Learn More About Canada - Ontario Hockey League (Hockey)

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is one of the three major junior ice hockey leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), alongside the Western Hockey League (WHL) and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The OHL is a premier developmental league for young hockey players (typically aged 16–20) aspiring to play in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Structure of the League

• Teams: The OHL consists of 20 teams based in Ontario, Canada, and some U.S. locations.
• Divisions: The teams are divided into two conferences (Eastern and Western), which are further split into divisions.
• Regular Season: Teams play a 68-game schedule, competing for the best standings.
• Playoffs: The top 16 teams qualify for the OHL Playoffs, which are structured in a best-of-seven format.
• Championship: The winner of the OHL Championship (J. Ross Robertson Cup) qualifies for the Memorial Cup, competing against the WHL and QMJHL champions.

Notable Aspects of the OHL

• NHL Development: Many top NHL players, including Connor McDavid, John Tavares, and Steven Stamkos, developed their skills in the OHL.
• Draft System: Players are drafted through the OHL Priority Selection, and top talents often advance to the NHL through the NHL Entry Draft.
• Style of Play: The OHL features high-scoring games, focusing on offensive skills and speed, making it an exciting league for fans and bettors.

How to Bet on the OHL

Betting on the Ontario Hockey League involves multiple betting markets, strategies, and factors that need to be considered.

1. Types of Bets in the OHL

✅ Moneyline Bets

• The simplest form of betting where you wager on which team will win the game.
• Example: If the London Knights are playing against the Kitchener Rangers, a moneyline bet would be:
  • London Knights (-150) → Favored team (must bet $150 to win $100)
  • Kitchener Rangers (+130) → Underdog (a $100 bet wins $130)

✅ Puck Line (Spread Betting)

• A handicap is applied to even out the matchup. Usually, the favorite has to win by more than 1.5 goals (-1.5), while the underdog needs to lose by only 1 goal or win outright (+1.5).
• Example: Ottawa 67’s -1.5 (+120) vs. Windsor Spitfires +1.5 (-140)
  • A bet on Ottawa -1.5 wins only if they win by 2+ goals.
  • A bet on Windsor +1.5 wins if they lose by 1 goal or win outright.

✅ Over/Under (Total Goals)

• You bet on whether the total goals scored in a game will be OVER or UNDER a set number.
• Example: If the Over/Under line is set at 6.5, you can bet:
  • Over 6.5 (if 7+ goals are scored, you win).
  • Under 6.5 (if 6 or fewer goals are scored, you win).

✅ Parlays

• Combining multiple bets into one ticket for higher payouts.
• Example: Betting on Barrie Colts to win, Over 6.5 goals in another game, and Owen Sound Attack -1.5 in a single bet. All must win for a payout.

✅ Player Props (Limited Availability in OHL)

• Some sportsbooks allow betting on individual player performances, such as:
  • Total Points (Goals + Assists) – Will Player X score over or under 1.5 points?
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Will Player X score at least one goal in the game?

✅ Futures Betting

• Long-term bets, such as:
  • OHL Championship Winner (betting on which team will win the J. Ross Robertson Cup).
  • Top Goal Scorer (which player will score the most goals in a season).
  • Memorial Cup Winner (betting on an OHL team to win the CHL championship).

2. Betting Strategies for OHL

🔹 Research Team Form and Standings

• Check a team's recent performance, injuries, and home/away records before betting.

🔹 Analyze Goaltenders

• Goaltending is crucial in the OHL, where defensive skills are still developing. A hot goalie can steal games, making under bets and upsets more likely.

🔹 Watch for Line Movements

• Sharp bettors track odds movements. If a team’s odds suddenly change, it might indicate injury news or heavy betting from professionals.

🔹 Look at Head-to-Head Matchups

• Some teams dominate certain opponents due to playing styles, past performances, or coaching strategies.

🔹 Consider Game Scheduling

• Fatigue plays a role in junior hockey. Teams playing back-to-back nights or on long road trips might struggle.

🔹 Focus on Home Ice Advantage

• The OHL has a significant home-ice advantage, as junior players often perform better in front of home crowds.

3. Where to Bet on the OHL

Betting on the OHL is available through:

• Legal Online Sportsbooks
• Casino Sportsbooks
• Local Betting Shops
• Private Betting Markets (Fantasy & Pools)

Make sure to bet legally and check your local gambling laws before placing wagers.

Final Thoughts

The OHL is an exciting and unpredictable league, making it a great option for betting. By understanding the teams, players, and betting markets, you can develop a solid strategy and increase your chances of winning bets. Always remember to bet responsibly and never wager more than you can afford to lose.