The Allan Cup Hockey League (ACH), in partnership with the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), is proud to announce the return of a storied franchise—the Cambridge Hornets. The Hornets will rejoin the league beginning in the 2025-26 season, reigniting one of the most iconic teams in Ontario’s hockey history
CAMBRIDGE, ON – the Hornets, whose legacy dates back to 1960, have captured multiple Allan Cup titles and have long been a symbol of excellence in Canadian senior hockey. Their homecoming marks a major milestone for both the community and the league, as fans will once again be able to cheer on their team at Galt Arena Gardens, one of the oldest continually operating hockey arenas in the world.
“We are extremely excited to have the Cambridge Hornets as our newest partner to be joining the Allan Cup Hockey League starting in the 2025-26 season,” said ACH Commissioner Rick Richardson. “The Hornets have a great history in competing for the Allan Cup, including the tradition of playing in their home rink, the Galt Gardens.”
Rob McIntosh, Co-Owner and Team President of the Cambridge Hornets, shared his excitement about building on that legacy:
“Our ownership group has enjoyed a fantastic first year in Cambridge with the Redhawks and we are excited to bring back the Cambridge Hornets to the city. We love how involved the community is in support of their teams, and there is a long history of support for the Cambridge Hornets. That history is on full display all throughout the Galt Arena Gardens and we can’t wait to add to that moving forward with both the Redhawks and the Hornets”
The Hornets’ return is a major step in the ACH’s long-term vision to grow senior AAA hockey in Ontario with community-driven teams in historic hockey towns. The Ontario Hockey Association also expressed its support for the Hornets’ return and the value it brings to the league and the city.
“The Ontario Hockey Association recognizes the ACH as the top SR AAA League in Canada and is very excited to welcome the Cambridge Hornets back into Senior Hockey for the 2025-26 season, the Cambridge Hornets an Allan Cup Championship Team in 1983 brings excitement back into the city.” Said Mark Tuck, Executive Director for the OHA
With preparations already underway, the Hornets’ return will bring renewed energy to Galt Arena Gardens and offer fans a chance to reconnect with a beloved team. It’s more than just a comeback—it’s the next chapter in a proud hockey tradition.
About the Ontario Hockey Association
The Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) was founded on November 27, 1890, and is the governing body for the majority of Junior and Senior hockey in the Province of Ontario. The OHA is a Member Partner of the Ontario Hockey Federation which is one of thirteen Provincial and Regional Branches of Hockey Canada.
It is comprised of three Junior hockey leagues and two Senior hockey leagues: Junior A – Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior B – Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior C – Provincial Junior Hockey League, Senior –Allan Cup Hockey (AAA) and Ontario Elite Hockey League(AA). For the 2024-25 season, these five leagues encompass 125 teams.
The objectives of the OHA are to foster and encourage the sport of amateur hockey, to conduct competition in the various categories established, to determine teams for entry into the inter-branch competitions that may be provided by Hockey Canada, and to provide for the affiliation of other hockey organizations.
The OHA provides administrative resources, coordinates programs, services and events for hockey participants and provides support to various Development Programs for coaches, officials, trainers and players, Safety and Risk Management Issues and offers resources for Harassment and Abuse education.
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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Chris McCleary
General Manager, Operations & Marketing
Ontario Hockey Association
