Summer has just begun, but the Ontario Hockey League never rests.
The regular season schedule was released in June. Monday the league noted some special dates to remember.
Season opener
The season begins on Thursday, September 28 with the Barrie Colts hosting the North Bay Battalion.
Also on opening day, the 2023 OHL champion Peterborough Petes will raise their OHL Championship banner before taking on the Kingston Frontenacs.
Local home openers
The London Knights will play their first game of the season at Budweiser Gardens on Friday, September 29 against the Niagara IceDogs.
The Sarnia Sting also start their season at home on Sept. 29. They host the Windsor Spitfires.
Windsor will host the Guelph Storm at the WFCU Centre on Saturday, September 30.
Brantford's return
OHL hockey will return to Brantford ice for the first time in nearly 40 years.
The Hamilton Bulldogs move to the Brantford Civic Centre, rebranded as the Brantford Bulldogs, as part of a three-year agreement with the city so the Hamilton arena can get a major renovation.
Opening night in their new home will be on Saturday, October 7 against the Oshawa Generals.
Thanksgiving
Windsor fans can be thankful for hockey on Monday, October 9. The Spitfires host the Soo Greyhounds for a 2 p.m. matinee on Thanksgiving.
The rematch
The London Knights will meet the Peterborough Petes for the first time since the 2023 OHL Championship Series on Saturday, October 12.
New Years Eve
The schedule to close out the year is jam-packed. Sixteen teams will face off on the last day of 2023.
The Windsor Spitfires host the Sarnia Sting at 2:05 p.m. in a matinee matchup.
A little later in the afternoon (4 p.m.), the Flint Firebirds visit the London Knights.
Family Day
Family Day will see nine different games.
The Knights and Spitfires will battle in London.
Sarnia will host the Soo Greyhounds.
Season end
The 2023-24 OHL season ends on Sunday, March 24.
London will be one of five teams to host a game on the final day of the regular season. The Knights will face the Guelph Storm.
Post-season
There will be 680 games leading up to the 2024 OHL playoffs.
The Memorial Cup will be hosted by an American-based OHL team for the first time ever. The Saginaw Spirit will host the championship tournament from May 24 to June 2.