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Driven to Win: Rangers Bound for 2026 Memorial Cup

Wed, 20 May 2026 22:00:30 +0000

After coming heartbreakingly close to hosting the 2027 Memorial Cup, the Kitchener Rangers decided they would take a different route to junior hockey’s biggest stage. Last November, the Rangers were one of the final two contenders in the bidding process to host the 2027 Memorial Cup before the honour was ultimately awarded to their rival, the Guelph Storm. For a franchise with one of the league’s most passionate fanbases and a historic home rink in the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, the news was difficult to swallow. But somewhere in that disappointment, a resolve took hold. If the Memorial Cup was not coming to Kitchener, the Rangers would bring themselves to it the old-fashioned way – by winning. Now, just six months later, they are heading to the 2026 Memorial Cup in Kelowna, British Columbia, as Ontario Hockey League champions after capturing their first J. Ross Robertson Cup since 2008. It was a season that, in many ways, felt poetic. The Rangers finished the regular-season atop the Western Conference with a dominant 47-14-5-2 record before storming through the OHL Playoffs in just 18 games. They swept the Saginaw Spirit in the opening round, defeated the Soo Greyhounds and Windsor Spitfires in five games apiece, and then completed a four-game sweep of the Barrie Colts in the OHL Championship Series. Even more impressive, Kitchener went undefeated on home ice throughout the playoffs, turning The Aud into one of the most intimidating environments in junior hockey. At the trade deadline, the Rangers pushed all their chips to the centre of the table, acquiring a quartet of players who immediately elevated the team’s ceiling. Sam O’Reilly, Jared Woolley, Dylan Edwards and Gabriel Chiarot arrived in rapid succession, transforming Kitchener from a contender into one of the league’s most dangerous teams. O’Reilly, who was acquired from the London Knights along with Woolley, delivered exactly what the Rangers envisioned and more. The Tampa Bay Lightning prospect captured both the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player and the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as playoff MVP after leading Kitchener through its championship run. He also became just the second player in OHL history to win three consecutive championships, bringing experience, leadership and clutch scoring to a group determined to take the next step. But O’Reilly was far from alone in driving the Rangers’ postseason success. Fellow trade deadline acquisition Dylan Edwards emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous playoff performers, finishing just behind O’Reilly among postseason scoring leaders while establishing himself as a legitimate Wayne Gretzky 99 Award contender in his own right. His speed, creativity and clutch performances gave Kitchener another dynamic element. They also received another major boost in January with the return of overage defenceman and former captain, Matthew Andonovski from the American Hockey League. The longest-tenured Ranger on the roster and the recent recipient of the Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award, Andonovski provided steady leadership and stability on the blue line. But before any trade deadline moves, the Rangers’ season had already been shaped by two important decisions, when Jack Pridham and Christian Humphreys chose to remain in Kitchener for the season rather than move on. Pridham delivered a sensational overage campaign, leading the team with 46 goals and 90 points while earning OHL Overager of the Year honours. Humphreys, meanwhile, served as the club’s primary playmaker, pacing the Rangers in assists while consistently driving the offence. And in goal, import netminder Christian Kirsch quickly emerged as one of the league’s most reliable goaltenders after signing with the Rangers in July as the club’s first-round pick (44th overall) in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. Kirsch posted a 27-10-2-1 record during the regular season alongside a 2.42 goals-against average, .899 save percentage and four shutouts in 41 appearances. The Swiss goaltender elevated his game even further in the playoffs, going 16-2 with a 2.32 goals-against average and .900 save percentage while backstopping the Rangers to the OHL title. Now, after turning disappointment into motivation, the Rangers have earned the opportunity they narrowly missed out on just months ago. They are headed to the Memorial Cup anyway – perhaps just a year earlier than expected – and are now only a few wins away from proving that they never needed a host city to write their name into history.

