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Colts acquire overage forward Luca Testa from Bulldogs

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:13:00 +0000

The Barrie Colts have acquired 2006-born centreman Luca Testa from the Brantford Bulldogs in exchange for a conditional fourteenth-round selection in the 2029 OHL Priority Selection and a fifth-round pick in the 2030 OHL Priority Selection.

Testa, a native of Grimsby, ON, was originally selected by the London Knights in the first round, 15th overall, of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection after leading the St. Catharines Falcons to a Sutherland Cup as an underage player. The Bulldogs acquired Testa from London on January 2, 2023, where he went on to spend the next three and a half seasons.

Testa appeared in 152 games with Brantford, recording 67 points (36-31-67). During the 2025-26 season, he posted 26 points (15-11-26) in 50 regular-season games before adding five points (4-1-5) in 15 playoff contests as the Bulldogs advanced to the Eastern Conference Final.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound left-shot centreman brings size, physicality, compete and offensive upside to the Colts’ forward group.

“We’ve liked what Luca has brought to the table for a while now, but it was really his compete level in the playoffs last year that stood out to us,” said Colts General Manager Marty Williamson.

“We want to thank Luca for everything he has given to the Bulldogs organization,” said Brantford President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Spencer Hyman. “He has been a great teammate and a great person who represented our organization with pride.”

Testa joins the Colts following their run to the OHL Championship Series and will enter his fifth and final OHL season with Barrie. All confirmed trades can be found on our OHL Offseason Trade Tracker.

Futures Watch: Niagara IceDogs ’ 2026 Draft Class and New Faces

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:01:59 +0000

As the 2026-27 OHL season approaches, the Niagara IceDogs are preparing for a new campaign under new management and leadership. We spoke with General Manager Dale DeGray about the club’s 2026 draft class and the new faces fans should keep an eye on heading into the upcoming season. 2026 Draft Class Revisit Player Spotlight: Max Lappan Profile: 6’3”, 224lbs, right-shot defenceman Hometown: Livonia, MI Birthdate: Mar 17, 2010 Drafted: 1st Round, 9th Overall (2026 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Detroit HoneyBaked 15's): 77 GP, 22G, 93A, 115 PTS Selected ninth overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Max Lappan became the first defenceman and first American-born player selected in this year’s draft. Lappan spent the 2025-26 season captaining Detroit HoneyBaked 15U, recording 115 points (22-93–115) in 77 games. He added 10 points (2-8–10) in seven games while helping lead his team to the 2026 OHL Cup championship. “Early in the process, we identified Max as one of, if not the best overall defenceman in the 2026 OHL Draft. He is a prototypical two-way defender who manages the puck well, runs a power play, kills penalties and can be used in every situation. We see Max as a top-pairing defender down the road and a player who can lead both on and off the ice. We are excited to integrate Max into the lineup right away and watch him succeed.” Player Spotlight: Finn Merrill Profile: 6’0”, 148lbs, right-shot forward Hometown: Caledon, ON Birthdate: Jul 12, 2010 Drafted: 2nd Round, 32nd Overall (2026 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Hill Academy U16): 59 GP, 48G, 41A, 89 PTS Selected 32nd overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Finn Merrill spent the 2025-26 season with The Hill Academy, recording 89 points (48-41–89) in 59 games. Known as a gifted goal-scorer, Merrill also plays high-level lacrosse during the summer and earned an invitation to Canada’s National Under-17 Development Camp. “Finn was a priority for us as we approached the second round of the 2026 OHL Draft. We loved his skill set, creativity and vision, specifically down low and in the cycle. He is a player who can support other skilled players or drive a line on his own. What made Finn stand out among his peers was his compete level, drive and aggressiveness. It’s incredibly hard to find a player with his skill who also possesses those attributes, and we’re incredibly happy we were able to add him to the organization.” Player Spotlight: Nathan Hewitt Profile: 6’1”, 160lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: Binbrook, ON Birthdate: Sep 25, 2010 Drafted: 2nd Round, 33rd Overall (2026 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Niagara North Stars U16 AAA): 34 GP, 17G, 26A, 43 PTS Selected 33rd overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Nathan Hewitt spent the 2025-26 season with the Niagara North Stars U16 AAA program, recording 43 points (17-26–43) in 34 games. “Nathan is a very well-rounded centre who was one of the top performers in the OMHA last year. We see him as one of the better two-way, complete centres in the draft. He impacts the game on the scoresheet, but also works away from the puck and plays a smart, mature game. Nathan was a priority for us heading into the draft because of his overall tool set, identity as a player and who he is as a person.” Player Spotlight: Alexandre Beaupre Profile: 6’2”, 183lbs, goaltender Hometown: Kingston, ON Birthdate: Dec 3, 2008 Drafted: 1st Round, 9th Overall (2026 OHL U18 Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Quinte Red Devils U18 AAA): 24 GP, 2.58 GAA Selected ninth overall in the 2026 OHL U18 Priority Selection, Alexandre Beaupre posted an 11-10-1 record and a 2.58 goals-against average with the Quinte Red Devils U18 AAA during the 2025-26 season. He also appeared in one game with the OJHL’s Wellington Dukes, recording a .929 save percentage. “Early in the process, we identified Beaupre as part of a small group of top goaltenders eligible for the U18 Draft. He checks a lot of boxes for what we look for in a goaltender. He competes for pucks, has strong positioning and takes up a good amount of the net. He was a major reason the Quinte Red Devils had the success they did this year in the U18 loop.” Player Spotlight: Stepan Stejskal Profile: 6’1”, 165lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: Plzen, CZE Birthdate: Jan 6, 2009 Drafted: 1st Round, 25th Overall (2026 CHL Import Draft) 2025-26 Stats (HC Davos U21): 37 GP, 17G, 17A, 34 PTS Selected 25th overall in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, Stepan Stejskal spent the 2025-26 season with HC Davos U21 in Switzerland’s U21 Elite League, recording 34 points (17-17–34) in 37 games. Known for his hockey IQ, playmaking ability and offensive creativity, Stejskal has also represented Czechia internationally, including at the 2025 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. “We felt incredibly lucky to add Stepan to the organization through the Import Draft this year. Stepan played in a U21 Swiss league last year and was one of the top offensive players in the league. He possesses a well-rounded offensive skill set, strong vision, good one-on-one elusiveness and a scoring touch around the net. We envision Stepan becoming an offensive threat for us after some adjustment to the North American game.” Player Spotlight: Tobias Kramer Profile: 6’6”, 216lbs, right-shot defenceman Hometown: Mannheim, GER Birthdate: Jun 27, 2008 Drafted: 2nd Round, 86th Overall (2026 CHL Import Draft) 2025-26 Stats (Jungadler Mannheim U20): 36 GP, 4G, 16A, 20 PTS Selected 86th overall in the second round of the 2026 CHL Import Draft, Tobias Kramer adds further size to Niagara’s blue line. The German defenceman spent the 2025-26 season with Jungadler Mannheim U20 in the DNL U20 league, recording 20 points (4-16–20) in 36 games. Kramer also represented Germany internationally at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship. “Tobias is an interesting player who possesses all the tools you look for in a defensive defenceman. He has the size and reach to be effective at shutting down entries into the defensive zone, while also possessing a mean streak and the ability to end cycles down low and get the puck out safely. As with any import player, we anticipate some adjustment to the North American ice surface, but we expect Tobias to play some important minutes for us this upcoming season.” Other members of the 2026 class include:

PLAYER	POSITION	HOMETOWN	DOB	2025-26 TEAM	DRAFTED
Aidan Cullen	G	St. Louis, MO	Mar 1, 2010	Shattuck-St. Mary's Sabres 15's	3rd round, 42nd overall
Cooper Ross	RD	Vaughan, ON	Mar 1, 2010	Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA	5th round, 88th overall
Benjamin Trebicky	C	London, ON	Jul 12, 2009	Burlington Cougars	7th round, 130th overall
Quinn Roberts	C	Woodstock, ON	Jun 25, 2010	London Jr. Knights U16 AAA	8th round, 144th overall
Aiden Ali	LD	Vernon Hills, IL	Feb 28, 2010	Detroit Little Caesars 15's	8th round, 150th overall
Benjamin Schori	RW	Petawawa, ON	Jun 24, 2010	Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA	9th round, 170th overall
Kohen Chrastina	RD	Welland, ON	Jun 10, 2010	Niagara North Stars U16 AAA	10th round, 190th overall
Avery Yarde	RW	Owen Sound, ON	Jan 21, 2010	Grey-Bruce Highlanders U16 AAA	11th round, 210th overall
Felix Sapay	LW	Dryden, ON	Mar 19, 2010	Sudbury Wolves U16 AAA	12th round, 230th overall
Quinn Kaiser	C	Waterford, WI	Jan 13, 2010	Team Illinois 15's	12th round, 237th overall
Cooper DesChamp	G	Stoney Creek, ON	Nov 11, 2010	Toronto Nationals U16 AAA	13th round, 243rd overall
Luke Anglesey	RD	Ottawa, ON	Sep 16, 2010	Ottawa Jr. 67's U16 AAA	13th round, 250th overall
Jonah Tagliarino	RW	Etobicoke, ON	Dec 29, 2010	Credit River Capitals U16 AAA	14th round, 270th overall
Miras Zhumabay	C	Cranberry Township, PA	Jun 10, 2010	Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 15's	15th round, 284th overall
Tyson Vani	RD	Vaughan, ON	Mar 22, 2010	North York Rangers U16 AAA	15th round, 286th overall
Ethan Gillespie	LW	Prescott, ON	Feb 26, 2009	Upper Canada Cyclones U18 AAA	2nd round, 29th overall (U18)
Matvei Tolstykh	RW	St. Petersburg, RUS	May 6, 2009	Toronto Jr. Canadiens U18 AAA	3rd round, 46th overall (U18)

