Ontario Hockey League

Canadian Major Junior Outline
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is one of the three major junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15–20.
The league was formed in 1933 with the partition of Junior A and B. In 1970, the OHA Junior A League was one of five Junior A leagues operating in Ontario. The OHA was promoted to Tier I Junior A for the 1970-71 season and took up the name Ontario Major Junior Hockey League. In 1980, the league walked away from Ontario Hockey Association governance with the creation of the Canadian Major Junior Hockey League and its direct affiliation with Hockey Canada.
From 1974 until 1978 (as the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League), Clarence "Tubby" Schmalz was the league's commissioner. Then, for one season (1978–79), former IHL commissioner Bill Beagan served as commissioner of the OMJHL. Beginning with the 1979-80 season, David Branch has been the Commissioner of the OHL (which became the league's official name prior to the 1981-82 season). Branch was appointed on August 11, 1979, and assumed the commissioner's role on September 17, 1979. Since 1980 the league has grown rapidly into a high profile marketable product, with many games broadcast on television and radio.
There are currently 20 teams in the OHL; 18 are based in the Canadian province of Ontario,one team in the American state of Michigan and one team in the American state of Pennsylvania. Out of the 18 teams based in Ontario, 15 teams are in Southern Ontario, and 3 teams are in Northern Ontario.
The three largest arenas in the OHL are Ottawa's TD Place Arena, London's Budweiser Gardens, and the FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton.
==History==
Junior age ice hockey in Ontario began in 1896, organized by the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA). Since then it has gone through four distinct eras in the organization of junior hockey. In 1933, the junior division was divided into two levels, junior A and junior B. In 1972 the upper level was divided into two more levels, Tier I and Tier II. In 1974 the "Major Junior A Tier I" portion of the OHA separated from the OHA and became the 'Ontario Major Junior Hockey League.' (OMJHL) In 1980, the OMJHL became the "Ontario Hockey League."
===Current member teams===
Ontario Hockey League	Ontario Hockey League 	Ontario Hockey League 	Ontario Hockey League 	Ontario Hockey League
Eastern Conference 	Eastern Conference 	Eastern Conference 	Eastern Conference 	Eastern Conference
Division 	Team 	City 	Arena 	Capacity
East 	Brantford Bulldogs 	Brantford, Ontario, Canada 	Brantford Civic Centre 	2,952
East 	Kingston Frontenacs 	Kingston, Ontario, Canada 	Leon's Centre 	5,614
East 	Oshawa Generals 	Oshawa, Ontario, Canada 	Tribute Communities Centre 	6,125
East 	Ottawa 67's 	Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 	TD Place Arena 	9,862
East 	Peterborough Petes 	Peterborough, Ontario, Canada 	Peterborough Memorial Centre 	4,329
Central 	Barrie Colts 	Barrie, Ontario, Canada 	Sadlon Arena 	4,195
Central 	Brampton Steelheads 	Brampton, Ontario, Canada 	CAA Centre 	5,000
Central 	Niagara IceDogs 	St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada 	Meridian Centre 	5,300
Central 	North Bay Battalion 	North Bay, Ontario, Canada 	North Bay Memorial Gardens 	4,246
Central 	Sudbury Wolves 	Sudbury, Ontario, Canada 	Sudbury Community Arena 	4,640
Western Conference 	Western Conference 	Western Conference 	Western Conference 	Western Conference
Division 	Team 	City 	Arena 	Capacity
Midwest 	Erie Otters 	Erie, Pennsylvania, USA 	Erie Insurance Arena 	6,833
Midwest 	Guelph Storm 	Guelph, Ontario, Canada 	Sleeman Centre 	4,715
Midwest 	Kitchener Rangers 	Kitchener, Ontario, Canada 	Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex 	7,777
Midwest 	London Knights 	London, Ontario, Canada 	Budweiser Gardens 	9,046
Midwest 	Owen Sound Attack 	Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada 	Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre	3,500
West 	Flint Firebirds 	Flint, Michigan, USA 	Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center	4,021
West 	Saginaw Spirit 	Saginaw, Michigan, USA 	Dow Event Center 	5,527
West 	Sarnia Sting 	Sarnia, Ontario, Canada 	Progressive Auto Sales Arena 	5,500
West 	Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds	Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada	GFL Memorial Gardens 	4,928
West 	Windsor Spitfires 	Windsor, Ontario, Canada 	WFCU Centre 	6,450
On November 8th 2015, the owner of the Flint Firebirds fired the head coach, John Gruden after the team pulled out a come from behind overtime victory over the defending Memorial Cup champions.  According to published reports the issue was the amount of ice time that owner, Rolf Nilson's 17 year old son was receiving.  Upon hearing of the removal of the coach the whole 24 members of the team quit, not wanting to play for anyone else but Coach Gruden.  Among those quitting the team were the owner's son, Håkon Nilsen.  The whole team went into the team's front office and threw their jerseys on the ground, quit the team and then walked out.  OHL commissioner David Branch was scheduled to meet with the ownership of the franchise on Monday November 9th to try to salvage anything out of what is a very bad situation for all involved.  After the meeting the owner issued a release through the OHL's website stating that he made "an irresponsible mistake" and the coaches were reinstated and meetings were held between the league commissioner, ownership, coaches and players.
