Senior Hockey Returns to Talbot Gardens: Simcoe Gunners Set to Apply for 2026 OEHL Season
Senior Hockey Returns to Talbot Gardens: Simcoe Gunners Set to Apply for 2026 OEHL Season
For the first time in 25 years, Saturday nights in Simcoe will soon have a familiar buzz again: sticks tapping the ice, fans filling Talbot Gardens, and the hometown name echoing through the rink. The Simcoe Gunners are hoping to be back — with plans to apply for entry into the Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL) for the 2026 season.
If approved, the return will mark a huge moment for Simcoe hockey fans and local players who’ve long dreamed of cheering — and playing — for their hometown again.
A Name with Deep Roots
The Gunners name carries decades of history in Simcoe, dating back to 1951. Over the years, the club represented the town proudly at both the junior and senior levels, with Talbot Gardens as their home base. But since the team’s departure more than two decades ago, local hockey fans have been waiting for something to bring that community spirit back.
That wait is almost over.
The new Gunners group, led by Gary Lazou, is building toward a 2026 debut season, hoping to join the Ontario Elite Hockey League — a senior-level circuit under the Ontario Hockey Association that’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting leagues in Ontario.
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About the League: What Is the OEHL?
The Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL) was launched in 2023 to preserve and grow senior-level hockey across the province. It’s a competitive league made up of teams featuring former junior, college, and pro players who still have a passion for the game. The league has expanded rapidly, adding new communities and rekindling old rivalries across Southern Ontario.
Once accepted, the Simcoe Gunners will play against nearby rivals including Tillsonburg, Delhi, and Dunnville, bringing fast, physical, and high-caliber hockey back to Norfolk County.
Saturday Nights at Talbot Gardens
The Gunners’ return isn’t just about the game — it’s about bringing back the Saturday-night tradition. All home games will be played Saturday evenings at Talbot Gardens, turning each weekend into an event.
Team president and GM Gary Lazou, along with his group, are determined to make every game night special. Fans can expect tailgate parties, a Blue Line Club, and in-game entertainment designed to make Talbot Gardens the place to be on a Saturday night.
For Lazou, it’s about more than just hockey — it’s about giving local players and fans a reason to come together again. “We want the rink packed, the music playing, and the town buzzing. It’s time for Simcoe to have something exciting on a Saturday night again.”
Building from the Ground Up
The Gunners have not announced players yet, but early interest from local talent has been strong. Many players who grew up in the area — but had to leave town to play minor or junior hockey in places like Brantford — are eager for a chance to wear the Simcoe crest in front of family and friends.
The team plans to ice a fast, physical, and hard-working lineup, built on hometown pride and community connection.
Community First: How to Get Involved
The Simcoe Gunners are inviting fans, families, and businesses to be part of the comeback story:
Sponsorships: Businesses interested in supporting the team can reach out to Jim Cochrane at [email protected] for partnership opportunities.
Follow & Tickets: Follow @Simcoe_Gunners on Instagram for player announcements, merchandise, and season ticket information as it becomes available.
Volunteer Opportunities: There will be plenty of chances to help on game days — from tailgate hosts to anthem singers to community groups.
Stay Updated: Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at www.hometownsportsnetwork.ca for the latest team news, events, and announcements as Simcoe prepares for its return to the ice.
More Than Just Hockey
Talbot Gardens has always been more than a rink — it’s where memories are made. For the players, it’s a chance to skate in front of their hometown again. For fans, it’s the return of Saturday nights filled with community spirit, laughter, and competition.
As Simcoe prepares to bring senior hockey back home, one thing’s for sure: when the Gunners hit the ice, it won’t just be about hockey — it’ll be about bringing the town together again.
