The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has unveiled the slate of games that will define its second annual Rivalry Week, slated for October 21‑25, 2026. During that stretch, all 20 member clubs will meet their fiercest rivals in home‑and‑home series, giving fans a concentrated dose of classic matchups.
Rivalry Week Returns
The week will see each of the league’s 20 teams face off against their traditional adversaries, with games rotating between home arenas and visiting venues. This format not only intensifies the competition but also provides a compact schedule that maximizes attendance and television appeal.
The 2026‑27 regular season is set to open on September 17, 2026, and the complete schedule will be released to the public on June 16, 2026. Fans can expect a full calendar of games that stretches through the winter, punctuated by a brief pause in December.
Season Timeline
After the final games of the regular season on December 20, 2026, the league will take a short break before resuming play on December 28, 2026. The trade and over‑age deadlines are scheduled for January 7‑10, 2027, giving clubs a narrow window to make roster moves.
The regular season will culminate on March 21, 2027, after which the top teams will advance to the playoffs. Earlier in the year, the OHL and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League will contest four home‑and‑home crossover series, adding an extra layer of inter‑league competition.
Banner‑Raising Ceremony
A notable highlight will occur on September 18, 2026, when the Kitchener Rangers raise their J. Ross Robertson Cup and Memorial Cup championship banners. The ceremony marks the team’s recent double‑title achievement and sets a celebratory tone for the new season.
Overall, the announcements underscore the OHL’s commitment to delivering a dynamic and competitive schedule while fostering rivalries that are central to the league’s identity. With the schedule release imminent, clubs and fans alike are poised to mark their calendars for what promises to be an exciting year of hockey.