Toronto, Ont. – The 2022-23 regular season is winding down, the playoffs are right around the corner, and the 2023 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore is under a month away, taking place Friday, April 21st and Saturday, April 22nd.
The results of the OHL Priority Selection Draft Lottery will be formally announced next Wednesday, March 29th at 6:00pm, streaming live for free on CHL TV. The Draft Lottery will determine the order of selection for the first four picks of the first round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection as well as the 2023 OHL U-18 Priority Selection (held April 26th) and the 2023 CHL Import Draft.
Non-playoff teams the Niagara IceDogs, Erie Otters, Soo Greyhounds and one of the Kingston Frontenacs or Oshawa Generals will be involved in this year’s Lottery, one that sees the introduction of a weighted system that provides a 40 percent opportunity for the last-placed team (Niagara IceDogs) to garner the first overall selection. The three other participating teams will have adjusted proportionate odds, with the 19th place Erie Otters (30 percent), 18th place team (20 percent) and 17th place team (10 percent) also vying for the top selection.
The 2022-23 OHL regular season comes to a conclusion on Sunday, March 26th, with the four participating non-playoff teams established in their respective positions in the OHL standings.
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League, in partnership with the Greater Toronto Hockey League, announced today the ten teams that have qualified to compete in Wild Card play-in games on Tuesday, March 28th ahead of preliminary play at the 2023 OHL Cup that begins on Wednesday, March 29th.
The 2023 OHL Cup will feature the top 20 Under-16 ‘AAA’ teams from Ontario and the United States. The showcase will run from March 28 to April 3, 2023. All games will be played at Scotiabank Pond in Toronto before the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday, April 3rd.
Fifteen teams will be guaranteed a spot in the showcase, with a series of Wild Card play-in games to determine the remaining five entries. Ten teams will take part in a one-game “win and you’re in” match-up prior to the start of the OHL Cup on Tuesday, March 28th. Five of the OHL Cup Wild Card teams qualified to earn their opportunity while an additional five were chosen by an OHL Cup Selection Committee based off their performance throughout the 2022-23 season.
The Greater Toronto Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey League will host a live Selection Show on Monday, March 27th at 6:00pm to determine the match-ups and home/away seeding for the Wild Card play-in games. The Selection Show will feature a random draw conducted by GTHL General Manager Peter Kourtis and Brodie Barrick, the OHL’s Director of Recruitment and Player Services. The Selection Show will be hosted on the GTHL’s official Twitch channel.
The five winning teams from the Wild Card play-in matchups will advance to the OHL Cup tournament, with preliminary round action beginning the morning of Wednesday, March 29th.
2023 OHL Cup Wild Card Teams:
Qualifying Wild Card Teams: 5th Place Team, OMHA Championships: Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs 6th Place Team, OMHA Championships: Ajax-Pickering Raiders 5th Place Team, GTHL Playoffs: Vaughan Kings 6th Place Team, GTHL Playoffs: Don Mills Flyers 5th Place, ALLIANCE (Highest remaining seed): Lambton Jr. Sting
OHL Cup Selection Committee Wild Card Teams: Toronto Young Nationals (GTHL) Central Ontario Wolves (OMHA) Burlington Eagles (OMHA) Whitby Wildcats (OMHA) Barrie Jr. Colts (OMHA)
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 15 edition of the weekly U16 AAA rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.
The 2023 OHL Cup will feature 20 teams consisting of talent eligible for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Starting with Wild Card Play-In matchups on Tuesday, March 28, all games will be played at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday, April 3.
The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.
U16 AAA Rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup – Week 15
RANK:
TEAM:
LAST WEEK
WEEKS RANKED
1
Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)*
1
15
2
Peterborough Jr. Petes (OMHA)*
2
15
3
Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)*
5
15
4
Halton Hurricanes (OMHA)*
3
15
5
York-Simcoe Express (OMHA)*
4
15
6
Mississauga Senators (GTHL)*
6
14
7
London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)*
8
15
8
Mississauga Rebels (GTHL)*
7
11
9
Southern Tier Admirals (OMHA)*
10
9
10
Waterloo Wolves (ALLIANCE)*
–
2
Honourable Mention:
Don Mills Flyers (GTHL)
–
–
Vaughan Kings (GTHL)
–
12
Huron-Perth Lakers (ALLIANCE)*
9
2
*- clinched spot in 2023 OHL Cup
The 15th edition of the weekly OHL Cup Rankings features four more teams that have clinched spots in the annual showcase. The OMHA champion Peterborough Minor Petes defeated the Southern Tier Admirals in triple-overtime on Sunday as Kaiden Harmon was the hero, helping the Petes lead an OMHA quartet that also includes Southern Tier, the Halton Hurricanes and York-Simcoe Express into next week’s tournament. The Toronto Marlboros and Toronto Jr. Canadiens are into the GTHL Championship Series, a best two-of-three matchup that begins tonight in Toronto. In the ALLIANCE, the 10th-ranked Waterloo Wolves have advanced to the Championship Final and await the winner of a series between the London Jr. Knights and Sun County Panthers.
