The upcoming Ontario Hockey League season is set to kick off on Thursday, sparking hopes among northern fans for a championship victory this year. Last season saw the Sudbury Wolves, Soo Greyhounds, and North Bay Battalion all fall short in the OHL playoffs’ first round. Determined to achieve better outcomes this time, teams are grappling with a significant rule change that could significantly impact their championship aspirations.
In a groundbreaking move, players now have the option to compete for U.S. colleges and receive salaries in men’s Division 1 NCAA hockey. Exceptional talent may even secure full scholarships down south. Even before the start of the 2025-26 regular season, northern Ontario teams are already feeling the effects, as several players have opted to head south to play college hockey, with a reported 12 commitments from the Wolves, Greyhounds, and Battalion.
Conversely, players committed to American schools can now play in the OHL, marking a first in league history. This rule change is expected to highlight younger talent, as high school players with college commitments can gain valuable experience playing for an OHL team before transitioning to the U.S. collegiate system.
According to SooToday reporter Brad Coccimiglio, northern clubs will need to be innovative in attracting young talent compared to their counterparts in southern Ontario. The Greyhounds are cited as a prime example, having made significant acquisitions like defenders Chase Reid and Callum Croskery, along with forward Jordan Charron, who are college-bound players.
In anticipation of the upcoming matches, there is a consistent message resonating among teams: avoid penalties. The Sudbury Wolves, ranking second in penalty minutes during the previous regular season, aim to reduce their time spent in the penalty box after a disappointing playoff run. Defenseman Trevor O’Dell acknowledged the team’s shift towards a more strategic game plan with a focus on physicality.
Meanwhile, in North Bay, filling seats at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens has been a challenge. The Battalion struggled with fan attendance in the previous season, with only the Owen Sound Attack and Brampton Steelheads trailing behind. North Bay Nugget reporter Greg Estabrooks attributed the low attendance to the team’s performance and the small market size.
The Battalion will kick off their season at home against the Oshawa Generals, while the Wolves will face the Battalion and the Greyhounds will host the Saginaw Spirit in their opening games. Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the season, hoping for exciting and successful performances from their favorite teams.
