Ontario Hockey League - Feed

OHL Officials Ingalls and Pye Selected to Work 2026 Memorial Cup Presented by Kubota

Fri, 22 May 2026 19:00:16 +0000

Toronto, Ont. - The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to congratulate referee Chad Ingalls and linesperson Luke Pye on being selected to officiate at the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota in Kelowna, B.C.

Ingalls and Pye are among the officials chosen to work the Canadian Hockey League’s championship event, which runs from May 22-31 and features the champions of the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, along with the host Kelowna Rockets.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for both Chad and Luke and a reflection of the work they have put in over the past several seasons,” said OHL Director of Officiating Conrad Haché. “The Memorial Cup is one of the biggest stages in junior hockey, and earning an assignment there speaks to the confidence they have built through consistency, preparation, and strong performances throughout the season and playoffs. We are extremely proud to see both of them representing the Ontario Hockey League.”

Ingalls has completed his fourth season in the Ontario Hockey League and will be working his first Memorial Cup. His recent officiating resume includes assignments at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he earned a gold medal assignment, the 2025 World Junior A Challenge, and the 2026 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship. He has also officiated the past two J. Ross Robertson Cup Finals, the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, the 2023-24 CHL/NHL Officiating Program, and the 2026 U SPORTS University Cup.

Pye also completed his fourth OHL season and will make his Memorial Cup debut after a strong year that included working the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. His growing list of major assignments also includes the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, and the 2026 OHL Championship Series. Pye has additionally worked back-to-back American Hockey League Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025 and is part of Hockey Canada’s National High Performance Program at Level 6 certification.

The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota begins Friday in Kelowna, with every game airing nationally in Canada on TSN and RDS. Streaming coverage will also be available on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app, while viewers in the United States can watch on Victory+ and NHL Network.

The Ontario Hockey League continues to serve as a key development path for officials advancing to the highest levels of hockey both nationally and internationally.

Back in Kelowna: Rangers’ Jack Pridham Returns on Memorial Cup Stage

Fri, 22 May 2026 18:37:51 +0000

For Kitchener Rangers forward Jack Pridham, this year’s Memorial Cup is more than just another stop on a championship run. It is a return to the city where his junior hockey journey began. Before helping the Rangers to an Ontario Hockey League championship and earning OHL Overage Player of the Year honours, Pridham was a fresh-faced 18-year-old leaving home for the first time to continue his hockey career in Kelowna, British Columbia, with the West Kelowna Warriors. Now, less than two years later, he is back in Kelowna preparing to compete for junior hockey’s ultimate prize. “Right when this got announced, like the Memorial Cup in Kelowna, it was like, wow, wouldn’t it be so special to come back here,” said Pridham. “To actually be here, it’s awesome.” Pridham spent parts of two seasons with the Warriors organization from 2023-24 onward, recording 36 goals and 33 assists across 76 regular-season and playoff games combined. During that time, he earned BCHL All-Rookie Team honours and was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third round (92nd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft. He then began the 2024-25 season with West Kelowna before making the jump to the OHL after just 12 games, where he had already recorded 10 points (5-5–10). Originally selected by Kitchener in the ninth round (177th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Pridham joined the Rangers for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign before deciding to return to Kitchener for his overage season in 2025-26 rather than head to Boston University. “I think kind of when the rules change came out, you know, I wanted to challenge myself against higher competition and be surrounded in a great environment like Kitchener,” Pridham explained. Pridham emerged as one of the OHL’s top overage players this season, leading Kitchener with 46 goals and 90 points in 65 regular-season games while helping guide the Rangers to their first OHL championship since 2008. He has continued to produce throughout the postseason, with 17 points (2-15–17) in 19 playoff games entering the Memorial Cup. More importantly, though, he built relationships that have remained strong long after leaving British Columbia. “Some of my old teammates have reached out, and actually, my parents are staying with my old billets up in Kelowna, so it’s pretty cool,” said Pridham. The connection runs even deeper than that. The Rangers are staying at a hotel located roughly ten minutes from his former billet family, giving Pridham an opportunity to reconnect during the biggest tournament of his junior career. “I actually surprised my old billets yesterday, so that’s pretty cool,” he said with a smile. “Took an Uber up there and surprised them, so that was great to see them.” While the homecoming storyline is special, Pridham’s focus remains firmly on helping Kitchener continue its championship run. “We’re a working team, we’re all working, and we’re all going,” he said. That mindset has defined the Rangers throughout the postseason. After losing out on the opportunity to host the 2027 Memorial Cup earlier in the year, Kitchener responded by earning its way into the tournament the hard way, by winning the OHL championship. Now, Pridham finds himself back in the city where his path started, only this time skating under the brightest spotlight junior hockey has to offer. “Yeah, it’s been awesome,” he said. “I’m surrounded by great teammates and a great coaching staff, so you know to win this year is pretty special, and it’s great to be here.” ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota is scheduled for May 22-31 in Kelowna, B.C. Every game of the tournament will air in Canada on TSN and RDS, with live streaming available on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In the United States, fans can watch every game on Victory+ or NHL Network. The Kitchener Rangers will begin the tournament on opening day as they take on the host Kelowna Rockets. For more information on the tournament or ticket packages, visit CHL.ca

2026 Graduating Class: London Knights

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:42:53 +0000

After remaining one of the Ontario Hockey League’s top teams throughout the 2025-26 campaign despite significant roster turnover, the London Knights once again proved why they can never be counted out under head coach Dale Hunter. The Knights now prepare to say goodbye to members of their graduating class as Jesse Nurmi, Braiden Clark, and Kaeden Hawkins move on from the OHL. Jesse Nurmi (London Knights – 2024-26) Returning to the London Knights at the end of December after beginning the season in the ECHL with the Worcester Railers, where he recorded two points (1-1–2) in 12 games, Jesse Nurmi quickly made an impact back in London. Despite appearing in nearly half the games he played the previous season, the Finnish forward matched his career-high total of 31 points (14-17–31). During the regular season, he also put together an impressive 11-game point streak, Nurmi was also an important piece of the Knights’ Memorial Cup championship run in 2024-25, earning a reputation as a reliable penalty killer and dependable two-way forward. Originally selected 58th overall in the 2023 CHL Import Draft, Nurmi was later drafted by the New York Islanders in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. He wraps up his two-year OHL career with 62 points (23-39–62) in 88 regular-season games. https://twitter.com/LondonKnights/status/2023503866281841037 Braiden Clark (London Knights – 2025-26) Spending his lone OHL season as an overager, Braiden Clark recorded 36 points (22-14–36) in 61 regular-season games before adding a goal during the playoffs. In March, Clark enjoyed one of the best performances of his career, scoring his first OHL hat trick in a high-scoring matchup against the Erie Otters. Before joining the Knights, Clark spent time with the NCAA’s Providence Friars program. Originally selected in the 13th round (256th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, he signed with London during the offseason ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2030102194310050183 Kaeden Hawkins (London Knights – 2025-26) Also spending his only OHL season as an overager, Kaeden Hawkins registered 23 points (9-14–23) in 61 regular-season games with the Knights. In March, he recorded a career-high three-point outing (1-2–3) against the Guelph Storm. Prior to arriving in London, Hawkins played in the USHL with the Waterloo Blackhawks. He joined the Knights as a free-agent signing during the offseason. https://twitter.com/stubbs980/status/2012668658078617608 2006-born players: * denotes players who are committed to the NCAA for next season Currently, the London Knights boast five 2006-born players in William Nicholl (Edmonton Oilers), Evan Van Gorp, Rene Van Bommel, Sebastian Gatto and Andoni Fimis*.

2026 Graduating Class: Peterborough Petes

Thu, 21 May 2026 23:00:59 +0000

After finishing last in the Ontario Hockey League standings just one season ago, the Peterborough Petes completed one of the league’s most impressive turnarounds during the 2025-26 campaign, earning a playoff berth and securing the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Now, the Petes prepare to say goodbye to key members of their graduating class as Brennan Faulkner, Matthew Soto, and James Petrovski move on from the OHL. Brennan Faulkner (Peterborough Petes – 2023-26) Spending his entire junior career with the Peterborough Petes, Brennan Faulkner put together a career-best campaign in his final junior season, more than doubling his previous offensive totals with 49 points (29-20–49) in 68 regular-season games. He also added three points (1-2–3) during the postseason. Six of Faulkner’s 29 goals came shorthanded, tying him for second-most in the league. Originally selected sixth overall in the 2022 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection, Faulkner closes out his three-year OHL career with 78 points (35-43–78) across 197 regular-season games. The London, Ont. native is committed to Robert Morris University for next season. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2022146956563558416 Matthew Soto (Peterborough Petes, Kingston Frontenacs – 2021-26) Acquired by the Petes during the offseason, Matthew Soto finished just shy of matching his career-high point total in his first season with Peterborough. Known for his creativity and flashy assists, the overage forward recorded 51 points (19-32–51) in 68 regular-season games while consistently showcasing his playmaking ability throughout the year. The St. Paul, Minn. native concludes his OHL career with 208 points (83-125–208) across 299 regular-season games. Originally selected fifth overall by the Kingston Frontenacs in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Soto is committed to Bowling Green State University for next season. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2015218799113359544 James Petrovski (Peterborough Petes, Owen Sound Attack, Flint Firebirds – 2021-26) Also acquired by the Petes during the offseason, James Petrovski recorded 35 points (5-30–35) during his overage season on the Petes’ blue line. Prior to arriving in Peterborough, he also spent time with the Owen Sound Attack and Flint Firebirds. The six-foot-three defenceman wraps up his OHL career with 134 points (20-114–134) and 232 penalty minutes across 298 regular-season games. Petrovski was originally selected by Flint in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. https://twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/2002046273482813713 2006-born players: * denotes players who are committed to the NCAA for next season Currently, the Peterborough Petes boast six 2006-born players in Kieron Walton (Winnipeg Jets), Brody Patridge, Braydon McCallum, Grayden Strohack, Garrett Frazer* and Easton Rye*.

2026 Memorial Cup HQ: Game 1 Recap

Thu, 21 May 2026 20:47:02 +0000

Game 1 – Kitchener Rangers 5 – Kelowna Rockets 0 Kitchener Opens Memorial Cup with Statement Shutout Win The Kitchener Rangers opened the 2026 Memorial Cup in dominant fashion on Friday night, blanking the host Kelowna Rockets 5-0 to earn their first win of the tournament. Playing their first game in more than a week, the Rangers looked composed from puck drop and controlled much of the play throughout the night, outshooting Kelowna 39-24 while getting goals from five different skaters. “I think our team was ready, and we played a good team game,” said Rangers head coach Jussi Ahokas. “The first win is important. It’s always the first game you play, you want to win that.” Overager Dylan Edwards wasted little time making his mark on the tournament, opening the scoring just 4:38 into the first period with a sharp-angle shot from near the goal line that ultimately stood as the game-winner. The Rangers doubled their lead late in the second period when defenceman Jared Woolley found the back of the net with 2:27 remaining in the frame, sending Kitchener into the second intermission with a 2-0 advantage. Jack Pridham extended the lead at 11:32 on a breakaway after taking a feed from Luca Romano, before Sam O’Reilly added another just over a minute later to put the game firmly out of reach. “Yeah, it felt great,” said Pridham of his third-period marker. “Nice play by Romano to get me the puck wide. I just want to do anything I can to help the team win. So it was nice to see that one go in.” Haeden Ellis capped off the scoring midway through the frame when the puck redirected off his body and past the Kelowna netminder, putting the finishing touches on a convincing opening-night performance. Goaltender Christian Kirsch stopped all 24 shots he faced to record the shutout, marking the first Memorial Cup shutout in two years. He becomes the first goaltender selected in the CHL Import Draft to record a shutout in the event's history. “It was a great game,” said Kirsch. “The guys made it pretty easy for me. They didn’t give up much. That helped me get my shutout. Great team effort.” Kirsch added that he embraces the intensity that comes with playing on the national stage. “I just love the pressure,” he said. “The pressure makes me better, and that’s how I approach it. I really like the adrenaline that comes with these big games.” Kitchener’s defensive structure was just as impressive as its offence, limiting quality chances throughout the night while shutting down all three Kelowna power plays. “We play our game, our structure, whatever we do, we do it the same way,” Ahokas said. “We don’t have to build it now because we’re at the Memorial Cup. We just keep going and do the same things.” With the victory, the Rangers improve to 1-0 at the Memorial Cup and will return to action Monday night against WHL champion Everett.

Preview: Four teams. One trophy. Last Tuesday, the Kitchener Rangers were crowned OHL champions and presented with the J. Ross Robertson Trophy after completing a four-game sweep of the Barrie Colts. It marked the Rangers’ first league championship in nearly two decades and the fifth in franchise history. They now head to Kelowna looking to keep the Memorial Cup in OHL hands after the Saginaw Spirit (2024) and London Knights (2025) captured the previous two national titles. The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota is scheduled for May 22-31 in Kelowna, B.C. Every game of the tournament will air in Canada on TSN and RDS, with live streaming available on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In the United States, fans can watch every game on Victory+ or NHL Network. Here is a breakdown of the four teams competing: OHL Champion – Kitchener Rangers If there is one thing the Kitchener Rangers proved throughout the 2026 OHL Playoffs, it is that adversity only seemed to strengthen them. After being denied the opportunity to host the Memorial Cup earlier this season, the Rangers responded in the best way possible, capturing their first J. Ross Robertson Cup since 2008 and punching their ticket to the national stage anyway. Kitchener’s championship run was built on resilience, depth, and a relentless ability to rise to the occasion in big moments. They finished 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 to capture the championship title. At the centre of it all has been playoff MVP Sam O’Reilly. Fresh off being named the recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player, the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect continued his dominant postseason with a league-leading 17 goals while consistently delivering in clutch situations. Alongside him, Dylan Edwards emerged as one of the Rangers’ most dangerous offensive threats, finishing just behind O’Reilly in playoff scoring while providing several momentum-shifting goals throughout the postseason. The Rangers have also leaned heavily on their depth. Chicago Blackhawks prospect Jack Pridham rediscovered his scoring touch at key moments, Ottawa Senators prospect Luke Ellinas returned from injury and immediately made an impact offensively, and the club’s veteran blue line, led by captain and Nashville Predators prospect Cameron Reid alongside Ottawa prospect Matthew Andonovski, has provided stability in all three zones. In goal, import netminder and San Jose Sharks prospect Christian Kirsch has quietly become one of the biggest stories of Kitchener’s playoff run. The Swiss goaltender posted a 2.42 goals-against average during the postseason and repeatedly came through with timely saves in high-pressure situations, particularly in the latter stages of games. The Rangers also arrive at the Memorial Cup with a tournament-high 12 NHL prospects on their roster, further showcasing the depth, talent, and experience that helped drive their championship run. From top-end offensive talent to a steady veteran blue line and reliable goaltending, Kitchener’s lineup is built to contend on the national stage. Perhaps most importantly, the Rangers enter the tournament playing their best hockey of the season. Their special teams have been among the best in the postseason, operating at 30% on the power play while killing penalties at an impressive 88.7%. Kitchener has also outscored opponents 77-47 throughout the playoffs, showcasing the club’s ability to generate offence while remaining defensively structured. The Rangers have also continued to weaponize their penalty kill offensively. After leading the OHL regular season in shorthanded goals behind the speed and pressure of Jack Pridham and Sam O’Reilly, Kitchener’s aggressive approach has carried over into the postseason, where Gabriel Chiarot leads the playoffs with two shorthanded goals of his own. Now, after spending the season with the weight of unfinished business hanging over them, the Rangers head to the Memorial Cup with an opportunity to complete the story and prove they are not just OHL champions, but the best team in junior hockey. WHL Champion – Everett Silvertips The Everett Silvertips are headed to the Memorial Cup for the first time in franchise history after capturing their first-ever Ed Chynoweth Cup with a 4-1 series victory over the Prince Albert Raiders in the 2026 WHL Championship Series. After years of playoff heartbreak, Everett finally broke through under WHL Coach of the Year Steve Hamilton, putting together a dominant 16-2 postseason run. The Silvertips swept both Portland and Penticton before defeating Memorial Cup host Kelowna Rockets in five games and clinching the championship with a convincing 7-2 win in Game 5 against Prince Albert. Everett’s playoff success came after a historic regular season that saw the club finish with a franchise-best 57-8-2-1 record while capturing a second consecutive Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as WHL regular-season champions. Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen led the way offensively with 27 points (14-13–27) in 18 playoff games, earning WHL Playoffs MVP honours. He was joined by Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear (7-15–22) and 2026 NHL Draft prospect Matias Vanhanen (12-12–24), who formed one of the most dangerous lines in the WHL throughout the postseason. On the back end, 16-year-old phenom Landon DuPont recorded 23 points (5-18–23) in 18 playoff contests, including the double-overtime winner that sent the Silvertips to the Western Conference Final. Everett also received strong contributions from goaltender Anders Miller, who posted a 1.91 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage during the playoff run. Now, after finally breaking through as WHL champions, the Silvertips arrive in Kelowna with an opportunity to complete the greatest season in franchise history. QMJHL Champion – Chicoutimi Saguenéens The Chicoutimi Saguenéens are headed to the Memorial Cup for the first time in nearly 30 years after capturing the franchise’s third Gilles-Courteau Trophy with a six-game victory over the Moncton Wildcats in the 2026 QMJHL Championship Series. Chicoutimi put together one of the most dominant playoff runs in the QMJHL this season, sweeping both Halifax and Québec before defeating Rouyn-Noranda in six games and eventually overcoming Moncton in the league final. The Saguenéens followed up an outstanding regular season in which they finished just one point shy of first overall in the QMJHL while finishing as the league’s top offensive and defensive team. Anaheim Ducks prospect Maxim Massé has been the driving force offensively after recording 102 points (51-51–102) during the regular season and continuing that production into the playoffs, where he led the club with 24 points (6-18–24). Chicoutimi also features strong offensive depth with contributions from Mavrick Lachance (10-13–23) and Nathan Lecompte (7-13–20). In goal, Ottawa Senators prospect Lucas Beckman has been a major difference-maker, posting a 1.98 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage throughout the postseason. With elite offensive production, strong defensive structure, and NHL talent throughout the lineup, the Saguenéens head to Kelowna looking to capture the first Memorial Cup championship in franchise history. Host Team – Kelowna Rockets The Kelowna Rockets return to the Memorial Cup for the sixth time in franchise history as hosts of the 2026 tournament, bringing the event back to Kelowna for the first time since 2004, when the club captured its lone Memorial Cup championship on home ice. Kelowna finished the regular season with a 38-21-6-3 record before sweeping rival Kamloops Blazers in the opening round of the WHL Playoffs. The Rockets then pushed the eventual WHL champion Everett Silvertips in the second round. Offensively, the Rockets are led by Utah Mammoth prospect Tij Iginla, who recorded a team-leading 90 points (41-49–90) in just 48 regular-season games. Captain Carson Wetsch, a San Jose Sharks prospect, added 72 points (22-50–72), while Los Angeles Kings prospect and 2026 World Junior Championship MVP Vojtech Cihar made an immediate impact after joining the club, leading Kelowna with 13 points in just nine playoff games. In goal, NHL Draft-eligible netminder Harrison Boettiger provides stability between the pipes in his first season with the club, posting a 3.06 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage in the postseason. With home ice, high-end offensive talent, and championship experience within the organization, the Rockets will look to recreate the magic of 2004 and capture a second Memorial Cup title in front of their home crowd. Tournament Schedule:

Date	Matchup	Time
Friday, May 22	Kitchener Rangers vs. Kelowna Rockets (round-robin)	9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Saturday, May 23	Kelowna Rockets vs. Chicoutimi Saguenéens (round-robin)	9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Monday, May 25	Everett Silvertips vs. Kitchener Rangers (round-robin)	9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Tuesday, May 26	Chicoutimi Saguenéens vs. Kitchener Rangers (round-robin)	9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Wednesday, May 27	Kelowna Rockets vs. Everett Silvertips (round-robin)	9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Thursday, May 28	Tie-Breaker (if necessary)	9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Friday, May 29	Semi-Final	9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Sunday, May 31	Championship Final	7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

For more information on the tournament or ticket packages, visit CHL.ca Additional Links:

Bulldogs sign free-agent forward Jason Musa

Thu, 21 May 2026 14:02:47 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the signing of UMass commit, Jason Musa from the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders to a Standard Players Agreement. Musa, an Estero, FL product, arrives in Brantford following two highly productive seasons in the USHL with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Following a dominant 2023-24 season split between Trinity-Pawling Prep School, where the gifted offensive forward posted 17 goals & 13 assists for 30 points in 25 games, & the Hartford Wolfpack 16U AAA program, posting an eyepopping 29 goals & 41 assists for 70 points in just 24 games, Musa moved to the USHL. Breaking in with a solid rookie season in 2024-25, collecting 25 points over 59 games, Musa broke out in a big way in 2025-26. Leading the Roughriders in assists & points, posting 25 goals & 31 assists for 56 points while skating to a plus-19 rating over 61 games, Musa thrived in a go to roll while excelling at both ends of the rink. The younger brother of UMass star Jack Musa and UMass grad, now playing professionally in Europe, Joey Musa, Jason will be the first member of his family to skate in the Ontario Hockey League. “I am very excited to sign with such a high-class organization.” said Jason Musa “I can’t wait to get up there, meet everybody, and play in front of the best atmosphere and fans in the OHL. I am very excited to get things started and get the Madhouse rocking come September!”. “Jason Musa is an elite player whose skill, hockey IQ, and natural goal scoring ability make him a dangerous player every time he touches the puck.” said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “Jason’s ability to create offense and finish plays adds a very dynamic element to our group. Jason is the type of player who helps elevate those around him, and his addition allows us to continue building toward our ultimate goal of hoisting the Robertson Cup.”

Bulldogs’ Paquette signs AHL contract with Texas Stars

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:10:10 +0000

The Texas Stars, American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Dallas Stars, announced today the club signed forward Charlie Paquette to a standard player contract for the 2026-27 season. Paquette, 20, played five seasons in the OHL and recorded 192 points (100-92—192) in 323 games between Guelph and Brantford. He spent most of his OHL career with Guelph, where he helped the Storm to three straight playoff appearances from 2022-24. Paquette had a breakout season in 2024-25, posting 70 points (37-33—70) in 68 games as an alternate captain. The winger started the 2025-26 campaign as Guelph’s captain and recorded 36 points (17-19—36) in 36 games, before he was traded to Brantford on Jan. 4. Paquette added 27 points (12-15—27) in 29 games for the Bulldogs, before chipping in 11 points (3-8—11) in 15 playoff contests. The 6-foot-2, 207-pound native of Essex, Ontario was originally selected by Dallas in the seventh round (222^nd overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft.

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.