The OHL Podcast

It's never been a secret that the London Knights were on a mission this season. And, despite some early resistance at the Memorial Cup, the mission remains on track. The guys talk about why the big prize is still in the Knights' sights. Then, it's off to Rimouski to join one of the most seasoned OHL voices. Terry Doyle has been to 24 straight Memorial Cups and he gives us the inside track on how a smaller market like Rimouski is ha...

Do you feel bad for Oshawa or are you in awe of London? Probably depends where you live, eh? But Farwell and Dan break down how the Knights did what they did -- again -- and analyze their chances in Rimouski. Plus, with the OHL season done for 19 teams, the guys have their eyes on a team from each conference that is likely to have an interesting off-season or season ahead. Meanwhile, the NCAA rule change continues to make waves (an...

First of all, you read that right. We have a conversation with the guy who visited every OHL rink and decided to rank the hot dogs. This episode contains your definitive answer, while also providing some raw insight into the impact an OHL career has on a hockey family.

On a more serious note, maybe the emotional story you'll hear in this episode is something the OHL will want to lean into when it comes to recruiting and retaining t...

It sounds like the NCAA is getting serious about hockey programs, which means the battle to recruit and retain the best players has some increased competition. Still, Farwell and Dan think the CHL maintains a decided advantage -- for now. Complacency could change that in a hurry, though, and speaking of change, what are the chances the CHL model changes to one where players are being paid? The ice continues to shift beneath the ska...

Strange days in Brantford where new ownership makes a bold move and one that risks the goodwill that's been built with the city since the Bulldogs' return. Farwell and Dan dive into Matt Turek's departure and why it's raising some red flags. Plus, the OHL now stands alone when it comes to the playoff format and the league would do well to follow the lead of the WHL and QMJHL. And who's ready for an extra overager? Teams might be ab...

We can continue the debate about whether this was the best OHL second round in a decade, but we can do it after we enjoy two Game 7's. That's right, half of the OHL's second round series' are going the distance and, in the case of Windsor-Kitchener, one team is trying to come back from 0-3 down. It's going to be a great day for the league and its fans. London, which still hasn't dropped a game in these playoffs, awaits the West win...

As the OHL's second round of the playoffs gets underway, there's a lot going on behind-the-scenes, including some league "housekeeping" as it prepares for what appears to be an all-out recruiting war to come. Meantime, the league shows what's possible with its coverage of the draft, some construction in Cornwall has Farwell calling (again) for the return of the Royals, and the NHL sends signals that it wants to support am...

Two wrongs don't make a right in Niagara and the league's decision to punish the IceDogs by making them sit players during a playoff game is an insult to paying customers. In order to restore its own integrity and save an excellent junior market, the OHL has only one option now in Niagara. And there's no time to waste. This might be the perfect time to deal with it because all eyes will be on a second round of the playoffs that off...

It's the most wonderful time of the OHL year -- the playoffs! Farwell and Dan break down the early returns with an emphasis on Erie. Or is that Saginaw? Either way, that series is surprising. Plus, the Petes will pick first in the draft for the first time in franchise history, which will only add to an already deep roster of first rounders from the past two drafts. But the guys have some ideas for improvement when it comes to the O...

We can't let the last episode of the regular season go by without sticking our necks out. Like, way out. So, along with the playoff predictions you'd expect as the post-season begins, the guys are also handing out the hardware for OHL Coach of the Year and the league's Most Outstanding Player. Plus, there's the small matter of the NHL's new CBA and how that will impact the CHL. While the OHL's expansion plans appear to be on the ba...

The OHL has launched another third-party investigation into the culture around the Niagara IceDogs and that's leading to questions. Lots of questions. The big one is whether current owner Darren DeDobbelaer should be forced to sell. Whatever the outcome of the investigation, the league is left in a tight spot. Meantime, in Oshawa, the Gens show how serious they are about winning this year as they bring in a new coach with a champio...

As OHL expansion seems inevitable, Farwell and Dan break down a listener's proposal for a future junior hockey model. It's hard to say exactly what this league will look like in a decade, but we know for sure that the NCAA rule change has made waves and there's little doubt the OHL will look different in the years ahead. Are you ready for some change?

Plus, the weekly Wraparound recognizes a night to remember for a Niagara netminde...

Just when you thought there couldn't be another twist in the OHL's expansion plans, the NHL enters the picture with reports of preliminary talks between the two leagues that could create "a new approach to North American junior hockey," including guiding the growth and future expansion of a bigger league. Plus, the story of two teams headed in opposite directions as the playoffs approach and while one might be headed for ...

This is THE OHL Podcast, so it might seem odd that we're talking about the WHL. But it makes sense when you consider both leagues are under the CHL umbrella, right? And this news from The Dub is REALLY interesting, with too many parallels to OHL expansion for the guys to ignore. Plus, why the story of Cam Allen being charged with impaired driving has implications well beyond junior hockey. And for some reason, Dan and Farwell want ...

It's time for a reset. A reminder. A mission statement. Now more than three years and more than 500 episodes into this podcast, it has evolved into a place where OHL fans can engage, interact, and grow their interest in the league. In order to do that, though, we need the access to the people involved in the game. We've always had that, until we didn't. And when that access changed this week, Farwell took it personally. So, brace y...

Details are scarce but, as expected, the Erie Otters have parted ways with head coach Stan Butler. The decision comes after the team conducted an internal investigation, but both Dan and Farwell feel a little more information is required. Feel free to weigh in on the discussion at ohlpodcast@rogers.com. You'll also get your Wraparound this week with a new definition that answers the question, "what's better than a hat trick?&q...

When the guys heard that the OHL was considering expansion in Niagara Falls, they assumed Ontario with its rich history of the Thunder and Flyers franchises. But the league is looking south of the border and making good on its pledge to expand "aggressively." There's also the story of "The Streak" and video that casts doubt on whether or not it continued last week. Plus, Jon Morosi joins the pod to talk USA Hock...

The OHL's best and brightest are front and centre this week as the OHL celebrates its inaugural Connor McDavid Top Prospects Game and the NHL releases its mid-season rankings. There's plenty of reason to celebrate. A warning, though! Farwell thinks that as the OHL has this moment and is showing how grown up it is, there are things that need tweaking so the league is also acting its age. Plus, Stan Butler stays home in Erie as the O...