Central Division (OHL)

The OHL's Central Division is one of four divisions in the league, and one of two divisions in the Eastern Conference. The division was created in 1994 as the OHL underwent a realignment from two divisions to three, and originally had five teams, the Guelph Storm, Kitchener Rangers, Niagara Falls Thunder, Owen Sound Platers and Sudbury Wolves. The Sudbury Wolves are the only team from the original Central Division to have remained in the division since it was created in 1994.

History

In 1995, the expansion team Barrie Colts joined the Central Division, bringing the total number of teams up to six.

In 1996, the Niagara Falls Thunder relocated and became the Erie Otters, as they remained in the division and became the lone American based team in the Central.

In 1997, the Erie Otters were moved to the West Division, as the North Bay Centennials moved to the Central Division from the East Division. A new expansion team, the Toronto St. Michael's Majors, was placed in the East Division.

In 1998, the OHL underwent a major realignment, as a fourth division, the Midwest Division, was created. The Guelph Storm, Kitchener Rangers and Owen Sound Platers all moved into the newly created Midwest Division, as the Toronto St. Michael's Majors moved to the Central Division from the East Division. An expansion team, the Mississauga IceDogs, also joined the Central Division, joining the Barrie Colts, North Bay Centennials and Sudbury Wolves in the division. The Central Division also became one of two teams, joining the East Division to make up the Eastern Conference.

In 2002, the North Bay Centennials relocated and became the Saginaw Spirit, and were moved into the West Division. The Brampton Battalion moved into the Central Division from the Midwest Division.

In 2007, the Mississauga IceDogs relocated and became the Niagara IceDogs, however, they remained in the Central Division. At the same time, the Toronto St. Michael's Majors relocated and became the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors, and also stayed put in the Central Division.

In 2012, the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors changed their team name and became the Mississauga Steelheads.

In 2013, the Brampton Battalion relocated to North Bay and became the North Bay Battalion.

Current teams

• Barrie Colts (1995-pres)
• Mississauga Steelheads (2012-pres)
• Niagara IceDogs (2007-pres)
• North Bay Battalion (2013-pres)
• Sudbury Wolves (1994-pres)

Former teams

• Niagara Falls Thunder (1994–1996)
• Guelph Storm (1994–1998)
• Kitchener Rangers (1994–1998)
• Owen Sound Platers (1994–1998)
• Erie Otters (1996–1997)
• North Bay Centennials (1997–2002)
• Mississauga IceDogs (1998–2007)
• Toronto St. Michael's Majors (1998–2007)
• Mississauga St. Michael's Majors (2007-2012)
• Brampton Battalion (2002-2013)

Central Division titles won by team

J. Ross Robertson Cup Champions from the Central Division

• Guelph Storm - 1998
• Barrie Colts - 2000

See also

• East Division
• Midwest Division
• West Division