Ontario Hydro Hockey League - OHHL

OHHL 2025/2026 Season Preview
by ChapGPT

Commissioner’s Edition – Shortened 20-Game Schedule

The Ontario Hydro Hockey League (OHHL) enters a new era in 2025 with a shortened 20-game schedule mandated by the commissioner. With less room for error, every matchup matters, rivalries are heightened, and playoff races are expected to come down to the final week. Let’s take a look at each team heading into the season.

Canucks

Captain: Bobby Chapman

Goaltender: Jordan DaCosta

The Canucks look like a team with something to prove. After years of frustration, goaltender Jordan DaCosta gets a fresh start away from the Leafs crease and hopes to rediscover his form. Captain Bobby Chapman leads a balanced squad that boasts high-end talent in Steve Hibrant, Alex Gulliver, and Ryan Whittam, who will need to carry the offensive load. The veteran core of Mike Fabrizi, Dunstan Chan, Barry Gilbert, and Joanna McVicars brings invaluable experience and composure for tight games.

Newcomers Erich Hunsinger and Riku Pekkola inject fresh energy, but the Canucks’ fate may rest in the hands of role players Tyler Daniel, Vaughn Sangster, and Jamie McIntyre. If this supporting cast finds consistency, the Canucks could be a real threat in the playoff chase.

Key Question: Can DaCosta shake off past struggles and give this team playoff-caliber goaltending?

Leafs

Captain: Tim Agar
Goaltender: Ken Kirby

The Leafs have a new identity, officially entering the post-Bobby Chapman era. Captain Tim Agar will lean heavily on star forwards Adam DiStefano, Gianluca Conicella, Brad Bowness, and Mike Borsch, while Ken Kirby, coming off a career year with the Canucks, now anchors the crease.

Veterans Bert Thibodeau, Rob Sarmiento, and Herschel Morgan will provide stability, but the real story is the motivated trio of Julian Della Vedova, Gaetan Boutin, and Walker Jordan—all eager to prove they can succeed without their longtime captain.

The biggest question mark is on defense. With uncertainty on the blue line, all eyes are on whether Ed Ng will drop back and stabilize the unit. If he does, the Leafs could emerge as a contender in the shortened schedule.

Key Question: Will the Leafs’ defense hold up in high-pressure games?

Predators

Captain: Kevin Bros
Goaltender: Andrew Stam

Last year’s MVP and Top Goalie Andrew Stam returns to defend his titles, and the Predators once again look like a powerhouse. Captain Kevin Bros has put together a dangerous lineup featuring offensive weapons Austin Lorett and Greg Gowan.

The veteran presence is overwhelming—Kevin Rolston, Peter Sarmiento, Lou Fortini, Rick Nathanson, and Graeme Wedge know how to win and bring championship pedigree. The addition of newcomer Frank Piacentini adds versatility, though fans are thankful he didn’t arrive as another elite goalie.

The Predators’ depth players—Liam Rhora, Mark Pitton, and Aaron Fair—will need to perform in order to keep the team balanced. With Stam between the pipes, though, the Preds enter 2025 as early favorites.

Key Question: Can anyone solve Andrew Stam consistently enough to derail this team?

Rangers

Captain: Dave Skjarum
Goaltender: Chris Kimble

The Rangers have reloaded under Captain Dave Skjarum, relying on star forward John Mastrella and last year’s Rookie of the Year Matt Michael to drive the offense.

Goaltender Chris Kimble is seeking redemption after a tough season with the Predators, and if he returns to form, the Rangers will be dangerous. The veteran supporting cast—Tom Mosseau, Luis Simoes, Greg Czuppon, Rui Rocha, and Erwin Chong—ensures steadiness, while depth pieces like Dan Roberts, Mike Wilbore, Adamo Panzini, and Rick Bowes represent the wild cards.

The biggest storyline? A potential comeback from OHHL Hall of Famer Ken Ronson. If he does return, the Rangers instantly gain not just scoring, but a huge locker room presence.

Key Question: Will Ronson return, and can Kimble bounce back?

Red Wings

Captain: Brett Stevens
Goaltender: Dave Harris

The defending Regular Season and Playoff Champions enter 2025 with high expectations once again. Captain Brett Stevens leads an experienced squad highlighted by Dan Alonzi, Jeff Hohendorf, and Adam Stevenson, who can still dominate offensively.

Goaltender Dave Harris is the X-factor—if he stays healthy, the Wings remain elite. But this roster isn’t getting any younger. Veterans Gary Schneider, Rocco Alonzi, Ken Phan, Chris Thompson, Brad Sandbrook, Dennis Stevens, Rick Hohendorf, and Greg Moum are proven winners, though durability is a concern in a condensed season.

Steph Alonzi represents the future, tasked with keeping this team energized and motivated. If the veterans hold up physically, the Wings could repeat as champions.

Key Question: Do the Wings have enough gas left in the tank to run it back?

St. Pats

Captain: Rob Brewer
Goaltender: Jeff Smith

The St. Pats enter 2025 as one of the most exciting teams to watch. With Captain Rob Brewer leading alongside stars Robin Doolittle, Peter Grafos, and last year’s scoring champ Louie Grafos, this team has firepower to spare.

Goaltender Jeff Smith provides stability, while veterans Tom Fisher, Marc Villet, Chris Coady, and Tom Murray offer experience for late-season battles. The addition of newcomer Andrew Santaguida adds even more offensive depth.

Youngsters like Jon Evangelista—coming off a strong rookie campaign—along with John Martin, Steve Fox, Baron Beukeboom, and Ryan Rasphakdy, give this team youthful energy and breakout potential. If everything clicks, the Pats could very well dethrone the Wings.

Key Question: Can the Grafos brothers repeat their offensive dominance in a shortened season?

Season Outlook

With only 20 games on the schedule, every matchup matters more than ever. Here’s how the preseason power rankings shake out:

1. Predators – Stam is the ultimate difference-maker.
2. Red Wings – The defending champs, but health is a real concern.
3. St. Pats – Grafos-led offense could explode in a short season.
4. Canucks – Depth and goaltending turnaround will decide their fate.
5. Leafs – Defense is shaky, but motivation is sky-high.
6. Rangers – A wild card team, especially if Ronson returns.