With so many games to write about across three CHL constituent leagues, these weekly wrap-ups will likely be succinct/in quick bulletpoint form until we enter the final rounds for all three, or at least their respective semifinals. Without further ado, however, here is how the OHL, WHL, and QMJHL’s playoffs commenced this past week.

OHL:

Starting with the O, the North Bay Battalion currently hold a 2-0 edge over the Kingston Frontenacs on the backs of 4-2 and 7-3 victories at home. C Dalyn Wakely has looked particularly impressive for North Bay, continuing his form from his 104 point regular season, with three goals and two assists to his name.

Despite being the lower seed (though it is worth noting there was only a one point difference between them), the Sudbury Wolves are currently up 2-0 on the Mississauga Steelheads, taking Game 1 by a score of 3-0 and Game 2 in an exciting 6-5 overtime contest. LW Kocha Delic was the hero in the latter, scoring a hat-trick including the OT GWG. For an update on a big name prospect that has been turning heads, Mississauga LW Porter Martone (2025 Draft eligible) had two assists in Game 2.

After the best regular season in franchise history, the Saginaw Spirit currently lead their series against the Owen Sound Attack 2-0. C Owen Beck (Montreal, 33rd overall, 2022 NHL Entry Draft) has been the standout so far for Saginaw, with 1 goal and 5 assists to his name, gaining a second star selection in Game 1 and a first in Game 2, via his three assists in the former and GWG/helpers on the first two goals of the game as Saginaw stormed out to a 3-0 lead that was never overcome. Needless to say, they have gotten some contributions from their young stars, with two goals from LW/C Michael Misa (2025 Draft eligible) and four assists from D Zayne Parekh (2024 Draft eligible), including a three assist showing in Game 1.

The Soo Greyhounds lead the Guelph Storm 2-0, upon a 4-3 win in Game 1 and a 4-1 victory in Game 2. C Bryce McConnell-Barker (NYR, 97th overall, 2022 NHL Entry Draft) has been the most remarkable Greyhound to this point, with 1 goal and three assists to his name and a first and second star selection.

The Brantford Bulldogs currently hold a 1-0 edge over the Ottawa 67’s, having defeated them in the series opener 5-2. The three stars in descending order were LW Nick Lardis (Chicago, 67th overall, 2023 NHL Entry Draft) via his 2 goals and 1 assist upon his return from injury, LW Marek Vanacker (2024 Draft eligible) via the GWG and 1 assist, and C Jake O’Brien (2025 Draft eligible) with two assists. These teams play again tonight at 7:00 PM Eastern time.

The juggernauts of the OHL, the London Knights, defeated the Flint Firebirds 3-0 in Game 1. C Kaleb Lawrence (Los Angeles, 215th overall, 2022 NHL Entry Draft) tallied 2 goals, G Michael Simpson had 23 saves in the shutout effort, and D Oliver Bonk (Philadelphia, 22nd overall, 2023) had a +2 as the first, second, and third stars. C/LW Denver Barkey (PHI, 95th overall, 2023) and C/RW Easton Cowan (Toronto, 28th overall, 2023) continued to show their impressive chemistry as they connected on the prettiest empty net goal you’ll ever see to ice the game, with the former setting up the latter. This series will play its second game today at 2:00 PM.

The Kitchener Rangers beat the Erie Otters 6-3 in the opening game of their series. Kitchener LW Luke Ellinas (2024 Draft eligible) was the game’s first star with his 2 goals and 1 assist, with Erie RW Dylan Edwards getting the second via his two goals, and Kitchener winger Eduard Šalé (Seattle, 20th overall, 2023) gaining the third via his 1g+1a (his goal being the GWG). Game 2 commences today at 2:00 PM.

In an upset in the Eastern Conference’s 1st vs. 8th matchup, the Barrie Colts took Game 1 against the Oshawa Generals 4-2. Barrie C Zach Wigle was the game’s first star via the GWG and 2 apples, G Sam Hillebrandt totaled 31 saves in the victory for the second star, and Oshawa RW Beckett Sennecke (2024 Draft eligible) earned the third star selection via his 1 goal. These teams match up again today at 1:05 PM and I am sure Oshawa will have revenge on their minds.

WHL:

Shifting over to the Dub, the Prince Albert Raiders withstood an outstanding effort from the league’s best team in Game 1, as the Saskatoon Blades out-shot them 44-20 but the underdogs skated away with a 4-3 win. Via his 41 saves, G Max Hildebrand was the no-brainer choice for first star. RW Ryder Ritchie (2024 eligible) had a game to remember via his 1 goal and 1 assist. LW Sloan Stanick had 1 assist for the third star selection. For Saskatoon, winger Yegor Sidorov (Anaheim, 85th overall, 2023) tallied two goals. Game 2 was more predictable, with Saskatoon emerging forward as 4-1 victors on the backs of 2024 Draft eligible G Evan Gardner (31 saves, first star), RW Easton Armstrong (1g+1a), and Sidorov (1g+1a).

The Swift Current Broncos, who captured their first division title since 1996 this season, currently lead the Lethbridge Hurricanes 2-0. This is on the back of 3-0 and 4-3 victories. The scoring depth looks good for Swift Current right now, with C Conor Geekie (Arizona, 11th overall, 2022 NHL Entry Draft) being the only player on the team to tally more than one goal in the series so far despite offense not being an issue for the team.

The Moose Jaw Warriors currently are up 2-0 in their series against the Brandon Wheat Kings. They emerged victorious 7-4 in Game 1 and defeated their challengers 5-4 in overtime in Game 2. Brandon has some very talented names on their roster, such as G Carson Bjarnason (PHI, 51st overall, 2023) and 2025 eligible C Roger McQueen (who tallied two goals in Game 2 and has 3 in the series to this point). However, with a Moose Jaw roster including but not limited to the likes of Brayden Yager, Matthew Savoie, and Jagger Firkus up against them, they will have an uphill battle ahead of them to overcome a 2-0 series deficit.

The Medicine Hat Tigers and Red Deer Rebels are currently locked in a 1-1 tie, with Red Deer taking Game 1 5-4 as C Kalen Lind was the double overtime hero after having two assists in regulation. In Game 2, it was the Gavin McKenna show, as the 2026 eligible LW factored into all three Medicine Hat goals via a 1g+2a performance in a 3-1 victory for the home team. This series has been exciting so far and I have to wonder, somewhat, who will step away the victors despite the talent-laden roster that Willie Desjardins’ Tigers have.

The Prince George Cougars have been offensively explosive against the Spokane Chiefs to this point, winning 6-1 in Game 1 and 7-4 in Game 2. The biggest names to watch in this matchup are two 2024 eligible prospects in the forms of Spokane C Berkly Catton and Prince George RW Terik Parascak. Catton, as his team has struggled against a deeper roster, has just two assists to his name, while Parascak has potted four goals, including a hat trick in Game 1. A tough outlook for Spokane has been predictably shaped out to this point, and an optimistic one has taken shape for Prince George.

Game 1 was surprisingly competitive between the Portland Winterhawks and the Victoria Royals, as the latter outshot the former in the first period 10-9 and took a 2-1 lead into the final frame despite their best offensive weapon, C/LW Cole Reschny (2025 eligible) having a quiet night. However, they would fall 4-3 despite a phenomenal effort on a 6-4 at the end which did turn into one goal. In Game 2, Reschny looked better, with him and D Justin Kipkie (ARI, 160th overall, 2023) assisting on RW Dawson Pasternak’s goal and him nearly having a remarkable short-handed tally (only to be denied by Portland G Jan Špunar). However, a star-studded Portland roster was just a bit too much for them, as RW James Stefan and C Gabe Klassen had three point nights and the Winterhawks won 5-1. C Nate Danielson (Detroit, 9th overall, 2023) and D Carter Sotheran (PHI, 135th overall, 2023) have impressed to this point, with 1g+3a and 1g+2a to their respective credits. Victoria is a resilient group, particularly at home where the series is about to shift back to, but you have to fancy Portland in this matchup by depth alone, and it is worth noting that Victoria was not able to defeat them this regular season.

As it stands, the Everett Silvertips vs. Vancouver Giants series is knotted up 1-1. Vancouver took Game 1 6-4 and Everett were 2-1 victors in Game 2. With the series shifting to Vancouver, the Giants are more than likely pleased to have taken one on the road. Vancouver G Brett Mirwald has been the star of the show to this point, with 91 saves through the first two games, including 53 saves in Game 2, earning the third star selection despite taking the loss.

The Kelowna Rockets and Wenatchee Wild are tied 1-1, upon an 8-6 victory by the latter in Game 1 and a Game 2 victory for the former by a score of 3-1. Despite coming in a loss, Jarome Iginla’s son Tij, a top prospect for this upcoming draft, had the most impressive individual performance so far via his Game 1 hat trick. This is an interesting series as Wenatchee have home ice advantage, but are perhaps overachievers after having sold at the deadline by trading both Savoie and Geekie this season. It should be interesting to see how this one finishes.

QMJHL:

Lastly, we have the Q. The Halifax Mooseheads are, miraculously, despite their great regular season, down 2-0 in their series against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. Somehow, they managed to fall in overtime by a score of 2-1 in both of the first two games, at home. A 2-0 hole is not insurmountable against an inferior opponent, particularly when both games were close. However, with the series shifting to the road, they will have to refocus and really tap into their top-end form.

The Moncton Wildcats are also in a 2-0 hole as the favored team against the Chicoutimi Sanguenéens, having dropped a 3-0 decision in the opening game and a 5-4 scoreline in Game 2. Chicoutimi G Rémi Delafontaine was particularly remarkable in Game 1, with 39 saves in the shutout. As the higher seed who was not expected to be in this position, how will Moncton respond? We will find out when Game 3 commences on Tuesday.

The Cape Breton Eagles are currently up 2-0 on the Rimouski Océanic, by way of a 6-2 win in Game 1 and a 7-3 victory in Game 2. RW Cam Squires has been particularly impressive for Cape Breton, with 2 goals and 6 assists and a +7 on his statline. As opposed to the above, the Eagles are playing the way a higher seed should.

The best team in the regular season, the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, have also showed up in their opening series. They currently lead the Charlottetown Islanders 2-0, after two identical 4-1 victories. They have spread the wealth well, with seven players tallying at least a point in Game 1 and nine different players tallying at least a point in Game 2. You have to expect that the leagues best team will go on a deep run at the President’s Cup based off of their early form.

The Drummondville Voltigeurs currently lead the Saint John Sea Dogs 2-0, taking Game 1 7-3 and Game 2 6-2. RW Ethan Gauthier (Tampa Bay, 37th overall, 2023) has five points to his name, via 1g+3a in Game 1 and a goal in Game 2. After back-to-back four goal victories, you have to expect that Drummondville will put a bow on this one pretty quickly.

To do a fast run down of the remaining series, there is not much of an element of surprise. In the other three matchups, the higher seed holds a 2-0 lead in each series. The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies are up 2-0 on the Gatineau Olympiques, upon 4-0 and 2-1 wins. Winger Bill Zonnon had a 2g, 1a performance in the former matchup. The Victoriaville Tigres lead 2-0 in their series against the Shawnigan Cataractes, having won 4-3 in OT in Game 1 and 5-1 in Game 2. Forward Justin Larsoe was the hero in Game 1 via his 2g+1a performance which included the OT GWG. Lastly, the Sherbrooke Phoenix won both of the first two games against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in overtime, by scores of 4-3 and 3-2. While most of the Q’s bracket has been predictable, the opening round is defying expectations more than any other of the postseason proceedings happening for the CHL currently. What other surprises are in store?