OHL CUP U16 AAA TOP 10 RANKINGS – WEEK 14

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 14 edition of the weekly U16 AAA rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

The 2023 OHL Cup will feature 20 teams consisting of talent eligible for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Starting with Wild Card Play-In matchups on Tuesday, March 28, all games will be played at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday, April 3.

The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.

U16 AAA Rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup – Week 14

RANK:TEAM:LAST WEEKWEEKS RANKED
1Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)*114
2Peterborough Minor Petes (OMHA)214
3Halton Hurricanes (OMHA)414
4York-Simcoe Express (OMHA)314
5Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)*514
6Mississauga Senators (GTHL)*613
7Mississauga Rebels (GTHL)*810
8London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)*714
9Huron-Perth Lakers (ALLIANCE)*102
10Southern Tier Admirals (OMHA)98
    
 Honourable Mention:  
 Central Ontario Wolves (OMHA)––
 Waterloo Wolves (ALLIANCE)*–1
 Don Mills Flyers (GTHL)––
 Vaughan Kings (GTHL)–12

*- clinched spot in 2023 OHL Cup

Seven more teams have secured their place at the 2023 OHL Cup that gets underway with Wild Card play on Tuesday, March 28th. The top-ranked Toronto Marlboros, fifth-ranked Toronto Jr. Canadiens, sixth-ranked Mississauga Senators and seventh-ranked Mississauga Rebels have all secured GTHL semi-final spots, booking their ticket to the annual showcase. In the ALLIANCE ranks, the eighth-spot London Jr. Knights, honourable mention Waterloo Wolves and unranked Sun County Panthers join the ninth-ranked Huron-Perth Lakers, who became the first team to clinch last week. The stage is set for the 2023 OMHA Championships that take place this coming weekend in Oakville, with the Peterborough Minor Petes, York-Simcoe Express, Central Ontario Wolves and Ajax-Pickering Raiders emerging from the ETA while the Halton Hurricanes, Southern Tier Admirals, Burlington Eagles and the winner of a game between the Niagara North Stars and Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs will represent the SCTA. The top four teams from the eight-team OMHA Championship weekend will secure spots in the 2023 OHL Cup.

For more information, visit OHLCup.ca.


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

PANWAR AND DIVINCENTIIS 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 regular season games ending Sunday, March 12, 2023.



Bulldogs’ Sahil Panwar Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

For the second time this season, Sahil Panwar of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals, four assists and seven points in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-4.

Helping guide the Bulldogs to a 3-0 showing last week, the overage forward got things started with an assist in a 4-3 road win over the Niagara IceDogs on Thursday. The Bulldogs returned home to host the IceDogs on Friday as Panwar recorded a goal and a pair of helpers in the 6-2 victory. The 6-foot, 185 lb. centreman closed out the weekend with two goals and an assist to earn first star honours as the Bulldogs defeated the Ottawa 67’s 6-3 on Sunday.

A 21-year-old native of Mississauga, Ont., Panwar currently has points in 12 of his last 13 games. He’s produced 18 goals, 28 assists and 46 points in 29 games since joining the Bulldogs in January. In total, Panwar has recorded 28 goals, 35 assists and 63 points over 63 games between Hamilton and Peterborough in 2022-23. The former second round (23rd overall) pick by the London Knights in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection has registered 51 goals, 67 assists and 118 points in 194 career regular season games split between the Knights, Flint Firebirds, Peterborough Petes and Hamilton Bulldogs. Panwar attended rookie camp with the Florida Panthers as a free agent invite in September.

Also considered for the award this week, Nashville Predators prospect Nolan Burke of the Sarnia Sting produced four goals, two assists and six points in two victories last week. Chicago Blackhawks prospect Gavin Hayes of the Flint Firebirds contributed five goals and an assist for six points in three wins.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 6– Mar. 12: Sahil Panwar (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Christian Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Braeden Bowman (Guelph Storm)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Nolan Burke (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Sean McGurn (London Knights)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Sahil Panwar (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Bryce McConnell-Barker (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Connor Lockhart (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Evan Vierling (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Ryan Gagnier (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Jorian Donovan (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Brody Crane (London Knights)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Matvey Petrov (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Deni Goure (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)
 



Battalion’s Domenic DiVincentiis Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

For the second-straight week and third time this season, Winnipeg Jets prospect Dom DiVincentiis of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two wins including a shutout, a goals-against average of 0.50 and a save percentage of .984.

Stopping 63 of the 64 shots he faced, DiVincentiis defended the crease in back-to-back victories for the Battalion last week. He turned aside 36 of the 37 shots that came his way on Wednesday as North Bay defeated the Owen Sound Attack 4-1. The 6-foot-2, 190lb. netminder was back in the crease on Sunday, stopping all 27 shots he faced to earn his fourth shutout of the season as the Battalion blanked the London Knights 4-0. Together with goaltending partner Charlie Robertson, DiVincentiis has helped the Battalion put together a run of one goal allowed over their past five games.

A 19-year-old native of Bolton, Ont., DiVincentiis owns a record of 34-9-2-0 on the season with a league-best 2.36 goals-against average along with a .918 save percentage. He was the recipient of the OHL’s F.W. ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy in 2021-22, posting a league-low 2.59 goals-against average among rookies to go with a 14-8-0-1 record and .907 save percentage. DiVincentiis was selected in the seventh round (207th overall) by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2022 NHL Draft.  He’s a former sixth round (116th overall) pick by the Battalion in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

Also in the running for the award this week, New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox of the Saginaw Spirit recorded a two-win week with a 1.00 goals-against average, and .962 save percentage. Arizona Coyotes prospect Anson Thornton of the Barrie Colts also played to a 2-0 mark with a 2.00 goals-against average and .930 save percentage.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Zach Bowen (London Knights)
Jan 30 – Feb. 5: Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan 23 – Jan. 29: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Jan 16 – Jan. 22: Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan 9 – Jan. 15: Matteo Drobac (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Marco Costantini (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Owen Flores (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Joe Ranger (Sudbury Wolves)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ivan Zhigalov (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Alessio Beglieri (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

Luca Pinelli – Ottawa 67’s – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
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Luca Pinelli of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by OHL Images.

Ottawa 67’s winger Luca Pinelli is the younger brother of Kitchener Rangers Francesco Pinelli. What the younger sibling lacks in size (Francesco has 4 inches on him) he makes up with heart. In his draft year, he’s already matched his older brother’s offensive output, who was drafted 42nd overall by the Los Angeles Kings at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Pinelli works hard at both ends of the ice. His defensive game – reading, understanding and coverage are all well accomplished. He’s also very good at transitioning to offence. Playing on the league’s best team has helped, along with a boost in confidence.

Pinelli also has some excellent hockey IQ. He reads and reacts quickly in the offensive zone. Despite his size, he has a willingness to get in on the forecheck and uses brains over brawn to come up with the puck. Along with some excellent playmaking skills, Pinelli also has a very good shot. At this level, it’s enough to beat goaltenders.

Along with his size, another issue Pinelli needs to overcome is the lack of explosiveness in his skating. And when you are on the small side like he is, you want to at least have that breakaway speed to skate away from the opposition. If he can add a speed element to his game, then it would give him all the tools to be a play driver.

There’s no doubt in my mind Pinelli will get drafted, and maybe the Kings will bring the brothers together. After all, they like drafting from the OHL. But they will have to work with him and be patient. And he’s going to have to be willing to put the work in.  

OHL DEVELOPMENT COMBINE PRESENTED BY DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO TO BE HELD APRIL 15-16

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that the 2023 OHL Development Combine presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario will be held Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa.

The annual event provides players eligible for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection an opportunity to put their skills on display in both on and off-ice environments before a gathering of OHL scouts and general managers. The Combine will feature 76 prospects, including 36 forwards, 24 defencemen and 16 goaltenders.

“We’re very excited to partner with Dairy Farmers of Ontario on an event that provides prospective players the opportunity to enhance their own personal development,” said Brodie Barrick, the OHL’s Director of Player Recruitment and Player Services. “The blend of both skill testing and competitive games gives players a platform to showcase their abilities in advance of the Priority Selection.”

Saturday’s itinerary will see players participate in on and off-ice testing through a series of exercises. Results will be provided to OHL member teams ahead of the OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore to be held a week later on Friday, April 21 (Rounds 1-3) and Saturday, April 22 (Rounds 4-15).

Players will compete in 5-on-5 and 3-on-3 play throughout Sunday, being joined behind the bench by OHL member team personnel as special guest coaches.

“Our MilkUP brand celebrates, recognizes and provides young athletes opportunities to flourish both on and off the ice. MilkUP also provides meaningful, measurable and lasting impacts on young people through sports and community activities, while highlighting the benefits of milk in a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer of DFO. “Organizations, such as the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), do great work supporting their athletes and partnering with them allows us to support them, too. On behalf of DFO and Ontario’s 3,400 dairy producers, their families and staff, we wish all the hockey players the best as they demonstrate their talents during the 2023 OHL Development Combine.”

Teams will compete for the OHL Combine Cup championship, with the winner achieving supremacy by way of a point system recognizing both individual performance in on and off-ice testing, as well as team performance in Sunday’s game action.

Team Subban reigned supreme at last year’s Combine with a roster that included current OHL players in David Bedkowski (Oshawa Generals), Callum Cheynowski (Hamilton Bulldogs), Caden Kelly (Ottawa 67’s), Carter Lowe (Barrie Colts), Hunter McKenzie (Guelph Storm) and Kaden Pitre (Flint Firebirds).

The 2023 event marks the 14th year that the OHL has hosted a skills development day for players and goaltenders in advance of the OHL Priority Selection.

About the Ontario Hockey League

The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

About Dairy Farmers of Ontario

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk for a dynamic, profitable growing dairy industry. Ontario’s 3,287 dairy farmers, their families and employees are proud to produce high-quality milk for Canadians. For more information, visit www.milk.org.

OHL CUP U16 AAA TOP 10 RANKINGS – WEEK 13

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 13 edition of the weekly U16 AAA rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

The 2023 OHL Cup will feature 20 teams consisting of talent eligible for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Starting with Wild Card Play-In matchups on Tuesday, March 28, all games will be played at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday, April 3.

The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.

U16 AAA Rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup – Week 13

RANK:TEAM:LAST WEEKWEEKS RANKED
1Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)113
2Peterborough Minor Petes (OMHA)213
3York-Simcoe Express (OMHA)313
4Halton Hurricanes (OMHA)413
5Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)513
6Mississauga Senators (GTHL)712
7London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)613
8Mississauga Rebels (GTHL)89
9Southern Tier Admirals (OMHA)97
10Huron-Perth Lakers (ALLIANCE)*–1
    
 Honourable Mention:  
 Central Ontario Wolves (OMHA)––
 Waterloo Wolves (ALLIANCE)–1
 Don Mills Flyers (GTHL)––
 Vaughan Kings (GTHL)1012

*- clinched spot in 2023 OHL Cup

This week’s top-five teams hold steady while the Mississauga Senators are up one spot into sixth. The Huron-Perth Lakers are into the Top-10 for the first time this season, unseating the Vaughan Kings, who fall into the honourable mention category after 12 straight weeks in the rankings. Huron-Perth is the first team to clinch a spot in the 2023 OHL Cup that begins later this month with Wild Card play on March 28th. The Lakers defeated the Brantford 99ers in three straight games to advance to the ALLIANCE Semi-Finals.

For more information, visit OHLCup.ca.


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

KYROU AND DIVINCENTIIS 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 regular season games ending Sunday, March 5, 2023.



Sting’s Christian Kyrou Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Dallas Stars prospect Christian Kyrou of the Sarnia Sting is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, five assists and seven points in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-6.

Kyrou started his week off strong on Wednesday, recording an assist along with the shootout game winner as the Sting defeated the Soo Greyhounds 4-3 to clinch a spot in the 2023 OHL Playoffs. He found the scoresheet again on Friday, also recording three helpers as the Sting defeated the visiting London Knights 6-1. Kyrou helped the Sting close out a perfect weekend on Sunday, scoring the game winner late in the third period to finish with two goals, an assist and first star honours in a 9-6 win over the Windsor Spitfires.

A 19-year-old native of Komoka, Ont., Kyrou has recorded 67 points (18-49-67) in 56 games between Sarnia and Erie this season. He was a second round (50th overall) pick of the Dallas Stars last summer following 18 goals, 42 assists and 60 points in 68 games with the Erie Otters last season. The 5-foot-11, 182lb. defenceman was originally Erie’s fifth round (84th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Barrie Colts overage forward Evan Vierling produced three goals, six assists and nine points in three contests last week. Detroit Red Wings prospect Amadeus Lombardi of the Flint Firebirds contributed three goals and three assists for six points in two victories.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Christian Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Braeden Bowman (Guelph Storm)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Nolan Burke (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Sean McGurn (London Knights)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Sahil Panwar (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Bryce McConnell-Barker (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Connor Lockhart (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Evan Vierling (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Ryan Gagnier (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Jorian Donovan (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Brody Crane (London Knights)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Matvey Petrov (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Deni Goure (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)



Battalion’s Dom DiVincentiis Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Winnipeg Jets prospect Dom DiVincentiis of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two wins including a shutout, a goals-against average of 1.00 and a save percentage of .972.

DiVincentiis backstopped the Battalion in back-to-back victories last week, starting with a 23-save effort in Thursday’s 5-2 win over the visiting Sudbury Wolves. The win was DiVincentiis’ 31st of the season, pushing him ahead of Jake Smith’s previously established single season franchise wins record from 2015-16.  DiVincentiis was back in the crease on Friday in Mississauga, stopping all 46 shots he faced to earn his third career OHL shutout as the Battalion defeated the Steelheads 3-0.

An 18-year-old native of Bolton, Ont., DiVincentiis owns a record of 32-9-2-0 on the season with a league-best 2.45 goals-against average along with a .915 save percentage. He was the recipient of the OHL’s F.W. ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy in 2021-22, posting a league-low 2.59 goals-against average among rookies to go with a 14-8-0-1 record and .907 save percentage. DiVincentiis was selected in the seventh round (207th overall) by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2022 NHL Draft.  He’s a former sixth round (116th overall) pick by the Battalion in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

Also in the running for the award this week, New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox of the Saginaw Spirit turned aside 88 shots, including a 59-save shutout in Peterborough on Thursday to end the week with a 1.44 goals-against average, and .967 save percentage. Marco Costantini of the Kitchener Rangers played to a 2-0 mark with a 2.00 goals-against average, .944 save percentage and one shutout.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Zach Bowen (London Knights)
Jan 30 – Feb. 5: Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan 23 – Jan. 29: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Jan 16 – Jan. 22: Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan 9 – Jan. 15: Matteo Drobac (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Marco Costantini (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Owen Flores (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Joe Ranger (Sudbury Wolves)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ivan Zhigalov (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Alessio Beglieri (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

Hunter Brzustewicz – Kitchener Rangers – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
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Hunter Brzustewicz of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

The thing that impresses me about Kitchener Rangers Defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz is that no matter the situation, he always appears to be calm out there even under pressure. In the defensive zone, he makes quick accurate passes to transition into offence. He’s not really one to take it up the ice himself but he has that escape ability in him.  

His skating technique is very good as his mobility. His east-west movement is excellent. His edgework is excellent. If there is one thing, I hoped he would add its more speed. At 6’ he could be a little quicker.

Brzustewicz is a highly intelligent player who process what’s happening quickly. His lateral movement is so good that at the offensive blueline he moves to open up lanes and then fines his teammates for perfect tape-to-tape passes.

Defensively, he can keep gaps tight. I know I am repeating myself, but his lateral movement enables him to force players to the outside. However, he can be overwhelmed in the physicality department and he’s going to have to put some work in to get stronger and to deal with that aspect of the game.

At this point, I should have a good idea on where I would rank him, but I don’t – it will likely be in the 10-20 range among OHL players. There is a lot to like about his game and there seems to be some potential there. I’m hoping he has a good showing in the playoffs where he will face even more pressure.

OHL, POWER EDGE PRO HOCKEY PARTNER TO LAUNCH CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE LOCATIONS ACROSS ONTARIO

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the launch of Centre of Excellence locations across Ontario in partnership with Power Edge Pro Hockey (PEP).

The OHL/PEP Centre of Excellence is a development initiative creating a premier and unparalleled in-season development experience for Minor Hockey players in Ontario to complement the development programs provided by their club team and minor hockey association.

Both the OHL and PEP are excited to introduce a progressive and engaging performance proven program that creates an opportunity for players to be exposed to OHL quality teaching methods and new skill acquisition through PEP’s Reactive Countering & Reactive Linear Crossover trainings.

The Ontario Hockey League is regarded as one of the top player development leagues in the world and continues to be a leading supplier of talent to both the National Hockey League and Canada’s National Teams at all levels, as well as U SPORTS (Canadian University) hockey.

PEP Hockey is the leading player development program in the world.  PEP delivers a patented, unmatched elite training experience with a consummate record of developing players to the NHL and OHL.

PEP’s innovative training has been adopted by the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets and numerous OHL teams.

Launching in September 2023, the Centre of Excellence locations will be offered in Barrie, Belleville, Kitchener, London, North Bay, Oakville, Oshawa, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, St. Catharines, Thunder Bay, and Toronto. Additional locations will be announced for year two.

The program will be available for the U10-U18 age groups with all players required to be a registered participant in a Hockey Canada Program, entering the 2023-24 season.

Applications can be submitted up until April 30th for acceptance to the OHL/PEP Centre of Excellence programs.

Learn more, and apply today at poweredgepro.com/ohl-centre-of-excellence/


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Player of the Month: February

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Draft Eligible Forward of the Month: Nick Lardis – Hamilton Bulldogs

What a month of February it was for Lardis. In 12 games he notched 10 goals and 11 assists. He scored in all but 4 games, had 2 multi goal games and was held pointless just twice during the month. He fired a whopping 51 shots on goal for a 19.6 shooting percentage and took no penalties.

Also considered were Dylan Roobroeck of the Oshawa Generals who had 7 goals and 10 assists in 13 games and Zakary Lavoie of the Niagara IceDogs who notched 7 goals and 10 assists in 14 games.  

Draft Eligible Defenceman of the Month: Rodwin Dionicio – Windsor Spitfires

Dionicio gets the nod on back-to-back months from us here. He has been on a tear since the Spitfires acquired him at the trade deadline. He appeared in 12 games in the month of February scoring 4 goals in consecutive games from February 5 through February 11. He also added 12 assists in those 12 games. He was held off the scoreboard in just 4 games. He finished the month with a plus-7 and complied 22 minutes in penalties.

Also considered were Tristan Bertucci of the Flint Firebirds who had 7 goals and 8 assists in 12 games and Hunter Brzustewicz of the Kitchener Rangers who scored twice and assists on 11 others in 12 games.

Draft Eligible Goaltender of the Month: Tristan Malboeuf – Hamilton Bulldogs

Malboeuf appeared in 7 games during the month of February and posted a 4-1-0-0 record. He stopped 163 of the 175 shots he faced for a save-percentage of .931 and included a 40 save shutout on February 20 against the Kitchener Rangers.

Also considered was Collin MacKenzie of the Ottawa 67’s who appeared in 7 games and stopped 133 of 140 shots for a save-percentage of .950. He went 5-0-1-0 on the month.

Our monthly choices were:

Forwards

Nick Lardis – Hamilton Bulldogs – February

Colby Barlow – Owen Sound Attack – January

Quentin Musty – Sudbury Wolves – December

Quentin Musty – Sudbury Wolves – November

Ryan Abraham – Windsor Spitfires – October

Defencemen

Rodwin Dionicio – Windsor Spitfires – February

Rodwin Dionicio – Windsor Spitfires – January

Beau Akey – Sudbury Wolves – December

Brody Crane – London Knights – November

Hunter Brzustewicz – Kitchener Rangers – October

Goaltenders

Tristan Malboeuf – Hamilton Bulldogs – February

Jacob Oster – Oshawa Generals – January

Joey Costanzo – Windsor Spitfires – December

Andrew Oke – Saginaw Spirit – November

Collin MacKenzie – Ottawa 67’s – October

OHL TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL OFFICIATING PROSPECT DEVELOPMENT COMBINE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its 2nd Annual Officiating Prospect Development Combine that will take place from June 8-10 at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre in Belleville, Ont.

The OHL received over 200 applications to participate in last year’s inaugural event and selected 72 officials to participate. A total of 10 women, six officials from the United States and four new recruits to officiating were among those selected. A total of 20 participants from last year’s Prospect Development Combine were then selected to attend the OHL Officiating Training Camp in August, and 17 of those officials were given the opportunity to officiate in the OHL for the 2022-23 season.

“I definitely feel like I’ll be going into the upcoming season as a better official.” – Hillary Brennan, OHL referee

“…this was a well-run event and when I chatted with the officials, they seemed to really take value from it. I overheard many comments specifically about the level of professionalism associated with this event.” – Dan Hanoomansingh, Manager of Officiating, Hockey Canada

“…I learned many things I hope to bring into my games in the upcoming years.” – Jason Faist, OHL referee

“I got a lot out of the camp that will assist me in continuing to prgress as an official. I will certainly be encouraging officials to apply for future OHL Combines.” – Brandy Beecroft, official

“The experience was truly invaluable and I feel it was extremely beneficial for more and my officiating career. This was truly a first-class Combine.” – Braydon Munn, official

WATCH: 2022 OHL OFFICIATING PROSPECT DEVELOPMENT COMBINE RECAP

This year’s Combine will not only continue to identify top officiating prospects in Ontario and the United States, but will also serve to enhance the development of these officials as they progress through different levels of the game.

This event is once again open to current high-level hockey officials as well as individuals that have recently completed their playing careers and are looking for opportunities to remain in the game. No experience is necessary. Individuals that apply must be excellent skaters, in great physical condition, and have a keen interest and desire to officiate at a high level.

The Combine will be a significant opportunity for officials to demonstrate their officiating desires and abilities. Some participants attending this event will have the opportunity to be selected to attend the OHL Officiating Training Camp in August 2023, with the possibility of competing for a spot on the OHL Officiating Team.

With its close-working relationship with the Ontario Hockey Federation, Hockey Canada and the National Hockey League, the OHL is not only the top development league for players and coaches, but officials aspiring to reach the next level as well.

Interested individuals can register here. Registration will close on Friday, April 14. As there are limited spaces available for this event, applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and those chosen to participate in the Combine will be contacted via email by April 28. Once an individual has been notified that he or she has been selected, additional registration/payment information will be provided.

Investment:

The cost to attend the Combine is $495.00 + HST and will include the following:

  • On and off-ice evaluation by Jackie Jarrell, owner of Gold Performance Training and Testing Specialist for the NHL Exposure Combine
  • Minimum 6 hours of total ice time
  • Minimum 6 hours of high-level classroom sessions
  • Meals (lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday)
  • Special group rate at the Fairfield Marriott (includes breakfast buffet) at individual’s expense (limited rooms available)
  • Exposure to key officiating individuals from various leagues (OHL, NHL, OHF, OHA)
  • Participation gift


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.