Ontario Hockey League - Feed

Attack sign local free agent Dillon Atkinson

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:25:27 +0000

OWEN SOUND, Ont. — The Owen Sound Attack have signed Saugeen Shores free-agent forward Dillon Atkinson to a Standard Player Education & Development Agreement, bringing a local hockey story full circle as the 18-year-old continues his journey with the team he grew up watching. For Atkinson, signing with the Attack is more than simply the next step in his hockey career — it is an opportunity to play for the team he watched as a young hockey fan growing up in Saugeen Shores. Long before wearing the Attack crest himself, Atkinson was a familiar face in the stands at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, taking in Attack games with his family and participating in the mini-games and activities that have become a special part of the gameday experience for young fans. Now, years later, the Saugeen Shores product is preparing to take the ice at the Bayshore as an Attack player. “Signing with the attack means the world to me. As a young kid I went to countless games, got countless autographs, played countless intermission games on the Bayshore ice, and I’ve always known that one day I wanted to play for the Owen Sound Attack. My poppa was a longtime season ticket holder, and I just know how big he would be smiling down on me from up above right now,” said Atkinson. “This means the world to not only me, but also my entire family who have supported me through all the highs and lows of this exciting journey so far. Seeing how proud my parents are and how happy they are to see me wear the Attack jersey is one very special feeling. I cannot wait to bring some exciting hockey back to the Bayshore and bring this city the championship that they deserve.” Atkinson's path to the Attack has included stops through the local hockey system, including Saugeen Shores Minor Hockey and the Grey-Bruce Highlanders, before playing his final minor hockey season for the Niagara North Stars. He has continued to develop his game at the junior level with the St. Catharines Falcons of the GOJHL, where he has registered 26 goals and 50 assists in 96 regular season games, while adding 7 goals and 11 assists in 33 playoff games. This past season was a big year for Atkinson, being selected to play for the GOHL U18 team that competed at the St. Andrew’s College MacPherson Challenge Tournament and selected to participate in the GOHL Top Prospects game at the OHL’s 2026 Connor McDavid Top Prospects event. “Dillon is a player who has continued to work hard and develop throughout his hockey career,” said Attack President and General Manager, Tyler Nother. “What makes this signing especially exciting is that he is a local player who understands what it means to play for the Owen Sound Attack. He grew up watching this team, coming to games at the Bayshore and dreaming about one day being on the ice. Now he has earned that opportunity through his work and dedication to the sport.” For the Attack organization, Atkinson's signing represents another opportunity to develop a player with strong ties to the local hockey community. “Having a hometown player come through our system and earn an opportunity like this is something everyone in our organization can be proud of,” said Nother. “Dillon has a great opportunity in front of him, and we're excited to continue helping him develop as both a player and a person.” Atkinson, becomes the first local hockey product since now NHL defenceman Kurtis MacDermid to pursue the dream of playing major junior hockey in Owen Sound. For Atkinson, the significance of the moment is not lost on him. “When Tyler and Keenan approached me this summer about the possibility of playing for my hometown OHL team, I knew right away that Owen Sound was the place I wanted to be. Being able to play at home in-front of hundreds of friends and family every night is an opportunity I will never take for granted” said Atkinson. “Being the first local player to do this since Kurtis MacDermind does not weigh lightly on me, and it’s an honour to go out each and every night and represent the Grey and Bruce communities. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and can’t wait to put on the Owen Sound logo that I’ve always dreamed of wearing.”

