TheOntario Junior Hockey League(OJHL) is a Junior Aice hockeyleague inOntario,Canada. It is under the supervision of theOntario Hockey Association(OHA) and theCanadian Junior Hockey League(CJHL).
Current season or competition: 2024-25 OJHL season | |
 | |
| Region(s) | Greater Toronto Area Central Ontario Southwestern Ontario |
|---|---|
| Commissioner | Marty Savoy |
| Chairman BoD | Scott McCrory |
| Former name(s) | list
|
| Founded | 1954 |
| No. of teams | 24 |
| Associated Title(s) |
|
| Recent Champions | Collingwood Blues(2023) |
| Most successful club | Brampton Capitals,St. Michael's Buzzers,Wellington Dukes&Oakville Blades(3 each) |
| Headquarters | Mississauga |
| Website | OJHL.ca |
| OHA Junior "A" | |
|---|---|
| SOJHL | (1970–1977) |
| OPJHL | (1972–1987) |
| MetJHL | (1991–1998) |
| OJHL | (1993–Present) |
| Ontario Hockey Association | |
| Canadian Junior Hockey League | |
| OHA Junior "B" | |
| WJBHL | (1950–1968) |
| EJBHL | (1950–1972) |
| MetJHL | (1950–1989) |
| NDJBHL | (1954–1979) |
| CJBHL | (1954–1993) |
| BCJHL | (1958–1964) |
| MOJBHL | (1970–1978) |
| SWJBHL | (1976–1978) |
| WOHL | (1969–2007) |
| MWJHL | (1973–2007) |
| GHL | (1974–2007) |
| GOJHL | (2007–present) |
| Sutherland Cup | |
The league dates back to 1954 where it began as the "Central Junior B Hockey League".In 1993, the Central Junior B Hockey League was promoted to the Junior A level and renamed the"Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League".In 2009, the league was dissolved by theOntario Hockey Associationand split into two leagues: the "Central Canadian Hockey League"and the"Ontario Junior A Hockey League".By early 2010, the two leagues merged to reform the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
At its peak, the league was composed of 37 teams and is now mostly based in theGreater Toronto Areawith a few teams eastward towardsKingston.The exception to this is theBuffalo Jr. Sabreslocated in the American state ofNew York.
The winner of the OJHL playoffs andFrank L. Buckland Trophycompete for the centennial cup with the winners of the eight remaining tier two junior A leagues across canada. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic taking place, there were several smaller tournaments held around the country (only four champions and a host would show up to the national championship - the tournament has increased in duration and for clubs attending).
History
editCentral Junior B Hockey League
edit1954 to 1971
editIn 1954, a variety of teams from different leagues andOntario Hockey Associationjunior groupings were put together in the Central Junior B Hockey League. The Central League was formed as a sister league to theWestern Ontario Junior B Hockey Leaguethat had been running since 1950. During the early years, the two leagues were regarded as the two divisions of the OHA's Big 10. The "Big" moniker was often given to OHA leagues as the OHA pushed away from smaller rural multi-level groupings.
The 1954–55 season's members were theWoodstock Warriors,Owen Sound Greys,Waterloo Siskins,Burlington Mohawks,Paris Redshirts,Dundas Flyers,andIngersoll Reems.Woodstock took the first ever Central League crown as well as that year'sSutherland Cupas provincial champions.
From 1955 until 1964, theWaterloo Siskinswon the league six out of nine seasons, losing out to Burlington in 1957 and 1958 and theOwen Sound Greysin 1961. Neither Burlington or Owen Sound managed to win the Sutherland Cup with their league championship, in fact only Owen Sound even made to the finals where they were swept by theSt. Michael's Buzzersof theMetro Junior B Hockey League.During that streak, the Waterloo Siskins won theSutherland Cupfour times. In 1956 they defeated theBrampton Regentsof the Metro league 4-games-to-1 with 1 tie. In 1960, the Siskins defeated the Marlboros of the Metro League 4-games-to-2 with 1 tie to win the provincial crown. In 1962, they defeated theSt. Thomas Elginsof the Western Junior B League 4-games-to-1 and in 1964 they defeated Weston of the Metro League 4-games-to-1 to claim another crown.
In 1964, began a four-year dynasty for theKitchener Greenshirts.In 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968, the Greenshirts were Central League champions. They also won theSutherland Cupin 1965 by defeating Etobicoke of the Metro League 4-games-to-2 and in 1967 by defeating the Metro League'sDixie Beehives4-games-to-2.
In 1968, their sister league, the Western Ontario Junior B Hockey League, went renegade and left theOntario Hockey Association.As a result, theStrathroy Rocketswere homeless and joined the league. In their only year in the CJBHL they won the league championship and lost the Sutherland Cup final 4-games-to-1 with 1 tie to theMarkham Waxersof the Metro League.
In 1969, theCollingwood Bluesjumped up to the Central League and stayed until the realignment of 1971, winning both league championships (1970 and 1971). The Blues failed to make the provincial final in either of those years.
The teams of the 1970–71 season were theOwen Sound Greys,Collingwood Blues,Waterloo Siskins,Preston Raiders,andKitchener Ranger B's.This would be the final incarnation of the league in its original setup. Much change happened in the summer of 1971.
1971 to 1993
editIn 1971, the league re-aligned itself geographically.[1]TheOwen Sound GreysandCollingwood Bluesjumped to theMid-Ontario Junior B Hockey League.TheWaterloo SiskinsandKitchener Ranger B'smoved over to theWestern Ontario Junior B Hockey League.TheBurlington Mohawkswere the only team to stay put. In return, the Central League gained many teams from the Mid-Ontario Junior B Hockey League, like theOakville Blades,Milton Flyers,Hespeler ShamrocksandStreetsville Derbys.They also gained theDundas Bluesand theBrampton Vic Woods.
The 1972 champion is unknown, but in 1973 Burlington won the Central League and in 1974 and 1975 Oakville won two straight league titles. The 1974–75 season was special for the Oakville Blades. After winning the league championship, they won their way all the way to theSutherland Cupfinal. Unfortunately for the Blades, theBramalea Bluesof theMetro Junior B Hockey Leagueawaited them. The Blues defeated the Blades 4-games-to-3.
From the 1975–76 season until the 1979–80 season, the Central League was dominated by theStreetsville Derbys.In this span, the Derbys won the League title five straight times, made the Ontario finals three times, and won the Sutherland Cup once. In 1977, the Derbys made the All-Ontario final. In the final, they lost to theStratford Cullitonsof theWaterloo-Wellington Junior B Hockey League4-games-to-2. A year later, the Derbys again met the Stratford Cullitons (now of theMid-Western Junior B Hockey League), but lost 9-points-to-5. The 1978–79 season had the Derbys make theSutherland Cupfinal for the third straight year. In the final, the Derbys met theSt. Catharines Falconsof theGolden Horseshoe Junior B Hockey Leagueand defeated them 4-games-to-none to finally win a provincial title.
In 1978 the Mid-Ontario league folded, andOrillia Terriers,Thornhill Thunderbirds,theBarrie Colts,andOak Ridges Dynesjoined the Central League.
The 1980–81 season had a team other than the Derbys show dominance, as theBurlington Cougarswon the Central League championship. They kept on winning and found themselves in theSutherland Cupfinal. The Cougars came up against theStratford Cullitonsof the Mid-Western League and were victorious, winning 8-points-to-4. In 1982, theOakville Bladeswon the Central league for the first time in seven years.
From the 1982–83 season until the 1985–86 season, theStreetsville Derbyscelebrated another period of dominance. In those four seasons, the Derbys won three league championships, made the Ontario final twice, and received a harsh punishment from theOntario Hockey Association.In 1982–83, the Derbys won their first league title in three season, a year later they won it again and battled all the way to the Sutherland Cup final. In the final, the Derbys met theWaterloo Siskinsof the Mid-Western League and despite a spirited performance, fell 4-games-to-3 to the Siskins. A year later, the Derbys failed to get out of their league. In 1985–86, the Derbys dominated the Central League again and won their third title in four years. They battled to the Sutherland Cup final and again met theStratford Cullitonsof the Mid-Western League. The Cullitons swept the series, 4-games-to-none, and the Derbys lost their discipline. The result was a one-year ban for the Streetsville Derbys fromOntario Hockey Associationplay. The Derbys were forced to sit out in 1986–87, as the Burlington Cougars won the league, and the Derbys never won another Central League title.
From the 1987–88 season until the 1989–90 season, theBarrie Coltsdominated the league with three straight championships. None of these championships transpired into a Sutherland Cup.
In 1991, the Oakville Blades won the Central League, but lost the Sutherland Cup final to theWaterloo Siskins4-games-to-none. In 1992, theMilton Merchantswon the league championship, but also fell in the Sutherland Cup final, this time to theKitchener Dutchmen.During the summer of 1992, the OHA promoted the Central League to Junior A status, allowing its teams less limitations on signing players then an average Junior B team would have. In 1992–93, theBarrie Coltsdominated the CJAHL. With 47 wins and one tie, the Colts celebrated an unheard of undefeated season. They won the Central League championship, and were granted permission to compete in the Provincial Junior B playdowns. In the final of the Sutherland Cup, they met the Kitchener Dutchmen and swept them 4-games-to-none to win the Central League its third and finalSutherland Cupsince 1971. The 1993 playoff run, aided by their Junior A status, was the final and most successful Provincial Jr. B playoff run of any Central League champion in at least twelve years.
The 1992–93 season would be the final Junior B season for the Central League. The teams in the league that year were theBarrie Colts,Markham Waxers,Peterborough Jr. Petes,Newmarket 87's,Orillia Terriers,Lindsay Bears,Ajax Axemen,Collingwood Blues,andCobourg Cougarsin the East Division and theBrampton Capitals,Burlington Cougars,Milton Merchants,Caledon Canadians,Oakville Blades,Streetsville Derbys(played that season inMississauga),Georgetown Raiders,andRoyal York Rangersin the West Division.
Ascension to Junior "A"
edit
In 1988, theMetro Junior B Hockey Leagueleft theOntario Hockey Association.In 1991, it declared itself a Junior A hockey league and a couple seasons later was recognized by theCanadian Junior A Hockey League.In response, the Ontario Hockey Association took the Central Junior B Hockey League, the remaining Junior B league closest toToronto,and promoted it to Junior A. The league changed its name to the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League, the original name of theold Junior A League that lasted from 1972 to 1987.
The first ever OPJHL champion was theOrillia Terriersin 1994. Despite much of the hype going into theOntario Hockey AssociationJunior A championship round robin, the Terriers lost 3–1 to theCaledon Canadiansof the Metro Junior A Hockey League in the OHA final. The other competitors were the Metro'sWexford Raidersand theNOJHL'sPowassan Hawks.In the summer of 1994, theBarrie Coltsleft the OPJHL to play in theOntario Hockey League.
In 1995, theBrampton Capitalswon the OPJHL's crown, the Buckland Cup, and gained a berth into theDudley Hewitt Cupround robin inThunder Bay.In the round robin, the Capitals went undefeated, beating the Metro'sCaledon Canadians4–1, theNOJHL'sTimmins Golden Bears5-3 and theUSHL'sThunder Bay Flyers5–2. Their undefeated record gave the Capitals a bye directly into the DHC final, which they lost in a 6-4 heart-breaker to the Thunder Bay Flyers.
The summer of 1995 brought crisis to the rivalMetro Junior A Hockey League.In the midst of perceived corruption by the league, five teams walked away from the Metro. Four of these teams; theBramalea Blues,Kingston Voyageurs,Mississauga Chargers,andSt. Michael's Buzzers;fled to join the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League.
In 1996, TheNewmarket 87'swere OPJHL champions. They went to theDudley Hewitt CupinCobourg, Ontarioto compete for the Central Canadian Championship. Also attending from the OPJHL were theCobourg Cougarsas hosts and theBrampton Capitalsas OPJHL finalists. Cobourg lost to theThunder Bay Flyers5–3, defeated theRayside-Balfour Sabrecats5–3, before losing to both Newmarket and Brampton. Newmarket defeated Rayside-Balfour 4–3, Cobourg 3–1, lost to Brampton, and then Thunder Bay 3–2. The Capitals were undefeated in the round robin, defeating Thunder Bay 5–2, Rayside-Balfour 10–6, Newmarket 6–3, and Cobourg 9–3. All three OPJHL teams made the tournament's semi-finals. In the first semi-final, Brampton defeated Cobourg 5–2, while Newmarket beat Thunder Bay 6–3. This results in a rematch of the OPJHL final in the Dudley Hewitt Cup final. The Newmarket 87's crushed Brampton 8–2. Next, Newmarket flew out toMelfort, Saskatchewanto compete in theRoyal Bank Cup 1996.In their first game they defeated theBCHL'sVernon Vipers7–5, then theSJHL'sYorkton Terriers5–2. It all went downhill from there as the 87's then lost to the hostMelfort Mustangs11–3, theMJAHL'sMoncton Beavers4–3, and were defeated in the semi-final by Vernon 7–4. This ended the OPJHL's first odyssey in theRoyal Bank Cup.
The 1996–97 season was won by theMilton Merchants.In a best-of-7 for the Dudley Hewitt Cup against theNOJHL'sRayside-Balfour Sabrecats,the Merchants were defeated 4-games-to-1. A year later, the Merchants again won the OPJHL and this time the DHC too. They traveled off to theRoyal Bank Cup 1998inNanaimo, British Columbiato compete for the National Junior A championship. They defeated theCentral Junior A Hockey League'sBrockville Braves5–2, but lost to the hostNanaimo Clippers6–2,SJHL'sWeyburn Red Wings6–2, and theSouth Surrey Eagles3-0 and again in the semi-final 6–2.
The summer of 1998 would change the face of Junior A hockey. Already at 22 teams, the OPJHL was about to almost double in size.
Expansion years (1998–2008)
editIn 1998 came the exodus. TheMetro Junior A Hockey Leagueclosed its doors after over half a century of action at the Junior A and B levels. TheBancroft Hawks(Quinte),Buffalo Lightning(Niagara),Caledon Canadians,Durham Huskies,Huntsville Wildcats,Markham Waxers,North York Rangers,Oshawa Legionaires,Pickering Panthers,Port Hope Buzzards,Shelburne Wolves,Syracuse Jr. Crunch,Thornhill Rattlers,Wellington Dukes,andWexford Raiders[2][3]all made the jump to the OPJHL. The only team not to come was thePittsburgh Jr. Penguins,who were not interested in the extra travel. A season before, a sign that this might happen occurred when the 1997 Metro ChampionAurora Tigersdefected prior to the 1997–98 season. This swelled the league from 22 to 37 teams. Also, for the first time in its history, the OPJHL hadAmericanhockey clubs with the Buffalo Lightning and Syracuse Jr. Crunch.
The first season for this super-league was won by theBramalea Blues.The Blues also won theDudley Hewitt Cupas Central Canadian Champions and travelled toYorkton, Saskatchewanto compete in theRoyal Bank Cup 1999.Despite winning the round robin with a 3–1 record, the Blues were upset by theBCHL'sVernon Vipers,3–2, in the semi-final. The 1999-00 Buckland Cup champions were theBrampton Capitals,but they failed to win the Dudley Hewitt Cup, losing a best-of-7 series to theRayside-Balfour Sabrecats.
The 2001 Buckland Cup champions were theThornhill Rattlers.The Rattlers defeated Rayside-Balfour to win the Dudley Hewitt Cup and moved on toFlin Flon, Manitobafor theRoyal Bank Cup 2001.The Rattlers were unsuccessful in their venture, losing four straight games and not qualifying for the semi-finals.
In 2002, the Brampton Capitals once again were the Buckland Cup champions. After defeating theWellington Dukesto win the OPJHL crown, the Caps failed to win the Dudley Hewitt Cup for a berth in theRoyal Bank Cup.A year later, the Wellington Dukes rebounded their OPJHL final defeated from 2002 and won the 2003 Buckland Cup 4-games-to-2 over theAurora Tigers.The Dukes ventured toFort Frances, Ontariofor theDudley Hewitt Cup.After defeating theSIJHL'sFort Frances Borderland Thunder7–1, they lost to theNOJHL'sNorth Bay Skyhawks2–1. The Dukes came back and defeated the SIJHL'sThunder Bay Bulldogs7–4 to earn a berth into the DHC semi-final. In the semi-final, they defeated the Borderland Thunder 4-2 and then defeated North Bay 4–0 in the final to win the Central Canadian crown. The Dukes then moved on toCharlottetown, Prince Edward Islandfor theRoyal Bank Cup 2003.The Dukes lost their first game 4–1 to theSJHL'sHumboldt Broncosand lost again in their second game 7–1 to theAJHL'sCamrose Kodiaks.It was do-or-die time for the Dukes, and they stepped up to the plate by defeating the hostCharlottetown Abbies1–0 in overtime and theQJAAAHL'sLennoxville Cougars5–2 to gain access to the semi-final. The Dukes lost a tight 3–2 game to Humboldt in the semi-final to end their national championship hopes.
The 2003–04Aurora Tigersachieved much in with Spring of 2004. After defeating theSt. Michael's Buzzers4-games-to-2 to clinch the Buckland Cup and their fifth victorious best-of-7 series of the playoffs, the Tigers moved on toNorth Bay, Ontarioto compete for theDudley Hewitt Cup.The Tigers swept the opposition, defeating theNOJHL'sSoo Thunderbirds3–1, theSIJHL'sFort William North Stars4–0, and the hostNorth Bay Skyhawks5–3, they moved straight to the final and beat the Skyhawks again 5–1 to clinch the Central Canadian championship. The Tigers then flew out toGrande Prairie,Alberta to compete in theRoyal Bank Cup 2004.After losing their first game to the hostGrande Prairie Storm4–2, the Tiger went on a roll, beating theBCHL'sNanaimo Clippers4–2, theSJHL'sKindersley Klippers5–0, and the thenCentral Junior A Hockey League'sNepean Raiders3–1. In the semi-final, the Tigers played the Raiders again and beat them 7–2, then manhandled the Klippers 7–1 in the final to win theRoyal Bank Cup.This marked the first national championship in the OPJHL's 11-year history. The 2005 Buckland Cup champions were theSt. Michael's Buzzers.After defeated theGeorgetown Raiders4-games-to-2 to win the OPJHL, they then traveled toGeorgetown, Ontarioto compete for theDudley Hewitt Cup.The Raiders went 3–0 in the tournament, defeating theNOJHL'sNorth Bay Skyhawks7–2,SIJHL'sFort William North Stars4–0, and then St. Mike's 5–4. On top of St. Mike's loss to Georgetown, they lost to Fort William 6–4, but defeated North Bay 4–3 in quadruple overtime. In the semi-final, St. Mike's defeated Fort William 6–2, only to be defeated 3–1 in the final. Georgetown then traveled toWeyburn, Saskatchewanto compete in theRoyal Bank Cup 2005.They started out with a loss to the hostWeyburn Red Wings,then beat theCentral Junior A Hockey League'sHawkesbury Hawks3–0. In their third game, they defeated theMJHL'sPortage Terriers6–3, but then lost to theAJHL'sCamrose Kodiaks2–1. They again drew Camrose in the semi-final and were walloped 8–2 to end their season.
In 2006, theSt. Michael's Buzzerswon the Buckland Cup again by defeating theStouffville Spirit4-games-to-2. It seemed like the Buzzers were set to avenge their Dudley Hewitt Cup losses from the previous year, but it did not go as planned. In their first game, the Buzzers lost 3–2 to theSIJHL'sDryden Ice Dogsdespite badly outshooting them. In the next game, the Buzzers found their form again and massacred the hostFort William North Stars7–1, only to lose to theNOJHL'sSudbury Jr. Wolves5–2. Due to tie-breaker, the Buzzers were eliminated from the round robin. The OPJHL still had a single hope left, theStreetsville Derbyswere the hosts of the2006 Royal Bank CupinBrampton, Ontario.The Derbys finished first in the round robin, defeating theBCHL'sBurnaby Express4–3 in overtime, Fort William 3–2, theSJHL'sYorkton Terriers2–1, before dropping a game to theQJAAAHL'sJoliette Action4–1. Unfortunately, the Derbys failed to win the semi-final against Yorkton, losing 2–1.
The 2006–07 season was dominated by theAurora Tigers.After finishing first in the OPJHL regular season, the Tigers walked through five rounds of playoffs to win the Buckland Cup. They then traveled toIroquois Falls, Ontariofor the Dudley Hewitt Cup. The Dudley proved to be little challenge for the Tigers, as they defeated theNOJHL'sSoo Indians4–1, theSIJHL'sSchreiber Diesels6–3, and the hostAbitibi Eskimos7–0, before crushing Schreiber 10–0 in the Central Championship final. Next, they traveled toPrince George, British Columbiafor the2007 Royal Bank Cup.Aurora started off the national championship with a 4–2 victory over theMJHL'sSelkirk Steelers.They then lost to theCentral Junior A Hockey League'sPembroke Lumber Kings5–3. The Tigers then beat the hostPrince George Spruce Kings6-3 and theAJHL'sCamrose Kodiaks7–4 to clinch first place in the round robin. In the semi-final, the Tiger ended up defeating the only team they lost to in the tournament, Pembroke, 3–2 in overtime. In the final, the Tigers defeated Prince George 3–1 to win their second national title in four years.
The 2008 league champions were an excitingOakville Bladesteam that had a great regular season and dominated the Buckland Cup playoffs. At the Dudley, the Blades were perfect, defeating theSIJHL'sDryden Ice Dogs5–1, theNOJHL'sSudbury Jr. Wolves5–3, and the hostNewmarket Hurricanes5–2. The other two games for Newmarket had them defeat Sudbury 5-1 and Dryden 7–1. In the semi-final, Newmarket defeated Dryden again 2-1 and in the final Oakville finished off Newmarket's season with a 6–3 victory. In the process, Oakville lost their star goaltender, mid-tournament, in order for him to maintain histNCAAeligibility due to his age.[4]This loss cost the Blades as they traveled toCornwall, Ontariofor the2008 Royal Bank Cup.The Blades lost their opener to the hostCornwall Colts5–4. they then lost in overtime to theMJAHL'sWeeks Crushers4–3. They rebounded in their fourth game, defeating theSJHL'sHumboldt Broncos7–6, but then had all their hopes erased with a 6–1 loss to theAJHL'sCamrose Kodiaks.With a 1–3 record, the Blades were eliminated from the tournament despite outshooting their opponent in all four games.
Dissolution and reformation (2008–2010)
edit
The summer of 2008 brought much change to the OPJHL. As approved by the OHA, the semi-autonomous Central Division Hockey pilot program began in 2008–09. This divisions creation was controversial and had been appealed by left out teams to theOntario Hockey Federation.Although the OHA is attempted to play down the significance of the division in some aspects, they have admitted that the new conference would have slightly different rules than the rest of the divisions and that the CDH would be geared more for development. As well, the member teams would operate at a higher budget and completely partitioned from the rest of the OPJHL until the league semi-final. Additionally, the CDH would play a 53-game schedule, as opposed to the rest of the league which played a 49-game season. The division had its own website, separate from the league.[5]
On September 19, 2008, the league, already a month into the 2008–09 season, announced a name change, a new logo, and a new website. The league will now be known as the Ontario Junior Hockey League. Prior to the start of the season, the three divisions not involved with Central Division Hockey were renamed. The West Division is now the MacKinnon Division, the North Division is now the Phillips Division, and the East Division is the Ruddock Division. The South Division is scattered between the Phillips and MacKinnon Divisions.[6]
The 2008–09 season finished with theCouchiching Terrierstaking the overall best record. The finish in the Central Division was quite unique. First and last place in the division was the least spread out of all four divisions, the top six of eight teams all had even or winning records, theMarkham WaxersandWellington Dukesrace for first place lasted until the final game of the season, as did the race for third between theHamilton Red Wings,Newmarket Hurricanes,andToronto Jr. Canadiens.The Central Division playoffs was won by Wellington, but they were eliminated by the MacKinnon Division champion and defending league championOakville Bladesin a controversial series that went to a seventh game. TheKingston Voyageurswon the Ruddock Division who beat the Phillips Division championHuntsville Otters4-games-to-1 to go to the Buckland Cup finals. Kingston would defeat Oakville 4-games-to-2 in the league final for the Buckland Cup. The Voyageurs moved on to theDudley Hewitt CupinSchreiber, Ontariowhere they started the tournament by beating the hostSchreiber Dieselsof theSIJHL9–0. They then were upset by the SIJHL championFort William North Stars1–0. In the third game, the Voyageurs defeated theNOJHLchampionSoo Thunderbirds2–0 to move on directly to the DHC Final. In the final, the Voyageurs defeated a fatigued and fresh off a slim semi-final victory North Stars 4–1 to win the Central Canada crown. They then flew out toVictoria, British Columbiafor the2009 Royal Bank Cup.The event was a learning experience for the Voyageurs who started off the event with a 5–0 loss to the hostVictoria Grizzlies.In their next game, the Voyageurs edged theMJAHL'sSummerside Western Capitalswith a wild 7–5 win. They then lost to theSJHL'sHumboldt Broncos5–2 and then theBCHL'sVernon Vipers8–5. Edging into the semi-finals via a head-to-head win over the Capitals, the Voyageurs lost their final game of the year 6–3 to the eventual national champion Vipers.
A new and thought to be final chapter in the OJHL saga opened in April 2009. Thirteen more teams left the core of the OJHL to join the Central Division, jumping the number of teams in the CDH to 21 and dropping the remainder of the OJHL to 15 for the 2009–10 season. On June 29, 2009, the OHA Board of Directors voted to separate the OJHL into two completely different leagues. The group of 15 teams will be known as theOntario Junior A Hockey League,and the other 21 teams will be theCentral Canadian Hockey League.
OJAHL
edit
The first game in the new league's history was on September 9, 2009. TheBramalea Bluesdefeated theMississauga Chargers6–4 in Mississauga.
TheOakville Bladesdefeated theKingston Voyageurs4-games-to-3 in the OJAHL final to win their first and what will be the only OJAHL Championship.
TheOakville Bladesthen faced the CCHL'sNewmarket Hurricanesfor the 2010 Buckland Cup. The Hurricanes kept the series close, but the Blades took it in six games to move on to theDudley Hewitt Cup.
CCHL
edit
The first game under the CCHL banner was played September 9, 2009. TheStreetsville Derbysdefeated theNorth York Rangers5–4 in a shootout in North York.
The West Division ChampionNewmarket Hurricanesdefeated the East Division ChampionBowmanville Eagles4-games-to-2 in the CCHL final to win their first and what will be the only CCHL Championship.
Amalgamation (2010–present)
editAs the 2009–10 season wore on, theOntario Hockey Associationpresented theTomorrow's Gameplan. An attempt to downsize the OHA's Jr. A and Jr. B teams from 63 teams of near equal calibre to about 12-16 teams of high calibre and the rest playing in a development division. The two leagues put aside their differences and appealed the move by the OHA to theOntario Hockey Federation,who sided with the leagues.
From this point on, the two leagues have re-amalgamated for the 2010–11 season and have reduced the number of teams in competition by five, buying out or merging theAjax Attack,Bowmanville Eagles,Bramalea Blues,Couchiching TerriersandSeguin Bruins.The trend continued in the summer of 2011, as theStreetsville Derbysmerged to leave the league and theCollingwood Blackhawks,Dixie Beehives,andOrangeville Flyersall ceased operations. However, just over a week later, the Orangeville Flyers were reborn as theVillanova Knightsfilled in the void, and taken the identity of the Flyers.
TheHuntsville Otters,Vaughan Vipers,andBrampton Capitalshave all accepted buyouts from the league at the conclusion of the 2011–12 season. The Otters went as far as hosting the Dudley-Hewitt Cup, and playing in the final losing to theWellington Dukes,while the Vipers were improving and being one of the top teams, and the Capitals went out of business.
As of the Summer of 2014, the OJHL has shrunk to 22 teams with only a handful outside of theGreater Toronto Area.Despite the retraction in league size and an increase in overall league talent, the league's teams have suffered at the gate[7][8]and some teams have been forced to charge player fees.[9][10]
Shortly after Hamilton being announced as a major junior market, the Hamilton Red Wings relocated to Markham, but were not allowed to return as the Markham Waxers and instead re-branded as theMarkham Royalsand will begin play in 2015–16.[11]
Potential markets
editSince 2009, the Ontario Junior Hockey League has retracted in size down to 22 teams as of 2015 after a series of buyouts from the league and mergers. The OJHL has been looking outside of the Greater Toronto Area, such asHuntsville,Parry Soundand evenBelleville.
In late 2015, the OJHL announced a proposal to increase the league by two teams. The added teams are proposed to be advancement of Junior B teams and not from expansion. However, no teams were added.
March 2019, the OJHL announced the addition of the Collingwood Colts for the 2019–2020 season. Also for the 2019–20 season it was announced that the Newmarket Hurricanes had been sold and would be re-located toMiltonand be rebranded the Milton Menace.
On May 18, 2023 the Leamington Flyers announced that they would be moving up from Junior B GOJHL to Junior A and joining the OJHL beginning in the 2023-24 season. On June 26, 2023 the Niagara Falls Canucks followed the Flyers and announced they will be moving up to Junior A joining the OJHL from the Jr B GOJHL for the 2023-24 season
Seasons
editTeams
edit
Former teams
edit
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CJBHL (Left before 1992)
edit- Acton Sabres
- Brampton Warriors Jr. B
- Dixie Beehives Jr. B
- Dundas Flyers
- Goderich Siftos
- Guelph Biltmores
- Guelph CMC's
- Hamilton Bees
- Ingersoll Marlands
- Kitchener Greenshirts
- Mimico Monarchs
- Nobleton Devils
- Oak Ridges Dynes
- Owen Sound Greys
- Paris Redshirts
- Preston Raiders
- St. Catharines Amthes
- St. Marys Lincolns
- Stratford Braves
- Strathroy Rockets
- Thornhill Thunderbirds
- Waterloo Siskins
- Woodstock Warriors
Regular season champions
editThis is a list of divisional regular season champions and their point totals,boldedare the overall league regular season champions.
Junior A years
editPlease note: In 2009-10, there are two bolded league champions, this is due to a schism in the league that season.
|
Champions
editOJHL Champions
editFrom 1998 until 2009, the league champion has been awarded the Frank L. Buckland Trophy. From 1994 until 1998 the OPJHL competed against theMetro Junior A Hockey Leagueand/orNorthern Ontario Junior Hockey Leaguefor the Buckland Cup, losing in 1994 and 1997 but winning 1995, 1996 and 1998. The Buckland Cup was never technically the championship trophy of the OJHL, it was the championship of theOntario Hockey Associationand in 1998-99 the OPJHL became the only Jr. A league in the OHA.
-
Frank L. Buckland Trophy:
OHA Jr. A Championship -
William T. Ruddock Trophy:
OHF Championship, competed for by OPJHL champions since 1994 -
Dudley Hewitt Cup:
Regional Championship, competed for by OPJHL champions since 1994
The chart below shows all divisional playoff champions since the inception of the league in 1992.Boldedare the overall playoff champions,Italicizedare the runner-up and fellow conference champion.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dudley Hewitt Cup Central Canadian Champions
edit
|
Junior A National Champions
edit
|
Central League Jr. B Champions
editThe league champions arebolded.
|
|
Sutherland Cup Provincial Jr. B Champions
edit
|
OPJHL Champions are listed on the league's official website.[12]The CJBHL champions were provided by the league's statistician and theToronto Star.
