Ontario Hockey League - Feed

OHL Board of Governors Approves Transfer of Ownership of Barrie Colts Hockey Club

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:30:31 +0000

TORONTO – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that, following a meeting of the OHL Board of Governors, the League has approved the transfer of ownership of the Barrie Colts Hockey Club to John Careri.

A Toronto-area entrepreneur, investor and sports executive, Careri serves as president and chief executive officer of JONVIC Capital Inc. He is also the owner of the defending Buckland Cup champion Toronto Patriots of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and of Everest Academy, a private athletic and academic school in Vaughan, Ont.

"I'm pleased to welcome John Careri as owner of the Barrie Colts," said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. "He brings a passion and enthusiasm for the game and I know he's eager to continue the tradition of competitiveness that the Barrie Colts have enjoyed for more than 30 years. John’s proven business leadership, commitment to developing student-athletes and passion for building strong organizations should benefit not only the Barrie Colts, but the League as a whole.”

Careri assumes majority ownership of the franchise from Howie Campbell, who purchased the Colts in 2006 from Barrie businessman Jamie Massie. Under Campbell's stewardship, the Colts were crowned Eastern Conference champions in 2010, 2013 and 2026 while producing NHL talent including Aaron Ekblad, Mark Scheifele, Andrei Svechnikov, Rasmus Andersson and Mackenzie Blackwood, among several others. Campbell will remain a shareholder and serve in the capacity of senior advisor with the hockey club.

"The League extends its sincere thanks to Howie Campbell for two decades of commitment to the Colts and to the Barrie community," said Crawford. "Howie has the franchise in a position of strength, and we're grateful for his stewardship and for the care he took in identifying a successor who shares that same commitment to the club and the city."

Careri begins his ownership tenure on the heels of the Colts capturing the Bobby Orr Trophy as OHL Eastern Conference champions in May. It marked the club's second straight appearance in the Eastern Conference Final, following a second consecutive Central Division title.

The Colts will open training camp in late August in preparation for the 2026-27 season.

2026 OHL In The System: Colorado Avalanche

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:45:29 +0000

This 32-part series will spotlight OHL players who are either signed to an NHL or AHL contract or are recently drafted, and are 25 years old or younger with 50 or fewer NHL games played. Join us for OHL in the System! Today, we take a closer look at the Colorado Avalanche’s prospect pool. Ondrej Ruml (D) – Ottawa 67’s (2025-26) Selected: 7th Round, 214th Overall (2026) OHL Career Stats: 66 GP, 10G, 18A, 28 PTS, +27 Age: 18 Selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the seventh round (214th overall) of the 2026 NHL Draft, Ondrej Ruml completed a strong rookie season with the Ottawa 67's. The Czech defenceman recorded 28 points (10-18–28) in 66 regular-season games and also represented Czechia at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship, collecting six assists in seven games. Linus Funck (D) – London Knights (2026-27) Selected: 4th Round, 118th Overall (2025) 2025-26 Stats (Lulea HF Jr.): 48 GP, 5G, 23A, 28 PTS, +18 Age: 19 Following his selection by the London Knights in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, Linus Funck recorded 28 points (5-23–28) and 59 penalty minutes in 48 games with Luleå HF J20 during the 2025-26 season. The 6-foot-3 defenceman led all Luleå blueliners in assists and points while ranking third in goals. He is expected to make his OHL debut with the Knights in 2026-27. Christian Humphreys (C) – Kitchener Rangers (2024-26) Selected: 7th Round, 215th Overall (2024) OHL Career Stats: 91 GP, 38G, 80A, 118 PTS, +13 Age: 19 Opting to delay his NCAA commitment and return to the Kitchener Rangers for the 2025-26 season, Christian Humphreys enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign, recording 85 points (27-58–85) in 63 regular-season games, highlighted by a 14-game point streak. The Pittsburgh, Pa., native added 26 points (7-19–26) in 18 playoff games while helping the Rangers capture both the OHL Championship and Memorial Cup. Tomorrow on OHL In The System: We'll take a look at the OHL talent inside the Vegas Golden Knights organization.