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
, – APRIL 16: OHL CUP U14 on April 16, 2022 in , Ontario, . (Photo by {Kevin Sousa}/)
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), is proud to announce the return of the Under-14 (U14) OHL Cup presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO).
The event will comprise of 12 U14 AAA teams from across the province and include the top teams (as indicated below) from Ontario Member Partners:
OMHA – Champion, Finalist, 3rd Place Team (3)
GTHL – Champion, Finalist, 3rd Place Team (3)
Alliance – Champion, Finalist (2)
HEO – Champion, Finalist (2)
NOHA – Champion, Finalist (2)
The U14 OHL Cup will take place at Joshua’s Creek Arena in Oakville on April 14-16, 2023 and provide the players and parents with an introduction to the OHL, along with showing them an exciting experience to end their season.
Last year, the Vaughan Kings defeated the York-Simcoe Express in the final to win the inaugural event.
“The OHL is proud to continue its support of minor hockey at the grassroots level as we partner with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association to present this very exciting opportunity for U14 AAA players,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “Last year we saw the Vaughan Kings crowned as inaugural U14 OHL Cup champions. We once again look forward to an outstanding weekend of hockey played by 12 of the best teams in the province.”
“We are excited for the return of the U14 OHL Cup,” said OMHA Executive Director Ian Taylor. “We are thankful for the support from Dairy Farmers of Ontario and Ontario Hockey League and looking forward to hosting this premier event for U14 AAA teams from across the province.”
“Dairy Farmers of Ontario is proud to partner with OMHA and OHL to once again sponsor this tournament and support all the talented athletes competing this year,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer at DFO. “On behalf of Ontario’s 3,273 dairy producers and their families, we want to wish all the young athletes good luck and recognize the work it took for them to be part of the top 12 teams at the U14 OHL Cup.”
More information will be released closer to the event, including schedule and live streaming details.
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
About the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Founded in 1935, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) is the largest minor hockey association in the world. From entry-level to high performance, it oversees programming and events at the U6-U21 age groups that service a participant base of over 92,000. The OMHA works with players, coaches, trainers, officials, hockey volunteers and parents across 212 Associations and 28 leagues to ensure a meaningful experience for all.
About Dairy Farmers of Ontario Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk for a dynamic, profitable growing dairy industry. Ontario’s 3,287 dairy farmers, their families and employees are proud to produce high-quality milk for Canadians. For more information, visit www.milk.org.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 14 edition of the weekly U16 AAA rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.
The 2023 OHL Cup will feature 20 teams consisting of talent eligible for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Starting with Wild Card Play-In matchups on Tuesday, March 28, all games will be played at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday, April 3.
The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.
U16 AAA Rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup – Week 14
RANK:
TEAM:
LAST WEEK
WEEKS RANKED
1
Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)*
1
14
2
Peterborough Minor Petes (OMHA)
2
14
3
Halton Hurricanes (OMHA)
4
14
4
York-Simcoe Express (OMHA)
3
14
5
Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)*
5
14
6
Mississauga Senators (GTHL)*
6
13
7
Mississauga Rebels (GTHL)*
8
10
8
London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)*
7
14
9
Huron-Perth Lakers (ALLIANCE)*
10
2
10
Southern Tier Admirals (OMHA)
9
8
Honourable Mention:
Central Ontario Wolves (OMHA)
–
–
Waterloo Wolves (ALLIANCE)*
–
1
Don Mills Flyers (GTHL)
–
–
Vaughan Kings (GTHL)
–
12
*- clinched spot in 2023 OHL Cup
Seven more teams have secured their place at the 2023 OHL Cup that gets underway with Wild Card play on Tuesday, March 28th. The top-ranked Toronto Marlboros, fifth-ranked Toronto Jr. Canadiens, sixth-ranked Mississauga Senators and seventh-ranked Mississauga Rebels have all secured GTHL semi-final spots, booking their ticket to the annual showcase. In the ALLIANCE ranks, the eighth-spot London Jr. Knights, honourable mention Waterloo Wolves and unranked Sun County Panthers join the ninth-ranked Huron-Perth Lakers, who became the first team to clinch last week. The stage is set for the 2023 OMHA Championships that take place this coming weekend in Oakville, with the Peterborough Minor Petes, York-Simcoe Express, Central Ontario Wolves and Ajax-Pickering Raiders emerging from the ETA while the Halton Hurricanes, Southern Tier Admirals, Burlington Eagles and the winner of a game between the Niagara North Stars and Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs will represent the SCTA. The top four teams from the eight-team OMHA Championship weekend will secure spots in the 2023 OHL Cup.
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, March 12, 2023.
Bulldogs’ Sahil Panwar Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
For the second time this season, Sahil Panwar of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals, four assists and seven points in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-4.
Helping guide the Bulldogs to a 3-0 showing last week, the overage forward got things started with an assist in a 4-3 road win over the Niagara IceDogs on Thursday. The Bulldogs returned home to host the IceDogs on Friday as Panwar recorded a goal and a pair of helpers in the 6-2 victory. The 6-foot, 185 lb. centreman closed out the weekend with two goals and an assist to earn first star honours as the Bulldogs defeated the Ottawa 67’s 6-3 on Sunday.
A 21-year-old native of Mississauga, Ont., Panwar currently has points in 12 of his last 13 games. He’s produced 18 goals, 28 assists and 46 points in 29 games since joining the Bulldogs in January. In total, Panwar has recorded 28 goals, 35 assists and 63 points over 63 games between Hamilton and Peterborough in 2022-23. The former second round (23rd overall) pick by the London Knights in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection has registered 51 goals, 67 assists and 118 points in 194 career regular season games split between the Knights, Flint Firebirds, Peterborough Petes and Hamilton Bulldogs. Panwar attended rookie camp with the Florida Panthers as a free agent invite in September.
Also considered for the award this week, Nashville Predators prospect Nolan Burke of the Sarnia Sting produced four goals, two assists and six points in two victories last week. Chicago Blackhawks prospect Gavin Hayes of the Flint Firebirds contributed five goals and an assist for six points in three wins.
Battalion’s Domenic DiVincentiis Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
For the second-straight week and third time this season, Winnipeg Jets prospect Dom DiVincentiis of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two wins including a shutout, a goals-against average of 0.50 and a save percentage of .984.
Stopping 63 of the 64 shots he faced, DiVincentiis defended the crease in back-to-back victories for the Battalion last week. He turned aside 36 of the 37 shots that came his way on Wednesday as North Bay defeated the Owen Sound Attack 4-1. The 6-foot-2, 190lb. netminder was back in the crease on Sunday, stopping all 27 shots he faced to earn his fourth shutout of the season as the Battalion blanked the London Knights 4-0. Together with goaltending partner Charlie Robertson, DiVincentiis has helped the Battalion put together a run of one goal allowed over their past five games.
A 19-year-old native of Bolton, Ont., DiVincentiis owns a record of 34-9-2-0 on the season with a league-best 2.36 goals-against average along with a .918 save percentage. He was the recipient of the OHL’s F.W. ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy in 2021-22, posting a league-low 2.59 goals-against average among rookies to go with a 14-8-0-1 record and .907 save percentage. DiVincentiis was selected in the seventh round (207th overall) by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2022 NHL Draft. He’s a former sixth round (116th overall) pick by the Battalion in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.
Also in the running for the award this week, New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox of the Saginaw Spirit recorded a two-win week with a 1.00 goals-against average, and .962 save percentage. Arizona Coyotes prospect Anson Thornton of the Barrie Colts also played to a 2-0 mark with a 2.00 goals-against average and .930 save percentage.
2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season: Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion) Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion) Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes) Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit) Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Zach Bowen (London Knights) Jan 30 – Feb. 5: Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves) Jan 23 – Jan. 29: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals) Jan 16 – Jan. 22: Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs) Jan 9 – Jan. 15: Matteo Drobac (Hamilton Bulldogs) Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s) Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes) Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Marco Costantini (Kitchener Rangers) Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Owen Flores (Niagara IceDogs) Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion) Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Brett Brochu (London Knights) Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes) Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Joe Ranger (Sudbury Wolves) Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit) Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack) Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s) Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ivan Zhigalov (Kingston Frontenacs) Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Alessio Beglieri (Mississauga Steelheads) Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that the 2023 OHL Development Combine presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario will be held Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa.
The annual event provides players eligible for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection an opportunity to put their skills on display in both on and off-ice environments before a gathering of OHL scouts and general managers. The Combine will feature 76 prospects, including 36 forwards, 24 defencemen and 16 goaltenders.
“We’re very excited to partner with Dairy Farmers of Ontario on an event that provides prospective players the opportunity to enhance their own personal development,” said Brodie Barrick, the OHL’s Director of Player Recruitment and Player Services. “The blend of both skill testing and competitive games gives players a platform to showcase their abilities in advance of the Priority Selection.”
Saturday’s itinerary will see players participate in on and off-ice testing through a series of exercises. Results will be provided to OHL member teams ahead of the OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore to be held a week later on Friday, April 21 (Rounds 1-3) and Saturday, April 22 (Rounds 4-15).
Players will compete in 5-on-5 and 3-on-3 play throughout Sunday, being joined behind the bench by OHL member team personnel as special guest coaches.
“Our MilkUP brand celebrates, recognizes and provides young athletes opportunities to flourish both on and off the ice. MilkUP also provides meaningful, measurable and lasting impacts on young people through sports and community activities, while highlighting the benefits of milk in a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer of DFO. “Organizations, such as the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), do great work supporting their athletes and partnering with them allows us to support them, too. On behalf of DFO and Ontario’s 3,400 dairy producers, their families and staff, we wish all the hockey players the best as they demonstrate their talents during the 2023 OHL Development Combine.”
Teams will compete for the OHL Combine Cup championship, with the winner achieving supremacy by way of a point system recognizing both individual performance in on and off-ice testing, as well as team performance in Sunday’s game action.
Team Subban reigned supreme at last year’s Combine with a roster that included current OHL players in David Bedkowski (Oshawa Generals), Callum Cheynowski (Hamilton Bulldogs), Caden Kelly (Ottawa 67’s), Carter Lowe (Barrie Colts), Hunter McKenzie (Guelph Storm) and Kaden Pitre (Flint Firebirds).
The 2023 event marks the 14th year that the OHL has hosted a skills development day for players and goaltenders in advance of the OHL Priority Selection.
About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
About Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk for a dynamic, profitable growing dairy industry. Ontario’s 3,287 dairy farmers, their families and employees are proud to produce high-quality milk for Canadians. For more information, visit www.milk.org.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 13 edition of the weekly U16 AAA rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.
The 2023 OHL Cup will feature 20 teams consisting of talent eligible for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Starting with Wild Card Play-In matchups on Tuesday, March 28, all games will be played at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday, April 3.
The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.
U16 AAA Rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup – Week 13
RANK:
TEAM:
LAST WEEK
WEEKS RANKED
1
Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)
1
13
2
Peterborough Minor Petes (OMHA)
2
13
3
York-Simcoe Express (OMHA)
3
13
4
Halton Hurricanes (OMHA)
4
13
5
Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
5
13
6
Mississauga Senators (GTHL)
7
12
7
London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)
6
13
8
Mississauga Rebels (GTHL)
8
9
9
Southern Tier Admirals (OMHA)
9
7
10
Huron-Perth Lakers (ALLIANCE)*
–
1
Honourable Mention:
Central Ontario Wolves (OMHA)
–
–
Waterloo Wolves (ALLIANCE)
–
1
Don Mills Flyers (GTHL)
–
–
Vaughan Kings (GTHL)
10
12
*- clinched spot in 2023 OHL Cup
This week’s top-five teams hold steady while the Mississauga Senators are up one spot into sixth. The Huron-Perth Lakers are into the Top-10 for the first time this season, unseating the Vaughan Kings, who fall into the honourable mention category after 12 straight weeks in the rankings. Huron-Perth is the first team to clinch a spot in the 2023 OHL Cup that begins later this month with Wild Card play on March 28th. The Lakers defeated the Brantford 99ers in three straight games to advance to the ALLIANCE Semi-Finals.
