The OHL Podcast

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.

Yes, it's true. Coaches are hired to be fired. But the decisions to fire one guy just because you can't fire 20 sometimes leave us scratching our heads, and that may never be more evident than now, as we find Mathieu Turcotte on the free agent market. He's got a decade-plus experience in the Q, a Coach of the Year trophy with a U18 AAA team, a Telus Cup, and a silver medal from the Canada Winter Games. He also spent last summer coaching some of the best young players in Canada at the World U17s, U18s, and Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, coming home with two gold medals and a bronze. You'll appreciate these insights into coaching the modern athlete, preparing as a modern coach, and remembering some harrowing road trips in the Q. Plus, Turcotte brings us his own unique perspective on the OHL'ers we're watching today, having coached Beckham Edwards, Alessandro Di Iorio, Gavin Betts, and Ethan Belchetz. 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.

If last weekend's crowds were any indication, some people like free candy (or baseball) more than junior hockey. But there's an easy fix for this. The OHL's trade winds seem to be blowing early, and they're blowing strong in Brantford. Which begs the question, how good is this Bulldogs team? Is it historically good?? Farwell and Dan also have a look at every team in the league, and the picture isn't rosy in every market as we reach the quarter-pole. Plus, he played in the WHL before jumping to the NCAA. Now, he's back in the WHL again. Who's next? 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.

A nightmare scenario plays out in Saginaw, where the OHL's new video review system gets one wrong. Like, way wrong. But now what? Then there's the ongoing Oscar Hemming saga in Kitchener, and what it means to a Rangers team that has hopes of hosting a Memorial Cup next year. Plus, there are problems in Barrie and the return of Emil Hemming ain't one. Farwell and Dan are also reviewing NHL Central Scouting's list of players to watch, talking about the task ahead for the OHL's new VP, and wondering if it's more than mere coincidence that Team Canada will hold its World Junior training camp in Niagara Falls. The podcast that covers the OHL like no other is proudly 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're still coming down from the high that was Rivalry Week, which turns out to have been the idea OHL fans didn't know they needed. And as we come down from Cloud 9, the league's disciplinarians drop the hammer on a repeat offender. It's also starting to sound like the league is going to return to a live draft, and we're all for it. Plus, the weekly Wraparound takes a look at every market around the OHL, a few swaps have us calling for the "All Brady Smith Team," and Farwell and Dan give you their Prospect 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.

Are the Ottawa 67's for real? Farwell and Dan discussing the surprising 6-0 start for the 67's, who were the last team to suffer a regulation loss this season. Plus, it's more than fans now upset with the league's new jersey partner. And do you remember bag skates? Or practices without pucks? Or getting off the bus to carry your equipment back to the rink? Things sure have changed in the way coaches can hold players accountable for a poor performance. And finally, with the NHL now underway, several big name OHL'ers are still in The Show. They could really help their OHL teams, but are they coming back? 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 may still be early, but a couple of perennial Western Conference heavyweights are headed in opposite directions as the Windsor Spitfires surge and the London Knights struggle. Speaking of Western Conference heavyweights, what's going on back in Finland that's keeping Oscar Hemming from playing with the Kitchener Rangers? Farwell and Dan also do a deep dive into the CHL Team of the Century, giving you the scoop on a new documentary coming out later this month while talking about some big teams from the past that had to be in consideration for the title. And don't forget our weekly Wraparound as we check in on every market, plus the Prospect of the Week that focuses on an NHL draft eligible player that caught our eye. 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.

Critics claimed we'd never see the day, but ground has been broken on a new arena for Sudbury. The guys have a discussion and offer a condition for the move to new digs in the Nickel City. Meantime, an arena just as old as Sudbury's is going to get some new additions as the Kitchener Rangers install a "Level of Legacy." And if you thought the USHL was going down with a whimper as the OHL talks about "aggressive expansion," well, you haven't been listening to USHL Commissioner Glenn Hefferan. Farwell and Dan also have a look at every market in the league with the weekly Wraparound, which hints at some surprises and raises some concerns. And speaking of concerns, why are fans in Ottawa worried about the coaching of their unbeaten team?? Plus, your first Prospects of the Week this season and a story that connects an OHL player from 75 years ago with an OHL player on the ice today. We've got all of this for you this week, plus stories about broken down Zambonis and references to Carrot Top. And we all know that there's only one place you're getting content like this. 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 heard your complaints and the absences were noticeable at the games we watched. The OHL season launched with some big-time match-ups while big-name players were still away at pro camps. But could this year be the worst year we've seen it? The guys have a hopeful answer. Plus, Commissioner Crawford makes it clear that while we've all been distracted by the NCAA rule change, OHL expansion is still very much on the table. You'll also get a glimpse into every market in the league as The Wraparound returns for another season and Dan's got even MORE predictions -- because what's an early season pod without some fearless predictions? 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 like the small-town feel of junior hockey and the "charm" of some of those older, character-filled arenas, it's time to brace for a new reality. The OHL is asking current markets to step up, or other markets will be happy to take on a franchise. Also this week, the GOJHL becomes the OHL's first official development league and the ongoing recruitment war between the CHL and the NCAA gets a little petty. Plus, as the OHL regular season looms, the guys have a preview of the Western Conference, complete with predictions. You'll laugh! You'll cry! You'll be chirping these guys until Christmas... 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 a new OHL season full of promise, unless you're dumb enough to try and predict the finishing order of all ten teams in the Eastern Conference. Why should you do that, though, when Dan and Farwell are plenty dumb enough to do it for you? The guys give it the ol' college try in predicting this year's Eastern Conference and, speaking of college, that NCAA rule change is still making waves. Plus, there's a potential that more players will move to the AHL early, and a guarantee that either Kitchener or Guelph will host the 2027 Memorial Cup (the guys think they know which market will win the bid). We've also got rule changes aplenty, and plenty of complaints about the OHL's new jersey sponsor (just not from Farwell). All in all, plenty to fill your ears after a summer away. Hope your break was great! Farwell and Dan are looking forward to bringing you another season of OHL analysis, bad takes, and information from 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.

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 with an appearance from Dan's older brother (who also happens to be an old friend of Farwell's). Matt Meagher makes his home in Ottawa and brings us a fan's perspective of the new arena that will be built and how strong the 67's brand remains in the nation's capital. We might pop up from time to time over the summer if news warrants an appearance, and we're always willing to talk junior hockey via email at ohlpodcast@rogers.com. In the meantime, don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review or comment! It all helps to maintain our momentum as we look forward to a late-summer return ahead of the next OHL season. Thanks for your loyalty in helping us become the top junior hockey podcast in Ontario! Enjoy the summer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 fans deserve better. Meantime, there are no surprises with the OHL schedule (but the rivalries look fun), there is a surprise in the NHL coaching ranks (with a junior connection), and could the end of fighting be near (we hope not, but what say you)? Email us anytime at 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.

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 those London Knights?! Believe it or not, even Dale Hunter makes an appearance. And, for some reason, an OHL newspaper reporter gets about as much attention as Kaden McGregor, this year's first overall pick. Don't forget to leave us a review and tell us what you like and don't like anytime via email 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.

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 this new era, which currently still resembles the wild, wild west. And the rollercoaster ride isn't likely to end anytime soon, so just let Farwell and Dan be your steady hands as we navigate this new landscape (trust us, we tried to get a hot take out of Dan this week and he wouldn't bite). The guys this week discuss how the tide has turned back in the OHL's direction, and the lengths that teams are going through to set themselves apart. Also, the Branch era in the OHL appears to have officially ended. Then, it's off to Oshawa where a strange coaching carousel continues to rotate and the marquee franchise pours cold water on sale rumours (remember what we always say about rumours in the OHL??). Finally, McCue is on the move again and the guys like the destination. But they don't like what happened to an old friend in the NHL. Send us feedback anytime to ohlpodcast@rogers.com and don't forget to follow us on Instagram (@theohlpodcast). 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 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 stick to the Knights, their program, and their relentless pursuit of the 2025 title. London lost just one OHL playoff game and one Memorial Cup game en route to the championship. There's more to the OHL than London, though, and the guys have got concerns that the North American junior-aged hockey scales are beginning to tilt the NCAA's way. Plus, Barrie will have to get used to life without Marty behind the bench, the IceDogs find their GM, and OA goalies might have to find a place to play as the OHL decides against allowing an extra 20-year old roster spot for netminders. 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.