The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has unveiled a significant new partnership that will strengthen player development and provide young athletes with a clearer pathway to higher levels of competition.
Starting in the 2025-26 season, the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) will become the OHL’s first official development league. The 23-team circuit, based in Southern Ontario, has a long history of helping players advance to the OHL by offering high-level competition and valuable opportunities to refine their skills.
Through this agreement, the OHL and GOJHL will work together to create a unified structure that prioritizes player growth, fosters consistency in training and mentorship, and raises the overall standard of development across the system. The partnership not only strengthens the GOJHL but also ensures young athletes are better supported in their pursuit of long-term success in hockey.
Although the GOJHL is the first league to formalize this relationship, the OHL is continuing discussions with other Junior A leagues across the province—including the OJHL, CCHL, NOJHL and SIJHL—with the goal of expanding collaboration as the 2025-26 season approaches.
Written by: C. Soares