Ontario Junior Hockey League

The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) is a Junior A ice hockey league in Ontario, Canada. It is under the supervision of the Ontario Hockey Association and the Canadian Junior Hockey League. The league dates back to 1954 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 the Ontario Hockey Association and 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.

Ontario Junior Hockey League
Current season or competition:
2019–20 OJHL season
Region(s)Greater Toronto Area
Central Ontario
CommissionerMarty Savoy
Chairman BoDScott McCrory
Former name(s)
Founded1954
No. of teams22
Associated Title(s)
Recent ChampionsOakville Blades (3rd) (2019)
Most successful clubBrampton Capitals, St. Michael's Buzzers, Wellington Dukes(Oakville Blades) (3 each)
HeadquartersMississauga, Ontario
WebsiteOJHL.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

In July 2013, the TheHockeyWriters.com listed the OJHL as the 7th best developmental league, professional or amateur, in North America.[2]

At its peak, the league was composed of 37 teams and is now mostly based in the Greater Toronto Area with a few teams eastward towards Kingston. The exception to this is the Buffalo Jr. Sabres located in the American state of New York.

The winner of the OJHL playoffs and Frank L. Buckland Trophy compete for the Dudley Hewitt Cup with the winners of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, Superior International Junior Hockey League and the host team. The winner of the Dudley Hewitt Cup then goes on to compete for the Centennial Cup, the national Junior A championship.

History

For the original OPJHL, please see: Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League (1972-1987).

1954 to 1971

In 1954, a variety of teams from different leagues and Ontario Hockey Association junior groupings were put together in the Central Junior B Hockey League. The Central League was formed as a sister league to the Western Ontario Junior B Hockey League that 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 the Woodstock Warriors, Owen Sound Greys, Waterloo Siskins, Burlington Mohawks, Paris Redshirts, Dundas Flyers, and Ingersoll Reems. Woodstock took the first ever Central League crown as well as that year's Sutherland Cup as provincial champions.

From 1955 until 1964, the Waterloo Siskins won the league six out of nine seasons, losing out to Burlington in 1957 and 1958 and the Owen Sound Greys in 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 the St. Michael's Buzzers of the Metro Junior B Hockey League. During that streak, the Waterloo Siskins won the Sutherland Cup four times. In 1956 they defeated the Brampton Regents of 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 the St. Thomas Elgins of 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 the Kitchener Greenshirts. In 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968, the Greenshirts were Central League champions. They also won the Sutherland Cup in 1965 by defeating Etobicoke of the Metro League 4-games-to-2 and in 1967 by defeating the Metro League's Dixie Beehives 4-games-to-2.

In 1968, their sister league, the Western Ontario Junior B Hockey League, went renegade and left the Ontario Hockey Association. As a result, the Strathroy Rockets were 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 the Markham Waxers of the Metro League.

In 1969, the Collingwood Blues jumped 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 the Owen Sound Greys, Collingwood Blues, Waterloo Siskins, Preston Raiders, and Kitchener 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

In 1971, the league re-aligned itself geographically.[3] The Owen Sound Greys and Collingwood Blues jumped to the Mid-Ontario Junior B Hockey League. The Waterloo Siskins and Kitchener Ranger B's moved over to the Western Ontario Junior B Hockey League. The Burlington Mohawks were the only team to stay put. In return, the Central League gained many teams from the Mid-Ontario Junior B Hockey League, like the Oakville Blades, Milton Flyers, Hespeler Shamrocks and Streetsville Derbys. They also gained the Dundas Blues and the Brampton 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 the Sutherland Cup final. Unfortunately for the Blades, the Bramalea Blues of the Metro Junior B Hockey League awaited 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 the Streetsville 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 the Stratford Cullitons of the Waterloo-Wellington Junior B Hockey League 4-games-to-2. A year later, the Derbys again met the Stratford Cullitons (now of the Mid-Western Junior B Hockey League), but lost 9-points-to-5. The 1978–79 season had the Derbys make the Sutherland Cup final for the third straight year. In the final, the Derbys met the St. Catharines Falcons of the Golden Horseshoe Junior B Hockey League and defeated them 4-games-to-none to finally win a provincial title.

In 1978 the Mid-Ontario league folded, and Orillia Terriers, Thornhill Thunderbirds, the Barrie Colts, and Oak Ridges Dynes joined the Central League.

The 1980–81 season had a team other than the Derbys show dominance, as the Burlington Cougars won the Central League championship. They kept on winning and found themselves in the Sutherland Cup final. The Cougars came up against the Stratford Cullitons of the Mid-Western League and were victorious, winning 8-points-to-4. In 1982, the Oakville Blades won the Central league for the first time in seven years.

