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62-650: The London Knights are a junior ice hockey team from London, Ontario , Canada, playing in the Ontario Hockey League , one of the leagues of the Canadian Hockey League . The Knights started out in 1965 as the London Nationals but changed to their current name in 1968. The Knights have won two Memorial Cup championships. The London Nationals were granted a franchise in the OHA for the 1965–66 season under

124-584: A director with the Czech Ice Hockey Association , felt that Junior-aged players were enticed to play in North America before maturation, with a negative effect on the development of the player and the European system. He stated that of the 527 Czech Republic players who went to North American Junior hockey, only 22 of them played more than 400 NHL games. He sought to establish a European system that

186-584: A goal by Matthew Tkachuk earned the Knights their 17th-straight win and second Memorial Cup championship. On July 6, 2016, McRae stepped down as general manager of the London Knights to become the director of player personnel for the Columbus Blue Jackets . He was replaced by former assistant general manager and former assistant coach of the London Knights, Rob Simpson. The Knights subsequently finished

248-460: A navy blue sweater with red and gold accents, while the away uniforms featured a white jersey with navy blue and red trim. For the 2013–14 season, the Otters unveiled a gold alternate jersey featuring a navy blue shoulder yoke, navy blue and white stripes, and a cursive "Otters" wordmark centered across the chest. The design paid homage to the defunct Erie Blades , who played from 1975 to 1982. In 2016,

310-692: A professional team, and are used by professional teams to develop their own prospects. One example of this is the J20 SuperElit league in Sweden or the Minor Hockey League in Russia . The lack of an amateur draft in Europe means that the onus is on the teams to sign the most talented young players they can get, and the presence of an affiliated junior team provides a place for young players who are not yet ready for

372-629: A significant concentration of teams in the central and southwestern parts of the United States, although the league began to expand to east coast as of 2015. In October 2016, the Tier III United States Premier Hockey League , a league predominately located on the east coast, applied to USA Hockey for approval of a Tier II league to begin in the 2017–18 season, however, the league was denied that December and decided to operate its Tier II league independently. The NAHL, like

434-605: A single game (four goals, three assists), while Taylor Raddysh tied the former record of six points (two goals, four assists) in the same game. Following several years of speculation regarding a potential relocation to Hamilton, the Otters formalized a ten-year lease agreement with Erie Insurance Arena in September 2019. On January 17, 2022, the Otters marked a significant milestone by hosting their inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK) game. This event featured Alex Randall,

496-646: A student from the University of Pittsburgh , who made history as the first African-American play-by-play announcer in the histories of the Ontario and Canadian hockey leagues. This initiative continued in 2023 with Trey Matthews, a Pennsylvania native and student at Arizona State University , serving as the announcer for the MLK Jr. Day game. Furthermore, the Otters introduced a specially designed logo and warm-up jersey inspired by Black History Month for this occasion, underscoring

558-799: Is currently the only Tier I league in the country, consisting of teams in the central and midwestern United States. The USHL provides an alternative to the Canadian Hockey League, which pays its major junior hockey players a stipend, for players who wish to maintain NCAA eligibility for later in their career. While playing in the USHL, all player expenses are paid for by the team; no membership or equipment fees are charged. Unlike major junior teams, free-college stipend does not exist. Historically, professional leagues have drafted less directly from USHL teams, although this trend has shifted in recent years, coinciding with

620-510: The 2016 Memorial Cup as favourites due to their impressive winning streak and did not disappoint, dominating the round robin and outscoring their opponents by a combined score of 20–5. In the championship game, the Knights faced off against the CHL number-one ranked Rouyn-Noranda Huskies . The Huskies pushed the Knights to the limit, carrying a 2–1 lead late into the third period before Christian Dvorak scored with 4:11 remaining to force overtime, where

682-660: The 2016–17 OHL season third in the Midwest. In the playoffs, they defeated the Windsor Spitfires in seven games before falling to the Erie Otters in seven games in the second round. Having resigned from his role with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mark Hunter returned as general manager of the London Knights on August 10, 2018, with Rob Simpson returning to his former role as assistant general manager. The London Knights have won

