Knights’ Memorial Cup championship run in 2024-25, earning a reputation as a reliable penalty killer and dependable two-way forward. Originally selected 58th overall in the 2023 CHL Import Draft, Nurmi was later drafted by the New York Islanders in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. He wraps up his two-year OHL career with 62 points (23-39–62) in 88 regular-season games. https://twitter.com/LondonKnights/status/2023503866281841037 Braiden Clark (London Knights – 2025-26) Spending his lone OHL season as an overager, Braiden Clark recorded 36 points (22-14–36) in 61 regular-season games before adding a goal during the playoffs. In March, Clark enjoyed one of the best performances of his career, scoring his first OHL hat trick in a high-scoring matchup against the Erie Otters. Before joining the Knights, Clark spent time with the NCAA’s Providence Friars program. Originally selected in the 13th round (256th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, he signed with London during the offseason ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2030102194310050183 Kaeden Hawkins (London Knights – 2025-26) Also spending his only OHL season as an overager, Kaeden Hawkins registered 23 points (9-14–23) in 61 regular-season games with the Knights. In March, he recorded a career-high three-point outing (1-2–3) against the Guelph Storm. Prior to arriving in London, Hawkins played in the USHL with the Waterloo Blackhawks. He joined the Knights as a free-agent signing during the offseason. https://twitter.com/stubbs980/status/2012668658078617608 2006-born players: * denotes players who are committed to the NCAA for next season Currently, the London Knights boast five 2006-born players in William Nicholl (Edmonton Oilers), Evan Van Gorp, Rene Van Bommel, Sebastian Gatto and Andoni Fimis*.