Ontario Hockey League - Feed

2026 OHL In The System: Buffalo Sabres

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 14:26:15 +0000

Jeff Kyrzakos named Kitchener Rangers Head Coach

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 14:11:04 +0000

Kitchener, Ont. — The Kitchener Rangers announced today that Jeff Kyrzakos has been named the 26th Head Coach in franchise history. Kyrzakos steps into the role after serving as the Rangers’ Associate Coach and Assistant General Manager over the past three seasons. Since joining Kitchener in 2023, he has played an important role in the club’s player development, game preparation, and day-to-day hockey operations while having a focus on the forward group and power play. Kyrzakos played a pivotal role in guiding the Kitchener Rangers to their fifth OHL Championship and third Memorial Cup Championship in franchise history, winning both for the first time in his coaching career. “We are excited for Jeff to become the 26th Head Coach in Ranger History,” said Kitchener Rangers General Manager, Mike McKenzie. “He has been an integral part of our staff for the last three years and has a wealth of experience in the OHL. We feel he is the right person to lead our hockey club moving forward. I look forward to working with Jeff and seeing him take this step in his coaching career.” Prior to arriving in Kitchener, Kyrzakos spent seven seasons with the Mississauga Steelheads as Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach, helping guide the organization through a strong period of player advancement and team success. He was behind the bench when Mississauga captured both the Central Division and Eastern Conference titles during the 2016-17 season, and he contributed to the development of numerous players selected in the NHL Draft. "On behalf of the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club, I want to congratulate Jeff Kyrzakos on his well-earned promotion to Head Coach," said Chief Operating Officer and Governor, Joe Birch. "Jeff is an outstanding person whose character, integrity, and professionalism have earned the respect of everyone in our organization. He is a tremendous communicator who builds strong relationships with his players and staff, and his experience and leadership have made a significant impact on our hockey club. Throughout his time with the Rangers, Jeff has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to player development and creating an environment where our athletes can succeed both on and off the ice. He has the trust and respect of our players, and we are confident he is the right leader to guide our team into the future. We are excited for Jeff as he takes on this opportunity and look forward to supporting him as he begins this next chapter with the Kitchener Rangers." A Mississauga, Ontario native, Kyrzakos brings experience as a player and coach. He played at Western Michigan University before joining the Owen Sound Attack, where he recorded 79 points in 64 games during the 2005-06 OHL season. He later played seven seasons of professional hockey before beginning his coaching career with the Arizona Sundogs in 2013. “I feel extremely privilege to have this opportunity,” said Jeff Kyrzakos. “The Rangers are an historic organization that I always admired from afar prior to coming here. Having been here for three seasons - my appreciation for the organization, the history and our fans has grown. The people who work here are some of the best. I moved here a year ago and I love being a part of this community. I can’t wait to get started. Thanks to Joe Birch, Mike McKenzie and Jussi Ahokas for bringing me in here three years ago, and for the opportunity that lies ahead. I want to wish both Jussi Ahokas and Jordan Dekort the best of luck. We will miss them as coaches but more importantly as people. Lastly, I look forward to continuing to work with Brad Flynn and Brandon Merli who have each played integral roles in building the great foundation of this organization over our years here in Kitchener. I am very appreciative of the work they put in every day to make this team the best it can be.” Kyrzakos’ appointment continues the Rangers’ focus on developing players and sustaining a competitive and accountable culture both on and off the ice.

Brendan Taylor named Saginaw Spirit Head Coach

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:11:52 +0000

Saginaw, Mich. – The Saginaw Spirit have hired Brendan Taylor as the 11th head coach in team history, General Manager Dave Drinkill announced Wednesday. “I want to start by welcoming Brendan to Saginaw,” said Drinkill. “He has earned this opportunity through his work ethic and a commitment to hockey. Brendan has worked his way up every step of the coaching ladder – nothing has been handed to him. He’s put in the time, continued to grow, and consistently proven himself by developing top-end NHL talent.” Taylor, 37, arrives in Saginaw with ten years of coaching experience in the Ontario Hockey League. Most recently, he spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Soo Greyhounds. Taylor helped guide the Greyhounds to three straight playoff appearances from 2024 to 2026. He brought gold to Canada in 2025, serving as an assistant coach for Team Canada Red at the U17 World Hockey Challenge along with Drinkill, who was Team Canada Red’s director of operations. “It was a privilege to work alongside Brendan with Hockey Canada and to win together,” said Drinkill. “That gave me a firsthand look at how he leads, prepares, and conducts himself every day. Players respect him because he’s genuine, he’s demanding, and he invests in their development. It stood out to me throughout this process how closely his vision aligns with ours when it comes to developing players and how we want to play the game.” Prior to joining the Greyhounds, the Oakville, Ontario native was an assistant coach with the Mississauga Steelheads for five seasons (2017-2022). Taylor joined the Steelheads for the 2016-2017 season as a video coach. In nine seasons as an assistant coach in the OHL, Taylor has aided in the development of more than 30 NHL drafted or signed players between the Steelheads and Greyhounds. In 2026 alone, the Greyhounds saw four players picked in the NHL Draft, including defenseman Chase Reid to the Seattle Kraken at seventh overall. “On behalf of Dick Garber, we are thrilled to welcome Brendan to the Saginaw Spirit family,” said President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin. “He’s demonstrated throughout his career great coaching ability and high character, plus he’s a Spirit alumnus. His daily focus on developing elite student athletes into successful people on and off the ice makes him a great addition to the Spirit family. Brendan’s success and congruency with GM Dave Drinkill will make them a very strong leadership team for our players, all stakeholders, and overall hockey operations success.” Taylor’s coaching career officially began in 2014 when he was announced as an assistant coach for the Jr. A Oakville Blades of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). He spent two seasons with the Blades before breaking into the OHL with Mississauga. "I'm very excited to take the head coaching position here in Saginaw," said Taylor. "I've enjoyed getting to know the organization throughout this process. I'm excited to get to know the city and our fan base, and to get started with a really talented group of players." Taylor’s position in Saginaw is somewhat of a homecoming. In his playing days, he appeared in 30 games as a forward for the Spirit during the 2007-2008 season, making him the first Spirit alum to serve as the team’s head coach. Taylor’s 120-game OHL career also saw stops with the Peterborough Petes and Belleville Bulls. An introductory press conference for Saginaw’s new head coach is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4th at 3pm at the Dow Event Center (303 Johnson St.). The press conference will be open to the public. Brendan Taylor’s arrival in Saginaw is dependent on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approval.

Summer Spotlight: Gavin Betts’ growth extends beyond the crease

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 22:15:52 +0000

Sometimes, development isn't just measured by a single save or a stat line. For Kingston Frontenacs netminder Gavin Betts, his biggest strides came after overcoming adversity. With two solid goaltenders, the 2024 OHL Priority Selection second-round selection often found himself sharing the crease with partner Matthew Minchak. Down the stretch, however, it was Betts who became Kingston's go-to. After posting a 2.81 goals-against average and .905 save percentage, Betts helped steady the Frontenacs late in the season while continuing to establish himself as one of the league's promising young goaltenders in his first full season. But it wasn't always smooth sailing for the Toronto, ON native. "I had a lot of fun this year, and I was really happy with the development I experienced throughout the season," Betts said. "In the first half, I was playing below the level that I knew I was capable of, and there was definitely frustration and adversity that came with that. But those challenges went hand in hand with the growth I experienced because I learned so much from them. "Going into the second half, I felt like I was able to apply the things I had learned, and I was really happy with the progress I made, both on and off the ice." Frontenacs General Manager Kory Cooper was able to see that maturity firsthand. "I don't know if there was one particular moment where you could point to his growth," Cooper said. "He was definitely frustrated with himself over the first half of the season because he wasn't getting the results he believed he was capable of. What impressed me was that he stayed with it. He kept working every day, continued to grind and trusted the process. As the second half of the season went on, you could really see his game evolve." As a former OHL and professional goaltender himself, Cooper understood exactly what Betts was experiencing. "We had a lot of conversations throughout the season," Cooper said. "As a goalie, you're going to go through ups and downs, and those moments help build your character and your game. Gavin is a mature player, and he stayed the course the entire time." Sharing the crease with Minchak helped foster both a close friendship and a competitive environment that helped elevate each goaltender throughout the season. "Matthew was an incredible goalie partner throughout the year," Betts said. "As the season progressed, we became really close. We were roommates on the road, spent time together off the ice and built a great friendship. "There was definitely internal competition between us, but we were able to separate that from our friendship. Off the ice, we supported each other, and on the ice, we pushed each other every day. Iron sharpens iron, and I think we brought the best out of each other." Cooper agreed that the relationship and inner competition benefited both players. "They were genuinely happy for each other when one was playing well and getting results," he said. "At the same time, they're competitors. Both of them wanted the net. I definitely believe that internal competition helped both of them improve over the course of the season." Betts' strong finish earned him an invitation to the Tampa Bay Lightning Development Camp earlier this summer, giving him a firsthand look at the professional level. "The development camp was an awesome experience," Betts said. "I learned so much, and I'm really excited to apply everything I took away to my game this upcoming season." Working closely with the Lightning's goalie department proved especially valuable. "We worked closely with the goalie staff throughout the week, and everything felt very personalized. The feedback was excellent, and the information was really accessible. We were encouraged to ask questions, and I definitely took advantage of that." One of the week's highlights came when Lightning star and starting goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy joined one of the team's video sessions. "Frantz Jean, the goalie coach in Tampa Bay, has worked with Vasilevskiy throughout his career, so being able to learn from him was incredible," Betts said. "During one of our video sessions, Vasilevskiy even joined us and sat in. It was pretty surreal to be in the same room as one of the best goaltenders in the world." Cooper believes the experience will only accelerate Betts' development. "He absolutely deserved the opportunity because of the work he puts in every single day," Cooper said. "His routines, habits, preparation and attention to detail are the intangibles that are going to help him continue climbing to higher levels." While Betts' development in goal has been impressive, his impact away from the rink may be even more meaningful. Earlier this month, he received the 2026 Dayna Brons Honorary Award in recognition of his work as a Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassador, using his platform to promote blood, stem cell, organ and tissue donation throughout the Kingston community. For Betts, that commitment began by following the example of players who came before him. "I was really inspired by the players who came before me," he said. "One player in particular was Mason Vaccari. As a 16-year-old, I looked up to him because of the impact he had off the ice through Mason's Miracles. "When the opportunity came to become Kingston's Hockey Gives Blood player ambassador, I thought it was an incredible opportunity. Working with Hockey Gives Blood has been an amazing experience. It's an incredible organization that gives players like me the chance to make a real difference in the community. Being able to use hockey to have that kind of impact has meant a lot to me." Cooper says Betts exemplifies the values the organization hopes every player will embrace. "It's part of our culture and our core values," Cooper said. "We believe that better people make better players, and Gavin is at the forefront of that. He cares deeply about Kingston and this team, and he consistently puts those things ahead of himself. He's a leader in our room." With another season in Kingston ahead, Betts enters 2026-27 carrying both greater expectations and greater confidence. "As a group, our expectations are much higher than they were last season," Betts said. "Personally, my biggest goal every summer is to improve my game and continue growing as a goaltender. I think my individual goals really align with what we're trying to accomplish as a team." For Betts, continuing to grow means more than stopping pucks. It's about becoming the kind of teammate, leader and community member that leaves a lasting impact long after the final buzzer.

