Four OJHL teams recognized nationally following outstanding starts to the 2026-27 season.
MISSISSAUGA, ON – Sep 21, 2026 – Four Ontario Junior Hockey League teams have been recognized among the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s early “Teams to Watch,” Fuelled by Gatorade.
The Markham Royals, Collingwood Blues, Wellington Dukes and Leamington Flyers were highlighted ahead of the first CJHL Top 20 Rankings of the 2026-27 season.
Led by Head Coach Steve McSwain, Markham has opened the season with a CJHL-best 7-0-0-0 record. The Royals also feature two of the OJHL’s leading point-getters as they continue their perfect start.
The 2024 Centennial Cup champion Collingwood Blues are 6-0-0-0 under Head Coach Andrew Campoli. Collingwood leads the OJHL with 42 goals scored while allowing only six, giving the Blues a league-best plus-36 goal differential.
Wellington has continued its tradition of success under Head Coach Jacob Panetta, earning a 5-0-1-0 record through six games. The Dukes have qualified for the OJHL playoffs in every season since joining the league in 1989.
Head Coach Dale Mitchell and the Leamington Flyers have also been perfect to begin the campaign, posting a 5-0-0-0 record. The Flyers are averaging five goals per game while surrendering fewer than two per contest.
The early success of all four clubs reflects the strength and competitiveness found throughout the OJHL. It is the league standard in action: daily preparation, meaningful competition and a commitment to earning every next-level opportunity.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Four OJHL clubs named among the CJHL’s early “Teams to Watch”
- Three OJHL teams remain perfect: Markham, Collingwood and Leamington
- The four clubs have combined for 23 victories through their first 24 games
- Collingwood leads the OJHL with 42 goals scored and a plus-36 goal differential
- Markham owns a CJHL-best 7-0-0-0 record
The four clubs are competing for the opportunity to represent the OJHL at the 2027 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons. The 10-team national championship is scheduled to begin May 6 at Centrefire Place in Fort McMurray, Alta.
The first CJHL Top 20 Rankings of the 2026-27 season, Fuelled by Gatorade, will be announced Monday, Sept. 28.
About the OJHL – “We Earn the Next Level”
The Ontario Junior Hockey League is a Junior A hockey league built around one shared standard: We Earn the Next Level. Through a player-first environment, daily competition and exposure to opportunities in the NCAA, OHL, U SPORTS and professional hockey, the OJHL prepares athletes for what comes next. The results prove development – on the ice, in the community and throughout each player’s journey.
For more information on the Ontario Junior Hockey League, follow @OJHLOfficial on Instagram and X, OJHLOfficial on Facebook, and visit www.ojhl.ca
For more information:
Noah Vandervinne
Director, Marketing & Events
Ontario Junior Hockey League
905-706-8987
nvandervinne@theojhl.ca
