Provincial Junior Hockey League

Provincial Junior
Hockey League
Region(s)Southern Ontario
Central Ontario
Former name(s)
list
Founded2016
No. of teams63
Associated Title(s)Clarence Schmalz Cup
Recent ChampionsLakeshore Canadiens (6th) (2023-24)
HeadquartersCambridge, Ontario
WebsitePJHL

The Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) is a Canadian junior ice hockey league spanning parts of Southern Ontario. The PJHL is the third tier of the Ontario Hockey Association and is sanctioned by the Ontario Hockey Federation and Hockey Canada. The league was formed in 2016 with the merging of eight Junior C leagues. PJHL teams compete for the Clarence Schmalz Cup.

History

In the works since 2014, it was announced in the spring of 2016 that the eight Junior C leagues of the Ontario Hockey Association would merge for the 2016-17 season to create the Provincial Junior Hockey League. The union was in an effort to streamline rules across the classification and to promote growth and development.[1][2]

The leagues that make up the PJHL are the former Central, Empire B, Georgian Mid-Ontario, Great Lakes, Midwestern, Niagara & District, Southern, and Western.[3][4][5] leagues that are now the eight divisions split into four conferences.

The first game in PJHL history was played on September 9, 2016 as the Walkerton Hawks hosted the Hanover Barons in Pollock Division action.[6] Walkerton won the game 6-2.[7]

Teams

North Conference
Carruthers Division
Team Centre Founded Arena
Alliston Hornets Alliston 1971 New Tecumseth Recreation Complex
Huntsville Otters Huntsville 1990 Canada Summit Centre
Innisfil Spartans Innisfil 2022 Innisfil Recreation Complex
Midland Flyers Midland 1978 North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre
Muskoka Bears Bracebridge 2024 Muskoka Lumber Community Centre
Orillia Terriers Orillia 2013 West Orillia Sports Complex
Penetang Kings Penetanguishene 1977 Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre
Stayner Siskins Stayner 1972 Stayner Memorial Arena
Pollock Division
Team Centre Founded Arena
Fergus Whalers Fergus 2023 Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex
Goderich Flyers Goderich 2003 Goderich & District Community Centre
Hanover Barons Hanover 1964 P&H Centre
Kincardine Bulldogs Kincardine 1994 Davidson Centre Arena
Mitchell Hawks Mitchell 1966 Mitchell & District Arena
Mount Forest Patriots Mount Forest 1987 Mount Forest & District Community Centre
Walkerton Capitals Walkerton 1976 Walkerton Community Centre
Wingham Ironmen Wingham 1975 North Huron Wescast Community Complex
South Conference
Doherty Division
Team Centre Founded Arena
Dorchester Dolphins Dorchester 2012 The Flight Exec Centre
Hespeler Shamrocks Hespeler 1959 Hespeler Memorial Arena
New Hamburg Firebirds New Hamburg 1953 Wilmot Township Arena
Norwich Merchants Norwich 1968 Norwich Community Centre
Paris Titans Paris 1985 Brant Sports Complex
Tavistock Braves Tavistock 1970 Tavistock & District Recreation Centre
Wellesley Applejacks Wellesley 1987 Wellesley Arena
Woodstock Navy-Vets Woodstock 1966 Woodstock District Community Complex
Bloomfield Division
Team Centre Founded Arena
Dundas Blues Dundas 1963 J.L.Grightmire Arena
Dunnville Jr. Mudcats Dunnville 1974 Dunnville Memorial Arena
Glanbrook Rangers Glanbrook 1975 Glanbrook Arena
Grimsby Peach Kings Grimsby 1922 Peach King Centre
Hagersville Hawks Hagersville 1992 Hagersville Memorial Arena
Niagara Riverhawks Chippawa 1987 Gale Centre
Port Dover Sailors Port Dover 1988 Port Dover & Area Arena
Streetsville Derbys Streetsville 2024 Vic Johnston Community Centre
East Conference
Orr Division
Team Centre Founded Arena
Caledon Golden Hawks Caledon 2010 Caledon East Arena
Clarington Eagles Clarington 2011 Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex
Georgina Ice Keswick 1994 Georgina Ice Palace
Little Britain Merchants Little Britain 1978 Little Britain Community Centre
Port Perry Lumberjacks Port Perry 1972 Scugog Community Recreation Centre
Schomberg Cougars Schomberg 1969 Trisan Centre
Uxbridge Bruins Uxbridge 1975 Uxbridge Arena and Recreation Centre
Tod Division
Team Centre Founded Arena
Amherstview Jets Amherstview 1989 W J Henderson Recreation Centre
Frankford Huskies Frankford 2021 Frankford Arena
Lakefield Chiefs Lakefield 1980 Lakefield-Smith Community Centre
Napanee Raiders Napanee 1989 Strathcona Paper Centre
North Kawartha Knights Apsley 2014 North Kawartha Community Centre
Picton Pirates Picton 1989 Prince Edward Community Centre
Port Hope Panthers Port Hope 2004 Jack Burger Sports Complex
Trent Hills Thunder Campbellford 1992 Campbellford-Seymour Arena
West Conference
Stobbs Division
Team Centre Founded Arena
Amherstburg Admirals Amherstburg 1987 Libro Centre
Blenheim Blades Blenheim 1968 Blenheim Community & Recreation Centre
Dresden Jr. Kings Dresden 1959 Lambton-Kent Memorial Arena
Essex 73's Essex 1973 Essex Centre Sports Complex
Lakeshore Canadiens Belle River 1978 Atlas Tube Centre
Mooretown Flags Mooretown 1971 Mooretown Sports Complex
Walpole Island Wild Walpole Island 1972 Walpole Island Sports Complex
Wheatley Sharks Wheatley 1995 Wheatley Area Arena
Yeck Division
Team Centre Founded Arena
Aylmer Spitfires Aylmer 1974 East Elgin Community Complex
Exeter Hawks Exeter 1961 South Huron Recreation Centre
Lucan Irish Lucan 1968 Lucan Community Memorial Centre
Mount Brydges Bulldogs Mount Brydges 1975 Tri-Township Arena
North Middlesex Stars Parkhill 1993 North Middlesex Arena
Petrolia Flyers Petrolia 1988 Greenwood Recreation Centre
Port Stanley Sailors Port Stanley 1969 Port Stanley Arena
Thamesford Trojans Thamesford 1976 Thamesford Area Recreation Centre

Regular Season Champions

Bolded is overall PJHL season champion based on win percentage.

East North South West
Season Orr Pct Tod Pct Carruthers Pct Pollock Pct Bloomfield Pct Doherty Pct Stobbs Pct Yeck Pct
2016-17 Lakefield .805 Port Hope .910 Stayner .929 Walkerton .819 Ayr .925 Grimsby .869 Lakeshore .788 Dorchester .988
2017-18 Lakefield .854 Napanee .938 Stayner .952 Mount Forest .800 Ayr .825 Glanbrook .917 Lakeshore .738 Lambeth .872
2018-19 Uxbridge .810 Napanee .886 Stayner .786 Mount Forest .774 Tavistock .838 Glanbrook .881 Essex .788 Dorchester .775
2019-20 Clarington .726 Napanee .859 Alliston .857 Mount Forest .810 Tavistock .800 Grimsby .774 Lakeshore .900 Thamesford .714
2020-21 Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021-22 Little Britain .797 Amherstview .833 Stayner .850 Hanover .607 Woodstock .792 Grimsby .700 Lakeshore .906 Exeter .783
2022-23 Clarington .759 Napanee .659 Stayner .741 Mount Forest .607 New Hamburg .681 Glanbrook .691 Essex .752 Mount Brydges .617
2023-24 Clarington .857 Frankford .762 Alliston .857 Hanover .881 New Hamburg .810 Grimsby .798 Lakeshore .881 Thamesford .763

Playoff Division and Conference Champions

Clarence Schmalz Cup, emblematic of the Junior C championship of the Ontario Hockey Association and the PJHL.

Listed are Division playoff champions. Bolded are also Conference playoff champions.

East North South West
Season Orr Tod Carruthers Pollock Doherty Bloomfield Stobbs Yeck
2017 Lakefield Port Hope Alliston Mount Forest Ayr Grimsby Essex Dorchester
2018 Lakefield Port Hope Stayner Mount Forest Tavistock Glanbrook Lakeshore Lambeth
2019 Uxbridge Napanee Alliston Mount Forest Wellesley Grimsby Lakeshore Exeter
2020 Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021 Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2022 Clarington Napanee Stayner Mitchell New Hamburg Grimsby Lakeshore North Middlesex
2023 Clarington Port Hope Stayner Mount Forest Wellesley Glanbrook Lakeshore Thamesford
2024 Clarington Napanee Alliston Hanover New Hamburg Grimsby Lakeshore Thamesford

League Championship Series

Bolded is winner of Clarence Schmalz Cup as PJHL and OHA champion.

