2025-26 CHL Top-10 Rankings presented by Delta Hotels by Marriott: Saguenéens surge to No. 1 as Ottawa, Medicine Hat, Moncton & Windsor climb

TORONTO, ON – The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) today unveiled its Week 15 edition of the CHL Top-10 Rankings presented by Delta Hotels by Marriott for the 2025-26 season.

The Chicoutimi Saguenéens climbed for a fourth straight week and now sit No. 1 for the first time this season after going 4-1 since the break, led by the continued production of Alex Huang and Maxim Massé. Close behind, the Everett Silvertips slid to No. 2 after splitting four games, but they still pace the CHL with 29 wins and remain among the league’s most consistent clubs. Meanwhile, the Prince Albert Raiders are back at No. 3 for the third time in five weeks, riding a five-game win streak and outscoring opponents 29-5 in their four post-break victories. 

Further down the list, several clubs have surged into (or back into) the Top 10 on the strength of dominant stretches: the Ottawa 67’s have climbed for a second straight week to a season-best No. 4, fueled by a 10-game point streak (9-0-0-1) and seven of eight points to open the second half. In the WHL, the Medicine Hat Tigers continue to skyrocket, extending a CHL-best 19-game point streak (17-0-1-1) and a 15-game winning streak to move up another spot to a season-high No. 8. In the QMJHL, defending champion Moncton has opened the second half 4-0 and owns just one regulation loss in its last 17 to rise again, while the Windsor Spitfires have played their way back into the rankings on a five-game winning streak, vaulted by strong recent results and key roster reinforcements.

For the 2025-26 season, fans can catch every game with FloHockey streaming the OHL and QMJHL, and Victory+ serving as the home of the WHL. FloHockey features full regular-season and playoff coverage for the OHL and QMJHL, while Victory+ offers free access to every WHL game along with playoffs and more.

CHL Top-10 Rankings – Week 15
1. Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)
2. Everett Silvertips (WHL)
3. Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
4. Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
5. Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
6. Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
7. Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
8. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
9. Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
10. Flint Firebirds (OHL)

For information and details about each club ranked in the CHL’s latest Top-10 Rankings, please visit chl.ca/video/2025-26-chl-top-10-rankings-week-15.

The next rankings will be released the week of January 12, following the 16th week of regular-season action in the CHL’s Member Leagues.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK FOR DEC. 28, 2025 – JAN. 4, 2026

TORONTO (Monday, January 5, 2026) – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games spanning Sunday, December 28, 2025 through Sunday, January 4, 2026.


Spirit’s Egor Barabanov Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Saginaw Spirit forward Egor Barabanov is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, seven assists and nine points over five games dating back to Dec. 28th.

Barabanov has helped the Spirit turn things around of late with wins in five of their last six outings. He chalked up a goal and two assists coming out of the break on Dec. 28th in Sault Ste. Marie as the Spirit beat the Greyhounds 5-1. Barabanov started the new year off the right way with three primary assists in a 5-3 home win against the same Greyhounds on Jan. 3rd. He helped spearhead Saginaw’s 4-3 win over the Brampton Steelheads on Sunday with a goal and an assist, giving him a club-leading 49 points (17-32–49) over 38 games this season. He has points in 10 of his last 12 games.

A 19-year-old from Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Barabanov is playing a frontline role in his first OHL season after being signed by the Spirit as a free agent over the summer. The 6-foot, 175Ib. centre spent 2024-25 with the USHL’s Madison Capitols, producing 39 points (15-24–39) over 53 games. Despite being passed over for the NHL Draft in each of the past two years, Barabanov is a B-rated prospect by NHL Central Scouting for the 2026 NHL Draft.

2025-26 Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
Sept. 18-21: Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 22-28: Ethan Czata (Niagara IceDogs)
Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 6-12: Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs)
Oct. 13-19: Adam Benak (Brantford Bulldogs)
Oct. 20-26: Kieron Walton (Sudbury Wolves)
Oct. 27-Nov. 2: Harry Nansi (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 3-9: Alex Kostov (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 10-16: Nathan Aspinall (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 17-23: Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nov. 24-30: Kieron Walton (Sudbury Wolves)
Dec. 1-7: Alex McLean (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 8-14: Christopher Brown (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 15-21: Alex Pharand (Sudbury Wolves)
Dec. 28-Jan. 4: Egor Barabanov (Saginaw Spirit)

Petes’ Easton Rye Named Mary Brown’s Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week

Easton Rye of the Peterborough Petes is the Mary Brown’s Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, going 3-0 with a 1.33 goals-against average, .962 save percentage, one shutout and 102 saves.

One of the OHL’s busiest netminders, Rye turned in his first career OHL shutout coming out of the break, making 25 saves in a 2-0 win over the Oshawa Generals on Dec. 28th. He was back in the crease on New Year’s Day, stopping 36-of-37 as the Petes beat the Kingston Frontenacs 3-1. Rye backstopped the Petes to victory in Owen Sound on Saturday, making 41 saves as Peterborough prevailed 5-3 despite being outshot 44-29.

An 19-year-old local product from Peterborough, Rye is 20-8-1-1 on the season with a 2.86 goals-against average and .916 save percentage over 30 games. His 922 saves are the third-most in the league this season. A former fifth round (89th overall) pick by the Petes in 2022, Rye has played to a career mark of 31-26-3-2 with a 3.52 goals-against average and .902 save percentage through 68 games.

2025-26 Mary Brown’s Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week
Sept. 18-21: Jason Schaubel (Kitchener Rangers)
Sept. 22-28: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 6-12: Mason Vaccari (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 13-19: Patrick Quinlan (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 20-26: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Oct. 27-Nov. 2: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 3-9: Matthew Minchak (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 10-16: Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
Nov. 17-23: Easton Rye (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 24-30: Zach Bowen (Brampton Steelheads)
Dec. 1-7: Vladislav Yermolenko (Niagara IceDogs)
Dec. 8-14: Mason Vaccari (Flint Firebirds)
Dec. 15-21: Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s)
Dec. 28-Jan. 4: Easton Rye (Peterborough Petes)

Spirit’s Nikita Klepov Named OHL Rookie of the Week

2026 NHL Draft prospect Nikita Klepov of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Rookie of the Week for the second time this season, producing seven points (3-4–7) over five games dating back to Dec. 28th.

Klepov picked up a pair of assists as the Spirit beat the Soo Greyhounds 5-1 on the road coming out of the holiday break. He found the back of the net for his 20th goal of the season on Dec. 30th as Saginaw topped the Sarnia Sting 5-1. Klepov pumped out four points on Sunday, scoring his second goal of the afternoon with just 53 seconds left in the third period as Saginaw defeated the Brampton Steelheads 4-3. Both of his assists were primary as Klepov earned first star recognition in Sunday’s win, helping the Spirit win their fifth in the last six games.

A 17-year-old from Deerfield Beach, Florida, Klepov leads OHL rookies with 22 goals and 151 shots on goal. His 47 points (22-25–47) over 37 games are the second-most in the league. The 6-foot, 180Ib. left wing was selected by the Spirit in the first round (35th overall) of the 2025 CHL Import Draft after spending last season with the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers where he registered 31 points (12-19–31) over 59 games. Klepov is slated to suit up for the Western Conference in the 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 14th in Peterborough. He’s an A-rated prospect by NHL Central Scouting for the 2026 NHL Draft.

2025-26 OHL Rookie of the Week
Sept. 18-21: Thomas Vandenberg (Ottawa 67’s)
Sept. 22-28: Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs)
Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 6-12: Jaxon Cover (London Knights)
Oct. 13-19: Ryder Cali (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 20-26: Jaakko Wycisk (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 27-Nov. 2: Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 3-9: Easton Walos (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 10-16: Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 17-23: Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nov. 24-30: Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit)
Dec. 1-7: Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs)
Dec. 8-14: Robin Kuzma (Kingston Frontenacs
Dec. 15-21: Caleb Mitchell (London Knights)
Dec. 28-Jan. 4: Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit)


Greyhounds Prospect James Elliott Named GOHL Prospect of the Week

Soo Greyhounds prospect James Elliott of the St. Catharines Falcons is the GOHL Prospect of the Week, recording a goal and four assists over a pair of victories.

Elliott played an instrumental role in the Falcons stunning the first place Cambridge RedHawks on the road Friday night, scoring while adding three assists in a 4-3 victory. St. Catharines handed Cambridge just its third loss in the process. Elliott was back on the scoresheet on Saturday night in Pelham, providing an assist as the Falcons beat the Panthers 5-4 to improve to 27-2-2, six points back of first place Cambridge in the Eastern Conference.

A 17-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Elliott has 30 points (12-18–30) through 31 games in his first GOHL season. He’s posted four points on three different occasions, scoring three game-winning goals on the season. Elliott was Sault Ste. Marie’s seventh round (137th overall) pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Barrie Colts AAA program. He spent last season with the NOJHL’s Soo Thunderbirds, recoding 31 points (14-17–31) over 47 games. Elliott is committed to Lake Superior State University (NCAA).

2025-26 GOHL Prospect of the Week
Sept. 10-21: Brendan Gerber (Elmira Sugar Kings/London Knights)
Sept. 22-28: Alex Forrest (Cambridge RedHawks/Kitchener Rangers)
Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Liam Edgcumbe (Pelham Panthers/Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 6-12: Caden Bell (St. Catharines Falcons/Niagara IceDogs)
Oct. 13-19: Reed Straus (Elmira Sugar Kings/Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 20-26: Gensen Geldart (Chatham Maroons/Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 27-Nov. 2: Lyndon Cabral (Listowel Cyclones/Erie Otters)
Nov. 2-9: Jake Ritson (Strathroy Rockets/London Knights)
Nov. 10-16: Ulysses Lombardi (Waterloo Siskins/Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 17-23: Alex Campeau (London Nationals/London Knights)
Nov. 24-30: William Camputaro (St. Thomas Stars/Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 1-7: Ian Robinson (Port Colborne Sailors/Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 8-14: Kalyn McQueen (Cambridge RedHawks/Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 15-21: Alexander Lisi (Chatham Maroons/Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 29- Jan. 4: James Elliott (St. Catharines Falcons/Soo Greyhounds)

CHL, OHL Mourn the Loss of David Branch, Transformative Commissioner and Hockey Visionary

TORONTO, ON – The Canadian Hockey League (CHL), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the hockey community at large mourn the passing of former CHL President and longtime OHL Commissioner David Branch, who died Sunday at the age of 77.

A native of Bathurst, New Brunswick and long-time resident of Whitby, Ontario, Mr. Branch’s remarkable 45-year tenure as OHL Commissioner stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to the development of young hockey players and the sport itself. From 1979 until his retirement in the summer of 2024, he guided the OHL through an era of unprecedented growth and progress, establishing standards that elevated junior hockey across the country.

His influence extended far beyond Ontario’s borders. As President of the Canadian Hockey League from 1996 to 2019, Mr. Branch helped shape the landscape of major junior hockey in Canada, working tirelessly to enhance player development, educational opportunities, and the overall junior hockey experience. Under his stewardship, the CHL strengthened its position as the world’s premier development league for young hockey talent.

Mr. Branch was a pioneer in prioritizing player welfare, championing initiatives that addressed player safety, mental health support, and educational advancement. His introduction of the OHL Scholarship Program ensured that players who passed through the league would have access to post-secondary education, recognizing that success in hockey should open doors both on and off the ice.

“This is a very sad day for a lot of people,” said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. “David’s contributions to the game of hockey will continue to impact the game for generations. The entire league mourns the loss of a great leader and visionary who oversaw the growth and evolution of the Ontario Hockey League, always prioritizing the players and putting their experience first.”

“The CHL would not be the top development hockey league in the world without David Branch,” said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “His relentless focus on the player experience, both on and off the ice, will be his greatest legacy, as the game is safer, faster, and more skilled because of his influence and leadership. David had both the vision and the will to do big things, and he brought people together to get them done. He was a true builder, and his rightful place should be in the Hockey Hall of Fame one day.”

Mr. Branch’s contributions to Canadian hockey were formally recognized in 2016 when he received the Order of Hockey in Canada, an honour befitting someone who dedicated his life to building the game at the grassroots and development levels. In 2017, he was inducted into the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame as a builder, further underscoring his strong advocacy and support for local minor hockey. Mr. Branch also served on the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee, lending his expertise and deep knowledge of the game to honour its greatest contributors.

His legacy has also been commemorated through awards that bear his name, highlighted by the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award (renamed in 2019–20) – the CHL’s top individual honour, presented annually to the player judged to be the most outstanding across the Canadian Hockey League – along with a number of OHL initiatives established in recognition of his career including the David Branch Leader of the Year Award, presented annually to the OHL’s top executive.

Throughout his career, Mr. Branch was known not only for his administrative acumen but for his genuine care for the young athletes under the OHL’s stewardship. He understood that junior hockey was about more than developing players for professional careers—it was about developing young people for life.

The hockey world has lost a true builder of the game, whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

The CHL and the OHL send thoughts and condolences to David’s family, most notably his partner Patsy, along with sons Barclay, Kyle and Wade and their wives as well as David’s grandchildren at this most difficult time.

Funeral arrangements and details regarding memorial services will be announced in the coming days.

OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

TORONTO (Friday, January 2, 2025) – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced Academic Players of the Month for December, recognizing dedication to excellence in the classroom.

East Division – Colin Feeley (Oshawa Generals)
Oshawa Generals defenceman Colin Feeley is the East Division Academic Player of the Month for December, posting a 98% average in Grade 12 studies through the University of Nebraska Online High School. Feeley excelled in a course load that includes English, British Literature, Calculus, Psychology and Government/Politics.

“Colin is an exceptionally dedicated student whose consistent hard work sets a high standard for academic excellence,” said Ryan Johnston, Head of Guidance at Maxwell Heights Secondary School in Oshawa. “His strong abilities and disciplined approach to learning have resulted in an outstanding performance across all subject areas.”

A 6-foot-7, 190Ib. left-shot defender from Wyckoff, New Jersey, Feeley has five assists through 26 games in his first OHL season. Signed by the Generals as a free agent over the summer, Feeley is a 17-year-old who spent last season as Salisbury School in Connecticut. He is committed to Harvard University (NCAA).

Central Division – Ryerson Edgar (Niagara IceDogs)
Niagara IceDogs rookie forward Ryerson Edgar is the Central Division Academic Player of the Month for December, achieving a 90% average in Grade 11 University-level studies at Governor Simcoe Secondary School. Edgar is currently studying Physics, English, Geography and is also doing a Co-op.

“Ryerson is an exceptional young man who has transitioned smoothly into the OHL, and has quickly figured out how to balance the rigors of academia and major junior hockey,” said IceDogs Academic Advisor Tim Tope. “He demonstrates maturity beyond his years and has earned the respect of his teachers at Governor Simcoe.”

Niagara’s first round (10th overall) pick in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection from the York-Simcoe Express AAA program, Edgar has produced 20 points (7-13–20) through his first 30 OHL contests. The Holland Landing, ON native won a gold medal with Canada Red at the World U17 Challenge, recording three points (1-2–3) in five games. Edgar burst onto the OHL scene, registering a hat-trick along with an assist in just his second game on Sept. 21st vs. Sudbury.

Midwest Division – Alexander Bilecki (Kitchener Rangers)
Kitchener Rangers sophomore blueliner Alexander Bilecki is the Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for December, posting straight-A’s in Grade 12 University-level studies through Blyth Academy Online. Bilecki is studying World History, Sports Analytics, Data Management and Advanced Functions.

“Alexander has worked hard to get ahead in acquiring his credits, and will graduate high school ahead of schedule,” said Rangers Academic Advisor Dave Tennant. “He has shown a tremendous ability to manage his studies and a full hockey schedule, while understanding the importance of giving back to his community. Alexander has managed his time to be able to give back in ways such as attending school visits, hospital visits, corporate sponsor events, and more. His academic interests are varied and he takes great pride in his work. He is always quick to assist others in the classroom and is very approachable. He has his sights set on pursuing a combined degree in business and sports management.”

A 17-year-old left-shot defenceman from Mississauga, ON, Bilecki has impressed with 15 points (6-9–15) over 36 games in his second OHL season. The former second round (31st overall) pick by the Rangers in 2024 also owns a plus/minus rating of plus-10. A 6-foot-2, 180Ib. rearguard, Bilecki has been selected to represent the Western Conference in the upcoming Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 14th in Peterborough. He’s currently a B-rated prospect by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.

West Division – Chase Gaughan (Sarnia Sting)
Sarnia Sting forward Chase Gaughan is the West Division Academic Player of the Month for December, achieving an average of 95% in Grade 12 studies through Commonwealth Charter Academy. Gaughan has excelled in Earth Sciences, Careers, English and Environmental Science courses.

“Chase quietly goes about his business on the ice and in the classroom,” said Sting Academic Advisor Todd Whitlock. “He is diligent in managing his time and keeping up with his studies, and this is reflective in his classroom performance. He is personable and friendly, and an active contributor to community partnerships. He is a fine example of a student-athlete and positive representative for the Sting organization.”

A 17-year-old right-wing from Annville, Pennsylvania, Gaughan has a goal and an assist through 21 games so far in 2025-26. The 6-foot-2, 167Ib. flank appeared in seven games with Sarnia in 2024-25, while spending most of the season with the GOHL’s Strathroy Rockets where he produced 15 points (7-8–15) over 43 contests. The Sting selected Gaughan with their third round (45th overall) pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Palmyra Black Knights AAA program.

2025-26 OHL Academic Players of the Month

East Division
December – Colin Feeley (Oshawa Generals)
November – Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs)
October – Aiden O’Donnell (Oshawa Generals/Brantford Bulldogs)

Central Division
December – Ryerson Edgar (Niagara IceDogs)
November – Ryder Cali (North Bay Battalion)
October – Cole Emerton (Barrie Colts)

Midwest Division
December – Alexander Bilecki (Kitchener Rangers)
November – Eric Frossard (Guelph Storm)
October – Lucas Ambrosio (Erie Otters)

West Division
December – Chase Gaughan (Sarnia Sting)
November – Dimian Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Mason Vaccari (Flint Firebirds)

OHL’s Draft Eligible Statistical Leaders: December

As we turn the page to a new month and a new year, we hope everyone enjoyed a safe and restful holiday season. Here’s to a bright and fulfilling 2026, filled with renewed joy and meaningful moments.

As the calendar turns, we take a moment to review which 2026 NHL Draft‑eligible players are setting the pace across key OHL statistical categories. While we compile these numbers with care, the OHL’s official website remains the definitive source for all league statistics.

Points Leaders
PlayerTeamGPGAPts
Caleb MalhotraBrantford35183048
Egor BarabonovSaginaw36162844
Ryan RoobroeckNiagara35212243
Nikita KlepovSaginaw35202343
Pierce MbuyiOwen Sound37202343
Alex KostovFlint32192443
Carson WoodallWindsor3683442
Michael DecErie37162541
Tristan DelisleOwen Sound37211940
Cooper DennisBrantford36182139
Goal Scoring Leaders
PlayerTeamGPGGPG
Ethan BelchetzWindsor33220.67
Ryan RoobroeckNiagara35210.60
Tristan DelisleOwen Sound37210.57
Nikita KlepovSaginaw35200.57
Pierce MbuyiOwen Sound37200.54
Alex KostovFlint32190.59
Adam NovotnyPeterborough29190.66
Caleb MalhotraBrantford35180.51
Cooper DennisBrantford36180.50
Gabriel FrascaErie36170.47
Assist Leaders
PlayerTeamGPAAPG
Carson WoodallWindsor36340.94
Caleb MalhotraBrantford35300.86
Egor BarabonovSaginaw36280.78
Michael DecErie37250.68
Alex KostovFlint32240.75
John BanksOwen Sound36240.67
Nikita KlepovSaginaw35230.66
Pierce MbuyiOwen Sound37230.62
Anthony CristoforoWindsor30230.77
Ryan RoobroeckNiagara36220.61
Defencemen Point Leaders
PlayerTeamGPGAPts
Carson WoodallWindsor3683442
Chase ReidSoo31142135
Anthony CristoforoWindsor30102333
John BanksOwen Sound3622426
Andoni FimisLondon3751823
Parker von RichterBrampton3641822
Vann WilliamsonKingston3711819
Vladimir DraveckyBrantford2851318
Jakub WinkelhoferSoo3451318
Ondrej RumlOttawa3471017
Plus/Minus Leaders
PlayerTeamGP+/-
Cooper DennisBrantford3622
Chase ReidSoo3122
Alex KostovFlint3220
Luka GrazianoFlint3420
Ondrej RumlOttawa3419
Connor BewickOttawa3318
Caleb MalhotraBrantford3517
Vladimir DraveckyBrantford3817
Carson WoodallWindsor3616
Christopher BrownSoo3616
Goaltenders Leaders – Goals Against Average
PlayerTeamGPMinGAAvg
Ryder FetterolfOttawa221333421.89
Jack LissonNorth Bay16872312.13
Sebastian GattoLondon16892352.35
Matthew MinchakKingston201149462.40
Ben HrebikBarrie251517662.61
Jason SchaubelKitchener17985442.68
Easton RyePeterborough281662812.92
Vladislav YermolenkoNiagara271468773.15
Gavin BettsKingston191074613.41
Patrick QuinlanSarnia261313773.52
Goaltending Leaders – Save Percentage
PlayerTeamGPSHSVSSV%
Ben HrebikBarrie259478810.930
Ryder FetterolfOttawa225955530.929
Matthew MinchakKingston206175710.925
Jack LissonNorth Bay163763450.918
Sebastian GattoLondon164243890.917
Easton RyePeterborough289268450.913
Vladislav YermolenkoNiagara278237460.906
Jason SchaubelKitchener174544100.903
Gavin BettsKingston195574960.890
Stepan ShuryginSaginaw319778690.889

OHL Writers’ Draft Eligible Players of the Month: December

Caleb Malhotra of the Brantford Bull Dogs, Photo by OHL Images.

FORWARD OF THE MONTH: CALEB MALHOTRA – BRANTFORD BULLDOGS

This one was essentially a toss‑up between Malhotra and Niagara’s Ryan Roobroeck, but the final nod ultimately went to Malhotra.

Malhotra posted 8 goals and 9 assists across 10 December games for Brantford, finishing the month at plus‑6. He was held off the scoresheet only once — a 6–0 loss to the Ottawa 67’s on December 20 — and recorded multi‑point efforts in seven outings. Notably, three of his eight goals stood as game‑winners. His standout month earned him OHL Rookie of the Month honors for December.

Roobroeck recorded 8 goals and 10 assists over 11 games in December, being held off the scoresheet only once while finishing the month at plus‑10. He posted five multi‑point outings and notched two game‑winning goals during the stretch.

DEFENSEMAN OF THE MONTH: ANTHONY CRISTOFORO – WINDSOR SPITFIRES

The draft re-entry defenseman had 6 goals and 6 assists through 8 games in the month of December, including a hattrick against the Soo Greyhounds on December 18. Cristoforo had at least one point in each of his six games and was a plus-8 for the month. He was named the OHL Defenseman of the Month for December.

Also in the mix was London Knights defenseman Andoni Fimis, who posted 3 goals and 8 assists over 11 December games, as well as Soo Greyhounds’ Chase Reid, who recorded 4 goals and 3 assists in just four outings while away representing the United States at the World Junior Championship.

GOALTENDER OF THE MONTH: BEN HREBIK – BARRIE COLTS

Hrebik earns the nod for a second straight month after posting a 5‑2‑0‑0 record and turning aside 246 of 259 shots for a .950 save percentage in December. He faced at least 40 shots in four of those outings, further underscoring his impact.

Only one goaltender in the OHL has faced more shots than Hrebik this season — 977 to his 947 — and that netminder has appeared in six additional games. Hrebik continues to lead the league with a .930 save percentage. He was named the OHL Goaltender of the Month for December.

Previous Months

Forward

Caleb Malhotra – Brantford Bulldogs – September

Tristan Delisle – Owen Sound Attack – October

Alex Kostov – Flint Firebirds – November

Caleb Malhotra – Brantford Bulldogs – December

Defenseman

Carson Woodall – Windsor Spitfires – September

Carson Woodall – Windsor Spitfires – October

Chase Reid – Soo Greyhounds – November

Anthony Cristoforo – Windsor Spitfires – December

Goaltender

Michael Newlove – Windsor Spitfires – September

Vladislav Yermolenko – Niagara IceDogs – October

Ben Hrebik – Barrie Colts – November

Ben Hrebik – Barrie Colts – December

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

TORONTO (Thursday, January 1, 2026) – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced Top Performers of the Month for December.

Player of the Month – Riley Patterson (Niagara IceDogs) – 11 GP, 9G, 10A, 19 PTS., +7
Leading the OHL with 19 points (9-10–19) over 11 games during the month of December, Vancouver Canucks prospect Riley Patterson of the Niagara IceDogs is the OHL Player of the Month. Patterson’s month featured seven different multi-point efforts, including a pair of overtime game-winners. He started things off with three points (1-2–3) on Dec. 5th at Brampton, scored 1:31 into overtime on Dec. 7th vs. North Bay, and registered his first of two two-goal efforts on Dec. 18th at Peterborough. His second included another overtime game-winner on Dec. 20th at home to the Sarnia Sting. Patterson put together another three-point outing (1-2–3) on Dec. 29th at Brampton as the IceDogs won by a score of 4-3.

A 19-year-old from Burlington, ON, Patterson sits fifth in OHL scoring with 45 points (21-24–45) over 33 games in this, his fourth OHL season. Acquired from the Barrie Colts last summer, Patterson has produced 166 points (75-91–166) over 165 career regular season games after entering the league as Flint’s third round (57th overall) pick in 2022. He was selected by Vancouver in the fourth round (125th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with Vancouver on Sept. 21, 2025. Patterson is a former OHL Cup champion, winning as a member of the GTHL’s Mississauga Senators in 2022. Patterson also holds the distinction of being a former OJHL and CJHL Rookie of the Year, producing 73 points (30-43–73) over 52 games during the 2022-23 season with the North York Rangers.

Defenceman of the Month – Anthony Cristoforo (Windsor Spitfires) – 8 GP, 6G, 6A, 12 PTS., +8
Anthony Cristoforo of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Defenceman of the Month, producing 12 points (6-6–12) over eight games accompanied by a plus-8 rating. The fourth-year veteran had a point in all eight of his December outings, highlighted by a four-point effort (3-1–4) on Dec. 18th vs. Sault Ste. Marie, a game he happened to see some assignments up on the Spitfires’ forward ranks. He also put together a two-goal performance on Dec. 11th at Peterborough as the Spitfires won 6-3.

A 19-year-old from Woodbridge, ON, Cristoforo has produced at over a point-per-game in 2025-26, recording 33 points (10-23–33) over 30 contests with a plus-14 rating. The 6-foot, 180Ib. right-shot blueliner sits fifth in all-time points by a Spitfires defenceman with 172 (35-137–172) over 224 career regular season contests. Cristoforo was a first round (22nd overall) pick by Windsor in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.

Goaltender of the Month – Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts) – 7 GP, 5-2-0-0, 1.86 GAA, .950 SV%, 246 SV
Kept busy during the month of December, Ben Hrebik of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for a second straight month, going 5-2 with a 1.86 goals-against average and .950 save percentage while making 246 saves. Hrebik faced 40 or more shots four different times in December, winning in three of those four instances. He turned aside 39-of-40 shots on Dec. 6th in a 2-1 win at Kingston, made 42 saves on Dec. 13th as the Colts defeated the visiting Niagara IceDogs 2-1, and made an additional 45 saves on Dec. 28th as Barrie beat the North Bay Battalion 3-1 on the road.

A 19-year-old from Milton, ON, Hrebik has been the OHL’s busiest goaltender, making a league-leading 881 saves, resulting in an impressive .930 save percentage to go with a 2.61 goals-against average and 14-7-1-3 record over 25 games. The 6-foot-3, 204Ib. goaltender is in his second full OHL season after going 21-9-2-0 with a 2.87 goals-against average and .920 save percentage over 34 games in 2024-25. The Colts selected Hrebik in the ninth round (173rd overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.

Rookie of the Month – Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs) – 10 GP, 7G, 9A, 16 PTS., +6
Brantford Bulldogs centreman Caleb Malhotra is the OHL Rookie of the Month, producing 16 points (7-9–16) over 10 games accompanied by a plus/minus rating of plus-6. With the absence of teammates Jett Luchanko (Canada) and Adam Benak (Czechia) at the World Juniors, Malhotra was thrust into an elevated role and excelled, helping Brantford continue its strong first half, playing to a record of 25-6-4-1. The 6-foot-2, 182Ib. pivot recorded points in nine of his 10 December outings, headlined by three points (1-2–3) on Dec. 6th in a 7-2 win vs. North Bay. Malhotra scored twice on Dec. 19th in Kingston, netting the game-winner in a 4-2 triumph over the Frontenacs. He earned first star honours in Wednesday’s 5-2 win over the Erie Otters, recording a goal and an assist.

A 17-year-old from Toronto, Malhotra leads OHL rookies with 48 points (18-30–48) over 35 games. The son of former OHL and NHL forward Manny Malhotra was originally selected by the Kingston Frontenacs in the first round (8th overall) of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, and was acquired by the Bulldogs on Sept. 12, 2024. He captained Team CHL in this year’s CHL/USA Prospects Challenge, and will represent the Western Conference in the 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 14th. Malhotra is an A-rated prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. He is committed to Boston University (NCAA).

2025-26 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
December – Riley Patterson (Niagara IceDogs)
November – Nathan Aspinall (Flint Firebirds)
October – Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs)

Defenceman of the Month:
December – Anthony Cristoforo (Windsor Spitfires)
November – Adam Jiricek (Brantford Bulldogs)
October – Carson Woodall (Windsor Spitfires)

Goaltender of the Month:
December – Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
November – Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
October – Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)

Rookie of the Month:
December – Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs)
November – Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s)
October – Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit)

OHL CUP TOP 10 RANKINGS – WEEK 6: LONDON JR. KNIGHTS SURGE AFTER CONQUERING MARLBOROS TOURNAMENT

TORONTO (Thursday, January 1, 2026) – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced the sixth edition of the OHL Cup Top-10 Rankings for the 2025-26 season, with the ALLIANCE’s London Jr. Knights surging up three spots to third following their Toronto Marlboros Holiday Classic championship title this past week. Other climbers include the tournament finalist Toronto Marlboros who are up to fourth, Hill Academy who is back up to sixth and the OMHA’s Ajax-Pickering Raiders who make their first appearance on the list this season.

The weekly rankings, determined by a panel of scouts from OHL member teams, highlight the top teams competing for an opportunity to play in the 2026 OHL Cup hosted by the GTHL, which will showcase 25 teams featuring talent eligible for the OHL Priority Selection that will take place at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston on June 12-13, 2026.

OHL Cup Top-10 Rankings (Week 6)

RANKTEAMLAST WEEKWEEKS RANKED
1Little Caesars (USA AAA)16
2HoneyBaked (USA AAA)25
3London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)66
4Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)73
5Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)56
6Hill Academy (Ontario Prep)86
7Upper Canada College (Ontario Prep)36
8Vaughan Kings (GTHL)46
9Woodbridge Wolfpack (USA AAA)104
10Ajax-Pickering Raiders (OMHA)1

Honorable Mentions: Don Mills Flyers (GTHL), Barrie Colts (OMHA), Mississauga Senators (GTHL), Credit River Capitals (OMHA), Huron-Perth Lakers (ALLIANCE)

The 2026 OHL Cup will kick off with four wild card play-in matchups on Monday, March 30, 2026. All games will be held at Scotiabank Pond in Toronto before the Championship Final moves to the historic Mattamy Athletic Centre on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 2:00pm.

The OHL Cup has established itself as a premier development tournament, serving as a critical showcase for the next generation of hockey talent. More than 200 OHL Cup graduates have advanced to play in the OHL en route to the National Hockey League (NHL), including more than 110 players currently on NHL rosters.

Rankings will be updated weekly throughout the season as teams compete for positioning ahead of the 2026 OHL Cup tournament. More information on tournament qualification can be found here.

OHL CUP TOP 10 RANKINGS – WEEK 5:LITTLE CAESARS BACK ON TOP

TORONTO (Tuesday, December 23, 2025) – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced the fifth edition of the OHL Cup Top-10 Rankings for the 2025-26 season, with the Little Caesars AAA program returning to the top of the list following a win over HoneyBaked. The GTHL’s Vaughan Kings are also up one spot after a win over the rival Toronto Jr. Canadiens.

The weekly rankings, determined by a panel of scouts from OHL member teams, highlight the top teams competing for an opportunity to play in the 2026 OHL Cup hosted by the GTHL, which will showcase 25 teams featuring talent eligible for the OHL Priority Selection that will take place at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston on June 12-13, 2026.

OHL Cup Top-10 Rankings (Week 5)

RANKTEAMLAST WEEKWEEKS RANKED
1Little Caesars (USA AAA)25
2HoneyBaked (USA AAA)14
3Upper Canada College (Ontario Prep)35
4Vaughan Kings (GTHL)55
5Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)45
6London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)65
7Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)92
8Hill Academy (Ontario Prep)85
9Don Mills Flyers (GTHL)75
10Woodbridge Wolfpack (USA AAA)103

Honorable Mentions: Credit River Capitals (OMHA), Ajax-Pickering Raiders (OMHA), Mississauga Senators (GTHL), Huron-Perth Lakers (ALLIANCE), Eastern Ontario Wild (HEO)

The 2026 OHL Cup will kick off with four wild card play-in matchups on Monday, March 30, 2026. All games will be held at Scotiabank Pond in Toronto before the Championship Final moves to the historic Mattamy Athletic Centre on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 2:00pm.

The OHL Cup has established itself as a premier development tournament, serving as a critical showcase for the next generation of hockey talent. More than 200 OHL Cup graduates have advanced to play in the OHL en route to the National Hockey League (NHL), including more than 110 players currently on NHL rosters.

Rankings will be updated weekly throughout the season as teams compete for positioning ahead of the 2026 OHL Cup tournament. More information on tournament qualification can be found here.

2025-26 CHL Top-10 Rankings presented by Delta Hotels by Marriott: Silvertips Stay No. 1 After Record First Half as Chicoutimi Climbs to No. 2, Brantford Holds Top-3 Spot; Ottawa and Flint Surge into Break

TORONTO, ON – The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) today unveiled its Week 14 edition of the CHL Top-10 Rankings presented by Delta Hotels by Marriott for the 2025-26 season.

For the second straight week, the Everett Silvertips (27-3-2-1) sit atop the CHL Top 10 and head into the holiday break on a seven-game winning streak after posting the best first half in franchise history. Everett matched a franchise record with 27 wins before the break and set a new club standard with 57 points over the season’s first half, continuing to set the pace across the CHL. The Chicoutimi Saguenéens (22-5-3-2) climb to a season-high No. 2 and enter the break as the top-ranked QMJHL club on an eight-game point streak, bolstering an already potent lineup with recent additions that include Utah Mammoth prospect Tomas Lavoie. The Brantford Bulldogs (23-5-4-1) slide one spot to No. 3 but remain firmly among the CHL’s elite, leading the OHL with a .773 points percentage, 154 goals, and a 36.6% power play through the season’s first half.

Further down the list, the Ottawa 67’s (25-7-1-1) and Flint Firebirds (24-7-2-2) continue their upward trajectory, each trending at the right time heading into the break. Ottawa climbs again on the strength of a six-game winning streak, highlighted by a statement 6-0 win over No. 3 Brantford, while also owning the CHL’s stingiest defensive record to date. Flint rises to a season-high position, riding a seven-game point streak and staying level with Ottawa atop the OHL standings — setting up a compelling second-half race as both clubs look to keep building momentum when play resumes.

For the 2025-26 season, fans can catch every game with FloHockey streaming the OHL and QMJHL, and Victory+ serving as the home of the WHL. FloHockey features full regular-season and playoff coverage for the OHL and QMJHL, while Victory+ offers free access to every WHL game along with playoffs and more.

CHL Top-10 Rankings – Week 14
1. Everett Silvertips (WHL)
2. Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)
3. Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
4. Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
5. Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
6. Flint Firebirds (OHL)
7. Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
8. Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
9. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
10. Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

For information and details about each club ranked in the CHL’s latest Top-10 Rankings, please visit chl.ca/video/2025-26-chl-top-10-rankings-presented-by-delta-hotels-by-marriott-week-14.

The next rankings will be released during the week of January 5, following each of the CHL’s Member League holiday breaks and the completion of Week 15 of regular-season play across the CHL. The WHL will be the first to return, resuming action with 11 games on Saturday, Dec. 27, followed by the QMJHL and OHL returning on Sunday, Dec. 28.