2026 Graduating Class: Flint Firebirds

Wed, 20 May 2026 21:00:02 +0000

After setting a new franchise record with 95 points and advancing to the Western Conference semifinals, the Flint Firebirds put together one of the most successful seasons in team history during the 2025-26 campaign. A veteran-heavy lineup played a major role in the club’s success throughout both the regular season and playoffs, helping establish Flint as one of the Ontario Hockey League’s top teams. Now, the Firebirds prepare to say goodbye to key members of their graduating class as Christopher Thibodeau, Urban Podrekar and Mason Vaccari move on from the OHL. Christopher Thibodeau (Flint Firebirds, Kingston Frontenacs – 2021-26) After spending his second full season with the Flint Firebirds, Christopher Thibodeau recorded 38 points (16-22–38) in 52 games before adding nine points (4-5–9) in eight playoff appearances during his overage campaign. Prior to arriving in Flint, he spent time with the Kingston Frontenacs, where he produced a career-high 60-point season in 2023-24. The Charleston, S.C. native wraps up his OHL career with 196 points (80-116–196) across 294 regular-season games. Originally selected by the Frontenacs in the fourth round (75th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Thibodeau is committed to Lindenwood University for next season. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2043430571750121485 Urban Podrekar (Flint Firebirds, Niagara IceDogs – 2023-26) Also in his second full season with the Flint Firebirds, Urban Podrekar recorded a career-high 50 points (11-39–50) along with a plus-16 rating. He added four assists in eight postseason games during his overage campaign. Prior to arriving in Flint, Podrekar spent his first North American season with the Niagara IceDogs. The Slovenian defenceman concludes his three-year OHL career with 99 points (24-75–99) across 194 regular-season games. Originally selected fourth overall by the IceDogs in the 2023 CHL Import Draft, Podrekar is committed to Ferris State University for next season. https://twitter.com/FlintFirebirds/status/2022492914463433162 Mason Vaccari (Flint Firebirds, Kingston Frontenacs – 2022-26) After being acquired from the Kingston Frontenacs in the offseason, Mason Vaccari proved to be one of the OHL’s most impactful additions of the summer. A former OHL and CHL Humanitarian of the Year, Vaccari posted career-best numbers during his overage season, setting a Firebirds franchise record with a 2.70 goals-against average while tying the club mark with 36 wins. He also established career highs with a .907 save percentage and four shutouts. Vaccari played a major role in helping the Firebirds reach a franchise-record 95 points in the standings and was named a finalist for the Jim Rutherford Trophy as OHL Goaltender of the Year. The Mississauga, Ont. native finished the season with a 36-9-3-2 record and is committed to Stonehill College for next season. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2038982420821577865 2006-born players: * denotes players who are committed to the NCAA for next season Currently, the Flint Firebirds boast eight 2006-born players in captain Nathan Aspinall (New York Rangers), Kevin He (Winnipeg Jets), Jacob Battaglia (New York Rangers), Darels Uljanskis (Anaheim Ducks)*, Josh Colosimo, Darian Anderson, Alex Kostov, and Ihnat Pazii*.

