The 2024-25 Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL) season is just weeks away, and excitement is building as all 11 teams gear up for another competitive run at the J.F. Paxton Trophy.
One of the key changes this season is the introduction of a standardized ticket pricing system, designed to keep games accessible for local communities. Adult tickets for regular-season games will be priced at $10 across the league, ensuring affordability for fans. OEHL clubs have the flexibility to offer discounts for students and seniors, making it even easier for families to enjoy live hockey at their local arenas. This change reflects the league's commitment to providing family-friendly entertainment at reasonable prices, a core value of senior hockey in small-town Ontario.
This season also brings a significant opportunity for OEHL teams to compete on a national stage. For the first time, the league’s "AA" champion will face off against the Allan Cup Hockey (ACH) playoff champion in a best-of-three series. The winner will earn a spot in the prestigious Allan Cup Challenge Tournament, Canada’s oldest amateur hockey championship.
In a post at OEHLHockey.ca, Chair Gord Lamont emphasized the league’s commitment to expansion while preserving its roots.
“We want to keep our league strong & sustainable and the way to do that is with a responsible & methodical expansion strategy. Our history is rooted in small town Ontario, and we want to maintain that tradition,” said Lamont, noting that the OEHL will only consider expansion in communities with populations under 20,000, ensuring that the league remains true to its tradition.
The action kicks off on October 5 with the Seaforth Centenaires hosting the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks at 7:30 p.m., marking the official start of the season. Each team will play 20 regular-season games, facing every other team twice - once at home and once away.