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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.”

OHL Clubs Select 52 Players in 2026 Under-18 Priority Selection

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 01:00:38 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today conducted the 2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection for U18 AAA hockey players in Ontario. Eligibility for the 2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection included all U18 players (2008 and 2009 birth years) not currently on an OHL Member Team Protected List who were carded with an Ontario based U18 AAA Hockey Club or an accredited Hockey Canada sport school within the Ontario Hockey Federation, Hockey Eastern Ontario or Hockey Northwestern Ontario in the current season. A total of 52 players were selected from 32 different teams and included 26 forwards, 14 defencemen and 12 goaltenders. 47 of the 52 players selected were born in 2009, with the remaining five born in 2008. Of note, the Brantford Bulldogs made goaltender Sophie Jovanovic the first woman ever chosen in the Under-18 Priority Selection, taking the Toronto Nationals netminder with the 40th overall pick. She follows Taya Currie as the second woman ever drafted into the OHL. Currie was selected by the Sarnia Sting in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Elgin-Middlesex U16 AAA program. Winners of the OHL Draft Lottery back in April, the Oshawa Generals used the first overall selection to take 6-foot-4 centreman Ethan Cava out of Thunder Bay's Seventh Fire Secondary School Prep Hockey Program. The son of former Soo Greyhounds captain and Sarnia Sting forward Peter Cava, the 16-year-old produced 40 points (14-26--40) over 42 games this past season. The Erie Otters used the second overall pick to take Elmira, ON-based centreman Zack Forwell of the Waterloo Wolves before the Brampton Steelheads rounded-out the top-three with the selection of left-winger Zaiden Hraiche of the Burlington Eagles. The Sarnia Sting used the fourth overall pick to make Dean Sheridan of the North Shore Whitecaps the first defenceman chosen on Monday night. The first goaltender selected was seventh overall pick Landyn Quirk of the Kitchener Jr. Rangers, a late 2009 birthdate chosen by the Guelph Storm. All OHL member teams were required to draft a minimum of two players, however to enhance opportunities specifically for goaltenders, clubs selecting a goaltender with one of their selections had the option to select another player (skater only) in a third round. The Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) led the way with 15 players selected while the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) had 13, the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario (ALLIANCE) had 12, Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) featured six, Hockey Canada Accredited Sports Schools produced five and the Northern Ontario Hockey Association had one. The ALLIANCE's Waterloo Wolves led all teams with five players chosen in the U18 Draft followed by HEO's Upper Canada Cyclones with four. The OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was conducted in partnership with RinkNet as picks were submitted online by OHL member clubs and displayed in real time at ontariohockeyleague.com. Announced in January 2017, the concept of the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO).

- Full Results

U18 Priority Selection: A Different Path, The Same Dream

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:00:33 +0000

When the Ontario Hockey League introduced the Under-18 Priority Selection, it carved out a new pathway for players whose hockey journeys didn't follow a conventional route. For some, it offered a second chance for their name to be called after being passed over in the OHL Priority Selection. For others, it swung open the door to the league following different development paths. As OHL clubs gear up for tonight's U18 Priority Selection, recent history stands as a reminder that impact players can come from anywhere. Over the past several years, U18 selections have gone on to become Memorial Cup champions, NHL signees, and key contributors at both the junior and professional levels. Perhaps no player better captures the value of the draft than former Saginaw Spirit forward Calem Mangone. Selected second overall in the 2021 U18 Priority Selection, Mangone developed into the most productive U18 draft pick in league history. Over four seasons with the Spirit, he amassed 227 points (86-141–227) in 241 regular-season games and played a key role in helping Saginaw capture the 2024 Memorial Cup on home ice. London Knights forward Jacob Julien followed a similar path. Chosen 41st overall in the 2021 U18 Priority Selection, Julien developed into a reliable two-way forward and a vital piece of London's 2025 Memorial Cup championship team. His progression earned him an NHL contract with the Winnipeg Jets, and he is now launching his professional career in the American Hockey League with the Manitoba Moose. Defenceman Gavin White also converted a U18 selection into a professional hockey career. Chosen 47th overall by the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2019, White appeared in back-to-back Memorial Cup tournaments with Hamilton in 2022 and Peterborough in 2023. His strong junior resume led to an NHL contract with the Calgary Flames organization, and he currently suits up for the Calgary Wranglers of the AHL. Another Peterborough success story arrived in defenceman Samuel Mayer. Selected 15th overall in 2020, Mayer helped the Petes reach the 2023 Memorial Cup and has since pushed forward in the professional ranks, logging time with the Tahoe Knight Monsters of the ECHL and the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL. Current U18 draftees are making their presence felt in the OHL as well. Peterborough forward Brennan Faulkner, selected sixth overall in 2022, broke out during his overage season in 2025-26, posting career highs across the board, including six shorthanded goals, while anchoring the Petes' veteran core. Goaltender Michael Newlove went first overall in the 2024 U18 Priority Selection when the Windsor Spitfires made him their pick. After spending time as a backup to overager Joey Costanzo, Newlove heads into 2026-27 positioned to compete for a larger role between the pipes following career-best numbers across 23 appearances last season. Kitchener Rangers forward Jack LaBrash, taken 35th overall in 2024, was part of the Rangers' run to both the OHL championship and Memorial Cup this past season, adding yet another title to the growing list of U18 selection success stories. For every player whose name is called, the U18 Priority Selection represents another opportunity to prove themselves, keep developing, and chase their OHL dreams. U18 Priority Selection: Past and Present OHL Players Players are listed alongside the club that selected them in the OHL Priority Selection. All players have appeared in at least one OHL game. Present: * denotes overager last season

Olivier Romain (Sarnia Sting – 4th overall 2025)
Ian Robinson (Kitchener Rangers – 51st overall 2025)
Jonathan Kapageridis (Sarnia Sting – 2nd overall 2024)
Luc Gauvreau (Barrie Colts, 5th overall 2024)
Jack LaBrash (Kitchener Rangers – 35th overall 2024)
Rowan Henderson (Sudbury Wolves –12th overall 2024)
Josh Bonnyman (Flint Firebirds – 26th overall 2024)
Vladyslav Drahun (Niagara IceDogs – 41st overall 2024)
Braeden Van Gelder (Owen Sound Attack – 45th overall 2024)
Theo Avila (Ottawa 67’s – 48th overall 2024)
Joshua Giordano (Kitchener Rangers – 52nd overall 2024)
Brett Hammond (Peterborough Petes –1st overall 2023)
Riley Clark (Kingston Frontenacs – 4th overall 2023)
Noah Tegelaar (Soo Greyhounds – 23rd overall, 2023)
Joey Brehmer (Sudbury Wolves – 28th overall 2023)
Julian Demiglio (Brampton Steelheads – 45th overall, 2023)
Cole Cooksey (Sarnia Sting – 5th overall 2022)*
Brennan Faulkner (Peterborough Petes – 6th overall 2022)*

Past:

Dylan Turcotte (Peterborough Petes – 3rd overall 2024)
Trent Gates (Owen Sound Attack – 7th overall 2024)
Oliver Phillips (Erie Otters – 10th overall 2024)
Liam Conway (Ottawa 67’s – 11th overall 2024)
Carter Nadon (North Bay Battalion – 16th overall 2024)
Sam Ethier (Owen Sound Attack –10th overall, 2023)
Evan Hjelholt (Windsor Spitfires –18th overall, 2023)
Hayden Jeffery (Niagara IceDogs – 21st overall, 2023)
Lincoln Moore (Saginaw Spirit – 1st overall, 2022)
Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves – 3rd overall, 2022)
Graeme MacAuley (Barrie Colts – 10th overall, 2022)
Will Haley (Mississauga Steelheads – 13th overall, 2022)
Dustin Good (Soo Greyhounds – 15th overall, 2022)
Nolan Ling (Kingston Frontenacs – 16th overall, 2022)
Matthew Jenken (Flint Firebirds – 17th overall, 2022)
Bruce McDonald (Erie Otters – 41st overall, 2022)
Alec Stewart (Windsor Spitfires – 51st overall, 2022)
Abakar Kazbekov (London Knights – 1st overall, 2021)
Calem Mangone (Saginaw Spirit – 2nd overall, 2021)
Carter Bickle (Oshawa Generals – 18th overall, 2021)
Jaden Reyers (Peterborough Petes – 28th overall, 2021)
Nicholas Surzycia (Sarnia Sting – 32nd overall, 2021)
Ian Michelone (Flint Firebirds – 36th overall, 2021)
Charlie Fink (Saginaw Spirit – 39th overall, 2021)
Jacob Julien (London Knights – 41st overall, 2021)
Michael MacLean (Flint Firebirds – 43rd overall, 2021)
Owen MacDonald (Sarnia Sting – 46th overall, 2021)
Anson Thornton (Sarnia Sting – 3rd overall, 2020)
Samuel Ivanov (Soo Greyhounds – 4th overall, 2020)
Paul Hughes (Kingston Frontenacs – 5th overall, 2020)
Andrew Whitton (Oshawa Generals – 13th overall, 2020)
Samuel Mayer (Peterborough Petes – 15th overall, 2020)
Marshall Nicholls (Erie Otters – 28th overall, 2020)
Ian Phillips (Saginaw Spirit – 54th overall, 2020)
Ryan Thompson (North Bay Battalion – 8th overall, 2019)
Nick DeGrazia (Sudbury Wolves – 14th overall, 2019)
Matt Tovell (Windsor Spitfires – 25th overall, 2019)
Logan LeSage (Owen Sound Attack – 29th overall, 2019)
Gavin White (Hamilton Bulldogs – 47th overall, 2019)
Mitchell Weeks (Sudbury Wolves – 1st overall, 2018)
Dustin Hutton (Kingston Frontenacs – 3rd overall, 2018)
Daniel D’Amato (Erie Otters – 4th overall, 2018)
Griffin Wilson (Owen Sound Attack – 15th overall, 2018)
Dakota Betts (Niagara IceDogs – 17th overall, 2018)
Victor Hadfield (Barrie Colts – 1st overall, 2017)
Emmett Serensits (Sudbury Wolves – 7th overall, 2017)
Marko Jakovljevic (Sarnia Sting – 28th overall, 2017)
Kaleb Pearson (Owen Sound Attack – 29th overall, 2017)

Follow Along Tonight The 2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection will begin tonight, providing another opportunity for players to take the next step in their hockey journey. All selections will be updated live on the OHL website and can be followed here.

OHL to hold 2026 Under-18 Priority Selection on Monday at 7:00pm

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:10:39 +0000

TORONTO - The 2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection is set to commence at 7:00pm on Monday, June 8th where no fewer than 40 players born in 2008 and 2009 will be chosen from Under-18 AAA programs from across the province. The Under-18 Priority Selection will be held entirely online. Follow along with pick-by-pick results here at ontariohockeyleague.com. Just as they will at this coming Friday night's 2026 OHL Priority Selection in Kingston, the Oshawa Generals hold the first overall pick, followed by the Erie Otters who select second and the Brampton Steelheads who will be picking third. A complete order of selection can be found here. Here’s everything you need to know about the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection: History: The concept for the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed in 2017 with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), to assist in the growth of U18 AAA hockey and provide further opportunities for players at different stages of their hockey development. Recent Selections to Play in the OHL: A number of former U18 selections spent the 2025-26 season in the OHL including Peterborough Petes teammates Brennan Faulkner and Brett Hammond, Sudbury Wolves forward Rowan Henderson, Kingston Frontenacs forward Riley Clark, Erie Otters netminder Noah Tegelaar, Brampton Steelheads forward Julian Demiglio, Barrie Colts forward Luc Gauvreau, Windsor Spitfires goaltender Michael Newlove, North Bay Battalion blueliner Jonathan Kapageridis, Flint Firebirds forward Josh Bonnyman as well as Kitchener Rangers forward Jack LaBrash. Players Eligible for Selection: All U18 players not currently on a CHL Member Team Protected List who were carded with an Ontario-based U18 AAA Hockey Club or an accredited Hockey Canada sport school within the OHF, HNO or HEO in the 2025-26 playing season are eligible for the U18 Priority Selection. Selection Procedure: The Under-18 Priority Selection Process is two rounds with each OHL Member Team required to select two players. Teams that select a goaltender in one of the first two rounds are permitted to select an additional skater in a third round of selections.