SPIRIT’S PAREKH AWARDED MAX KAMINSKY TROPHY AS OHL DEFENCEMAN OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that draft eligible Saginaw Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh is the 2023-24 recipient of the Max Kaminsky Trophy awarded to the League’s Defenceman of the Year as voted by OHL General Managers.

Parekh led OHL blueliners with 33 goals and 96 points, both Spirit single season franchise records at the position. He follows John Slaney (Cornwall, 1989-90) as just the second defenceman in OHL history to score more than 30 goals in his first season of NHL Draft eligibility. Parekh is the first Saginaw Spirit player to ever win the OHL Defenceman of the Year Award.

“I am very honoured to be recognized for this award, there’s so much talent in this league and I’m extremely grateful to be selected,” said Parekh.

“I’d like to thank my family, agent and the people within my support group that have helped me so much this year. I especially want to thank the Saginaw Spirit organization, the fans, ownership, staff, and especially the players. Without the group around me, I wouldn’t have had the same success I had throughout the year.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to my Head Coach Chris Lazary and my General Manager Dave Drinkill for helping develop me into the player I’ve become and for always having belief and trust in me.”

Parekh was named OHL Defenceman of the Month for both November and March. His six game-winning goals paced OHL blueliners. He also scored a pair of hat-tricks during the regular season, with the first coming on Nov. 8th in a 6-2 win over Flint and another as part of a five-point effort in an 11-3 win over Windsor on Jan. 10th.

“As an organization, we couldn’t be prouder of Zayne for winning such a prestigious award,” said Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill. “Since coming into our league last year as a young 16-year-old, he has worked extremely hard in all aspects of his game, on and off the ice. It is very rewarding to know that the rest of the league recognized this as well, and supported him to receive this award after a tremendous season here in Saginaw.”

“What Zayne accomplished this season as a second-year defenceman was simply remarkable,” Drinkill added. “Each game he found a way to make an impact, helping our team achieve new club records, while setting team and league individual records for a defenceman along the way.”

An 18-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., Parekh joined the Spirit as a first round (19th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Markham Majors U16 program. After setting a new OHL record with 21 goals as a 16-year-old defenceman in 2022-23, he closed out his 2023-24 campaign with career totals that include 54 goals, 79 assists and 133 points over 116 regular season games, registering a plus/minus of plus-42. He enters the 2024 NHL Draft this summer as the highest-ranked OHL skater on Central Scouting’s Final Rankings, coming in at fifth in North America.

The Max Kaminsky Trophy is awarded each year to the Most Outstanding Defenceman as selected by OHL General Managers. All 20 clubs submitted a nominee but were not permitted to vote for their own player.

The award is named in recognition of Max Kaminsky, who enjoyed a 10-year professional playing career that included four years in the NHL with Ottawa, Boston and Montreal. After he retired from playing, Kaminsky enjoyed a 15-year coaching career that was capped by winning the Memorial Cup with the St. Catharines Teepees in 1960.

Parekh led the way in this year’s award voting process, followed by Calgary Flames prospect Hunter Brzustewicz of the Kitchener Rangers as runner-up.

Parekh follows a former Spirit rearguard in Pavel Mintyukov of the Ottawa 67’s who was last year’s recipient. Other prominent names to have won the OHL Defenceman of the Year Award include Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2012), two-time recipients Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2009 & 2011) and Bryan Berard (Detroit 1995 & 1996), Drew Doughty (Guelph 2008) as well as Chris Pronger (Peterborough 1993).

Parekh will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Defenceman of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony that will be held that the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow from May 24th to June 2nd in Saginaw, Michigan. He’ll be formally presented with the Max Kaminsky Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

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

Jared Woolley – London Knights – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Jared Woolley of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
6’4”214Feb 27, 2006DL105th 202273rd N.A.CANADA
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022ETAHL U16Quinte Red Devils2621113
2022-2023ETAHL U18Quinte Red Devils3651924
2023-2024GOJHLSt Thomas Stars1961521
2023-2024OHLLondon Knights37325

Scouts will pay attention to defensemen who are 6’4” and weigh 200-plus pounds. Playing for a top-tier team like the London Knights also attracts the notice of scouts.

The issue for Jared Woolley is that few teams can match the defensive depth of the Knights. After starting the season in the GOJHL, he got called up by London, but once there, his ice time was limited by their roster talent.

Leveraging his size and reach, Woolley adeptly takes away time and space from the opposition with poise and calmness. His large frame also allows him to add physicality. While not the fastest skater, Woolley has demonstrated the ability to move the puck out of his defensive zone.

Woolley has the potential to establish himself as a strong defensive player. However, his offensive capabilities remain uncertain. Although he has demonstrated offensive production at every level so far, he was not given optimal offensive opportunities with the Knights. Further developing his skating skills will be advantageous.

HALTTUNEN 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 playoff games ending Sunday, April 28th.



Knights’ Kasper Halttunen Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals in a pair of victories.

Helping the Knights take a 2-0 Western Conference Championship Series lead over the Saginaw Spirit last week, Halttunen registered a pair of third period markers to earn first star honours, securing a 3-1 comeback win on Friday night at Budweiser Gardens. The 6-foot-3, 215lb. forward tallied another goal on Sunday, helping London skate to a 3-1 victory.

An 18-year-old from Helsinki, Finland, Halttunen has 14 points (9-5–14) in 10 playoff contests following a regular season that yielded 32 goals, 29 assists and 61 points over 57 games. A former first round pick by London in the 2022 CHL Import Draft, Halttunen was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the second round (36th overall) of last summer’s NHL Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club on July 12, 2023. Halttunen has also found success on the international stage, earning a bronze medal with Finland at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, along with a bronze medal at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Also considered for the award this week, Stuart Rolofs of the Oshawa Generals helped his team skate to a 2-0 Eastern Conference Final series lead over the North Bay Battalion, recording three goals in a pair of victories.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Kasper Halttunen (London Knights)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Jacob Julien (London Knights)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Samuel Mayer (Ottawa 67’s)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Owen Beck (Saginaw Spirit)

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



Generals’ Jacob Oster Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the fifth time this season, playing to a 2-0 record including a shutout, along with a 1.00 goals-against average, and .958 save percentage.

Backstopping the Generals to a 2-0 Eastern Conference Championship Series lead over the North Bay Battalion, Oster made a total of 46 saves last week. Oster stopped 24 of the 26 shots that came his way on Friday in a 4-2 win at the Tribute Communities Centre. He returned to the crease on Sunday evening with a 22-save shutout performance to earn first star honours as the Generals blanked the Battalion 3-0.

A 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Oster was awarded OHL Goaltender of the Year honours after playing to a regular season mark of 35-16-7-1 while posting a 2.82 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. Ranked first among all netminders with a 1.76 goals-against average in postseason action, Oster currently holds a 10-2-0-0 record. Selected in the fifth-round (92nd overall) by the Guelph Storm in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the veteran goaltender has appeared in 143 career regular season contests, recording a 3.29 goals-against average and .891 save percentage over three seasons, going 68-47-12-4 in the process. Oster attended training camp with the Los Angeles Kings last September.

Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson backstopped the London Knights to a 2-0 Western Conference Championship Series lead over the Saginaw Spirit, playing to a 2-0 record along with a 1.00 goals-against average and .959 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Charlie Schenkel (Soo Greyhounds)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Jakub Vondras (Sudbury Wolves)

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

Ethan Procyszyn – North Bay Battalion – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Ethan Procyszyn of the North Bay Battalion. Luke Durda/OHL Images
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
6’3”189Jul 11, 2006CR20th 202248th N.A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022ETAHL U16North Central27262652
2021-2022OJHLCollingwood Blues6303
2022-2023OHLNorth Bay Battalion6251318
2023-2024OHLNorth Bay Battalion62152136

Ethan Procyszyn is an intriguing prospect, known as a reliable two-way center. However, his defensive play is already very polished. He has a strong work ethic and competitive drive, with exceptional puck protection abilities.

With his large frame, Procyszyn can deliver big hits but avoids compromising his positioning to throw them. He typically wins physical battles in the gritty areas of the ice and leverages his size to drive the net with or without the puck. Upon arriving at the crease, he has the soft hands to finish plays in tight quarters.

Though not the fastest skater, he uses his size and reach effectively in the defensive zone to break up plays and transition the puck up ice. As a center, he displays a strong understanding of positioning and plays the role well. His ability to lead the breakout makes him an excellent two-way player.

Procyszyn shows promise as a bottom-six forward at the professional level. He brings energy, physicality, and defensive responsibility to the ice, with some secondary scoring ability. These qualities make him an attractive depth player that NHL teams will likely consider in the draft.

Luke Ellinas – Kitchener Rangers – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Luke Ellinasi of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
6’1”186Mar 12, 2006LW/CL29th, 202288th N.A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022AAA U16North York Rangers18111122
2022-2023OJHLNorth York Rangers44111223
2023-2024OHLKitchener Rangers67161733

Originally selected in the second round, 29th overall by the Barrie Colts in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Luke Ellinas was traded to the Kitchener Rangers before this season in exchange for a fourth-round pick.

The Rangers had a lot of center depth, which forced Ellinas to play on the wing. Therefore, it’s hard to determine if he fits better as a winger or center. There simply hasn’t been a large enough sample size at this level to make a clear projection yet.

Ellinas is projected to be a physical, reliable two-way player, who has been trusted by Coach Jussi Ahokas to handle critical defensive situations. In his own zone, he demonstrates advanced hockey sense, reading and anticipating the play skillfully to disrupt opposing offenses.

In the offensive zone, Ellinas demonstrates an ability to forecheck effectively, find openings in defensive coverage, and position himself well on the ice. While possessing an above-average shot, there is uncertainty whether his offensive skills will fully translate to higher levels of competition. More realistically, he could carve out a career as a defense-first forward who contributes modest offense and provides versatility across all three forward positions.

Anthony Romani – North Bay Battalion – Player Profile

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

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

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

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

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

AJ Spellacy – Windsor Spitfires – Player Profile

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

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

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

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

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

Owen Protz – Brantford Bulldogs – Player Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nathan Villeneuve – Sudbury Wolves – Player Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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