OHL Battle of the Border

Don’t miss OHL Battle of the Border!

It’s the first time the showcase has been held since 2019. Twelve of the top U16/15O AAA programs from both sides of the border will play 27 games over three days. The showcase features up and coming talent eligible for the 2027 OHL Priority Selection.

The Competitors

Ontario: Elgin Middlesex Canucks (ALLIANCE), Halton Hurricanes (OMHA), Hamilton Steel (OMHA), Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL), Toronto Marlboros (GTHL) and Vaughan Kings (GTHL).

United States: Detroit HoneyBaked, Detroit Little Caesars, Oakland Grizzlies, Ohio Blue Jackets, Palmyra Black Knights and Philadelphia Jr. Flyers.

Format

The 12 teams are split into four three-team divisions:

Schaefer Division: Elgin Middlesex, Halton, Vaughan
Johnston Division: Hamilton, Toronto Jr. Canadiens, Toronto Marlboros
DeBrincat Division: Detroit HoneyBaked, Ohio, Philadelphia
Robertson Division: Detroit Little Caesars, Oakland, Palmyra

Every round-robin game on Friday and Saturday is a cross-border matchup. Each team plays at least four games. The four division winners advance to Sunday’s semifinals. The two Ontario division winners meet in one semifinal and the two U.S. division winners in the other. That guarantees an Ontario-versus-U.S. championship game at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Games are played on three WFCU Centre surfaces: the Main Bowl, the Grenon Pad and Green Shield Pad. Regulation is two 15-minute periods and a 20-minute third period. Ties go to a five-minute, 3-on-3 overtime.

Away from the rink, players will take part in OHL information seminars and a Windsor Spitfires facility tour.

The 2026 OHL Battle of the Border is proudly presented by Destination Ontario with support from the Gordie Howe International Bridge as well as Ontario Virtual Schools.

History

The Battle of the Border provides a key event on the OHL Priority Selection scouting calendar. The 2019 edition, which was the sixth year of the showcase, drew 24 teams across U14 and U15 divisions to the WFCU Centre for 36 games.