Bulldogs goaltender Salén Forsberg named to Sweden’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup roster

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 23:00:48 +0000

Brantford Bulldogs goaltender Vilmer Salén Forsberg has been named to Sweden's roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, taking place Aug. 3-8 in Edmonton, AB. Salén Forsberg recently signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Bulldogs after being selected 62nd overall in the 2026 CHL Import Draft. The 6-foot-6 netminder developed through the Södertälje SK system in his native Sweden, posting a .920 save percentage in 11 appearances at the U18 level during the 2025-26 season before making his U20 debut as a 16-year-old. He also represented Sweden at the 2025 U17 World Hockey Challenge, appearing in two games as part of seven international appearances during the season. Known for his size, athleticism and positional play, Salén Forsberg becomes one of two Brantford players set to compete at this year's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, joining Bulldogs defenceman Adam Němec, who will represent Slovakia. Sweden opens tournament play in Group A against Slovakia on Aug. 4 before facing Switzerland later that day and Canada on Aug. 6. Group B consists of Finland, Germany, Czechia and the United States, with the tournament concluding on Aug. 8.

Former Sting forward Bax signs with Sharks’ AHL affiliate

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 20:00:52 +0000

Headline

Excerpt

Headlines Blurb

Former Sarnia Sting forward Jordan Bax has signed an American Hockey League contract with the San Jose Barracuda for the 2026-27 season. Bax earned his opportunity with the Sting after attending the club's 2025 training camp as a free agent invite, securing a roster spot ahead of the regular season. The Parkhill, Ont. native went on to record 15 goals, 16 assists and 31 points in 52 games during his lone OHL season, adding a physical presence with 65 penalty minutes while helping anchor the Sting's forward group. Originally taking an unconventional path to the OHL, Bax spent the 2024-25 season with the BCHL's Cowichan Valley Capitals, where he produced 41 points (15-26-41) in 54 games before making the jump to major junior. Following the signing of his Standard Player Agreement with Sarnia, Bax quickly established himself as a hard-working, physical forward capable of contributing offensively while playing an energetic two-way game. The Barracuda, the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's San Jose Sharks, announced Bax's signing on Monday as part of the club's preparations for the 2026-27 season.

Knights forward Santala named to Finland’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup roster

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:35:04 +0000

London Knights forward Luca Santala has been named to Finland's roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, set to take place Aug. 3-8 in Edmonton, AB. Santala recently signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Knights after being selected in the first round (40th overall) of the 2026 CHL Import Draft. The 6-foot-2 forward enjoyed a strong 2025-26 season with Kiekko-Espoo, recording 12 points (4-8-12) in 25 U20 games while adding 22 points (11-11-22) in 17 contests at the U18 level. He also represented Finland at the 2026 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, producing six points in five games. The Espoo, Finland native continued his strong international play during Finland's pre-tournament camp, collecting two assists in a 6-2 exhibition victory over HPK's U20 club before earning a place on the final roster. Santala enters the Hlinka Gretzky Cup as one of the top players eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft after being projected 12th overall in Daily Faceoff's early rankings. Finland opens Group B play against Germany on Aug. 4 before facing the United States on Aug. 5 and Czechia on Aug. 6. The tournament also features Canada, Sweden, Slovakia and Switzerland in Group A, with the medal games scheduled for Aug. 8.

Longtime colleagues Jeff Kyrzakos and Brendan Taylor begin new chapters

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:34:04 +0000

For more than a decade, Jeff Kyrzakos and Brendan Taylor have been climbing the Ontario Hockey League coaching ranks simultaneously, and now, after years of sharing a bench, developing players and discussing what the future might hold, their journeys have come full circle. On July 29, 2026, both longtime assistants were introduced as first-time OHL head coaches. Kyrzakos was promoted to lead the Kitchener Rangers while Taylor was named the 11th head coach in Saginaw Spirit history, marking a fitting milestone for two coaches whose careers have been intertwined since their days with the Mississauga Steelheads. “It's obviously really special,” said Taylor. “We spent a lot of time together talking about what this day would be like for us both, how our teams would play, and how we'd do things once we were head coaches. So for us to start our OHL coaching careers together and be named head coaches in the OHL on the same day is obviously really special for us and our families.” Their coaching paths first crossed during the 2016-17 season, when Kyrzakos joined the Steelheads as an Assistant Coach, and Taylor arrived as the club's video coach. The following season, both took on expanded roles, with Taylor becoming an assistant coach and Kyrzakos adding Assistant General Manager duties alongside his work behind the bench. Over six seasons together, they helped establish Mississauga as one of the league's premier development organizations, contributing to the growth of numerous future NHL players while also reaching the Eastern Conference Final in 2017. Along the way, they also built a friendship rooted in countless hours at the rink, on the road and in coaches’ offices discussing every aspect of the game. “Tayls and I have been talking over the last couple of weeks, and we've joked about how ironic it is that, after 10 years, we're both moving on at the same time and on the same day,” Kyrzakos said. "I'm incredibly happy for him. He's one of the best people in the game and in this league, and he's done tremendous work developing players over the years. I think that's only going to continue now that he's behind the bench. I'm really excited for him to get this opportunity in Saginaw, and I know he's going to do great things." While their careers eventually took different directions, both continued building on their impressive résumés. Kyrzakos joined Kitchener in 2023 as Associate Coach and Assistant General Manager, helping guide the Rangers to their fifth OHL championship and third Memorial Cup title while playing a significant role in player development and special teams. Taylor spent the past four seasons with the Soo Greyhounds, helping the club reach three consecutive playoff appearances while working with several future NHL players. His coaching résumé also includes a gold medal with Team Canada Red at the 2025 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Although they were coaching in different cities, the two remained close, often discussing the game and their shared aspirations of one day leading their own OHL bench. Their teams even met in the second round of the 2026 OHL Playoffs, with Kitchener advancing in five games. For current Brampton Steelheads Head Coach and General Manager James Richmond, who worked alongside both coaches in Mississauga, the announcements came as no surprise. “I couldn't be happier for both Tayls and Krackers,” Richmond said. "Both are great people. They have tremendous work ethic, and they love the game. Obviously we are good friends, and I'm so proud of both of them. They've put in the work, and these hirings are well-deserved and well-earned." Both have spent years helping develop players, supporting head coaches and preparing for opportunities like these. Now, after taking remarkably similar paths to the top, they'll begin writing the next chapter of their coaching careers together – just as they always imagined. And for two friends who started side by side behind the Steelheads bench, the timing couldn't have been more fitting.

Spirit sign forward Alexander Milojevic

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:04:34 +0000

Saginaw, Mich. – Spirit GM Dave Drinkill announced that the team has signed left-shot forward Alexander Milojevic (MY-lo-JEV-ik) to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Milojevic stands at 6’, 185lbs and was originally drafted by the Spirit in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection (4th round, 73rd overall). “We are extremely excited to be able to add another elite young player to our strong group here in Saginaw,” said Drinkill. “Alexander can change the game very quickly, using game-breaking speed and skill to dictate the outcomes he wants in the offensive zone. During his draft year, he was widely regarded as one of the top U.S. players in his age group, and we can’t wait to build on his already strong foundation. Alexander is a high-end young hockey player, and I want to thank the Milojevic family for putting their trust in us when it comes to developing him during his next chapter.” The 16-year-old Milojevic spent almost all of last season with the U.S. National Team Development Program’s U17 team, recording 15 points (8G-7A) in 47 games. Milojevic also suited up for one game with the NTDP’s U18 team. From Chicago, Illinois, Milojevic spent his minor hockey with the Chicago Mission 15U AAA team. His 101 points (61A-40A) in 2024-2025 were the most in a single by a Mission 15U player. He scored a pair of goals for the Mission in four games at US 15U Nationals and 4G-1A—5P in four games at USA Hockey’s Boys National 15 Player Development Camp that summer. “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the chance to play for such an amazing coaching staff and organization,” said Milojevic. “It was truly an honor to hear my name called by Saginaw in last year’s draft, and I’m thankful for the belief they’ve shown me from the very beginning. I can’t wait to get to work, continue growing as a player and person, and become part of the Saginaw community. I’m excited to represent this organization and give everything I have each time I step on the ice.”

