October 17, 2024
MARKHAM, ON : NHLer Zach Hyman returned to his OJHL roots in 2019, dropping the puck and signing autographs before a game between the Markham Royals and Pickering Panthers at Markham Centennial arena. His father, Stuart Hyman, is governor of the Royals. Zach is one of 33 former OJHL players on NHL rosters this fall. (Ray MacAloney / OJHL Images)
TORONTO – Just over a week into the 2024-25 National Hockey League campaign, you’ll find a solid number of Canadian Junior Hockey League alumni among NHL team rosters.
There are currently 61 former CJHLers appearing in NHL line-ups – led by 33 from the Ontario Junior Hockey League alone.
The ex-CJHLers include 2019-20 CJHL MVP, Top Goaltender and Top Rookie Devon Levi, who starred with the Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL) and is currently a netminder with the Buffalo Sabres.
Other notable alumnus include Colton Paryako, who was a stalwart defenceman with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL) and Zach Hyman, who was a stellar member of the Hamilton Red Wings (OJHL).
Parayko already has 663 NHL games to his credit with the St. Louis Blues, including winning a Stanley Cup in 2019.
Hyman meanwhile was named the CJHL’s Player of the Year in 2011. He’s coming off a 54-goal campaign with the Edmonton Oilers and a run to the Stanley Cup Final.
The Ottawa Senators boast the most CJHL alumni on their roster with six while the Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs sport four apiece.
Also of note, each of the nine CJHL-member leagues have at least one of their previous players competing in the NHL this season.
Click on the following link to view the CJHL alumni currently on NHL rosters:
ABOUT THE CJHL: The Canadian Junior Hockey League is a national organization comprised of nine Junior A leagues from Alberta to the Maritimes. … The CJHL currently represents 118 teams and well over 2,500 players. … There were also 2,500-plus CJHL alumni who furthered their hockey careers at the NHL, AHL, ECHL, SPHL, NCAA, U SPORTS and CHL levels across North America as well as in leagues across Europe during the 2023-24 campaign. … For the latest CJHL news and features, visit cjhlhockey.com and follow-on social media at @cjhlhockey via X & Instagram.