Season North/East champion South/West champion Series (Best of 7) Scores
2017 Port Hope Panthers Ayr Centennials {1st} 2-4 8-1, 4-1, 2-4, 1-3, 1-4, 3-6
2018 Lakefield Chiefs {1st} Glanbrook Rangers 4-1 2-1 OT, 2-3, 4-3 OT, 5-2, 4-0
2019 Napanee Raiders {1st} Grimsby Peach Kings 4-1 2-0, 2-3, 3-1, 4-1, 3-1
2020 Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Championship Tournament
Season Champion Finalist Score Location
2022 Lakeshore Canadiens {1st} Clarington Eagles 3-2 OT Guelph, Ontario
2023 Wellesley Applejacks {1st} Clarington Eagles 3-2 Woodstock, Ontario
Season North/East champion South/West champion Series (Best of 7) Scores
2024 Clarington Eagles Lakeshore Canadiens {2nd} 1-4 1-0, 1-2, 2-3, 2-4, 4-5

2024 Schmalz Cup Playoffs

Division Quarterfinal Division Semifinal Division Final Conference Final League Semifinal Schmalz Cup Final
                  
O1 Clarington 4
O7 North Kawartha 0
O1 Clarington 4
O4 Lakefield 0
O4 Lakefield 4
O5 Port Perry 0
O1 Clarington 4
O2 Georgina 0
O3 Uxbridge
bye
O2 Georgina 4
O3 Uxbridge 0
O2 Georgina 4
O6 Little Britain 0
O1 Clarington 4
T4 Napanee 2
T1 Frankford
bye
T1 Frankford 2
T4 Napanee 4
T4 Napanee 4
T5 Picton 2
T3 Port Hope 0
T4 Napanee 4
T3 Port Hope 4
T6 Campbellford 0
T2 Amherstview 2
T3 Port Hope 4
T2 Amherstview
bye
O1 Clarington Eagles 4
P1 Hanover Barons 2
C1 Alliston 4
C8 Innisfil 0
C1 Alliston 4
C4 Schomberg 1
C4 Schomberg 4
C5 Penetang 0
C1 Alliston 4
C2 Stayner 0
C3 Orillia 4
C6 Huntsville 0
C2 Stayner 4
C3 Orilla 0
C2 Stayner 4
C7 Caledon 0
C1 Alliston 1
P1 Hanover 4
P1 Hanover 4
P8 Goderich 0
P1 Hanover 4
P4 Fergus 2
P4 Fergus 4
P5 Walkerton 0
P1 Hanover 4
P2 Mount Forest 3
P3 Kincardine 4
P6 Wingham 3
P2 Mount Forest 4
P3 Kincardine 1
P2 Mount Forest 4
P7 Mitchell 0
O1 Clarington Eagles 1
S1 Lakeshore Canadiens 4
B1 Grimsby
bye
B1 Grimsby 4
B4 Niagara 0
B4 Niagara 4
B5 Hagersville 2
B1 Grimsby 4
B2 Dundas 1
B3 Glanbrook 4
B6 Dunnville 0
B2 Dundas 4
B3 Glanbrook 3
B2 Dundas 4
B7 Port Dover 0
B1 Grimsby 1
D1 New Hamburg 4
D1 New Hamburg
bye
D1 New Hamburg 4
D6 Hespeler 1
D4 Norwich 4
D5 Wellesley 3
D1 New Hamburg 4
D2 Woodstock 1
D3 Tavistock 3
D6 Hespeler 4
D2 Woodstock 4
D4 Norwich 1
D2 Woodstock 4
D7 Paris 1
D1 New Hamburg Firebirds 2
S1 Lakeshore Canadiens 4
S1 Lakeshore 4
S8 Walpole Island 0
S1 Lakeshore 4
S4 Wheatley 0
S4 Wheatley 4
S5 Mooretown 1
S1 Lakeshore 4
S2 Essex 3
S3 Blenheim 4
S6 Amherstburg 1
S2 Essex 4
S3 Blenheim 0
S2 Essex 4
S7 Dresden 0
S1 Lakeshore 4
Y1 Thamesford 0
Y1 Thamesford 4
Y8 Lucan 1
Y1 Thamesford 4
Y5 Exeter 0
Y4 Dorchester 3
Y5 Exeter 4
Y1 Thamesford 4
Y2 Mount Brydges 1
Y3 North Middlesex 4
Y6 Petrolia 0
Y2 Mount Brydges 4
Y3 North Middlesex 2
Y2 Mount Brydges 4
Y7 Port Stanley 2

Records

Individual Season

Single Game

Team

References

  1. ^ "The OHA 125th Collectors Edition of the Blueline Magazine Now Online". Ontario Hockey Association. March 16, 2016.
  2. ^ "Junior C League Going Province Wide As PJHL". Chatham-Kent Sports Network. April 26, 2016.
  3. ^ "Junior C loop to be renamed Bill Stobbs". Chatham Daily News. April 27, 2016.
  4. ^ "Eight different loops coming together under new Provincial Junior Hockey League". Sarnia Observer. April 29, 2016.
  5. ^ "Junior C loop taking time in rebranding". Cambridge Times. August 3, 2016.
  6. ^ "Provincial Junior Hockey League - league schedule | Pointstreak Sports Technologies".
  7. ^ "PJHL | Pointstreak Stats".