GAZIZOV AND OSTER 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, October 2, 2022.



Knights’ Ruslan Gazizov Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Ruslan Gazizov of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals, eight assists, and 11 points over three contests as the Knights earned six points last week.

Gazizov had a strong showing in Windsor on Thursday, registering four assists as the Knights defeated the Spitfires 6-2. The 5-foot-11, 185lb. forward found the scoresheet again on Friday, tallying a goal and four assists to earn first star honours in an 8-2 win over the Owen Sound Attack. Gazizov closed out the week with a pair of markers on Saturday including the game-tying goal and overtime winner, earning first star recognition as the Knights bounced back to defeat the Sudbury Wolves 4-3.

Selected in the first round (12th overall) by the Knights in the 2021 CHL Import Draft, the 19-year-old forward has recorded 34 points (12-22–34) through 32 outings this season, helping the Knights play to a record of 20-11-0-1, good for second in the Midwest Division. Gazizov has tallied 45 goals, 65 assists, and 110 points over 142 regular season games played in three seasons with London.

Also considered for the award this week, Peterborough Petes forward Jax Dubois scored four times and added three assists in three games played. Oshawa Generals overage forward Connor Lockhart was also productive, contributing six goals to three wins last week.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
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)
 



Generals’ Jacob Oster Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, playing to a 3-0 record with a 2.00 goals-against average, and .915 save percentage.

Oster backstopped the Generals to three straight wins to close out the first half of the season, beginning with 20 saves on Wednesday in a 6-2 win over the Mississauga Steelheads. Oster returned to the crease on Friday, making 23 saves as Oshawa defeated Central Division-leading Mississauga by a score of 7-3. The 6-foot-3, 190lb. netminder closed out the weekend with a 22-save performance on Saturday, helping Oshawa defeat rival Peterborough 5-1.

A 19-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Oster has played to a 13-10-3-1 record this season, along with a 3.14 goals-against average, and an .899 save percentage. Selected in the fifth round (92nd overall) by the Guelph Storm in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the veteran goaltender has appeared in 110 career regular season contests, recording a 3.53 goals-against average and .885 save percentage over three seasons, going 46-41-8-4 in the process. Oster attended training camp with the Los Angeles Kings in September.

Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson of the London Knights went 2-0 with a 2.42 goals-against average and .917 save percentage. Charlie Schenkel of the Soo Greyhounds was also steady, going 2-0 with a 2.50 goals-against average and .909 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)


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.

LARDIS AND DONOSO 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, December 11, 2023.



Bulldogs’ Nick Lardis Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording five goals, two assists, and seven points over three contests as the Bulldogs earned five of a possible six points.

Lardis had a strong showing in Peterborough on Thursday, registering a goal against his former club as the Bulldogs defeated the Petes 4-2. The 5-foot-11, 171lb. forward found the scoresheet again on Friday, tallying a goal and an assist as the Bulldogs suffered a 6-5 overtime loss to the Kitchener Rangers. Lardis closed out the week with his first career OHL hat trick along with an assist on Saturday. He scored the overtime winner, earning first star honours as the Bulldogs bounced back, defeating the Rangers 5-4 in extra time.

An 18-year-old from Oakville, Ont., Lardis has recorded 35 points (23-12-35) through 28 outings this season as the Bulldogs own a record of 14-9-5-1. Originally selected sixth overall by the Peterborough Petes in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Oakville Rangers U16 program, Lardis has tallied 78 goals, 59 assists, and 137 points over 160 regular season games between the Petes and the Bulldogs. Lardis was selected in the third round (67th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week, overage forward Jack Beck of the Soo Greyhounds scored three times and added four assists to help the Greyhounds earn six points. Oliver Peer of the Windsor Spitfires was also productive, contributing a total of three goals and four helpers to a two-win weekend.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
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)
 



67’s’ Max Donoso Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Max Donoso of the Ottawa 67’s is the OHL Goaltender of the Week after he went 2-0, posting a 1.51 goals-against average and .957 save percentage in three appearances last week.

Stopping a total of 88 shots last week, Donoso turned aside 32 of the 34 shots he faced on Wednesday as the 67’s defeated the Oshawa Generals 3-2 in overtime. Donoso entered the game to begin the second period of Friday’s matchup against the Peterborough Petes, stopping 17 of the 18 shots that came his way as the 67’s fell by a score of 5-2. He returned to the crease on Sunday afternoon in Peterborough, earning first star honours with 39 saves in a 2-1 win over the Petes. Sunday’s win was the 50th of Donoso’s OHL career, making him the 10th goaltender in 67’s franchise history to reach the milestone.

A 20-year-old from Windsor, Ont., Donoso has appeared in 18 games this season, playing to a 2.83 goals-against average to go with a 9-6-1-0 record, .909 save percentage and one shutout. The 6-foot-1, 185Ib. netminder was the 67’s fifth round (98th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the Windsor Jr. Spitfires U16 program. He owns a career regular season mark of 50-25-2-7 with a 2.77 goals-against average, .903 save percentage and four shutouts in 92 contests.

Also considered for the award this week, Ben Gaudreau of the Erie Otters went 2-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average, and .961 save percentage as Erie defeated Niagara and Guelph. Ian Michelone of the Windsor Spitfires also secured a pair of wins, recording a 2.00 goals-against average along with a .945 save percentage as the Spits defeated Barrie and Flint.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)


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.

FIMIS AND VANDENBERG 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, December 3, 2023.



Otters’ Pano Fimis Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Pano Fimis of the Erie Otters is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording four goals, three assists, and seven points over three contests.

Fimis started the week with a goal on Wednesday as the Otters earned a point in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Kitchener Rangers. He found the scoresheet again on Saturday, recording a pair of goals along with an assist as the Otters fell to the Owen Sound Attack 7-4. Bouncing back on Sunday, the 5-foot-11, 183lb. centreman closed out the weekend with a penalty shot goal and two helpers as the Otters defeated the Attack 8-5 at the Bayshore. Currently leading the OHL with a 64.5% success rate in the faceoff circle, Fimis was 52.8% at the dot last week.

A 19-year-old from Richmond Hill, Ont., Fimis has recorded 10 goals, 19 assists, and 29 points over 26 games played so far this season. Originally selected second overall by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Fimis has registered 120 points (40-80–120) over 135 regular season games between the IceDogs and Otters. Fimis attended rookie camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins this past September.

Also considered for the award this week, Seattle Kraken prospect David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves scored three times and added five assists to help Sudbury earn three of a possible six points. Draft-eligible blueliner Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit was also productive, contributing a total of two goals and six helpers to a two-win weekend.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
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)
 



IceDogs’ Marcus Vandenberg Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Marcus Vandenberg of the Niagara IceDogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week following a pair of wins where he posted a 1.96 goals-against average and .951 save percentage.

Stopping a total of 77 shots last week, Vandenberg stopped 44 of the 47 that came his way against his former club on Friday, earning first star honours as the IceDogs defeated the first place Kitchener Rangers 4-3 in overtime. He returned to the crease at home on Sunday, turning aside 33 of the 34 shots he faced in another first star performance as the IceDogs defeated the Peterborough Petes 2-1.

Vandenberg has appeared in 12 games for the IceDogs this season, playing to a 3-6-2-0 record while logging a 3.95 goals-against-average and .891 save percentage. The 5-foot-11, 172lb. Dorchester, Ont. native was originally selected in the ninth round (177th overall) by the Kitchener Rangers in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection from the Elgin-Middlesex U16 program. Defending the crease in his third OHL season, the 19-year-old has played to a career record of 12-18-4-0, posting a 3.79 goals-against-average and .890 save percentage.

Also considered for the award this week, Edmonton Oilers prospect Nathan Day of the Flint Firebirds went 2-0 with a 1.93 goals-against average, and .932 save percentage in wins over Peterborough and Ottawa.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)


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’s Draft Eligible Statistical Leaders: November

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

November is in the books and it is time to look at some of the statistical leaders among players eligible for the 2024 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

Some of the players are first time eligible while others are second and even third time eligible. Players born between January 1 2004 and September 15, 2004 are third time eligible. Players born between September 16 2004 and September 15 2005 are second time eligible. Players born between September 16 2005 and September 15 2006 are first time eligible.

We take great care in compiling stats, but for official stats. Always refer to the OHL website.

Points Leaders
PlayerTeamGPGAPts
Liam GreentreeWindsor Spitfires22171835
Anthony RomaniNorth Bay Battalion24191534
Luke MisaMississauga Steelheads2372633
Adrian MisaljevicKitchener Rangers26171431
Zayne ParekhSaginaw Spirit2392231
Dalyn WakelyNorth Bay Battalion2482331
Trent SwickKitchener Rangers26111627
Marco MignosaSoo Greyhounds2581826
Jonathan MeleePeterborough Petes21111425
Owen Van SteenselNorth Bay Battalion24111425
Goal Scoring Leaders
PlayerTeamGPGGPG
Anthony RomaniNorth Bay Battalion24190.79
Liam GreentreeWindsor Spitfires22170.77
Adrian MisaljevicKitchener Rangers26170.65
Justin CloutierSoo Greyhounds25130.52
Owen AllardSoo Greyhounds25120.48
Trent SwickKitchener Rangers26110.42
Jonathan MeleePeterborough Petes21110.52
Owen Van SteenselNorth Bay Battalion24110.46
Tyson DoucetteSarnia Sting24110.46
Valentin ZhuginWindsor Spitfires24110.46
Assist Leaders
PlayerTeamGPAAPG
Dalyn WakelyNorth Bay Battalion24230.96
Zayne ParekhSaginaw Spirit23220.96
Liam GreentreeWindsor Spitfires22180.82
Marco MignosaSoo Greyhounds25180.72
Jacon LeBlancSarnia Sting24170.71
Trent SwickKitchener Rangers26160.62
Kocha DelicSudbury Wolves23160.70
Calem MangoneSaginaw Spirit23160.70
Pano FimisErie Otters24160.67
Simon SlavicekFlint Firebirds23160.70
Defencemen Point Leaders
PlayerTeamGPGAPts
Zayne ParekhSaginaw Spirit2392231
Jacon LeBlancSarnia Sting2441721
Sam DickonsonLondon Knights2451419
Henry MewsOttawa 67’s2031518
Spencer SovaErie Otters199716
Luca D’AmatoOshawa Generals2241115
Jakub FibigrMississauga Steelheads2341115
Donovan McCoyPeterborough Petes2341115
Luca MarrelliOshawa Generals2211415
Ben DanfordOshawa Generals2211314
Goaltenders Leaders – Goals Against Average
PlayerTeamGPMinGAAvg
Collin MacKenzieOttawa 67’s11617252.43
Jackson ParsonsKitchener Rangers201113452.43
Brayden GillespieGuelph Storm201166512.62
Andrew OkeSaginaw Spirit15835372.66
Carter GeorgeOwen Sound Attack191060502.83
Sam HillebrandtBarrie Colts13721352.91
Ryerson LeendersMississauga Steelheads17988523.16
Charlie SchenkelSoo Greyhounds191089583.20
Jacob OsterOshawa Generals201169663.39
Mason VaccariKingston Frontenacs221271743.49
Goaltending Leaders – Save Percentage
PlayerTeamGPSHSVSSV%
Collin MacKenzieOttawa 67’s113333080.925
Jackson ParsonsKitchener Rangers205735280.921
Carter GeorgeOwen Sound Attack195835330.914
Brayden GillespieGuelph Storm205815300.912
Sam HillebrandtBarrie Colts133943590.911
Ryerson LeendersMississauga Steelheads175825300.911
Andrew OkeSaginaw Spirit153883510.905
Liam SztuskaPeterborough Petes155384870.905
Owen FloresNiagara IceDogs165424880.900
Jacob OsterOshawa Generals206375710.896

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Players of the Month: November

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

It was a wild and crazy month in the Ontario Hockey League and it’s not always easy to select the best performances among forwards, defencemen and goaltenders. Yet, here we are doing just that among the players eligible for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

Forward of the Month: Liam Greentree – Windsor Spitfires

There were a lot of options here but ultimately decided on Greentree because of what he is doing on the League’s last place club. Greentree posted 9 goals and 9 assists in just 10 games in November and is a bright spot on a season Spitfires’ fans would like to forget. He’s creating a lot of chances for himself and his teammates and he’s making them count. Greentree has 17 goals and 18 assists in 22 games on the season and leads the Spits in most offensive categories.

Also considered were: Anthony Romani of the North Bay Battalion who had 9 goals and 6 assists in 11 games; Kocha Delic of the Sudbury Wolves who had 6 goals and 10 assists in 11 games; Trent Swick of the Kitchener Rangers who notched 8 goals and 9 assists in 13 games and Simon Slavicek of the Flint Firebirds who scored 5 goals and 11 assists in 12 games.

Defenceman of the Month: Zayne Parekh – Saginaw Spirit

It was an easier decision on the blueline where Parekh put up 7 goals and 12 assists in 11 games. He was held off the scoresheet just twice and only 2 games were not multi point games. He had a hattrick on November 8 against Flint – the first of his OHL career.

Parekh finished with a minus in just one game in November, a 3-1 win over the Windsor Spitfires. It just happened to be one of the games he went pointless in as well. Parekh now has 9 goals and 22 assists in 23 games on the season.

Also considered was Ottawa 67’s defenceman Henry Mews who had 2 goals and 10 assists in 10 games. Returning after missing 3 games, Mews put up points in 7 of his 10 games with all but two of them being multi-point games. He now has 3 goals and 15 assists in 20 games on the season.

Goaltender of the Month: Jackson Parsons – Kitchener Rangers

Perhaps an even easier decision was selecting Parsons. Yes, he plays on a great Rangers squad but he is one of the reasons they are so good. He made 11 appearances in November and posted a 9-1-0-0 record. As good as Kitchener is as a team, Parsons still faced some rubber stopping 303 of 323 shots he faced for a .937 save-percentage, 2.05 goals-against-average and 2 shutouts.

Parsons faced 30 or more shots in 7 of his 10 complete games in November and is 7th among OHL goalies in shots faced on the season. Parsons is now 14-5-0-0 on the season with a 2.43 goals-against-average and .921 save-percentage. So, he is not just the beneficiary of playing on a good team.

We didn’t really consider anyone else as our nominee.

Our monthly choices:

Forward of the Month

Liam Greentree – Windsor Spitfires – November

Adrian Misaljevic – Kitchener Rangers – October

Defenceman of the Month

Zayne Parekh – Saginaw Spirit – November

Jacob LeBlanc – Sarnia Sting – October

Goaltender of the Month

Jack Parsons – Kitchener Rangers – November

Brayden Gillespie – Guelph Storm – October

CHL Team of the Month presented by CCM: November 2023 

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce today the November edition of the CHL Team of the Month presented by CCM for the 2023-24 regular season.

F – Jordan Dumais (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL)
8G-19A, 27 PTS, +13 in 12 GP in November

Across the CHL, no skater tallied more points in the month of November than Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Jordan Dumais of the No.3-ranked Halifax Mooseheads. The 19-year-old from Île Bizard, Que., registered points in 11 of 12 games over the course of the month – collecting eight goals and 19 assists. Within those 12 contests, Dumais recorded nine multi-point games, including six with three or more points. Through the 17 games he’s played this season, Dumais has failed to register a point in only one contest. He’s also averaging an impressive 2.41 points per game over the 2023-24 campaign, which is the highest mark of anyone in the CHL. Dumais, who led the QMJHL in scoring in 2022-23, is the only player in the CHL to currently be averaging more than two points per game (min. five games played) this season. Dumais is now up to 41 points during the 2023-24 campaign, which ranks second in the QMJHL and places him among the top-10 scorers in the CHL.

F – Filip Mešár (Kitchener Rangers / OHL)
10G-12A, 22 PTS, +9 in 13 GP in November

Alongside his teammate Carson Rehkopf, Montreal Canadiens prospect Filip Mešár of the No.4-ranked Kitchener Rangers led all OHL skaters with 22 points over the month of November. Those 22 points also ranked tied for fourth among any player in the CHL. Ultimately, the 19-year-old from Spisska Bela, Slovakia, recorded at least a point in 10 of 13 games in November, including registering seven multi-point contests. One of those games saw Mešár score his first career OHL hat-trick on November 21 in a 10-3 Kitchener win against the Erie Otters. The 2022 first-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens also tallied five power-play goals over the last month, which was one shy of the best mark in the OHL for November. Selected ninth overall in the 2021 CHL Import Draft, Mešár is now averaging 1.73 points per game during the 2023-24 campaign, which matches the highest mark of any player in the OHL this season.  

F – Gabe Klassen (Portland Winterhawks / WHL)
7G-18A, 25 PTS, +12 in 11 GP in November

Averaging 2.27 points per game in November, Gabe Klassen of the No. 5-ranked Portland Winterhawks was one of the CHL’s highest scoring players over the last month. Klassen’s 25 points trailed only Halifax’s Jordan Dumais (27 points) for the top spot in the CHL in November, while his 18 assists were second behind Saskatoon’s Trevor Wong (21) in the WHL. Klassen led all WHL skaters in scoring over the month of November and his plus/minus rating of +12 ranked third in the WHL over that stretch. The 20-year-old from Prince Albert, Sask., failed to register a point in only three games last month, tallying three points or more on six different occasions, including a five-point outing (2G-3A) against the Kamloops Blazers on November 8. Thanks to his strong month in November, Klassen now has 41 points on the season, which places him among the top-10 scorers in the CHL during the 2023-24 campaign.

D – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit / OHL)
7G-12A, 19 PTS, +13 in 12 GP in November

2024 NHL Draft prospect Zayne Parekh of the No.8-ranked Saginaw Spirit had an spectacular month of November, tallying 19 points, which were the most of any blueliner in the Canadian Hockey League. His seven goals in November were also tied for the most of any defenceman in both the OHL and CHL. Over the last month, the 17-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., failed to register a point on only three occasions. Over his 12 games during the month of November, Parekh recorded seven multi-point games, including his first career OHL hat-trick on November 8 against the Spirit’s in-state rivals, the Flint Firebirds. Parekh’s excellent performance no doubt played a big role in helping Saginaw reach a franchise-record 10 straight wins along with a spot in the CHL Top-10 Rankings for the first time since the end of October. Parekh is now up to nine goals and 31 points during the 2023-24 campaign. His 31 points rank third among defencemen in the CHL, while his nine goals place him in a tie for fourth among that same group.

D – Luca Cagnoni (Portland Winterhawks / WHL)
1G-16A, 17 PTS, +9 in 11 GP in November

San Jose Sharks prospect Luca Cagnoni of the No.5-ranked Portland Winterhawks was a force on the backend throughout November. Trailing only Saginaw’s Zayne Parekh (19 points), Cagnoni’s 17 points in the last month were the second-most of any blueliner in the CHL. His 16 assists in November were ranked tied for first, alongside Kitchener’s Hunter Brzustewicz, for the most by a defenceman in the CHL. The 18-year-old from Burnaby, B.C., recorded at a point in eight of 11 games during the month of November. The latter included a five-point outing (1G-4A) against the Kamloops Blazers on November 8, which is the only five-point game by a defenceman in the CHL so far this season. The 2023 Sharks’ fourth-round pick is now up to 30 points on the year, which places him among the top-five scoring blueliners in the CHL during the 2023-24 campaign. His 27 assists on the year also rank third among defencemen in the Canadian Hockey League.

G – Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers / OHL)
9-1-0-0, 2.05 GAA, .937 SV%, 2 SO in ten starts in November

Having won nine of his 10 starts in November, Jackson Parsons of the No.4-ranked Kitchener Rangers has undoubtedly played an important part in his team’s success. Parsons’ nine wins were the most of any goalie in the CHL during the month of November, while his two shutouts also rank tied for first in the CHL over that stretch. In total, the 19-year-old from Embrun, Ont., made 310 saves in November, which trailed only Moose Jaw’s Jackson Unger (318) in the CHL. With six 30-plus save performances over the last month, Parsons’ 2.05 GAA and .937 SV% were both the third-best marks in the OHL for November. Parsons is now up to four shutouts on the season, which places him in a tie for first in the CHL with Prince George’s Joshua Ravensbergen. Meanwhile, his 14 wins are the most of any netminder in the OHL and he sits third in the CHL for that category. The Rangers’ netminder also holds a 2.43 GAA and a .921 SV% on the season, which rank first and second in the OHL respectively.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced top performers for the month of November including Kitchener Rangers teammates Filip Mesar and Jackson Parsons, Saginaw Spirit blueliner Zayne Parekh and Windsor Spitfires forward Cole Davis.

Player of the Month – Filip Mesar (Kitchener Rangers)

Montreal Canadiens prospect Filip Mesar of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL Player of the Month for November, producing points in nine of his 13 outings, including six goals in his last five games played. He recorded 10 goals, 12 assists, and 24 points this month, helping the Western Conference-leading Rangers play to an 11-3 record. The 5-foot-10, 168lb. forward registered consecutive three-point showings on Nov. 12 and 17., along with a four-point performance on Nov. 21., scoring his first OHL career hat trick in the Rangers’ 10-3 win over the Erie Otters. Mesar gives the Rangers consecutive OHL Player of the Month recipients after teammate Carson Rehkopf earned October’s honours.

Selected ninth overall in the 2021 CHL Import Draft, the 19-year-old from Spisska Bela, Slovakia comes-off a solid first season in the OHL, registering 51 points (17-34-51) in 52 regular season matchups. Montreal’s first round (26th overall) pick in the 2022 NHL Draft has recorded 26 points (11-15–26) through 15 games with the Rangers this season.

Defenceman of the Month – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)

2024 NHL Draft eligible defenceman Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Defenceman of the Month, registering seven goals, 12 assists, and 19 points over 12 November outings, including nine points in his last five games. Helping Saginaw win 10 of a possible 12 games last month, Parekh currently ranks second among all defensive point-getters, recording 31 points (9-22-31) over 23 games played this season. Tallying seven multi-point showings last month, he registered three different three-point performances on Nov. 2 and Nov. 29, as well as his first career OHL hat-trick on Nov. 8 as the Spirit defeated the Flint Firebirds 6-3.

A 17-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., Parekh is in his second OHL season after registering 37 points (21-16–37) over 50 games last season, setting a new OHL record for goals by a 16-year-old blueliner with 21. The 6-foot, 180Ib. right-shot defender earned a gold medal for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this past summer, and was recently awarded an A-rating on NHL Central Scouting’s October ‘Players to Watch’ List for the 2024 NHL Draft. Parekh was Saginaw’s first round (19th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Markham Majors U16 program.

Goaltender of the Month – Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)

Jackson Parsons of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for November, playing to a 9-1 record with a 2.05 goals-against average and .937 save percentage along with two shutouts. Helping lead his team to the top of the Western Conference standings, Parsons posted back-to-back shutouts on Nov. 8 and Nov. 10, including a 30-save performance against the Owen Sound Attack, followed by a 39-save performance against the Peterborough Petes. Parson closed out the month with a 40-save performance on Nov. 29 as the Rangers bested the Erie Otters 5-4 in overtime.

A recently turned 19-year-old from Embrun, Ont., Parsons has come back strong from missing much of 2022-23 to injury, playing to a 14-5 record along with a league-leading 2.43 goals-against average, .921 save percentage and four shutouts so far this season. Selected in the third round (53rd overall) by Kitchener in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Parsons has appeared in 47 career regular season contests, recording a 24-19-2-0 record, 3.30 goals-against average and .902 save percentage over three seasons.

Rookie of the Month – Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)

Windsor Spitfires forward Cole Davis is the OHL Rookie of the Month, recording 12 points, including seven goals and five assists over 13 appearances in November. Davis registered four multi-point showings over the course of the month, tallying six points in his last five games. Davis tallied back-to-back two-point showings, recording a pair of goals on Nov. 18 against the Kitchener Rangers, followed by a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win over the Peterborough Petes on Nov. 23. Davis now leads all rookie skaters in points, registering 18 (10-8-18) through 25 games this season.

A 17-year-old from Sutton, Ont., Davis spent the 2022-23 season with the Lasalle Vipers of the GOJHL, recording 46 points (24-22-46) in 47 games played while also appearing in five games with the Spitfires. The 5-foot-10, 175Ib. forward was the Windsor’s fourth round (65th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.

2023-24 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
November – Filip Mesar (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)

Defenceman of the Month:
November – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Hunter Brzustewicz (Kitchener Rangers)

Goaltender of the Month:
November – Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)

Rookie of the Month:
November – Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)
October – Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)


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.