OHL Conference Finals Preview

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown in the OHL Western Conference Finals as the London Knights take on the Kitchener Rangers. Both teams have had remarkable journeys to reach this point, and fans can expect a thrilling series filled with high-stakes hockey, standout performances, and intense rivalries.

Regular Season Series Recap

The London Knights and Kitchener Rangers faced off six times during the regular season, with the Knights emerging victorious in four of those matchups. London showcased their dominance throughout the season, while Kitchener proved to be a resilient opponent capable of challenging even the best teams. This history sets the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive series.

Players to Watch

For the London Knights, Easton Cowan has been a standout performer in the playoffs. The Toronto Maple Leafs prospect has been nothing short of sensational, leading the team with eight goals and 13 assists in just eight games. His ability to create scoring opportunities and deliver in clutch moments makes him a key player to watch. Additionally, Denver Barkey and Sam O’Reilly have been instrumental in London’s success, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive firepower.

On the Kitchener Rangers’ side, Luke Ellinas has been a revelation. The Ottawa Senators prospect played a pivotal role in Kitchener’s historic reverse sweep against the Windsor Spitfires, scoring crucial goals, including the overtime winner in Game 7. Ellinas leads the Rangers with six goals and 13 points in the playoffs, showcasing his knack for stepping up when it matters most. Goaltender Jackson Parsons has also been a cornerstone for Kitchener, boasting a .919 save percentage and a 2.12 goals-against average, making him a formidable last line of defense.

Playoff Performances

The London Knights have been a juggernaut in the postseason, sweeping both the Owen Sound Attack and the Erie Otters to maintain a perfect 8-0 record. Their depth and balanced attack have been key factors in their success, with multiple players averaging over a point per game. London’s power play has also been a significant weapon, operating at an impressive 30% success rate.

Meanwhile, the Kitchener Rangers have had a more arduous path to the finals. After a dramatic reverse sweep against Windsor, they enter the series with momentum and confidence. The Rangers’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure make them a dangerous opponent, despite having played more games than the well-rested Knights.

Series Outlook

Game 1 is set to take place on April 25th in London, and fans can expect a high-octane battle from the opening puck drop. Will the Knights continue their dominant run, or will the Rangers’ momentum carry them to an upset? One thing is certain: this series will be a must-watch for hockey enthusiasts.

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Eastern Conference Finals are set to deliver an exhilarating clash between the Barrie Colts and the Oshawa Generals. Both teams have fought valiantly to reach this stage, and fans can expect a series filled with high-intensity hockey, standout performances, and unforgettable moments.

Regular Season Series Recap

During the regular season, the Barrie Colts and Oshawa Generals faced off four times, with Barrie winning three of those encounters. The Colts demonstrated their offensive prowess and defensive stability, while the Generals showcased their resilience and ability to adapt. This history sets the stage for a fiercely competitive series, as both teams aim to capitalize on their strengths and exploit their opponent’s weaknesses.

Players to Watch

For the Barrie Colts, Dalyn Wakely has been a standout performer in the playoffs. Wakely has accumulated an impressive 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists) in 12 games, making him a key player to watch. His ability to create scoring opportunities and deliver in clutch moments has been instrumental in Barrie’s success. Additionally, Anthony Romani and Beau Jelsma have contributed significantly to the Colts’ offensive firepower, making them players to keep an eye on.

On the Oshawa Generals’ side, Colby Barlow has been nothing short of sensational. The Winnipeg Jets prospect leads the Generals with 21 points (9 goals, 12 assists) in 12 playoff games. Barlow’s leadership and scoring ability have been pivotal in Oshawa’s journey to the finals. Luca Marrelli and Owen Griffin have also been key contributors, providing depth and versatility to the Generals’ lineup.

Playoff Performances

The Barrie Colts have had a challenging yet rewarding playoff run. After dispatching the Niagara IceDogs in the first round with a 4-1 series win, Barrie faced a tough battle against the Kingston Frontenacs in the second round. The Colts emerged victorious in a thrilling Game 7 showdown, securing their spot in the conference finals. Barrie’s ability to perform under pressure and their balanced attack have been key factors in their success.

The Oshawa Generals, on the other hand, have showcased their resilience and determination throughout the playoffs. After defeating the Brampton Steelheads in the first round (4-2), Oshawa overcame the Brantford Bulldogs in the second round with a 4-2 series win. The Generals’ defensive stability and strong goaltending have been crucial in their playoff journey, making them a formidable opponent for Barrie.

Series Outlook

Game 1 is set to take place on April 25th at Sadlon Arena in Barrie. With both teams bringing their best to the ice, fans can expect a high-octane battle from the opening puck drop. Will the Colts continue their impressive playoff run, or will the Generals’ resilience carry them to victory? One thing is certain: this series will be a must-watch for hockey enthusiasts.

Stay tuned as these four talented teams battle it out for a spot in the OHL Finals. Let the games begin!

ATTACK’S PIERCE MBUYI EARNS EMMS FAMILY AWARD AS OHL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that Owen Sound Attack forward Pierce Mbuyi is awarded the Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year as voted by the League’s General Managers.

Mbuyi led OHL rookies with 29 goals and 52 points over 63 games, setting a new single season points record by an Owen Sound 16-year-old rookie in the process. He had a highly productive second half of the season, producing 38 points (21-17–38), including three hat-tricks, over 33 games after January 1st. Mbuyi was the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for February and earned Rookie of the Week honours three different times.

“It is a huge honour to be named OHL Rookie of the Year,” said Mbuyi. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, coaches and everyone behind the scenes in Owen Sound. I want to thank my coaches for their trust and belief in me, giving me so much opportunity to play every night. I also want to thank my billets Jason and Shirra for welcoming me into their home and treating me as one of their own. Lastly, I want to thank all my friends and family back home for all their support, I really couldn’t have done it without them.”

Selected seventh overall by the Attack from the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA program in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Mbuyi also led OHL rookies with 11 power play goals and 180 shots on goal in 2024-25. He won a silver medal with Canada Red at the 2024 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, and will be eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft.

“We are incredibly proud of what Pierce has been able to accomplish this season and to be acknowledged as the OHL Rookie of the Year is outstanding,” said Attack General Manager Dale DeGray. “With some of the players we’ve had come through Owen Sound, it’s hard to believe that Pierce is the first Attack recipient of this award. It speaks volumes to how Pierce was able to perform this season with such a young team. His skill and effort was certainly noticeable from the very start, as you could tell from the crowd’s reaction when he scored a goal. Congratulations Pierce, it’s a tremendous accomplishment.”

Mbuyi is the first player in Owen Sound’s OHL history to win the award. He follows other recent winners in Brantford Bulldogs forward Jake O’Brien (2023-24) and Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa (2022-23).

The Emms Family Award was donated by Leighton “Hap” Emms, former owner of the Barrie, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines OHL franchises. The award is selected by all 20 member team General Managers. Teams were asked to submit only one nominee from their own club for consideration on the ballot and were not permitted to vote for the player from their own hockey club.

Mbuyi finished as the front-runner in the award voting process followed by Windsor Spitfires forward Ethan Belchetz who placed second.

Pierce Mbuyi will be formally recognized as the OHL Rookie of the Year at the 2025 OHL Awards Ceremony to be held at The Hockey Hall of Fame in June.

For a complete list of OHL award winners, click here.

RANGERS’ JUSSI AHOKAS AWARDED MATT LEYDEN TROPHY AS OHL COACH OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that Kitchener Rangers Head Coach Jussi Ahokas is the 2024-25 recipient of the Matt Leyden Trophy, presented annually to the OHL Coach of the Year as voted by the League’s General Managers.

Ahokas steered the Rangers to their fourth 100-point season in franchise history, finishing with a regular season record of 47-15-4-2. Kitchener boasted the league’s second-ranked penalty kill (84.8%) and surrendered the second-fewest goals in the OHL (183) with great goaltending from Jackson Parsons.

Kitchener exceeded expectations in 2024-25, entering the year as the League’s 13th-ranked team on the preseason edition of OHL Power Rankings as voted by members of the media. The Rangers finished the campaign in second, holding down top spot for six weeks during the regular season. They went on a 10-game winning streak from Oct. 12 – Nov. 8, 2024.

“I am really honoured to receive this award,” said Ahokas. “It is a testament to the great work this team has done up to this point and I am really proud of that. This award is also a reflection of the great coaching staff around me. This wouldn’t be possible without them, so this award is shared with them.”

The Rangers benefitted from the aforementioned Parsons in the crease, while finding success with a team-wide approach led by early season addition Jack Pridham, overage forwards Adrian Misaljevic and Trent Swick, as well as draft eligible Cameron Reid and Luca Romano. Hard-hitting captain Matthew Andonovski provided leadership from the back end.

Ahokas is the first Rangers bench boss to earn the Matt Leyden Trophy since Joe McDonnell in 1988-89. Tom Barrett is the only other Rangers coach to have claimed the honour, doing so in 1983-84.

“We are extremely proud of Jussi and the entire coaching staff for earning this honour,” said Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “They spend countless hours and significant time away from their families throughout the hockey season trying to make our team and players the best they can be. It is nice to see them acknowledged for their dedication, hard work and expertise.”

Flanked on the bench by Associate Coach Jeff Kyrzakos and Assistant Coach Brad Flynn, Ahokas is the first European Head Coach in OHL history. He follows recent award recipients in Derek Laxdal of the Oshawa Generals (2023-24), Dave Cameron of the Ottawa 67’s (2022-23) and James Richmond of the Brampton Steelheads (2021-22).

“When we decided to hire Jussi it was considered an outside the box hire due to his European background and little experience in North America but he has shown how good of a coach and leader he is,” added McKenzie. “We are thankful to have him and the rest of our staff here in Kitchener and look forward to what the future holds with Jussi and his coaching staff.”

Ahokas finished as the frontrunner in award voting, trailed by both Jay McKee of the Brantford Bulldogs and Dale Hunter of the London Knights who tied for second.

A native of Oulu, Finland, Ahokas was a goaltender before transitioning to coaching in Finland’s junior ranks in 2004-05. He ascended to coach Finland to a World Junior gold medal in 2020 while also earning Finnish Liiga Coach of the Year honours that same season. He completes his second season as Head Coach in Kitchener owning an overall regular season record of 88-38-4-6, steering the Rangers to consecutive 40+ win seasons for the first time since 2007.

The Matt Leyden Trophy has been awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year as selected by his peers since 1972. The award is in recognition of the contributions of Matt Leyden, past president of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1965-67, and former manager of the Oshawa Generals who spent more than 50 years with the team.

Ahokas will be formally recognized as OHL Coach of the Year at the 2025 OHL Awards Ceremony at The Hockey Hall of Fame in June.

For a complete OHL Awards history, click here.

SPITFIRES’ ILYA PROTAS AWARDED WILLIAM HANLEY TROPHY AS OHL’S MOST SPORTSMANLIKE PLAYER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas of the Windsor Spitfires is the 2024-25 recipient of the William Hanley Trophy presented annually to the League’s Most Sportsmanlike Player as voted by OHL General Managers.

Protas finished second in OHL scoring with a total of 124 points including 50 goals and 74 assists over 61 games, recording a plus-58 rating with eight game-winning goals along the way. The 6-foot-5, 200Ib. centreman took 34 minutes in penalties.

“I’m grateful to be recognized for demonstrating good sportsmanship as it is a reflection of my commitment to competing at the highest levels of the game,” said Protas. “I’m honoured to follow in the footsteps of fellow Windsor Spitfires Wyatt Johnston and Kyle Wellwood who won this award. It’s a special award and it is great to win in this league with a lot of very talented and high character players.”

An 18-year-old from Vitebsk, Belarus, Protas was a third round (75th overall) pick by the Washington Capitals at last summer’s NHL Draft. The Spitfires selected him third overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft as he becomes the first Import to claim Most Sportsmanlike honours since Vitali Yachmenev of the North Bay Centennials back in 1995. Protas is the first player to score 50 goals in his first OHL season since Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters in 2014-15.

“What a great honour for Ilya,” said Spitfires GM Bill Bowler. “He plays the game the right way with an unbelievable hockey IQ. Ilya is able to compete and play at such a high level with such sportsmanship, which is a credit to his character. He is a great representative of the Windsor Spitfires and the Ontario Hockey League.”

Protas was named OHL Player of the Month for March and honoured as OHL Player of the Week on two occasions this season. His 2.03 points-per-game are the most over a full season by a Windsor Spitfires player since Jason Spezza (2.09) in 2000-01.

The William Hanley Trophy is awarded each year based on a selection by the 20 General Managers of the Ontario Hockey League.  All 20 teams submit a nominee but are not permitted to vote for their own candidate. The trophy is presented by the OHL to commemorate William Hanley, former Secretary-Manager of the Ontario Hockey Association for over 25 years.

