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OHL Announces Rivalry Week Matchups, Key Dates for 2026-27

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:30:27 +0000

TORONTO — The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today revealed the matchups for its second annual Rivalry Week, along with several key dates on the 2026-27 regular-season calendar.

Running Oct. 21-25, Rivalry Week sends all 20 member clubs head-to-head with their fiercest rival in a home-and-home set. Ten of the league's most storied rivalries will play out twice over the five-day stretch — once on each club's home ice — with bragging rights and early divisional positioning on the line.

RIVALRY WEEK

Wednesday, Oct. 21 London at Sarnia — 7:05 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 22 Owen Sound at Barrie — 7 p.m., Sudbury at North Bay — 7 p.m., Oshawa at Peterborough — 7:05 p.m., Windsor at Sault Ste. Marie — 7:07 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 23 Brantford at Brampton — 7 p.m., Erie at Niagara — 7 p.m., Guelph at Kitchener — 7 p.m., Sarnia at London — 7 p.m., Ottawa at Kingston — 7:05 p.m., Peterborough at Oshawa — 7:05 p.m., Flint at Saginaw — 7:05 p.m., North Bay at Sudbury — 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24 Niagara at Erie — 6 p.m., Brampton at Brantford — 7 p.m., Saginaw at Flint — 7 p.m., Sault Ste. Marie at Windsor — 7:05 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 25 Barrie at Owen Sound — 2 p.m., Kitchener at Guelph — 2:07 p.m., Kingston at Ottawa — 3 p.m.

KEY DATES

Opening night — Thursday, Sept. 17: The 2026-27 season drops the puck in Peterborough, where the Petes host the Kingston Frontenacs in the league's first game of the campaign (7:05 p.m.).

Banner night in Kitchener — Friday, Sept. 18: The Kitchener Rangers raise their J. Ross Robertson Cup and Memorial Cup championship banners before hosting the Owen Sound Attack in their home opener (7 p.m.).

Thanksgiving Monday — Oct. 12: Two matinees on the holiday Monday — Peterborough at North Bay (2 p.m.) and Saginaw at Windsor (2:05 p.m.).

Interleague play: The OHL and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League meet in four home-and-home crossover series. The eight QMJHL matchups are:

Val-d'Or at North Bay — Sun., Nov. 1, 2 p.m.
Rouyn-Noranda at Sudbury — Sun., Nov. 1, 2:05 p.m.
Ottawa at Gatineau — Fri., Nov. 20, 7 p.m.
Blainville-Boisbriand at Kingston — Sun., Nov. 22, 2:05 p.m.
Gatineau at Ottawa — Sun., Nov. 22, 3 p.m.
Kingston at Blainville-Boisbriand — Sun., Jan. 17, 3 p.m.
North Bay at Val-d'Or — Fri., Jan. 22, 7 p.m.
Sudbury at Rouyn-Noranda — Sun., Feb. 21, 4 p.m.

Holiday break: The regular season pauses following games on Dec. 20, with play resuming Dec. 28.

New Year's Eve — Dec. 31: An eight-game slate closes out 2026:

Brampton at North Bay — 1 p.m.
Oshawa at Peterborough — 2:05 p.m.
Saginaw at Windsor — 2:05 p.m.
Ottawa at Kingston — 3:05 p.m.
Sarnia at London — 4 p.m.
Brantford at Erie — 6 p.m.
Guelph at Niagara — 6 p.m.
Owen Sound at Barrie — 7:30 p.m.

New Year's Day — Jan. 1: Two games open 2027 — North Bay at Oshawa (2:05 p.m.) and Peterborough at Guelph (7:07 p.m.).

Trade & Overage Deadlines - January 7-10 (TBD): Two key dates on the OHL calendar, marking the final opportunity for clubs to complete trades and finalize their overage player rosters before the push toward the OHL Playoffs.

Busiest days: The schedule features two full 10-game slates — Friday, Nov. 20, and Family Day, Monday, Feb. 15.

Final day — Sunday, March 21: Five games close the regular season:

Sudbury at North Bay — 2 p.m.
Sarnia at Sault Ste. Marie — 2:07 p.m.
Peterborough at Ottawa — 3 p.m.
Guelph at Windsor — 4:05 p.m.
Kingston at Oshawa — 6:05 p.m.

The complete 2026-27 OHL regular-season schedule will be released Tuesday, June 16.

Spitfires sign defenceman Drake Gram

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:12:26 +0000

The Windsor Spitfires have announced the signing of defenceman Drake Gram to the club. The Spitfires selected Gram with the 144^th overall pick in the eighth round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. A native of Gross Point Park, Michigan, Gram stands 6’0” and weighs 170 pounds. Gram played his minor hockey with the Detroit Little Caesars organization. During his 2023-24 draft season, he recorded 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points in 57 games. Following his selection by Windsor, Gram returned to the Detroit Little Ceasars program for his U16 season. He played in 45 games and had 8 goals and 22 assists for 30 points. In 2025-26, Gram split time between the NAHL’s Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks and USHL’s Omaha Lancers. Drake played 15 games in the NAHL before moving to the USHL. In 35 games with the Lancers, Gram had 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points. “It is an incredible feeling to sign with the Windsor Spitfires,” Gram said. “I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to play for the best coaches and management in the OHL. The Spitfires fans create an electric environment and being so close to home gives me the opportunity to play in front of my friends and family. The Spitfires have a great history developing players and winning championships,” Drake said. “I am excited to be a part of such a well-respected organization.” Bill Bowler spoke on Gram putting pen to paper. “Drake is a steady defender that we have been monitoring since we drafted him” GM Bill Bowler said. “We like how he has continued to grow and he can play any style of game.”

Firebirds acquire import forward Simon Belohorsky from Storm

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:09:15 +0000

The Flint Firebirds have acquired forward Simon Belohorsky from the Guelph Storm in exchange for a 2028 fifth-round pick and a 2027 eighth-round pick in the OHL Priority Selection.

The deal sees Flint add a promising young import forward ahead of the 2026-27 season, while Guelph acquires additional draft capital for future OHL Priority Selections.

Belohorsky appeared in 34 games for the Storm during the 2025-26 campaign, recording nine goals and four assists for 13 points in his rookie OHL season. The native of Liberec, Czechia, was originally selected by Guelph in the second round of the 2025 CHL Import Draft and quickly established himself as a player with significant offensive upside.

Prior to arriving in North America, Belohorsky starred in Czechia's junior ranks, producing 42 points in 24 games with Bili Tygri Liberec's U17 club during the 2024-25 season. He has also represented Czechia internationally, most recently at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship, where he scored three goals in six games. Belohorsky is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft.

The Firebirds believe there is still considerable room for growth in the young forward's game.

“Simon brings an exciting mix of high-end skill and hockey IQ,” said Flint Head Scout Mike Oliverio. “Our staff feels his ceiling is high with plenty of untapped potential. He is very good at protecting the puck and is a patient player, which gives him the ability to excel at a puck possession game.”

For Guelph, the transaction adds future assets as the organization continues to build its draft capital. Storm General Manager George Burnett announced the trade on Wednesday and thanked Belohorsky for his time with the organization.

“The Storm would like to thank Simon for his hard work and dedication to the club and would like to wish him and his family the best with the Flint Firebirds organization,” the team said in a statement.

The trade gives Flint an opportunity to add a former CHL Import Draft selection with international experience and NHL Draft eligibility, while Guelph gains additional flexibility during their build towards the 2027 Memorial Cup.

All confirmed trades can be found on our OHL Trade Window Tracker.

Storm acquire Czech imports Vladimir Dravecky, Adrien Bartovic from Bulldogs

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 23:15:19 +0000

The Guelph Storm have acquired import defenceman Vladimir Dravecky and the playing rights to import forward Adrien Bartovic from the Brantford Bulldogs in exchange for a package of five OHL Priority Selection picks. Brantford receives the 31st overall selection in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, a second-round pick originally belonging to North Bay, along with Guelph's third-round pick in 2028, London's fourth-round pick in 2028, Guelph's fifth-round pick in 2029, and a conditional 12th-round pick originally belonging to Brampton in 2028. The deal comes during the final days of the OHL trade window and sees Guelph add two Czech players who could play significant roles for the club heading into the 2026-27 season. Dravecky, a native of Trinec, Czechia, was selected 50th overall by Brantford in the 2025 CHL Import Draft and quickly established himself as one of the league's top rookie defencemen. In 58 regular-season games, the right-shot blueliner recorded nine goals and 19 assists for 28 points while posting a plus-24 rating. He added three assists in 11 playoff games as the Bulldogs advanced to the Eastern Conference Championship Series. The 6-foot, 190-pound defender also represented Czechia at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, helping his country earn a silver medal. He is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft later this month. “Vladimir is an elite, puck-moving defenceman who is expected to contribute and lead in all situations for our team this season,” said Storm General Manager George Burnett. Guelph also acquires the OHL rights to Bartovic, a 6-foot-1 forward from Pardubice, Czechia. Selected by Brantford in the first round of the 2025 CHL Import Draft, Bartovic spent the 2025-26 season with Bili Tygri Liberec's U20 club, producing 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points in 29 games. He also appeared in 17 professional games with Vlci Zilina in Slovakia, recording four points. “We anticipate signing Adrien to an OHL Standard Player Agreement and expect him to play a key role with our forward group in the fall,” Burnett added. For the Bulldogs, the move adds significant draft capital, highlighted by an additional early second-round selection in this week's OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore in Kingston. “First and foremost, we want to thank Vlad for everything he gave to the Bulldogs organization,” said Brantford General Manager Spencer Hyman. “While it's never easy to part ways with great people, this trade presents a tremendous opportunity for Vlad in Guelph. “Adding Pick 31 in this year's OHL Priority Selection gives us an opportunity to bring in a player that we believe can impact our program now and in the future.” The trade gives Guelph an immediate addition on the blue line in Dravecky while also securing the rights to Bartovic, adding two highly-regarded Czech players as the Storm continue to build toward the 2026-27 season and their role as hosts of the 2027 Memorial Cup. All confirmed trades can be found on our OHL Trade Window Tracker.

Spitfires sign forward Hamza Havusic

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:32:05 +0000

The Windsor Spitfires announced that they have signed forward Hamza Havusic (have-u-sick) to the club. The Spitfires selected Havusic with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 OHL U-18 Priority Selection. A native of Mississauga, Ontario, Havusic stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 190 pounds. Havusic played his minor hockey in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). During his U16 season with the Toronto Nationals, he recorded 8 goals and 6 assists for 14 points in 33 games. After going undrafted in the OHL Priority Selection, he became eligible for the U-18 draft. In his U-18 season with the Vaughan Kings, Havusic scored 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points in 35 games. Following his selection by Windsor, Havusic joined the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and suited up for the Stouffville Spirit. In 34 regular season games, he recorded 6 goals and 12 assists for 18 points. He also appeared in 9 playoff games, registering one assist. “I am thrilled to be a part of the Spitfires organization” Havusic said. “I can’t wait to get started!” Bill Bowler spoke on Havusic putting pen to paper. “Hamza has a big frame with the ability to skate well” GM Bill Bowler said. “We see potential in this young man with his size and strength.”

Jovanovic Makes History as First Woman Selected in OHL Under-18 Priority Selection

