OHL -- ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Top junior hockey in Ontario, Canada. 20 teams. Major CHL league and NHL draft pipeline.
The Ontario Hockey League is one of three Major Junior leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) alongside the Western Hockey League (WHL) and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The OHL fields 20 teams across Ontario, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, making it the largest Major Junior league in the world by both team count and annual attendance — drawing more than 8 million spectators each season. Founded in 1980 (replacing the predecessor Ontario Major Junior Hockey League of 1974), the OHL operates at the highest level of junior hockey in the world and serves as the single largest NHL draft pipeline: roughly half of all NHL first-round picks in a typical draft year come from the OHL. Notable alumni include Connor McDavid, Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Auston Matthews, and Connor Brown. The OHL championship trophy is the J. Ross Robertson Cup; the playoff winner advances to compete in the Memorial Cup against the WHL and QMJHL champions.
Ontario Hockey League -- Major Junior
20 TEAMS • ONTARIO, CANADA
Founded 1980 • Part of Canadian Hockey League (CHL)
Teams
20
Age Range
16-20
Founded
1980
CHL Member
Yes
ABOUT THE OHL
The Ontario Hockey League is one of three Major Junior leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). It is widely considered one of the top junior hockey leagues in the world, producing numerous NHL stars annually. Players in the OHL are typically ages 16-20 and receive full-time hockey development along with education opportunities. The OHL season runs from late September through March, culminating in the Memorial Cup championship.
Teams in OHL
Browse all OHL teams in the directory: see all OHL teams →