Want To Be A Royal?
The Royals are always looking for the next generation of roster players and affiliate players to join our program. We’re in constant pursuit of competitive, hard-working, intelligent players who can leverage their skill sets while still contributing to a team-first environment. We look for players who don’t just display their positive qualities on the ice, but are also diligent, respectful, and driven off of the ice.
It is our goal and ambition to not just align with players capable of meeting those standards, but to provide the best opportunities for players to meet and exceed them, and do our part to put our young athletes in the best position to succeed at this level and beyond.
There are opportunities throughout every year to show us that you meet those standards. Currently, the next opportunity is our 2025/26 Rookie Camp, currently planned for late spring of 2025.
Why the OJHL?
The Ontario Junior Hockey League prides itself on being the “League of Choice”, as it affords players a level of flexiblity in their journey that others cannot offer. Players still in the minor hockey system can get their first tastes of junior hockey as affiliate players. First-time roster players in the CJHL umbrella can pick their starting team.
Most importantly, playing in the OJHL doesn’t close any doors in the development ladder. Starting your journey in the OJHL allows you the opportunity to pursue either Major Junior or Collegiate Hockey, with a significant roster of graduates to both pathways over the years. With dozens of Division I and Division III NCAA programs within 700km of the GTA, where most of our teams play, schools are constantly looking to the OJHL for their next generation of talent. For those who no longer have NCAA eligibility due to Major Junior experience, or would just like to stay closer to home USPORTS programs are also a common pathway for our graduating players.
OJHL teams also tend to be a little younger than their Major Junior counterparts, giving players early in their junior careers more opportunity to grow their games and develop as individuals.
Why the Royals?
Among the many reasons to join the Markham Royals organization include:
- Tradition of Graduation – Across the extended history of the Royals organization, over 200 players have received NCAA or USPORTS commitments, along with dozens of players who have opted for Major Junior hockey. Many of our players have gone on to play at minor-professional or elite professional levels, including active six players with ties to our franchise history in the NHL today.
- Top-Level Facilities – The Royals play at Markham Centennial Centre, as the primary tenants in one of Junior A hockey’s best arenas. The 2200-seat rink is tailored to the players and to the fans, has a pro-quality dressing room, and all sorts of resources for our players.
- Experienced Staff – Our Markham Royals staff has deep roots in the game and in Junior Hockey specifically. Players will be developed by a coaching staff with both extensive coaching resumes and a bevy of their own playing experience, and will be supported by a robust management, equipment staff, medical staff, and administrative staff that will ensure they are fully supported.
- Consistently Competitive – The Royals have consistently been in the mix during our time in Markham, qualifying for the playoffs in six of eight seasons and in the era of divisional formatting, winning the North Division three times in six years. While we are always looking to develop, are never complacent, and are tireless in our pursuit of Buckland Cup and Centennial Cup success.
- Fantastic Amenities – Royals players are well taken care of. Equipment and maintenance is provided, as our access to medical resources. The team travels by charter bus to long-distance games with meals provided. Players from outside of the region can apply to our billet program.
- High Visibility – For those looking to make the next step, the Royals are a perfect venue to get noticed. Our consistent status as a competitive team keeps eyeballs on us throughout the season, and our reputation for developing collegiate and professional players attracts no shortage of scouts and staff at the next levels. Being in Markham makes us easy-to-access for those near the GTHA, as we’re just a short drive from Toronto proper while also being in close proximity to York and Durham regions. Playing in the Eastern Conference means that a significant amount of our schedule is played in Markham or Toronto, or in significant Junior A markets.