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the launch of Centre of Excellence locations across Ontario in partnership with Power Edge Pro Hockey (PEP).
The OHL/PEP Centre of Excellence is a development initiative creating a premier and unparalleled in-season development experience for Minor Hockey players in Ontario to complement the development programs provided by their club team and minor hockey association.
Both the OHL and PEP are excited to introduce a progressive and engaging performance proven program that creates an opportunity for players to be exposed to OHL quality teaching methods and new skill acquisition through PEP’s Reactive Countering & Reactive Linear Crossover trainings.
The Ontario Hockey League is regarded as one of the top player development leagues in the world and continues to be a leading supplier of talent to both the National Hockey League and Canada’s National Teams at all levels, as well as U SPORTS (Canadian University) hockey.
PEP Hockey is the leading player development program in the world. PEP delivers a patented, unmatched elite training experience with a consummate record of developing players to the NHL and OHL.
PEP’s innovative training has been adopted by the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets and numerous OHL teams.
Launching in September 2023, the Centre of Excellence locations will be offered in Barrie, Belleville, Kitchener, London, North Bay, Oakville, Oshawa, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, St. Catharines, Thunder Bay, and Toronto. Additional locations will be announced for year two.
The program will be available for the U10-U18 age groups with all players required to be a registered participant in a Hockey Canada Program, entering the 2023-24 season.
Applications can be submitted up until April 30th for acceptance to the OHL/PEP Centre of Excellence programs.
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its 2nd Annual Officiating Prospect Development Combine that will take place from June 8-10 at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre in Belleville, Ont.
The OHL received over 200 applications to participate in last year’s inaugural event and selected 72 officials to participate. A total of 10 women, six officials from the United States and four new recruits to officiating were among those selected. A total of 20 participants from last year’s Prospect Development Combine were then selected to attend the OHL Officiating Training Camp in August, and 17 of those officials were given the opportunity to officiate in the OHL for the 2022-23 season.
“I definitely feel like I’ll be going into the upcoming season as a better official.” – Hillary Brennan, OHL referee
“…this was a well-run event and when I chatted with the officials, they seemed to really take value from it. I overheard many comments specifically about the level of professionalism associated with this event.” – Dan Hanoomansingh, Manager of Officiating, Hockey Canada
“…I learned many things I hope to bring into my games in the upcoming years.” – Jason Faist, OHL referee
“I got a lot out of the camp that will assist me in continuing to prgress as an official. I will certainly be encouraging officials to apply for future OHL Combines.” – Brandy Beecroft, official
“The experience was truly invaluable and I feel it was extremely beneficial for more and my officiating career. This was truly a first-class Combine.” – Braydon Munn, official
This year’s Combine will not only continue to identify top officiating prospects in Ontario and the United States, but will also serve to enhance the development of these officials as they progress through different levels of the game.
This event is once again open to current high-level hockey officials as well as individuals that have recently completed their playing careers and are looking for opportunities to remain in the game. No experience is necessary. Individuals that apply must be excellent skaters, in great physical condition, and have a keen interest and desire to officiate at a high level.
The Combine will be a significant opportunity for officials to demonstrate their officiating desires and abilities. Some participants attending this event will have the opportunity to be selected to attend the OHL Officiating Training Camp in August 2023, with the possibility of competing for a spot on the OHL Officiating Team.
With its close-working relationship with the Ontario Hockey Federation, Hockey Canada and the National Hockey League, the OHL is not only the top development league for players and coaches, but officials aspiring to reach the next level as well.
Interested individuals can register here. Registration will close on Friday, April 14. As there are limited spaces available for this event, applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and those chosen to participate in the Combine will be contacted via email by April 28. Once an individual has been notified that he or she has been selected, additional registration/payment information will be provided.
Investment:
The cost to attend the Combine is $495.00 + HST and will include the following:
On and off-ice evaluation by Jackie Jarrell, owner of Gold Performance Training and Testing Specialist for the NHL Exposure Combine
Minimum 6 hours of total ice time
Minimum 6 hours of high-level classroom sessions
Meals (lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday)
Special group rate at the Fairfield Marriott (includes breakfast buffet) at individual’s expense (limited rooms available)
Exposure to key officiating individuals from various leagues (OHL, NHL, OHF, OHA)
Participation gift
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
OHL Writers 