Explore every episode of the podcast The OHL Podcast

For the first time in its history, the Ontario Hockey League begins a season without David Branch in the Commissioner's seat. Instead, former Golf Canada executive Bryan Crawford takes over the league's top job. It's a hard act to follow, not just because Branch was the OHL's commissioner for 45 years, but because Crawford comes into the league after an incredible end to 2023-24 that saw two OHL teams in the Memorial Cup final, with the Saginaw Spirit winning the championship in the game's final 22 seconds. Does Crawford have big and immediate changes in mind? Is the OHL's Toronto experiment over? Is there room for more teams in the league? Get the answers to those questions and more as the new Commish sits down with us for a pre-season interview. This episode is brought to you by Better Help. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/thpn and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And just like that, summer is over. But as fast as it seemed to go, OHL general managers kept themselves busy with several big trades and signs that some teams are already staking their territory as a contender. Dan and Mike are back from the summer break to remind you what you might have missed while on vacation, plus a look at the stars skipping OHL training camps, new faces behind the bench, and a new face in the league's front office. Grab your hockey bag, tape your stick, and let's get ready for another OHL season! We'll be with you every step of the way. This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/THPN and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

North Bay and Oshawa surprise, while London continues to London and we've got a series between Saginaw and the Soo. Of course, all of this is subject to change with a quartet of terrific semi-final match-ups in the OHL. Dan and Mike also dive into ticket-selling tactics, the escalating costs for new arenas, and their Performers of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He's one of only a handful of players who suited up for each of the Canadians, Raiders, and Frontenacs teams in Kingston. And with a maverick owner in his first year, Geoff Schneider saw his share of strange things as he tried to adapt to the OHL. Not only did he stick around, he thrived, eventually earning the 'C' in Kingston, establishing a franchise record for the fastest two goals scored, and leaving us all wondering if the 1990 Memorial Cup would have been different...if only those pesky Belleville Bulls hadn't gotten in the way. The OHL Podcast is presented by Matt Smith Goaltending. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A coaching change in Kitchener, the "Battle of the Ottawa River" leaves too many teams on the shore, simplifying the 3 Stars, and our Prospects of the Week. Tune in for the best takes about what's going on around the league, and let us know what you think by sending us an email: ohlpodcast@rogers.com. The OHL Podcast is presented by Matt Smith Goaltending. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you look at the 1981 NHL entry draft, you'll see only one name selected ahead of this week's guest. Dale Hawerchuk went first overall to Winnipeg, and then Doug Smith was selected by the Los Angeles Kings. That fact alone speaks to the whirlwind that was Smitty's career, from being one of the highest scorers with the Ottawa 67's, to being an impact player in the NHL. He even set up the game-winning goal in the Miracle on Manchester, the Kings' playoff comeback over Edmonton that remains to this day the biggest comeback in NHL playoff history. And all of this before a devastating injury that almost ended his life, certainly should have left him paralyzed, and instead has led to an inspiring second career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brantford welcomes the Bulldogs, refs have bad nights, too, and Niagara draws a crowd ... just not in the Media Room. The Inbox is open after you hear this rant! The OHL Podcast is presented by Matt Smith Goaltending (http://www.mattsmithgoaltending.com/). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's hard to describe exactly who Scott Clark is because his career is just so varied. A prairie boy who interned with the Regina Pats, then attended Durham College in Oshawa, and then embarked on a front office career with the Gens, Greyounds, Gens (again), Hockey Canada, and so much more. Today, Clark is in the collectibles game! But if it's one thing we're sure of, it's that Clark can spin a yarn. A really entertaining yarn, including being in the room when the offer was made to the Soo for the rights to Eric Lindros. It's not a perspective you usually get, and you won't be bored for a single second of this episode. The OHL Podcast is presented by Matt Smith Goaltending (www.mattsmithgoaltending.com) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Butler is back. The OHL's stars shine at the Top Prospects Game. A couple of teams forgot what they did at the trade deadline. And our Prospects of the Week (weirdly, we go to the same team...just not the same player). The OHL Podcast is presented by Matt Smith Goaltending (http://www.mattsmithgoaltending.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He followed in his father's footsteps not only in name but in hockey, emerging as a talented player in Windsor before really blooming in Plymouth. But that was where head coach Pete DeBoer delivered the message Smith wasn't yet ready to hear, the trade to Kitchener, and the downward spiral. Smith also followed in his father's footsteps of addiction, and ruined his chances of making it to the NHL. It's a brutally honest story that has a storybook ending and, as it turns out, Smith isn't done teaching us things yet. Check him out at: https://www.ricksmithchange.com/ The OHL Podcast is presented by Matt Smith Goaltending (http://www.mattsmithgoaltending.