Attack add veteran coach LaZazzera as associate coach

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:00:49 +0000

The Owen Sound Attack have announced the hiring of Mike LaZazzera as the club's Associate Coach and Director of Player Development. LaZazzera joins the Attack after spending the past two seasons as Director of Player Development with the Quinnipiac University men's hockey program. The Springfield, Mass. native brings nearly 40 years of coaching and player development experience at the professional, junior and collegiate levels. His résumé includes roles as Video Coach with the NHL's New York Islanders, assistant coach with the AHL's Portland Pirates, the University of Maine and the Plymouth Whalers, along with head coaching and general manager duties with the USHL's Dubuque Fighting Saints. He has also been part of multiple Kelly Cup Final appearances in the ECHL. "I am incredibly grateful and honoured for the opportunity to join the Owen Sound Attack," said LaZazzera. "I would like to thank Tyler and Keenan for believing in me and entrusting me with the chance to be a part of such a respected organization. I'm excited to get to work, build strong relationships with our players and staff, contribute to a culture that our fans can be proud of, and do everything I can to help our team succeed." In addition to his coaching experience, LaZazzera holds a master's degree in athletic counselling and has completed doctoral studies (ABD) in both sport and exercise psychology and leadership. "I'm thrilled to be adding an individual with the character and pedigree that Mike possesses to our coaching staff this season," said Attack head coach Keenan Reynolds. "Mike is an incredibly experienced, passionate and hard-working coach whose values align with our own, and who will help drive our team's player development and culture building alongside fellow associate coach Brandon Shaw."

Five OHL staff members named to Hockey Canada’s National Women’s Program

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:00:01 +0000

Five current OHL staff members have been named to Hockey Canada's National Women's Program for the 2026-27 season. Windsor Spitfires athletic therapist Jennifer Love and London Knights team physician Dr. Catherine Lott will serve on the staff of Canada's National Women's Development Team during selection camp and the team's three-game series against the United States in August. Love continues her growing international résumé after helping Canada earn a silver medal at the 2026 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship. She also won gold as a member of Canada's staff at the 2024 U17 World Hockey Challenge. Lott, who serves as team physician for the London Knights, joins the National Women's Development Team as its team physician. Canada's National Women's Under-18 selection camp will also feature three current OHL staff members. Sudbury Wolves video coach Shady Daher has been named a camp video coach, Kingston Frontenacs strength and conditioning coach Sydney Merriam will serve in the same role with Team Canada, while Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds athletic therapist Sarah McGall has been selected as an athletic therapist for camp. Both Canada's National Women's Development Team and National Women's Under-18 Team selection camps will take place Aug. 3-8 in Richmond, BC, before each team faces the United States in a three-game series from Aug. 12-15.

Bulldogs hire OHL Alumnus Bryce O’Hagan

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:13:53 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations Spencer Hyman today announced the hiring of Bryce O’Hagan as the club’s Goalie Coach. O’Hagan, of Burlington, ON, has a long history in both the Ontario Hockey League and Internationally, having been originally drafted 55^th overall in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection Draft by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Going on to play 107 games between the Greyhounds & Petes, where he formed batteries with the likes of NHLers Robin Lehner & Matt Murray, O’Hagan additionally represented Canada at the U17 World Hockey Challenge, Hlinka-Gretzky Cup & World U18 Hockey Championship, winning a gold medal at the 2007 U17’s. After his time in the OHL, O’Hagan starred for the Brantford Eagles in the GOJHL. O’Hagan posted a 2.43/.920 line across 43 games with a 34-7-2 record to put the Eagles at the top of the Midwestern Conference, eventually winning it with a 2.72/.906 across 18 playoff games sending the Eagles to the Sutherland Cup where O’Hagan again starred. A 2.18/.924 followed across 9 games competing for the Junior B Championship as the Eagles finished runner up to the St. Catharines Falcons. O’Hagan followed his playing career as the goalie coach for the Burlington Eagles U16 AAA program from the 2018-19 season through 2025-26. O’Hagan additionally founded and runs O’Hagan Goaltending in Burlington, where he’s gone on to train a bevy of Golden Horseshoe area standouts, including Bulldogs goaltenders Maksim Corovic & Marko Mesich. “Bryce brings an incredible level of passion, enthusiasm, and energy to our organization. said Hyman. “His commitment to developing goaltenders, building meaningful relationships, and helping our players reach their full potential makes him a tremendous addition to our staff. We’re excited to welcome Bryce to Brantford and know he’ll play an important role in the continued growth and success of our program.”.