OHL unveils 2026-27 Friday Night Faceoff schedule

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:00:35 +0000

TORONTO – The Ontario Hockey League today announced its 2026-27 Friday Night Faceoff schedule, unveiling a 26-game season-long showcase that will bring a featured OHL matchup to fans every Friday night throughout the regular season. In partnership with FloHockey, YourTV, Rogers tv and Eastlink Community TV, Friday Night Faceoff returns for a second season with all 20 OHL clubs featured on the schedule and games available live and free across FloHockey’s social platforms. The 2026-27 Friday Night Faceoff schedule opens in championship fashion on Friday, September 18, as the reigning OHL Champion Kitchener Rangers raise their J. Ross Robertson Cup championship banner to the rafters of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium before hosting the Owen Sound Attack. The opening-night celebration follows a memorable 2025-26 season in Kitchener that saw the Rangers capture their fifth OHL championship and first since 2008. From there, Friday Night Faceoff will travel across the League over 26 weeks, highlighting rivalries, top NHL prospects and marquee matchups from September through the final weekend of the regular season. All 20 OHL clubs are included at least twice on the initial schedule, with games originating from markets across Ontario, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The schedule also features a special Friday Night Faceoff from Cornwall on October 16, when the Brampton Steelheads meet the Ottawa 67’s at the Cornwall Civic Complex as part of the OHL Seaway Shootout. Other featured matchups include the Saginaw Spirit visiting the Guelph Storm on December 11, the Oshawa Generals travelling to the nation’s capital to face the Ottawa 67’s on December 18, the Kingston Frontenacs visiting the Sarnia Sting on January 22 and the Windsor Spitfires visiting the Brantford Bulldogs on February 12. The regular season Friday Night Faceoff schedule concludes March 19 when the Barrie Colts visit the Niagara IceDogs.

2026-27 Friday Night Faceoff Schedule

Date	Matchup
Friday, Sept. 18	Owen Sound Attack at Kitchener Rangers
Friday, Sept. 25	Niagara IceDogs at Saginaw Spirit
Friday, Oct. 2	Peterborough Petes at Kingston Frontenacs
Friday, Oct. 9	Owen Sound Attack at Guelph Storm
Friday, Oct. 16	Brampton Steelheads vs. Ottawa 67’s – Cornwall
Friday, Oct. 23	Sarnia Sting at London Knights
Friday, Oct. 30	Peterborough Petes at Kingston Frontenacs
Friday, Nov. 6	Erie Otters at Flint Firebirds
Friday, Nov. 13	Brantford Bulldogs at Guelph Storm
Friday, Nov. 20	Kitchener Rangers at North Bay Battalion
Friday, Nov. 27	Barrie Colts at Sudbury Wolves
Friday, Dec. 4	Soo Greyhounds at Oshawa Generals
Friday, Dec. 11	Saginaw Spirit at Guelph Storm
Friday, Dec. 18	Oshawa Generals at Ottawa 67’s
Friday, Jan. 1	Peterborough Petes at Guelph Storm
Friday, Jan. 8	Windsor Spitfires at Sudbury Wolves
Friday, Jan. 15	Flint Firebirds at Erie Otters
Friday, Jan. 22	Kingston Frontenacs at Sarnia Sting
Friday, Jan. 29	Sudbury Wolves at Saginaw Spirit
Friday, Feb. 5	Brampton Steelheads at London Knights
Friday, Feb. 12	Windsor Spitfires at Brantford Bulldogs
Friday, Feb. 19	North Bay Battalion at Flint Firebirds
Friday, Feb. 26	Owen Sound Attack at London Knights
Friday, Mar. 5	Brampton Steelheads at Ottawa 67’s
Friday, Mar. 12	Brantford Bulldogs at Soo Greyhounds
Friday, Mar. 19	Barrie Colts at Niagara IceDogs

The OHL will maintain flexibility throughout the season to adjust Friday Night Faceoff selections as storylines develop. While the schedule above establishes the League’s planned weekly matchups, games may be flexed during the season to spotlight emerging teams, marquee players, rivalry matchups and games with increased significance in the OHL standings and playoff race. The flexible format will allow Friday Night Faceoff to continue showcasing the League’s most compelling stories as the season unfolds while providing fans with a consistent weekly destination for free OHL hockey. Friday Night Faceoff continues to build on the OHL’s commitment to making its games more accessible to fans. In partnership with FloHockey and the League’s community television partners at YourTV, Rogers tv, and Eastlink Community TV, the weekly showcase brings together local OHL broadcast coverage with free digital distribution throughout the season.

How to Watch Friday Night Faceoff

Friday Night Faceoff is available live and free every Friday across FloHockey’s social platforms. Coverage begins with the Friday Night Faceoff pre-game show at 6:30 p.m. ET, leading into the featured matchup. Fans can watch Friday Night Faceoff free on:

FloHockey YouTube
FloHockey X
FloHockey Facebook

Every OHL regular season and playoff game is also available live and on demand with a FloHockey subscription at FloHockey.tv or through the FloSports app.

Friday Night Faceoff FAQ

What is Friday Night Faceoff? Friday Night Faceoff is the OHL’s weekly featured Friday night broadcast, highlighting one matchup from around the League and making it available live and free to fans. Is Friday Night Faceoff free to watch? Yes. The featured game is streamed live and free across FloHockey’s YouTube, X and Facebook channels. When does Friday Night Faceoff coverage begin? The Friday Night Faceoff pre-game show begins at 6:30 p.m. ET ahead of the featured matchup. Can the Friday Night Faceoff matchup change? Yes. The OHL may flex games during the season to feature emerging storylines, marquee matchups and games with increased significance in the standings or playoff race. Any changes to the published schedule will be communicated in advance through OHL and FloHockey channels. How can I watch every OHL game? Every OHL regular season and playoff game is available live and on demand with a FloHockey subscription. Visit FloHockey.tv or download the FloSports app to watch throughout the season.

Bulldogs sign 10th round pick Bo Christini

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:26:33 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO - Brantford Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Spencer Hyman has announced the signing of forward Bo Christini to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Christini, of Collegeville, PA, was originally selected in the 10^th round, 201^st overall by the Bulldogs in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection Draft and has been a standout since arriving. Christini’s performace shouldn’t be too surprising following a tremendous pair of seasons with the Bishop Kearney Selects at the 14U & 15U levels. Posting 21 goals 50 assists for 71 points with the 14U side across 44gp in 2024-25, adding 6 points in 4 games at the 14U Nationals. Christini improved his numbers in his draft season, striking for 29 goals to go along with 49 assists for 78 points in 45gp. Arriving in Brantford with a mission through camp and into the pre-season, Christini recorded a pair of goals and an assist in 3 games while putting 7 shots on goal and skating to a plus-3 rating. Though he stands 5’6”/146, the electric right-winger will remind long time Bulldogs fans of similar young upstarts in Avery Hayes & George Diaco and similar to Diaco’s beginning, Christini will begin his junior career on assignment with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres of the OJHL. “Bo Christini is proof that every pick matters.” said Hyman. “After being selected 201st overall, he came to camp determined to earn this opportunity, and that is exactly what he did. Bo’s work ethic, competitiveness and performance have earned him a Standard Player Agreement with the Bulldogs. He has a bright future with our organization, and we’re excited to support his continued development and watch him thrive with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres this season.”

Wolves broadcaster Bowen named lead play-by-play voice of Toronto Marlies

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:00:09 +0000

Sudbury Wolves play-by-play broadcaster David Bowen is taking the next step in his broadcasting career, joining the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies for the 2026-27 season. Bowen will serve as the Marlies’ lead play-by-play voice for the majority of the club’s home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum while continuing in his role with the Wolves, where he enters his fifth season behind the microphone. “It’s an honour to join the Toronto Marlies as the team’s lead play-by-play broadcaster,” said Bowen. “The Marlies have a proud history and an incredibly passionate fan base, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to tell the stories of this team and its players throughout the season. I’m looking forward to working alongside the organization and bringing Marlies hockey to fans across the region and beyond.” The opportunity continues a unique journey in Sudbury for Bowen, who has gone from Wolves goaltender to the club’s play-by-play voice. The Unionville, ON native was selected by Sudbury in the 13th round of the 2016 OHL Priority Selection. A goaltender like his father, longtime Toronto Maple Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen, David went on to appear in seven games with the Wolves while spending much of his junior career with the Rayside-Balfour Canadians of the NOJHL. After his playing career, Bowen attended Laurentian University’s Sports Administration program and began exploring opportunities in broadcasting. An early stint calling games for the Sudbury Nickel Capitals eventually led to an opportunity to return to the Wolves organization. Bowen joined the Wolves’ broadcast team ahead of the 2022-23 season, initially handling road games and select home contests. His role has since expanded to include play-by-play across the club’s radio, television and webcast broadcasts, along with hosting podcast content. His move to the Marlies also continues a longstanding Bowen family connection between Sudbury and professional hockey in Toronto. Joe Bowen began his broadcasting career calling Wolves games in the 1970s before becoming the Maple Leafs’ play-by-play voice in 1982. David and Joe have since shared the booth for both OHL and NHL action. Earlier this year, they called a Wolves game together at Sudbury Community Arena as part of the club’s Family Day celebration honouring Joe’s broadcasting career. Bowen has credited his playing background with helping shape his approach behind the microphone, particularly his ability as a former goaltender to read developing plays. “When you go up above, you can see it a little better than you can on the ice,” Bowen told Ben Leeson of the Sudbury Star earlier this year. “You can read where the next pass is going to go and that helps you identify the guy who is about to get the puck, not just the guy who has it. I think being a goalie gives you a bit of a unique perspective when you start calling the game, because you’re kind of doing the same thing as when you were playing. You’re just not facing the shots.” Bowen will be joined on the Marlies broadcast team by Matt Cullen and Ben Shulman, who will each call a selection of home games during the 2026-27 season. Marlies games will be available live and on-demand on FloHockey and the FloSports app.

Bulldogs sign Trent Clow

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 18:57:08 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO - Brantford Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Spencer Hyman have announced the signing of forward Trent Clow to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Clow, from Cobourg, ON, was selected in the 5^th round, 89^th overall from the Quinte Red Devils U16 AAA program in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection Draft. After starring with the Quinte Red Devils U15 side, posting 17 goals & 20 assists for 37 points in 29 games, as well as Cobourg Collegiate Institute high school. In the 2025-26 season, leading into the OHL Draft, the 6’2”/181 left-shot centerman put focus on his complete game, becoming a key engine for the Red Devils in all situations while posting 9 goals & 12 assists for 21 points in 34 games before breaking out offensively in the playoffs striking for 4 goals and adding 6 assists for 10 points across 10 OMHA playoff games. Clow added another three goals in 4 games at the OHL Cup, leading the Red Devils in goal scoring. Clow impressed at both Brantford Bulldogs training camp and in his opportunities in the pre-season, showing his potential to play a significant role in the Bulldogs future. He is expected to return to the Quinte Red Devils U18 AAA for the 2026-27 season, but will be eligible to be recalled to the Bulldogs. “Trent is a smart, competitive young centre who has shown real promise in the dots.” said Hyman. We’re excited to watch him continue developing with Quinte and Cobourg, playing important minutes and building toward a future with the Bulldogs.”.

Knights alumnus Bo Horvat named NY Islanders captain

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 18:42:42 +0000

The New York Islanders announced today that forward Bo Horvat has been named the 16^th captain in the organization’s 54-year history. Horvat, 31, scored a team-leading 31 goals and posted 57 points in 68 games last season with the Islanders. It marked five straight seasons with at least 28 goals for Horvat, who leads all Islanders in goals (99) and points (198) since joining the club in 2023. Originally selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft, Horvat has 618 career points (300 goals, 318 assists) in 881 career NHL games with the Canucks and Islanders. He's added 21 points (13 goals, eight assists) in 34 career Stanley Cup Playoff games.