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are today's athletes coddled? How do coaches extract maximum discipline and adherence to a system or culture if bag skates are frowned upon? We discuss these questions while also diving into a discussion about treating coaches as people, teams who found value at the trade deadline, responses to your emails, and our Prospects of the Week. The OHL Podcast is presented by Matt Smith Goaltending (www.mattsmithgoaltending.com). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He went from southern Ontario to Sault Ste. Marie, where he fell in love with the OHL's northernmost market. But like so many others, he went to school down East and hasn't looked back since. When you listen to Jason Denomme, the Maritime accent is so distinct you'll have to remind yourself that he's actually from Kitchener. Even though he's a back-to-back OHL champion, Denomme might best be remembered as being one of the guys in the Eric Lindros deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If I had a nickel for every fan that shouted, "Fire the coach!" ... well, I'd have a lot of nickels. So, sure, if you shout it that often, every now and again the team will do what you're shouting at the team to do. But that doesn't make every fan right, every time they yell for a coach to be fired, does it? This is a long way of saying that I have a lot to say about the temperature right now around the struggling Kitchener Rangers. And Dan is right there with a counterpoint to every rant. Plus, we share stories about members of the team who are largely unseen ... but who are getting deserving recognition this week. And, our Prospects of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Barrie Colts bring some playoff heat to the red-hot Oshawa Generals and this season's ultimate suitcase story is there with the Battalion as they close out the Frontenacs. We had to look for stories in the East because the West was won in sweeps almost across the board, leaving lingering questions in Owen Sound and Guelph. Plus, the hard work that has to be done to end the embarrassment of coaches being kicked out of games, the end of the 3 Stars forever (?), and our Performers of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From a championship Petes team to the Knights, Wolves, Quebec Nordiques and, yes, even the Wheeling Nailers. Suffice to say, John Tanner got around. But he could also stop the puck. And over a career that covered that much geography, you know "Tans" has got some stories to share about the coaches he played for and the characters he played with (though, listening to this, you might come to the conclusion that it's Tanner himself who is the character). The best of the bunch might be the story of how Petes fans treated Tanner during his first return visit to the PMC as a member of the London Knights. Thoughtful, well-spoken, and colourful as hell. In other words, just another typical goalie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The deals are done, but the analysis is just beginning. And let's face it...nobody can decide "winners" and "losers" in the hours after the deadline passes. Hell, that would take months to determine, if not a full season. Still, Mike and Dan don't shy away from telling you who they think is now best-positioned for a deep run, and they run some numbers to tell the stories of some other teams. Because numbers never lie, right? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oshawa-Peterborough is probably the most storied rivalry in OHL hockey and not many players can say they competed on both sides of it. But that's just the beginning of Brian Drumm's story. Drumm holds a record that many believed to belong to Wayne Gretzky or Bobby Orr. And even though he was born in and then played in Oshawa, it was with the Petes that Drumm had his greatest success, including an OHL championship, Memorial Cup final, and chance encounter with Darren McCarty. Prepare for stories and laughs as soon as you hit "PLAY!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trade deadline is one week away. OHL'ers are making noise at the World Junior Championship. And the league has a problem with slew footing. It's not that the players are engaging in dirty play, it's that the crackdown on slew footing is having unintended consequences. And it's not a good look for the league. We cover it all on our first podcast of 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking openly about mental health, analyzing big trades, assessing Canada's chances at the WJC, retiring Commissioners, reimagining schedules, gifting for Christmas, our Prospects of the Week ... and the story about David Branch you haven't heard before. Oh, and a partridge in a pear tree. Enjoy our final episode before Christmas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a celebration of a half-century's worth of major junior hockey in the Nickel City. But there's so much more behind the Sudbury Wolves, including appearances by Gerry Cheevers and Don Cherry. There's also a championship, albeit more than 90 years ago, and not the coveted Memorial Cup the teams in the OHL compete for today. Maybe the 50th year will be the Wolves' year? Author Scott Miller does a deep dive into the ups, downs, and quirks of an important northern franchise in his book 'Leading the Pack: 50 Years of Sudbury Wolves History.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

World Junior rosters begin to take shape (we're happy for a kid in Ottawa but still concerned about a slight in Sarnia), the Battalion get deeper in the East while we wait for someone in the West to blink, and a couple of D highlight our Prospects of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OHL championships and Memorial Cups are so elusive because junior hockey runs in cycles. Over the course of a typical 4-5 OHL career, you'd be lucky to play for a championship once. So, you'd better make the most of that opportunity to capture that coveted title. But things were different for Mark Matier. He played three years with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, during which he won two OHL championships and a Memorial Cup under the guidance of Ted Nolan. The memories of those championship runs -- and beating the player who snubbed the Soo, Eric Lindros, on the way to winning one of those OHL titles -- come flooding back in this episode. Sit back and enjoy Matier's recollections of one of the most dominant runs any OHL team has ever boasted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remembering Ray, a gruesome injury, a goalie fight (!), running up scores, racking up points, dealing Hunter Haight, and our Prospects of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He led the 1999 Memorial Cup in scoring and captured the junior hockey championship with that Ottawa 67's team. He carried his "rookie duties" as a badge of honour at every stage of his hockey career. But while recovering after a series of injuries, reality set in for Justin Davis. Was everything he went through actually "normal?" And if it was, why was that considered normal within the culture of the game? The soul-searching led to a full-blown memoir called 'Conflicted Scars: An Average Player's Journey to the NHL.' There's no hockey-bashing in the book, or in this episode. Just an honest -- and often funny -- assessment of the game that challenges us to reconsider our perceptions and give serious thought to changes that should happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Niagara loses another draft lottery while the Guelph Storm lose a key player to suspension for four playoff games. Plus, Dan and Mike dive into the email Inbox and keep their commitment to respond to everything, good or bad. They've also got a list of some names to listen for in the upcoming OHL draft and a look at the first weekend of playoff action, which features a statement by Sudbury and some surprisingly strong play by Barrie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A premier franchise is performing below expectations, East beasts get beat this weekend, Saginaw is not only hot but the city wants to host the Memorial Cup, the Shane Wright surge, and our Prospects of the Week. Oh, and Cooperalls. Because, Cooperalls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A storied pro hockey career means, years later, you have a ton of stories to tell. And after crossing paths with Sakic, Sundin, Selanne, and Arbour, you can bet the stories have some star power. But Iain Fraser's story is really more like a lifetime of friendships forged with both teammates and opponents. These friendships continue to this day and just ask anyone about "Fraz" (I asked several people) and watch their face light up. "Smart player who played both ends of the ice so well" and "one of the toughest guys I ever played with, on and off the ice" were just a couple of the responses. Through all the stops over all the years, and after all the encounters with all the coaches, one of the biggest things OHL fans will remember is that Fraz captained the winning team during The Greatest Memorial Cup Ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Come for the Ryan Callahan speech, stay for the analysis of mouth guard misconducts, big names being moved, fired coaches, and our Prospects of the Week. Lots to chew on in this episode! Just make sure it's not your mouth guard... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

His OHL career started with an historically bad team. But even that team, which set a record for single-season futility, taught him the value of a tight-knit group. He'd go on to win an OHL championship, play for some influential coaches, and collect more than a few stories along the way. This episode also features our first-ever cameo, as a former teammate drops in on Adam Colagiacomo to surprise him. "Colly" is still working in the game today, coaching kids and giving them life lessons from his years in junior and in pro. Those lessons shine through as you listen to this top-notch episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot to discuss this week, including the Brennan Othmann trade, knowing the environment so you know the player, the Bulldogs getting booted from their home rink, NHL teams that got steals in June, our Prospects of the Week...and that time we almost hit a moose near North Bay. It's just another week in the life of the OHL! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first ever selection made by the expansion Belleville Bulls, Dan Quinn would go on to become a 1st rounder to the NHL. He played for Larry Mavety in Belleville but also Wayne Gretzky...who he would later play *against* in the legendary Battles of Alberta in the 1980s. A close friend of Steve Yzerman, Quinn would also play with Mario Lemieux. From draft interviews at a McDonald's just off the highway to running sandy horse tracks as part of his training, Dan Quinn brings it all on this week's episode. And we haven't even mentioned golf yet... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A fired coach, our favourite unis, and Erie takes a turn as the top tweeter of the week. Plus, using Shane Wright as an example of why we love the OHL as much as we do, and our Prospects of the Week both hail from the East. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc Crawford. George Burnett. Geoff Ward. Those were just a few of the coaches he played for. After a whirlwind career that saw him bounce around the OHL, the now-GOJHL, the Colonial League, and Europe, Matt McGuffin is mature enough to admit that his fondness for "off-ice activities" may have held him back on the ice. Except maybe for that one year in Muskegon...but you'll have to listen to the pod to hear the story. McGuffin is well-travelled as a player and then a scout, making friends along the way and collecting stories that he freely shares in this episode. When you listen, you'll understand why some guys call him "Branches McGee." And you'll certainly have a few laughs, even at Guffer's self-deprecating expense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We give Michael Misa his due, and then remember there are rookies not named Misa in the OHL this season. Plus, a stick tap to the people behind teams' social media accounts, trying to figure out the 3 Stars, the place we'd like to see host the 2024 Memorial Cup, and our Prospects of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He was the 4th overall selection in the 2010 OHL draft, going from his home in the Niagara area to the league's smallest market in Owen Sound. And Jarrod Maidens would cap his rookie season with what is still the biggest goal in Attack franchise history. His sophomore season was marred by injury and despite repeated attempts to return to the game, Maidens was never again the player he once was. That didn't stop the Ottawa Senators from drafting him in the 3rd round in the 2012 NHL draft but Maidens would never play an NHL game. By the age of 20, when some players are playing their OA seasons, Maidens was planning his retirement from the game. Yet despite the many challenges, he remains upbeat and brings a great perspective to the game we love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a solid season in the discipline and reaction-time department, the OHL blew all of its goodwill out of the water with a frustratingly inconsistent final few weeks. Dan and Mike have some hopes for the off-season ahead when it comes to improvements to how the league dispenses justice and how it supports its officiating teams. Plus, increasing competition for the top 16-year old prospects should be turning heads at the league offices and the guys stick out their necks with some playoff predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's still early...but maybe not too early to be pretty excited in one city (or two?) and pretty concerned in another. Plus, Michael Misa is figuring things out fast (maybe not McDavid fast but still plenty fast compared to his "exceptional" peers), rivalries can extend off the ice and behind the scenes, answering your emails, and introducing the Prospect of the Week. Everything you need this week in the Ontario Hockey League in one, convenient place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not too many players can boast a junior career that had stops in both the OHL and the WHL...but Dave Lylyk can. The eventual Taylor Cup champion can also boast about being coached by the likes of Ted Nolan, Bert Templeton, and Craig Hartsburg. Lylyk is the kind of guy you might call a "suitcase" so it should be no surprise that we caught up with him on the road to hear his stories from the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three weeks into the OHL season and the Niagara Ice Dogs have as many wins as the Guelph Storm, Kitchener Rangers, and London Knights combined. Just the way we figured it would be going, right? For what it's worth, the Ice Dogs have also made almost as many trades so far this season (19) as their entire division has wins (20). Again, just like we predicted. Join us as we skate around the OHL's Mid-worst Division, check in on the beasts of the East, and give an early nod to the guy who looks poised to finish as the league leader in points. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He played for the so-called "Yankees and Red Sox" of the Midwest Division. He went to the league's head office. He put out fires. And now, for the first time in his hockey career, he's concerned with ticket sales and how to put "bums in seats." Yet somehow, it seems like Joe Birch's story is just beginning. Have a listen to how he ended up where he is, and the passion he still has for the junior game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two weeks into the OHL season and everything makes sense, right? Ottawa is on top, London and Kitchener are at the bottom. and a Pinelli (just not the NHL-drafted Francesco) is tied for the league lead in goals. We discuss the early returns, finally discover the identity of Dan's cousin, rant about what's missing in Ottawa (and shouldn't be), and wonder where the balance of power lies in the OHL these days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the Toronto area to the Sudbury Wolves to the Kitchener Rangers to the NHL ... to broadcast television? That's the way it's worked out for Frankie Corrado and, by all indications, it's working out just fine, thank you very much. From his "welcome to the OHL" moment to the pranks that involved the stuffed wolf in Sudbury, to making the transition to television, Frankie brings plenty of laughs to the podcast and hints at a bright broadcasting future ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After what feels like an eternity, we have games. Meaningful, regular season games. And even some East versus West action! It's a wonderful feeling and to celebrate it, we welcome Joey Battaino (VP, Communications and Broadcasting, Saginaw Spirit) and Terry Doyle (Host, OHL Radio and the voice of Sarnia Sting hockey on Your TV) to the pod. We can't talk about #OHLOpeningWeek without mentioning Michael Misa, Goaltender of the Week Benjamin Gaudreau, and more. Like Joey's story about the first time he met the legendary Jimmy Gilchrist (voice of the Kingston Frontenacs), or Terry's thoughts on Wyatt Johnston and Shane Wright. And did we mention there were games?! It's great to be back in-season, and The OHL Podcast is with you all the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two of the league's longest-serving broadcasters just so happen to be working for teams that are forever linked in OHL history. In 1989, the Guelph Platers moved to Owen Sound, bringing major junior hockey to Grey County and leaving the Royal City without a team for the first time since 1968. When the Platers arrived in Owen Sound, it opened a broadcasting opportunity for Fred Wallace, the only voice the team has ever known (they became the Attack in 2000). Meantime, in Guelph, major junior hockey would return in 1991 when the Hamilton Dukes re-located. Enter Larry Mellott, the only voice the Storm franchise has ever known. Geographically linked by Highway 6 and forever foes by division and history, somehow, Fred and Larry forged an unlikely friendship. Then again, when you listen to this podcast, you'll realize the friendship isn't all that unlikely at all. And boy, do these guys have stories! From swearing on the air to the glamorous life on the road, settle into the new season with these long-time OHL media members as your guide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Opening Week! Yes, the start of a new season is finally upon us. Now, imagine getting the chance to start the new season by donning the OHL uniform of your hometown team. That's the reality for newest Kitchener Rangers forward Kyle Morey after he was acquired in a deal with Owen Sound. You'll hear from Morey in this episode. Plus, a new season brings some tweaks to the rules and follows a summer that saw the OHL's first-ever officiating combine plus the return of an officials' training camp for the first time in three years. That makes it the perfect time for a chat with Conrad Hache, the OHL's Director of Officiating, to get some insight into rule changes for this season and how the league prepares and then continually works with its officials. Be careful! You just might leave this episode with a better understanding of how much work goes into the job of officiating an OHL game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to take on the OHL's Western Conference, alphabetically, from the building Otters in Erie to the defending champs in Windsor. There's consistency, question marks, and a slew of talent for fans to enjoy. Where will your team finish? I'm not sure we're sure...but it promises to be another wild season in the Western Conference. Let the games begin! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From small town Ontario to OHL captain, where his time with the Kitchener Rangers is still marked by a disappointing playoff loss to the Peterborough Petes. Though drafted by the New York Rangers, Larry Huras really made his mark in Europe, where he's a multi-time European champion. The so-called "hockey lifer" is still in the game as he shares his coaching knowledge with the next generation. With six decades in the game, Huras has a ton of stories and has crossed paths with some of the best in the business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just over one week away until the regular season and it's time to take a look at your team. Today, it's an Eastern Conference preview as we run, alphabetically, from Barrie to Sudbury. Some teams get labelled contenders right now, some we just can't pin down, and others may be a year or more away from their next big season. What about your team? Listen to find out. And remember, feedback is always welcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the favourite game of a junior hockey fan. No, not the hockey game itself. The one you play in your seat, when you tell the person next to you that this guy is a sure thing to make it to the next level, and this other guy isn't. And then you sit back and watch for a few years to find out just how right -- or wrong -- you were. So, what's the secret to making accurate predictions? Hey, if we knew that, we'd all be scouting for NHL teams by now. The truth is, projecting the development of players drafted at 15 years of age is a notoriously difficult task. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's face it, we've all asked the questions. How much does an OHL owner earn or lose each year? What do they do with the money they do earn (if, indeed, they earn profits)? And how much is a franchise worth, anyway? Well, there's not a ton of information out there...but there's enough to piece some things together. And we begin to assemble the puzzle in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices