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Like it or not, summer is winding down, and another hockey season awaits. 

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For some Soo Greyhounds faithful, that might mean a road trip.

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The Ontario Hockey League season kicks off Sept. 18, and the schedule offers Greyhounds fans plenty of chances to hit the highway. Whether it’s catching a rivalry game in Sudbury, seeing a future NHL star in London, or following the Hounds on an eastern swing through Peterborough, Kingston, and Ottawa, the options are wide open.

Greyhounds fans have built a reputation for travelling well despite hailing from the league’s most northern community, from long-running bus trips to personal missions to see a game in every barn. This season brings plenty of chances to do the same, and this is the unofficial ranking of the best OHL cities to visit for Greyhounds fans this season.

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Note that rankings are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to travel distance, accommodations, food offerings, fan experience, attractions, quality of competition, and this season’s schedule.

19. Brampton Steelheads

Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Positives:

• The Greyhounds’ only visit is Oct. 3, so you’ll skip the bad weather, and you can bundle with a game in Barrie on Oct. 2.
• The Brampton Sports Hall of Fame in the concourse offers something genuinely worth checking out during an intermission.
• CAA Centre delivers a modern arena experience with good sightlines.
• Parking is plentiful.

Negatives:

• Losing star scorer Porter Martone to the NCAA is a big blow.
• Brampton lacks the history, success, and hockey culture of other OHL markets.
• CAA Centre is generic with its bare concourses and lack of branding.
• Parking lot traffic is frustrating after games.
• The arena is next to an enormous highway interchange, with the nearest restaurant being kilometres away.

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Bottom line: Brampton is losing Martone and is still trying to develop its own atmosphere and identity. Bundling a road trip with Barrie is maybe the only reason to go.

18. Flint Firebirds

Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, March 13, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Positives:

• Dates on Nov. 29 and March 4 and 13 offer plenty of opportunities to catch the Hounds there.
• Fans in Flint are known to be welcoming.

Negatives:

• Many Greyhounds fans remain cautious about spending money and travelling in the U.S.
• Despite renovations, Dort Financial Center still shows its age with an overall cramped feel and little character.
• The area around the rink isn’t teeming with restaurants and game-day life.
• The on-ice product isn’t especially strong — the Firebirds remain a middling team.

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Bottom line: Flint is a gritty hockey town that loves its team, and the Firebirds have become a real success story. However, the arena, the city, and the on-ice product aren’t likely to blow you away.

17. Barrie Colts

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Positives:

• The Oct. 2 trip lines up perfectly with the fall colours.
• The date is easy to bundle with the Steelheads game the next night. It’s only an hour drive between the two arenas, so one set of accommodations can suffice.
• Sadlon Arena’s steep seating provides excellent sightlines.
• If you want to splurge, there’s an on-site restaurant with panoramic views of the ice — one of the league’s unique perks if you want dinner and a show.
• Defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson is a good reason to watch the Colts.

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Negatives:

• The arena is situated in an unappealing suburban location that lacks character and things to do.
• Barrie itself isn’t the most scenic stop on the OHL circuit.
• If you like to ski, you’ll miss out on winter excursions to nearby Mount St. Louis Moonstone and Horseshoe Valley.
• The atmosphere is lacking — games at Sadlon Arena rarely bring the energy you’d expect from a smaller rink.
• The arena feels dated and generic.
• The Hounds haven’t won in Barrie since 2021.

Bottom line: Barrie is a good early-season option that pairs nicely with Brampton, but both the city and the game-night atmosphere fall short compared to other stops.

16. Brantford Bulldogs

Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Positives:

• A new arena is expected soon, so there’s only so much time left to catch a game at the nearly 60-year-old Civic Centre.
• For fans of classic OHL barns, this rink offers steep seating, a low ceiling, and excellent sightlines that create one of the league’s most intimate atmospheres.
• Recent upgrades, including brand-new seats, offer rare legroom for an older building.
• The fanbase has embraced the move from Hamilton, giving the Bulldogs a lively home-ice atmosphere.
• The on-ice product is strong, led by eighth-overall NHL pick and newly-named captain Jake O’Brien.

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Negatives:

• Despite renovations, the Civic Centre is still outdated and cramped, with narrow corridors and difficult washroom access.
• Capacity is capped at just 3,000, limiting the scale of the experience.
• The ice surface is 10 feet shorter than regulation size, making games feel a little wonky.
• The only Greyhounds trip is Feb. 1, right in the teeth of winter travel.
• The surrounding area offers very little.