2026 New Faces: *Note: Player additions are current as of publication. Team signings remain ongoing, and this section will be updated throughout the offseason as additional players are signed and trades are completed. Player Spotlight: Michael Tang Profile: 6’1”, 170lbs, right-shot forward Hometown: New York, NY Birthdate: Apr 15, 2009 Drafted: 4th Round, 78th Overall (2025 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Madison Capitals): 57 GP, 9G, 19A, 28 PTS Michael Tang was originally selected by the IceDogs in the fourth round, 78th overall, of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. He spent the 2025-26 season with the Madison Capitols of the USHL, recording 28 points (9-19–28) in 57 games. Tang also recently represented the United States at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. “We are very excited to welcome Michael to Niagara. We watched him a lot when he played U16 in Toronto and followed him as he had success in Madison last year. Michael will add significant skill and hockey sense to the lineup. He reads the ice and makes incredibly smart plays in all three zones. He is a very quick, darting skater who should be successful at creating offence off the rush and as he gains the offensive blue line. Michael should be a go-to offensive player for us right off the bat.” Player Spotlight: Will Mullins Profile: 6’0”, 179lbs, right-shot forward Hometown: Ottawa, ON Birthdate: May 14, 2009 Drafted: 7th Round, 132nd Overall (2025 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Kemptville 73's): 52 GP, 16G, 36A, 52 PTS Will Mullins was originally selected by the IceDogs in the seventh round, 132nd overall, of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. The 17-year-old spent the 2025-26 season with the Kemptville 73’s of the CCHL, recording 52 points (16-36–52) in 52 games. The winger also received his first taste of OHL action last season, appearing in five games with Niagara following a late-season call-up. “A graduate of the Ottawa Myers organization, Will had a very successful season in Kemptville last year. He was always a player who showed good hockey sense and a strong, accurate shot, but we really felt he elevated his compete level, offensive sense and overall game last year in the CCHL. We feel he should add some depth to the organization this year and move up the lineup as he learns the league.” Player Spotlight: Carter Lewandowski Profile: 6’3”, 186lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: Maple, ON Birthdate: June 2, 2009 Acquired: June 2, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Ayr Centennials): 45 GP, 17G, 29A, 46 PTS Carter Lewandowski was selected by Guelph in the second round, 36th overall, of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. He spent the majority of the 2025-26 season with the Ayr Centennials of the GOHL, recording 46 points (17-29–46) in 45 games. Lewandowski made his OHL debut with the Storm in November and appeared in six games with the club. “Carter had a very successful season in Ayr last year, where he was one of the top 16-year-olds in the GOHL. He is well-rounded, mature and smart without the puck, but also shows good hockey sense and offensive touch in the offensive zone. His best offensive weapon may be his snapshot, which he gets off quickly both in and out of stride. Carter should step into the lineup and get every opportunity to play this year.” Player Spotlight: Zack Naish Profile: 6’7”, 202lbs, right-shot defenceman Hometown: Hampton, ON Birthdate: Dec 2, 2009 Acquired: June 2, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Brockville Braves): 36 GP, 1G, 2A, 3 PTS Zack Naish was selected by Guelph in the sixth round, 105th overall, of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. The 6-foot-7 defenceman spent the majority of the 2025-26 season with the CCHL’s Brockville Braves, recording three points (1-2–3) and 68 penalty minutes in 36 games. Naish also made his OHL debut with the Storm in September and recorded his first career point with an assist. “Zack is a raw, high-potential stay-at-home defender who played a handful of games for the Guelph Storm last year. A late-birth, right-shot defender, Zack is still young but showed during his year in the CCHL that he is embracing his role as a physical, aggressive defensive defenceman who can move the puck and play hard defensive minutes.” Player Spotlight: Blake Munnings Profile: 6’0”, 193lbs, left-shot defenceman Hometown: Belleville, ON Birthdate: Jan 23, 2009 Acquired: June 3, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Owen Sound Attack): 33 GP, 2G, 2A, 4 PTS Blake Munnings was selected by the Owen Sound Attack in the second round, 28th overall, of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. The Belleville, Ont., native appeared in 33 games during his rookie campaign in 2025-26, recording four points (2-2–4) from the blue line. “Blake comes to us from Owen Sound, where he had a successful 16-year-old season. We like his two-way game, as he is equally effective in both zones but also has a lot of untapped offensive potential that we anticipate will be on display this year. We look forward to watching Blake grow as a player in his second season.” Player Spotlight: Jared Langdon Profile: 6’0”, 194lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: Belleville, ON Birthdate: Nov 16, 2006 Acquired: June 11, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Owen Sound Attack): 23 GP, 4G, 3A, 7 PTS Jared Langdon appeared in 23 games with the Owen Sound Attack during the 2025-26 season, recording seven points (4-3–7) in his first OHL campaign. The St. John’s, N.L., native joined Owen Sound midway through the season after beginning the year with the BCHL’s Blackfalds Bulldogs. “Jared comes to us after spending half of last season in the OHL with the Owen Sound Attack. He made a successful transition to the league, showing offensive tools along with an unparalleled work ethic and leadership qualities both on and off the ice. Jared will be a leader for us this year and help establish our identity as a no-quit, smart and competitive team.” Player Spotlight: Christian Colosimo Profile: 6’5”, 220lbs, left-shot defenceman Hometown: Vaughan, ON Birthdate: Dec 1, 2008 Acquired: June 18, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Aurora Tigers): 23 GP, 0G, 4A, 4 PTS Christian Colosimo appeared in 16 games with the Flint Firebirds during the 2025-26 season, recording one goal and one assist. Originally selected by Flint in the fourth round, 61st overall, of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, the Vaughan, Ont., native also spent part of last season with the OJHL’s Aurora Tigers, recording four assists in 23 games. The left-shot defenceman brings size and physicality to Niagara’s blue line. “Christian is entering his third year in the league after splitting time with the Flint Firebirds and Aurora Tigers of the OJHL last year. Christian is a heavy, aggressive, stay-at-home defender who uses his size, reach and physicality to be an effective shutdown defender.” Player Spotlight: Layne Gallacher Profile: 6’1”, 180lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: Brooklin, ON Birthdate: Feb 16, 2008 Acquired: June 19, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Guelph Storm): 32 GP, 5G, 13A, 18 PTS Layne Gallacher split the 2025-26 season between the Brantford Bulldogs and Guelph Storm, recording a combined 30 points (10-20–30) in 53 regular-season games during his rookie OHL campaign. The Brooklin, Ont., native also competed in the 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game. “Gallacher was a player we identified early in the summer and were happy to bring in. He fits the mold of a two-way centre who impacts the game in all three zones. He plays hard and competes, while combining those qualities with underrated skill and offensive impact. We envision Layne as a leader both on and off the ice and expect him to be one of our more impactful forwards this season.” Player Spotlight: Wil McFadden Profile: 5’8”, 170lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: Peterborough, ON Birthdate: Feb 15, 2007 Acquired: June 19, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Guelph Storm): 62 GP, 11G, 30A, 41 PTS Wil McFadden is coming off a career-best season, recording 41 points (11-30–41) in 62 regular-season games with the Guelph Storm. The Peterborough, Ont., native spent three seasons with Guelph after originally being selected 31st overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. “We’ve been following Will since his OHL Draft year in Peterborough. He was a bit of a Swiss Army knife last year in Guelph, playing both wing and defence. We view him as one of the more underrated skilled players in the league and look forward to him becoming a strong offensive player who can drive play at five-on-five and quarterback the power play for us as well.” With a new-look roster taking shape under a new management group, the IceDogs will enter the 2026-27 season with plenty of fresh faces looking to make their mark in Niagara. Following a busy offseason that saw the club make several trades and add a mix of youth and OHL experience to the lineup, the IceDogs will look to establish a new identity as the organization begins its next chapter. _____________________________________________________________________________________ FloHockey remains the exclusive streaming home of the Ontario Hockey League, delivering more than 680 regular-season games throughout the year, plus complete coverage of the OHL playoffs. Subscribers can stream games live or watch on demand from anywhere, ensuring they never miss a goal, save, or highlight during the 2026-27 season. Whether you’re following your hometown team or tracking prospects across the league, FloHockey provides comprehensive coverage of every OHL club all season long.

