The guys are back from the Christmas break just in time to start breaking down a flurry of trades, and the deals have only just begun with the deadline still 72 hours away. The question is, how many teams in the Western Conference think they can win this year? Dan and Farwell break down what we know so far, what they think might happen, and make a promise to explain everything next week. Plus, the sudden passing of former Commissioner David Branch sends shockwaves around the hockey world. And Farwell has a fancy new hat that's going to put on some miles before it arrives at its final destination.

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We've arrived at the midway mark of the OHL season, and the Ottawa 67's sit atop the standing. No one, and we mean NO ONE saw that coming. Farwell and Dan look at surprises and concerns from the first half, they take a Wraparound straight from the Inbox, and they pay tribute to the "glue guys" (and gals) around this league. Plus, you won't want to miss the first appearance of Danta Claus (TM).

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It's the most wonderful time of the year to be an OHL fan! Unless you're worried about seeing a player you love traded to another team. But if you're hoping your team enters the trade market and strengthens the line-up for the second half, this is the time of year for you. Farwell and Dan look at the teams setting the pace and others that are expected to join the mix. Who might go where is anybody's guess, but this is the season for putting things on your wish list. Plus, we had a little chat with the CHL following last week's episode and we'll give you an update on that. Also, if you're cheering for Team Canada at the World Juniors this Christmas, you have to like your chances, don't you?

The weekly Wraparound is here with a look at every OHL market, you'll hear our picks for Prospect of the Week, and the league's new VP of Hockey Operations joins the show for a chat. The only place you can get all of that is here, so tell a friend!

The OHL Podcast is supported by Draft Kings Sportsbook and is produced in partnership with Rakuten. To listen to the full interview with the OHL's Vice-President of Hockey Operations, James Boyd, click here.

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There was a clear conflict of interest on the Memorial Cup selection committee. Some argue there was even more than one conflict on the committee. And while the fans argue about sour grapes or undeserving hosts, Dan and Mike are trying to tell the real story. Guelph prepared a great bid and deserves every one of the perks that come with hosting the Memorial Cup. But we can't lose sight of the problem that's been unearthed here by some excellent reporting, and that's the problem Dan and Mike are focusing on. In the midst of it all, the Brantford Bulldogs have found a forever home and Max McCue is on the move ... again. Plus, your weekly Wraparound is paying attention to every market and a veteran referee gets a fitting send-off.

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James Boyd has basically done it all. He's played in the OHL, coached, been a general manager, and now he's the league's new Vice-President of Hockey Operations. In this feature interview, we talk to Boyd about what led him to this role, what it will take for the OHL to remain competitive in the new junior hockey landscape, and what a healthy league looks like to him. As a guy who used to complain to the league office, he may already have developed a new appreciation for what it's like on the other side of those phone calls.

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Sarnia's new coach gets his first win in fine fashion, while a hometown player flees the Petes to try his luck in the Soo. Meantime, Farwell and Dan are pulling no punches in building the case for a second part to the Jett Luchanko trade, but they keep hitting road blocks along the way. Learn a little more about your favourite team in the weekly Wraparound, find out why the guys have different perspectives on a recent video review fail, and a listener email prompts the question, 'why can't the Central Division seem to win an OHL championship?' Send your own theories to us via email at ohlpodcast@rogers.com.

A couple of Prospects of the Week round out this week's episode, and if you missed the feature interview with Mathieu Turcotte a few weeks ago, you can check it out here.

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It's been a week of surprises in the OHL, starting with the biggest of them all -- the Guelph Storm will host the 2027 Memorial Cup. And they've already traded away a key asset to start building for next year, but how many expected Jett Luchanko to land with the Brantford Bulldogs? We're only a third of the way into this season and 19 teams might be waving a white flag in Brantford's direction.

Dan and Farwell take a deep dive into all of it, but don't worry, they won't forget your favourite team. The weekly Wraparound is here, plus your Prospects of the Week. And congratulations to recent OHL Podcast guest Mathieu Turcotte for landing the head coaching job in Sarnia! We had a good feeling after interviewing him. ;)

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Coaches are hired to be fired and this week it was Al Letang's turn to be fired. But what next for the Sarnia Sting? Farwell and Dan also have updates on previous stories, and a look at which market -- Guelph or Kitchener -- has the best shot at being named host of the 2027 Memorial Cup. Along with your weekly Wraparound and its look at every OHL team, there's also the big story the league wishes we weren't talking about. But the entire hockey world is talking about "The Slash," so Farwell and Dan weigh in on the length of the looming suspension.

The OHL Podcast is presented by Draft Kings Sportsbook and is produced in partnership with Rakuten.

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