2026 OHL Awards – Spirit’s Harper wins Bobby Smith Trophy as Scholastic Player of the Year

Wed, 20 May 2026 18:00:19 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that Saginaw Spirit defenceman Levi Harper is this year's recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy, presented annually to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence. Harper achieved a 93.2% average in his studies, graduating a full year early as he completed all of his high school requirements by the end of Grade 11. His impressive transcript includes 98% averages in both Modern British Literature and World Cultures, along with a 96% in Anatomy and Physiology. His hard work earned him a spot on the University of Nebraska High School honor roll. "I’m incredibly grateful to receive the Bobby Smith Trophy and humbled to join such a remarkable group of recipients," said Harper. "To be mentioned alongside high-end players who also prioritize setting a standard off the ice is truly an honor. Many thanks go to Pam Moretuzzo for her support and dedication as well. She was always very willing to help and I am very grateful for her." The Spirit's Academic Advisor, Moretuzzo has high praise for Harper's achievements in the classroom. "The OHL is filled with exceptional young athletes, and Levi has distinguished himself in a way that is truly impressive by excelling at the very highest level on the ice while also setting an exceptional standard in the classroom,” she said. “I have had the opportunity to work with many dedicated student-athletes, but Levi’s approach to education stands apart. He does not just fit in schoolwork around hockey, he prioritizes it with the same focus and professionalism he brings to the rink." On the ice, the 17-year-old Harper, who isn't NHL Draft eligible until 2027, set a new Saginaw Spirit record for points by a rookie defenceman with 57 (12-45--57) over 68 games. The 5-foot-11, 170Ib. right-shot defender saw lots of ice for the Spirit after winning gold with the United States at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer. Harper represented the United States at the 2026 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship last month. "We’re so proud of the work that Levi put into his first season," said Spirit GM Dave Drinkill. "To perform at such a high level on the ice while giving the same amount of attention to his schooling shows incredible maturity. He’s impressed us all year and is a great example to the guys in our dressing room." Saginaw's third round (52nd overall) pick last spring, Harper is a graduate of the Shattuck St. Mary's hockey program based out of Faribault, Minnesota. The Tampa, Florida product follows Michael Misa as Saginaw's second-straight Bobby Smith Trophy winner, joining Cole Perfetti (2019-20) in their group of recipients. He joins Sasha Chmelevski (2016-17) and three-time winner Dustin Brown (2001-03) on the list of Americans to have claimed the honour. Each year the Bobby Smith Trophy is presented to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence. The trophy is in honour of Bobby Smith, a former Ottawa 67’s star who exhibited a standard of excellence in both of these areas. Harper emerged as the winner of the award from a group of finalists that also included Caleb Malhotra of the Brantford Bulldogs and Harper will be formally presented with the Bobby Smith Trophy at the OHL Awards Ceremony held in Toronto this June. For a full list of OHL award winners, click here.

Attack name Keenan Reynolds as Head Coach

Wed, 20 May 2026 14:37:01 +0000

OWEN SOUND, ON — Owen Sound Attack Governor and President Tyler Nother announced today the hiring of Attack alumnus Keenan Reynolds as the organization’s new Head Coach.

A native of Ottawa, Ontario, and former 4th-round pick of the Attack in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection, Reynolds joins the Attack following four seasons of junior hockey coaching experience, including stops with the Nepean Raiders (CCHL), Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL), and most recently the Erie Otters (OHL), where he served as an Assistant Coach during the 2025-26 season.

Following his playing career, Reynolds utilized the OHL scholarship program to earn a Bachelor of Arts (High Distinction) in Political Science from Carleton University before later completing his MBA at Smith School of Business. During that time, he continued to grow his experience in coaching and player development while also leading several successful entrepreneurial ventures.

“When we began our search, we were looking for a teacher, communicator, and leader with a clear vision for player development and team culture,” said Nother. “Keenan stood out throughout the interview process with his passion, preparation, and modern approach to coaching. His understanding of today’s players and his vision for the future of our organization made this an easy decision.”

"I’m thrilled to welcome Keenan as our new Head Coach," said Attack Captain Pierce Mbuyi. " I had a great conversation with him over lunch yesterday, and I have a lot of confidence in his vision and plan to build a winning culture here in Owen Sound.”

“I am honoured and excited to be given this opportunity with the Owen Sound Attack,” said Reynolds. “Becoming a head coach in the Ontario Hockey League has been a long-time goal of mine, and to do so with the organization where I began my OHL career as a player is incredibly humbling. I look forward to working alongside Tyler Nother to continue building an organization that provides players with the best possible environment to develop as students, high-performance athletes, and future leaders in our communities.”

Fans are reminded the Attack will be hosting a Town Hall meeting for media, Season Ticket Members, corporate partners, fans and members of the community in the Shore Room at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre beginning at 1pm. The meeting will include a Q&A session open for all attendees to participate in."