OHL Strengthens League-Wide Concussion Protocol with HEADCHECK Health

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:00:51 +0000

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that all 20 member teams will utilize HEADCHECK Health (HEADCHECK) to execute the league's concussion protocol for the 2026-27 season. This platform will be implemented ahead of pre-season baseline testing. By extending a system already successfully used by eight OHL teams to the entire league, this agreement establishes a consistent, high standard of concussion care across every rink. The OHL’s concussion protocol sets the standard for recognizing, assessing, and managing a player's return to sport. Dr. Michael Czarnota, the Ontario Hockey League’s Consulting Neuropsychologist, oversees the league's concussion testing and clearance protocols, helping athletes return to sport safely. This partnership eases the collaboration with Dr. Czarnota, and gives the league new aggregate data to inform future safety and policy improvements. Team medical staff will now perform each protocol action within a single, integrated platform, whether at the home rink or on the road. This transition ensures that care is documented automatically, complementing the medical records and processes already in use by team staff. A platform that seamlessly accommodates transactions and player movement, a player's concussion history and baseline data will follow him throughout his time in the OHL. This allows medical staff across all 20 OHL member teams to access a newly acquired player’s complete medical picture on day one, ensuring continuity of care and allowing players to return to the ice safely and efficiently. For parents, it means a clear answer to a hard question. When a player takes a hit, the same steps happen at every OHL rink, every time, and the protocol is followed through to completion, wherever his season takes him. In the number one development league in the world, that consistency protects more than the moment. The safest path back is also the best path forward for a player's development, draft year, career, and life beyond hockey. "Nothing matters more than the health and safety of our players," said Greg Kimmerly, OHL Director of Player Safety. "Our medical staff are highly trained, and they deserve the best tools available to assess a player and determine the correct course of action. This partnership ensures the same standard of care is applied at all 20 member teams, every time." “The OHL now has a platform to execute its protocol and the data to see a significant return on their investment in concussion safety,” said Harrison Brown, CEO of HEADCHECK Health. “We are proud to support a league that treats brain health as part of player development.” Testimonials: “I used HEADCHECK last season for the first time, and I loved how straightforward it was to use for concussion injuries. Everything was kept in one place, so I no longer had to carry a binder full of completed SCATs. Having everything accessible on the app and automatically populated saved me a lot of extra time. I found that being able to visually show my athletes what stage of return to play they were in, along with the requirements needed, really helped them understand the return to play process a little better. It truly has been an added asset to my tool belt as an Athletic Therapist.” – Tash Lagacé, Athletic Therapist, Peterborough Petes “HEADCHECK is a great program that gives Athletic Therapists in the OHL the tools and support to efficiently collect and organize baseline data for our team, allowing us to safely and accurately manage concussion rehabilitation for our athletes.” – Andy Brown, Head Athletic Therapist, Owen Sound Attack About HEADCHECK Health HEADCHECK Health is a concussion protocol execution platform built for sports organizations. Leagues, governing bodies, associations, universities, and teams use HEADCHECK to execute their concussion protocols consistently across every team, staff member, and location. Notable clients include Major League Soccer and MLS Next Pro, the Canadian Football League, the Ontario Hockey League, the British Columbia Hockey League, Cricket South Africa, the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia, and USA Cycling. Learn more at headcheckhealth.com.

67’s sign defenceman Brayden Jaravata

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:45:05 +0000

OTTAWA – The Ottawa 67’s announced today that defenceman Brayden Jaravata has signed an Ontario Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement with the club. “Brayden is a mobile defenceman who plays a tenacious, disruptive game,” said General Manager Jan Egert. “He is uncomfortable to play against and enjoys elevating the temperature of competition.” The Vaughan, Ontario native was selected by Ottawa 36th overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. Jaravata spent the 2025-26 season with The Hill Academy U16 AAA, recording 12 goals and 28 assists for 40 points in 63 games. He also represented The Hill Academy at the OHL Cup, adding three points in four games. The defenceman is expected to continue his development with St. Andrew’s College during the 2026-27 season.

Colts name Blake Ricci Assistant General Manager

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:56:32 +0000

The Barrie Colts announced today that Blake Ricci has joined the organization as Assistant General Manager, effective immediately.

