File Photo: Smiths Falls Bears "X"
The Ontario Hockey League is taking steps to reshape the junior hockey landscape, beginning with a new agreement that makes the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League its first official development partner.
Starting in the 2025-26 season, the 23-team GOJHL—long known for producing OHL talent—will operate under a formal partnership designed to standardize player development, raise competition levels, and give athletes a clearer path to the next level.
While the GOJHL is the first to secure this kind of relationship, it likely won’t be the last. The OHL has confirmed it is in talks with several Junior A leagues across Ontario, including the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL). A deal with the CCHL would extend the new development model into Eastern Ontario, tying some of the region’s most competitive programs directly into the OHL system.
The league is also exploring agreements with the OJHL, NOJHL and SIJHL. Officials say the goal is to build a province-wide structure that better supports young players while creating consistency across training and competition.
If talks with the CCHL and others move forward, Ontario’s junior hockey system could soon look more connected than ever—giving players, parents and coaches a clearer roadmap from local rinks to the professional game.