For the first time this season, Hamilton Bulldogs’ forward and to prospect for the 2019 National Hockey League Draft Arthur Kaliyev is our draft eligible player of the month after having come close in previous months.
Kaliyev, who is ranked 11th on NHL Central Scouting’s mid term rankings among North American Skaters, appeared in 12 games for the Bulldogs in January scoring 10 goals while assisting on 8 others. He also notched a pair of goals at the Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.
Kaliyev leads all draft eligible players in goals, assists, points, shots and possesses the top three goal scoring streaks of the season as well as the longest assist streak of the season. He was named the OHL Player of the Week for the week ending January 7, 2019. In January, he was named the games’ first star twice and third star once.
Also considered were Mississauga Steelheads defenceman Thomas Harley and Niagara IceDogs forward Philip Tomasino. Harley recorded 4 goals and 11 helpers in 12 contests while Tomasino notched 9 goals and 7 helpers.
Harley was ranked by NHL Central Scouting 9th overall among North Americans and the top prospect from the OHL while Tomasino was ranked 24th.
Among goaltenders, Jet Greaves of the Barrie Colts gets our vote. Despite his record of 2-3-2 in January, Greaves posted a 2.42 goals-against-average and .926 save-percentage. Greaves is not ranked on Central Scouting’s mid term rankings.
Players of the month
Connor McMichael – London Knights – December
Philip Tomasino – Niagara Ice Dogs – November
Hunter Jones – Peterborough Petes – October
OHL Writers 