OHL Seaway Shootout in Cornwall brings Steelheads games back to historic venue
The Ontario Hockey League has announced the Seaway Shootout, a special two-game event that will bring regular season OHL hockey back to the city of Cornwall for the first time in decades.
The Brampton Steelheads will headline the event, facing the Ottawa 67’s on Friday, October 16, 2026, followed by a matchup against the Kingston Frontenacs on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Both games will be held at the Ed Lumley Arena inside the Cornwall Civic Complex.
OHL returns to historic Cornwall venue
OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford said the event represents a meaningful return to a community with deep ties to major junior hockey.
“We are incredibly thrilled to bring OHL hockey back to Cornwall for the Seaway Shootout,” Crawford said. “This is a community with deep, foundational roots in major junior hockey.”
Cornwall was once home to the Cornwall Royals, a storied franchise that captured three Memorial Cup championships in 1972, 1980, and 1981. The Royals later competed in the OHL before relocating, with the franchise eventually becoming the modern-day Sarnia Sting.
The Seaway City ⚓
We’re headed back to the Cornwall Civic Complex next season for two #OHL games!
DETAILS 🗞️: https://t.co/hOy4I6ARJ7@OHLSteelheads | @CHLHockey pic.twitter.com/KAIcRjBNlu
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) April 2, 2026
Steelheads highlight community-focused event
Steelheads President and Owner Elliott Kerr said the team is looking forward to engaging with a new fan base during the event.
“We are very excited to bring Brampton Steelheads hockey to the great city of Cornwall as part of our 2026-2027 season,” Kerr said. “I am sure the Cornwall community… will embrace our Steelheads as their hometown team for this very special OHL hockey experience.”
Weekend schedule includes community events
The Seaway Shootout will feature more than just on-ice competition, with a full slate of community programming planned around the games:
- Friday, October 16: Free public open skate (4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- Friday, October 16: Steelheads vs. Ottawa 67’s (7:00 p.m.)
- Saturday, October 17: Seaway Hockey Day (Benson Centre)
- Saturday, October 17: Steelheads vs. Kingston Frontenacs (7:00 p.m.)
A city with deep hockey roots
Cornwall’s hockey legacy extends beyond championships. The city has produced several Hockey Hall of Fame players, including Dale Hawerchuk and Doug Gilmour, as well as notable figures such as Marc Crawford and former NHL referee Bob Kilger.
Mayor Justin Towndale emphasized the importance of the event for the community.
“The Seaway Shootout will see the return of regular season OHL games in Cornwall for the first time in decades,” Towndale said. “We are excited about this partnership with the OHL and look forward to continuing this renewed relationship.”
Building toward the 2026–27 season
The Seaway Shootout is expected to serve as a marquee early-season event for the 2026–27 OHL campaign, while also reconnecting the league with one of its historic markets.
Ticket information, broadcast details, and additional event programming will be announced at a later date.
Follow GTA Weekly for more OHL Seaway Shootout Cornwall updates and local sports coverage.
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