As the League of Choice, the Ontario Junior Hockey League provides multiple avenues for players to pursue their long-term careers. The most popular route is collegiate sports, as reflected by the Markham Royals commitments list in recent years, but many of our young athletes will also consider Major Junior as an option. The Royals organization has its own history with players coming from or graduating to the Major Junior ranks – often on their way to elite-level professional or minor-professional careers.
Markham Royals Major Junior Alumni
Several recent Royals members have played in the OHL, including:
| Player | Years In CHL | First Major Junior team |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Lalkin | 2021-22 | Sarnia Sting (OHL) |
| Jonah De Simone | 2018-22 | Niagara IceDogs (OHL) |
| Orlando (Orie) Mainolfi | 2019-21 | Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) |
Hamilton Red Wings Major Junior Alumni
The organization also boasts nearly forty Major Junior alumni from its time in the OJHL in Hamilton!
| Player | Years In CHL | First Major Junior Team |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Bishop | 2014-15 | Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) |
| Cristiano DiGiacinto | 2013-14 | Windsor Spitfires (OHL) |
| Sam Berg | 2012-13 | Niagara IceDogs (OHL) |
| Kegan Blasby | 2012-13 | Kitchener Rangers (OHL) |
| Jake Patterson | 2010-11 | London Knights (OHL) |
| Tyler Gaudet | 2010-11 | Soo Greyhounds (OHL) |
| Noah Schwartz | 2008-10 | London Knights (OHL) |
| Vlad Bessenov | 2009-10 | Niagara IceDogs (OHL) |
| Josh McQuade | 2009-10 | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) |
| Kyle Steckley | 2008-09 | Niagara IceDogs (OHL) |
| Myles Micallef | 2007-08 | Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) |
| Andrew Randazzo | 2007-08 | Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) |
| Zac Rinaldo | 2006-07 | Barrie Colts (OHL) |
| Kyle Jukosky | 2004-06 | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) |
| Tony Iaquinto | 2004-06 | Guelph Storm (OHL) |
| Collin Carwardine | 2004-05 | Windsor Spitfires (OHL) |
| Nick Pageau | 2004-05 | Belleville Bulls (OHL) |
| Kory Helowka | 2004-05 | Sarnia Sting (OHL) |
| Jeff Grenier | 2003-04 | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) |
| Nathan Hooper | 2002-03 | Mississauga IceDogs (OHL) |
| David Shantz | 2001-02 | Peterborough Petes (OHL) |
| Drew Petkoff | 2001-02 | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) |
| Rick Arnaldo | 2001-02 | Sarnia Sting (OHL) |
| Victor Spadafora | 1999-01 | Hull Olympiques (QMJHL) |
| Chase Trull | 2000-01 | Erie Otters (OHL) |
| Kyle Schutte | 2000-01 | Val-d’Or Foreurs (QMJHL) |
| Brian Hamm | 2000-01 | Erie Otters (OHL) |
| Joe Groleau | 2000-01 | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) |
| Paul Schonfelder | 1999-00 | Sudbury Wolves (OHL) |
| Aaron Coles | 1997-98 | Windsor Spitfires (OHL) |
| Adam Fleming | 1994-97 | Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) |
| Chris Stevenson | 1993-97 | Niagara Falls Thunder (OHL) |
| Chad Spurr | 1995-96 | Soo Greyhounds (OHL) |
| Randy Austin | 1995-96 | Barrie Colts (OHL) |
| Troy Smith | 1994-95 | Plymouth Whalers (OHL) |
| Justin Davis | 1993-94 | Ottawa 67’s (OHL) |
| Tom Brown | 1993-94 | Sudbury Wolves (OHL) |
| Rich Vrataric | 1993-94 | North Bay Centennials (OHL) |