A native of London, Ontario, Horvat served as the 14th captain in Canucks history from 2019-2023 before being traded to the Islanders on January 30, 2023. He's served as an Islanders alternate captain each of the last two seasons and is a two-time NHL All-Star (2017, 2023). On the international stage, Horvat represented Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, recording two goals in six games to help Team Canada win the silver medal. He also represented Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, posting eight points (four goals, four assists) in six games, and previously competed at the 2018 World Championship, 2014 World Junior Championship and 2012 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. Prior to his professional career, Horvat played three seasons with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, winning the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the OHL's most valuable player of the 2013 playoffs.

2026-27 Season Preview: Barrie Colts

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 18:03:43 +0000

The Barrie Colts enter 2026-27 coming off a season that took them all the way to the OHL Championship Series. Barrie finished atop the Central Division for the second consecutive year with a 45-14-5-4 record, powered by a dominant second half that saw the Colts become the first team in the league to reach 40 wins. Their postseason run was highlighted by a remarkable comeback against the Brantford Bulldogs in the Eastern Conference Championship Series. Down 3-1 after dropping the first two games on home ice, the Colts battled back with consecutive overtime victories in Games 5 and 6 before delivering their best performance of the series in a 5-0 Game 7 win to capture the Bobby Orr Trophy. Their run ultimately ended against the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL Championship Series. The challenge now is following it up with a roster that looks considerably different, particularly up front. First-round NHL Draft picks Cole Beaudoin and Kashawn Aitcheson have turned pro, while standout goaltender Ben Hrebik was dealt to Guelph in the offseason. With much of last season’s forward group also moving on, Barrie will be asking a new collection of players to take on larger responsibilities. There is a change away from the ice as well with a new ownership group in place, but there will be continuity behind the bench. Dylan Smoskowitz returns for his second season as head coach after recording 45 wins in his first year, the most by a first-year OHL head coach since Craig Hartsburg in 1994-95. After coming within one series of an OHL championship, the Colts begin a new season with a much different-looking roster and plenty of opportunity for their next wave to step forward. Starting Six: * The Starting Six does not represent a projected lineup, but instead highlights six key players to watch entering the 2026-27 season. FORWARD | Carter Lowe 2025-26: 63 GP, 11G, 11A, 22 PTS Few players on this year’s roster know Barrie better than Carter Lowe. The longtime Colt enters his overage season having spent his entire OHL career with the organization. Lowe recorded 22 points in 63 games last season before gaining valuable experience during Barrie’s run to the OHL Championship Series. With the Colts turning over much of their forward group, his experience should become particularly valuable on a younger-looking roster. FORWARD | William Schneid 2025-26: 67 GP, 12G, 11A, 23 PTS William Schneid made the most of his first full season in Barrie, recording 12 goals and 23 points across 67 games. Originally selected in the 15th round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Schneid has worked his way into a regular role at the OHL level. The University of Connecticut commit will have an opportunity to build on that progress this season as Barrie looks for returning forwards to help replace some of the offence that departed over the summer. FORWARD | Anthony Figliomeni 2025-26: 55 GP, 6G, 7A, 13 PTS Anthony Figliomeni is one of the new faces joining Barrie’s forward group this season after being acquired from the Oshawa Generals in an offseason trade. The 2008-born forward spent parts of two seasons with Oshawa, gaining valuable OHL experience before making the move to Barrie. Coming off a season in which he recorded six goals and 13 points in 55 games, Figliomeni will have an opportunity to carve out a role with a Colts team featuring plenty of change up front. DEFENCEMAN | Justin Handsor 2025-26: 59 GP, 4G, 10A, 14 PTS Justin Handsor enters his fourth season with the Colts after putting together the most productive