Jakub Fibigr of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SHOOTS
IMPORT DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’
171
July 22, 2006
D
L
16th, 2023
52nd, N.A.
CZECH
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
Czech U17
Viktovice
36
10
18
28
2022-2023
Czech U20
Viktovice
43
2
12
14
2023-2024
Hlinka/ Gretzky
Czechia
5
1
1
2
2023-2024
OHL
Mississauga
61
7
36
43
Jakub Fibigr played for the Czechia team at the 2023 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, where they won the silver medal. Soon after, the Mississauga Steelheads signed Fibigr, whom they had selected 16th overall in the CHL Import Draft earlier that July.
The puck moving defenceman was just what the doctor ordered for the Steelheads and he did not disappoint.
Fibigr is an excellent skater who combines straight-ahead speed with agility and lateral mobility. These assets allow him to keep offensive plays alive at the blueline by maneuvering around defenders. He can also jump into the play or lead the rush by carrying the puck up ice himself. Fibigr further utilizes his vision and playmaking skills to generate scoring chances for his teammates.
His strong skating skills give him the confidence to take risks and break up plays in the neutral zone. In the defensive zone, he maintains tight gaps on opponents and forces them to the perimeter. Belying his average size, he plays a surprisingly physical game, quickly retrieving pucks and igniting the transition game with either his skating or crisp outlet passes.
His strong work ethic and intense competitive spirit are also surprising traits. Playing on the international stage and against older opponents at different stages has provided valuable developmental experience.
Toronto, Ont. – The 8th annual OHL Under-18 Priority Selection is set to commence at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 17th where no fewer than 40 players born in 2006 and 2007 will be chosen from Under-18 AAA programs from across the province.
The Under-18 Priority Selection will be held entirely online, and streaming for free on OHL Live. Follow along with pick-by-pick results here at ontariohockeyleague.com.
Here’s everything you need to know about the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection:
History:
The concept for the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed in 2017 with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), to assist in the growth of U18 AAA hockey and provide further opportunities for players at different stages of their hockey development.
Past and Present OHL U18 Draft Picks to play in the OHL:
All U18 players not currently on a CHL Member Team Protected List who were carded with an Ontario-based U18 AAA Hockey Club or an accredited Hockey Canada sport school within the OHF, HNO or HEO in the 2023-24 playing season are eligible for the U18 Priority Selection.
Selection Procedure:
The Under-18 Priority Selection Process is capped at two rounds with each OHL Member Team required to select two players.
The OHL’s four non-playoff teams, the Niagara IceDogs, Windsor Spitfires, Peterborough Petes and Sarnia Sting, participated in a Priority Selection Lottery on March 27 to determine the order of selection for picks 1-through-4. The remaining order of selection is determined by inverse order of finish in the OHL regular season standings.
The Windsor Spitfires will select first overall in 2024, followed by the Sarnia Sting, Peterborough Petes and Niagara IceDogs.
Goaltender Policy:
Should a Member Team select a goalie with one of their two selections, the Club has the option to select another player (skater only). There will be an additional round added to the Under-18 Priority Selection to facilitate the drafting of the additional skater utilizing the same selection order and process.
General Rules of Selection:
OHL Member Teams may utilize a maximum of five minutes to select a player through the duration of the Under-18 Priority Selection.
Each OHL Member Team will have the opportunity for one two minute timeout during the Under-18 Priority Selection.
TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce that 19 CHL players will wear the Maple Leaf as part of Team Canada’s roster at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship (see complete list below), scheduled from April 25 – May 5 in Espoo and Vantaa, Finland.
Among some of the CHL forwards selected were Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL), and Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL). Greentree and Vanacker led all draft-eligible skaters in the OHL this season with 36 goals, while McKenna finished second among rookie scorers in the CHL by tallying 97 points (34G-63A) in 61 games during the 2023-24 campaign. Additionally, forwards Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters / OHL), Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL), Porter Martone (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL), and Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) are among a group of projected 2025 NHL Draft first-round picks on the roster.
On the backend, Team Canada will feature three blueliners who were ranked this morning by NHL Central Scouting in Charlie Elick (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL), Harrison Brunicke (Kamloops Blazers / WHL), and Spencer Gill (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL). Gill, who was the top-ranked skater from the QMJHL on NHL Central Scouting’s list, recorded career-highs in goals (12), assists (34), and points (46) this season. Additionally, 2023 OHL first overall pick and defenseman Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL) will look to secure another gold medal for his country after helping Canada White to the top of the podium at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge last November.
In net, Canada will be led by Carter George (Owen Sound Attack / OHL) and Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL), who were ranked second and tenth respectively by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft. Both Leenders (.909 SV%) and George (.907 SV%) led all OHL goalies in save percentage this season (min. 1600 minutes).
Projected 2024 NHL Draft first-round picks Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) and Cayden Lindstrom (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) were invited to be a part of the team but are both unable to participate.
Former Saint John Sea Dogs bench boss and 2022 Memorial Cup champion Gardiner MacDougall will serve as the team’s head coach. He will be joined on the bench by assistant coaches Travis Crickard (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL), Bruce Richardson, and Ryan Smith (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) along with goaltending coach Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL).
Canada’s quest for a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship begins April 25 at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT against Sweden. Canada will play Czechia on April 26, Switzerland on April 28, and Kazakhstan on April 30 to close out preliminary-round action. The semifinals are set for May 4 before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 5.
TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners will broadcast select tournament games, including all Team Canada games and all playoff-round games. Check your local listings for details.
Since 2002, Canada has won four gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021), in addition to one silver (2005) and four bronze (2012, 2014, 2015, 2023).
For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
19 CHL PLAYERS NAMED TO CANADA’S 2024 IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER
Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) and Cayden Lindstrom (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) were invited, but are unable to participate
Staff Head Coach – Gardiner MacDougall (former Saint John Sea Dogs head coach) Assistant Coach – Travis Crickard (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) Assistant Coach – Ryan Smith (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) Goaltending Coach – Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL) Program of Excellence management group representative – Dave Brown (Erie Otters / OHL) Athletic Therapist – Jimmy McKnight (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL) Team Physician – Dr. Michael Conrad (Victoria Royals / WHL)
Ben Danford of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’2”
190
Feb 6, 2006
RD
R
14th, 2022
32nd, N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
ETAHL U16
Quinte Red Devils
26
7
22
29
2022-2023
WHC U17
Canada Red
7
1
1
2
2022-2023
OHL
Oshawa Generals
63
4
17
21
2023-2024
Hlinka/ Gretzky
Canada
5
0
0
0
2023-2023
OHL
Oshawa Generals
64
1
32
33
Last season, rookie defenseman Ben Danford demonstrated defensive maturity beyond his years. This season, he has elevated his game even further. If defensive prowess in his own zone is all Danford achieves at the next level, there will still be demand for a big, right-handed blueliner with sound defensive instincts.
Danford’s competitiveness in his own zone stands out. He just doesn’t want to give his opponents anything. He takes away time and space with solid gap control and has a very active stick. He battles hard along the walls and behind the goal line. He can make life difficult for opponents in front of his own net. Yet he’s not really considered physical because he doesn’t go out looking to make a hit. Physicality comes in many forms though. He’s also an excellent shot blocker.
While Danford’s skating ability is currently average, lacking speed and agility, he uses it effectively to maintain gaps and force opponents to the outside. Moreover, he selectively jumps into the offensive play, joining rushes and leading breakouts, displaying wise decision-making and considerable improvement over the past year.
Danford is skilled at protecting his own blue line and maintaining the offensive zone with equal proficiency. He has a talent for sustaining offensive pressure, using his hockey intelligence to get pucks to the net from the point. While his shot may lack overpowering velocity, he generates rebounds and second chances.
Danford needs another season to demonstrate sustained offensive growth before determining if his skills will transfer successfully to the next level. Currently, he is tracking towards a promising career as a defensively skilled player with room to build an effective offensive dimension over time.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, April 14, 2024.
Generals’ Dylan Roobroeck Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
New York Rangers prospect Dylan Roobroeck of the Oshawa Generals is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week for the second time this season, recording two goals and four assists in a pair of playoff contests.
Helping the Generals take a 2-0 second round series lead over the Ottawa 67’s, Roobroeck opened up the week with a four-point performance in a 4-3 Game 1 victory on Friday, registering a goal and three assists to earn second star honours. He proceeded to pick-up third star recognition on Sunday, tallying a goal and an assist as the Generals defeated the 67’s 6-1 at home.
A 19-year-old from London, Ont., Roobroeck recorded 72 points (26-46–72) through 68 regular season outings. Originally selected in the third round (45th overall) by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection from the London Jr. Knights AAA U16 program, Roobroeck has tallied 49 goals, 97 assists, and 146 points over 200 regular season games between the Generals and the IceDogs. The New York Rangers’ sixth round (178th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the 6-foot-7, 195lb. forward leads all point-getters in the OHL Playoffs, registering 13 points (5-8-13) in eight post-season games.
Also considered for the award this week, Seattle Kraken prospect Eduard Sale of the Kitchener Rangers tallied three goals and two assists in two games played, while Boston Bruins prospect Jackson Edward of the London Knights helped his team take a 2-0 series lead over the Kitchener Rangers, registering a goal and a trio of assists.
2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs: 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)
Battalion’s Mike McIvor Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Rookie netminder Mike McIvor of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, playing to a 2-0 record along with a 1.50 goals-against average, and .954 save percentage.
McIvor helped the Battalion climb out to a 2-0 second round series lead against the Sudbury Wolves. He earned second star honours on Thursday night, turning aside 27 of the 29 shots he faced as North Bay defeated the Wolves 5-2. McIvor again earned second star honours on Saturday, blocking 35 of the 36 shots that came his way in a 5-1 win at home.
An 18-year-old native of Warkworth, Ont., McIvor played to a regular season mark of 8-9-0-0 with a 3.78 goals-against average and .876 save percentage over 18 games in his first OHL season. A fourth round (83rd overall) pick by the Battalion in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Quinte Red Devils U16 program, the 6-foot, 165lb. goaltender has appeared in six playoff contests, playing to a 5-1 record along with a 2.27 goals-against average and .916 save percentage.
Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson of the London Knights went 2-0 along with a 2.00 goals-against average and .918 save percentage to take a two-game second round series lead over the Kitchener Rangers. Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals also played to a 2-0 record along with a 2.00 goals-against average and .934 save percentage to give the Generals a 2-0 series lead over the Ottawa 67’s.
2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs: 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)
Cole Beaudoin of the Barrie Colts. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’2”
206
Apr 24, 2006
C
L
10th, 2022
31st, N.A.
CANADA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2019-2020
HEO U14
Ottawa Myers
30
13
27
40
2021-2022
HEO U18
Nepean Raiders
32
24
53
77
2022-2023
OHL
Barrie Colts
63
8
12
20
2022-2023
WHC U17
Canada Black
7
3
2
5
2023-2024
Hlinka/Gretzky
Canada
5
3
3
6
2023-2024
OHL
Barrie Colts
67
28
34
62
Cole Beaudoin is an intriguing prospect who remains somewhat mysterious. If not necessarily the best, he is one of the top 3 defensive forwards in the draft class. Beaudoin boasts high-level skills for disrupting plays in the neutral zone, blocking passing lanes in his own end, and maintaining excellent defensive positioning. His penalty killing abilities are also nearly unmatched at this level.
Consistency is a concern, as his performance fluctuates dramatically both shift-to-shift and game-to-game. He is prone to disappearing acts that leave you questioning if he even played, yet also capable of impressive displays reminiscent of the player you hoped to see.
Offensively, Beaudoin has not lived up to expectations despite driving play in top international tournaments like the World Hockey Challenge Under-17 and Hlinka-Gretzky Cup even though he neared a point per game. His league play has been underwhelming in that department.
One season ago, his skating skills were rightly questioned. He has clearly put in effort to improve those abilities, but still has more work to do. Adding speed, improving lateral movement and edge work would benefit his skating.
The most intriguing aspect is Beaudoin’s evident maturity and skill when fully engaged, which suggest he could reach the NHL level if he continues improving his skating and consistency.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today concluded the 2024 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore for North American players born predominantly in 2008.
The annual Priority Selection was held online over a span of two days, with Day 1 and 2 coverage produced by YourTV, airing across the province on YourTV, Rogers tv and Eastlink community stations as well as on the OHL Action Pak. Both days of the annual event were streamed for free in their entirety on OHL Live.
A total of 302 players were selected in the 15-round process from 78 different programs. The selected players included 170 forwards, 102 defencemen, and 30 goaltenders. A total of 298 of the players chosen were 2008-born athletes while two were born in 2007 and two were born in 2006.
“Congratulations to the remarkable 302 players drafted in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, a testament to your unwavering commitment and dedication,” said Darrell Woodley, Director of OHL Central Scouting. “Being selected is a tremendous achievement, to be shared with family, friends, coaches and mentors who’ve fuelled your journeys thus far. This is only the beginning as you prepare to reach your full potential throughout your junior careers. Your draft number matters less than the resilience, integrity, and skill you continue to develop on the ice. Success awaits those with the right mindset and determination, even beyond today’s selection. To all players, whether drafted or not, your pursuit of hockey and academic excellence holds endless opportunity, with the chance to also find success through next year’s Under-18 Priority Selection. Best of luck to all players in pursuit of your on and off ice goals!”
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association led the way with 103 selections from 19 different teams with the OMHA champion Barrie Jr. Colts leading with 14 picks, while the OHL Cup champion Oakville Rangers developed 12 and the U16 Peterborough Petes produced 10. The Greater Toronto Hockey League had 77 players selected from 11 different teams, as the GTHL finalist North York Rangers led the way with 16 selections. The Toronto Marlboros and GTHL champion Vaughan Kings trailed close behind with 13 selected players each. The Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario produced 40 selections from 11 different teams with the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks on top of the list with nine players selected, followed closely by the London Jr. Knights with eight. Hockey Eastern Ontario saw 26 players find their way onto OHL Draft boards from five different teams with the Upper Canada Cyclones and Ottawa Myers Automotive each leading with seven. The Northern Ontario Hockey Association had 13 players selected from across five teams as the Sudbury Wolves developed five, followed by the Soo Jr. Greyhounds with four. An additional four prospects were selected from Ontario-based junior teams, along with an out of province and Canadian Prep School player. A total of 34 players were chosen from across 22 different American-based teams led by Detroit Little Caesars with five players chosen, followed closely by Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, Detroit HoneyBaked, and the Chicago Mission with four each. An additional two players were chosen from U.S Prep Schools, while one was selected from an American-based Junior program.
This season marked the 24th straight year the Priority Selection was conducted by way of the internet, carried out in partnership with RinkNet.
Marek Vanacker of the Brantford Bulldogs. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’1”
170
Apr 12, 2006
LW
L
23rd, 2022
25th, N.A.
CANADA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
Alliance U16
Brantford 99ers
23
19
26
45
2022-2023
WHC U17
Canada Black
7
0
3
3
2022-2023
OHL
Hamilton Bulldogs
55
4
12
16
2023-2024
OHL
Brantford Bulldogs
68
36
46
82
Marek Vanacker has shown immense skill by increasing production fivefold over the last year. This dramatic improvement is no mere stroke of luck.
He is an elite skater and one of the quickest players in the draft class, excelling in edgework, first strides, and top speed. His ability to rapidly accelerate and decelerate on his blades throws off opponents. Leveraging his skating prowess, he attacks the net with and without the puck. Adding more lateral agility could make him even more dangerous, though his skating raises no major concerns.
Vanacker is an excellent puck handler. His skating allows him to dangle past defenders and drive the puck into space. With good vision and playmaking ability, he can find teammates for scoring chances. He also recognizes when to shoot himself, firing hard wrist shots that challenge goalies. Varying his release point and shot placement as well as improving his accuracy would make him even more dangerous.
Defensively, Vanacker leverages his speed and hockey IQ to his advantage. With quick reactions, he slides into passing lanes to stymie opponents’ chances. Wielding an active stick, he disrupts plays and swiftly turns defense to offense. Though presently a decent sized winger, he has the frame to add muscle and more physicality when he does so.
Vanacker currently projects as a reliable two-way forward who can contribute secondary scoring from a middle six position in the NHL. But don’t be surprised if there is more to come.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that a total of 331 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions during the 2023-24 academic year. OHL member teams made a total contribution of over $3.2 million to the OHL Scholarship Program.
A total of 228 OHL graduates competed in the U SPORTS Men’s Hockey ranks this season, while an additional 26 accessed their scholarships while playing professionally.
Centrally administered through the OHL Office, OHL Scholarships are funded by OHL member teams. Every player who plays in the OHL is eligible to receive an OHL Scholarship. The OHL graduate can utilize their scholarship worldwide at any post-secondary institution or in any career-enhancing program of their choice, including trade schools or professional career training programs.
In addition to alumni accessing their OHL Scholarship following graduation from the League, all current OHL players are encouraged to enroll in post-secondary courses with costs fully covered by OHL member teams. Team investment in scholarships being accessed by current OHL players was approximately $450,000 during the 2023-24 season.
“Investing in the OHL Scholarship Program is a key part of the player experience, and it’s something that the OHL and its member teams take great pride in,” said Commissioner David Branch. “The education of our current and former players is crucial for their growth, and helping them achieve their academic goals is a top priority for our League. The OHL continues to source talent to both the National Hockey League and U SPORTS Men’s Hockey Programs, highlighting our dedication to developing well-rounded individuals on and off the ice.”
This year, 310 of the 331 OHL Scholarship recipients are furthering their education at Canadian Universities. A total of 183 graduates are attending Ontario-based Universities with the University of Guelph leading all post-secondary institutions with 22 OHL graduates enrolled in full-time studies, while 16 former OHL players are enrolled at Queen’s University and 15 are studying at Toronto Metropolitan University. A total of 64 OHL graduates are attending Universities in Eastern Canada with the University of New Brunswick and University of Prince Edward Island each leading the way in enrolment. Thirteen graduates have accessed their OHL Scholarship at Universities in Western Canada while three have attended Universities in Quebec.
A total of 25 OHL Scholarship recipients are attending Ontario-based Colleges with Conestoga College and Humber College each leading the way with three graduates.
A total of 20 OHL graduates are accessing their OHL Scholarship while studying at American-based post-secondary institutions while one is enrolled in an institution outside of North America.
OHL member teams have invested in excess of $33 million into the OHL Scholarship Program over the past 10 seasons.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Kitchener Rangers forward Matthew Sop is the 2023-24 recipient of the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy awarded to the League’s Overage Player of the Year as voted by OHL General Managers.
A 21-year-old from Kitchener, Sop racked up 43 goals and 90 points over 67 games in his third season. He finished tied with teammate Carson Rehkopf for the league-lead in game-winning goals with 10, and was knotted with Sudbury’s Quentin Musty for the most overtime goals with five. He also led Kitchener in shorthanded goals with three.
“This recognition from the league means a lot to me,” said Sop of the honour. “I am really honoured to receive it, but I definitely could not have gotten it without all of my teammates and coaches around me!”
Sop’s production climbed over each of his three OHL seasons, starting with 22 points (10-12—22) as a rookie in 2021-22, climbing to 56 points (23-33—56) in 2022-23 to 90 (43-47—90) this past season, giving the former seventh-round pick in 2019 a total of 169 points (76-93—169) over 203 regular season games with his hometown Rangers.
“We are so excited and proud of Matthew on this individual accomplishment,” said Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “It has been tremendous to see the growth in his game throughout his career with the Rangers and this is well-earned recognition for a great season.
“Also, as a seventh-round pick, it is fitting this award will be handed out on OHL Draft weekend,” McKenzie added. “Matthew is another example that development looks different for everyone and players that aren’t top picks can still make a big impact.”
Sop becomes the fourth player in Kitchener Rangers history to earn Overage Player of the Year recognition, following Jason Akeson (2010-11), Andre Benoit (2004-05) and Joey St. Aubin (1990-91).
Owen Sound Attack forward Deni Goure finished as runner-up in award voting.
The Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the Top Overage Player of the Year as selected by OHL General Managers. Teams were asked to submit a nominee for the award and were not permitted to vote for players from their own hockey club.
First presented in 1984, the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy was donated by the trainers of the Ontario Hockey League, in memory of the late Leo Lalonde, former Chief Scout of OHL Central Scouting. Leo Lalonde was also former the Chief Scout for the Belleville Bulls as well as a scout for the Peterborough Petes.
Sop joins a list of other accomplished recent recipients in last year’s winner Matthew Maggio of the Windsor Spitfires, North Bay Battalion graduate Brandon Coe (2021-22) and former Ottawa 67’s forward Austen Keating (2019-20).
OHL Writers 