2026 Graduating Class: North Bay Battalion

Tue, 19 May 2026 19:30:45 +0000

Despite falling short of a deep playoff run, the North Bay Battalion continued to showcase one of the more balanced and experienced lineups in the Eastern Conference throughout the 2025-26 season. Now, the Battalion prepare to say goodbye to key members of their graduating class as Sebastien Gervais and Bronson Ride move on from the Ontario Hockey League following the conclusion of their overage seasons. Sebastien Gervais (North Bay Battalion, Saginaw Spirit – 2021-26) Acquired by the Battalion at the January trade deadline, Sebastien Gervais joined North Bay after spending the majority of his OHL career with the Saginaw Spirit, where he finished with the second-most points in franchise history (139). Between the two clubs during his overage season, Gervais recorded a career-high 48 points (21-27–48). The six-foot forward wraps up his OHL career with 162 points (61-101–162) across 327 regular-season games. Originally selected by the Spirit in the 15th round (224th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Gervais was a member of Saginaw’s 2024 Memorial Cup championship team, contributing three points in five tournament games. He is committed to Clarkson University for next season. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2038339439915614399 Bronson Ride (North Bay Battalion, Niagara IceDogs, Windsor Spitfires – 2021-26) After spending the past three seasons with the Battalion, Bronson Ride recorded a career-high 21 points (4-17–21) along with a plus-11 rating during his overage campaign. Prior to arriving in North Bay, he also spent time with the Niagara IceDogs and Windsor Spitfires. The six-foot-seven defenceman concludes his OHL career with 74 points (17-57–74) across 298 regular-season games. Originally selected by the Windsor Spitfires in the second round (20th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Ride recently signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/1887895345671422394 2006-born players: * denotes players who are committed to the NCAA for next season Currently, the North Bay Battalion boasts nine 2006-born players in captain Ethan Procyszyn (Anaheim Ducks), Lirim Amidovski (Minnesota Wild), Kaden Pitre (Tampa Bay Lightning), Nolan Laird, Mike McIvor, Nick Wellenreiter*, Brandt Harper*, and Jack Lisson*.

67’s sign OHL Coach of the Year Dave Cameron to multi-year extension

Tue, 19 May 2026 19:09:04 +0000

OTTAWA – The Ottawa 67’s announced today that Head Coach Dave Cameron has signed a two-year extension with the team through the 2027-2028 season. “Dave is an exceptional coach,” said Ottawa 67’s General Manager Jan Egert. “His mentality, passion and commitment to the 67’s give our group the platform to grow and develop on and off the ice. We are thrilled to continue to have his guidance and leadership in our organization for the coming years.” Cameron, 67, joined the Ottawa 67’s ahead of the 2021-22 season and has continued to build an accomplished coaching resume marked by milestones and accolades. During the 2022-23 campaign, he led the Barber Poles to a franchise-record 51 wins, earning OHL Coach of the Year honours, CHL Coach of the Year recognition, and a spot on the OHL First All-Star Team. This past season, Cameron led the 67’s to a 100-point regular season. After opening the preseason ranked 19th in the OHL Power Rankings, Ottawa surged to a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. The Barber Poles finished the season with 47 wins and won the Dave Pinkney Trophy, allowing a league-low 160 goals against. Cameron also reached a historic milestone during the 2025-26 season, coaching his 1,000th OHL game and becoming just the eighth coach in league history to reach the mark. On April 15, 2026, he was named OHL Coach of the Year for the second time in his career. "I'm very happy to be staying in Ottawa," Cameron said. "The passion around this team and city makes it a special place to be every day. This is a first-class organization that consistently supports its players and staff, and I look forward to continuing to build on what we’ve accomplished over the past five years.” Before returning to Ottawa, the Charlottetown, P.E.I., native built an impressive OHL coaching career with the Soo Greyhounds and the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors. He also spent time in the NHL, serving as head coach of the Ottawa Senators from 2014 to 2016, then as an assistant coach with the Calgary Flames from 2016 to 2018. Internationally, Cameron has represented Canada on multiple occasions, earning silver at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship and gold in 2022. “Signing Dave to a multi-year extension reaffirms our commitment to excellence,” said 67’s President Adrian Sciarra. "Alongside our coaching and hockey operations staff, Dave has been a leader in what we’ve accomplished, and we look forward to him continuing to build on that success in the future.”

2026 OHL Awards – Storm’s Pape wins Ivan Tennant Memorial Award

Tue, 19 May 2026 18:00:36 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that Guelph Storm forward Mark Pape is this year's recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award, presented annually to the League's Top Academic High School Student. Pape achieved excellence in his Grade 10 studies, finishing the year with a 98.8% average that included 100% grades in Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry, US History, Fitness and Sport Management. "I am humbled and grateful to receive the Ivan Tennant award," said Pape. "I want to thank my family for emphasizing athletic and academic performance. Thank you to the Guelph Storm and my teammates for their support. Finally, thank you to my great teachers at North Catholic and University School for their guidance in my academic journey." Pape recorded seven points (3-4--7) over 46 games in his first OHL season. His first career OHL goal came Oct. 9th at Windsor. “Mark has made a seamless transition to the OHL and the demands of the schedule," said Storm General Manager George Burnett. "He has worked extremely hard to maintain a very high level of success. The Guelph Storm Hockey Club is very proud of Mark’s academic achievement and being named the recipient of the Ivan Tennent Memorial Award.” A 17-year-old from Shaker Heights, Ohio, Pape was Guelph's second round (25th overall) pick in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection from the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite AAA program. He's the latest Storm player to win the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award, following Zack Terry (2019), Quinn Hanna (2017) and Adam Craievich (2014). Pape follows Saginaw's Kaden Sienko as the second-straight American to win the award. “Mark has distinguished himself as an exceptional student, consistently achieving at a high level across all of his courses," said Storm Academic Advisor Coleen Driscoll. "Known for his strong work ethic and self-motivation, he established high standards and followed through with determination and initiative. He is a mature and responsible young man who demonstrates the ability to balance the demands of hockey and his academic commitments with ease. Mark's positive attitude, dedication to learning, and ability to lead by example make him a great role model for his peers." The Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is given to the League’s Top Academic High School Player and is named in honour of Ivan Tennant, who spent a lifetime combining hockey and education. He was the Kitchener Rangers’ Education Consultant for 20 years and a key figure on the OHL’s Education Consultant’s Committee. Pape emerged from a group of finalists that also included Oshawa Generals defenceman Anthony Timmerman, as well as Saginaw Spirit captain Dimian Zhilkin. Pape will be formally presented with the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award in June at the 2026 OHL Awards Ceremony at The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. For a complete list of OHL Award winners, click here.

Attack Part Ways with Scott Wray and Reagan O’Grady

Tue, 19 May 2026 15:00:20 +0000

OWEN SOUND, ON – The Owen Sound Attack Governor and President Tyler Nother announced Tuesday morning that the team has parted ways with Head Coach Scott Wray and Assistant Coach Reagan O’Grady.

After careful consideration, the organization believes that a new voice is needed to guide the group and support its development.

We want to thank Scott and Reagan for their dedication, work ethic and the genuine commitment they showed to the Owen Sound and surrounding community. Their impact was meaningful and appreciated.

“As we begin a new chapter in Attack hockey, we believe it was the appropriate time to make this change,” said Attack Governor and President Tyler Nother. “We sincerely appreciate everything Scott and Reagan have done for the Attack and wish them nothing but success moving forward.”

The Attack also announced that they will unveil a new Head Coach on Wednesday, May 20. Following the announcement, the club will host a Town Hall Meeting for media, Season Ticket Members, corporate partners, fans, and members of the community in the Shore Room at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre starting at 1pm. The meeting will include a Q&A session open for all attendees to participate in.

Fans are encouraged to stay connected with the Attack by following @AttackOHL on the team's social media feeds (Facebook | Instagram | X) and by visiting attackhockey.com for further updates.

Colts sign forward Rocco Olek

Tue, 19 May 2026 12:56:34 +0000

The Barrie Colts Hockey Club is proud to announce the signing of forward Rocco Olek to an Ontario Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement.

A native of Ashburn, Virginia, Olek brings a notable physical presence to the Colts’ lineup at 6-foot-3 and 183 pounds. The right-shot forward joins Barrie following a strong season with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program, where he continued to develop and compete against top-tier talent.

In 48 games during the 2025–26 season, Olek recorded 12 goals and 24 assists for 36 points, demonstrating his ability to produce offensively while maintaining a responsible, two-way presence. His blend of size, skill, and hockey IQ allows him to be effective in all three zones, while his compete level and consistent work ethic have been key to his progression.

“Rocco made tremendous strides in his development this past year, and we’re very excited to continue his development path with the Barrie Colts,” said General Manager Marty Williamson. “He’s a player who competes hard, uses his size effectively, and brings a well-rounded game that we believe will translate well to our level.”

The addition of Olek reflects the organization’s continued commitment to identifying and developing high-character players with both upside and a strong foundation for long-term success.

Welcome to Barrie, Rocco!

2026 Graduating Class: Soo Greyhounds

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:58:11 +0000

After battling their way back into the OHL Playoffs, the Soo Greyhounds entered the postseason believing they had the pieces to make noise in the Western Conference. The club was aggressive at the trade deadline, highlighted by the acquisition of goaltender Carter George, while veteran leaders like Marco Mignosa helped guide a young roster that also featured emerging NHL Draft talent. Now, the Greyhounds prepare to say goodbye to members of its graduating class as Marco Mignosa and Justin Cloutier move on from the Ontario Hockey League. Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds – 2021-26) Spending his entire junior career with the Soo Greyhounds, Marco Mignosa saved the best for last, delivering a career-best season with the club after recording 89 points (35-54–89) in 65 regular-season games. He continued producing at a high level in the OHL Playoffs, adding 17 points (7-10–17) in just 10 postseason appearances while serving as a key piece of the Greyhounds offence. His efforts were recognized with a nomination as a finalist for the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL’s Overager of the Year. Originally selected in the second round (36th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Mignosa was later chosen by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh round (215th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. The Vaughan, Ont., native wraps up an impressive five-year OHL career having appeared in 303 regular-season games, totalling 289 points (116-173–289). He also recorded 14 career shorthanded goals, setting a franchise record. Mignosa recently signed an amateur tryout agreement with the Syracuse Crunch and is committed to Penn State University for next season. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2025210203038253319 Justin Cloutier (Soo Greyhounds – 2021-26) Also spending his whole junior career with the Soo Greyhounds, Justin Cloutier endured an unconventional start to his overage season. Originally set to begin his freshman year at Arizona State University, Cloutier contracted E. coli, requiring hospitalization and dialysis while temporarily jeopardizing his hockey future. Fortunately, the 20-year-old fan favourite was able to return to the Greyhounds during the second half of the season, highlighted by a career-high four-point performance just a few games after returning to the lineup. The Ottawa, Ont., native concludes his OHL career with 153 points (82-71–153) across 296 regular-season games. Originally selected in the first round (18th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Cloutier is committed to his hometown University of Ottawa for next season. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2015233706999333229 2006-born players: * denotes players who are committed to the NCAA for next season Currently, the Soo Greyhounds feature five 2006-born players in Carter George (L.A. Kings), Landon Miller (Detroit Red Wings), Lukas Fischer (St. Louis), Christopher Brown, and Spencer Evans.