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It’s that time of the year again, the Ontario Hockey League is back! Grab your popcorn because you’re in for a spectacular season. With a lineup of exciting new players and some interesting transfers, this is going to be a season you don’t want to miss. With the season well underway, make sure you are keeping up to date with the OHL live score as the games progress and the odds change on your favorite team from week to week, you don’t want to get blindsided by your team falling off mid-season.
Exciting new players to watch out for
With any new season, there are sure to be some exciting new players in the OHL. This season, the OHL has a very impressive lineup of incredible players, and the new blood coming in adds a lot to those teams drafting new talent. With the OHL being so competitive, it’s no surprise that all the new players this season are insanely talented, but here are 10 names, in the draft order, that you need to watch out for this season.
Matthew Schaefer – Defense – Erie Otters
Selected as the first overall pick by the Erie Otters this season, this young defenseman most recently played with the Halton Hurricanes and many tip him as an important player to watch.
Ryan Roobroeck – Center – Niagara IceDogs
Having played for the London Junior Knights and scoring a whopping 50 goals in just 29 games, this rookie has already scored 1 goal and earned 2 assists in 4 games.
Brady Martin – Center – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Third overall pick in the draft, Martin already has a number of honors to his name, including a gold medal won with Team Ontario at the Canada Winter Games.
Tyler Hopkins – Center – Kingston Frontenacs
Previously a player for the U16 Halton Hurricanes with a decent record, scoring 37 goals and claiming 32 assists over 31 games. He also has a good record in playoff matches, adding another 5 goals and 8 assists in 5 games.
Ethan Czata – Center – Niagara IceDogs
This 6ft rookie previously played for the Mississauga Rebels U16, scoring 22 goals and 15 assists in 35 games.
Owen Griffin – Center – Oshawa Generals
Picked sixth overall, this rookie specialises in pushing his teammates further, with a very impressive 51 goals and 43 assists in his last season with the York-Simcoe Express.
Jack Ivankovic – Goaltender – Mississauga Steelheads
Having played for the Mississauga Senators in his previous season, Ivankovic is known as having been a Steelheads fan for years. Ivankovic also appeared at the Canada Winter Games and was part of Team Ontario’s successful effort to secure gold.
Jake O’Brien – Center – Brantford Bulldogs
Previously the captain for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, O’Brien won the OHL Cup Championship and was named OHL Cup MVP.
Caden Taylor – Center – Sudbury Wolves
Taylor also played for the Mississauga Senators U16 and is no stranger to success, having scored 58 goals and 63 assists in his previous season.
Cameron Reid – Defense – Kitchener Rangers
This left-shooting defensive player previously played for the Bishop Kearney Selects.
Key transfers that could shape the season
Another exciting factor of a new season is transfers. There have been a few interesting transfers this season that look like they’re going to shake up the season. Here are just a few examples of some of the exciting transfers of this season.
The London Knights have made a few trades this season, the first being with the Niagara IceDogs. The Knights acquired forward Juan Copeland and draft picks in exchange for Ryan Humphrey and Mathieu Paris. They also announced that the team has made a trade with the Peterborough Petes for OHL Champion and OHL Finals MVP, Michael Simpson in exchange for Zach Bowen and 3rd round pick in 2025.
The Kingston Frontenacs announced the acquisition of Tyler Savard from the Barrie Colts, which has brought the number of overage players up to three for the Frontenacs.
Ben Gaudreau was traded from the Sarnia Sting over to the Erie Otters, exchanging him for goaltender Nolan Lalonde.
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that they were returning forward Braeden Kressler to the Flint Firebirds.
With many more transfers announced, it will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out.
Revamped stadiums and facilities
There has been a lot of talk when it comes to upgrading and revamping OHL stadiums and facilities to bring the fan experience to another level. Not only do these upgrades help to bring more fans into the stadium, but they are also aiming to increase comfort. This will include upgrading luxury suites, club lounges and VIP areas for fans who are looking for a more upscale experience.
Another improvement has been in social spaces, giving fans a place to socialize before and after games. This will include bars and restaurants. These social spaces will not only increase revenue to the stadiums but, increase jobs and also the overall atmosphere at each game.
Another big focus has been on improving technology within the stadium and providing better-quality sound systems, high-definition video screens and improved Wi-Fi. Ensuring fans have access to a Wi-Fi connection is an effort to connect fans inside and outside the stadium and increase social engagement before, during and after the games.
Furthermore, there is a push to improve accessibility and amenities for fans with disabilities. This includes the installation of wheelchair-accessible seating, ramps and elevators to ensure that everyone can enjoy the games comfortably. Overall, the revamping of OHL stadiums and facilities is aimed at enhancing the overall fan experience by providing modern amenities, improved technology, and a more comfortable and inclusive environment. These upgrades not only benefit the fans but also contribute to the sustainability and success of the OHL teams and the league as a whole.
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