Bottom line:Brantford offers a unique barn and passionate fans, but it’s cramped and outdated. It’s still worth a visit for its old-school hockey vibe.

15. Erie Otters

Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Positives:

• If first-overall NHL pick Matthew Schaefer returns, Erie becomes a much more attractive destination.
• Erie Insurance Arena sits right downtown, just steps from Lake Erie.
• A spacious concourse and plentiful bathrooms make for an easy in-game experience.
• Food and drink options around the rink are excellent: Zodiac Dinor (breakfast), The Brewerie at Union Station (lunch), Plymouth Tavern (dinner), BIGBAR (drinks).

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Negatives:

• The 960-kilometre drive is daunting, made worse by the Greyhounds’ lone visit coming in the heart of winter on Jan. 30.
• Ongoing concerns about cross-border travel and spending in the U.S. make some fans hesitant to attend.
• The Hounds haven’t won in Erie since 2019.

Bottom line: A solid arena in a great location with plentiful food and drink nearby — but distance, timing, and cross-border concerns push it down the list.

14. Oshawa Generals

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 at 7:05 p.m.

Positives:

• Oshawa gets big points if Beckett Sennecke returns.
• The Hounds’ Nov. 1 visit comes before winter weather sets in, with the chance of catching some late fall warmth.
• Tribute Communities Centre is one of the few OHL rinks that feels truly professional, comparable to London or Kitchener.
• The arena’s large seating bowl has comfortable seats, good legroom, and strong sightlines. The arena will only improve with a recent $50 million investment.
• Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame and extensive banners add rich team and civic history to the experience.

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Negatives: 

• Downtown Oshawa has some restaurants and bars, but it isn’t the most vibrant among OHL cities.
• Odd maroon seats clash with the rest of the arena.
• Parking can be a hassle without a single large lot.
• The on-ice product could take a step back with players graduating.

Bottom line: Oshawa offers a modern rink with a strong sense of history, but its atmosphere and city setting don’t quite measure up to the league’s very best destinations.

13. Owen Sound Attack

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Positives:

• Owen Sound has a very friendly small-town vibe with some of the league’s most welcoming fans.
• The team has a true community feel. The entire town rallies behind the team, something Greyhounds fans share in common.
• The Feb. 14 matchup could double as a quirky Valentine’s Day getaway.
• A picturesque harbour setting makes it one of the OHL’s most scenic stops.

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Negatives:

• Smallest market in the league means fewer hotel and dining options.
• Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre is small, dim, and lacks the polish of bigger rinks.
• Travel is tricky in the winter. Owen Sound is the only OHL city not connected by a four-lane highway, with roads that can be brutal in February.

Bottom line: A charming stop with increasingly rare small-town hockey atmosphere and kind fans. But the tough winter travel and limited amenities keep it from climbing higher on the list.

12. Guelph Storm

Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 at 7:07 p.m.

Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 4:07 p.m.

Positives: 

• The March 7 trip can be bundled with Kitchener on March 6 while using the same accommodations.
• Sleeman Centre has a prime downtown location attached to Old Quebec Street Mall, just steps away from bars and restaurants.
• The open concourse allows fans to watch the game while grabbing food or drinks, which are plentiful.
• Arena offers comfortable seating and good sightlines throughout.

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Negatives:

• On the ice, Guelph was abysmal last year.
• Sleeman Centre has a fairly generic rink design lacking in character compared to older OHL barns.
• Storm mascot “Spyke” is nightmare fuel with his off-kilter eyes and strange hair.

Bottom line: Guelph offers convenience, solid amenities, and an excellent location, but the rink itself lacks personality. Works best as part of a bundle with Kitchener or London.

11. Niagara IceDogs

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Positives:

• Meridian Centre is one of the OHL’s newest and most comfortable arenas.
• The arena has a unique design. Fans enter from bridges on the top floor and descend down several levels to the ice.
• Situated in a prime downtown location with bars, restaurants, and parking within walking distance.
• St. Catherines’ proximity to Niagara Falls is a major bonus for attractions.
• You’ll want to go just to see top NHL draft prospect Ryan Roobroeck.

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Negatives:

• It’s a long haul at nearly 800 kilometres, and the only trip comes in the dead of winter on Jan. 29.
• Parking can be a challenge on busy nights.

Bottom line: A modern, comfortable rink with a unique layout and the bonus of Niagara Falls nearby. Distance and mid-winter timing are the big drawbacks.

10. Sarnia Sting

Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 at 7:05 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 at 7:05 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 at 2:05 p.m.

