Last updated: March 23, 2026
The Collingwood Blues are one of the top junior hockey teams in Ontario, and the current playoff series with the Leamington Flyers is the latest test for a program built on winning and community support. The Blues also carry a bigger story: family ownership, loyal fans, a national title in 2024, and back-to-back league championships in 2023 and 2024.
GAME DAY – The Collingwood Blues are back at home tonight, ready to take on the Leamington Flyers in game 3. Puck drops at 7 PM. Series is tied at 1-1. Let’s go Blues!! OJHL Images | Nick Elder #CollingwoodsTeam #PoweredByNutrafarms #drivenbymikejacksonGM
Key Takeaways
- The Collingwood Blues are in the spotlight again during the current playoff battle with Leamington.
- Collingwood finished near the top of the OJHL again in 2025-26, posting a 39-10 record through 54 games and sitting first in its division with 83 points as of late February 2026.[1]
- The Blues won consecutive league championships in 2023 and 2024.[1]
- The 2024 team also captured the Centennial Cup national championship, giving Collingwood a lasting hockey milestone.
- The Steele family ownership story matters because the club has become a true community team, not just a roster on the ice.
- Terry Geddes Blues Nation
- Broadcaster Dale West has helped fans feel close to the action with familiar play-by-play.
- Goaltender Maksim Corovic was named OJHL Top Goaltender for 2025-26.[4]
- Season tickets for 2026-27 are already on sale, a sign of continued interest in Blues hockey.[3]
Tickets are available now through Rafflebox — it’s quick, easy, and secure. Good luck, Blues fans!
https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/toccsgb…
Why are the Collingwood Blues such a big story right now?
The Collingwood Blues are a big story because the playoff series with the Leamington Flyers arrives at a time when the team is already one of the OJHL’s model organizations. Collingwood has combined elite results, strong player development, and visible community support.
The on-ice case is easy to see:
- The Blues were 39-10 through 54 games in late February 2026.[1]
- The club had 237 goals for and 113 against at that point, showing balance at both ends.[1]
- A 16-0 win over the Cobourg Cougars on February 21, 2026 showed just how dangerous the offense can be.[1]
- Recent results also included a 5-2 win over Wellington and a 2-2 overtime tie with Milton, which points to depth and resilience.[1]
Decision rule: Choose the Blues as a team to watch if the goal is a club with both championship history and current momentum. Choose another story if the interest is rebuilding teams rather than contenders.
For local playoff atmosphere, readers can also see coverage of the Collingwood Blues tailgate celebration party at the Legion.
What makes the Collingwood Blues more than just a hockey team?
The Collingwood Blues matter beyond the standings because the club reflects the identity of the town. The organization feels local, visible, and personal in a way that many fan bases want but few fully achieve.
That starts with Dave and Cynthia Steele and family as owners. Their role is often discussed as part of the club’s rise because ownership set a tone: high standards on the ice, but also a real bond with the community. In a junior market, that matters. Families do not just buy tickets. They invest emotion, time, and tradition.
Then there is Terry Geddes Blues Nation. Vice- President, and More!
And above the ice, fans know the sound of Dale West, the play-by-play announcer whose calls help shape the game-day experience. A good local broadcaster does more than describe goals. A good broadcaster becomes part of the memory of winning seasons.
“Small-town hockey feels bigger when the whole community has a voice, from the owners to the fans to the booth.”
Common mistake: Some outsiders think junior hockey success is only about recruiting. In Collingwood, culture around the team has clearly been part of the formula too.
For a local angle on the championship celebration, see why the Centennial Cup win was extra special for Collingwood kids on the roster.
How important was the 2024 Centennial Cup for the Collingwood Blues?
The 2024 Centennial Cup was a defining moment for the Collingwood Blues because it turned a great junior program into a national champion. Winning in Canada at that level gave the franchise a lasting place in the sport’s conversation.
That title meant more because it followed sustained success. The Blues did not come out of nowhere. They had already established themselves as a powerhouse by winning back-to-back OJHL championships in 2023 and 2024.[1]
Why the 2024 team stands out:
- It delivered the top prize in Canadian junior A hockey.
- It gave local players and families a memory that will last for decades.
- It proved the Blues could handle pressure beyond league play.
- It raised the bar for every team that followed.
Anecdotally, national titles often change how a town talks about a team. The Blues became more than “having a good season.” They became a club younger players could dream about joining.
How strong are the Collingwood Blues in 2026?
The Collingwood Blues remain strong in 2026 because the team still combines top-end goaltending, offense, and player advancement. The record and awards support that view.[1][4]
A few key signs stand out:
| Area | What stands out |
|---|---|
| Record | 39-10 through 54 games in late February 2026.[1] |
| Standings | First in division with 83 points.[1] |
| Goaltending | Maksim Corovic named OJHL Top Goaltender for 2025-26.[4] |
| Development | Hayden Martin committed to Bowling Green State University.[4] |
| Leadership | Jordan Selinger joined as Hockey Operations Advisor.[4] |
This matters for different readers:
- Fans want proof the championship standard remains real.
- Players and families want a development path.
- Sponsors and community partners want stability.
Quick example: A team can survive one star scorer leaving, but sustained results usually require structure. Collingwood appears to have that structure.
How do the Collingwood Blues develop players?
The Collingwood Blues develop players by pairing winning hockey with visible advancement opportunities. Junior players and families often look for both, and Collingwood has shown signs of providing that path.[4]
What that looks like:
- NCAA commitments, including Hayden Martin to Bowling Green State University.[4]
- Ongoing roster management during 2025-26, including incoming and outgoing player moves tracked publicly.[1]
- Recognition for graduating players and their families, which shows the club values the full player journey.[7]
A good junior destination is not only for elite scorers. It is also for players who want coaching, exposure, and a stable place to improve.
For broader local sports and recreation context, readers may also like the report on a collaborative multi-use recreation feasibility assessment.
What should fans know before following the Collingwood Blues this season?
Following the Collingwood Blues is straightforward: know the venue, know the playoff stakes, and know that demand is high when the team is rolling. Fans who want the full experience should plan ahead.
Quick checklist for fans
- Check the latest playoff schedule and opponent updates.
- Watch for team news on roster changes and awards.[4][8]
- Buy ahead if possible, especially with strong crowds.
- Consider future access, since 2026-27 season tickets are already on sale.[3]
- Arrive early for the best community atmosphere.
Edge case: Casual fans sometimes wait until the last minute during a playoff run. That can mean fewer ticket options and less time to enjoy the pre-game atmosphere.
Readers looking for more community happenings around town can also explore Sidelaunch Days 2024, the Collingwood Festival for Canada, and Collingwood Live Original summer concerts.
FAQ
What league do the Collingwood Blues play in?
The Collingwood Blues play in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).[1]
Where do the Collingwood Blues play home games?
The Blues play in Collingwood, with home games tied to the local arena experience and community fan culture.[3]
Did the Collingwood Blues win a national title?
Yes. The Blues won the 2024 Centennial Cup, the national championship in junior A hockey.
Did the Collingwood Blues win back-to-back league championships?
Yes. The Blues won consecutive league championships in 2023 and 2024.[1]
How good were the Collingwood Blues in 2025-26?
As of late February 2026, Collingwood had a 39-10 record through 54 games and sat first in its division with 83 points.[1]
Who was a major award winner for the Blues in 2025-26?
Goaltender Maksim Corovic was named OJHL Top Goaltender for the 2025-26 season.[4]
Are Collingwood Blues season tickets available?
Yes. 2026-27 season tickets are on sale through the team.[3]
Why do fans talk about Blue Nation?
Fans talk about Blue Nation because it represents the loud, loyal support culture around the team, led in part by superfan Terry Geddes.
Conclusion
The Collingwood Blues are not just another winning junior hockey team. They are a contender in the present, a champion in recent memory, and a community story shaped by the Steele family, Terry Geddes and Blue Nation, Dale West’s familiar calls, and the unforgettable 2024 Centennial Cup run.
For anyone following the current series with the Leamington Flyers, the next step is simple: watch closely, check the latest team updates, and get to a game if possible. In 2026, the Blues still look like one of the strongest hockey stories in Collingwood and beyond.
References
[1] Collingwood Blues – https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/2112/collingwood-blues
[3] 2026 27 Season Tickets On Sale – http://www.cwoodblues.com/2026-27-season-tickets-on-sale
[4] cwoodblues – http://www.cwoodblues.com
[7] Blues Grad Night 2026 – http://www.cwoodblues.com/blues-grad-night-2026
[8] News – https://collingwoodblues.pointstreaksites.com/view/collingwoodblues/the-official-site-of-the-collingwood-blues/news
