Olympiques Gatineau
Wikipedia - Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL; French: Ligue de hockey de l'Ontario (LHO)) is one of the three major junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 16–20. There are currently 20 teams in the OHL: seventeen in Ontario, two in Michigan, and one in Pennsylvania.
The league was founded in 1980 when its predecessor, the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League, formally split away from the Ontario Hockey Association, joining the Canadian Major Junior Hockey League and its direct affiliation with Hockey Canada. The OHL traces its history of Junior A hockey back to 1933 with the partition of Junior A and B. In 1970, the OHA Junior A League was one of five Junior A leagues operating in Ontario. The OHA was promoted to Tier I Junior A for the 1970–71 season and took up the name Ontario Major Junior Hockey League. Since 1980 the league has grown rapidly into a high-profile marketable product, with many games broadcast on television and radio.
History
Leagues for ice hockey in Ontario were first organized in 1890 by the newly created Ontario Hockey Association (OHA). In 1892 the OHA recognized junior hockey - referring to skill rather than age. In 1896 the OHA moved to the modern age-limited junior hockey concept, distinct from senior and intermediate divisions. Since then the evolution to the Ontario Hockey League has developed through four distinct eras of junior-aged non-professional hockey in Ontario. In 1933, the junior division was divided into two levels, Junior A and Junior B. In 1970 the Junior A level was divided into two levels, Tier I (or Major Junior A) and Tier II (or Minor Junior A). In 1974 the Tier I/Major Junior A group separated from the OHA and became the independent Ontario Major Junior Hockey League (OMJHL). In 1980, the OMJHL became the Ontario Hockey League.
The OHL split from the OHA in July 1982. The OHA and OHL disagreed on financial terms of affiliation, then the OHL decided to handle its own administration. The OHA and the OHL later reached an interim affiliation agreement, which allowed the OHL to compete at the Memorial Cup.
In March 2005, the league announced the launch of OHL Live Stream, resulting in OHL games being broadcast live on a pay-per-view (PPV) broadband basis.
Commissioners
OMJHL and OHL Commissioners (years in office)
- Tubby Schmalz (September 23, 1974 – December 15, 1978)
- Bill Beagan (December 15, 1978 – January 1979)
- Sherwood Bassin (interim; January–September 1979)
- David Branch (September 17, 1979 – August 6, 2024)
- Bryan Crawford (August 6, 2024-present)
The OHL season typically runs from September to April, culminating in the highly anticipated OHL Playoffs, where the top teams compete for the prestigious J. Ross Robertson Cup. The tournament not only highlights the intensity and excitement of junior hockey but also serves as a critical stepping stone for aspiring professional players.
Fans can expect thrilling matchups, high-paced action, and a showcase of future stars, as the OHL is known for its fast-paced gameplay and passionate fan base. The league also emphasizes player development, with many alumni going on to have successful careers in the NHL and international competitions.
Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or new to the sport, the OHL tournament promises an unforgettable experience filled with skill, rivalry, and the spirit of competition. Join us in celebrating the future of hockey in Canada!