Positives: 

• There’s three opportunities to visit, with the best on Nov. 28.
• Cromwell Grill (breakfast), Alfie’s Deli (sandwiches), and Global Donuts & Deli are all worth a stop in Sarnia.
• Full wraparound concourse allows views of the game while at concessions, which are plentiful along with washrooms
• Comfortable stop where visiting fans are generally treated well
• Top NHL draft prospect Beckham Edwards is primed for a big step forward

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Negatives: 

• Two of the three visits are deep in winter.
• Progressive Auto Sales Arena is functional but generic, similar to Barrie or Guelph.
• The arena is surrounded by parking lots with little nearby to do.
• The fan atmosphere is often quieter unless it’s a rivalry game against London.

Bottom line: Sarnia is a comfortable and fairly convenient stop, with multiple dates and good eats. However, the arena and atmosphere don’t leave the strongest impression.

9. Peterborough Petes

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 at 7:05 p.m.

Positives:

• Peterborough is one of the league’s most storied franchises, and its oldest continuously operating team. That means passionate fans.
• It’s the first road game of the season.
• You can extend your trip to Kingston the next day to make the travel more worthwhile. You might as well go along for the Ottawa game after that.
• Peterborough Memorial Centre is aging but still a “see it while you can” rink — a new arena is on the city’s radar.
• Their extensive team museum has decades worth of artifacts.

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Negatives:

• The barn’s age shows in its tight concourses and limited amenities.
• The Petes were the league’s worst team last season, though top NHL draft prospects Adam Novotny and Colin Fitzgerald will be exciting to watch this season.
• Food and drink offerings in the neighbourhood could be better.

Bottom line: The historic and distinctive rink is worth a visit before it’s gone, especially if bundled with the following Kingston and Ottawa games.

8. Windsor Spitfires

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 at 7:05 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 at 7:05 p.m.

Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 7:05 p.m.

Positives:

• WFCU Centre is one of the OHL’s best facilities with spacious concourses, plentiful concessions, steep seating, and a vibrant atmosphere.
• The Spits are poised for another good season with Jack Nesbitt and Ethan Belchetz still on the rise.
• The Greyhounds–Spitfires rivalry adds extra intensity, especially after last year’s playoff clash.
• Three trip options gives flexibility.
• Windsor offers plenty to see and do, and Detroit is right across the river.

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Negatives:

• This rivalry runs so deep that some Hounds fans may not feel comfortable supporting anything Windsor.
• The arena itself is built far from downtown Windsor, leaving mostly chain restaurants around the rink.

Bottom line: Windsor has a top-notch arena and a strong rivalry atmosphere with the Greyhounds. While the city and nearby Detroit offer plenty of fun, the rink is not nearby.

7. North Bay Battalion

Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Positives:

• North Bay is a close trip and both games are in October, which is ideal for a scenic drive and nearby hikes.
• The Oct. 5 date is in the afternoon, which could be ideal for an out-and-back day trip.
• Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens is a true old-school OHL barn with plenty of character. Its low ceilings create a loud, intense atmosphere.

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Negatives:

• The Battalion’s mustard-green uniforms are… polarizing.
• The arena’s tight concourses mean bottlenecks during intermissions.
• North Bay is a smaller northern market, meaning it doesn’t feel “big time” like London or Kitchener. That’s also it’s charm.

Bottom line: Relatively close, affordable, and loud — North Bay has a classic barn worth visiting, even if the amenities don’t match the league’s larger markets.

6. Kingston Frontenacs

Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 at 7:05 p.m.

Positives:

• Kingston is an early-season trip, and as mentioned earlier, there’s the possibility to bundle it with Peterborough and Ottawa, making for a great, extra-long weekend.
• Frontenacs fans are friendly and welcoming.
• Slush Puppie Place is a modern OHL rink with great sightlines, wide seats, and ample legroom.
• The rink has a gorgeous limestone exterior that blends into the historic downtown. It’s also steps away from pubs, restaurants, and Lake Ontario.
• The Hounds have won six of their last seven games in Kingston, dating back to 2016.

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Negatives:

• Kingston is one of the longest hauls on the calendar at well over 900 kilometres.
• The rink is among the very best from a facilities perspective, but the interior doesn’t feel distinctly Kingston, and the atmosphere can be missing.

Bottom line: The Frontenacs offer one of the OHL’s best modern arenas in one of Ontario’s best small cities. It’s a long trip, but pairing it with Peterborough and Ottawa makes it a road trip gem.