Rangers sign defenceman Jiri Gombar

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:02:48 +0000

Kitchener, Ont. – The Kitchener Rangers announced today that the club has signed 2026 second-round CHL Import Draft selection (74th overall), defenceman Jiri Gombar, to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Gombar is a six-foot-one defenceman from Czechia who spent last season with the HC Energie Karlovy Vary at the U17 and U20 levels. In 22 games with the U17 team, he produced an impressive 40 points (13G, 27A) along with 16 penalty minutes and a +38 plus/minus rating. In 24 games with the U20 team, he scored three goals and added eight helpers for 11 points. “Jiri is a mobile smooth skating two-way defender that plays a poised and smart game,” said Mike McKenzie. “He is a very well-rounded player. We are excited to welcome Jiri to the Rangers.” Gombár is the first Czech native to suit up for the Rangers since Eduard Šalé and Tomáš Hamara during the 2023-24 season. He joins a strong pipeline of Czech-born skaters to come through the Kitchener ranks like 2003 Memorial Cup champion, Petr Kanko, first-round NHL draft pick, Jakub Kindl, current NHL forward, Radek Faksa along with Šalé, Hamara, and others. "Signing with the Rangers is a huge honour and a dream come true," said Jiří Gombár. "I am incredibly excited for this new challenge and can't wait to play in front of the amazing fans in Kitchener." The Czech native has represented his host nation twice on the international stage at both the U17 and U18 level. In a combined 30 games of international play, Gombár has two goals and five assists. He is eligible for the 2028 NHL Draft.

Two OHL players named to Czechia’s roster for 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:47:48 +0000

Two OHL players have been named to Team Czechia's roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, taking place August 3-8 in Edmonton, AB.

Both players are committed to the OHL for the upcoming 2026-27 season, including forward Adam Nemec (Brantford Bulldogs) and defenceman Jiri Gombar (Kitchener Rangers), who are included on the 25-man roster.

Czechia will look to return to the podium after capturing silver medals in both 2023 and 2024. The country's most recent Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold medal came in 2016.

The Czechs will compete in Group B alongside the United States, Finland and Germany, while Group A features Canada, Sweden, Switzerland and Slovakia.

They open the tournament against the United States on Monday, Aug. 3, before facing Germany on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and Finland on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

For more information on the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, visit hockeycanada.ca.

Attack sign 2026 CHL Import pick Roderik Cernak

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:16:20 +0000

OWEN SOUND, ON – The Owen Sound Attack have announced the signing of their 2026 first-round Canadian Hockey League Import Draft pick, Roderik Cernak, to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Selected in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2026 CHL Import Draft, the 6-foot-3, 215 pound Slovakian defencemen will join the Attack after spending the majority of last season with the HC Slovan Bratislava U20 team. The two-way defenceman put up four goals and 10 assists for a total of 14 points during the regular season with a plus/minus of plus-10. “I’m super excited to join such a great organization like the Owen Sound Attack,” said Cernak. “My goal is to be an impact player right away and help my teammates in any way I can. I can’t wait to get started and wear the Attack jersey for the first time.” Team President and General Manager, Tyler Nother, believes that Cernak’s dedication to the game and his willingness to be uncompromising in his play to be of value to the Attack. "We would like to welcome Roderik Cernak and his family to the Owen Sound Attack Organization," said Nother. “Roderik was identified early on when evaluating what we were looking to add to our group in the CHL Import Draft. Roderik is a hardnosed, right shot defenseman who is willing to do what his team needs to win games, and make it hard on the opposition's forwards night in and night out. We are very excited to assist in his transition to the North American game and to help him develop into a pro prospect." The Attack's Head Coach, Keenan Reynolds, notes Cernak's physicality as a defender as one of the vital aspects of his game. “Cernak is a smooth-skating, physically imposing defender who is at his best when playing an aggressive brand of hockey and making life difficult for the opposing team’s top players,” said Reynolds. Cernak also joins Team Slovakia teammate, Lucian Bernat, as the second CHL Import Draftee signed to the Attack during the off-season.

Knights sign forward Luca Santala

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:23:05 +0000

LONDON, ON - The London Knights have announced that forward Luca Santala has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the hockey club.

Santala was selected by the Knights in the second round, 40th overall, of the 2026 CHL Import Draft. Already generating significant attention from NHL scouts, Santala is currently projected to be selected 12th overall in the 2027 NHL Draft according to Daily Faceoff's early draft rankings.

The 6-foot-2 forward spent the 2025-26 season with Kiekko-Espoo in Finland, recording 12 points in 25 games at the U20 level while adding 22 points in 17 games with the club's U18 team. Santala also represented Finland internationally, including at the 2026 IIHF Under-18 World Championship where he recorded six points in five games.

Capable of playing both centre and wing, Santala brings a combination of size, skill and hockey sense to the Knights lineup. His offensive instincts, strong two-way game and ability to create scoring opportunities have established him as one of the premier young players in his age group, making him one of the most exciting young prospects set to arrive in the Ontario Hockey League.

The signing adds another highly skilled piece to London's roster as the club continues preparations for the 2026-27 season.

2026 OHL In The System: Tampa Bay Lightning

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:32:58 +0000

This 32-part series will spotlight OHL players who are either signed to an NHL or AHL contract or are recently drafted, and are 25 years old or younger with 50 or fewer NHL games played. Join us for OHL in the System! Today, we take a closer look at the Tampa Bay Lightning’s prospect pool. Stepan Shurygin (G) – Saginaw Spirit (2025-26) Selected: 6th Round, 186th Overall (2026) OHL Career Stats: 59 GP, 3.79 GAA, .888 SV%, 24-27-3-4 Age: 19 Selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the sixth round (186th overall) of the 2026 NHL Draft, Stepan Shurygin became the third OHL goaltender chosen. The 6-foot-4 Saginaw Spirit netminder faced a league-high 1,704 shots during the 2025-26 season and finished with a .888 save percentage. Ethan Czata (C) – Niagara IceDogs (2023-26), Guelph Storm (2025-26) Selected: 2nd Round, 56th Overall (2025) Signed: Jul. 23, 2025 OHL Career Stats: 193 GP, 53G, 72A, 125 PTS, -62 Age: 19 Originally selected fifth overall by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Ethan Czata enters his fourth OHL season after being acquired by the Guelph Storm this offseason. The former IceDogs captain has recorded 125 points (53-72–125) in 193 regular-season games. Grant Spada (D) – Guelph Storm (2023-26) Selected: 7th Round, 212th Overall (2025) OHL Career Stats: 126 GP, 6G, 21A, 27 PTS, -19 Age: 19 In his second full OHL season, Grant Spada established career highs offensively, recording 21 points (6-15–21) in 61 regular-season games. Marco Mignosa (RW) – Soo Greyhounds (2021-26) Selected: 7th Round, 215th Overall (2025) Signed (ATO): Apr. 21, 2026 OHL Career Stats: 303 GP, 116G, 173A, 289 PTS, +32 Age: 21 Spending his entire OHL career with the Soo Greyhounds, Marco Mignosa saved his best season for last, recording a career-high 89 points (35-54–89) in 65 regular-season games before adding 17 points (7-10–17) in 10 playoff contests. A finalist for the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as the OHL's Overager of the Year, the Vaughan, Ont., native also set a Greyhounds franchise record with 14 career shorthanded goals. Mignosa concluded his junior career by signing an amateur tryout agreement with the Syracuse Crunch and is committed to Penn State University for the 2026-27 season. Kaden Pitre (C) – Flint Firebirds (2022-26), North Bay Battalion (2025-26) Selected: 6th Round, 181st Overall (2024) OHL Career Stats: 204 GP, 57G, 81A, 138 PTS, +1 Age: 20 Acquired by the North Bay Battalion in late November, Kaden Pitre recorded 44 points (18-26–44) in 49 regular-season games split between the Battalion and Flint Firebirds. The Stouffville, Ont., native is committed to Penn State University for the 2026-27 season. Ethan Hay (C) – Flint Firebirds (2021-24), Saginaw Spirit (2023-25), Kingston Frontenacs (2024-25) Selected: 7th Round, 215th Overall (2025) OHL Career Stats: 252 GP, 50G, 52A, 102 PTS, -20 