Peterborough to Host 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game In January 2026

Peterborough has been selected as host of the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 14 next year, announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The inaugural showcase brought close to 200 NHL scouts out to see the Ontario Hockey League’s rising stars in an East vs. West format. Peterborough’s Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads had won it in overtime for the Eastern Conference.

“I’ve heard so much positive feedback from folks across the league, colleagues with the National Hockey League, our great fans and the players themselves on this exciting event,” said Bryan Crawford, OHL Commissioner. “Brantford was a great spot to launch, and Peterborough presents a tremendous opportunity for the league to build upon that foundation and take this event to the next level.”

Among the showcase is hometown star and Petes’s latest first-round pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Colin Fitzgerald.

The Petes are eager to welcome fans, scouts and the OHL community to the Liftlock City next January according to Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations.

“We’re very excited to be co-hosting the 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects game with the City of Peterborough at the Peterborough Memorial Centre,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for our fans to see some of the top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft up close as they face-off against each other. We’re also looking forward to hosting fans from all across Ontario, as we know this game will be embraced by the entire OHL community. This provides us with an excellent opportunity to showcase the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Memorial Centre. We will be announcing some special events in the future that will be sure to make the experience for both fans and participants a memorable one.”

“Peterborough is home to one of Ontario’s most passionate hockey communities,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “We are pleased to welcome the OHL Top Prospects Game to our city – an excellent opportunity to showcase our facilities, and our love for the game on a national stage. This event will be an inspiring one for future hockey stars, players and fans and will generate positive economic impact for local businesses and community members. We look forward to working with the Peterborough Petes, the OHL and our local hockey community to create a memorable experience for all.”

Peterborough Petes season ticket holders will have first access to securing tickets for the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game. Other special events planned around the game will be announced in the fall.

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