Ricci arrives in Barrie after serving as General Manager of the Toronto Patriots of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), where he helped build the club into a Buckland Cup champion during the 2025-26 season. A Toronto native, Ricci brings a strong track record of team-building, player development, and hockey operations experience to his new role with the Colts.

He will work closely with President of Hockey Operations John Winstanley and Vice President and General Manager Marty Williamson as part of the Colts' hockey operations leadership group as the organization continues to build toward long-term, sustained success both on and off the ice.

"I am honoured and extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the Barrie Colts," said Ricci. "It is a privilege to become part of such a respected organization, and I look forward to working alongside John Winstanley and Marty Williamson. Their leadership and experience will provide an invaluable opportunity for me to continue learning and developing, while contributing to John Careri's long-term vision for the organization. This is an exciting time for the Barrie Colts, and I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the organization both on and off the ice."

Kitchener Rangers COO Joe Birch named 2026 David Branch Leader of the Year

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:00:27 +0000

Muskoka Lakes, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) announced today that Kitchener Rangers Chief Operating Officer (COO) Joe Birch is the recipient of the 2026 David Branch Leader of the Year Award. Birch was presented with the award at the OHL’s Champions Reception, held in conjunction with the League’s Annual General Meeting this week in Muskoka Lakes. The David Branch Leader of the Year Award was established in recognition of the 45 years of service and dedication to the OHL by former Commissioner David Branch, who passed away this past January. A continuation of what was formerly known as the OHL Executive of the Year Award, the honour is presented annually to an OHL executive who displays the leadership qualities, hard work, commitment and dedication that Branch demonstrated in his role, making countless contributions to the OHL, the sport of hockey and to the athletes that make it so special. “Joe Birch has set a standard for leadership that reaches every corner of the Kitchener Rangers organization,” said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. “This past season the Rangers were champions on the ice as J. Ross Robertson Cup and Memorial Cup winners, and were every bit as impressive off it as leaders in business operations and community involvement. Success in every facet of an organization does not happen by accident — it reflects the vision, the work ethic and the care for people that Joe brings each and every day. He is an outstanding representative of our League and a most deserving recipient of an award that carries David Branch’s name.” “I am incredibly honoured and humbled to receive the David Branch Leadership Award," said Birch. "Leadership is never about one person, and I view this recognition as a reflection of the outstanding people I have the privilege of working alongside every day. I’m incredibly grateful to our staff, our team, and everyone within the Kitchener Rangers organization for their commitment, passion, and belief in what we are building together. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by great people who challenge and inspire me, and I’m proud to share this recognition with all of them." Birch helped guide the Rangers to a J. Ross Robertson Cup championship this past season along with the third Memorial Cup title in franchise history. Kitchener finished the OHL Playoffs with a 16-2 record before going a perfect 4-0 at the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota in Kelowna, B.C. Under his leadership, the Rangers were also winners of the OHL Community Involvement Award in recognition of an extraordinary year of fundraising and community impact. The club raised nearly $2 million while setting an OHL record with a 50/50 jackpot approaching $150,000, allowing the organization to provide community impact grants to 16 local organizations and award 19 scholarships to graduating high school students. The Rangers surpassed their own ambitious merchandising benchmark in retail sales during the regular season, marking significant financial growth alongside increased customer engagement and brand strength. The club also launched its Level of Legacy Program, with inductions for Brian Bellows and Peter DeBoer, and continued its excellence in content creation and social media performance, telling the story of one of the League’s most prestigious franchises in an enthusiastic and engaging way. A native of Corunna, Ont., Birch played two OHL seasons with Kitchener and London from 1995-97 before spending four years with the Western University men’s hockey program. He later worked as a player agent and spent several years in the OHL league office as Vice President of Development prior to being named COO of the Rangers ahead of the 2020-21 season. Birch becomes just the second member of the Kitchener Rangers organization to be recognized with the honour, joining two-time recipient Steve Bienkowski (2002-03 and 2011-12).

