Cobourg Cougars send six to Zach Hyman OJHL Prospects Series showcase
By sports correspondent Alan Rivett
The Cobourg Cougars will be well represented at the 2026 Zach Hyman OJHL Prospects Series showcasing some of the league’s most promising young talent, with two of the games hosted at the Cobourg Community Centre next month.
According to an Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) press release, the series will feature many of the OJHL’s top 16- and 17-year-old players, bringing together an impressive group of young prospects, including numerous Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft selections and players with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) commitments.
Five Cougars will play on the East Conference’s Team White, including Jayson Synnott, Daniel Tout, Isaac Tracze, Garrett Jones, and Jesse Bruce. Another Cougars’ player – goaltender Max Grovestine – will play on East Conference’s Team Red. Team White will suit up against Team Orange at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at noon.
Meanwhile, Grovestine and his Team Red squad will play Team White at the Cobourg Community Centre on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 12:30 p.m. A game between Team Red and Team Orange will also be played at the CCC on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
For Cougars’ head coach Derek Smith – who coached in the event last year – the prospect series games represent an excellent opportunity for players to compete against other league players of their own age in front of OHL and NCAA representatives.
“Yeah, it’s exciting. I mean, I was part of it last year,” said Smith. “We had some guys on the team (who) had some success, and you know, it’s good for them to get in front of OHL teams, their drafted teams or others (who) are looking, you know, at some younger guys.
“And it’s good for them to play against guys their own age … to compete against guys (born in) 2009 (and) 2010 is exciting, and it gives them an opportunity to play in some situations that they wouldn’t every night – power play, special teams. It’s a cool experience, and it’s something the league’s done very well with.”
Right winger Isaac Tracze, drafted by the North Bay Battalion in 2025, said he was initially excited to be named to the prospects’ game and representing the Cougars, but now it’s all business to perform as well as he can.
“Just go out there, give it my all, work hard, just win,” said the Belleville resident, who’s in his first season of junior hockey after playing his minor hockey within the Quinte Red Devils AAA organization.
So far this season, the six-foot, 183-pound forward has scored three goals in 11 games with the Cougars.
Tracze noted the junior game is much faster and more physical than playing at the AAA level, but he’s adjusting to the speed and the physicality while also enjoying the experience.
“It’s been so far so good. I’m having fun. It’s a lot faster than minor hockey, and it’s a lot harder,” he noted.
In the OJHL release, it states the 2026 event will feature six teams, with three representing the East Conference and three representing the West Conference. Each roster has been assembled to highlight emerging talent from across the league and provide players with an opportunity to compete against their peers in a high-level environment.
The series continues to build on the success of its inaugural season, which featured 90 OHL draft selections and saw numerous participants advance to play on OHL rosters.
“The Zach Hyman OJHL Prospects Series is an incredible opportunity to showcase the next generation of talent coming through our league,” said Chris Vanstone, OJHL vice-president of Hockey Operations. “With so many OHL-drafted players and promising young prospects participating, this series gives players a chance to compete at a high level, gain valuable exposure and take another important step in their development.
“It’s a great example of our commitment to preparing players for the next level.”
The 2026 Zach Hyman OJHL Prospects Series championship game is anticipated to take place in early January 2027 at the TD Civic Centre in Brantford, home of the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs.
The official date and puck-drop time will be announced once finalized.
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