As the Ontario Hockey League training camps get underway this week, it’s a good time to make a list of five important games in the first half of the season to check out. It’s going to be a strong and competitive year this season with most teams icing a high calibre of young talent.
1. Friday, October 11th. Peterborough Petes at North Bay Battalion
In a historic night for North Bay, the Battalion make there first home appearance after being moved from Brampton. Their home arena is currently being renovated and won’t be ready until puck drop on October 11th. This keeps them on the road from September 20th to October 6th. It will be their first meet up with the Petes.
2. Sunday, October 13th. Guelph Storm at Kingston Frontenacs
Arguably two of the strongest teams in the Ontario Hockey League this year, this game will be a barn burner. Guelph has 11 players who have attended NHL training camps and that experience will definitely play a part this year. Kingston on the other hand have 3 skills Team Canada veterans (amazing to say their Team Canada veterans already at this age) and have had plenty of international hockey experience to add to their roster. Look out for both of these teams through out the season.
3. Friday, November 8th. Barrie Colts at London Knights
In there first meeting since last year’s J. Ross Robertson Cup final, the Barrie Colts will be looking for some retaliation on the London Knights. Redemption won’t come easy however as the Knights will be looking for a three-peat this year as champions. In 2012 they made it all the way to the Memorial Cup finals but lost to the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes.
4. Sunday December 29th. Belleville Bulls at Kingston Frontenacs
The 3rd installment of this years Battle of Highway 401 continues. I’ve already mentioned the key players on the Frontenacs but both teams will have plenty of fire power. Looking at the talent that is just showing up for the Bulls training camp, Belleville is going to be coming out of the gates firing this year.
5. Sunday, December 29th. Ottawa 67’s at Oshawa Generals
Can’t write a list of must watch games without mentioning both the Ottawa 67’s and Oshawa Generals. Although Ottawa is in a bit of rebuilding mode, they are not a team to be taken lightly and neither are the Generals. Both training camp rosters are stacked with young talent, some of the best in years. No doubt this is a match watch game as we close out the first half of the OHL season.
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