OHL PRIORITY SELECTION RETURNS TO LIVE FORMAT

The Ontario Hockey League has announced that the 2026 OHL Priority Selection will return to a live, in-person event for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The draft will be held in Kingston, Ontario in June 2026.

This is a significant shift back to the traditional format that many in the hockey community have been calling for. The live event allows teams to create a more engaging experience for prospects and their families, while also giving scouts a chance to interact with players face-to-face.

"For families going through the OHL draft process, the return to a live format changes the preparation strategy," said ISM President Cody Dray. "There's a different kind of energy and pressure at a live event, and we're making sure our families are prepared for every aspect of it."

ISM's family advising team is already working with 2026 draft-eligible prospects to ensure they're physically, mentally, and logistically ready for what promises to be an exciting return to tradition.