Peterborough Bringing Top Youth Hockey to Town As Host of 2016 OMHA Championships

Peterborough has been named the host of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA)’s 2026 U16 and U18 AAA Championships on March 13 to 15 at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U16 PETERBOROUGH PETES.

These high-level competitions are significant events leading up to the TELUS Cup, which takes place from April 20 to 26 and is also hosted by Peterborough.

Roughly 300 athletes from 16 teams and hundreds of supporters are expected to be drawn to the community.

“Hockey is woven into the fabric of our community, and events like the OMHA Championships remind us why Peterborough has earned its place among Canada’s great hockey cities,” said Peterborough City Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk, Community Services co-chairs. “These Championships celebrate hockey at its highest level of competition, but also it’s a celebration of our local rinks, our volunteers, and the generations of players who have grown up dreaming of moments like this. We’re thrilled to welcome athletes, families, and fans to Peterborough to share this moment.”

According to the City, Peterborough Tourism has been working closely with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association to bring the U16 and U18 AAA championships to the Miskin Law Community Complex. The City says this is the latest sports tourism win for the community, alongside the 2025 Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship, the 2025 Women’s Major Series Lacrosse Championships and the TELUS Cup.

“This weekend will be an unforgettable experience that brings teams and players from across the province in thrilling competition,” said Ian Taylor, OMHA Executive Director. “Good luck to all teams this season and see you soon on the Road to #RedHats in Peterborough.”

This tournament is an important milestone for competitive athletes as Peterborough prepares to host the TELUS Cup. The OMHA U18 AAA champion advances to the Ontario Hockey Federation Tournament, and the winner there earns a spot at the TELUS Cup. U16 AAA champions move on to the OHL Cup.

The TELUS Cup will take place April 20-26, 2026, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre and will see six elite men’s U18 teams from across Canada, including the host Peterborough Minor Petes, making their national championship debut, to compete for the national title.

As the countdown to a spring filled with hockey highlights, the community will be rallying behind the hometown Peterborough Petes and other hockey players while preparing to welcome visitors from across Canada to explore the city.

For updates on tournament schedules, ticket sales, and volunteer opportunities, visit HelloPeterborough.ca or follow Peterborough Tourism on Facebook and Instagram.

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