campaign of his OHL career. The veteran defenceman recorded four goals and 14 points in 59 games, more than tripling his offensive production from the previous season. With some significant pieces departing Barrie’s blue line, Handsor's experience gives the Colts an established presence on the back end. DEFENCEMAN | Evan Passmore 2025-26: 66 GP, 3G, 7A, 10 PTS At 6-foot-5, Evan Passmore brings plenty of size and experience to Barrie’s blue line as he enters his fourth season with the organization. Selected by the New York Rangers in the 2025 NHL Draft, Passmore appeared in 66 games last season, recording 10 points. With players like Aitcheson moving on to the professional ranks, Passmore will be one of the experienced returning defencemen Barrie can lean on this season. GOALTENDER | Hagen Bach 2025-26 (Collingwood Blues): 16 GP, 2.25 GAA, .915 SV% With Hrebik gone, there is an opportunity in the Barrie crease, and Hagen Bach enters the season as one of the intriguing options. Bach spent last season with the OJHL’s Collingwood Blues, posting a 2.25 goals-against average and .915 save percentage across 16 appearances. He also made his OHL debut with the Colts in November. The Cornell University commit will now look to translate his success last year into a larger opportunity in Barrie. Breakout Watch: Emon Edgar – C 2025-26: 49 GP, 6G, 10A, 16 PTS Originally selected 35th overall in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Emon Edgars showed plenty of promise during his first season in the league. He recorded six goals and 16 points across 49 games while gaining valuable experience on a Colts team that played deep into the spring. With opportunity available throughout Barrie’s forward group, the 17-year-old will look to build on that foundation in year two. “Emon had an outstanding rookie year, and we’re excited to see him build on that experience this season.” – Vice President and General Manager, Marty Williamson Lucas Matheson – D 2025-26 (Barrie Colts U16 AAA): 98 GP, 48G, 59A, 107 PTS Few incoming defencemen arrive with the offensive numbers Lucas Matheson produced last season. The captain of the Barrie Colts U16 AAA program recorded 48 goals and 107 points across 98 games and led OMHA U16 defencemen in scoring. Barrie selected Matheson 17th overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, and the young blueliner has wasted little time making an impression. He recorded five goals and seven points through his first four preseason games, offering an early glimpse of the offence he could bring to the Colts. “Lucas is a dynamic young defenceman and a bright spot in the future of our organization.” – Vice President and General Manager, Marty Williamson Declan McNally – D 2025-26 (Don Mills Flyers U16 AAA): 59 GP, 7G, 26A, 33 PTS Declan McNally gives Barrie another highly regarded young defenceman to watch. Originally selected seventh overall by the Guelph Storm in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, McNally was acquired by the Colts in an offseason trade. The 6-foot-6, 184-pound LaSalle, Ont., native recorded seven goals and 33 points in 59 games with the Don Mills Flyers U16 AAA before adding four points in five games at the 2026 OHL Cup. McNally was also among the OHL prospects invited to Canada’s national under-17 development camp this summer. “Declan is a big, mobile young defenceman who we see as an important part of our future.” – Vice President and General Manager, Marty Williamson Futures Watch: Get to know the next wave of Barrie’s talent by revisiting the Colts’ 2026 draft class and new additions in our Futures Watch feature. The Outlook: Barrie is coming off a 45-win season and an Eastern Conference championship, but this will not be the same Colts team that came within four wins of an OHL title. The departures of Beaudoin, Aitcheson and Hrebik leave significant holes, while an almost entirely new-look forward group will need time to establish itself. The blue line offers an interesting mix of experience and youth, and the crease will be one of the biggest areas to watch following Hrebik’s departure. There may be some growing pains with so many players stepping into larger roles, but Smoskowitz showed in his first season behind the bench that he can get plenty out of his group. After back-to-back Central Division titles and a trip to the OHL Championship Series, Barrie enters 2026-27 with a different challenge: finding out how quickly its next wave can turn opportunity into another winning season. Opening Night: Friday, September 18th Barrie Colts at North Bay Battalion | 7:00 p.m. Fans can catch all the action live on FloHockey.