From the 1982–83 season until the 1985–86 season, the Streetsville Derbys celebrated 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 the Ontario 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 the Waterloo Siskins of 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 the Stratford Cullitons of 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 from Ontario Hockey Association play. 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, the Barrie Colts dominated 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 the Waterloo Siskins 4-games-to-none. In 1992, the Milton Merchants won the league championship, but also fell in the Sutherland Cup final, this time to the Kitchener 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, the Barrie Colts dominated 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 final Sutherland Cup since 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 the Barrie Colts, Markham Waxers, Peterborough Jr. Petes, Newmarket 87's, Orillia Terriers, Lindsay Bears, Ajax Axemen, Collingwood Blues, and Cobourg Cougars in the East Division and the Brampton Capitals, Burlington Cougars, Milton Merchants, Caledon Canadians, Oakville Blades, Streetsville Derbys (played that season in Mississauga), Georgetown Raiders, and Royal York Rangers in the West Division.

Ascension to Junior "A"

For Season-by-Season Standings, please see: OPJHL Standings
Logo 1993–2008

In 1988, the Metro Junior B Hockey League left the Ontario Hockey Association. In 1991, it declared itself a Junior A hockey league and a couple seasons later was recognized by the Canadian Junior A Hockey League. In response, the Ontario Hockey Association took the Central Junior B Hockey League, the remaining Junior B league closest to Toronto, and promoted it to Junior A. The league changed its name to the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League, the original name of the old Junior A League that lasted from 1972 to 1987.

The first ever OPJHL champion was the Orillia Terriers in 1994. Despite much of the hype going into the Ontario Hockey Association Junior A championship round robin, the Terriers lost 3–1 to the Caledon Canadians of the Metro Junior A Hockey League in the OHA final. The other competitors were the Metro's Wexford Raiders and the NOJHL's Powassan Hawks. In the summer of 1994, the Barrie Colts left the OPJHL to play in the Ontario Hockey League.

In 1995, the Brampton Capitals won the OPJHL's crown, the Buckland Cup, and gained a berth into the Dudley Hewitt Cup round robin in Thunder Bay. In the round robin, the Capitals went undefeated, beating the Metro's Caledon Canadians 4–1, the NOJHL's Timmins Golden Bears 5-3 and the USHL's Thunder Bay Flyers 5–2. 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 rival Metro Junior A Hockey League. In the midst of perceived corruption by the league, five teams walked away from the Metro. Four of these teams; the Bramalea Blues, Kingston Voyageurs, Mississauga Chargers, and St. Michael's Buzzers; fled to join the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League.

In 1996, The Newmarket 87's were OPJHL champions. They went to the Dudley Hewitt Cup in Cobourg, Ontario to compete for the Central Canadian Championship. Also attending from the OPJHL were the Cobourg Cougars as hosts and the Brampton Capitals as OPJHL finalists. Cobourg lost to the Thunder Bay Flyers 5–3, defeated the Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats 5–3, 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 to Melfort, Saskatchewan to compete in the Royal Bank Cup 1996. In their first game they defeated the BCHL's Vernon Vipers 7–5, then the SJHL's Yorkton Terriers 5–2. It all went downhill from there as the 87's then lost to the host Melfort Mustangs 11–3, the MJAHL's Moncton Beavers 4–3, and were defeated in the semi-final by Vernon 7–4. This ended the OPJHL's first odyssey in the Royal Bank Cup.

The 1996–97 season was won by the Milton Merchants. In a best-of-7 for the Dudley Hewitt Cup against the NOJHL's Rayside-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 the Royal Bank Cup 1998 in Nanaimo, British Columbia to compete for the National Junior A championship. They defeated the Central Junior A Hockey League's Brockville Braves 5–2, but lost to the host Nanaimo Clippers 6–2, SJHL's Weyburn Red Wings 6–2, and the South Surrey Eagles 3-0 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)

In 1998 came the exodus. The Metro Junior A Hockey League closed its doors after over half a century of action at the Junior A and B levels. The Bancroft 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, and Wexford Raiders[4][5] all made the jump to the OPJHL. The only team not to come was the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins, who were not interested in the extra travel. A season before, a sign that this might happen occurred when the 1997 Metro Champion Aurora Tigers defected 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 had American hockey clubs with the Buffalo Lightning and Syracuse Jr. Crunch.