Protas finished first in this year’s voting for the award, followed by runner-up Patrick Thomas of the Brantford Bulldogs.

Protas follows recent winners in Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm (2023-24), Evan Vierling of the Barrie Colts (2022-23) and Spitfires forward Wyatt Johnston (2021-22). He will be formally presented with the William Hanley Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony in June at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a complete list of OHL award winners, click here.

OHL Playoff Games Recap: April 12, 2025

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) delivered an action-packed night of playoff hockey on April 12, 2025. Fans were treated to thrilling matchups as teams battled for crucial wins to take the edge in their respective series. The London Knights, Windsor Spitfires, and Barrie Colts emerged victorious, each putting on impressive displays that set the tone for the remainder of the playoffs.

London Knights vs. Erie Otters: Dominating Performance

The London Knights showcased their might with a commanding 7-2 victory over the Erie Otters at Canada Life Place. This win gave the Knights a 2-0 lead in the series and sent a strong message to their opponents about their championship ambitions. The game was marked by stellar offensive plays and an unyielding defensive approach.

Denver Barkey’s Standout Game

Denver Barkey, the captain of the London Knights, delivered one of the most unforgettable performances of his career. Barkey tallied one goal and three assists, playing a pivotal role in the team’s victory. His playmaking ability and leadership on the ice galvanized his teammates, creating opportunities that Erie couldn’t recover from.

Turning Points in the Game

Key moments defined the game. The Knights’ relentless attack in the second period put the Otters on the backfoot, with Easton Cowan netting two critical goals to widen the gap. The Knights outshot the Otters 42-24, dominating possession and capitalizing on turnovers. The Otters managed two power-play goals, but their efforts weren’t enough to quell London’s offensive barrage.

Windsor Spitfires vs. Kitchener Rangers: A Solid Victory

At the WFCU Centre, the Windsor Spitfires powered past the Kitchener Rangers with a decisive 5-1 win. This victory not only put Windsor up 2-0 in the series but also showcased Windsor’s depth and balanced gameplay.

Windsor’s Key Players Shine

The Spitfires thrived thanks to a collective effort from their roster. Liam Greentree, a standout forward, consistently pressured the Rangers’ defense. On the power play, Windsor converted two out of eight opportunities, adding to their commanding lead. The goaltending was equally solid, keeping Kitchener to just one goal despite their offensive attempts.

Playoff Implications for Windsor and Kitchener

For Windsor, this win reignited their confidence and reestablished their presence in the series. They’ll look to carry the momentum into Game 3, knowing a victory will give them a firm foothold in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Kitchener faces an almost must-win situation in their next outing to avoid falling to 0-3.

Barrie Colts vs. Kingston Frontenacs: A High-Scoring Affair

The most explosive game of the night took place at Sadlon Arena, where the Barrie Colts outgunned the Kingston Frontenacs 7-4. Both teams pushed the pace relentlessly, delivering an offensive showcase that left fans on the edge of their seats.

Offensive Drives from Both Teams

The game was a masterclass in offense, with both the Colts and Frontenacs trading goals in a high-octane contest. While Barrie’s forward lines proved too much for Kingston’s defense, the Frontenacs put up a valiant effort, keeping the game competitive until the third period. Power plays played a smaller role, with Barrie scoring one goal on three opportunities. Kingston’s strategy revolved around their aggressive forechecking but couldn’t match Barrie’s scoring depth.

What Barrie’s Win Means for the Series

Barrie’s victory gave them a crucial 2-0 series edge, putting the Frontenacs in a precarious position. Kingston now has its back against the wall, needing to win the next game to avoid the threat of elimination. For Barrie, this win bolsters their confidence and puts them closer to punching their ticket to the next round.

Dr. Oetker’s Giuseppe Pizzeria Practice with a Pro awards Hockey Team from PEI with a once in a lifetime experience

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
As the grand prize recipient, the U11 Western Wind Girls’ Hockey Team will get to enjoy an unforgettable trip to the 2025 Memorial Cup in Rimouski & experience a once-in-a-lifetime practice with Giuseppe and WHL alumnus and Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla

TORONTO, ON — As part of its partnership with Dr. Oetker’s Giuseppe Pizzeria, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) alongside its Member Leagues – the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) – is thrilled to announce that the U11 Western Wind Girls’ Hockey Team from West Prince, P.E.I., has been selected as the winner of the Dr. Oetker Giuseppe Practice with a Pro contest.