Age: 21 Beginning his collegiate career at Miami University, Ethan Hay recorded 16 points (4-12–16) in 35 games with the RedHawks. The former Memorial Cup champion earned AHCA/Krampade All-American Scholar honours while also being named an NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete. Sam O’Reilly (C) – London Knights (2022-26), Kitchener Rangers (2025-26) Acquired: July 8, 2025 OHL Career Stats: 191 GP, 77G, 121A, 198 PTS, +103 Age: 20 Sam O’Reilly was named the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player and to the CHL’s First All-Star team after making an immediate impact with the Kitchener Rangers following a mid-season move from the London Knights. The 20-year-old from Toronto recorded 43 points and a +31 rating in 28 games with Kitchener, helping the Rangers finish atop the Western Conference standings for the first time since 2008. O’Reilly also won 58% of his faceoffs and was recognized in the OHL Coaches Poll as the Western Conference’s smartest player, best faceoff man, and best defensive forward. He carried that form into the spring, earning both OHL Playoff MVP and Memorial Cup MVP honours while leading Kitchener to a Memorial Cup title. With that sweep, he became just the fourth player in CHL history to win regular-season, playoff, and Memorial Cup MVP honours in the same season. The championship also marked his second straight Memorial Cup title after winning with London a year earlier, placing him among a rare group of players to win back-to-back Memorial Cups with different teams. Originally selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, O'Reilly is expected to make his professional debut with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch in 2026-27. Jack Pridham (C) – Kitchener Rangers (2024-26) Acquired: June 1, 2026 OHL Career Stats: 113 GP, 73G, 71A, 144 PTS, +60 Age: 20 Returning to Kitchener for his overage season, Jack Pridham played a key role in the Rangers' championship campaign. He led the club with 90 points (46-44–90) in 65 regular-season games, earning the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as the OHL's Overager of the Year. Pridham then added 26 points (7-19–26) during Kitchener’s run to OHL and Memorial Cup titles and was named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team. Originally selected in the ninth round (177th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Pridham was later drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third round (92nd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft. His NHL rights were acquired by the Tampa Bay Lightning this offseason, and he is committed to the University of Denver for the 2026-27 season. Tomorrow on OHL In The System: We'll take a look at the OHL talent inside the Buffalo Sabres organization.

Five OHL players named to United States roster for 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:15:45 +0000

Five OHL players have been named to the United States roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, taking place Aug. 3-8 in Edmonton, AB Windsor Spitfires forward Ty Bergeron, Kingston Frontenacs forward Nolan Snyder, Niagara IceDogs forward Michael Tang, Flint Firebirds goaltender Mason Courville and Peterborough Petes forward Gerry DiCunzolo were selected following USA Hockey’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp at TRIA Rink in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bergeron and Tang are both set to make their OHL debuts in 2026-27 after signing with Windsor and Niagara, respectively, earlier this summer. The 23-player U.S. roster includes 13 forwards, seven defencemen and three goaltenders. Fifteen members of the team previously represented the United States at the 2025 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament, where the Americans earned a second-place finish. Team USA will compete in Group B alongside Czechia, Finland and Germany, while Group A includes Canada, Sweden, Switzerland and Slovakia. The United States will also face Slovakia in a pre-tournament game on Aug. 1st. The Americans enter the tournament as defending champions after defeating Sweden 5-3 in the 2025 gold medal game. The United States has won the Hlinka Gretzky Cup twice, capturing titles in 2003 and 2025. For more information on the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, visit hockeycanada.ca.