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:12:39 +0000

History was made Monday night as goaltender Sophie Jovanovic became the first woman ever selected in the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection. The Brantford Bulldogs used the 40th overall pick to select the Toronto Nationals netminder, making her just the second female player ever drafted by an Ontario Hockey League club. Jovanovic follows Taya Currie, who was selected by the Sarnia Sting in the fifth round of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Elgin-Middlesex U16 AAA program. While Currie made history as the first female player drafted by an OHL team, she never appeared in a game for the Sting, leaving the door open for Jovanovic to potentially become the first woman to play in an OHL game. "It's amazing. I don't even know how to feel right now. It's awesome," said Jovanovic following her selection. The 2009-born goaltender has spent her minor hockey career competing at the AAA level with the Toronto Marlboros organization and suited up for the Toronto Nationals U18 AAA program this past season. In 2024-25, Jovanovic appeared in 17 games, posting a 10-1-3 record along with a 1.71 goals-against average. She also represented the Marlboros at the 2025 OHL Cup. Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman said the organization had been following Jovanovic's development for years and viewed her as one of the top goaltenders available in the draft. "We have seen her play all the way up, and we really liked her style," said Hyman. "She is one of the best goalies in the age group, and really, the draft. We're thrilled that we were able to get her." The historic selection carried extra significance as Bulldogs Director of Player Development and assistant coach Laura Fortino personally called Jovanovic to deliver the news. Fortino made history herself in August 2022 when she became the first female assistant coach in OHL history after joining the franchise while it was based in Hamilton. In addition to her coaching duties, the Olympic gold medalist has played a key role in developing the organization's prospects, continuing that work following the club's relocation to Brantford. “My God, it was, I don't even know how to say it," Jovanovic said when asked about receiving the call from Fortino. "It was just a very surreal moment. I'm just very grateful for the opportunity to get a call from her.” For Hyman, having Fortino deliver the news made the moment even more meaningful. "Laura Fortino made the call and let Sophie know that we were drafting her," he said. "From one Olympian who trains our players daily to one we believe will be a future Olympian, it was a pretty special moment. I know they had a really emotional call, which is pretty special, and I'm glad that they both got to share that moment." Jovanovic's future in the game is already bright. She is committed to the University of Wisconsin beginning in 2027, joining one of the premier programs in women's college hockey. The Badgers are the reigning back-to-back NCAA Division I national champions and have established themselves as the standard in the women's game. Hockey runs in the Jovanovic family as well. Sophie's older brother, Matthew Jovanovic, was selected by the Saginaw Spirit in the second round of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. As women's hockey continues to grow across North America, highlighted by the rapid rise of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), Hyman believes Jovanovic's selection represents another important step forward. "You see the PWHL growth all over North America right now, and it's fantastic," said Hyman. "Women's hockey is amazing, and for us to bring Sophie, who has been unbelievable in her minor hockey career, is really special, and I think it sets the tone for the entire week." For Jovanovic, the opportunity is still sinking in. But as the first woman ever selected in the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection and only the second female player drafted by an OHL club, her name is already etched into the league record books. More importantly, she is helping inspire the next generation of young athletes, proving that dreams really can come true.

OHL Announces Home Openers for 2026-27 Regular Season

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:00:56 +0000

TORONTO – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced 2026-27 regular season home opener dates for all 20 member clubs, with the puck set to drop Thursday, Sept. 17 when the Kingston Frontenacs visit the Peterborough Petes.

The Kitchener Rangers will raise their 2026 J. Ross Robertson Cup and Memorial Cup championship banners on Friday, September 18 when they play host to the Owen Sound Attack.

The complete 2026-27 OHL regular season schedule will be released Tuesday, June 16.

Home Opener dates, matchups and start times are listed below.

Date	Home Opener	Time
Thur., Sept. 17	Kingston Frontenacs at Peterborough Petes	7:05 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 18	Oshawa Generals at Brampton Steelheads	7:00 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 18	Niagara IceDogs at Brantford Bulldogs	7:00 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 18	Erie Otters at Guelph Storm	7:07 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 18	Owen Sound Attack at Kitchener Rangers	7:00 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 18	Windsor Spitfires at London Knights	7:00 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 18	Barrie Colts at North Bay Battalion	7:00 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 18	Saginaw Spirit at Soo Greyhounds	7:07 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 18	Peterborough Petes at Sudbury Wolves	7:05 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 19	Sudbury Wolves at Barrie Colts	7:30 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 19	Brampton Steelheads at Niagara IceDogs	7:00 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 19	Kitchener Rangers at Owen Sound Attack	7:00 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 19	Flint Firebirds at Saginaw Spirit	7:05 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 19	London Knights at Windsor Spitfires	7:05 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 20	Ottawa 67's at Kingston Frontenacs	3:05 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 20	North Bay Battalion at Oshawa Generals	6:05 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 26	Kitchener Rangers at Erie Otters	6:00 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 26	Niagara IceDogs at Flint Firebirds	7:00 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 27	Sarnia Sting at Ottawa 67's	3:00 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 2	Soo Greyhounds at Sarnia Sting	7:05 p.m.

