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The OHL Podcast
The OHL Podcast
Author: Mike Farwell
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© 2022 Mike Farwell
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Veteran broadcaster Mike Farwell brings you his unique perspective on the Ontario Hockey League. From his days standing on a milk crate while interviewing players, to spending years on the road with legendary junior hockey broadcaster Don Cameron, Farwell brings you a view of the OHL you simply won't find anywhere else. From Ottawa to Windsor, and from the Soo to Erie, the OHL Podcast has something for every junior hockey fan, bringing you the best stories from the players you cheered...and jeered. Issues and insights. Stories and sarcasm. From the fans to the front office, The OHL Podcast is your online scrapbook for one of the greatest leagues in the world.
396 Episodes
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Is it possible for a coach to say too much and for a suspension to be too little? These are the questions Farwell and Dan are wrestling with this week as the league office makes news for a hefty fine and a not-so-hefty suspension. We're sure you have thoughts, so don't forget to email us at ohlpodcast(at)rogers.com. Then there's that new Collective Bargaining Agreement in the NHL and its potential impact on the OHL and its top-end older players. Is the ice under the OHL getting even thinner?
It wouldn't be the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs if the guys weren't making (not so) bold predictions for every series. We've also got one more Wraparound for you and a final Prospect of the Week. It's the content you can't get anywhere else, and it's supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
When you get the chance to pry some stories out of Terry Doyle, you take it. The play-by-play voice of the Sarnia Sting on Your TV has been around this league since he volunteered as a camera operator as a teenager in Peterborough. Today, he's been to more than 20 Memorial Cups in a row and he's got a whole podcast full of stories to share. With Dan away on assignment, Farwell and Terry talk about the evolving media coverage in the OHL, they speculate about some award winners at the end of this season and, of course, they discuss the NCAA rule change and the shifting junior hockey landscape. Also, if expansion is your thing, the guys have some ideas.
All of that even before the Travelling Hat makes a reappearance, on the head of the guy who asked for it. Allan Etmanski joins The Wraparound this week with a look into every OHL market, and why he was so obsessed with that hat. And finally, it's into the Inbox, your Prospect of the Week, and the number of wins that won't be reached this season.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Farwell's full-time refs idea may have fallen flat, but maybe not as flat as the ticket price increase in the Soo. Plus, the OHL is seriously considering allowing GMs to trade first round picks, and league officials pay a visit to Chatham. Dan and Farwell also have your weekly Wraparound with a look at every market, and they're answering your email questions. Another week in the Ontario Hockey League brings us another week closer to the playoffs, and these guys have you covered like nobody else can.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Have we got news for you! No, really, we do. Including the discussions that are underway to bring more inter-league play between the OHL and QMJHL back for next season, and the league's curious visit to a former market in Cornwall. Is an expansion or re-location afoot? And how far is the OHL willing to go (literally) to bring new match-ups to energize a fanbase?
The guys also have a discussion about Farwell's idea for full-time refs and Dan's thoughts that Barrie may have established itself as the beast in the East. Plus, your weekly Wraparound with a look at every market and the latest salvo in the Oshawa-Peterborough rivalry ... that definitely goes the Gens' way.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
A quick note from Farwell to start this episode: "I don't think I'm alone in saying that the 'Eastern Swing' through Kingston, Ottawa, and Peterborough for a Western Conference team is one of the most enjoyable trips we take every year, so allow me to reminisce for a moment as we start this week's show. It involves cheesecake. 'Nuff said."
With that out of the way, the guys also talk about the OHL talent that was on display at this year's Olympics and they speculate about the possibility of this year's Red Tilson Trophy winner (Most Outstanding Player) and Max Kaminsky Trophy winner (Most Outstanding Defenceman) coming from the same team. That's only happened three times in league history. Could this season be the fourth? Plus, you'll get your weekly Wraparound through every market in the league, a look at OHL Onside, a deep dive into The OHL Podcast mailbag (email us, we'll answer! ohlpodcast@rogers.com), and our Prospects of the Week.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
As hard as we tried, we just couldn't avoid talking about those foul-smelling fans in Oshawa. It was an own goal by the Gens, and it's going to take a while to wash off the smell. But if we move past that, Dan and Farwell "scents" some expansion possibilities right here in Ontario. Yes, even in the Greater Toronto Area, a market the league refuses to exit. Plus, baseball swings are making their way into our great game and after three strikes, we hope they're out. And your weekly Wraparound gives you a glimpse at every market in the league.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Fans had questions, and The OHL Podcast gets answers about a couple of strange rules that came into focus this week. Plus, Farwell and Dan talk about surging attendance in unexpected markets, a recent string of suspensions, what makes the Soo scary, and a simple tweak to the standings that could renew interest everywhere as the playoffs approach.
All that, plus your weekly Wraparound, remembering a London legend, and answering your emails from the past week. Remember to send us an email anytime to ohlpodcast@rogers.com.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
If you had to guess how long it's been since the OHL was without a 100-point scorer, how long would you guess it's been? The answer will likely surprise you, almost as much as you might be surprised that the OHL might not have a 100-point scorer this year. Farwell and Dan have a few theories, they also think the eight playoff teams in the West might already be set, and the weekly Wraparound looks at how tough it is to play in the OHL ... except for the Barrie Colts, who seem to have things mastered in Flint.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
It's been a little more than two weeks since the OHL's trade deadlines and teams who jumped into the pool are already reaping rewards. It sets up an interesting and competitive final 8 weeks in both conferences. Farwell and Dan are also wondering where all those NCAA returnees ended up (we were told they were coming back, weren't we?) and at least one of the guys is wishing Hamilton well as hockey returns to the Steel City ... again. And your usual look at every OHL market and your Prospect of the Week is here, too.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The OHL is playing some inter-league games with the QMJHL and the winning teams earn points in the standings of their respective leagues. The intention is obvious, but what Farwell and Dan hope the OHL learns is that its fans are hungry to see new match-ups. Fortunately, the guys have already worked out a plan to allow the league to provide that very thing. A slight tweak to the OHL schedule and fans will have the fresh match-ups they crave. Also, with the trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, Farwell and Dan go to the Inbox to discuss the idea of trading first round picks. And, as always, your weekly Wraparound is here with a look at every market, even Niagara ... who got temporarily ignored. And, of course, that green Sudbury Wolves hat continues to make its rounds.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The most exciting time of the year in the OHL did not disappoint as there were swaps aplenty after the Christmas trade freeze lifted. Farwell and Dan have a full breakdown, and like you, they're mildly surprised at the number of teams in the mix. It will take another three months to determine which teams were the real contenders and which turned out to be pretenders, but there are at least eight highly energized fan bases right now. Plus, the weekly Wraparound gives you a glimpse at every market, and the green Sudbury Wolves hat given away at a recent game continues to make its way around the league.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The guys are back from the Christmas break just in time to start breaking down a flurry of trades, and the deals have only just begun with the deadline still 72 hours away. The question is, how many teams in the Western Conference think they can win this year? Dan and Farwell break down what we know so far, what they think might happen, and make a promise to explain everything next week. Plus, the sudden passing of former Commissioner David Branch sends shockwaves around the hockey world. And Farwell has a fancy new hat that's going to put on some miles before it arrives at its final destination.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We've arrived at the midway mark of the OHL season, and the Ottawa 67's sit atop the standing. No one, and we mean NO ONE saw that coming. Farwell and Dan look at surprises and concerns from the first half, they take a Wraparound straight from the Inbox, and they pay tribute to the "glue guys" (and gals) around this league. Plus, you won't want to miss the first appearance of Danta Claus (TM).
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook and is produced in partnership with Rakuten. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
It's the most wonderful time of the year to be an OHL fan! Unless you're worried about seeing a player you love traded to another team. But if you're hoping your team enters the trade market and strengthens the line-up for the second half, this is the time of year for you. Farwell and Dan look at the teams setting the pace and others that are expected to join the mix. Who might go where is anybody's guess, but this is the season for putting things on your wish list. Plus, we had a little chat with the CHL following last week's episode and we'll give you an update on that. Also, if you're cheering for Team Canada at the World Juniors this Christmas, you have to like your chances, don't you?
The weekly Wraparound is here with a look at every OHL market, you'll hear our picks for Prospect of the Week, and the league's new VP of Hockey Operations joins the show for a chat. The only place you can get all of that is here, so tell a friend!
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook and is produced in partnership with Rakuten. To listen to the full interview with the OHL's Vice-President of Hockey Operations, James Boyd, click here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
There was a clear conflict of interest on the Memorial Cup selection committee. Some argue there was even more than one conflict on the committee. And while the fans argue about sour grapes or undeserving hosts, Dan and Mike are trying to tell the real story. Guelph prepared a great bid and deserves every one of the perks that come with hosting the Memorial Cup. But we can't lose sight of the problem that's been unearthed here by some excellent reporting, and that's the problem Dan and Mike are focusing on. In the midst of it all, the Brantford Bulldogs have found a forever home and Max McCue is on the move ... again. Plus, your weekly Wraparound is paying attention to every market and a veteran referee gets a fitting send-off.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook and is produced in partnership with Rakuten. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
James Boyd has basically done it all. He's played in the OHL, coached, been a general manager, and now he's the league's new Vice-President of Hockey Operations. In this feature interview, we talk to Boyd about what led him to this role, what it will take for the OHL to remain competitive in the new junior hockey landscape, and what a healthy league looks like to him. As a guy who used to complain to the league office, he may already have developed a new appreciation for what it's like on the other side of those phone calls.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook and is produced in partnership with Rakuten. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Sarnia's new coach gets his first win in fine fashion, while a hometown player flees the Petes to try his luck in the Soo. Meantime, Farwell and Dan are pulling no punches in building the case for a second part to the Jett Luchanko trade, but they keep hitting road blocks along the way. Learn a little more about your favourite team in the weekly Wraparound, find out why the guys have different perspectives on a recent video review fail, and a listener email prompts the question, 'why can't the Central Division seem to win an OHL championship?' Send your own theories to us via email at ohlpodcast@rogers.com.
A couple of Prospects of the Week round out this week's episode, and if you missed the feature interview with Mathieu Turcotte a few weeks ago, you can check it out here.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook and produced in partnership with Rakuten. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
It's been a week of surprises in the OHL, starting with the biggest of them all -- the Guelph Storm will host the 2027 Memorial Cup. And they've already traded away a key asset to start building for next year, but how many expected Jett Luchanko to land with the Brantford Bulldogs? We're only a third of the way into this season and 19 teams might be waving a white flag in Brantford's direction.
Dan and Farwell take a deep dive into all of it, but don't worry, they won't forget your favourite team. The weekly Wraparound is here, plus your Prospects of the Week. And congratulations to recent OHL Podcast guest Mathieu Turcotte for landing the head coaching job in Sarnia! We had a good feeling after interviewing him. ;)
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook and produced in partnership with Rakuten. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Coaches are hired to be fired and this week it was Al Letang's turn to be fired. But what next for the Sarnia Sting? Farwell and Dan also have updates on previous stories, and a look at which market -- Guelph or Kitchener -- has the best shot at being named host of the 2027 Memorial Cup. Along with your weekly Wraparound and its look at every OHL team, there's also the big story the league wishes we weren't talking about. But the entire hockey world is talking about "The Slash," so Farwell and Dan weigh in on the length of the looming suspension.
The OHL Podcast is presented by Draft Kings Sportsbook and is produced in partnership with Rakuten. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Is it too soon to start having the conversation about the 2025-26 Brantford Bulldogs and the best CHL teams ever? At least one guy on this podcast doesn't think so. And for anyone who does think it's too soon, how many more wins before you start?? The 'Dogs are dominant as we pass the quarter-mark of this season, the Ottawa 67's can no longer be called a surprise ... and they're getting a fancy new arena to boot! The weekly Wraparound gives you a glimpse into every OHL market, the guys remember Leon Stickle, and, of course, you'll get some insight into those USHL-CHL merger rumours.
Along with Farwell and Dan's Prospects of the Week, you'll also get some insight from a guy who coached top talent last summer at the U17s and U18s. You can listen to the entire interview with Mathieu Turcotte here.
The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook and produced in partnership with Rakuten. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.