The first season for this super-league was won by the Bramalea Blues. The Blues also won the Dudley Hewitt Cup as Central Canadian Champions and travelled to Yorkton, Saskatchewan to compete in the Royal Bank Cup 1999. Despite winning the round robin with a 3–1 record, the Blues were upset by the BCHL's Vernon Vipers, 3–2, in the semi-final. The 1999-00 Buckland Cup champions were the Brampton Capitals, but they failed to win the Dudley Hewitt Cup, losing a best-of-7 series to the Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats.

The 2001 Buckland Cup champions were the Thornhill Rattlers. The Rattlers defeated Rayside-Balfour to win the Dudley Hewitt Cup and moved on to Flin Flon, Manitoba for the Royal 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 the Wellington Dukes to win the OPJHL crown, the Caps failed to win the Dudley Hewitt Cup for a berth in the Royal 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 the Aurora Tigers. The Dukes ventured to Fort Frances, Ontario for the Dudley Hewitt Cup. After defeating the SIJHL's Fort Frances Borderland Thunder 7–1, they lost to the NOJHL's North Bay Skyhawks 2–1. The Dukes came back and defeated the SIJHL's Thunder Bay Bulldogs 7–4 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 to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island for the Royal Bank Cup 2003. The Dukes lost their first game 4–1 to the SJHL's Humboldt Broncos and lost again in their second game 7–1 to the AJHL's Camrose Kodiaks. It was do-or-die time for the Dukes, and they stepped up to the plate by defeating the host Charlottetown Abbies 1–0 in overtime and the QJAAAHL's Lennoxville Cougars 5–2 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 2003–04 Aurora Tigers achieved much in with Spring of 2004. After defeating the St. Michael's Buzzers 4-games-to-2 to clinch the Buckland Cup and their fifth victorious best-of-7 series of the playoffs, the Tigers moved on to North Bay, Ontario to compete for the Dudley Hewitt Cup. The Tigers swept the opposition, defeating the NOJHL's Soo Thunderbirds 3–1, the SIJHL's Fort William North Stars 4–0, and the host North Bay Skyhawks 5–3, they moved straight to the final and beat the Skyhawks again 5–1 to clinch the Central Canadian championship. The Tigers then flew out to Grande Prairie, Alberta to compete in the Royal Bank Cup 2004. After losing their first game to the host Grande Prairie Storm 4–2, the Tiger went on a roll, beating the BCHL's Nanaimo Clippers 4–2, the SJHL's Kindersley Klippers 5–0, and the then Central Junior A Hockey League's Nepean Raiders 3–1. 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 the Royal Bank Cup. This marked the first national championship in the OPJHL's 11-year history. The 2005 Buckland Cup champions were the St. Michael's Buzzers. After defeated the Georgetown Raiders 4-games-to-2 to win the OPJHL, they then traveled to Georgetown, Ontario to compete for the Dudley Hewitt Cup. The Raiders went 3–0 in the tournament, defeating the NOJHL's North Bay Skyhawks 7–2, SIJHL's Fort William North Stars 4–0, 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 to Weyburn, Saskatchewan to compete in the Royal Bank Cup 2005. They started out with a loss to the host Weyburn Red Wings, then beat the Central Junior A Hockey League's Hawkesbury Hawks 3–0. In their third game, they defeated the MJHL's Portage Terriers 6–3, but then lost to the AJHL's Camrose Kodiaks 2–1. They again drew Camrose in the semi-final and were walloped 8–2 to end their season.

In 2006, the St. Michael's Buzzers won the Buckland Cup again by defeating the Stouffville Spirit 4-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 the SIJHL's Dryden Ice Dogs despite badly outshooting them. In the next game, the Buzzers found their form again and massacred the host Fort William North Stars 7–1, only to lose to the NOJHL's Sudbury Jr. Wolves 5–2. Due to tie-breaker, the Buzzers were eliminated from the round robin. The OPJHL still had a single hope left, the Streetsville Derbys were the hosts of the 2006 Royal Bank Cup in Brampton, Ontario. The Derbys finished first in the round robin, defeating the BCHL's Burnaby Express 4–3 in overtime, Fort William 3–2, the SJHL's Yorkton Terriers 2–1, before dropping a game to the QJAAAHL's Joliette Action 4–1. Unfortunately, the Derbys failed to win the semi-final against Yorkton, losing 2–1.