10 OHL Award Winners Nominated for 2026 CHL Awards ahead of June 15 ceremony in Toronto

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:00:49 +0000

Nineteen CHL clubs represented among 2026 finalists, led by historic seasons from Bryce Pickford, Tommy Bleyl, Nikita Klepov, and Maxim Massé FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026 TORONTO, ON – The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce the finalists for its 10 major awards for the 2025-26 season, with the complete list of finalists available below. Winners will be honoured at the 2026 CHL Awards ceremony, taking place Monday, June 15, in downtown Toronto. Members of the media wishing to cover the event must apply for accreditation using one of the credential forms linked below. CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA ACCREDITATION APPLICATION FORM CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO ACCREDITATION APPLICATION FORM The finalists for each CHL award are determined by the winners of the corresponding honours presented by the CHL’s three Member Leagues: the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Across the 30 finalist spots for this year’s 10 CHL awards, 19 different CHL clubs are represented, including seven from the WHL, six from the OHL, and six from the QMJHL — reflecting standout 2025-26 seasons from players, coaches, and organizations across the CHL. Four players enter the 2026 CHL Awards with multiple nominations after seasons that rewrote record books across the CHL. Bryce Pickford of the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) is a finalist for both the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award and CHL Defenceman of the Year Award after scoring 45 goals — the most by a CHL defenceman in nearly 40 years. The Montreal Canadiens prospect is the first defenceman to be named a finalist for the CHL’s top individual honour since Ryan Ellis (Windsor Spitfires / OHL) in 2010-11. If selected, Pickford would become just the fifth defenceman to win the award and the first since Ellis. Tommy Bleyl of the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) is also nominated twice, earning finalist recognition for both CHL Rookie of the Year and CHL Defenceman of the Year after setting a new QMJHL record for points by a rookie defenceman with 81. The 2026 NHL Draft prospect also became just the second player in QMJHL history to win both the league’s Rookie of the Year and Defenceman of the Year honours in the same season, joining Dmitry Kulikov (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL), who accomplished the feat in 2008-09. Should Bleyl capture both CHL awards, he would become the first player in CHL history to win CHL Rookie of the Year and CHL Defenceman of the Year in the same season. Nikita Klepov of the Saginaw Spirit (OHL) and Maxim Massé of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL) round out the group of multi-award finalists. Klepov, a 2026 NHL Draft prospect nominated for both CHL Rookie of the Year and the CHL Top Scorer Award, became the first rookie to lead a CHL Member League in scoring since Patrick Kane did so with the London Knights in 2006-07 — a feat achieved by only one other rookie since 2000, Sidney Crosby with the Rimouski Océanic in 2003-04. Massé, an Anaheim Ducks prospect and finalist for both the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award and CHL Top Scorer Award, captured the QMJHL scoring title with 102 points and was one of only two CHL players to surpass both the 50-goal and 100-point marks this season. Some of the other compelling storylines to watch heading into the 2026 CHL Awards include:

Markus Ruck of the Medicine Hat Tigers led the entire CHL with 108 points, while his twin brother Liam finished second with 104, making them the first siblings in CHL history to finish first and second in league scoring in the same season.
This year marks the first time in CHL history that all three Member League Rookie of the Year recipients are U.S.-born players, with JP Hurlbert of the Kamloops Blazers (WHL), Klepov (OHL), and Bleyl (QMJHL) all nominated for CHL Rookie of the Year.
Should Bleyl be named CHL Rookie of the Year, he would become just the fourth defenceman to receive the honour, joining Philippe Boucher (Granby Bisons / QMJHL, 1990-91), Bryan Berard (Detroit Jr. Red Wings / OHL, 1994-95), and Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL, 2024-25), who captured the award last season.
Massé, the CHL Rookie of the Year in 2022-23, could become just the sixth player in CHL history to win both CHL Rookie of the Year and the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award over the course of his career, joining Sidney Crosby, John Tavares, Alex DeBrincat, Alexis Lafrenière, and Gavin McKenna.
Sam O’Reilly of the Kitchener Rangers enters the ceremony as a finalist for the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award following a remarkable campaign in which he was named OHL regular-season MVP, OHL Playoff MVP, and Memorial Cup MVP while leading Kitchener to a Memorial Cup title. Should he win the CHL’s top individual honour, the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect would join Brad Richards and Mitch Marner as the only players to capture CHL Player of the Year after completing that rare MVP sweep in the same season.
Ryder Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67’s is a finalist for CHL Goaltender of the Year after leading the CHL with a .923 save percentage, posting a CHL-best 2.07 goals-against average, and setting a new OHL rookie record with six shutouts. If selected, the 2026 NHL Draft prospect would become only the second rookie goaltender to win the CHL Goaltender of the Year Award — and the first in 31 years — following Martin Biron of the Beauport Harfangs (QMJHL) in 1994-95.
Steve Hamilton of the Everett Silvertips is nominated for the Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award after guiding Everett to a franchise-record 57-win regular season, the first WHL Championship in club history, the Silvertips’ first Memorial Cup appearance, and their first Memorial Cup Final appearance.
Marcus Kearsey of the Charlottetown Islanders could help make CHL history, as an Islanders win would mark the first time a club has captured the CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award in consecutive seasons. With Kearsey earning his second nomination for this CHL honour in the last three seasons, a Charlottetown Islanders player has now represented the QMJHL as a finalist for the award in four of the last five seasons, including each of the last three.

Presented annually, the CHL Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of players from across the CHL, with 10 trophies presented based on individual performances. For more information on each award and its three finalists, please visit chl.ca/tag/chl-awards. David Branch Player of the Year Award Nominees: Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL), Sam O’Reilly (Kitchener Rangers / OHL), Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL) The CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award is given out annually to the player judged to be the most outstanding in the Canadian Hockey League. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy (WHL Player of the Year), the Red Tilson Trophy (OHL Most Outstanding Player), and the Michel-Brière Trophy (QMJHL MVP). The trophy was renamed in 2019-20 in honour of David Branch, who was OHL Commissioner from 1979-2024 and served as CHL President from 1996-2019. Defenceman of the Year Award Nominees: Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL), Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL), Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) The CHL Defenceman of the Year Award is given out annually to the top defenceman in the Canadian Hockey League. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy (WHL Defenceman of the Year), the Max Kaminsky Trophy (OHL Defenceman of the Year), and the Émile-Bouchard Trophy (QMJHL Defenceman of the Year). Goaltender of the Year Award Nominees: Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars / WHL), Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s / OHL), Rudy Guimond (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) The CHL Goaltender of the Year Award is given out annually to the top goaltender in the Canadian Hockey League. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy (WHL Goaltender of the Year), the Jim Rutherford Trophy (OHL Goaltender of the Year), and the Patrick-Roy Trophy (QMJHL Goaltender of the Year). Rookie of the Year Award Nominees: JP Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers / WHL), Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) The CHL Rookie of the Year Award is given out annually to the top rookie in the Canadian Hockey League. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy (WHL Rookie of the Year), the Emms Family Award (OHL Rookie of the Year), and the Sidney-Crosby Trophy (QMJHL Rookie of the Year). Top Scorer Award Nominees: Markus Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL), Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL) The CHL Top Scorer Award is given out annually to the highest-scoring player in the Canadian Hockey League. It was first awarded in 1994. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Bob Clarke Trophy (WHL Top Scorer), the Eddie Powers Trophy (OHL Top Scorer), and the Jean-Béliveau Trophy (QMJHL Scoring Champion). Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award Nominees: Steve Hamilton (Everett Silvertips / WHL), Dave Cameron (Ottawa 67’s / OHL), Sylvain Favreau (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL) Named in recognition of former Ottawa 67’s head coach and CHL all-time wins leader Brian Kilrea, the Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award is presented annually to one of the winners of the CHL’s Member League coaching honours: the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy (WHL Coach of the Year), the Matt Leyden Trophy (OHL Coach of the Year), and the Ron-Lapointe Trophy (QMJHL Coach of the Year). Top Draft Prospect Award Nominees: Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars / WHL), Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), Maddox Dagenais (Québec Remparts / QMJHL) The CHL Top Draft Prospect Award is presented annually to the top eligible prospect for the NHL Draft from the Canadian Hockey League. The award was first presented in 1991. Sportsman of the Year Award Nominees: Braeden Cootes (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL), Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts / OHL), Alex Huang (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL) The CHL Sportsman of the Year Award is given out annually to the most sportsmanlike player in the Canadian Hockey League. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy (WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player), the William Hanley Trophy (OHL Most Sportsmanlike Player), and the David-Desharnais Trophy (QMJHL Most Sportsmanlike & Effective Player). Scholastic Player of the Year Award Nominees: Alex Weiermair (Portland Winterhawks / WHL), Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Nathan Brisson (Val-d’Or Foreurs / QMJHL) The CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award is presented annually to a Canadian Hockey League player who is best able to combine success on the ice with success in the classroom. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Daryl K. “Doc” Seaman Memorial Trophy (WHL Scholastic Player of the Year), the Bobby Smith Trophy (OHL Scholastic Player of the Year), and the Marcel-Robert Trophy (QMJHL Scholastic Player of the Year). Humanitarian of the Year Award Nominees: Shane Smith (Kelowna Rockets / WHL), Carson Woodall (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Marcus Kearsey (Charlottetown Islanders / QMJHL) The CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award is presented annually to the CHL player judged to have made the most notable contribution to his community. The winner of this award is chosen from the recipients of the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy (WHL Humanitarian of the Year), the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy (OHL Humanitarian of the Year), and the QMJHL Humanitarian of the Year Award.

IceDogs and Krys Barch Part Ways

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:00:02 +0000

NIAGARA, ONT. – The Niagara IceDogs announced today that Head Coach Krys Barch will not return behind the bench for the 2026-27 season. Since joining the IceDogs in 2025, Barch has played a significant role in the development of the organization's players, both on and off the ice, while helping lead a positive cultural shift within the hockey department. He helped guide the IceDogs to their first season above the .500 mark since 2018-19. "The offseason is a small window, and there's a lot to accomplish in a short period of time — both for teams looking to hire and for coaches weighing their next opportunity," said IceDogs General Manager Dale DeGray. "I want to sincerely thank Krys for his work and positive contributions to this organization over the past season, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward." The organization will immediately begin its search for a new Head Coach to lead the next chapter of IceDogs hockey, seeking to build off the positive cultural improvements of the 2025-26 season.

Spitfires sign forward Ty Bergeron

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 03:42:41 +0000

The Windsor Spitfires have announced the signing of forward Ty Bergeron to the club. Bergeron was selected in the third round, 45^th overall, by the Spitfires in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection draft. The Flat Rock, Michigan native stands at 6’2 and weighs 185lbs. Bergeron played his minor hockey with the Detroit Honeybaked organization. During his 2023-2024 season, he recorded 47 goals and 57 assists for 104 points in 76 games. In his 2024-25 draft season, Ty had 62 goals and 78 assists for 140 points in 90 games. Following his selection by Windsor, Bergeron joined the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he posted 6 goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 55 games. In the playoffs, the Lumberjacks made it to the finals but lost to the Sioux Falls Stampede. Bergeron had 4 points (2 goals and 2 assists) in 16 playoff games. In other competitions, Bergeron played for the U-17 National Team Development Program and played in nine games while recording a goal and an assist. He also played in the U-17 World Hockey Challenge for Team USA and had a goal and an assist in four games. “It feels awesome to sign with the Windsor Spitfires” Bergeron said. “I’m just really looking forward to getting the season started!” Bill Bowler spoke on Bergeron putting pen to paper. “Ty is a complete player with high energy and compete” GM Bill Bowler said. “He plays a prostyle game, and we welcome him and his family to the Spitfires.”