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744-597: The Clarence Schmalz Cup which was first awarded in 1938. The Ontario Junior C playoffs are played for between six of the Province's seven different regional leagues. In Quebec and West of Manitoba, Junior C hockey tends to be an extension of the local minor hockey system and is sometimes called Juvenile or House League. In Ontario, Manitoba, and the Maritimes, Junior C is run independently of minor hockey systems, though with

806-788: The Coupe Dodge in Quebec , the Don Johnson Cup in the Atlantic Provinces , and the Keystone Cup that represents all of Western Canada, from British Columbia to Northwestern Ontario . Junior C (Junior A in Québec ) generally consists of local competitions, but is considered competitive in some regions, and serve as seeding or farm-teams for Junior B teams. Ontario Junior C Hockey has six rounds of best-of-seven playoffs (up to 42 games per team) for

868-611: The Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League has operated as an independent league in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta. The league widely recruits players from outside of North America. In late 2016, the United States Premier Hockey League , an organization composed of several USA Hockey Tier III Junior as well as many youth hockey leagues, applied for a Tier II league. The Tier II status was denied in December 2016 but

930-728: The Memorial Cup in a round-robin tournament to determine a national champion. Major Junior players were historically deemed ineligible to play college hockey in the United States , because they were considered to be professionals by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Major Junior players retain their eligibility for Canadian universities however, and all three leagues have scholarship programs for players. The NCAA changed its position and decided that CHL players were no longer ineligible as of

992-480: The Memorial Cup tournament two times, won the J. Ross Robertson Cup five times, won the Western Conference eight times, and have won sixteen division titles. Memorial Cup ( CHL champions ) J. Ross Robertson Cup ( OHL champions ) Hamilton Spectator Trophy ( Most points in regular reason ) Wayne Gretzky Trophy ( Western Conference champions ) Division trophies CHL Player of

1054-498: The North American 3 Hockey League Some Junior ice hockey leagues operate outside the framework of governing bodies such as Hockey Canada and USA Hockey , typically due to disagreements with governing bodies over player recruitment policies and finances. These leagues are sometimes referred to as 'unsanctioned', 'rogue' or 'outlaw' leagues due to their lack of sanctioning or oversight from an outside governing body. Since 2006,

1116-458: The Ontario Hockey League (OHL), one of only three American teams in the league. The team's name refers to the North American river otter common to Lake Erie . The Otters play at Erie Insurance Arena in downtown Erie , next door to UPMC Park and the Warner Theatre . The Otters have achieved significant success over the years. They have won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions in

1178-452: The Ottawa 67's ) as the era of NHL sponsorship of junior hockey ended. Darwin wanted to give a fresh look to the team, and so held a contest to rename the team. In 1986 Howard Darwin sold the Knights and the arena to Paris, Ontario businessmen Jack Robillard, Al Martin and Bob Willson. In 1994 the Knights were sold to St. Thomas, Ontario , real estate developer Doug Tarry Sr. He died before

1240-638: The Thunder in 1988 . In 1996 , the franchise relocated to Pennsylvania and established its current identity as the Erie Otters. The Otters won the Holody Trophy as Midwest Division champions in 1999, the first of three consecutive division titles. This success culminated in winning the J. Ross Robertson Cup during the 2001–02 season. Dave MacQueen was named OHL Coach of the Year in the 2001–02 season , while general manager Sherwood Bassin earned both OHL Executive of

1302-597: The US . In 2023, the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) withdrew from the Hockey Canada framework, and thus became an independent league. In response, BC Hockey announced plans to restructure its Junior framework, which included an opportunity for some Junior B teams (styled "Junior A Tier 2" by BC Hockey) to be promoted to Junior A (styled "Junior A Tier 1" by BC Hockey) and eventually seek membership with