As the grand prize recipients, the U11 Western Wind Girls’ Hockey Team will receive an unforgettable trip to the 2025 Memorial Cup in Rimouski, Québec, later this spring. They will attend a game during the CHL’s championship event, take in some of the exciting off-ice activities being organized in Rimouski, such as the Fan Fest and Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit, celebrate with a private Giuseppe pizza party, and experience a once-in-a-lifetime practice with WHL alumnus and Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla.

Created and led by Dr. Oetker’s Giuseppe Pizzeria, the Practice with a Pro contest celebrates the passion and dedication of young hockey players across Canada. Teams from coast to coast submitted their entries, sharing their love for the game and their commitment to teamwork, sportsmanship, and development. After careful consideration, the U11 Western Wind Girls’ Hockey Team emerged as the standout team, demonstrating exceptional spirit, unity, and determination.

“We are incredibly proud to support grassroots hockey and support Dr. Oetker’s Giuseppe Pizzeria as they provide these young girls with a unique opportunity to join us in Rimouski for the 2025 Memorial Cup and to learn from one of the CHL’s greatest graduates, Jarome Iginla,” stated Ryan Hudecki, Vice-President of Partnerships for the CHL. “Hockey is more than just a game – it’s about community, perseverance, and the joy of the game. Created by Dr. Oetker’s Giuseppe Pizzeria, the Practice with a Pro contest embodies the spirit of teamwork and growth, and we are excited to celebrate the U11 Western Wind Girls’ Hockey Team as this year’s winners.”

“Dr. Oetker Giuseppe Pizza is about uniting people around the table, and through our partnership with the CHL, we are cultivating leaders who embody this same spirit—on and off the ice. The Giuseppe Practice with a Pro contest celebrates Canadian youth who are making a meaningful difference in their communities by demonstrating the values of service, teamwork, and inclusivity,” says Indresh Kohli, Executive Head of Marketing at Dr. Oetker Canada Ltd. “We are proud to honor the U11 Western Wind Girls’ Hockey Team for their incredible impact in West Prince, P.E.I., and to offer them the unforgettable opportunity to practice with hockey legend Jerome Iginla at the Memorial Cup. We’re excited for another successful year of the Giuseppe Practice with a Pro program, in collaboration with the CHL and its member leagues, and look forward to inspiring even more young leaders.”

“I wanted to take a moment to express just how excited the girls were to find out about this amazing opportunity,” said Stephanie Gaudet, the Team Manager of  U11 Western Wind Girls’ Hockey Team. “Their enthusiasm was absolutely contagious, and you could see the joy in their eyes as they realized what had been made possible for them. We truly feel blessed to have such an opportunity,  and we are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support from Dr Oetker & the Giuseppe Practice with a Pro Program. This experience will have a lasting impact, and we couldn’t be more thankful.”

Hailing from the western end of Prince Edward Island, the U11 Western Wind Girls’ Hockey Team exemplifies what it means to be Canada’s Greatest Teammates. Despite coming from different associations across West Prince, P.E.I., the girls quickly bonded into a tight-knit team, proving that success is built on collaboration and trust. Their compassion was evident when they supported grieving teammates with heartfelt “sunshine boxes” filled with their favourite things, while their generosity shone through during their volunteer efforts for a local food drive ahead of the Christmas Holidays. On the ice, their extraordinary unity and dedication led them to an undefeated championship run at one of the Maritimes’ most prestigious female hockey tournaments (SEDMHA in Nova Scotia), where they defied expectations and proved that teamwork transcends individual talent. Whether supporting one another through personal hardships, giving back to their community, or competing at the highest level, the U11 Western Wind embody the true spirit of champions, making them more than just a hockey team.

Since launching in 2015, Dr. Oetker’s Giuseppe Pizzeria has supported local communities and minor hockey across the country. Believing in the power of great teammates, Giuseppe Pizzeria has celebrated minor hockey clubs and towns that are built on the foundation of great teamwork through their Dr. Oetker Giuseppe Practice with a Pro contest. For more information about this contest, please visit giuseppepracticewithapro.com.

Serving as the CHL’s championship event, the Memorial Cup is a four-team round-robin tournament played among the champions of the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), along with a host team. The 105th edition of the Memorial Cup is scheduled to take place from May 22 to June 1 in Rimouski, marking the return of the Memorial Cup to the province of Québec for the first time in 10 years. As hosts, the Rimouski Océanic will be one of four teams to participate in it alongside this season’s playoff champion from each of the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL.

SECOND ROUND OF 2025 OHL PLAYOFFS BEGINS ON THURSDAY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The quest for the J. Ross Robertson Cup is down to eight teams as the second round of the 2025 OHL Playoffs begins Thursday night with four games on the schedule.

It’s a busy week in the Ontario Hockey League as the annual Priority Selection is set for Friday night and the first half of Saturday, live across the province on YourTV and streaming online on OHL Live, before playoff action resumes at 7:00pm.

Here’s a look at the schedule of games for the second round of the OHL Playoffs.

Eastern Conference Semi-Final #1
(1) Brantford Bulldogs vs. (4) Oshawa Generals
Game 1 – Thursday, April 10 at Brantford, 7:00pm
Game 2 – Sunday, April 13 at Brantford, 2:00pm
Game 3 – Tuesday, April 15 at Oshawa, 7:05pm
Game 4 – Thursday, April 17 at Oshawa, 7:05pm
Game 5 – Saturday, April 19 at Brantford, 7:00pm*
Game 6 – Sunday, April 20 at Oshawa, 6:05pm*
Game 7 – Tuesday, April 22 at Brantford, 7:00pm*

Eastern Conference Semi-Final #2
(2) Barrie Colts vs. (3) Kingston Frontenacs
Game 1 – Thursday, April 10 at Barrie, 7:00pm
Game 2 – Saturday, April 12 at Barrie, 7:30pm
Game 3 – Tuesday, April 15 at Kingston, 7:00pm
Game 4 – Thursday, April 17 at Kingston, 7:00pm
Game 5 – Saturday, April 19 at Barrie, 7:30pm*
Game 6 – Sunday, April 20 at Kingston, 7:00pm*
Game 7 – Tuesday, April 22 at Barrie, 7:00pm*

Western Conference Semi-Final #1
(1) London Knights vs. (5) Erie Otters
Game 1 – Thursday, April 10 at London, 7:00pm
Game 2 – Saturday, April 12 at London, 7:00pm
Game 3 – Tuesday, April 15 at Erie, 7:00pm
Game 4 – Thursday, April 17 at Erie, 7:00pm
Game 5 – Friday, April 18 at London, 7:00pm*
Game 6 – Sunday, April 20 at Erie, 4:00pm*
Game 7 – Tuesday, April 22 at London, 7:00pm*

Western Conference Semi-Final #2
(2) Windsor Spitfires vs. (3) Kitchener Rangers
Game 1 – Thursday, April 10 at Windsor, 7:05pm
Game 2 – Saturday, April 12 at Windsor, 7:05pm
Game 3 – Monday, April 14 at Kitchener, 7:00pm
Game 4 – Wednesday, April 16 at Kitchener, 7:00pm
Game 5 – Friday, April 18 at Windsor, 7:05pm*
Game 6 – Sunday, April 20 at Kitchener, 7:00pm*
Game 7 – Tuesday, April 22 at Windsor, 7:05pm*

*- if necessary

See all of the OHL playoff action on OHL Live on CHL TV, with playoff packages available for purchase at watch.chl.ca.

For the full 2025 OHL Playoff Tracker, click here

April 6, 2025: OHL Playoffs Game Results

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) playoffs on April 6, 2025, brought thrilling action as teams fought to advance in their quest for the J. Ross Robertson Cup. Here’s a recap of the day’s highlights, including winners, standout players, and a look ahead at upcoming games.

April 6, 2025: Game Results

The Oshawa Generals secured a decisive 4-1 victory over the Brampton Steelheads in Game 6, clinching their series 4-2 and advancing to the second round. Owen Griffin was the star of the game, contributing two goals and an assist, while Jacob Oster made 23 saves to backstop the Generals to victory. Luke Torrance and Colby Barlow also found the back of the net for Oshawa, while Carson Rehkopf scored the lone goal for Brampton.

Series Leaders and Key Performers

Owen Griffin’s standout performance in Game 6 highlighted his importance to the Generals’ success. His power-play goal late in the second period gave Oshawa a commanding 3-0 lead, and he sealed the win with an empty-netter in the final seconds. Jacob Oster’s solid goaltending and Brayden Gillespie’s 30 saves for Brampton were also notable performances.

Stars of the Game

The stars of the day included Owen Griffin for his offensive contributions and Jacob Oster for his steady presence in net. Their efforts were instrumental in Oshawa’s series-clinching victory.

Upcoming Games

As the playoffs progress, fans can look forward to more intense matchups. The Generals will prepare for their second-round series, while other teams like the London Knights and Windsor Spitfires continue their campaigns. The schedule for the next round will be announced soon, promising more edge-of-your-seat action.

Stay tuned for more updates as the OHL playoffs unfold, showcasing the future stars of hockey and delivering unforgettable moments for fans. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or following along at home, the excitement of the OHL playoffs is unmatched.

OHL Playoff Recap: April 5, 2025

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) playoffs delivered thrilling action on April 5, with several teams advancing to the next round and standout performances lighting up the ice. Here’s a breakdown of the results, series standings, key players, and upcoming games.

Results from April 5

Brantford Bulldogs vs. North Bay Battalion
The Bulldogs eliminated the Battalion with a commanding 5-1 victory, clinching the series 4-1. Nick Lardis was the star of the night, netting a hat trick, while Calvin Crombie contributed a goal and an assist.

Barrie Colts vs. Niagara IceDogs
The Colts secured their spot in the next round with a 6-3 win, taking the series 4-1. Beau Jelsma, Dalyn Wakely, and Tristan Bertucci each recorded a goal and an assist, showcasing Barrie’s depth.

Erie Otters vs. Saginaw Spirit
The Otters triumphed 6-3, advancing with a 4-1 series victory. Martin Misiak stole the show with a hat trick and an assist, while Dylan Edwards and Sam Alfano added crucial goals.

    Series Standings

    • Eastern Conference:
      • Brantford Bulldogs advance to the semifinals.
      • Barrie Colts move forward after defeating Niagara IceDogs.
    • Western Conference:
      • Erie Otters advance to face the London Knights in the semifinals.

    Stars of the Night

    • Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs): Hat trick hero, leading his team to victory.
    • Martin Misiak (Erie Otters): Dominant performance with three goals and an assist.
    • Beau Jelsma (Barrie Colts): Key contributor with a goal and an assist.

    Upcoming Games

    The semifinals are set to begin next week, with matchups including:

    • London Knights vs. Erie Otters: A clash between the reigning champions and a determined underdog.
    • Windsor Spitfires vs. Kitchener Rangers: A battle of high-powered offenses in the Western Conference.

    Stay tuned for more updates as the OHL playoffs continue to captivate hockey fans across the league! Which team are you rooting for? 🏒✨

    OHL Playoff Action: April 4, 2025

    Posted on by Dominic Tiano

    The Ontario Hockey League playoffs delivered thrilling action on April 4, 2025, with several teams battling it out to secure their spots in the next round. Here’s a recap of the day’s games, including the winners, series leaders, and standout goal scorers.

    Windsor Spitfires vs. Soo Greyhounds

    The Windsor Spitfires clinched their series against the Soo Greyhounds with an emphatic 8-4 victory, winning the best-of-seven series 4-1. Liam Greentree was the star of the night, scoring a hat trick and adding two assists. Ryan Abraham contributed two goals and an assist, while Ilya Protas and Jack Nesbitt each added a goal and multiple assists.

    Kitchener Rangers vs. Flint Firebirds

    The Kitchener Rangers edged out the Flint Firebirds with a 2-1 win, securing their series 4-1. Christian Humphreys scored the game-winning goal early in the second period, and Tanner Lam also found the back of the net for the Rangers. Goaltender Jackson Parsons was stellar, stopping 24 of 25 shots.

    Brampton Steelheads vs. Oshawa Generals

    The Brampton Steelheads kept their playoff hopes alive with a 6-3 victory over the Oshawa Generals. The Generals still lead the series 3-2. Carson Rehkopf led the Steelheads with two goals, while Luke Misa shone with four assists. Mason Zebeski, Porter Martone, and Konnor Smith also scored for Brampton.

    The OHL playoffs are heating up, and fans can expect even more excitement as teams fight for the coveted championship. Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds!