Junior hockey preseason competition

During the 2026 preseason, several junior hockey teams secured victories in exhibition play. On September 2, the Sudbury Wolves defeated the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 3-2 in a QMJHL matchup, while the Guelph Storm and Owen Sound Attack also won their respective games.

By September 6, the Sudbury Wolves continued their preseason campaign in the OHL. After a 4-2 loss to the Soo Greyhounds, the Wolves secured a 6-2 victory over the North Bay Battalion, led by two goals from JC Lemieux and goaltender Paolo Frasca. This win improved the Wolves’ exhibition record to 3-1.

Other Ontario junior hockey developments on September 6 included the Sarnia Sting remaining winless following a 6-4 loss to the Flint Firebirds; the Sting are set to conclude their preseason against the London Knights. Amidst the team’s preseason struggles, Sting captain Alessandro Di Iorio is preparing for NHL opportunities. Following a summer that included the IIHF under-18 world championship and the NHL draft combine, Di Iorio, a third-round selection by the Columbus Blue Jackets, is set to participate in the NHL Prospect Tournament in Detroit.

In the NOJHL, the Timmins Rock finished an unbeaten exhibition campaign, sweeping a weekend home-and-home series with wins of 3-2 and 6-4 against the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners.