How many games are in an OHL season
OHL teams play 68 games during the regular season. If you're wondering how many games in OHL season, that's your answer a long grind that runs from mid-September through late March. For the 2025-26 season, games start on September 18, 2025, and wrap up on March 22, 2026. Fans care about this schedule because it shapes playoff races, player development, and scouting opportunities for the NHL.
What 68 games means for OHL teams
A 68-game schedule keeps teams really busy throughout the season. Most weeks feature three or four games, so players get plenty of ice time for development. This heavy workload challenges young athletes and separates the serious prospects from everyone else. Scouts from NHL organizations attend games regularly, knowing they'll see how players perform under pressure night after night (and sometimes they're surprised by what they find).
The schedule also balances travel across Ontario pretty smartly. Teams don't spend weeks on the road or sit at home too long. Players learn to manage fatigue, adapt to different opponents, and handle the mental side of junior hockey. Coaches use the 68-game sample to build depth and test diferent line combinations.
Key dates and neutral site games
The 2025-26 season runs nearly six months. September kicks things off, October builds momentum, and by December the league has played roughly a third of its games. February and March intensify everything as teams fight for playoff spots.
Neutral site games happen in different Ontario communities throughout the season. The OHL uses these games to grow hockey interest in smaller markets and reach new fans. Special events like the Teddy Bear Toss make certain games unforgettable players score, fans donate stuffed animals to charity, and everyone wins.
Following the full schedule requires checking the official OHL website or sports apps regularly. Mark your calendar for games featuring your favorite teams and players. Neutral site locations change yearly, so verify where games happen before planning to attend.
How to track games and stay updated
Visit the official OHL website for complete schedules, scores, and standings. Elite Prospects and other hockey stats platforms offer detailed player information and game recaps. Set notifcations on your phone for games you don't want to miss.
Track playoff qualification races as the season progresses. Watch how teams position themselves during the final weeks. Follow individual players approaching milestones (100 points, 50 goals, stuff like that) career achievements matter for draft scouts.
Engage with coverage through game previews before puck drop and recaps after final buzzes. Read articles breaking down standout performances and surprising results. Join online communities discussing the latest trades, injuries, and coaching decisions. The 68-game season offers constant content and drama for hockey fans who stay connected to the action.