Canadian Hockey League - Feed

Round 2 set on Road to Memorial Cup

Matt Tidcombe — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:04:07 +0000

It's time for Round 2 of the Road to Memorial Cup! Half the playoff field has been eliminated with 24 teams still standing on the quest to be crowned a QMJHL, OHL or WHL champion and in the process also secure a spot at the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota in Kelowna, B.C., alongside the Rockets. OHL Second Round Series Eastern Conference: (1) Branford vs. (5) North Bay (2) Barrie vs. (3) Ottawa Western Conference: (1) Kitchener vs. (5) Soo (2) Windsor vs. (3) Flint QMJHL Second Round Series (1) Moncton vs. (6) Val-d'Or (2) Chicoutimi vs. (5) Quebec (1) Rouyn-Noranda vs. (4) Shawinigan (2) Blainville-Boisbriand vs. (3) Newfoundland WHL First Round Series Eastern Conference: (1) Prince Albert vs. (6) Saskatoon (2) Medicine Hat vs. (4) Calgary Western Conference: (1) Everett vs. (4) Kelowna (2) Penticton vs. (3) Prince George For more information on the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, click here. Fans can make their picks for the Road to the Memorial Cup through the 2025-26 WHL, OHL & QMJHL Playoff Bracket Challenge Contest at chl.ca/bracket-challenge. Playoff coverage begins Thursday, March 26 on FloHockey, with four OHL games and one QMJHL matchup on the schedule, before the WHL postseason gets underway Friday, March 27 on Victory+ with all eight opening-night games.

Oilers sign Memorial Cup winner Nicholl to three-year ELC

Matt Tidcombe — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:20:42 +0000

London Knights forward William Nicholl has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers. Nicholl made just 32 appearances this season for London but amassed 15 goals and 26 points in the process. A third round pick in the 2022 OHL Draft, Nicholl has played 168 games for the Knights - where he's tallied 106 points - and is a two-time OHL champion (2024/2025) as well as a 2025 Memorial Cup winner. Edmonton selected the Ottawa, ON., native 196th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Memorial Cup champion Brzustewicz signs ELC with Kings

Matt Tidcombe — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:13:43 +0000

London Knights defenceman Henry Brzustewicz has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the LA Kings. The 19-year-old is coming off of his best OHL season where he had 19 goals and 54 points to lead the Knights in scoring. The 22nd overall pick in the 2022 OHL Draft, Brzustewicz has made 178 appearances with the Knights where he is a two-time OHL champion (2024/2025). Last season, he also claimed a Memorial Cup title after London's win over Medicine Hat. The Kings selected the Washington, MI., native 31st overall in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Hinds makes NHL debut with Anaheim

Matt Tidcombe — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:18:59 +0000

Former Shawinigan Cataractes, Rimouski Oceanic and Sherbrooke Phoenix defeneman Tyson Hinds made his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks Saturday. In a 5-3 loss to Calgary, Hinds played 23:22 and recorded four shots, one block and one hit. Selected 30th overall in the 2019 QMJHL Draft, Hinds played 204 games in the league where he tallied 31 goals and 116 points. In his final season in 2022-23 with Sherbrooke, he recorded a career high 54 points and collected the Kevin Lowe Trophy as the Q's best defensive defenceman. Internationally, the Gatineau, QC., native won gold with Canada at the 2023 World Juniors. Ahead of his NHL debut, Hinds played 204 AHL games with the San Diego Gulls. He was the 76th overall pick by Anaheim in the 2021 NHL Draft. https://twitter.com/AnaheimDucks/status/2040606577770774621

Memorial Cup champion Gaucher makes NHL debut with Ducks

Matt Tidcombe — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:14:49 +0000

Former Quebec Remparts forward Nathan Gaucher made his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks Wednesday night. In a 4-3 loss to San Jose, Gaucher played 7:08 and recorded one block and one hit. The eighth overall pick in the 2019 QMJHL Draft, Gaucher made 199 appearances with the Remparts and tallied 158 points (80 goals). In 2021-22, he had a career high 31 goals and 57 points while a year later, he had 46 points in 44 games before he tallied another 16 in the postseason as the Remparts won the Gilles-Courteau Trophy. In their 2023 Memorial Cup triumph, he scored twice and had three points in four games. That same season, he collected the QMJHL's Guy Carbonneau Trophy as the league's best defensive forward. Internationally, he is a two-time World Juniors gold medallist (2022, 2023). As a pro, the 22-year-old made 185 appearances in the AHL with the San Diego Gulls before his NHL debut. Anaheim selected Richelieu, QC., native 22nd overall at the 2022 NHL Draft. https://twitter.com/AnaheimDucks/status/2039502667958087896

Canadian Hockey League announces multi-year partnership with TotalEnergies

Matt Tidcombe — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:38:19 +0000

New partnership to connect TotalEnergies with CHL fans through marquee events, digital activations, and community-focused initiatives

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce a new multi-year partnership with TotalEnergies, which began with the 2025-26 season. Built on a shared commitment to community, passion, and meaningful fan engagement, the partnership unites the CHL with TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company driven by excellence and advancement. As part of the agreement, TotalEnergies will be featured across key CHL platforms and marquee events throughout the season, including the Memorial Cup presented by Kubota and the CHL USA Prospects Challenge. The partnership will also feature digital activations and national exposure across the CHL’s official digital and social channels. “TotalEnergies is a global leader in performance and innovation, and we’re proud to welcome them to the CHL family,” said Ryan Hudecki, Vice-President of Partnerships for the Canadian Hockey League. “As TotalEnergies advances sustainable energy solutions, the CHL remains focused on helping build a sustainable future for hockey — on the ice and in the communities we serve. This multi-year partnership will connect TotalEnergies with millions of passionate fans across North America while supporting the development of the next generation of talent in the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL. Together, we’ll collaborate on community-focused initiatives that help keep hockey accessible and thriving, and deliver engaging activations at marquee CHL events — including the Memorial Cup presented by Kubota and the CHL USA Prospects Challenge — along with unique experiences for fans throughout the season.” For TotalEnergies, the partnership offers an opportunity to deepen its connection with Canadian communities and hockey fans through a sport that reflects many of the company’s core values, including respect, solidarity, innovation, and performance. “This partnership with the CHL reinforces our commitment to growth and performance while supporting our customers and partners,” said Stéphane Talleneau, General Manager of TotalEnergies Marketing Canada. “It also strengthens our presence across Canada—particularly among younger generations—and gives us the opportunity to share key values such as Respect for Others, Solidarity, a Pioneering Spirit, and a Drive for Performance. This performance mindset is reflected every day in our Automotive, Industrial, and Marine markets.” Just as hockey demands speed, precision, and consistency, TotalEnergies delivers performance-driven products and services designed to support customers and industries across Canada. Through this partnership, the company will bring those values to one of the country’s most passionate sports audiences. With 61 member clubs competing across the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), the CHL and the Member Leagues engage millions of fans each season while showcasing the next generation of hockey talent. This new partnership with TotalEnergies further strengthens the league’s ability to deliver meaningful fan experiences and community-focused initiatives across its national platform. About TotalEnergies TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas and low-carbon hydrogen, renewables, and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to providing as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable, and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects, and its operations. About the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the world’s largest development hockey league with 52 Canadian and nine American teams participating in the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League (NHL) and U SPORTS than any other league. During the 2024-25 season, of the 1,000-plus players who played a game in the NHL, over 415 came through the CHL. At the 2025 NHL Draft, 90 CHL players were selected, including 21 in the first round. For more information regarding the CHL, please visit chl.ca.

Hitmen captain Hurtig agrees to ELC with Flames

Matt Tidcombe — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:15:53 +0000

Calgary Hitmen captain Axel Hurtig has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames. The d-man had a career high six goals and 19 points in 64 games this season. The 33rd overall pick in the 2023 CHL Import Draft, Hurtig has made 119 appearances for Calgary and has recorded 35 points (11 goals). A native of Hogas, Sweden, Hurtig won silver at the 2023 U18 World Championships and played at the 2025 World Juniors. The Flames selected the 20-year-old 208th overall at the 2023 NHL Draft.

CHL to NHL: former Steelheads captain Martone debuts with Flyers

Matt Tidcombe — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:49:24 +0000

Former Brampton Steelheads captain Porter Martone made his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday. In a 6-4 loss to Washington, Martone played 16:54 and recorded five shots and one hit. Martone spent three seasons in the OHL from 2022-25 where he played 178 games. The fifth overall pick by Sarnia in the 2022 OHL Draft, he made 29 appearances for the Sting before a trade to the Steelheads. In 149 games for the franchise, he recorded 191 points that was highlighted by a 98-point campaign in 2024-25. The Peterborough, ON., native has enjoyed considerable international success for Canada where he has a bronze medal from the 2022 World U17 Hockey Challenge and 2023 U18 World championships while a year later he won a gold medal at the latter. He also claimed gold at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and bronze at the 2026 World Juniors. The 19-year-old spent the 2025-26 season with the NCAA's Michigan State Spartans where he had 50 points as a freshman. Philadelphia selected Martone sixth overall at the 2025 NHL Draft. https://twitter.com/NHLFlyers/status/2039111868157997152

Bulldogs’ Protz signs entry-level deal with Montreal

Matt Tidcombe — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:36:05 +0000

Brantford Bulldogs defenceman Owen Protz has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens. Protz' fourth OHL campaign saw him match his career high with five goals while he added 23 points from the Bulldogs' blue line. A fifth round pick in the 2022 OHL Draft by Sudbury, the 20-year-old has made 198 appearances in the league and has recorded 74 points (13 goals).

Protz was selected by the Canadiens with the 102nd overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

#CHLStats: Ruck brothers, Pickford and the player performances that defined 2025-26

Matt Tidcombe — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:58:11 +0000

If the 2025-26 season was memorable for what teams accomplished, it was just as remarkable for the individual performances that helped define it. Across the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), players rewrote record books, led historic offensive surges and produced seasons that now rank among the most impressive in recent memory.

The Ruck brothers make CHL history

No individual storyline stood out more in 2025-26 than the one authored by Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) forwards Markus and Liam Ruck. The twin brothers from Osoyoos, B.C., became the first siblings in CHL history to finish first and second in league scoring in the same season. The 2026 NHL Draft prospects also became the first brothers ever to place 1-2 in scoring within a Member League. Markus Ruck finished atop the CHL with 108 points (21G-87A) in 68 games, while Liam Ruck was right behind him with 104 points (45G-59A) in 68 contests. For Markus, the scoring title also placed him in elite company historically. He became the first Medicine Hat Tigers skater since Linden Vey in 2010-11 to lead the CHL in scoring, while also becoming just the second player in franchise history to win the CHL Top Scorer Award. 2025-26 CHL leading scorers (click here for the complete list) 1. Markus Ruck – Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL – 108 points (68 GP) 2. Liam Ruck – Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL – 104 points (68 GP) 3. Maxim Massé – Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL – 102 points (63 GP) 4. Cameron Schmidt – Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL – 100 points (72 GP) T5. JP Hurlbert – Kamloops Blazers / WHL – 97 points (68 GP) T5. Nikita Klepov – Saginaw Spirit / OHL – 97 points (67 GP)

Markus Ruck joins a notable group of draft-eligibles

Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) centre and 2026 NHL Draft prospect Markus Ruck also became the ninth first-year NHL Draft-eligible player since 2000 to lead the CHL in scoring. That list includes Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit / 2024-25), Connor Bedard (Regina Pats / 2022-23), Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s / 2019-20), Dylan Strome (Erie Otters / 2014-15), Nicolas Petan (Portland Winterhawks / 2012-13), Patrick Kane (London Knights / 2006-07), Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / 2004-05) and Pierre-Marc Bouchard (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / 2001-02). Following Michael Misa in 2024-25 and Markus Ruck in 2025-26, draft-eligible players led the CHL in scoring in consecutive seasons for the first time since Marc Savard and Daniel Brière did so in 1994-95 and 1995-96.

Bryce Pickford’s rare offensive season from the blue line

Medicine Hat’s attack was not driven only by the Ruck brothers. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) defenceman Bryce Pickford delivered one of the greatest goal-scoring seasons by a defenceman in modern CHL history. His 45 goals in 55 games were the most by a CHL defenceman in a single season in nearly 40 years, since Greg Hawgood recorded 48 in 1987-88, and left him just five shy of the WHL and CHL record for goals by a defenceman — a mark set by Saskatoon Blades blueliner Lawrence Sacharuk, who scored 50 goals in 65 games in 1971-72. Pickford’s 45-goal campaign also stands as the highest total by any CHL defenceman in the 21st century, three more than Marc-André Bergeron’s 42 in 2000-01. The Montreal Canadiens prospect was the only defenceman to rank among the CHL’s top 10 goal scorers in 2025-26. Among the league’s top 10 goal scorers, the 19-year-old from Chauvin, Alta., also had the best goals-per-game rate at 0.82. Most goals by a CHL defenceman in a single season since 2000 1. Bryce Pickford – Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL – 45 goals (55 GP in 2025-26)* 2. Marc-André Bergeron – Shawinigan Cataractes / QMJHL – 42 goals (72 GP in 2000-01) T3. Sébastien Bisaillon – Val-d’Or Foreurs / QMJHL – 35 goals (63 GP in 2005-06) T3. Nicolas Hague – Mississauga Steelheads / OHL – 35 goals (67 GP in 2017-18) T5. Zayne Parekh – Saginaw Spirit / OHL – 33 goals (61 GP in 2024-25) T5. Zayne Parekh – Saginaw Spirit / OHL – 33 goals (66 GP in 2023-24)

Massé, Schmidt and Carbonneau share the CHL goal-scoring lead

Three players shared the CHL goal-scoring lead in 2025-26 with 51 goals apiece. Maxim Massé of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL), an Anaheim Ducks prospect, finished tied atop the league with Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) forward Cameron Schmidt, a Dallas Stars prospect, and Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) Armada forward Justin Carbonneau, a St. Louis Blues prospect. Massé and Schmidt also stood apart in the broader scoring race, as they were the only two players in the CHL to surpass both the 50-goal and 100-point marks in 2025-26. 2025-26 CHL leading goal scorers (click here for the complete list) T1. Maxim Massé – Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL – 51 goals T1. Cameron Schmidt – Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL – 51 goals T1. Justin Carbonneau – Blainville-Boisbriand Armada / QMJHL – 51 goals T4. Marek Vanacker – Brantford Bulldogs / OHL – 47 goals T4. Nathan Leek – Charlottetown Islanders / QMJHL – 47 goals 6. Jack Pridham – Kitchener Rangers / OHL – 46 goals T7. Liam Ruck – Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL – 45 goals T7. Bryce Pickford – Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL – 45 goals 9. Alexey Vlasov – Victoriaville Tigres / QMJHL – 44 goals 10. Philippe Veilleux – Val-d’Or Foreurs / QMJHL – 43 goals

Scoring-rate leaders show off elite efficiency

Some of the CHL’s biggest offensive performances in 2025-26 were defined not only by raw totals, but also by how efficiently players piled up points. Carolina Hurricanes prospect Ivan Ryabkin led the CHL in scoring rate at 2.10 points per game, producing 42 points in just 20 games with the Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL). He was one of four CHL players to average at least 1.70 points per game, joined by Utah Mammoth prospect Tij Iginla (Kelowna Rockets / WHL), Seattle Kraken prospect Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL) and Utah Mammoth prospect Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL). Iginla ranked second at 1.88 points per game, the highest rate by a WHL skater. O’Brien finished third at 1.75, the best mark among OHL players. Desnoyers was fourth at 1.73, giving the QMJHL two of the league’s top four scoring-rate leaders. Utah Mammoth prospects were especially prominent near the top of the list, with Iginla, Desnoyers and Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts / OHL) ranking second, fourth and fifth, respectively, among the CHL’s top five in points per game. Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL) forward Maxim Massé ranked sixth at 1.62 points per game, the highest rate among players who appeared in more than 60 games. Highest average scoring rate across the CHL in 2025-26 (min. 20 GP) (click here for the complete list) 1. Ivan Ryabkin – Charlottetown Islanders / QMJHL – 2.10 PPG (13G-29A–42 PTS in 20 GP) 2. Tij Iginla – Kelowna Rockets / WHL – 1.88 PPG (41G-49A–90 PTS in 48 GP) 3. Jake O’Brien – Brantford Bulldogs / OHL – 1.75 PPG (28G-65A–93 PTS in 53 GP) 4. Caleb Desnoyers – Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL – 1.73 PPG (22G-56A–78 PTS in 45 GP) 5. Cole Beaudoin – Barrie Colts / OHL – 1.63 PPG (33G-55A–88 PTS in 54 GP) 6. Maxim Massé – Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL – 1.62 PPG (51G-51A–102 PTS in 63 GP) 7. Adam Benak – Brantford Bulldogs / OHL – 1.60 PPG (28G-49A–77 PTS in 48 GP) 8. Markus Ruck – Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL – 1.59 PPG (21G-87A–108 PTS in 68 GP) 9. Andrew Basha – Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL – 1.56 PPG (18G-32A–50 PTS in 32 GP) 10. Jonas Woo – Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL – 1.54 PPG (29G-57A–86 PTS in 56 GP)

Another rare accomplishment in Saginaw

Elsewhere, Saginaw Spirit (OHL) right winger and 2026 NHL Draft prospect Nikita Klepov delivered a season that deserves its own historical mention. The 17-year-old American forward from Deerfield Beach, Florida, became the first rookie to lead a Member League in scoring since Patrick Kane did so with the London Knights in 2006-07. Since 2000, the only other rookie to achieve that feat was Sidney Crosby with the Rimouski Océanic in 2003-04. Rookies to lead a Member League in scoring since 2000 Nikita Klepov – Saginaw Spirit / OHL – 97 points (37G-60A in 67 GP) in 2025-26 Patrick Kane – London Knights / OHL – 145 points (62G-83A in 58 GP) in 2006-07 Sidney Crosby – Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL – 135 points (54G-81A in 59 GP) in 2003-04

Rudy Guimond’s 40-win season and Ryder Fetterolf’s standout rookie campaign

The 2025-26 season also featured a pair of remarkable performances in goal from Moncton’s Rudy Guimond and Ottawa’s Ryder Fetterolf. After leading both the QMJHL and CHL with 40 wins in 2025-26, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) netminder Rudy Guimond became the first goaltender in the CHL to reach the 40-win mark since Everett Silvertips (WHL) alumnus Dustin Wolf recorded 41 victories in 2018-19. Guimond’s 40 wins are tied for the 11th-most by a goaltender in a single season in QMJHL history. They also stand as the highest total by a QMJHL netminder since Alex Dubeau of the Moncton Wildcats posted 41 wins in 2014-15. In fact, Guimond is just the sixth goaltender in the QMJHL since 2000 to record a 40-win season. Meanwhile, Ottawa 67’s (OHL) goaltender Ryder Fetterolf delivered one of the strongest rookie seasons by a netminder in the CHL this century. His 2.07 goals-against average in 2025-26 not only led the CHL, but also ranked as the fifth-lowest single-season mark by an OHL goaltender in league history. It also stands as the second-best single-season GAA ever recorded by an OHL rookie, behind only Ryan MacDonald of the London Knights, who posted a 2.06 mark in 2003-04. By also leading the CHL with a .923 save percentage, Fetterolf became just the second rookie since 1997-98 to top the league in both goals-against average and save percentage while playing at least 40% of his team’s minutes and more than 1,600 minutes. The only other rookie to accomplish that feat over the last 28 years was Evan Gardner of the Saskatoon Blades (WHL) in 2023-24. Most wins by a goaltender in the CHL in 2025-26 1. Rudy Guimond – Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL – 40 wins (40-7-1-2 in 50 GP) 2. Easton Rye – Peterborough Petes / OHL – 38 wins (38-16-1-2 in 57 GP) 3. Mason Vaccari – Flint Firebirds / OHL – 36 wins (36-9-3-2 in 51 GP) 4. Samuel Meloche – Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / QMJHL – 33 wins (33-13-3-0 in 50 GP) T5. Joshua Ravensbergen – Prince George Cougars / WHL – 32 wins (32-13-0-0 in 46 GP) T5. Joey Costanzo – Windsor Spitfires / OHL – 32 wins (32-11-4-1 in 50 GP) 7. Anders Millers – Everett Silvertips / WHL – 31 wins (31-5-0-0 in 36 GP) 8. Jordan Switzer – Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL – 30 wins (30-7-2-2 in 44 GP) T9. Andrew Reyelts – Penticton Vees / WHL – 29 wins (26-6-6-2 in 43 GP) T9. Ryder Fetterolf – Ottawa 67’s / OHL – 29 wins (29-9-2-1 in 41 GP) With the regular season complete, attention now turns to the playoffs, where the CHL’s top teams will look to build on their success. Fans can now make their picks for the Road to the Memorial Cup through the 2025-26 WHL, OHL & QMJHL Playoff Bracket Challenge Contest at chl.ca/bracket-challenge. Playoff coverage begins Thursday, March 26 on FloHockey, with four OHL games and one QMJHL matchup on the schedule, before the WHL postseason gets underway Friday, March 27 on Victory+ with all eight opening-night games.