Futures Watch: Owen Sound Attack’s 2026 Draft Class and New Faces

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:45:18 +0000

As the 2026-27 OHL season approaches, the Owen Sound Attack are preparing for a new campaign under new management and leadership. We spoke with General Manager Tyler Nother about the club’s 2026 draft class and the new faces fans should keep an eye on heading into the season. 2026 Draft Class Revisit “I think the thing that all of these players share is that they’re team-first guys and they want to win. When we went through the interview process with them, they had mentioned that they would be excited to be in Owen Sound. All of them are ecstatic to be here." Player Spotlight: Max Fransen Profile: 6’0”, 190lbs, left-shot defenceman Hometown: La Salle, ON Birthdate: Sept 28, 2010 Drafted: 1st Round, 8th Overall (2026 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Upper Canada College Blues U16): 69 GP, 29G, 60A, 89 PTS Selected eighth overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Fransen joins the Attack following a strong season with the Upper Canada College Blues U16 program, recording 69 points (29-60–89) in 69 games. He also added seven points (2-5–7) in six games at the 2026 OHL Cup and was ranked ninth on the OHL’s Consensus Ontario Top-100 Rankings heading into the Priority Selection. Serving as captain of Upper Canada College, Fransen established himself as one of the premier defencemen in his age group through his ability to drive play, contribute offensively and excel in all situations. “We see Max Fransen as the best puck-moving defenceman in the 2010 birth class. We just love the way that he can play on both sides of the puck. Obviously, he was the leader for that Upper Canada College team, just by the way that he was able to work on their power play and play in all situations. He has a really good understanding of what he’s able to do for himself on the ice with his own skill set. He really sets up his teammates to have success. So I think those are things that really stood out to us. We fully expect that Max is going to make a great transition to the OHL. He’s got the ability to process the game at a high level, and it’s going to be our responsibility to assist in his development.” Player Spotlight: Matthew Zilinski Profile: 5’10”, 159lbs, right-shot forward Hometown: Cambridge, ON Birthdate: Feb 21, 2010 Drafted: 2nd Round, 21st Overall (2026 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Mississauga Senators U16 AAA): 25 GP, 14G, 21A, 35 PTS Selected by the Attack in the second round (21st overall) of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Matthew Zilinski joins the organization as one of the club’s top prospects. Known for his combination of skill, hockey IQ and competitiveness, the Cambridge, Ont., native recorded 35 points (14-21–35) in just 25 regular-season games with the Mississauga Senators U16 AAA during the 2025-26 campaign. “Matthew Zilinski is extremely competitive. I think that’s something that always stood out to myself and our scouting staff with him. He’s got really excellent feet and [we like] the way that he can get around the ice. He’s another player that can really play connected hockey as well and set his teammates up. He drives the play, he drives offensively. Those are things that are exciting for us and for our group. We think that as Matty continues to develop, he’s going to be a pretty darn good player in the OHL.” Player Spotlight: Jace Voortman Profile: 6’0”, 162lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: Thunder Bay, ON Birthdate: Aug 12, 2010 Drafted: 3rd Round, 46th Overall (2026 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA): 21 GP, 12G, 9A, 21 PTS Selected 46th overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Jace Voortman spent the 2025-26 season with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA, recording 21 points (12-9–21) in 21 regular-season games before adding four points at the OHL Cup. “Jace is extremely responsible, which is something that we really liked about his game. He’s just a player that understands what’s needed at certain times of the game. You look at him at the Under-17s, and he scores some timely goals, and he’s out there taking faceoffs near the end of the game and being able to shut down the opposition’s top line. He just plays the game like a pro.” Player Spotlight: Turner Stephenson Profile: 6’3”, 176lbs, left-shot defenceman Hometown: Innerkip, ON Birthdate: Jun 24, 2010 Drafted: 3rd Round, 53rd Overall (2026 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Upper Canada College Blues U16): 64 GP, 3G, 15A, 18 PTS Selected 53rd overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Turner Stephenson spent the 2025-26 season patrolling the blue line for the Upper Canada College Blues U16, recording 18 points (3-15–18) in 64 games. “Turner is six-foot-three, and I just think the way that he defends at that size, the way that he can read the game – he surfs really well and closes time and space in the neutral zone. He’s competitive. He wants to play hard. He’s willing to block shots. He’s just that defenceman that coaches like to put out there on the penalty kill and, when you’re up by a goal, make it hard on the opposition. I think that’s something that Turner will turn into very nicely.” Player Spotlight: Mitchell Nouwens Profile: 6’2”, 179lbs, goaltender Hometown: Burlington, ON Birthdate: Feb 09, 2010 Drafted: 5th Round, 85th Overall (2026 OHL Priority Selection) Selected 85th overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Mitchell Nouwens was the first goaltender taken by the Attack in the 2026 draft. The 6-foot-2 Burlington, Ont., native joins the organization from the Toronto Red Wings U16 AAA program. “Mitchell’s a guy that our staff was really high on. We really liked his compete level when he played for the Toronto Red Wings program. He’s obviously got good size at six-foot-two. Our guys were very high on him as we went through [the draft], and we were happy to get him where we got him in the draft.” Player Spotlight: Roderik Cernak Profile: 6’3”, 187lbs, right-shot defenceman Hometown: Bratislava, SVK Birthdate: Mar 19, 2008 Drafted: 1st Round, 22nd Overall (2026 CHL Import Draft) 2025-26 Stats (HC Slovan Bratislava U20): 25 GP, 4G, 10A, 14 PTS Selected in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2026 CHL Import Draft, the 6-foot-3 Slovakian defenceman joins the Attack after spending the majority of last season with HC Slovan Bratislava U20. The right-shot blueliner recorded 14 points (4-10–14) in 25 regular-season games while posting a plus-10 rating. “Obviously, he’s a big, right-handed shot defenceman that I think is going to be really good for us. He’s a great teammate. We did lots of background work on him to understand the individual that we were bringing in. He plays that hard-nosed game, is willing to block shots on the penalty kill and really understands who he is as a player. I think those are positives for us when you get a player that knows exactly how they need to play now to be successful.” Other members of the 2026 class include:

PLAYER	POSITION	HOMETOWN	DOB	2025-26 TEAM	DRAFTED
Colin MacCormack	RD	Philadelphia, PA	Feb 4, 2010	Woodbridge Wolfpack Premier 15's	6th round, 104th overall
Innis Robinson	RW	Ottawa, ON	Aug 6, 2010	Ottawa Jr. 67's U16 AAA	6th round, 109th overall
Dawson O'Connor	LD	Toronto, ON	Aug 25, 2010	Mississauga Reps U16 AAA	7th round, 122nd overall
Gavin Murphy	C	Markham, ON	May 05, 2010	Don Mills Flyers U16 AAA	8th round, 149th overall
Jack Riehl	RW	Mars, PA	Jan 20, 2010	Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 15's	9th round, 169th overall
Lucas Tout	RW	Kincardine, ON	Mar 16, 2010	Grey-Bruce Highlanders U16 AAA	10th round, 191st overall
Austin Hall	LW	Livonia, MI	Jul 27, 2010	Detroit HoneyBaked 15's	11th round, 209th overall
Jacob Ambrosio	LW	Oakville, ON	Jan 29, 2010	Toronto Red Wings U16 AAA	12th round, 229th overall
Cole Cartan	LW	Aurora, ON	Jan 09, 2010	York-Simcoe Express U16 AAA	12th round, 229th overall
Massimo Tomassi	G	Vaughan, ON	Jan 29, 2010	Mississauga Senators U16 AAA	14th round, 269th overall
Shea Huinink	RW	Whitby, ON	Mar 30, 2010	Ajax-Pickering Raiders U16 AAA	15th round, 293rd overall
Brechyn Aird	RD	Cobourg, ON	Sep 5, 2010	Ajax-Pickering Raiders U16 AAA	15th round, 296th overall
Sheamus Gunn	RW	Barrie, ON	Oct 3, 2008	North Central Predators U18 AAA	1st round, 8th overall (U18)
Jacob Kirstein	G	Redbridge, ON	Sep 22, 2009	CIH Academy Voyageurs Prep U18	2nd round, 28th overall (U18)
Finley Schroeter	RW	Mississauga, ON	May 18, 2008	Mississauga Rebels U18 AAA	3rd round, 45th overall (U18)
Mikhail Melikov	LW	Moscow, Rus	Feb 7, 2007	MHC Dynamo Moscow Jr.	2nd round, 83rd overall (Import)

2026 New Faces: *Note: Player additions are current as of publication. Team signings remain ongoing, and this section will be updated throughout the offseason as additional players are signed and trades are completed. Player Spotlight: Lucas Prud'Homme Profile: 6’3”, 207lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: Ottawa, ON Birthdate: April 10, 2007 Drafted: 5th round, 91st overall (2023 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Madison Capitols): 49 GP, 5G, 5A, 10 PTS Originally selected by the Attack in the fifth round (91st overall) of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Prud’homme officially joins the Bears Den after spending the 2025-26 season with the Madison Capitols of the USHL. The 6-foot-3 Ottawa, Ont., native recorded 10 points (5-5–10) in 49 games while adding 184 penalty minutes and finishing with a plus-4 rating. Known for his physical presence and tenacity, Prud’homme brings a hard-nosed element to Owen Sound’s forward group. “Extremely excited. I think Lucas is a player that can play any way you want to play. I think he has the ability to provide some secondary offence and some timely offence just with the way that he wants to play. He plays a playoff style of hockey. He’s in your face, he’s competitive, he hits hard, he hunts pucks, and he defends well. I think he’s somebody that the fans at our rink are going to appreciate the way that he plays. From everything that I’ve been able to see of him play, and even from recommendations from coaches in the past, this guy is all heart. He’ll do anything to help his team win. When we look to build out our program, being able to add a player like Lucas who has those intangibles is something for us. We were really excited to be able to get him, identify him within the prospect pool, get him to sign and have him excited to come to Owen Sound.” Player Spotlight: Lucian Bernat Profile: 6’4”, 201lbs, right-shot forward Hometown: Bratislava, SVK Birthdate: June 8, 2008 Drafted: 2nd round, 75th overall (2025 CHL Import Draft) 2025-26 Stats (Tappara U20): 37 GP, 15G, 16A, 31 PTS Selected by the Attack in the second round (75th overall) of the 2025 CHL Import Draft, the 6-foot-4 winger arrives in Owen Sound following a strong 2025-26 season that saw him record 31 points (15-16–31) in 37 games with Tappara U20 in Finland. The Bratislava, Slovakia, native also represented his country at the 2026 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, registering four points (1-3–4) in seven games. Bernat was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the sixth round (176th overall) of the 2026 NHL Draft “Big forward, knows how to play the game the right way. He’s got a really good shot. I saw him score one the other week – pretty impressive player. I think the thing with Lucian is he wants to be a pro. He has those habits and the way that he works and what he’s willing to do to take that next step. He’s got really good skill. He wants to play the game direct, and I think that’s something that we can continue to help him with this year with our style of play that we have with the Owen Sound Attack. I think he’ll fit in well. We’ve got some skilled pieces that are going to be fun for Lucian to play with, but also returning guys to introduce a player like Lucian and have him work with those guys this year. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun for the fans at the Bayshore to watch.” Player Spotlight: Ryerson Leenders Profile: 6’1”, 179lbs, goaltender Hometown: Nanticoke, ON Birthdate: June 1, 2006 Acquired: June 2, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Brantford Bulldogs): 39 GP, 2.69 GAA, 9.10 SV% Ryerson Leenders appeared in 39 regular-season games with the Bulldogs during the 2025-26 campaign, posting a 27-5-4 record with a 2.69 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. He also recorded two shutouts while handling the bulk of Brantford’s starts, helping the club capture the Hamilton Spectator Trophy as OHL regular-season champions. Originally selected by the Mississauga Steelheads in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Leenders brings plenty of experience to the Attack crease. The 6-foot-1 netminder has recorded 94 wins across 168 career regular-season games while adding another 16 victories in 30 playoff appearances. “We feel that Ryerson Leenders can be the best goaltender in the Ontario Hockey League this year. I think with Ryerson’s pedigree that he’s had so far, he’s chasing down the most wins by a goaltender in OHL history this year. That’s a personal milestone that’s there, but I think it just speaks to the success that he’s been able to have in our league so far. He’s an overage player. He’s going to bring that element of leadership to us as well. That’s really exciting for us, to be able to add a player like Ryerson. We’re excited to see everything he’ll help our group do this year.” Player Spotlight: Caden Bell Profile: 5’11”, 165lbs, right-shot defenceman Hometown: Scarborough, ON Birthdate: Jan 15, 2009 Signed: Aug 1, 2026 2025-26 Stats (St. Catharines Falcons): 46 GP, 11G, 29A, 40 PTS Acquired by the Attack earlier this offseason in a trade with the Niagara IceDogs, Caden Bell officially joins the organization ahead of the 2026-27 season. The 17-year-old Scarborough, Ont., native enjoyed an impressive campaign with the St. Catharines Falcons of the GOHL, recording 40 points (11-29–40) in 46 regular-season games before adding 11 points in 16 playoff contests during the Falcons’ run to the Sutherland Cup Championship Series. Bell’s breakout season earned him a spot on the GOHL Eastern Conference All-Rookie Team, while he also represented the league at the MacPherson Challenge Tournament and participated in the GOHL Top Prospects Game. “The GOHL does a fantastic job of being able to develop 16-year-old players and really serve as a launching pad to get into our league. I think Caden Bell definitely benefited from that. He had an excellent coach in Tyler Bielby, who I think is one of the top coaches in that entire league at the Tier II level. With that sort of development and the fact that he was able to play really big minutes for them and go on a little bit of a run with them in the Sutherland Cup playoffs, [you could] see the points that he produced in that amount of time. You look at that league and you look at point production for other players, Bell was elite in that league and did a really good job last year. He’s going to continue to have to work on his game as he makes the step, but I think with the solid development that he got there in St. Catharines and the GOHL, he’s going to be a great player for us this year.” Player Spotlight: Cameron Merrick Profile: 6’2”, 179lbs, left-shot defenceman Hometown: Boston, MA Birthdate: Nov 10, 2007 Acquired: Aug 6, 2026 2025-26 Stats (Minnetonka High): 30 GP, 2G, 5A, 7 PTS Acquired from the Brantford Bulldogs on August 6, Cameron Merrick joins the Attack after spending the 2025-26 season with Minnetonka High and Team The Base, where he recorded a combined 18 points (5-13–18) in 48 games. “Cam’s a big, skating defenceman. I think that’s really exciting for us. When we looked at that deal, obviously we brought in a second-, a third- and a fourth-round pick as part of that deal along with Cam. For us, it was a situation where we were excited about Cam. We were excited about the picks we were able to generate from that deal. It’s very exciting for us.” With a new-look management group, a promising 2026 draft class and several experienced additions joining the roster, the Attack will have plenty of new faces to watch as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign. With training camp approaching, Owen Sound’s young talent will look to take the next step and help shape the club’s identity under its new leadership. _____________________________________________________________________________________ FloHockey remains the exclusive streaming home of the Ontario Hockey League, delivering more than 680 regular-season games throughout the year, plus complete coverage of the OHL playoffs. Subscribers can stream games live or watch on demand from anywhere, ensuring they never miss a goal, save, or highlight during the 2026-27 season. Whether you’re following your hometown team or tracking prospects across the league, FloHockey provides comprehensive coverage of every OHL club all season long.