The 2006–07 season was dominated by the Aurora 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 to Iroquois Falls, Ontario for the Dudley Hewitt Cup. The Dudley proved to be little challenge for the Tigers, as they defeated the NOJHL's Soo Indians 4–1, the SIJHL's Schreiber Diesels 6–3, and the host Abitibi Eskimos 7–0, before crushing Schreiber 10–0 in the Central Championship final. Next, they traveled to Prince George, British Columbia for the 2007 Royal Bank Cup. Aurora started off the national championship with a 4–2 victory over the MJHL's Selkirk Steelers. They then lost to the Central Junior A Hockey League's Pembroke Lumber Kings 5–3. The Tigers then beat the host Prince George Spruce Kings 6-3 and the AJHL's Camrose Kodiaks 7–4 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 exciting Oakville Blades team that had a great regular season and dominated the Buckland Cup playoffs. At the Dudley, the Blades were perfect, defeating the SIJHL's Dryden Ice Dogs 5–1, the NOJHL's Sudbury Jr. Wolves 5–3, and the host Newmarket Hurricanes 5–2. 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 hist NCAA eligibility due to his age.[6] This loss cost the Blades as they traveled to Cornwall, Ontario for the 2008 Royal Bank Cup. The Blades lost their opener to the host Cornwall Colts 5–4. they then lost in overtime to the MJAHL's Weeks Crushers 4–3. They rebounded in their fourth game, defeating the SJHL's Humboldt Broncos 7–6, but then had all their hopes erased with a 6–1 loss to the AJHL's Camrose 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)

Central Division Hockey logo

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 the Ontario 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.[7]

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.[8]

The 2008–09 season finished with the Couchiching Terriers taking 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, the Markham Waxers and Wellington Dukes race for first place lasted until the final game of the season, as did the race for third between the Hamilton Red Wings, Newmarket Hurricanes, and Toronto Jr. Canadiens. The Central Division playoffs was won by Wellington, but they were eliminated by the MacKinnon Division champion and defending league champion Oakville Blades in a controversial series that went to a seventh game. The Kingston Voyageurs won the Ruddock Division who beat the Phillips Division champion Huntsville Otters 4-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 the Dudley Hewitt Cup in Schreiber, Ontario where they started the tournament by beating the host Schreiber Diesels of the SIJHL 9–0. They then were upset by the SIJHL champion Fort William North Stars 1–0. In the third game, the Voyageurs defeated the NOJHL champion Soo Thunderbirds 2–0 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 to Victoria, British Columbia for the 2009 Royal Bank Cup. The event was a learning experience for the Voyageurs who started off the event with a 5–0 loss to the host Victoria Grizzlies. In their next game, the Voyageurs edged the MJAHL's Summerside Western Capitals with a wild 7–5 win. They then lost to the SJHL's Humboldt Broncos 5–2 and then the BCHL's Vernon Vipers 8–5. 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 the Ontario Junior A Hockey League, and the other 21 teams will be the Central Canadian Hockey League.

OJAHL

The first game in the new league's history was on September 9, 2009. The Bramalea Blues defeated the Mississauga Chargers 6–4 in Mississauga.

The Oakville Blades defeated the Kingston Voyageurs 4-games-to-3 in the OJAHL final to win their first and what will be the only OJAHL Championship.

The Oakville Blades then faced the CCHL's Newmarket Hurricanes for the 2010 Buckland Cup. The Hurricanes kept the series close, but the Blades took it in six games to move on to the Dudley Hewitt Cup.

CCHL

The first game under the CCHL banner was played September 9, 2009. The Streetsville Derbys defeated the North York Rangers 5–4 in a shootout in North York.

The West Division Champion Newmarket Hurricanes defeated the East Division Champion Bowmanville Eagles 4-games-to-2 in the CCHL final to win their first and what will be the only CCHL Championship.

Amalgamation (2010–present)

As the 2009–10 season wore on, the Ontario Hockey Association presented the Tomorrow's Game plan. 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 the Ontario 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 the Ajax Attack, Bowmanville Eagles, Bramalea Blues, Couchiching Terriers and Seguin Bruins. The trend continued in the summer of 2011, as the Streetsville Derbys merged to leave the league and the Collingwood Blackhawks, Dixie Beehives, and Orangeville Flyers all ceased operations. However, just over a week later, the Orangeville Flyers were reborn as the Villanova Knights filled in the void, and taken the identity of the Flyers.

The Huntsville Otters, Vaughan Vipers, and Brampton Capitals have 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 the Wellington 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 the Greater Toronto Area. Despite the retraction in league size and an increase in overall league talent, the league's teams have suffered at the gate[9][10] and some teams have been forced to charge player fees.[11][12]

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 the Markham Royals and will begin play in 2015–16.[13]

Potential markets

Since 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 as Huntsville, Parry Sound and even Belleville. It is highly questionable, if the OJHL will consider expanded to Central Ontario and Southern Ontario.

