Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League
The Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL), formerly the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL), is a Junior "B" ice hockey league sanctioned by the Ontario Hockey Association and operating as the official development league for the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).[1][2] It consists of 23 teams primarily from Southwestern Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe region, divided into a 12-team Western Conference and an 11-team Eastern Conference (also known as the Golden Horseshoe Conference).[3][1] The league's teams include the Ayr Centennials, Brantford Titans, Caledon Bombers, Caledonia Corvairs, Cambridge Redhawks, Chatham Maroons, Elmira Sugar Kings, Fort Erie Meteors, Hamilton Kilty B's, Komoka Kings, LaSalle Vipers, Listowel Cyclones, London Nationals, Pelham Panthers, Port Colborne Sailors, Sarnia Legionnaires, St. Catharines Falcons, St. Marys Lincolns, St. Thomas Stars, Stratford Warriors, Strathroy Rockets, Waterloo Siskins, and Welland Canadians.[3] Established in 2007 through the merger of the Western Ontario Junior Hockey League, Mid-Western Junior Hockey League, and Golden Horseshoe Junior Hockey League, the GOHL initially featured three conferences competing for the Sutherland Cup, the historic Junior "B" playoff championship first awarded in 1934 and adopted by the league upon its formation.[1] Over the years, the league has undergone numerous changes, including team relocations, suspensions, and renamings—such as the 2012 move of the Owen Sound Greys to Brampton as the Bombers (later to Caledon) and the 2023 departures of the Leamington Flyers and Niagara Falls Canucks—while maintaining a focus on player development leading to higher levels like the OHL, NCAA, and professional hockey.[1] The 2024–25 season marked a restructuring to two conferences and the rebranding to GOHL in September 2025, solidifying its partnership with the OHL to enhance pathways for young players aged 16–21.[1][2] The GOHL emphasizes competitive play with a regular season typically spanning from September to March, followed by playoffs culminating in the Sutherland Cup finals, and has produced notable alumni who have advanced to the OHL and beyond, including recent examples like Liam Spencer scoring his first OHL goal in the 2025–26 season.[4][5] League operations include inter-conference scheduling, overtime formats evolving from shootouts to 3-on-3 play and back, and educational resources for players pursuing U Sports or American college opportunities.[1] As of November 2025, the league continues to highlight weekly performers and historical milestones, such as the Chatham Maroons' multiple Sutherland Cup wins, underscoring its role in Ontario's junior hockey ecosystem.[4][1]History
Formation and early years
The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) was established in 2007 through the merger of three existing Junior B leagues in Southwestern Ontario: the Western Ontario Junior Hockey League (founded in 1969), the Golden Horseshoe Junior Hockey League (founded in 1974), and the Mid-Western Junior Hockey League (founded in 1977).[6][7][8] This unification created a single provincial Junior B circuit sanctioned by the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), aiming to streamline operations and foster stronger regional competition among the combined franchises.[1] The merger brought together 25 teams initially, organized into three conferences—Golden Horseshoe, Midwestern, and Western—spanning areas from Kitchener-Waterloo to the Niagara region.[9] As a member of both the OHA and the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), the GOJHL focused on developing players for higher levels while maintaining a competitive structure for Junior B hockey in the province.[10] The league's formation addressed the fragmentation of junior hockey in the region, allowing for more consistent scheduling and playoff contention under a centralized banner. The inaugural 2007-08 season featured a regular-season schedule of approximately 50 games per team, culminating in playoffs for the Sutherland Cup, the OHA's Junior B championship trophy named in honor of James T. Sutherland, a former OHA and CAHA president who helped establish early junior hockey standards.[11][12] In its early years, the GOJHL emphasized stability and player retention amid growing interest in junior hockey across Ontario. The Tecumseh Chiefs won the first Sutherland Cup in 2008, defeating the Elmira Sugar Kings in the final series, marking the start of a new era for the league's postseason tradition.[6] This foundational period laid the groundwork for the GOJHL's role as a key feeder system for Junior A and collegiate programs, with the merged structure enabling broader talent distribution without the previous inter-league rivalries.[1]Expansion, realignments, and challenges
The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League experienced steady growth in its early years following formation, reaching a peak of 27 teams during the 2016–17 season through strategic additions and returns of franchises. Notable expansions included the addition of the Brantford 99ers to the Midwestern Conference in 2013, which helped bolster regional representation in southwestern Ontario. Other key developments involved the relocation and renaming of existing teams, such as the Brantford Golden Eagles moving to Caledonia and becoming the Corvairs in 2012, contributing to the league's expansion to 25 teams by 2015–16.[1][6] Divisional realignments were implemented to address geographic balance and competitive equity amid team movements. In 2013, the Caledonia Corvairs shifted from the Midwestern Conference to the Golden Horseshoe Conference, optimizing travel and rivalries within the Niagara region. By 2015, the league maintained its core structure of three conferences—Golden Horseshoe, Midwestern, and Western—with internal divisions adjusted following minor contractions, such as the 2017 folding of the Cambridge Winter Hawks due to operational issues. These changes aimed to sustain the league's 25–27 team footprint through the late 2010s.[1] The league faced significant operational challenges, particularly financial strains and external disruptions. The 2019–20 season was abruptly halted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with playoffs cancelled shortly after, marking the first incomplete season since formation. The entire 2020–21 season was ultimately cancelled in April 2021, citing provincial stay-at-home orders and health protocols that made operations untenable, resulting in lost revenue and player development opportunities across all teams. Financial pressures also led to team suspensions and relocations, exemplified by the Thorold Blackhawks receiving penalties and fines in 2021 for COVID-19 protocol violations, which compounded existing budgetary issues and prompted their move to Port Colborne as the Sailors in 2023. Player eligibility disputes arose prominently in 2014, when the GOJHL sought reclassification to Junior A status to enhance recruiting and NCAA pathways, but the request was rejected by the Ontario Hockey Association, leading to appeals and ongoing tensions with higher-tier leagues over roster rules and sanctioning.[13][14][15][16] Amid these hurdles, the league marked key achievements, including the Caledonia Corvairs' three consecutive Sutherland Cup victories from 2014 to 2016, highlighting competitive depth in the Golden Horseshoe Conference. Governance evolved with increased autonomy efforts post-2014, as the league navigated disputes with the OHA, ultimately operating more independently while remaining under Hockey Canada oversight until further realignments. These expansions, adjustments, and challenges from 2010 to 2023 shaped the GOJHL into a resilient Junior B circuit focused on regional development.[17][16]Recent developments and renaming
In June 2024, the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) underwent a significant realignment, transitioning from three conferences to two: the Eastern Conference with 11 teams and the Western Conference with 12 teams.[18] This structural shift aimed to create more balanced playoffs by having the top eight teams from each conference advance, eliminating the previous round-robin format among division winners.[19] The changes followed the departure of the Leamington Flyers and Niagara Falls Canucks to the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) in 2023, reducing the league's roster and prompting the reconfiguration for the 2024-25 season.[20] The 2024-25 season marked the debut of this new format, featuring a 50-game regular season schedule.[21] The St. Catharines Falcons claimed the Eastern Conference regular season title with 72 points, while the St. Marys Lincolns dominated the Western Conference with 86 points.[22] In the playoffs, the Chatham Maroons emerged as Sutherland Cup champions, defeating the Falcons in six games to secure their second title in franchise history.[23][24] On September 25, 2025, the league announced its rebranding to the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL), effective for the 2025-26 season, to better reflect its evolving role in player development.[25] Concurrently, the GOHL became the official development league for the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), establishing direct pathways for players to advance to Major Junior hockey through enhanced scouting and affiliation agreements.[26] The 2025-26 GOHL season commenced on September 10, 2025, with a 50-game schedule across its 23 teams.[27] As of November 20, 2025, the season is ongoing, with the Cambridge Redhawks leading the Eastern Conference undefeated through 21 games and the Elmira Sugar Kings topping the Western Conference with a 16-2-1-0 record.[28] The OHL partnership has already fostered stronger scouting ties between GOHL clubs and OHL teams, including the inaugural integration of GOHL players into OHL showcase events tied to the Connor McDavid Top Prospects Game in early 2026.[26]League Organization
Teams and conferences
The Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL) consists of 23 active teams divided into two conferences for the 2025-26 season: the Eastern Conference with 11 teams and the Western Conference with 12 teams. This structure facilitates regional competition while allowing for inter-conference play, with teams primarily drawn from communities in Southwestern Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe region, spanning from the Windsor area in the southwest to Caledon in the north.[29][30]Eastern Conference Teams
| Team | Location | Home Arena | Founding Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayr Centennials | Ayr, ON | North Dumfries Community Centre | 1982 |
| Brantford Titans | Brantford, ON | Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre | 2013 |
| Caledon Bombers | Caledon, ON | Mayfield Recreation Complex | 2020* |
| Caledonia Corvairs | Caledonia, ON | Haldimand County Caledonia Centre | 1970 |
| Cambridge Redhawks | Cambridge, ON | Galt Arena Gardens | 1960 |
| Fort Erie Meteors | Fort Erie, ON | Fort Erie Leisureplex | 1957 |
| Hamilton Kilty B's | Hamilton, ON | Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena | 1977 |
| Pelham Panthers | Pelham, ON | Meridian Community Centre | c. 1940 |
| Port Colborne Sailors | Port Colborne, ON | Vale Health & Fitness Centre | 2023 |
| St. Catharines Falcons | St. Catharines, ON | Jack Gatecliff Arena | 1967 |
| Welland Jr. Canadians | Welland, ON | Welland Arena | 1979 |
Western Conference Teams
| Team | Location | Home Arena | Founding Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chatham Maroons | Chatham, ON | Chatham Memorial Arena | 1904 |
| Elmira Sugar Kings | Elmira, ON | Woolwich Memorial Centre | 1972 |
| Komoka Kings | Komoka, ON | Komoka Community Centre | 2023 |
| LaSalle Vipers | LaSalle, ON | Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex | 2020 |
| Listowel Cyclones | Listowel, ON | Arctic Sports Centre | 1972 |
| London Nationals | London, ON | Western Fair Sports Centre | 1966 |
| Sarnia Legionnaires | Sarnia, ON | Pat Stapleton Arena | 1969 |
| St. Marys Lincolns | St. Marys, ON | Pyramid Recreation Centre | 1956 |
| St. Thomas Stars | St. Thomas, ON | Joe Thornton Community Centre | 1978 |
| Stratford Warriors | Stratford, ON | William Allman Memorial Arena | 1956 |
| Strathroy Rockets | Strathroy, ON | West Middlesex Memorial Arena | 2023 |
| Waterloo Siskins | Waterloo, ON | Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex | 1964 |
Season structure and format
The regular season of the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL) consists of 50 games per team, with 25 played at home and 25 on the road, spanning from early September to early March.[27] Following the 2024 conference realignment into Eastern and Western divisions, scheduling emphasizes intra-conference matchups to foster regional rivalries and reduce travel, while incorporating inter-conference games across the 23-team league.[33] The season begins with an opening week of 21 games from September 10 to 14, 2025, and concludes on March 8, 2026, allowing for a structured progression toward the playoffs.[27] Standings are determined using a points system where teams earn 2 points for a win, 1 point for an overtime or shootout loss, and 0 points for a regulation loss.[28] Ties in points are broken first by the number of regulation and overtime wins (ROW), followed by wins in head-to-head matchups between tied teams, and then by goal average calculated as goals for divided by the sum of goals for and goals against.[34] Conference champions are the teams finishing atop their respective Eastern or Western standings at the end of the regular season, with the top seeds, such as first-place finishers, receiving a first-round bye in the playoffs to reward strong performance.[33] Player eligibility adheres to Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) and Hockey Canada regulations for Junior B hockey, permitting players up to 20 years of age as of December 31, with a focus on player development.[35] Teams are limited to a maximum of two import players—defined as those from outside Ontario or non-North American origins—to prioritize local talent.[35] Following the league's 2025 rebranding and alignment as the official development feeder for the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), there is increased emphasis on pathways to higher-level junior and professional hockey.[36] All regular-season games are broadcast and streamed exclusively on FloHockey, providing accessible coverage for fans.[27] League-wide average attendance stands at approximately 400 spectators per game, though it varies by team and market, reflecting the community-based nature of Junior B hockey.[37]Former and Defunct Teams
Historical team movements
The Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL), formerly the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL), formed in 2007 through the merger of the Golden Horseshoe Junior B Hockey League, Midwestern Ontario Junior B Hockey League, and Western Junior B Hockey League, has seen numerous franchise relocations and name changes to address operational challenges and regional alignments.[1] Many teams trace their roots to these pre-merger leagues, including the Chatham Maroons, which originated in the Border Cities Junior B Hockey League in 1959 before joining the Western Junior B Hockey League in 1964, and the St. Catharines Falcons, established in the Niagara District Junior B Hockey League in 1968 and later part of the Golden Horseshoe Junior B Hockey League from 1974 onward.[38] These foundational franchises provided continuity following the merger, preserving long-standing regional rivalries within the new structure.[1] Early post-merger movements focused on stabilizing teams in viable markets. In 2008, the Petrolia Jets relocated to Forest and rebranded as the Lambton Shores Predators, while the Tecumseh Chiefs moved to LaSalle and became the LaSalle Vipers; additionally, the Port Colborne Sailors adopted the Pirates name, and the Sarnia Blast changed to the Sarnia Legionnaires.[1] By 2012, the Brantford Golden Eagles shifted to Caledonia as the Caledonia Corvairs, and the Owen Sound Greys, after a one-year suspension in 2009, relocated to Brampton as the Brampton Bombers.[1] The Brantford 99ers joined the Midwestern Conference in 2013, marking a new entry, while the Caledonia Corvairs transferred to the Golden Horseshoe Conference that year.[1] Further adjustments in 2014 saw the Stoney Creek Warriors move to Ancaster as the Ancaster Avalanche, and the Port Colborne Pirates relocate to Pelham as the Pelham Panthers.[1] Subsequent years brought additional shifts amid suspensions and revivals. The Lambton Shores Predators relocated to Komoka in 2017, rebranding as the Komoka Kings.[1] In 2018, the Ancaster Avalanche moved to Hamilton as the Hamilton Kilty B's, and the Guelph Hurricanes transferred to Cambridge as the Cambridge Redhawks, following a suspension of the Caledonia Corvairs that year; the Corvairs resumed operations in 2019.[1] Post-2020, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic's league-wide cancellation of the 2020-21 season, movements included the Kitchener Dutchmen relocating to Ayr in 2021 as the Ayr Centennials, and the Brampton Bombers shifting to Caledon while retaining their name.[1][39] The Thorold Blackhawks, after returning from the pandemic hiatus, relocated to Port Colborne in 2023 as the Port Colborne Sailors.[1] These relocations have often been driven by factors such as arena availability and community support, contributing to the league's adaptability. In 2024, a major realignment reduced the structure to two conferences—Western and Eastern—for the 2024-25 season, alongside the Brantford Bandits rebranding as the Brantford Titans to refresh local identity.[33] This restructuring aimed to enhance geographic balance and competition without prompting immediate exits to other leagues.[40]Notable disbandments and relocations
The Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL), formerly the GOJHL, has experienced several notable instances of team disbandments, suspensions, and relocations, often driven by financial challenges, operational difficulties, and the pursuit of higher competitive levels. One significant disbandment occurred in 2017 when the Cambridge Winter Hawks folded after a decade in the league, citing unsustainable costs and declining community support as key factors. This left a void in the Midwestern Conference until the Cambridge Redhawks were established the following year through a franchise relocation. The Winter Hawks' departure highlighted broader issues in junior B hockey, including competition from nearby Junior A programs and rising operational expenses, which strained smaller-market teams.[1] In 2018, the Ancaster Avalanche relocated to Hamilton and were rebranded as the Hamilton Kilty B's, reviving a historic name from the league's earlier era. The move was prompted by arena lease disputes and financial pressures in Ancaster, where attendance had dwindled amid economic challenges for the franchise. This relocation preserved the team's continuity while addressing logistical issues, though it marked the end of Avalanche operations in their original locale. The Kilty B's integration into Hamilton bolstered local junior hockey development, with their records and alumni legacies contributing to the GOHL's historical statistics.[1] The 2020-21 season brought league-wide suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with all teams pausing operations and no games played, leading to forfeited standings and canceled playoffs. Teams like the Thorold Blackhawks returned in 2021-22 without permanent disbandment, but the hiatus exacerbated financial strains from lost revenue and heightened post-pandemic recovery costs. This period accelerated exits, as economic pressures on attendance and sponsorships—common in junior leagues—pushed organizations toward more viable paths. The Blackhawks' records from prior seasons remained intact in league archives, supporting ongoing statistical recognition.[1][41] The Buffalo Regals, an expansion team from 2013, were suspended for two years starting in 2014, attempted a return in 2016, and folded in November 2016 after a winless start to their season due to poor performance and operational issues.[1] Post-COVID challenges culminated in 2023 with multiple high-profile relocations. The Leamington Flyers, fresh off their first Sutherland Cup victory, departed for the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) as a Junior A expansion team, seeking elevated competition and better development opportunities for players. Similarly, the Niagara Falls Canucks transitioned to the OJHL, leaving the Golden Horseshoe Conference after a multi-year approval process. These moves, influenced by the Flyers' and Canucks' strong performances and the appeal of Junior A status, reduced the GOHL by two teams but preserved their championship legacies in league records. Community impacts included diminished youth hockey pipelines in Leamington and Niagara Falls, though the exits opened pathways for OHL affiliations. That same year, the Thorold Blackhawks relocated to Port Colborne and became the Port Colborne Sailors, addressing local arena and financial viability concerns while maintaining franchise continuity.[1][42][15]Playoffs and Championships
Regular season champions
The Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL) determines regular season champions through its divisional and conference alignments, with top-performing teams recognized for their performance over the standard 48- to 52-game schedule. Prior to the 2024 realignment, the league operated with three conferences—Golden Horseshoe, Midwestern, and Western—each crowning a regular season champion based on points accumulated (two for wins, one for overtime/shootout losses). These winners often featured dominant offenses and defenses, such as the 2013-14 Caledonia Corvairs in the Golden Horseshoe Conference, who posted a league-best 45-3-1 record for 91 points, led by standout forward scoring.[43] Notable multi-championship teams include the Caledonia Corvairs, who secured three regular season titles across conferences (one in Midwestern and two in Golden Horseshoe between 2013-14 and 2017-18), highlighting their consistent excellence in player development and coaching stability. Similarly, the Chatham Maroons claimed two Western Conference titles, including a strong 2022-23 campaign with 78 points, driven by a balanced attack averaging over four goals per game. Other repeat winners, like the St. Catharines Falcons with five Golden Horseshoe titles from 2008-09 to 2022-23, underscore the competitive depth within divisions, where top teams often advanced directly to playoffs with byes.[44] Following the 2024 restructuring into Eastern and Western conferences to streamline travel and balance competition, each now crowns a single regular season champion. In the inaugural 2024-25 season under this format, the St. Catharines Falcons topped the Eastern Conference with 72 points (35-13-1-1 record, tied on points but via tiebreakers), featuring strong scoring. The Western Conference title went to the St. Marys Lincolns, who finished with 86 points (42-6-1-1), bolstered by goaltending that allowed just 1.8 goals per game. The 2025-26 season remains ongoing as of November 2025, with no champion yet determined. Awards like the conference MVP and top scorer frequently honor players from these champion teams; for instance, the league-leading scorer Ethan Osborne of the Caledonia Corvairs earned recognition with 26 goals and 30 assists in 2024-25.[22][45][46][47]| Season | Conference/Division | Champion | Points | Standout Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-08 | Golden Horseshoe | Thorold Blackhawks | 67 | Strong playoff seed after tight race |
| 2007-08 | Midwestern | Elmira Sugar Kings | 71 | League-high wins (34) |
| 2008-09 | Western | Sarnia Legionnaires | 78 | Defensive prowess (2.3 GA/GP) |
| 2013-14 | Golden Horseshoe | Caledonia Corvairs | 91 | Undefeated at home (25-0-0) |
| 2024-25 | Eastern | St. Catharines Falcons | 72 | Tied for first on points (35-13-1-1); ~4.0 GF/GP |
| 2024-25 | Western | St. Marys Lincolns | 86 | Fewest goals against in league |
Playoff format and Sutherland Cup
The playoff format of the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL), formerly known as the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL), has evolved significantly since the league's formation in 2007 through the merger of the Golden Horseshoe Junior B Hockey League, Midwestern Junior B Hockey League, and Western Junior B Hockey League. Initially structured around three conferences, the postseason featured conference playoffs culminating in a round-robin tournament among the conference champions to determine the Sutherland Cup participants. By 2014, the format shifted to eliminate the three-team round robin, introducing semi-finals that included the three conference champions plus a wild-card team based on overall performance. In 2022, a three-team round-robin format was reintroduced for the conference champions to qualify for the final. Following a realignment to two conferences (Western with 12 teams and Eastern with 11) in 2024, the current structure qualifies the top eight teams from each conference for best-of-seven quarterfinal, semifinal, and conference final series, with the two conference champions advancing to a best-of-seven Sutherland Cup final, eliminating the round-robin entirely to emphasize regular-season performance and reduce playoff length.[1][48] The Sutherland Cup, first awarded in 1934 as the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) Junior B championship trophy, has been the GOHL's symbol of overall supremacy since the league's inception in 2007. Named in honor of James T. Sutherland, a pioneering OHA president and hockey administrator who helped establish organized hockey in Ontario, the trophy represents provincial Junior B excellence. The first GOHL Sutherland Cup was won by the Tecumseh Chiefs in 2008, who defeated the Elmira Sugar Kings 4-0 in the final.[12][49] Playoff rules emphasize competitive balance and standard hockey protocols. The higher-seeded team receives home-ice advantage, hosting Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary) in all best-of-seven series. In past round-robin phases, tiebreakers were determined by goal differential, with additional tiebreaker games used for multi-team deadlocks; under the current format, series ties are resolved solely through additional games without shootouts in the conference finals or Sutherland Cup final to maintain full-game intensity. No shootouts are permitted in the championship rounds, ensuring decisions by on-ice play.[50][51] For the 2025-26 season, playoffs are scheduled to begin in mid-March 2026, following the conclusion of the 50-game regular season, with the Sutherland Cup final targeted for late April or early May. As part of the GOHL's strengthened alignment with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) starting in 2025-26, OHL scouts will attend the Sutherland Cup finals to identify development opportunities, enhancing player pathways to higher levels.[27][52]List of Sutherland Cup winners
The Sutherland Cup, the championship trophy for the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL, renamed Greater Ontario Hockey League or GOHL in 2025), has been awarded annually since the league's inception in 2008 through the merger of three Junior B conferences. The playoffs culminate in a final series between conference champions, with the format evolving from three divisions (Golden Horseshoe, Midwestern, and Western) prior to 2024 to an East-West conference structure starting in 2024—the first such final being the 2025 matchup. No team has won consecutive titles in the GOJHL era, though the Caledonia Corvairs achieved a three-peat from 2014 to 2016; the Waterloo Siskins hold the most overall Sutherland Cups historically with 12, including one in the GOJHL era (2019).[53] The following table lists all Sutherland Cup winners since 2008, including runner-ups and series results where documented. Notable upsets include the 2017 Elmira Sugar Kings, who entered as a wildcard team (8th seed in the Golden Horseshoe Conference) and defeated the top-seeded London Nationals 4-1 in the final. The 2020 and 2021 seasons were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with no champion crowned. Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards for the playoffs are highlighted for select years based on available records.[54][55][56]| Year | Champion | Runner-up | Series Result | Notes/MVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Tecumseh Chiefs | Elmira Sugar Kings | 4–0 | First GOJHL Sutherland Cup.[49][57] |
| 2009 | Stoney Creek Warriors | Brantford Eagles | 4–1 | |
| 2010 | LaSalle Vipers | St. Catharines Falcons | 4–2 | Vipers swept through Western playoffs en route to title.[53] |
| 2011 | Elmira Sugar Kings | Niagara Falls Canucks | 4–1 | Sugar Kings claimed Midwestern Conference crown. |
| 2012 | St. Catharines Falcons | Brantford Eagles | 4–0 | Falcons dominated Golden Horseshoe final.[53] |
| 2013 | London Nationals | Cambridge Winterhawks | 4–2 | Game 7 victory at Western Conference final; Nationals' first title.[58][59] |
| 2014 | Caledonia Corvairs | St. Catharines Falcons | 4–3 | Game 7 win; start of Corvairs' three-peat.[60] |
| 2015 | Caledonia Corvairs | Leamington Flyers | 4–1 | Corvairs repeated as Golden Horseshoe champions.[53] |
| 2016 | Caledonia Corvairs | Leamington Flyers | 4–0 | Third straight title; first three-peat in league history.[61] |
| 2017 | Elmira Sugar Kings | London Nationals | 4–1 | Wildcard upset; first wildcard team to win. Josh Slegers (MVP, 15 playoff points).[54][56] |
| 2018 | Listowel Cyclones | Caledonia Corvairs | 4–1 | Cyclones ended Corvairs' streak.[53][62] |
| 2019 | Waterloo Siskins | London Nationals | 4–3 | Overtime winner in Game 7; Siskins' first in 25 years. Matt Onuska (MVP).[63][64] |
| 2020 | No champion | N/A | N/A | Season cancelled due to COVID-19. |
| 2021 | No champion | N/A | N/A | Season cancelled due to COVID-19. |
| 2022 | St. Catharines Falcons | Chatham Maroons | 2–0 (best-of-3) | Sweep in shortened final format.[65][66] |
| 2023 | Hamilton Kilty B's | Stratford Warriors | 4–2 | Kilty B's claimed Golden Horseshoe title. |
| 2024 | Fort Erie Meteors | Listowel Cyclones | 4–2 | Meteors won Golden Horseshoe Conference. |
| 2025 | Chatham Maroons | St. Catharines Falcons | 4–2 | First East-West final; Maroons' second title (previous in 1988). Blain Bacik (captain, key leader); series MVP not officially named, but forward amassed 13 points (GOJHL final record).[67][23][68] |
Records and Statistics
Team records
The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League maintains official records for team achievements, highlighting exceptional performances in regular seasons, all-time standings, and playoffs. These records are tracked since the league's formation in 2007, emphasizing collective team success rather than individual contributions. In single-season regular season play, the Caledonia Corvairs hold the benchmark for most wins with 45 during the 2013–14 campaign, finishing with a 45–3–1 record. This performance also set the league standard for highest points total at 91. The Corvairs further demonstrated dominance in 2016–17 by scoring the most goals in a season (353) and in 2014–15 by allowing the fewest goals against (74). The longest unbeaten streak (without a regulation loss) belongs to the Caledonia Corvairs as well, with 30 games from October 18, 2015, to February 6, 2016 (27 wins, 1 overtime loss, 2 shootout losses).[69] All-time league records reflect sustained excellence among franchises. The Caledonia Corvairs lead with three Sutherland Cup playoff championships (2014, 2015, 2016), the most in GOJHL history. The Chatham Maroons stand out as one of the league's most successful programs, bolstered by consistent playoff appearances and a second Sutherland Cup title in 2025. Goals-for leaders include the Caledonia Corvairs with a cumulative total exceeding 2,000 since their entry in 2012, while the team also holds the all-time low for goals against in a season at 74 (2014–15).[70][71] Playoff records underscore championship pedigree. The Caledonia Corvairs' three Sutherland Cup victories represent the highest total, with their 2014 triumph capping a seven-game final series win over the St. Catharines Falcons. In the 2024–25 season, the Chatham Maroons advanced to the Sutherland Cup final, ultimately securing their second title with a 6–3 victory over the St. Catharines Falcons in Game 6, ending a 26-year drought for the franchise. Recent updates include the St. Marys Lincolns tying for the fifth-longest winning streak in league history with 18 consecutive regular season victories during 2024–25, setting a franchise record.[61][23][72]Player records
The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) maintains official records for individual skater achievements dating back to the 2007-08 season, the league's inaugural year under its current structure. These records highlight exceptional offensive performances by forwards and defensemen in regular-season play, emphasizing points, goals, and assists as key metrics of dominance.[73] In single-season regular-season play, Josh McQuade holds the all-time mark for most points with 150, achieved during the 2009-10 season with the Brantford Golden Eagles, a total that included 64 goals and 86 assists. McQuade also owns the single-season goals record with those 64 tallies, showcasing his prolific scoring ability in a 49-game schedule. The assists record belongs to Dayne Phillips, who recorded 94 in the 2012-13 season with the Port Colborne Pirates, demonstrating elite playmaking in a league known for competitive parity.[73] Career records reflect sustained excellence over multiple seasons. Cam McLean leads in total points with 370, accumulated from 2007 to 2012 with the Niagara Falls Canucks, bolstered by 119 goals and a league-high 251 assists. Adam Arseneault is the all-time goals leader with 132, scored across stints with the Lambton Shores Predators and Chatham Maroons from 2009 to 2014. Mike Marquis holds the record for most games played by a skater with 252, spanning 2007 to 2012 with the Welland Jr. Canadians, underscoring durability in junior competition.[73] Playoff records, particularly in the Sutherland Cup tournament, capture high-stakes individual contributions. Matt Abercrombie set the benchmark for career playoff points with 51, earned during appearances with the Thorold Blackhawks and Sarnia Blast from 2008 to 2010. In recent Sutherland Cup finals, Eamon Edgar established a new record for points in a championship series with 13 during the Chatham Maroons' 2025 victory, highlighting goal-scoring heroics in decisive playoff moments.[74][23] Regular-season scoring champions frequently approach or challenge these benchmarks, as seen in the 2024-25 season when Joey Martin of the Elmira Sugar Kings led the league with 85 points (35 goals, 50 assists) in 50 games, earning the top scorer title and contributing to discussions of record sustainability.[75]Goaltender records
The goaltender records in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) highlight exceptional defensive performances, with metrics such as goals against average (GAA), save percentage, wins, and shutouts serving as key indicators of individual impact. These records are tracked for both regular season and career achievements, emphasizing consistency and dominance in a competitive junior environment.[73] In single-season play, Andrew MacLean set the benchmark for lowest GAA at 1.45 during the 2021-22 season with the St. Catharines Falcons, a mark achieved over a minimum of 1,000 minutes played. MacLean also holds the single-season record for most shutouts with 10 in the same year, underscoring his ability to deliver complete-game shutouts. For wins, Colin Furlong recorded the most with 40 during the 2013-14 season for the Caledonia Corvairs, contributing significantly to their league-leading 45 victories that year.[73] Career goaltender records reflect sustained excellence across multiple seasons. Zach Moore leads with 83 wins from 2014 to 2019, spanning stints with the St. Catharines Falcons, Caledonia Corvairs, and Niagara Falls Canucks. The highest career save percentage, at .943 over a minimum of 2,000 minutes, belongs to Andrew MacLean in his brief but dominant 2021-22 tenure with the Falcons. Lucas Machalski tops the shutouts category with 14 from 2010 to 2015 with the Couchiching Terriers.[73] Playoff records, particularly in the Sutherland Cup playoffs, showcase goaltenders who elevate their performance under pressure. While comprehensive league-wide playoff metrics are less centralized, notable achievements include strong GAA and shutout totals in championship runs. For instance, in the 2025 Sutherland Cup finals, Chatham Maroons goaltender Gannon Hunter posted a .920 save percentage across the series, helping secure the Maroons' second provincial title with key stops in high-stakes games. Earlier, during the 2017 playoffs, Caledonia Corvairs netminders contributed to a deep run with multiple shutouts, though specific individual totals like four shutouts for a single goalie in that postseason remain highlighted in team lore. The lowest notable playoff GAA in recent memory is around 1.20, achieved by select performers in short, intense series leading to the Cup.[73][76]| Category | Record Holder | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Season Lowest GAA | Andrew MacLean | 1.45 | 2021-22, St. Catharines Falcons (min. 1,000 min) |
| Single-Season Most Shutouts | Andrew MacLean | 10 | 2021-22, St. Catharines Falcons |
| Single-Season Most Wins | Colin Furlong | 40 | 2013-14, Caledonia Corvairs |
| Career Most Wins | Zach Moore | 83 | 2014-19, SCF/CAL/NFC |
| Career Highest Save % | Andrew MacLean | .943 | 2021-22, SCF (min. 2,000 min) |
| Career Most Shutouts | Lucas Machalski | 14 | 2010-15, Couchiching Terriers |
Notable Alumni
NHL Entry Draft selections
The Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL), formerly the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL), has contributed a steady stream of talent to the NHL Entry Draft, with alumni selected across multiple rounds since the league's modern era began in 2007. While first-round selections remain rare for a Junior "B" circuit, the GOHL's emphasis on development has produced several high picks who transitioned to major junior or college hockey before professional careers. The league's annual Top Prospects & Future Stars Game plays a key role in the scouting process, showcasing draft-eligible players to NHL scouts and facilitating exposure that leads to selections.[4] Notable first-round selections include:- Daultan Leveille, selected 29th overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2008 from the St. Catharines Falcons.[77]
- Nick Suzuki, selected 13th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 from the London Nationals.[78]
- Oliver Bonk, selected 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023 from the St. Thomas Stars.[79]
- Easton Cowan, selected 28th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2023 from the Komoka Kings.[79]
| Year | Player | GOHL Team | Round | Overall Pick | NHL Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Daultan Leveille | St. Catharines Falcons | 1 | 29 | Atlanta Thrashers |
| 2017 | Nick Suzuki | London Nationals | 1 | 13 | Vegas Golden Knights |
| 2023 | Oliver Bonk | St. Thomas Stars | 1 | 22 | Philadelphia Flyers |
| 2023 | Easton Cowan | Komoka Kings | 1 | 28 | Toronto Maple Leafs |