The league will formalize the relationship between some of the top hockey programs in Ohio that regularly end up competing against each other during the regular course of a given hockey season.

"We all see each other throughout the season at different tournaments and showcases and now the fact that we can all compete for a regular season title and league playoff championship makes these matchups that much more interesting," said Gerow.

The format of league play will require all schools to play one another once during the season. Upon completion of league play, teams will be seeded prior to a championship tournament.

Gerow said the league tournament will provide a three-game guarantee so in total league members will play 10 games amongst each other.

"Each team in the league has certain tournaments and showcases they like to participate in throughout the season so this allows for a lot of flexibility for teams in the future to play in both the new league but also in those events that they enjoy going to."

The GOHL plans to hold their league tournament following MLK Weekend with hosting duties rotating between the three regions represented in the eight-team circuit: Cleveland, Toledo and Columbus.

The inaugural tournament will take place in the Cleveland area – specifically Brooklyn Recreation Center, home of one of the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s four

regional tournaments.

In addition to participating in the GOHL, Liberty and Upper Arlington will continue their membership in the Capital Hockey Conference (CHC) and compete for the Blue Jackets Cup as well as the GOHL championship.

According to league source Keith Instone, the same goes for St. Francis de Sales and St. John’s Jesuit in the Northwest Hockey Conference (NHC).

Things will be a little more complicated in the Great Lakes Hockey League – current home to University School and Gilmour Academy – as Gerow indicated that US will exit the GLHL after the upcoming season.

According to Gilmour Academy Varsity A head coach John Malloy, the Lancers will wait to see how this season plays out before making a long-term decision on league membership.

“No decision has been made as to after this season,” Malloy said. “As we get more information about how the GOHL and the GLHL will look, and how their playoffs will look, we will then make a decision.”

Kevin Leigh, athletic director at Padua Franciscan, serves as the commissioner of the GLHL.

“We are moving forward with six teams this season with the return of Holy Name,” said Leigh. “and the GLHL is exploring options for new members in 2024-25.”

If US and Gilmour were both to leave, the GLHL would be left with four teams absent any expansion.

After operating as independents in recent years, St. Edward and Saint Ignatius will have the opportunity to renew their Ancient Rivalry in league play.

"Being asked to join a league with arguably some of the best talent in the state was an easy decision to join," said St. Edward head coach Tim Sullivan. "We went independent last year and there really is something to be said for playing with two points on the line. We look forward to feeling that again."

The league will begin varsity play during the upcoming 2023-24 season. Varsity B/JV teams will play during the upcoming season, but due to timing, a full schedule is not assured.

--- Scott Harrington for Ohio Hockey Digest

Jim Smith contributed to this article. Follow Jim on Twitter at @bluelinenotes