As expected, the OHL had a dominant showing at the NHL draft, with five of the first eight selections coming from the league and an overall showing that was the best the OHL has had in almost a decade. Farwell and Dan break it down and also clean a few other things out of the notebook as we head into summer, including the trade of a two-time OHL champion and a new market to emerge as a Memorial Cup bidder. Plus, just for fun in our final episode of the 2025/26 season, we make it a family affair ...
Jul 01, 2025•39 min•Ep. 365
Fans of the Ontario Hockey League won't have to wait long this weekend to hear the names of their favourite players called at the NHL draft. Farwell and Dan dive in on a couple of top defence prospects and look at a first round that could see a handful of OHL'ers picked in the Top 10. And speaking of the NHL, could the new CBA further impact the OHL and its older players? The guys have some answers. Plus, the Niagara Ice Dogs hire their new coach and we're hopeful of a new era in a market where ...
Jun 24, 2025•50 min•Ep. 364
We've been wanting to do this for awhile, and this week is the week. Farwell and Dan cross over with Brandon Caputo, Reece Doumani, and Colin Ward of the Armchair GM's Sports Network for a podcast experience you won't want to miss. This episode includes an in-depth analysis of a couple of the Ontario Hockey League's most interesting markets, some background on the origins of an OHL-focused podcast, and it makes an attempt to answer the question every OHL fan wants answered: what's the deal with ...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 363
It's been famously said in Canada that if you don't like your weather out the front door, just take a look out the back door instead, where you're sure to find something more to your liking. Similar phrasing might be appropriate when discussing the NCAA rule change that has shifted the ground beneath junior hockey in Canada: if you don't like how the rule change is impacting the CHL this week, just wait a week and your feelings are likely to change. The environment has been that turbulent in thi...
Jun 10, 2025•51 min•Ep. 362
It's hard not to admire greatness and the London Knights put on a show for the ages this season, starting the campaign on a mission to win a Memorial Cup and becoming just the fourth team in the past 53 years to win three (joining Windsor, Cornwall, and Kamloops). London's trio of trophies have all come since 2005, while Windsor won their three in a 9-year span (discuss amongst yourselves). No matter how you slice it, it's impressive as hell and haters are gonna hate, but you have to tap your st...
Jun 03, 2025•55 min•Ep. 361
It's never been a secret that the London Knights were on a mission this season. And, despite some early resistance at the Memorial Cup, the mission remains on track. The guys talk about why the big prize is still in the Knights' sights. Then, it's off to Rimouski to join one of the most seasoned OHL voices. Terry Doyle has been to 24 straight Memorial Cups and he gives us the inside track on how a smaller market like Rimouski is handling its hosting duties, why this tournament matters so much an...
May 27, 2025•50 min•Ep. 360
Do you feel bad for Oshawa or are you in awe of London? Probably depends where you live, eh? But Farwell and Dan break down how the Knights did what they did -- again -- and analyze their chances in Rimouski. Plus, with the OHL season done for 19 teams, the guys have their eyes on a team from each conference that is likely to have an interesting off-season or season ahead. Meanwhile, the NCAA rule change continues to make waves (and those waves are getting bigger) and it might be the most shocki...
May 20, 2025•54 min•Ep. 359
First of all, you read that right. We have a conversation with the guy who visited every OHL rink and decided to rank the hot dogs. This episode contains your definitive answer, while also providing some raw insight into the impact an OHL career has on a hockey family. On a more serious note, maybe the emotional story you'll hear in this episode is something the OHL will want to lean into when it comes to recruiting and retaining talent because that's certainly not getting any easier. Farwell an...
May 13, 2025•56 min•Ep. 358
It sounds like the NCAA is getting serious about hockey programs, which means the battle to recruit and retain the best players has some increased competition. Still, Farwell and Dan think the CHL maintains a decided advantage -- for now. Complacency could change that in a hurry, though, and speaking of change, what are the chances the CHL model changes to one where players are being paid? The ice continues to shift beneath the skates of the game we love so dearly. After going a perfect 2-for-2 ...
May 06, 2025•55 min•Ep. 357
Strange days in Brantford where new ownership makes a bold move and one that risks the goodwill that's been built with the city since the Bulldogs' return. Farwell and Dan dive into Matt Turek's departure and why it's raising some red flags. Plus, the OHL now stands alone when it comes to the playoff format and the league would do well to follow the lead of the WHL and QMJHL. And who's ready for an extra overager? Teams might be able to start adding one, in certain circumstances. On the ice, aft...
Apr 29, 2025•56 min•Ep. 356
We can continue the debate about whether this was the best OHL second round in a decade, but we can do it after we enjoy two Game 7's. That's right, half of the OHL's second round series' are going the distance and, in the case of Windsor-Kitchener, one team is trying to come back from 0-3 down. It's going to be a great day for the league and its fans. London, which still hasn't dropped a game in these playoffs, awaits the West winner while the Oshawa Generals will watch Barrie and Kingston to s...
Apr 22, 2025•58 min•Ep. 355
As the OHL's second round of the playoffs gets underway, there's a lot going on behind-the-scenes, including some league "housekeeping" as it prepares for what appears to be an all-out recruiting war to come. Meantime, the league shows what's possible with its coverage of the draft, some construction in Cornwall has Farwell calling (again) for the return of the Royals, and the NHL sends signals that it wants to support amateur hockey ... especially if it's in the United States. As for the second...
Apr 15, 2025•50 min•Ep. 354
Two wrongs don't make a right in Niagara and the league's decision to punish the IceDogs by making them sit players during a playoff game is an insult to paying customers. In order to restore its own integrity and save an excellent junior market, the OHL has only one option now in Niagara. And there's no time to waste. This might be the perfect time to deal with it because all eyes will be on a second round of the playoffs that offers four entertaining match-ups. The annual Coaches Poll is also ...
Apr 08, 2025•48 min•Ep. 353
It's the most wonderful time of the OHL year -- the playoffs! Farwell and Dan break down the early returns with an emphasis on Erie. Or is that Saginaw? Either way, that series is surprising. Plus, the Petes will pick first in the draft for the first time in franchise history, which will only add to an already deep roster of first rounders from the past two drafts. But the guys have some ideas for improvement when it comes to the OHL draft, including taking a lead from the WHL. And with the play...
Apr 01, 2025•47 min•Ep. 352
We can't let the last episode of the regular season go by without sticking our necks out. Like, way out. So, along with the playoff predictions you'd expect as the post-season begins, the guys are also handing out the hardware for OHL Coach of the Year and the league's Most Outstanding Player. Plus, there's the small matter of the NHL's new CBA and how that will impact the CHL. While the OHL's expansion plans appear to be on the backburner until 2026, another league decided to not wait for the N...
Mar 25, 2025•58 min•Ep. 351
The OHL has launched another third-party investigation into the culture around the Niagara IceDogs and that's leading to questions. Lots of questions. The big one is whether current owner Darren DeDobbelaer should be forced to sell. Whatever the outcome of the investigation, the league is left in a tight spot. Meantime, in Oshawa, the Gens show how serious they are about winning this year as they bring in a new coach with a championship pedigree. But it's more than the late-season nature of the ...
Mar 18, 2025•52 min•Ep. 350
The OHL head office has been busy, setting the bar for an impaired driving offense while also ruling on the Rumble at the EIA. Plus, Dale Hunter reaches 1000 wins, Nick Lardis notches Number 70, and your weekly Wraparound finds some teams that Dan and Farwell wouldn't want to face in the first round. The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook .
Mar 11, 2025•50 min•Ep. 349
As OHL expansion seems inevitable, Farwell and Dan break down a listener's proposal for a future junior hockey model. It's hard to say exactly what this league will look like in a decade, but we know for sure that the NCAA rule change has made waves and there's little doubt the OHL will look different in the years ahead. Are you ready for some change? Plus, the weekly Wraparound recognizes a night to remember for a Niagara netminder and some big points in Windsor and Saginaw. And thanks to the O...
Mar 04, 2025•53 min•Ep. 348
Just when you thought there couldn't be another twist in the OHL's expansion plans, the NHL enters the picture with reports of preliminary talks between the two leagues that could create "a new approach to North American junior hockey," including guiding the growth and future expansion of a bigger league. Plus, the story of two teams headed in opposite directions as the playoffs approach and while one might be headed for an early post-season exit, the other gives us hope for a tantalizing match-...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 347
This is THE OHL Podcast, so it might seem odd that we're talking about the WHL. But it makes sense when you consider both leagues are under the CHL umbrella, right? And this news from The Dub is REALLY interesting, with too many parallels to OHL expansion for the guys to ignore. Plus, why the story of Cam Allen being charged with impaired driving has implications well beyond junior hockey. And for some reason, Dan and Farwell want more overtime. Sit back, relax, and enjoy all that while also get...
Feb 19, 2025•57 min•Ep. 346
It's time for a reset. A reminder. A mission statement. Now more than three years and more than 500 episodes into this podcast, it has evolved into a place where OHL fans can engage, interact, and grow their interest in the league. In order to do that, though, we need the access to the people involved in the game. We've always had that, until we didn't. And when that access changed this week, Farwell took it personally. So, brace yourself for a no-holds-barred response to the London Knights goin...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 345
Details are scarce but, as expected, the Erie Otters have parted ways with head coach Stan Butler. The decision comes after the team conducted an internal investigation, but both Dan and Farwell feel a little more information is required. Feel free to weigh in on the discussion at ohlpodcast@rogers.com. You'll also get your Wraparound this week with a new definition that answers the question, "what's better than a hat trick?" And in case you hadn't already noticed, there's a team in the Eastern ...
Feb 04, 2025•52 min•Ep. 344
When the guys heard that the OHL was considering expansion in Niagara Falls, they assumed Ontario with its rich history of the Thunder and Flyers franchises. But the league is looking south of the border and making good on its pledge to expand "aggressively." There's also the story of "The Streak" and video that casts doubt on whether or not it continued last week. Plus, Jon Morosi joins the pod to talk USA Hockey and the guys are watching every team with The Wraparound. The OHL Podcast is suppo...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 343
The OHL's best and brightest are front and centre this week as the OHL celebrates its inaugural Connor McDavid Top Prospects Game and the NHL releases its mid-season rankings. There's plenty of reason to celebrate. A warning, though! Farwell thinks that as the OHL has this moment and is showing how grown up it is, there are things that need tweaking so the league is also acting its age. Plus, Stan Butler stays home in Erie as the Otters travel East and the statement from the team may have hurt m...
Jan 21, 2025•55 min•Ep. 342
Lay the rumours to rest! Another OHL trade deadline has passed and a few names rumoured to be on the block did not get moved. Dan and Mike survey the league's new landscape and realize someone -- and probably a couple of someones -- are going to be disappointed in the Eastern Conference. Also, with the Brantford Bulldogs being sold, a lot of fans are wondering if the city is about to lose its team. The guys have the answer. Plus, the league loses a legend, a referee sets a record, Connor McDavid...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 341
It's been clear for a while that the world has caught up to Canada in the game of hockey, but that still doesn't explain back-to-back big disappointments for Canada at the World Juniors. Dan and Mike analyze the failure and what can be done to correct it. Plus, the OHL trade deadline is just days away. Who's buying and who's selling? And it's the debate that just won't go away. Which logo is the best logo in the Ontario Hockey League? The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook and Ga...
Jan 07, 2025•57 min•Ep. 340
The OHL's trade deadline is rapidly approaching and some teams have already jumped into the pool head first. With the help of veteran broadcasters Manny Paiva and Mike Poirier, we take a look at which teams are likely to be the most active as the jockeying for position in the second half is officially underway. This week's Wraparound offers a Christmas gift to every team, including one for the London Knights that (almost) everyone is sure to hate. There's also a little hiccup in the OHL's aggres...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 339
We all know coaches are hired to be fired, but what about first place coaches? Yup, them too. Along with assistants while the head coach remains. The guys are a little perplexed, but they've got opinions and they're not afraid to share them. Also, half of Team Canada's final cuts are OHL'ers, Dan and Mike wonder if the league could get younger, and don't miss this week's Wraparound with a look at every OHL team. Finally, Farwell recalls an unforgettable first encounter with the late Jim Waters (...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 338
It's not quite Christmas, but a couple of teams have caught our attention because they're not where we thought they would be. Also, in case you'd forgotten that the OHL was big business, just consider the lengths the league will go to in order to make sure a game gets played. Dan and Mike are talking about the Top Prospects Game and who's missing from Canada's World Junior roster, plus don't forget The Wraparound, which looks at every team in the league. And in a script straight out of Hollywood...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 337
We're not saying it was the best time for the CHL to have the performance it had at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge but, well, the timing probably couldn't have been better. It was a dominant Canadian triumph over two games, emboldening the league's reputation as the Number One development league in the world. And at the same time the OHL would probably like to extend its premier brand into more US markets. Funny, that. Dan and Mike talk about the most likely places for the OHL to expand, the si...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 336
