The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) polled accredited writers and broadcasters from across the league on a series of eight different questions at the midway point of the season. Here’s a few of the prevailing opinions as the OHL gets set to drop the puck following the holiday break on Sunday, December 28th.
Which team most surprised you in the first half of the 2025-26 season?
Ottawa 67’s – 67%
“This was a team that wasn’t even on the league’s preseason power rankings, and look at them now! First place in the entire league.”
Runner-up: Flint Firebirds – 28%
Which underperforming first half team do you think has the best chance of turning things around in the second half?
Owen Sound Attack – 33%
“After a hot start, the Attack struggled into the Christmas break. With Carter George in goal and a high-powered offence, this team can play more disciplined, tighten things up defensively and return to the way they were to start the season.”
Runner-up: Niagara IceDogs – 17%
If you had to pick one, what storyline, more than any other, has characterized the season so far?
The influx of NCAA-bound talent into the OHL – 33%
“All roads run through the OHL now, and it’s been a lot of fun to see players coming in from all kinds of different pathways.”
Runner-up: The Brantford Bulldogs and their 23-game run of undefeated hockey in regulation to start the season – 22%
Which player is your current frontrunner for the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player?
Nathan Aspinall (Flint Firebirds) – 44%
“He’s been electric, and when he’s doing it at 6-foot-7, that’s pretty hard to overlook. He’s been the heartbeat of Flint’s impressive first half.”
Runner-up: Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs) – 28%
Who do you view as the OHL’s top 2026 NHL Draft prospect?
Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs) and Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds) – 33%
“Everyone needs a reliable centre, especially one that puts points up the way Caleb has in his first OHL season.”
“Top flight right-handed defenders don’t come around often. Chase has size, skill and has produced points on a surging Greyhounds team.”
Runner-up: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)
Which OHL player do you view as most NHL-ready right now?
Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts) – 28%
“Cole has one of the best all-around games among any junior player in the country. He’s a workhorse who is a strong defensive player and his offensive game is really coming around with 41 points over 25 games so far.”
Runner-up: Jett Luchanko (Brantford Bulldogs) – 22%
Who has been the OHL’s best goaltender so far this season?
Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s) – 78%
“Yeah, the numbers are definitely there on paper, but have you seen the highlight reel? I think there has to be strong consideration for both goaltender and rookie of the year for Ryder Fetterolf.”
Runner-up: Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts) – 17%
Which team do you think wins the 2026 OHL Championship?
Brantford Bulldogs – 94%
“They’re just too deep. No weakness across the team. Not only do I see them as a favourite for the OHL Championship, I believe that they have to be the Memorial Cup favourites too.”
Runner-up: Windsor Spitfires – 6%