OPJHL Showcase Tournament
editThe OPJHL Showcase Tournament was an annual event ran betweenChristmasandNew YearsinNewmarket, Ontario,hosted by theNewmarket Hurricanes.The tournament started in 1992 to help aidCanadian Hockey League,National Hockey League,andNational Collegiate Athletic Associationscouts in finding prospects for their teams. The tournament was highly competitive and successful. It drew as many as twenty junior hockey teams from all overNorth America.Despite just being a mid-season tourney, the event was highly contested and its title is played for with much ferocity.[13]
In 2007, the tournament was canceled as Newmarket wanted to focus their attention on hosting theDudley Hewitt Cupthat year. In 2008, the tournament was turned strictly into a 2-game a team showcase for teams from Central Division Hockey, killing the tournament format.
Champions
edit- 2006 Georgetown Raiders
- 2005 Vaughan Vipers
- 2004Texas Tornado
- 2003 Texas Tornado
- 2002 Texas Tornado
- 2001 Brampton Capitals
- 2000 Hamilton Kilty B's
- 1999 Vaughan Vipers
- 1998 Milton Merchants
- 1997 Milton Merchants
- 1996 Brampton Capitals
- 1995 Milton Merchants
- 1994 Newmarket 87's
- 1993 Hamilton Kilty B's
- 1992 Markham Waxers
League records
editScoring
edit
|
Records (Junior A)
edit- Best record:1992-93 Barrie Colts (47-0-1)
- Worst record**:1993-94 Royal York Rangers (1-40-1)
- Most goals, one season:Steve Walker (75) -- 1992-93 Barrie Colts[14]
- Most assists, one season:Jamie Janjevich (94) -- 1994-95 Milton Merchants[15]
- Most points, one season:Steve Walker (151) -- 1992-93 Barrie Colts[15]
(**) denotes that the record is held only by a team that completed their season. The 2003-04 Huntsville Wildcats are one of only two teams in OPJHL history to have folded mid-season. They folded with record of 0-23-0-0 and hold the record for worst winning percentage of all-time.
Timeline of teams in OJHL
edit- 1992 - Central Junior B Hockey League is elected to become pilot project for planned Junior A league
- 1992 - Cobourg Cougars join league fromCentral Ontario Junior C Hockey League
- 1992 - Aurora Eagles leave league forMetro Junior A Hockey League
- 1992 - Streetsville Derbys move and become Mississauga Derbys
- 1993 - League changes name from Central Junior A Hockey League to Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League
- 1993 - Hamilton Kiltys join league fromGolden Horseshoe Junior Hockey League
- 1993 - Caledon Canadians leave league forMetro Junior A Hockey League
- 1993 - Mississauga Derbys move and become Streetsville Derbys
- 1994 - Lindsay Bears become the Lindsay Muskies
- 1995 - Barrie Colts leave league forOntario Hockey League
- 1995 - Markham Waxers leave league forMetro Junior A Hockey League
- 1995 - Bramalea Blues, St. Michael's Buzzers, Mississauga Chargers, and Kingston Voyageurs join league fromMetro Junior A Hockey League
- 1995 - Stouffville Clippers join league
- 1995 - Trenton Sting and Bowmanville Eagles join league fromCentral Ontario Junior C Hockey League
- 1996 - Royal York Royals become the Vaughan Vipers
- 1996 - Stouffville Clippers become the Stouffville Spirit
- 1997 - Aurora Tigers join league fromMetro Junior A Hockey League
- 1997 - Orillia Terriers move and become Couchiching Terriers
- 1997 - Newmarket 87's become Newmarket Hurricanes
- 1997 - Peterborough Jr. Petes become Peterborough Bees
- 1997 - St. Michael's Buzzers take leave of absence
- 1998 - League absorbs foldedMetro Junior A Hockey League;new teams due to merger: Auburn Jr. Crunch (Syracuse Jr. Crunch), Bancroft Hawks (Quinte Hawks), Buffalo Lightning (Niagara Scenic), Caledon Canadians, Durham Huskies, Huntsville Wildcats, Markham Waxers, North York Rangers, Oshawa Legionaires, Pickering Panthers, Port Hope Buzzards, Shelburne Wolves, Thornhill Rattlers, Wellington Dukes, and Wexford Raiders.