==Schedule==
The 20 OHL clubs play a 68 game unbalanced schedule, which starts in the third full week of September, running until the third week of March. Ninety per cent (90%) of OHL games are scheduled between Thursday and Sunday to minimize the number of school days missed for its players. Ninety-five per cent (95%) of the players in the league are attending high school or college.
Approximately 20% of players on active rosters in the National Hockey League have come from the OHL, and about 54% of NHL players are alumni of the Canadian Hockey League.
===Bell OHL All-Star Classic===
The 2010 OHL All-Star Classic was be played at the K-Rock Centre in Kingston.  This was the final edition of the game.
===OHL playoffs and Memorial Cup===
The J. Ross Robertson Cup is awarded annually to the winner of the Championship Series. The Cup is named for John Ross Robertson, who was president of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1901 to 1905.
The OHL playoffs consist of the top 16 teams in the league, 8 from each conference. The teams play a best-of-7 game series, and the winner of each series advances to the next round. The final two teams eventually compete for the J. Ross Robertson Cup.
The OHL champion then competes with the winners of the Western Hockey League, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and the host of the tournament to play for the Memorial Cup, which is awarded to the junior hockey champions of Canada. The host team of the tournament is alternated between the three leagues every season.
==Memorial Cup champions==
The Memorial Cup has been captured 15 times by OHL/OHA teams since the tournament went to a 3-league format in 1972:
	
* 2017: Windsor Spitfires
* 2016: London Knights
*2015: Oshawa Generals
*2010: Windsor Spitfires
*2009: Windsor Spitfires
*2005: London Knights
*2003: Kitchener Rangers
*1999: Ottawa 67's
*1993: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds	
*1990: Oshawa Generals
*1986: Guelph Platers
*1984: Ottawa 67's
*1982: Kitchener Rangers
*1979: Peterborough Petes
*1976: Hamilton Fincups
*1975: Toronto Marlboros
*1973: Toronto Marlboros
The Cup was also won 16 times by OHA teams in the period between 1945 and 1971:
*1970: Montreal Junior Canadiens
*1969: Montreal Junior Canadiens
*1968: Niagara Falls Flyers
*1967: Toronto Marlboros
*1965: Niagara Falls Flyers
*1964: Toronto Marlboros
*1962: Hamilton Red Wings
*1961: Toronto St. Michael's Majors	
*1960: St. Catharines Tee Pees
*1956: Toronto Marlboros
*1955: Toronto Marlboros
*1954: St. Catharines Tee Pees
*1953: Barrie Flyers
*1952: Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters
*1951: Barrie Flyers
*1947: Toronto St. Michael's Majors
==Priority Selection==
The Priority Selection was first conducted the summer before the 1974–75 OMJHL season. It has been conducted annually since then. It is a selection of players aged 16 and 17 years old who are residents of the province of Ontario, the states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York, and other designated U.S. states.
Prior to 2001, the OHL held the Priority Selection in a public forum, such as an arena. Drafts were attended by many players and family members. In 2001, the OHL decided to hold the "draft" via the Internet, greatly reducing the costs the league and its member teams incurred in hosting a public draft. This move reduced the stress and pressure that prospective players faced with a large crowd present.
The Jack Ferguson Award is presented annually to the first overall selection . The award was named in honour of long time OHL scout and former Director of Central Scouting Jack Ferguson.
==OHL Records==
Individual records
* Most goals in a season: 87, Ernie Godden, 1980–81
* Most assists in a season: 123, Bobby Smith, 1977–78
* Most points in a season: 192, Bobby Smith, 1977–78
* Most penalty minutes in a season: 487 Trevor Koopmans 1989-1990
* Most points in a season, rookie: 182, Wayne Gretzky, 1977–78
* Most points in a season, defenseman: 155, Bryan Fogarty, 1988–89
*
Team Records
* Most wins in a season: 59, London Knights, 2004–05
* Most points in a season: 120, London Knights, 2004–05
* Most goals in a season: 469, Toronto Marlboros, 1974–75
* Fewest goals against in a season: 125, London Knights, 2004–05
==Trophies and awards==
List of trophies and awards in the Ontario Hockey League.
Playoffs trophies 	Playoffs trophies 	Playoffs trophies
Trophy name 	Recognition 	Founded
J. Ross Robertson Cup 	OHL Finals champion 	1934
Bobby Orr Trophy 	Eastern Conference champion 	1999
Wayne Gretzky Trophy 	Western Conference champion 	1999
Wayne Gretzky 99 Award 	Playoffs MVP 	1999
Regular season — Team trophies 	Regular season — Team trophies 	Regular season — Team trophies
Trophy name 	Recognition 	Founded
Hamilton Spectator Trophy 	Team with best record 	1958
Leyden Trophy 	East division champion 	1976
Emms Trophy 	Central division champion 	1976
Bumbacco Trophy 	West division champion 	1995
Holody Trophy 	Midwest division champion 	1999
Regular season — Executive awards	Regular season — Executive awards 	Regular season — Executive awards
Trophy name 	Recognition 	Founded
Matt Leyden Trophy 	Coach of the year 	1972
Jim Gregory Award 	General manager of the year 	2020
Bill Long Award 	Lifetime achievement 	1989
OHL Executive of the Year 	Executive of the Year (not awarded since 2013) 	1990
Regular season — Player awards 	Regular season — Player awards 	Regular season — Player awards
Trophy name 	Recognition 	Founded
Red Tilson Trophy 	Most outstanding player 	1945
Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy 	Top scorer 	1946
Dave Pinkney Trophy 	Lowest team goals against 	1949
Max Kaminsky Trophy 	Most outstanding defenceman 	1961
Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy 	Top scoring right winger 	1972
Emms Family Award 	Rookie of the year 	1973
William Hanley Trophy 	Most sportsmanlike player 	1975
F. W. "Dinty" Moore Trophy 	Best rookie GAA 	1976
Bobby Smith Trophy 	Scholastic player of the year 	1980
Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy 	Overage player of the year 	1984
OHL Goaltender of the Year 	Goaltender of the year 	1988
Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy 	Humanitarian of the year 	1993
Roger Neilson Memorial Award 	Top academic college/university player 	2005
Ivan Tennant Memorial Award 	Top academic high school player 	2005
Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy 	Team captain that best exemplifies character and commitment	2009
Prospect player awards 	Prospect player awards 	Prospect player awards
Trophy name 	Recognition 	Founded
Jack Ferguson Award 	First overall pick in priority selection 	1981
Tim Adams Memorial Trophy 	OHL Cup MVP 	2003
==Team Timeline==
Team 	Centre 	Arena 	Seasons 	Fate
Hamilton Red Wings 	Hamilton, Ontario 	Barton Street Arena 	1970-1974 	renamed Hamilton Fincups
Kitchener Rangers 	Kitchener, Ontario 	Kitchener Memorial Auditorium 	1970-present	