67’s sign forward Hannu Packalen

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:30:10 +0000

Colts announce contract extensions for Dylan Smoskowitz and Marty Williamson

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:32:19 +0000

The Barrie Colts have signed Head Coach Dylan Smoskowitz and General Manager Marty Williamson to contract extensions, keeping the pair at the helm of hockey operations as the club builds toward sustained success on and off the ice.

Canucks sign Adam Novotný to Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 21:04:22 +0000

The Vancouver Canucks have announced the signing of Petes forward Adam Novotný to a three-year, entry level contract. Novotný, a forward from Kobylice, Czechia, was selected by the Canucks in the first round, 24th overall, in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, after spending the 2025-26 season with the Petes. Peterborough originally selected him in the first round, 8th overall, of the 2024 CHL Import Draft. In his first season in Peterborough, Novotný played in 58 games, scoring 34 goals and adding 31 assists for 65 points. He was also named a finalist for the William Hanley Trophy for the league's Most Sportsmanlike Player. “Congratulations to Adam on this amazing accomplishment,” said Petes General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke. “Adam has certainly put the work in to reach this point in his career, and it comes as no surprise to any of us on the staff to see him achieve this milestone. I’d also like to extend a congratulations to the Novotny family, who have supported Adam through every step of his hockey journey. We’re all incredibly proud of what he has accomplished so far in his career and are looking forward to supporting him as he continues to work towards his goal of playing in the NHL.” Before coming to Peterborough, the 2007-born forward featured in 41 games for Mountfield HK in Czechia’s top professional league, scoring one goal and adding two assists for three points. He also featured in 10 playoff games for Mountfield, scoring twice. In 2023, Novotný made his debut in the Czech Extraliga for Mountfield, scoring in his first game and becoming the youngest player to score a goal in the league at 15. “We are so happy for Adam, earning his entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks,” noted Petes Director of Player Personnel and Assistant Coach Patrick O’Connor. “Working with him every day, it is no surprise that he’s accomplished this. He is an elite athlete who is fully committed to developing and becoming a professional player in the NHL. This could not have happened to a nicer young man. Congratulations, Adam, you’ve earned it.” Vancouver Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson had this to say about the signing in a media release sent out by the team: “Character, compete and a winning mentality, those are three of the things we really appreciate about Adam’s DNA. It was a small sample size, but he showed us a lot at our development camp last month in Abbotsford. Besides his strong skating, puck control, and quick release, Adam was relentless in his pursuit of the puck and battled very hard in each drill. A coachable and honest player, his leadership qualities were also noticeable, and you could tell right away how committed he is to try to do things the right way. We are very excited to have Adam sign his ELC and we look forward to working with him in the years to come.”