OHL Media Poll: Picks and predictions for 2026-27

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:24:37 +0000

Accredited media members from across the OHL put together some of their predictions ahead of puckdrop for the 2026-27 season. Here's a look at this year's OHL Preseason Media Poll that features 14 different submissions from across the league, along with some brief analysis for each category. Watch the OHL all season long in the community on local Eastlink TV, Rogers tv and YourTV stations, as well as streaming online at flohockey.tv. Which team will win the Midwest Division? Guelph Storm (71%) "The Memorial Cup hosts loaded up, while the rest of the division (minus London) feel like they're a year or two away from contending. It is Guelph's division to lose." Honourable Mention: London Knights (21%) Which team will win the West Division? Saginaw Spirit (79%) "New coach, same ol' high-powered offence, especially because signing an ELC upped the likelihood that Klepov would be back in Michigan this season." Honourable Mention: Sarnia Sting (14%) Which team will win the East Division? Ottawa 67's (50%) "The 67's will live and die with Ekberg and Whitehead, so if they have great seasons then the 67's should win the East." Honourable Mention: Kingston Frontenacs (29%) Which team will win the Central Division? Sudbury Wolves (50%) "I think it's a tough call between Sudbury and North Bay, but Adams could be a high-impact addition to the Wolves despite being just 16-years-old." Honourable Mention: North Bay Battalion (43%) Which team will be the most surprising? Sarnia Sting (29%) "Mathieu Turcotte has a full season in front him, and I think the Sting can start to turn things around with notable additions like Katolicky and Tkach-Tkachenko factoring into that success." Honourable Mention: Owen Sound Attack (21%) Which player will lead the league in scoring? Dima Zhilkin, Saginaw Spirit (36%) "Loves to score, and when you have a lethal release like he does, you can see why." Honourable Mention: Nikita Klepov, Saginaw Spirit (14%) Who will be the league's best goaltender? Ben Hrebik, Guelph Storm (57%) "He was great all season in Barrie, and turned it up to another level in the playoffs, carrying the Colts to an Eastern Conference title. This might go down as the single biggest addition any team made this past summer, and it came at a relatively low cost." Honourable Mention: Ryerson Leenders, Owen Sound Attack; Jaeden Nelson, Ottawa 67's (14% each) Who will be the league's best defenceman? Levi Harper, Saginaw Spirit (43%) "I expect Harper to score a ridiculous amount of points this year, especially on the power play. The Max Kaminsky should be a wide-open race with the league-wide turnover, but I do believe Harper should be considered the preseason favourite." Honourable Mention: Henry Brzustewicz, London Knights; Kohyn Eshkawkogan, Ottawa 67's; Linus Funck, Oshawa Generals (14% each) Who will be the league's top rookie? Tanner Adams, Sudbury Wolves (21%) "I'm going to believe the hype. The Wolves paid 15 draft picks for a player who many consider the top 2010-born player out there. He'd be following in the footsteps of Quinton Byfield to win this award." Kane Cloutier, Oshawa Generals (21%) "With the state of the Oshawa Generals, there is no reason not to throw Cloutier right into the fire. I know you should proceed with caution with 16-year-olds, but he should be playing top-six minutes by Christmas." Adrian Sgro, Sarnia Sting (21%) "So many rookies looked outstanding in the preseason. Sgro looks poised to be an immediate impact player on what should be a strong Sarnia team. It's been four years since a defender won this award, but I think Sgro could do it." Who will win Coach of the Year honours? Troy Mann, Kingston Frontenacs (29%) “Mann’s tenure in Kingston has seen moderate success to this point, but with good goaltending and the roster coming back a year older, there’s potential for the Fronts to hit their stride in 2026-27.” Honourable Mention: Ryan Oulahen, North Bay Battalion (21%) Who will be the league's top prospect for the 2027 NHL Draft? Jaakko Wycisk, Guelph Storm (46%) "Dima Zhilkin will get all the early attention, but with a guaranteed ticket to the Memorial Cup, Wycisk has a chance to open some eyes. He already has garnered some looks after his performance with Team Canada this summer." Honourable Mention: Dima Zhilkin, Saginaw Spirit (38%) Who will be the league's most outstanding player of the year? Dima Zhilkin, Saginaw Spirit (23%) "If he's leading the league in scoring and the Spirit are above the middle of the pack, he's likely the Red Tilson winner." Ryan Roobroeck, Guelph Storm (23%) "Missed a large chunk of games last season and will be determined to show he's one of the league's best when the puck is on his stick." Honourable Mention: Tyler Hopkins, Guelph Storm; Nikita Klepov, Saginaw Spirit (15% each) Who will win the Wayne Gretzky Trophy as Western Conference champion? Guelph Storm (85%) "How can you argue with the talent they've acquired in the offseason? The West is Guelph's to lose at this point." Who will win the Bobby Orr Trophy as Eastern Conference champion? Ottawa 67's (38%) "We saw what a hot goalie could do for a team last season with Ben Hrebik. I think Jaeden Nelson has that potential to lead the 67's to its first OHL final since 2019." Peterborough Petes (38%) "I think Mike Oke addresses the goaltending position, maybe adds a big-name defenceman to accompany Peterborough's high-octane offence centred around Novotny and Dennis on the flanks." Honourable Mention: Kingston Frontenacs (15%) Who will win the Robertson Cup as OHL champion? Guelph Storm (85%) "The host of the Memorial Cup has not entered the front door by winning their respective league title since Kitchener did it in 2008. I think that streak ends this year when the Guelph Storm take home the OHL crown."

Otters sign defenceman Colton Cribari

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:31:13 +0000

Erie, Pennsylvania - General Manager Dave Brown and Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve announced that defenceman Colton Cribari has been signed to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Cribari comes to the Otters after being selected by Erie in the sixth round, #103 overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. He is coming off of a fantastic season with the Markham Majors U16AAA program, where in 92 total games, he put up a total of 85 points (14G+71A) between the GTHL and other U16 games. Cribari also had a great OHL Cup with the Majors, tallying eight assists across five games played at the tournament. The native of Markham, ON is noted as a strong offensive defenseman who can contribute in all three zones. Cribari spoke with excitement about joining the Otters organization and discussed what he will bring on a nightly basis to the organization. "I'm really excited and grateful to sign with the Erie Otters," Cribari said. "This is a really special opportunity for me, and I'm thankful to everyone who has helped me get to this point. I'm looking forward to being around the organization, learning from the coaches and players, and continuing to work hard and develop. I'm really happy to be an Otter and excited for what's ahead." Grieve spoke on what Cribari brings to the Otters blueline as the club continues to strengthen its prospect pool. "We would like to welcome Colton and the Cribari family to Erie," Grieve said. "Colton is a smart, puck moving defenseman who we believe has a high ceiling. The long term of potential that Colton possesses is exciting to our group."

Colts sign import forward Elias Matousek

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:11:30 +0000

The Barrie Colts have signed forward Elias Matousek to an Ontario Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement. Matousek joins the Colts after being selected by Barrie in the second round (110th overall) of the 2026 CHL Import Draft.

Born June 5, 2009 in Plzeň, Czechia, the six-foot-two, 198-pound right winger enjoyed a breakout campaign this past season with HC Energie Karlovy Vary's U17 squad in Czechia U17, piling up 38 goals and 29 assists for 67 points in 31 regular-season games before adding a goal and two assists in four playoff contests. Matousek also saw regular time up a level with Karlovy Vary's U20 club in Czechia U20, contributing 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points across 16 games as a 16-year-old skating against players up to four years his senior.

General Manager Marty Williamson said Matousek had been on Barrie's radar for some time.

"He's a guy we had targeted for a while and he fits our development path."