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 to Milton and be rebranded the Milton Menace.

Seasons

For season-by-season results from the OJHL/OPJHL, please see: List of OJHL seasons.

Teams

Team Locations 2012-13
South-East Conference
South Division
TeamCentreJoined
Brampton Admirals Brampton, Ontario 1998
Mississauga Chargers Mississauga, Ontario 1995
North York Rangers Toronto, Ontario 1998
St. Michael's Buzzers Toronto, Ontario 1995
Toronto Jr. Canadiens Toronto, Ontario 1998
Toronto Patriots Toronto, Ontario 1998
East Division
TeamCentreJoined
Cobourg Cougars Cobourg, Ontario 1992
Lindsay Muskies Lindsay, Ontario 1989
Trenton Golden Hawks Trenton, Ontario 1998
Wellington Dukes Wellington, Ontario 1998
Whitby Fury Whitby, Ontario 1998
North-West Conference
North Division
TeamCentreJoined
Aurora Tigers Aurora, Ontario 1997
Collingwood Blues Collingwood, Ontario 1995
Markham Royals Markham, Ontario 1993
Pickering Panthers Pickering, Ontario 1998
Stouffville Spirit Stouffville, Ontario 1995
West Division
TeamCentreJoined
Brantford 99ers Brantford, Ontario 1971
Buffalo Jr. Sabres Buffalo, New York 1998
Burlington Cougars Burlington, Ontario 1971
Georgetown Raiders Georgetown, Ontario 1975
Milton Menace Milton, Ontario 1987
Oakville Blades Oakville, Ontario 1971

Former teams

Former OJHL Teams
TeamCentreJoinedExitedStatus
Ajax Attack Ajax, Ontario 1991 2010 Merged w/ Pickering Panthers
Barrie Colts Barrie, Ontario 1978 1995 Joined OHL
Bowmanville Eagles Bowmanville, Ontario 1995 2010 Merged w/ Cobourg Cougars
Bramalea Blues Brampton, Ontario 1995 2010 Merged w/ Brampton Capitals
Brampton Capitals Brampton, Ontario 1984 2012 Folded
Caledon Canadians Caledon, Ontario 1992
1998
1993
1999
Folded
Collingwood Blues Collingwood, Ontario 1988 2011 Folded
Couchiching Terriers Rama, Ontario 1978
1987
1981
2010
Folded
Dixie Beehives Toronto, Ontario 2005 2011 Folded
Durham Huskies Durham, Ontario 1998 2001 Folded
Huntsville Otters Huntsville, Ontario 1998 2012 Joined GMOHL
Markham Waxers Markham, Ontario 1998 2012 Folded
Orangeville Crushers Orangeville, Ontario 2006 2011 Folded
Parry Sound Shamrocks Parry Sound, Ontario 1999 2002 Folded
Peterborough Stars Peterborough, Ontario 1989 2012 Merged w/ Lindsay Muskies
Seguin Bruins Humphrey, Ontario 2005 2010 Folded
Shelburne Wolves Shelburne, Ontario 1998 1999 Folded
Streetsville Derbys Streetsville, Ontario 1971 2011 Merged w/ Cobourg Cougars
Syracuse Jr. Crunch Syracuse, New York 1998 2005 Joined EJHL
Trenton Sting Trenton, Ontario 1995 2009 Folded
Vaughan Vipers Vaughan, Ontario 1991 2012 Folded

CJBHL (Left before 1992)

Regular season champions

This is a list of divisional regular season champions and their point totals, bolded are the overall league regular season champions.

Junior A years

Please note: In 2009-10, there are two bolded league champions, this is due to a schism in the league that season.

Year East Pts West Pts
1992-93Barrie Colts95Brampton Capitals69
1993-94Orillia Terriers73Hamilton Kiltys66
1994-95Newmarket 87's75Milton Merchants69
Year MacKenzie Pts MacKinnon Pts Phillips Pts Ruddock Pts
1995-96Bramalea Blues77Milton Merchants64Newmarket 87's83Kingston Voyageurs82
1996-97Bramalea Blues76Milton Merchants81Newmarket 87's89Kingston Voyageurs87
1997-98Brampton Capitals83Milton Merchants85Collingwood Blues74Peterborough Bees62
Year East Pts Central Pts West Pts
1998-99Pickering Panthers74Collingwood Blues84Milton Merchants90
Year East Pts North Pts South Pts West Pts
1999-00Lindsay Muskies87Newmarket Hurricanes76Vaughan Vipers78Georgetown Raiders71
2000-01Lindsay Muskies74Couchiching Terriers79Thornhill Rattlers77Milton Merchants64
2001-02Wellington Dukes81Newmarket Hurricanes72Wexford Raiders76Brampton Capitals71
2002-03Wellington Dukes95Aurora Tigers89Wexford Raiders69Milton Merchants84
2003-04Wellington Dukes81Aurora Tigers94St. Michael's Buzzers69Georgetown Raiders84
2004-05Port Hope Predators82Aurora Tigers69Wexford Raiders81Georgetown Raiders83
2005-06Bowmanville Eagles83Aurora Tigers76St. Michael's Buzzers66Milton Icehawks87
2006-07Bowmanville Eagles82Aurora Tigers89Vaughan Vipers74Brampton Capitals81
2007-08Wellington Dukes72Huntsville Otters84St. Michael's Buzzers88Oakville Blades82
Year Central Pts MacKinnon Pts Phillips Pts Ruddock Pts
2008-09Wellington Dukes75Georgetown Raiders85Couchiching Terriers85Kingston Voyageurs76
Year CCHL East Pts CCHL West Pts OJAHL Pts
2009-10Bowmanville Eagles69Burlington Cougars81Kingston Voyageurs97
Year East Pts North Pts South Pts West Pts
2010-11Wellington Dukes81Newmarket Hurricanes83Vaughan Vipers71Burlington Cougars80
2011-12Trenton Golden Hawks78Newmarket Hurricanes79St. Michael's Buzzers78Georgetown Raiders79
2012-13Trenton Golden Hawks85Aurora Tigers70St. Michael's Buzzers77Buffalo Jr. Sabres81
2013-14Kingston Voyageurs81Aurora Tigers79Toronto Lakeshore Patriots76Buffalo Jr. Sabres68
2014-15Trenton Golden Hawks85Aurora Tigers91Toronto Patriots71Georgetown Raiders82
2015-16Trenton Golden Hawks92Markham Royals68Oakville Blades71Georgetown Raiders78
2016-17Trenton Golden Hawks87Markham Royals64Oakville Blades73Georgetown Raiders94
2017-18Wellington Dukes74Aurora Tigers78Toronto Patriots86Georgetown Raiders78
2018-19Cobourg Cougars78Markham Royals65North York Rangers85Oakville Blades94
2019–20Wellington Dukes88Pickering Panthers68Toronto Jr. Canadiens82Oakville Blades84

Champions

OJHL Champions

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.

This chart shows all divisional playoff champions since the inception of the league in 1992. Bolded are the overall playoff champions, Italicized are the runner-up and fellow conference champion. From 1998 until 2009, the league champion has been awarded the Frank L. Buckland Trophy. From 1994 until 1998 the OPJHL competed against the Metro Junior A Hockey League and/or Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League for 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 the Ontario Hockey Association and in 1998-99 the OPJHL became the only Jr. A league in the OHA.

YearWestEast
1993Brampton CapitalsBarrie Colts
1994Hamilton KiltysOrillia Terriers
1995Brampton CapitalsBarrie Colts
Phillips MacKinnon MacKenzie Ruddock
1996Newmarket 87'sMilton MerchantsBrampton CapitalsKingston Voyageurs
1997Newmarket 87'sMilton MerchantsBramalea BluesKingston Voyageurs
1998Newmarket HurricanesMilton MerchantsBramalea BluesTrenton Sting
Central West Wildcard East
1999Collingwood BluesBramalea BluesMilton MerchantsPickering Panthers
North West South East
2000Couchiching TerriersBrampton CapitalsThornhill RattlersLindsay Muskies
2001Couchiching TerriersMilton MerchantsThornhill RattlersTrenton Sting
2002Aurora TigersBrampton CapitalsWexford RaidersWellington Dukes
2003Aurora TigersGeorgetown RaidersMarkham WaxersWellington Dukes
2004Aurora TigersOakville BladesSt. Michael's BuzzersBowmanville Eagles
2005Aurora TigersGeorgetown RaidersSt. Michael's BuzzersPort Hope Predators
2006Stouffville SpiritOakville BladesSt. Michael's BuzzersBowmanville Eagles
2007Aurora TigersHamilton Red WingsSt. Michael's BuzzersWellington Dukes
2008Aurora TigersOakville BladesMarkham WaxersWellington Dukes
Phillips MacKinnon Central Ruddock
2009Huntsville OttersOakville BladesWellington DukesKingston Voyageurs
CCHL Champions CCHL Finalists OJAHL Champions OJAHL Finalists
2010
CC/OJ
Newmarket HurricanesBowmanville EaglesOakville BladesKingston Voyageurs
NorthwestSoutheast
2011Oakville BladesWellington Dukes
North West South East
2012Stouffville SpiritGeorgetown RaidersToronto Lakeshore PatriotsWhitby Fury
NortheastSouthwest
2013Newmarket HurricanesSt. Michael's Buzzers
2014Aurora TigersToronto Lakeshore Patriots
2015Kingston Voyageurs Toronto Patriots
2016Trenton Golden HawksGeorgetown Raiders
2017Trenton Golden HawksGeorgetown Raiders
2018Wellington DukesGeorgetown Raiders
North West South East
2019Markham RoyalsOakville BladesNorth York RangersWellington Dukes
2020Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

Dudley Hewitt Cup Central Canadian Champions

Year Champion Finalist Host (if applicable)
1996Newmarket 87'sBrampton CapitalsCobourg, Ontario
1998Milton MerchantsRayside-Balfour Sabrecats (NOJHL)
1999Bramalea BluesRayside-Balfour Sabrecats (NOJHL)
2001Thornhill RattlersRayside-Balfour Sabrecats (NOJHL)
2003Wellington DukesNorth Bay Skyhawks (NOJHL)Fort Frances, Ontario
2004Aurora TigersNorth Bay Skyhawks (NOJHL)North Bay, Ontario
2005Georgetown RaidersSt. Michael's BuzzersGeorgetown, Ontario
2007Aurora TigersSchreiber Diesels (SIJHL)Iroquois Falls, Ontario
2008Oakville BladesNewmarket HurricanesNewmarket, Ontario
2009Kingston VoyageursFort William North Stars (SIJHL)Schreiber, Ontario
2010Oakville BladesFort William North Stars (SIJHL)Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
2011Wellington DukesHuntsville OttersHuntsville, Ontario
2014Toronto Lakeshore PatriotsWellington DukesWellington, Ontario
2016Trenton Golden HawksSoo Thunderbirds (NOJHL)Kirkland Lake, Ontario
2017Trenton Golden HawksGeorgetown RaidersTrenton, Ontario
2018Wellington DukesDryden Ice Dogs (SIJHL)Dryden, Ontario

Junior A National Champions

Year Champion Finalist Host (if applicable)
2004Aurora TigersKindersley Klippers (SJHL)Grande Prairie, Alberta
2007Aurora TigersPrince George Spruce Kings (BCHL)Prince George, BC
2017Cobourg CougarsBrooks Bandits (AJHL)Cobourg, ON

Central League Jr. B Champions

The league champions are bolded.

Sutherland Cup Provincial Jr. B Champions

Year Champion Finalist
1955Woodstock WarriorsWoodbridge Dodgers (MetJHL)
1956Waterloo SiskinsBrampton Regents (MetJHL)
1960Waterloo SiskinsToronto Marlboros (MetJHL)
1962Waterloo SiskinsSt. Thomas Barons (WOJBHL)
1964Waterloo SiskinsWeston Dodgers (MetJHL)
1965Kitchener GreenshirtsEtobicoke Indians (MetJHL)
1967Kitchener GreenshirtsDixie Beehives (MetJHL)
1979Streetsville DerbysSt. Catharines Falcons (GHJHL)
1981Burlington CougarsStratford Cullitons (MWJHL)
1993Barrie ColtsKitchener Dutchmen (MWJHL)

OPJHL Champions are listed on the league's official website.[14] The CJBHL champions were provided by the league's statistician and the Toronto Star.

OPJHL Showcase Tournament

The OPJHL Showcase Tournament was an annual event ran between Christmas and New Years in Newmarket, Ontario, hosted by the Newmarket Hurricanes. The tournament started in 1992 to help aid Canadian Hockey League, National Hockey League, and National Collegiate Athletic Association scouts in finding prospects for their teams. The tournament was highly competitive and successful. It drew as many as twenty junior hockey teams from all over North America. Despite just being a mid-season tourney, the event was highly contested and its title is played for with much ferocity.[15]

In 2007, the tournament was canceled as Newmarket wanted to focus their attention on hosting the Dudley Hewitt Cup that 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

[15]

League records

Scoring

Year Champion Team G-A-P
1992-93Steve WalkerBarrie Colts75-76-151
1993-94Ron WattsBrampton Capitals54-55-109
1994-95Jamie JanjevichMilton Merchants33-94-127
1995-96Trent WalfordNewmarket 87's52-90-142
1996-97Ryan VinceKingston Voyageurs54-81-135
1997-98Darren HaydarMilton Merchants71-69-140
1998-99Stace PageGeorgetown Raiders54-69-123
1999-00Pierre RivardNewmarket Hurricanes35-77-112
2000-01Jason PinizzottoCouchiching Terriers54-86-140
2001-02Jeff HristovskiBrampton Capitals56-47-103
2002-03Josh SoarsHamilton Kiltys56-68-124
2003-04Ben CottreauMarkham Waxers43-52-95
2004-05Andrew CoglianoSt. Michael's Buzzers36-66-102
2005-06Mark PrenticePort Hope Predators56-44-100
2006-07Scott FreemanBowmanville Eagles33-64-97
2007-08Bruce CrawfordMississauga Chargers41-57-98
2008-09Nathan PageauHamilton Red Wings48-55-103
2009-10Josh Jooris
Matt Smyth
Burlington Cougars (CC)
Couchiching Terriers (OJ)
26-90-116
51-55-106
2010-11Phil PrewerBurlington Cougars39-70-109
2011-12Christian FinchStouffville Spirit37-67-104
2012-13Tyler GjurichBuffalo Jr. Sabres53-44-97
2013-14Taylor BestWhitby Fury37-53-90
2014-15Steve HladinGeorgetown Raiders41-63-104
2015-16Luc BrownWellington Dukes42-49-91
2016-17Jack JacomeGeorgetown Raiders34-57-91
2017-18Andrew PetrucciToronto Patriots52-48-100
2018-19Alessio LucianiMarkham Royals31-45-76

Records (Junior A)

  • 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[16]
  • Most assists, one season: Jamie Janjevich (94) -- 1994-95 Milton Merchants[17]
  • Most points, one season: Steve Walker (151) -- 1992-93 Barrie Colts[17]

(**) 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

  • 1992 - Central Junior B Hockey League is elected to become pilot project for planned Junior A league
  • 1992 - Cobourg Cougars join league from Central Ontario Junior C Hockey League
  • 1992 - Aurora Eagles leave league for Metro 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 from Golden Horseshoe Junior Hockey League
  • 1993 - Caledon Canadians leave league for Metro Junior A Hockey League
  • 1993 - Mississauga Derbys move and become Streetsville Derbys
  • 1994 - Lindsay Bears become the Lindsay Muskies
  • 1995 - Barrie Colts leave league for Ontario Hockey League
  • 1995 - Markham Waxers leave league for Metro Junior A Hockey League
  • 1995 - Bramalea Blues, St. Michael's Buzzers, Mississauga Chargers, and Kingston Voyageurs join league from Metro Junior A Hockey League
  • 1995 - Stouffville Clippers join league
  • 1995 - Trenton Sting and Bowmanville Eagles join league from Central 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 from Metro 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 folded Metro 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 from Northern 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 for Eastern 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 from Mid-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 2010 Dudley 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 to Georgian 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

See also

References

  1. League competed for Sutherland Cup from 1954 until 1993 when it was formerly promoted to Junior A
  2. http://thehockeywriters.com/top-10-best-developmental-ice-hockey-leagues-north-america/
  3. "Preston Raiders". www.officialgamepuck.com. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  4. "Halton Breaking News - Halton's Online Newspaper - InsideHalton.com". InsideHalton.com. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  5. "York Region Breaking News - York Region's Online Newspaper - YorkRegion.com". YorkRegion.com. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  6. "HOME OF THE OJHL - Ontario Junior A Hockey League". www.ojhl.pointstreaksites.com. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  7. http://hockeynow.ca/blog/ojhl-games-falling-flat-
  8. "Ontario Junior A Hockey League - Pointstreak Stats". ojhlsite.stats.pointstreak.com. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  9. "York Region Breaking News - York Region's Online Newspaper - YorkRegion.com". YorkRegion.com. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  10. http://prohockeynews.com/pay-to-play-hockey-comes-to-canada/
  11. "Custom Hockey Pucks". CustomHockeyPuck.com. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  12. "opjhl.ca". Go Daddy. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  13. "Ontario Junior A Hockey League - Pointstreak Stats". ojhlsite.stats.pointstreak.com. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  14. "HOME OF THE OJHL - Ontario Junior A Hockey League". www.ojhl.pointstreaksites.com. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
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