5. Kitchener Rangers

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, March 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Positives:

• The Aud is a mecca of junior hockey, and a living museum of NHL alumni. It’s a breathtaking building filled with tradition.
• The Bavarian beer nuts are a must-try.
• The two road trips are likely to avoid the worst winter storms.
• Kitchener is easy to bundle with London (Nov. 16) or Guelph (March 7) games.
• Despite losing Adam Valentini, the Rangers still figure to be a contender this year led by NHL first-rounder Cameron Reid.

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Negatives:

• Keep in mind that owing to its age, the Aud has some of the narrowest seats with the least legroom in the OHL.
• Escaping the parking lot after the game is a nightmare — take your time leaving the rink and explore the hallowed halls of the Aud instead.
• Surrounding residential neighbourhood doesn’t offer the best game-day atmosphere.

Bottom line: The Aud is a cathedral of junior hockey with history, atmosphere, and delicious beer nuts. Tiny seats and parking woes are excusable here.

4. Saginaw Spirit

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025 at 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 7:05 p.m.

Positives:

• Greyhounds fans love travelling to Saginaw thanks to their hospitality.
• Saginaw has built a passionate, knowledgeable fanbase since moving from North Bay more than two decades ago.
• Dow Events Centre is a solid venue with excellent seating.
• There’s four chances to see the Hounds here, including the season finale on March 18.
• Spirit should still be a strong team, especially if either Zayne Parekh or Michael Misa return.

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Negatives:

• Heightened tensions between Canada and the U.S. make some fans wary of travelling and spending money south of the border.
• There aren’t many bars and restaurants in the neighbourhood.

Bottom line: Saginaw offers a welcoming, high-quality experience with multiple visit options and is the closest trip after the Wolves. Concerns about cross-border travel are its only major drawback.

3. Ottawa 67s

Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

Positives:

• As previously mentioned, it’s an early-season road trip.
• Canada’s capital is beautiful in September. The city has an excellent multi-use trail system.
• TD Place Arena is located right on Bank Street’s shopping and dining corridor.
• CRAFT Beer Market, right beside the rink, is a strong option for drinks before or after the game.
• As a bonus idea, stay until Sept. 30 for an affordable Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens pre-season game.

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Negatives:

• A nearly 800-kilometre drive is long, but if you’re already in Kingston or Peterborough before that…
• The 67s lack star power at the moment.
• TD Place’s interior is odd. It has open, bright concourses on three sides, but a cramped, low-ceiling concourse under the football stands. Although it hosted world junior games last year, hockey feels secondary in the aging facility.

Bottom line: It’s a long trip and a flawed rink, but a September weekend in Ottawa makes this a travel destination worth circling.

2. Sudbury Wolves

Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 at 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 at 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 at 7:05 p.m.

Positives: 

• Sudbury Community Arena is one of the OHL’s most storied, barn-like rinks. It also won’t be around too much longer with a new rink planned.
• It’s the closest road trip from Sault Ste. Marie.
• There’s a genuine rivalry atmosphere, and it’s fun to be behind enemy lines.
• Tip: catch the first Rivalry Series game on Oct. 17, which is a Friday, then return to Sault for the second game on Oct. 18.
• Two of three visits fall in October, which is ideal driving weather.
• The rink gets points for having local restaurants next door.

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Negatives: 

• The arena is undeniably lacking in amenities that you’d find virtually anywhere else.
• You’ve probably visited Sudbury quite a few times.

Bottom line: Sudbury is an elite rivalry trip for Greyhounds fans. It’s a short drive to a barn with old-school charm, and the intense atmosphere makes it a must-see despite its minimal amenities.

1. London Knights

Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Positives:

• Canada Life Place is one of the CHL’s very best modern rinks. It’s essentially a miniature NHL arena — modern, spacious, and purpose-built for hockey. All 9,000 seats have excellent sightlines, and most games draw strong attendance and atmosphere.
• There’s plenty of nightlife and restaurants nearby.
• London consistently fields a strong team under the Hunter brothers — watch out if Sam Dickinson plays another year alongside Henry Brzustewicz.
• There’s two options to visit this season.

Negatives:

• The problem with the back-to-back league champions is that there isn’t a problem — which makes them the team everyone loves to hate.
• The rink can feel overly corporate compared to older barns with more small-town feel.

Bottom line: London offers the complete OHL road trip experience — a top-tier arena, lively atmosphere, a strong team, and vibrant downtown amenities make it hard to beat.

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