Anthony Romani – North Bay Battalion – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Anthony Romani of the North Bay Battalion. Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
6’1”184July 12, 2005RWR41st 202170th N.A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2019-2020GTHL U15Toronto Jr Canadiens32281341
2021-2022OHLNorth Bay548614
2022-2023OHLNorth Bay66232043
2023-2024OHLNorth Bay685853111

I don’t usually go into detail on draft re-entries, but Anthony Romani is an exception. One year ago, I had him ranked him 31st among OHL skaters—potentially too low. Now, after a strong season, he may require a higher pick. Not selecting Romani last year was a missed opportunity.

Though Romani lacks the flashy skills that often captivate fans, his consistent playmaking and scoring touch make him a dominant force. With a league-leading 58 goals and second with 111 points this season, Romani’s understated brilliance has put him in contention for the Red Tilson Award as the league’s most outstanding player.

Despite lacking above-average skating and physical abilities, Romani demonstrates elite hockey sense that few can match. His ability to evade coverage and get open for passes to unleash his much-improved shot is exceptional. While his stats portray him primarily as a goal scorer, he also makes plays from the wing, showcasing very good vision and a knack for finding teammates in scoring positions.

Though Romani’s offensive play has improved significantly, there are two areas where I did not see as much progress as I had hoped. First, Romani could use his size more effectively with a more physical style of play. While he still needs to fill out his frame, I believe he has the potential to be a bigger force if he adds more physicality to his game. Secondly, while his defensive skills are not terrible, I expected his defensive awareness to be further along given his high hockey IQ. With more focus on a physical presence and defensive fundamentals, Romani can take his game to the next level.

AJ Spellacy – Windsor Spitfires – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
AJ Spellacy of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
6’3”195Feb 24, 2006CR62nd 202272nd N.A.USA
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022EHL U15Cleveland Barons156511
2022-2023OHLWindsor Spitfires4771017
2023-2024Hlinka GretzkyUSA5011
2023-2024OHLWindsor Spitfires67211738

It really was a mixed bag of a season for Windsor Spitfires Center AJ Spellacy. It was a tough start to the season for him (and the Spitfires). He went pointless in his first 11 games of the season and then had a cold stretch of 5 games coming back from the holiday break. If you can ignore those 16 games, then Spellacy had an incredibly consistent season.  

Spellacy demonstrated offensive talent in his rookie season before a knee injury sidelined him for the last 20 games. The big-bodied center, who chose hockey over football, is an agile skater with impressive speed for his size. Tenacious and relentless, he can play rugged physical game.

The three-zone play of Spellacy has steadily improved. Although his offensive skills may not translate well at the next level, he still has the potential for a solid career as a bottom-six player who is reliable defensively and can chip in offensively.

Spellacy plays an energetic, direct style as a skilled player, but I have concerns about his offensive abilities: he seems to lack the vision to create plays for teammates, yet also does not have the shot to consistently convert goals himself.

Owen Protz – Brantford Bulldogs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Owen Protz of the Brantford Bulldogs. Photo by OHL Images.
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
6’2”207Feb 7, 2006DL86th 2022100th N. A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022HEO U18Ottawa Jr Canadians326814
2022-2023CCHLOttawa Jr Senators4931518
2022-2023OHLSudbury Wolves1000
2023-2024OHLSudbury Wolves36167
2023-2024OHLBrantford Bulldogs3021012

During the first half of the season, Owen Protz’s lack of offensive production raised questions about his offensive upside. But after a midseason trade to the Brantford Bulldogs, where his output increased by 71.4%, it seemed there was untapped potential. The key difference post-trade was opportunity – with the Sudbury Wolves he had limited ice time, but with the Bulldogs he earned top-4 minutes. Now the question becomes “is there more?”