- 1999 - Auburn Jr. Crunch change name to Syracuse Jr. Crunch
- 1999 - Shelburne Wolves leave league
- 1999 - Caledon Canadians leave league
- 1999 - Parry Sound Shamrocks join league fromNorthern Ontario Junior Hockey League
- 1999 - St. Michael's Buzzers rejoin league
- 2000 - Port Hope Buzzards become the Port Hope Clippers
- 2001 - Durham Huskies leave league
- 2001 - Port Hope Clippers are renamed Port Hope Predators
- 2002 - Parry Sound Shamrocks leave league
- 2002 - Hamilton Kiltys change name to Hamilton Red Wings
- 2003 - Huntsville Wildcats fold mid-season
- 2003 - Peterborough Bees change name to Peterborough Stars
- 2003 - Milton Merchants change name to Milton Icehawks
- 2004 - Huntsville Wildcats are reformed and changed their name to Huntsville-Muskoka Otters
- 2004 - Thornhill Rattlers change name to Thornhill Thunderbirds
- 2005 - Thornhill Thunderbirds become Toronto Thunderbirds
- 2005 - Buffalo Lightning become Buffalo Jr. Sabres
- 2005 - Ajax Axemen become Ajax Attack
- 2005 - Seguin Bruins join the league
- 2005 - Oswego Admirals join the league
- 2005 - Syracuse Jr. Crunch leave the league forEastern Junior Hockey League
- 2006 - Wexford Raiders become Toronto Jr. Canadiens
- 2006 - Oshawa Legionaires become Durham Fury
- 2006 - Couchiching Terriers take leave
- 2006 - Toronto Thunderbirds take leave
- 2006 - Orangeville Crushers join league fromMid-Western Junior Hockey League
- 2007 - Couchiching Terriers return to league
- 2007 - Oswego Admirals move and become Toronto Dixie Beehives
- 2007 - Trenton Sting become Quinte West Pack
- 2007 - Toronto Thunderbirds return as Villanova Knights
- 2007 - Bancroft Hawks take leave
- 2007 - Bramalea Blues take leave
- 2008 - Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League is renamed Ontario Junior Hockey League
- 2008 - Quinte West Pack become Trenton Hercs
- 2008 - Bramalea Blues return to league
- 2008 - Bancroft Hawks return as Upper Canada Hockey Club
- 2008 - Durham Fury move and become Whitby Fury
- 2009 - Trenton Hercs fold mid-season (January)
- 2009 - Ontario Junior Hockey League temporarily divides into Central Canadian Hockey League and Ontario Junior A Hockey League (by the 2010Dudley Hewitt Cup,the schism is mended and the Oakville Blades represent both leagues as the OJHL Champions)
- 2009 - Port Hope Predators move and become Trenton Golden Hawks
- 2009 - Toronto Dixie Beehives move and become Dixie Beehives
- 2009 - Upper Canada Hockey Club move and become Upper Canada Patriots
- 2010 - Bramalea Blues, Couchiching Terriers, and Seguin Bruins cease operations
- 2010 - Ajax Attack fold and merge into Pickering Panthers
- 2010 - Bowmanville Eagles fold and merge into Cobourg Cougars
- 2010 - Collingwood Blues change name to Collingwood Blackhawks
- 2010 - Orangeville Crushers change name to Orangeville Flyers
- 2011 - Upper Canada Patriots change name to Toronto Lakeshore Patriots
- 2011 - Streetsville Derbys fold and merge into Cobourg Cougars
- 2011 - Dixie Beehives cease operations
- 2011 - Collingwood Blackhawks cease operations
- 2011 - Orangeville Flyers cease operations
- 2011 - Villanova Knights move and become Orangeville Flyers
- 2012 - Huntsville Otters jump toGeorgian Mid-Ontario Junior C Hockey League
- 2012 - Brampton Capitals cease operations
- 2012 - Vaughan Vipers cease operations
- 2012 - Peterborough Stars fold and merge into Lindsay Muskies
- 2013 - Markham Waxers membership terminated by league
- 2014 - Toronto Lakeshore Patriots change name to Toronto Patriots
- 2015 - Hamilton Red Wings move and become Markham Royals
- 2019 - Kingston Voyageurs sold and move to Collingwood to become Collingwood Colts
- 2020 - Collingwood Colts change name to Collingwood Blues
- 2023 - Leamington Flyers join the league
- 2023 - Niagara Falls Canucks join the league
- 2024 - Brantford 99s become the King Rebellion
See also
editReferences
edit- ^"Preston Raiders".www.officialgamepuck.com.RetrievedMarch 30,2018.
- ^"1997-98 Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League Standings".hockeydb.com.
- ^"1998-99 Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League Standings".hockeydb.com.
- ^"Halton Breaking News - Halton's Online Newspaper - InsideHalton.com".InsideHalton.com.RetrievedMarch 30,2018.
- ^"York Region Breaking News - York Region's Online Newspaper - YorkRegion.com".YorkRegion.com.RetrievedMarch 30,2018.
- ^"HOME OF THE OJHL - Ontario Junior A Hockey League".www.ojhl.pointstreaksites.com.RetrievedMarch 30,2018.
- ^"OJHL Games Falling Flat".Archived fromthe originalon May 12, 2014.
- ^"Ontario Junior A Hockey League - Pointstreak Stats".ojhlsite.stats.pointstreak.com.RetrievedMarch 30,2018.
- ^"York Region Breaking News - York Region's Online Newspaper - YorkRegion.com".YorkRegion.com.RetrievedMarch 30,2018.
- ^"Pay-to-play hockey comes to Canada | Pro Hockey News".Archived fromthe originalon September 26, 2013.
- ^"Custom Hockey Pucks".CustomHockeyPuck.com.RetrievedMay 5,2020.
- ^"opjhl.ca".Go Daddy.RetrievedMarch 30,2018.
- ^ab"Team Sponsorship Opportunities".Archived fromthe originalon November 19, 2006.RetrievedJanuary 1,2007.
- ^"Ontario Junior A Hockey League - Pointstreak Stats".ojhlsite.stats.pointstreak.com.RetrievedMarch 30,2018.
- ^ab"HOME OF THE OJHL - Ontario Junior A Hockey League".www.ojhl.pointstreaksites.com.RetrievedMarch 30,2018.