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1364-820: The Windsor Spitfires in 1946. They played there until 1953, when the franchise relocated to Hamilton and became known as the Tiger Cubs , with games held at the Barton Street Arena. The team then changed its name to the Hamilton Red Wings in 1960 following a partial acquisition by the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). By the 1972–73 season, the team underwent another transformation under new ownership led by Ron Cupido and

1426-658: The 2001–02 and 2016–17 seasons. Additionally, the team secured the Wayne Gretzky Trophy as Western Conference champions in 2014–15 and 2016–17. Their regular season dominance is highlighted by winning the Hamilton Spectator Trophy for first place in 2000–01, 2015–16, and 2016–17. The Otters also claimed the Holody Trophy as Midwest Division champions in multiple seasons, showcasing their sustained excellence across various competitions. The Erie Otters began as

1488-559: The 2004–05 London Knights were named the CHL's "Team of the Century". Dale Hunter announced on May 14, 2012, he would not return to coach the Capitals in the 2012–13 season, choosing instead to return to the London Knights. The Knights capped their OHL season with a game seven win over the Barrie Colts as Bo Horvat scored the game-winning goal in the last second of the third period to capture

1550-463: The 2025–26 season. The decision was made after a class action was filed on behalf of a player who was declared ineligible after having played two exhibition games in the OHL when he was 16 years old. The CHL places a cap of three 20-year-old players per team, and allows up to four 16-year-olds on each roster. While 15-year-old players were formerly permitted to play a limited number of games per season at

1612-536: The CHL level, they are now permitted to play only if they are deemed exceptional by Hockey Canada . As of 2024 , nine players have qualified under this rule: centre John Tavares in 2005, defenceman Aaron Ekblad in 2011, centre Connor McDavid in 2012, defenceman Sean Day in 2013, centre Joe Veleno in 2015, centre Shane Wright in 2019, forward Connor Bedard in 2020, forward Michael Misa in 2022, and defenceman Landon DuPont in 2024. CHL teams are currently permitted two "imports" (players from outside Canada and

1674-732: The CJHL. The league expected the evaluations to be completed during the 2024—25 season. Junior B (Junior AA in Québec ; Tier 2 in British Columbia ) was created in 1933, to differentiate between teams eligible for Memorial Cup competition and those who were not. The major championships across Canada are the Sutherland Cup in Southern Ontario , the Barkley Cup in the Ottawa District ,

1736-819: The Canadian Club System: 1. Major Junior, 2. Junior A, 3. Junior B, and 4. Junior C. Not all teams playing in Canadian Junior leagues are based in Canada . As of 2024 , there were approximately twelve US-based teams playing in various Major Junior and Junior A leagues in Canada. In 2023, BC Hockey announced plans to restructure its Junior framework following the departure of its only Junior A league . Its three Junior B leagues ( PJHL , KIJHL and VIJHL ) were re-styled as "Junior A Tier 2", with plans to promote some to "Junior A Tier 1" following an independent evaluation. It

1798-724: The Finochio brothers, rebranding as the Hamilton Fincups . The franchise remained in Hamilton until 1976, when the closure and condemnation of the Hamilton Forum forced the team to relocate to St. Catharines , where they played the 1976–77 season at the Garden City Arena . The Fincups returned to Hamilton the following year, settling at Mountain Arena . Persistent issues with attendance and

1860-464: The Hockey Canada framework and become an independent farm league for the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) beginning in the 2024-25 season. Major Junior is the highest level of Junior ice hockey in Canada. There are three Major Junior leagues that collectively make up the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) : The championship teams from each league, as well as a pre-selected host team, compete for

1922-582: The Junior A British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) withdrew its membership with Hockey Canada and became an independent league. In 2024, the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) announced that it would also withdraw from the Hockey Canada framework and become an independent farm league for the BCHL beginning in the 2024-25 season. In Europe, Junior teams are usually associated with

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1984-520: The Knights from Doug Tarry Jr. The 2003–04 OHL season would mark the beginning of a remarkable dynasty. The Knights had the best regular season record in the CHL and set an OHL record with 110 points, but lost the OHL Western Conference final to the Guelph Storm . In the 2004–05 season , the Knights set a new CHL record by going 31 games in a row without a loss (29–0–2). The Knights finished