Protz stands at 6’2″ and 207 pounds, so his sturdy frame requires little additional filling out. He leverages his size and strength to play a physical game. In the defensive zone, he keeps gaps tight and forces opponents to the outside with his skating. Along the boards and in front of the net, he uses his strength to make life difficult for the opposition. Quick to pucks, he can ignite the breakout with his excellent vision and passing skills.

The most intriguing aspect of his offense, beyond his skating and awareness that allow him to join the rush, is his multifaceted shot. He has a heavy shot that he can get through to the net, but he seems to use it primarily to generate deflections and second-chance opportunities rather than directly score goals himself.

Time will reveal whether Protz’s qualities that caught NHL Central Scouting’s attention and led to his sharp rise in the draft rankings will prove justified. Clearly, they’ve caught my attention.

GENERALS’ OSTER EARNS JIM RUTHERFORD TROPHY AS OHL GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the 2023-24 recipient of the Jim Rutherford Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year.

Oster excelled for the Generals under a big workload, leading the OHL with 35 wins while setting a new club mark with 3,569 minutes played in a single season. Oster appeared in 60 of the Generals’ 68 regular season games, posting a 2.82 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and three shutouts.

“Obviously it’s a very big honour and something that wouldn’t be possible without the guys in front of me and the coaching staff helping me,” said Oster of the award. “This whole season has been a great ride and I’m proud to be surrounded by such an amazing organization to get to this point.”

Oster’s 35 wins are the third-highest single season total in team history and the most since Ken Appleby won 38 in 2014-15. His 60 games played equal the club mark set by Peter Sidorkiewicz in 1982-83. Oster finished his season out strong, winning his final 11 consecutive starts. He’s the second goaltender in Oshawa Generals history to win the award, and the first to do so since Mike Fountain in 1991-92.

“This is a fantastic achievement for Jacob,” said Generals Vice President and General Manager Roger Hunt. “Let’s face it, a team rides their hot goalie and we did that with Jacob.  Goaltending Coach Mike Parson along with Noah Bender would certainly share in this success of Jacob and our team. Mike’s technical expertise and Noah continuing to put pressure on Jacob to be at his best was a great formula.”

The Generals acquired Oster from the Guelph Storm in January 2023. The 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont. has been a consistent presence in the Oshawa crease with career totals that include a record of 68-47-12-4 with a 3.29 goals-against average, .891 save percentage and six shutouts over 143 career regular season games between the two teams. He was originally Guelph’s fifth round (92nd overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. Oster attended training camp with the Los Angeles Kings last fall.

Announced in August 2019, the Jim Rutherford Trophy is presented by the League in honour of former OHL goaltender, General Manager, Chairman of the Board and two-time Executive of the Year Jim Rutherford. The current President of Hockey Operations of the Vancouver Canucks, Rutherford played 13 seasons as an NHL netminder and was the architect behind Stanley Cup championships for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November 2019.

The OHL’s Goaltender of the Year Award was first presented in 1988 to Rick Tabaracci (Cornwall), with other notable winners including Manny Legace (Niagara Falls 1993), Andrew Raycroft (Kingston 2000), Craig Anderson (Guelph 2001), the League’s only back-to-back winner Mike Murphy (Belleville 2008 & 2009), along with current NHL goaltenders Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound 2013), Alex Nedeljkovic (Plymouth 2014), Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie 2016), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury 2019) and Nico Daws (Guelph 2020).

Oster was the front-runner in this year’s award voting, with Michael Simpson of the London Knights coming in as runner-up.

Oster is the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow which takes place from May 24 to June 2 in Saginaw, Michigan. He will be formally presented with the Jim Rutherford Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a complete list of OHL award winners, click here.

Nathan Villeneuve – Sudbury Wolves – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Nathan Villeneuve of the Sudbury Wolves. Photo by OHL Images.
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
6’190Apr 13, 2006CL3rd 202260th N.A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022HEO U18Navan Grads30264167
2022-2023OHLSudbury Wolves55121022
2023-2024OHLSudbury Wolves56232750

Despite bouncing around the lineup due to the Wolves’ depth at center, Nathan Villeneuve had a very productive season in what must have been a challenging year with all the shuffling of the lineup.

If I had to identify one clear area of improvement from last season, it would be Villeneuve’s skating. He has clearly put in work, and his skating looked quicker across the board – from his first strides to top speed. While he was always a technically sound skater, the added quickness is a real asset.

Villeneuve demonstrates impressive intensity and a strong work ethic. He plays an aggressive, physical game, battling hard on opposition defenses and along the boards while driving hard to the net with and without the puck. His intensity, physicality, and net-driving ability are major assets.

Villeneuve has an excellent shot with a quick release and good accuracy. He also has the vision to create scoring chances for his teammates. Though he can contribute offensively at the next level, it’s his attention to detail in all facets of his game that will make him stand out.

Villeneuve was suspended for 15 games for violating the OHL social media Policy. I don’t believe it should have any baring on his draft position.

JULIEN AND SCHENKEL NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, April 21st, 2024.



Knights’ Jacob Julien Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Julien of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording six goals in a pair of victories to send the Knights to the Western Conference Championship Series.

Julien recorded back-to-back hat-tricks, first powering the Knights to a 6-4 win over the Kitchener Rangers in Game 3 of their second round series. Julien completed his hat-trick with the deciding goal that came midway through Tuesday night’s third period. The 6-foot-3, 170Ib. centreman returned to his goal-scoring ways on Thursday, lighting the lamp once in the first period and twice in the second as London eliminated Kitchener in Game 4 by a score of 4-3.

A 19-year-old from London, Julien has 12 points (7-5–12) in eight games in these playoffs following a regular season that yielded 29 goals, 49 assists and 78 points over 67 games. Julien was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the fifth round (146th overall) of last summer’s NHL Draft. Formerly London’s third round (41st overall) pick in the 2021 Under-18 Priority Selection, Julien has accumulated 94 points (38-56–94) over 107 career regular season games.

Also considered for the award this week, Florida Panthers prospect Sandis Vilmanis of the North Bay Battalion recorded seven points (3-4–7) in a pair of victories while New York Rangers draft pick Bryce McConnell-Barker of the Soo Greyhounds registered seven points (3-4–7) in four outings.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Jacob Julien (London Knights)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Samuel Mayer (Ottawa 67’s)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Owen Beck (Saginaw Spirit)

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Jacob Maillet (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Gavin Bryant (Niagara IceDogs)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)
 



Greyhounds’ Charlie Schenkel Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Charlie Schenkel of the Soo Greyhounds is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, backstopping his team to Game 7 of their second round series with a 2-2 record, 2.19 goals-against average, .922 save percentage and two shutouts.

Schenkel rebounded from a tough Game 3 outing, with a 27-save effort for his first career OHL playoff shutout in Wednesday’s Greyhounds 4-0 home win. He was back in the crease on Friday in Saginaw, stopping 37 of the 40 shots sent his way as the Hounds fell to the Spirit by a score of 3-2 in overtime. Schenkel rounded-out his week with another shutout, this time stopping 24 shots as the Greyhounds forced a Game 7 on Tuesday night with a 5-0 victory at GFL Memorial Gardens.

A 19-year-old from Ottawa, Schenkel owns a 6-3 mark along with a 2.39 goals-against average and .909 save percentage through 10 playoff contests. His regular season featured a 28-12-3-0 record alongside a 3.10 goals-against average, .883 save percentage and two shutouts over 47 games. The 6-foot-5, 206Ib. Schenkel owns a career mark of 39-29-7-3 with a 3.27 G.A.A. and .886 SV% since being Sault Ste. Marie’s fifth round (91st overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He attended rookie camp with the Ottawa Senators last fall.

Also considered for the award this week, Oshawa Generals netminder Jacob Oster helped his team sweep away the Ottawa 67’s with a 2-0 record, 1.75 goals-against average and .946 save percentage. Mike McIvor of the North Bay Battalion also went 2-0 with a 2.29 goals-against average and .939 save percentage as the Troops eliminated the Sudbury Wolves in second round play.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Charlie Schenkel (Soo Greyhounds)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Jakub Vondras (Sudbury Wolves)

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Nick Surzycia (Sarnia Sting)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Charlie Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Liam Sztuska (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Ben West (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Owen Willmore (London Knights)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Marcus Vandenberg (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 12: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)

Five CHL players added to Team Canada’s roster for the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — Hockey Canada has announced that forward Ollie Josephson (Red Deer Rebels / WHL), forward Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL), defenceman Frankie Marrelli (Ottawa 67’s / OHL), defenceman Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s / OHL), and goaltender Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL) have been added to Team Canada’s roster at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship (see the updated roster below), which is scheduled to run from April 25 – May 5 in Espoo and Vantaa, Finland.

The additions mean that there are now 24 CHL players set to lace up their skates for Team Canada at the tournament, including a total of 13 players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), eight players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), and three from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). In all, 15 of the 24 players named to Team Canada’s roster were listed in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft.

Ollie Josephson, Maxim Massé, Frankie Marrelli, and Henry Mews are no strangers to wearing the Maple Leaf, having been a part of Canada’s gold-medal winning squad at the 2023 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup last summer. All four players were also recently listed among the Top-50 ranked North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting led by Massé (30th), who was then followed by Mews (37th), Josephson (40th), and Marrelli (46th). Massé, who led the QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Saguenéens with 75 points this season, was recently awarded the 2023-24 Michael-Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL’s Top Professional Prospect.

16-year-old netminder Jack Ivankovic has also previously won gold representing Canada on the world stage, having been a part of Canada White’s first-place finish at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in November. Ivankovic registered a 14-5-4-0 record playing for the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads this season, finishing with a 2.72 goals-against average (GAA) and a .915 save percentage. His 2.72 GAA was the lowest by an OHL rookie during the 2023-24 campaign, earning him the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy.

Canada will play its final pre-tournament game against Norway on Tuesday. Canada’s quest for a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship begins April 25 at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT against Sweden. Canada will play Czechia on April 26, Switzerland on April 28, and Kazakhstan on April 30 to close out preliminary-round action. The semifinals are set for May 4 before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 5.

TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners will broadcast select tournament games, including all Team Canada games and all playoff-round games. Check your local listings for details. Since 2002, Canada has won four gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021), in addition to one silver (2005) and four bronze (2012, 2014, 2015, 2023).

​​For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

24 CHL PLAYERS NAMED TO CANADA’S 2024 IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER

Goaltenders (3)
Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
Carter George (Owen Sound Attack / OHL)

Defencemen (8)
Frankie Marrelli (Ottawa 67’s / OHL)
Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s / OHL),
Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL)
Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL)
Harrison Brunicke (Kamloops Blazers / WHL)
Reese Hamilton (Calgary Hitmen / WHL)
Spencer Gill (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL)
Charlie Elick (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL)

Forwards (13)
Ollie Josephson (Red Deer Rebels / WHL)
Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL)
Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL)
Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL)
Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters / OHL)
Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL)
Jett Luchanko (Guelph Storm / OHL)
Ryder Ritchie (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL)
Porter Martone (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
Carson Wetsch (Calgary Hitmen / WHL)
Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)
Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires / OHL)
Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts / OHL)

Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) and Cayden Lindstrom (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) were invited, but unable to participate 

Staff
Head Coach – Gardiner MacDougall (former Saint John Sea Dogs head coach)
Assistant Coach – Travis Crickard (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL)
Assistant Coach – Ryan Smith (Spokane Chiefs / WHL)
Goaltending Coach – Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL)
Program of Excellence management group representative – Dave Brown (Erie Otters / OHL)
Athletic Therapist – Jimmy McKnight (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL)
Team Physician – Dr. Michael Conrad (Victoria Royals / WHL)

Kevin He – Niagara IceDogs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Kevin He of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by OHL Images.
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
6’182Apr 30, 2006LWL25th 202278th N.A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022GTHL U16North York U1616131225
2022-2023OHLNiagara IceDogs66211334
2023-2024OHLNiagara IceDogs64312253

Kevin He is the lone Niagara IceDogs player on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, but that doesn’t imply a talent deficiency on the team. The IceDogs have several promising young players, yet the constant roster turnover and turmoil in Niagara likely make it challenging for budding talent to gain stability and develop.

Primarily a goal scorer, he boasts an excellent shot that allows him to beat goaltenders with precision and skill. However, questions remain about his decision-making in the offensive zone – does he lack hockey IQ, or is the dearth of talented teammates limiting his ability to find them with passes? At times he either skates into defensive coverage or struggles to distribute the puck effectively.

Despite his average frame that needs more filling out, his relentless energy, physical play, and ability to frustrate opponents will impress. He excels on the forecheck, accelerating to deliver hits. Willing to absorb contact, he sacrifices his body to make plays.

Ranking He is so challenging because it is hard to determine how much of his performance depends on his own abilities versus the conditions under which he competes.

Luca Marrelli – Oshawa Generals – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Luca Marrelli of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by OHL Images
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
6’2”183Oct 4, 2005DR81st 202146th N.A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2020-2021 DID NOT PLAY    
2021-2022OHLOshawa Generals6201212
2022-2023OHLOshawa Generals5852328
2023-2023OHLOshawa Generals6765157

Marrelli’s game relies on making smart, decisive, and proper plays at both ends of the ice, largely due to his high hockey IQ. Combined with his size, mobility, vision, creativity, and right-handed shot, he is sure to attract ample interest.

The OHL has a few highly-touted defensemen expected to be selected early in the NHL draft, but Marrelli may stand out as the top defender at maintaining offensive zone possession. When holding the blue line, he stays composed, rapidly reads the unfolding play with superb vision, and executes skilled passes.

His high hockey IQ benefits him in the defensive zone too. He reads plays well, anticipates movements adeptly, and blocks passing lanes to disrupt opponents. Quick to retrieve the puck, he’s even quicker at initiating the transition game with crisp outlet passes.

Marrelli, a late birth-date, has already played three full seasons in the OHL, giving him significantly more experience than others in his draft class. As a result, he is further along in his development. In my view, he is a third-round pick in the upcoming draft, as his third OHL season demonstrates his versatility but lack of elite skills in any single area.

Jacob Battaglia – Kingston Frontenacs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Jacob Battaglia of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Tim Cornett, OHL Images.
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
6’203Mar 17, 2006RWL27th 202242nd N.A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022GTHL U16Toronto Jr Canadiens57375592
2022-2023OHLKingston6672027
2023-2023OHLKingston67313465

The eventual draft position of Jacob Battaglia in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft remains a mystery, with many unanswered questions but plenty of intrigue surrounding this prospect.

Battaglia is a versatile winger with both playmaking and scoring abilities. His hockey intelligence allows him to survey the ice and create smart plays. Equally skilled at finishing or setting up goals, Battaglia leverages his size and strength to maintain possession. While driving the net, he also finds open ice to get into scoring position. He is equally adept at ding the same to find teammates.

Battaglia’s skating, specifically his speed in both first steps and top-end acceleration, is an area of concern that could cause him to drop in the draft. However, he demonstrates strength and balance on his skates, making it hard to knock him off the puck.

While Battaglia shows flashes of physicality and toughness along the boards, he does not consistently play the body and engage in physical battles, an area we’d like to see more consistency.

Battaglia has the talent to be one of the top 10-12 players drafted from the OHL, but questions remain about how his skating ability may impact his draft position.