London Knights 	London, Ontario 	London Ice House (1970-2002) (known as London Gardens 1970-1994) Budweiser Gardens (2002-present) (known as John Labatt Centre 2002-2012) 	1970-present	
Montreal Junior Canadiens 	Montreal, Quebec 	Montreal Forum 	1970-1972 	transfer to Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Niagara Falls Flyers 	Niagara Falls, Ontario 	Niagara Falls Memorial Arena 	1970-1972 	relocated to Sudbury, Ontario; renamed Sudbury Wolves
Oshawa Generals 	Oshawa, Ontario 	Oshawa Civic Auditorium (1970-2006) Tribute Communities Centre (2006-present) (known as General Motors Centre 2006-2016) 	1970-present	
Ottawa 67's 	Ottawa, Ontario 	TD Place Arena (1970-2012, 2014-present) also known as Ottawa Civic Center 1970-2009, 2012, Urbandale Centre 2009-2010, J. Benson Cartage Centre 2011-2012) Canadian Tire Centre (2012-2014) (known as Scotiabank Place 2012-2013)	1970-present	
Peterborough Petes 	Peterborough, Ontario 	Peterborough Memorial Centre 	1970-present	
St. Catharines Black Hawks 	St. Catharines, Ontario 	Garden City Arena 	1970-1976 	relocated to Niagara Falls, Ontario; renamed Niagara Falls Flyers
Toronto Marlboros 	Toronto, Ontario 	Maple Leaf Gardens 	1970-1989 	relocated to Hamilton, Ontario; renamed Dukes of Hamilton
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 	Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario	Sault Memorial Gardens (1972-2006) GFL Memorial Gardens (2006-present) (known as Steelback Centre 2006-2008 and Essar Centre 2008-2018) 	1972-present	
Sudbury Wolves 	Sudbury, Ontario 	Sudbury Community Arena 	1972-present	
Kingston Canadians 	Kingston, Ontario 	Kingston Memorial Centre 	1973-1988 	renamed Kingston Raiders
Hamilton Fincups 	Hamilton, Ontario 	Barton Street Arena 	1974-1976 	relocated to St. Catharines, Ontario and renamed St. Catharines Fincups when icemaking equipment fails and arena is torn down just prior to start of 1976-77 season
Windsor Spitfires 	Windsor, Ontario 	Windsor Arena 	1975-1984 	renamed Windsor Compuware Spitfires
Niagara Falls Flyers 	Niagara Falls, Ontario 	Niagara Falls Memorial Arena 	1976-1982 	relocated to North Bay, Ontario; renamed North Bay Centennials
St. Catharines Fincups 	St. Catharines, Ontario 	Garden City Arena 	1976-1977 	return to Hamilton, Ontario as Hamilton Fincups when work out lease with Mountain Arena for 1977-78 season
Hamilton Fincups 	Hamilton, Ontario 	Mountain Arena 	1977-1978 	relocated to Brantford, Ontario; renamed Brantford Alexanders
Brantford Alexanders 	Brantford, Ontario 	Brantford Civic Centre 	1978-1984 	relocated to Hamilton, Ontario; renamed Hamilton Steelhawks
Cornwall Royals 	Cornwall, Ontario 	Cornwall Civic Complex 	1981-1992 	relocated to Newmarket, Ontario; renamed Newmarket Royals
Belleville Bulls 	Belleville, Ontario 	Yardmen Arena (known as Quinte Sports Centre 1981-?) 	1981-2015 	relocated to Hamilton, Ontario; renamed Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
Guelph Platers 	Guelph, Ontario 	Guelph Memorial Gardens 	1982-1989 	relocated to Owen Sound, Ontario; renamed Owen Sound Platers
North Bay Centennials 	North Bay, Ontario 	North Bay Memorial Gardens 	1982-2002 	relocated to Saginaw, Michigan; renamed Saginaw Spirit
Hamilton Steelhawks 	Hamilton, Ontario 	Copps Coliseum 	1984-1988 	relocated to Niagara Falls, Ontario; renamed Niagara Falls Thunder
Windsor Compuware Spitfires 	Windsor, Ontario 	Windsor Arena 	1984-1989 	revert to Windsor Spitfires name
Kingston Raiders 	Kingston, Ontario 	Kingston Memorial Centre 	1988-1989 	renamed Kingston Frontenacs
Niagara Falls Thunder 	Niagara Falls, Ontario 	Niagara Falls Memorial Arena 	1988-1996 	relocated to Erie, Pennsylvania; renamed Erie Otters
Dukes of Hamilton 	Hamilton, Ontario 	Copps Coliseum 	1989-1991 	relocated to Guelph, Ontario; renamed Guelph Storm
Kingston Frontenacs 	Kingston, Ontario 	Kingston Memorial Centre (1989-2008) Leon's Centre (2008-present) (known as K-Rock Centre 2008-2013 and Rogers K-Rock Centre 2013-2018) 	1989-present	
Owen Sound Platers 	Owen Sound, Ontario 	Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre 	1989-2000 	renamed Owen Sound Attack
Windsor Spitfires 	Windsor, Ontario 	Windsor Arena (1989-2008) WFCU Centre (2008-present) 	1989-present	
Detroit Compuware Ambassadors 	Detroit, Michigan 	Cobo Arena (1991-1992) Joe Louis Arena (1992-1993) 	1990-1992 	renamed Detroit Jr. Red Wings
Guelph Storm 	Guelph, Ontario 	Guelph Memorial Gardens (1991-2000) Sleeman Centre (Guelph) (2000-present (known as Guelph Sports and Entertainment Centre 2000-2007) 	1991-present	
Newmarket Royals 	Newmarket, Ontario 	Newmarket Recreational Complex 	1992-1994 	relocated to Sarnia, Ontario; renamed Sarnia Sting
Detroit Jr. Red Wings 	Detroit, Michigan 	Joe Louis Arena 	1992-1995 	
renamed Detroit Whalers 
when relocated to Auburn Hills, Michigan
Sarnia Sting 	Sarnia, Ontario 	Sarnia Arena (1994-1998) Progressive Auto Sales Arena (1998-present) (known as Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre 1998-2009, 2015-2016 and RBC Centre 2009-2015) 	1994-present	
Barrie Colts 	Barrie, Ontario 	Barrie Arena (1995-2008) Barrie Molson Centre (2008-present) 	1995-present	
Detroit Whalers 	Auburn Hills, Michigan 	Palace of Auburn Hills 	1995-1997 	relocated to Plymouth, Michigan; renamed Plymouth Whalers
Erie Otters 	Erie, Pennsylvania 	Erie Insurance Arena 	1996-present	
Toronto St. Michael's Majors 	Toronto, Ontario 	Maple Leaf Gardens (1997-2000) St. Michael's College School Arena (2000-2007) 	1997-2007 	relocated to Mississauga, Ontario; renamed Mississauga St. Michael's Majors
Plymouth Whalers 	Plymouth, Michigan 	Compuware Arena 	1997-2015 	relocated to Flint, Michigan; renamed Flint Firebirds
Brampton Battalion 	Brampton, Ontario 	Powerade Centre (known as Brantford Centre for Sports and Entertainment 1998-2005) 	1998-2013 	relcoated to North Bay, Ontario; renamed North Bay Battalion
Mississauga IceDogs 	Mississauga, Ontario 	Hershey Centre 	1998-2007 	relocated to St. Catharines, Ontario; renamed Niagara IceDogs
Owen Sound Attack 	Owen Sound, Ontario 	Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre 	2000-present	
Saginaw Spirit 	Saginaw, Michigan 	Dow Event Center (known as Saginaw Civic Center 2002-2004) 	2002-present	
Mississauga St. Michael's Majors	Mississauga, Ontario; 	Hershey Centre 	2007-2012 	renamed Mississauga Steelheads
Niagara IceDogs 	St. Catharines, Ontario 	Gatorade Garden City Complex (2007-2014) Meridian Centre (2014-present) 	2007-present	
Mississauga Steelheads 	Mississauga, Ontario 	Paramount Fine Foods Centre (known as Hershey Centre 2012-2018) 	2012-present	
North Bay Battalion 	North Bay, Ontario 	North Bay Memorial Gardens 	2013-present	
Flint Firebirds 	Flint, Michigan 	Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center 	2015-present	
Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL) 	Hamilton, Ontario 	First Ontario Centre 	2015-present	
==External links==
*Ontario Hockey League Official website
*Canadian Hockey League Official website
*OHL Arena Guide
*Maps to OHL arenas
*Internet Hockey Database archive of standings and statistics
==See also==
*List of OHL Seasons
*List of OHA Junior A Seasons
Category:Ice hockey leagues
Category:Ontario Hockey League
Category:Canadian Hockey League