2046-445: The Knights' second consecutive J. Ross Robertson Cup . London finished the 2013–14 season third in the OHL with 103 regular season points. However, the only two teams above them were their division opponents, the Guelph Storm and Erie Otters , thus denying the Knights a third straight division title. After sweeping the Windsor Spitfires in the first round the Knights were eliminated by

2108-633: The Memorial Cup, on May 22, 2017, the Otters set a new record for the most goals scored by a single team in a single game, defeating the Saint John Sea Dogs with a score of 12–5. This victory surpassed the previous record of 11 goals set by the Quebec Remparts in 1974 (11–3) and the Regina Pats in 1980 (11–2). Individual achievements included Dylan Strome , who recorded a remarkable seven points in

2170-464: The Otters adopted the gold alternate jersey for every Saturday home game during the regular season. They introduced gold helmets to complement the uniform, replacing the blue helmets previously worn with the gold jerseys. For the 2017–18 season, the Erie Otters announced that the secondary cursive "Otters" wordmark would become their new primary logo, and the team would permanently adopt a color scheme of gold, navy, and white. As part of this rebranding,

2232-405: The Otters finished at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. However, the team saw the emergence of future NHL star Ryan O'Reilly , who was selected first overall in the 2007 OHL draft, receiving the prestigious Jack Ferguson Award . In his rookie season ( 2007–08 ), O'Reilly demonstrated considerable promise, recording 52 points in 61 games. He was subsequently named the Otters' Rookie of

2294-471: The Otters made history by becoming the first team in Canadian Hockey League (CHL) history to achieve four consecutive 50-win seasons from 2013 to 2017. Before this achievement, they had shared the record for three consecutive 50-win seasons with several teams, including the Kelowna Rockets (2012–15), Edmonton Oil Kings (2011–14), Saint John Sea Dogs (2009–12), and Kamloops Blazers (1989–92). During

2356-464: The Otters returned to championship contention, achieving a remarkable record of 50 wins during the 2014–15 season , a franchise best. McDavid was also granted "exceptional player" status by Hockey Canada , enabling him to join the Otters at the age of fifteen. He led the team to the J. Ross Robertson Cup finals 2015, where they were ultimately defeated by the Oshawa Generals . On March 18, 2017,

2418-510: The Storm in five games. Nevertheless, the Knights earned a berth in the 2014 Memorial Cup , their third straight, by virtue of being selected to host the tournament the day after winning the OHL championship the year before. On October 21, 2014, Mark Hunter resigned as Knights general manager after being appointed director of player personnel for the Toronto Maple Leafs . The Knights entered

2480-520: The Tier III level pay a fee or tuition, commonly ranging from $ 4,000 to $ 9,500. This is for all accounts and purposes an amateur level, although some players go directly to NCAA Division I schools. Most Tier III players are looking to increase their skills in hopes to move up to Tier II or I, while other players go directly to NCAA Division III , ACHA and CHF schools. Prior to July 2011, USA Hockey split Tier III into Junior A and B divisions. USA Hockey currently has one sanctioned Tier III league,

2542-433: The US) each. Up until 1970, the leagues that were classified as Major Junior and "Junior A" today were both part of Junior A. In 1970 they were divided into "Tier I Junior A" or "Major Junior A" and "Tier II Junior A". In 1980, the three Major Junior A leagues opted for self-control over being controlled by the branches of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) and became Major Junior hockey, Tier II Junior A became

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2604-449: The USHL, provides young players an alternative to major junior hockey, although the skill level is considered significantly lower than major junior hockey and typically filled with those who would not or did not make the roster of a Tier I team. Unlike Tier I, the NAHL does not pay for all players' expenses, such as room and board, but there is no tuition cost to the player as in Tier III. In addition to paying for room and board, players at

2666-412: The USNTDP moving to the USHL in 2009-10. In the 2019 NHL Entry Draft , 17 of the 44 players drafted out of the USHL played for the USNTDP. Those 44 draft picks were 16 more than any of the three leagues in the Canadian Hockey League, and included 9 first round picks (8 of which came from the USNTDP) and 7 second round picks. For most of its existence the USHL was considered inferior in quality of play to

2728-422: The USPHL moved forward with the new league anyway, creating the National Collegiate Development Conference. In response, the USPHL has removed all their junior level leagues (the NCDC and the Tier III-level Premier and Elite Divisions) from USA Hockey sanctioning since the 2017–18 season. In 2022, the Eastern Hockey League , which was operating two Tier III leagues, also left USA Hockey sanctioning. In 2023,

2790-425: The Year CHL Goaltender of the Year CHL Humanitarian of the Year CHL Rookie of the Year CHL Top Draft Prospect Award CHL Top Scorer Award Bobby Smith Trophy Scholastic Player of the Year Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy Humanitarian of the Year Dave Pinkney Trophy Lowest Team G.A.A. Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy Top Scorer Emms Family Award Rookie of

2852-399: The Year Ed Chynoweth Trophy Top Scorer at the Memorial Cup George Parsons Trophy Most Sportsmanlike Player at the Memorial Cup Hap Emms Memorial Trophy Outstanding Goaltender at the Memorial Cup Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy Most Valuable Player at the Memorial Cup Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award CHL Executive of the Year CHL Defenceman of

2914-477: The Year F.W. "Dinty" Moore Trophy Lowest G.A.A. among Rookie Goaltenders Jack Ferguson Award Top Draft Pick Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy Highest Scoring Right Winger Matt Leyden Trophy Coach of the Year Max Kaminsky Trophy Most Outstanding Defenseman Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy Team Captain that Best Exemplifies Leadership OHL Executive of the Year Junior ice hockey There are four levels of Junior hockey in

2976-424: The Year and CHL Executive of the Year for his work in building the championship team. In the early 2000s, the Otters moved up in the league standings gaining the help of players such as Brad Boyes and Dan Cleary . In 2001 , the Otters secured a playoff berth, advancing to the Western Conference final, where they were ultimately defeated by the Plymouth Whalers . During the 2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons,

3038-565: The Year and Most Sportsmanlike Player, in addition to being Erie's nominee for the Bobby Smith Trophy , recognizing his achievements both on and off the ice. Following their years of decline, the Otters entered a rebuilding phase, emphasizing the drafting and development of young talent. This strategy proved successful when they selected Connor McDavid first overall in the 2012 OHL priority selection. McDavid quickly distinguished himself as an exceptional player, garnering attention for his extraordinary skill and on-ice vision. Under his leadership,

3100-1012: The gold alternate jersey became the team's home uniform, while a newly introduced white jersey, designed in the same style as the gold, became the main away uniform. On May 20, 2019, the Otters refreshed an older logo, incorporating the new navy blue, gold, and gray color scheme into the central emblem. The update also featured a modernized shoulder patch and included the name "Erie" within the Pennsylvania keystone symbol. The Erie Otters play their home games at Erie Insurance Arena , which opened in 1983 and seats more than 6,700 spectators for ice hockey. List of championships: 2001–02 2016–17 2001–02 2014–15 2016–17 2000–01 2015–16 2016–17 1999–00 2000–01 2001–02 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 List of coaches: indicates replacement mid-season. List of award winners: List of general managers with multiple seasons in parentheses. List of award winners: List of National Hockey League (NHL) alumni: Connor McDavid

3162-409: The lack of a new arena prompted another move, this time to Brantford for the 1978–79 season , where the team was renamed the Alexanders . By the 1984–85 season , the team returned once again to Hamilton, this time rebranded as the Steelhawks , with intentions to play in the newly constructed Copps Coliseum . However, due to low attendance, the team relocated to Niagara Falls, Ontario , becoming

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3224-413: The major junior levels. But it continued to improve and as of 2019 about 21 percent of NHL players had played USHL in their career. Between 80 and 90 percent of USHL players continued into NCAA hockey. Currently, the North American Hockey League is the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II league in the United States. The NAHL consists of teams spread across the western two thirds of the United States with

3286-454: The organization's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in hockey. From their inaugural season through the 2016–17 season, the Otters' team colors were navy blue, gold, red, and white. Their primary logo showcased a fierce, anthropomorphic otter holding a hockey stick and wearing gear set within a circular outline. The "Otters" wordmark appeared across the design in red with a gold and navy blue outline. The home uniforms consisted of

3348-412: The ownership of the London Gardens arena, with the Toronto Maple Leafs controlling the team's players. After three seasons, direct NHL sponsorship of junior teams ended. The team and Gardens was sold to businessman Howard Darwin for $ 500,000, who renamed the team to the Knights and changed the colours to green and gold. In 1968, businessman Howard Darwin bought the London Nationals (he also owned

3410-465: The rigours of the professional game to develop. However, not all players on a European junior team are necessarily property of their professional club, and may elect to sign elsewhere. At the World Hockey Summit in 2010, nations in Europe expressed concern about the number of junior players leaving to play in North America, despite the improved talent level and the increasing popularity of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Junior Championships . Slavomir Lener,

3472-462: The same mostly recreational purpose. Junior ice hockey in the United States is sanctioned by USA Hockey . The top level is Tier I, represented by the United States Hockey League . Tier II is represented by the North American Hockey League . There are several Tier III and independently sanctioned leagues throughout the country. Some US-based teams play in Canadian leagues outside of the USA Hockey framework. The United States Hockey League (USHL)

3534-412: The season with 120 points (59 wins, 7 losses, 2 ties), breaking their own OHL record set the previous season. In the playoffs, the Knights started by sweeping two best-of-seven series against the Guelph Storm and Windsor Spitfires . In the Western Conference final, the Knights defeated the Kitchener Rangers 4–1 to win the Wayne Gretzky Trophy . In the OHL finals against the Ottawa 67's , the Knights won

3596-473: The series 4–1 to win their first J. Ross Robertson Cup , ending the longest championship drought in the CHL. The London Knights qualified for the 2005 Memorial Cup both as OHL Champion and the tournament host. In the tournament round robin, they defeated the Rimouski Océanic 4–3, the Kelowna Rockets 4–2, and the Ottawa 67's 5–2. This earned the Knights a bye into the championship game in which they defeated Rimouski 4–0 to win their first Memorial Cup. In 2018,

3658-542: The team had played a game under his ownership, and the team was inherited by his son, Doug Tarry Jr. Upon taking command, Tarry carried out further renovations on the Gardens including a name change to the "London Ice House." He also alienated a fair portion of the team's fan base by changing the team's colours from green, gold and black to eggplant and teal, and changing the logo to a cartoon logo instantly and derisively nicknamed " Spiderknight ". In 2000, former NHL players Dale Hunter , Mark Hunter , and Basil McRae bought

3720-502: The top tier of hockey in the CAHA and became Junior A hockey. Junior A (Junior AAA in Québec ; Tier 1 in British Columbia ) hockey is one level below Major Junior. It is governed by the respective regional branches of Hockey Canada . The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) is an association of nine Junior A leagues: The national championship is the Centennial Cup . Unlike Major Junior players, Junior A players retain their NCAA eligibility and may go on to play college hockey in

3782-417: Was competitive enough to deter players from entering into the CHL Import Draft . Erie Otters Erie News Now Jet Radio 1400 Fox Sports 1330 AM Happi 927 90.5 WERG Kinzua Country 104.3 Channel 98.9 Sunny 105.7 WKSN 1340 AM Rock 103 The Erie Otters are a major junior ice hockey team based in Erie, Pennsylvania . They are members of the Midwest division of

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3844-403: Was expected that those teams promoted to "Junior A Tier 1" would eventually apply for membership in the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), an association of Junior A leagues governed by Hockey Canada and its regional branches . BC Hockey expected the evaluations to be completed during the 2024-25 season. Before the process was completed, the VIJHL announced that it would also withdraw from

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