Henry Mews of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’1”
183
Mar 9, 2006
RD
R
7th, 2022
27th, N.A.
CANADA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
AAA U16
Toronto Jr Canadiens
52
14
64
78
2021-2022
OHL Cup
Toronto Jr Canadiens
6
1
4
5
2022-2023
WHC U17
Canada White
6
2
6
8
2022-2023
OHL
Ottawa 67’s
55
12
19
31
2023-2024
Hlinka/Gretzky
Canada
5
1
6
7
2023-2024
OHL
Ottawa 67’s
65
15
46
61
Henry Mews of the Ottawa 67’s has consistently generated offense throughout his career, from AAA to the World Hockey Challenge U17 tournament to the Ontario Hockey League. Though considered the third-best defenseman in his OHL draft class after Sam Dickinson and Zayne Parekh, Mews brings a distinct skill set compared to his highly-touted peers. The trio couldn’t be more different.
Mews’ skating ability stands out as his greatest asset, with fluid mechanics, explosive acceleration in just a few strides, and adept edge work enabling effortless changes of pace and direction. While his top-end speed could improve, this minor weakness does not detract from his overall excellence on the ice.
Mews is an excellent puck handler who thrives during breakouts and in transition. With elite vision and superb playmaking ability, he gets the job done moving the puck up ice. Although not a scoring threat yet, he still creates danger in the offensive zone by using his accurate shot to generate rebounds. Developing a heavier shot could make him even more of a dual threat, but for now his playmaking skills make him someone you want controlling the puck.
The area of concern at this level is always a player’s defensive game and it is no different for Mews. While he can play with an edge and is superb at keeping his gaps tight thanks to his elite skating, I have concerns about his inconsistent defensive effort. There are times he looks lost in his own zone, not from a lack of hockey IQ, but seemingly from a lapse in effort. If he can maintain strong defensive effort, he has the skillset to succeed at the next level.
TORONTO, ON — The Val-d’Or Foreurs of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) will have the first overall selection in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, which is scheduled for Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET. Following the Foreurs, the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) will choose second, while the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) will select third (see the complete draft order below).
Val-d’Or, who will have the top pick of the draft for the first time since 2000, finished the 2023-24 regular season with a 15-48-3-2 record as they collected 35 points in 68 games. With its first-round selection in 2023, the Foreurs chose Czech forward Samuel Fiala with the fifth overall pick. The 18-year-old from Prostejov, Czechia, finished the season with 14 goals and 23 points in 60 games.
The Windsor Spitfires earned the third overall pick in the 2024 CHL Import Draft after winning the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Lottery. The Spitfires, who have selected third overall at a CHL Import Draft only once before in 1993, completed the regular season with an 18-42-5-3 record. With their first-round selection in 2023, Windsor drafted Czech defenceman Josef Eichler, who finished the 2023-24 campaign with five goals and 12 points in 64 contests. Eichler is listed as the 146th-ranked North American skater in the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Russian and Belarusian players will be eligible for selection in the 2024 CHL Import Draft and they will be able to play in the CHL as long as they are granted the necessary visa that they require to enter and play hockey in North America. In addition to this change to the CHL Import Draft, the CHL will permanently cancel the Canada-Russia Series as part of its annual calendar of events moving forward.
Over the years, the CHL Import Draft has seen a multitude of players chosen at this event who have later gone on to hear their names called at the NHL Draft. Just last year, at the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville, Tenn., six CHL players who came through the CHL Import Draft were drafted by NHL clubs, including Samuel Honzek (Vancouver Giants / Calgary Flames), Egor Sidorov (Saskatoon Blades / Anaheim Ducks), Andrei Loshko (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / Seattle Kraken), Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit / Anaheim Ducks), Marcel Marcel (Gatineau Olympiques / Chicago Blackhawks) and Vojtech Port (Moose Jaw Warriors / Anaheim Ducks).
Since the first CHL Import Draft was held in 1992, over 2,090 players from outside of Canada and the United States have been selected at this annual event.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the rosters and schedule for the 2024 OHL Development Combine presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario which takes place April 6-7 at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ont.
The event offers 77 players (37 forwards, 24 defencemen, 16 goaltenders) the opportunity to showcase themselves both on and off the ice to OHL member team personnel. Sport testing results will be distributed to every OHL member team General Manager to assist in their evaluation for the OHL Priority Selection to be held on April 12-13.
“The OHL Combine offers aspiring players a unique opportunity for personal development,” stated Brodie Barrick, OHL Director of Recruitment and Player Services. “By conducting skill assessments, we identify both on and off-ice strengths to help players achieve their peak performance. Simultaneously, the games provide an additional platform for players to showcase their abilities, setting the stage for the upcoming Priority Selection.”
The weekend program includes on and off-ice testing performed by Okanagan Hockey Group in addition to skills training provided by Power Edge Pro. Over the weekend players will also partake in a seminar that focuses on proper nutrition and training for elite athletes. Players will conclude the weekend competing in a series of 5-on-5 and 3-on-3 games on Sunday joined behind the bench by OHL member team personnel.
Teams will be competing for the OHL Combine Cup Championship that awards points based on individual and team performances in both on and off-ice testing, as well as Sunday’s game results.
The 2024 event marks the 15th year the OHL has hosted a skills development day for players and goaltenders in advance of the OHL Priority Selection. The OHL Development Combine presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario is open to the general public.
Schedule:
Saturday, April 6 – Off-Ice Testing: 8:15 am to 9:15 am – Goalies 9:30 am to 10:30 am – Team Stamkos (Blue) 10:45 am to 11:45 am – Team Lindros (Black) 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm – Team Ekblad (Grey) 1:15 pm to 2:15 pm – Team Subban (White)
Saturday, April 6 – On-Ice Testing & Skills Practice: 10:30 am to 11:45 am – Team Subban (White) 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm – Subban (White) and Stamkos (Blue) Goalies 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm – Lindros (Black) and Ekblad (Grey) Goalies 3:00 pm to 4:15 pm – Team Lindros (Black) 4:30 pm to 5:45 pm – Team Ekblad (Grey) 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm – Team Stamkos (Blue)
Sunday, April 7 – Game Schedule: 8:15 am to 9:15 am – Team Stamkos (Blue) vs. Team Lindros (Black) 9:30 am to 10:30 am – Team Ekblad (Grey) vs. Team Subban (White) 12:55 pm to 2:00 pm – Team Lindros (Black) vs. Team Subban (White) 2:25 pm to 3:30 pm – Team Stamkos (Blue) vs. Team Ekblad (Grey)
Forwards 10. Kayden Brand (Toronto Marlboros) 11. Raiden Doxtator (London Jr. Knights) 12. Adam Kelly (Toronto Jr. Canadiens) 13. James Elliott (Barrie Colts) 14. Ulysses Lombardi (North York Rangers) 15. Ethan Dean (London Jr. Knights) 16. Jacob Bultje (North York Rangers) 17. Quinn Kipfer (Huron Perth Lakers) 97. Jean-Christoph Lemieux (Quinte Red Devils) Injured** Brayden Boyle (York Simcoe Express)
Defencemen 33. Peter Koukouves (Toronto Marlboros) 34. Mateo Craievich (Elgin-Middlesex Canucks) 35. Mason Roy (Halton Hurricanes) 36. Brady Blaseg (Ottawa Myers) 37. Luca Bonomo (North York Rangers) 38. Carter Hicks (London Jr. Knights)
Forwards 39. Ryan Chamberlain (Toronto Marlboros) 40. Bryson Morgan (York Simcoe Express) 41. Charlie Hotles (North York Rangers) 42. Jonah McCormick (Kingston Jr. Gaels) 43. Henry Doucet (Ottawa Myers) 44. Camden McCuaig (Eastern Ontario Wild) 45. Clarence Allain (Vaughan Kings) 46. Hudson Wozney (Guelph Gryphons) 47. Parker Vaughan (Elgin-Middlesex Canucks)
Goaltenders 70. Liam Edgcumbe (Niagara North) 71. Cameron Ingram (Toronto Jr. Canadiens) 72. Kale Osipenko (Ottawa Valley Titans) 73. Kyle Munro (Toronto Titans)
Coaches Nathan Hisko (Director of Player Personnel, Sarnia Sting) Chris Whalen (Scout, Brantford Bulldogs)
TEAM EKBLAD (GREY)
Defencemen 48. Kohyn Eshkawkogan (North York Rangers) 49. Lincoln Barker (Cambridge Hawks) 50. Jack Engin (Buffalo Jr. Sabres) 51. Brady Smith (Oshawa Generals) 52. Cooper Otterman (Halton Hurricanes) 53. Caleb Mitchell (Peterborough Petes)
Forwards 54. Matthew Airhart (Quinte Red Devils) 55. Nolan Buttar (Peterborough Petes) 56. Jaxon Cover (York Simcoe Express) 57. Seth Coomber (London Jr. Knights) 58. Jonathan Herrington (Cambridge Hawks) 59. Julien Davis (Chatham Kent Cyclones) 60. Callan Newton (Toronto Marlboros) 61. Christian Armstrong (Oakville Rangers) 62. Cole Zurawski (Mississauga Rebels)
Goaltenders 74. William Camputaro (Toronto Jr. Canadiens) 75. Maksim Corovic (Niagara North Stars) 76. James Fawaz (Oakland Jr. Grizzlies) 77. Noah Mavin (Toronto Marlboros)
Coaches Jordan Selinger (Scout, Saginaw Spirit) Ryan Ferizovic (Scout, Ottawa 67’s)
TEAM SUBBAN (WHITE)
Defencemen 18. Eric Frossard (London Jr. Knights) 19. Luca Diplacido (York Simcoe Express) 20. Nicholas Frasca (Toronto Marlboros) 21. Nick Voisey (Peterborough Petes) 22. Owen Cartwright (York Simcoe Express) 23. Noah Barton (Oshawa Generals)
Forwards 24. Reggie Taylor (Whitby Wildcats) 26. Stephen King (Detroit Honeybaked) 27. Troy Patton (Barrie Colts) 28. Cade Kinnear (Carolina Premier Hockey) 29. Jackson Halloran (York Simcoe Express) 31. Ryland Cunningham (Peterborough Petes) 32. Adam Levac (Eastern Ontario Wild) 91. Eddie Hickson (Sun County Panthers) 92. Braidy Wassilyn (Markham Majors)
Goaltenders 78. Matthew Humphries (Markham Majors) 79. Michael Tamburro (Mississauga Reps) 80. Thomas Lima (Mississauga Rebels) 81. Luka Gelinas (Eastern Ontario Wild)
Coaches Casey Torres (Interim Head Coach, Windsor Spitfires) Mark Seidel (Director of Scouting, Barrie Colts)
Follow along throughout the weekend for continuing coverage of the 2024 OHL Development Combine at ontariohockeyleague.com.
Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
5’11”
183
Aug 21, 2006
C
R
12th, 2022
21st, N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
Alliance U16
London Jr Knights
21
19
27
46
2022-2023
OHL
Guelph Storm
46
5
9
14
2023-2024
OHL
Guelph Storm
68
20
54
74
Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm is an elite skater with excellent speed and agility. His quick first steps, top-end speed, and ability to separate give him an edge. Luchanko also possesses sharp edge work that allows him to change direction and maneuver in full flight. He can slow down or accelerate to create space for himself or teammates. While speed and skating skills are assets, hockey sense is crucial to utilize them fully. Fortunately, Luchanko has hockey intelligence to complement his skating talents.
Despite his smaller stature, Luchanko is unafraid to throw his weight around and finish checks. He battles fearlessly against larger opponents, never backing down from physical play. Though he will need to build his strength over time, his ability to shield the puck is already highly skilled. His eagerness to take the puck into traffic and drive hard to the net is admirable.
Luchanko possesses the skills to excel as a playmaker. However, he could benefit from occasionally taking shots himself rather than always looking to pass. Additionally, he must improve his awareness of when to drive forward versus pull up for the shot. Though not a poor shooter, adding strength would make his shot more consistent.
Luchanko’s defense is still a work in progress. Although he has made some improvements, as a center he must provide better support to his defensemen. He has a tendency to prematurely charge up ice on the attack rather than helping his team transition out of the defensive zone.
I’m not to worried about that. He’s too smart not to get it.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that it has introduced changes to its video replay procedure, specifically in instances of goals placed under video review.
Effective immediately and for the duration of the 2024 OHL Playoffs, referees will now have the ability to review potential goals that are placed under official video replay and require an expanded review.
Using existing video technology in the form of video tablets accessible at ice level, the referee, along with the League-appointed video goal judge will review the specific situation that is subject to video review simultaneously and rule accordingly. The referee will have the final say in any decision rendered.
“Our ultimate aim is to always get the call right,” said Conrad Haché, the OHL’s Director of Officiating. “Providing our referees with another vantage point and the ability to rule on these very close and often crucial calls is something that can only serve to benefit the accuracy of the final outcome.”
The 2024 OHL Playoffs continue with four games on the Tuesday night schedule
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of the Eastern and Western Conference Coaches Polls for the 2023-24 OHL Regular Season.
The OHL Coaches Poll provides member club coaches with the opportunity to recognize the top three players in 20 different skill categories within their own conference.
In the Eastern Conference, the Oshawa Generals led the OHL with a total of nine players included in the poll, led by goaltender Jacob Oster who placed first in three different categories (Most Improved, Best Puckhandling Goaltender, Best Shootout Goaltender) while forward Luke Torrance and defenceman Ben Danford each appeared in three different sections. The Ottawa 67’s trailed with seven players on the poll while the North Bay Battalion had six, including top scorer Anthony Romani who placed first in two different categories (Smartest Player, Most Dangerous in Goal Area) as well as second in another (Best Shot). Ty Nelson (Offensive Defenceman), Owen Van Steensel (Penalty Killer), Liam Arnsby (Defensive Forward) and Paul Christopoulos (Shot Blocker) were also first place finishers from North Bay. Other prominent Eastern Conference competitors include Barrie Colts teammates Cole Beaudoin (Hardest Worker, Penalty Killer) and Beau Jelsma (Best Skater, Shootout Shooter) who each appeared in three different categories, netting a pair of first place finishes respectively. Sudbury Wolves forward Dalibor Dvorsky also fared well, finishing first in both Best Shot and Best Stickhandler while placing second in Smartest Player.
In the Western Conference, the London Knights led all teams with eight players on the poll, including first place finishers Denver Barkey (Best Shootout Shooter) and Kasper Halttunen (Hardest Shot). The Kitchener Rangers featured seven players, but cleaned up with seven different first place finishes thanks in large part to blueliner Matthew Andonovski who came in on top in three categories (Best Body Checker, Best Penalty Killer, Defensive Defenceman). Carson Rehkopf placed first in both Best Shot and Most Dangerous in the Goal Area while Hunter Brzustewicz appeared three times, placing first in Smartest Player. The Saginaw Spirit had a dual first place finisher in Zayne Parekh (Best Offensive Defenceman, Best Playmaker) while Matyas Sapovaliv finished in three categories, headlining Best on Face-offs. Soo Greyhounds forward Owen Allard was one of the league’s best individual performers on the coaches poll, leading the way in both Most Improved Player and Hardest Worker while placing second in Best Defensive Forward. Lastly, the Owen Sound Attack featured goaltender Carter George, who placed first in both Best Puckhandling Goaltender and Best Shootout Goaltender while Colby Barlow placed second in three different fields (Most Dangerous in Goal Area, Best Shot, Hardest Shot).
The Coaches Poll is tabulated when each team submits one nominee per category, and coaches then vote for the top three players for each category within their conference. Players receive five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote. Clubs are not permitted to vote for players from their own team allowing for a maximum of 45 possible points for each winner.
All 20 categories are listed below with Eastern Conference and Western Conference winners including their final point totals in brackets.
Most Underrated Player:
Eastern Conference: 1. Owen Van Steensel, North Bay Battalion (29) 2. Luke Torrance, Oshawa Generals (23) 3. Mason Zebeski, Mississauga Steelheads (9)
Western Conference: 1. Kirill Kudryavtsev, Soo Greyhounds (22) finished t-3rd in 2022-23 2. Trent Swick, Kitchener Rangers (15) 3. Cole Davis, Windsor Spitfires (12)
Most Improved Player:
Eastern Conference: 1. Jacob Oster, Oshawa Generals (30) 2. Marek Vanacker, Brantford Bulldogs (26) 3. Jacob Battaglia, Kingston Frontenacs (23)
Western Conference: 1. Owen Allard, Soo Greyhounds (34) 2. Adrian Misaljevic, Kitchener Rangers (17) 3. Sam Alfano, Erie Otters (13)
Smartest Player:
Eastern Conference: 1. Anthony Romani, North Bay Battalion (22) 2. Dalibor Dvorsky, Sudbury Wolves (17) 3. Luca Marrelli, Oshawa Generals (16)
Eastern Conference: 1. Beau Jelsma, Barrie Colts (26) 2. Paul Ludwinski, Kingston Frontenacs (20) 3. Kevin He, Niagara IceDogs (16)
Western Conference: 1. Oliver Peer, Flint Firebirds (33) 2. Jett Luchanko, Guelph Storm (19) 3. Easton Cowan, London Knights (13)
Best Shot:
Eastern Conference: 1. Dalibor Dvorsky, Sudbury Wolves (29) T-2. Anthony Romani, North Bay Battalion (15) T-2. Ryan Roobroeck, Niagara IceDogs (15) 3. Luca Pinelli, Ottawa 67’s (9)
Western Conference: 1. Carson Rehkopf, Kitchener Rangers (33) 2. Colby Barlow, Owen Sound Attack (27) – finished1st in 2022-23 and 3rd in 2021-22 3. Kasper Halttunen, London Knights (15)
Hardest Shot:
Eastern Conference: 1. Connor Punnett, Oshawa Generals (34) – finished 2nd in 2022-23 2. Ty Nelson, North Bay Battalion (17) – finished 1st in 2022-23 3. Samuel Mayer, Ottawa 67’s (15)
Western Conference: 1. Kasper Halttunen, London Knights (31) 2. Colby Barlow, Owen Sound Attack (24) – finished tied for first in 2022-23 and 3rd in 2021-22 T-3. Arttu Karki, Soo Greyhounds (14) T-3. Carson Rehkopf, Kitchener Rangers (14) – finished 3rd in 2022-23
Western Conference: 1. Matthew Andonovski, Kitchener Rangers (23) 2. Owain Johnston, Erie Otters (18) 3. Ryan McGuire, Guelph Storm (12)
Best Shot Blocker:
Eastern Conference: 1. Paul Christopoulos, North Bay Battalion (27) 2. Ben Danford, Oshawa Generals (21) 3. Daniil Sobolev, Brantford Bulldogs (14)
Western Conference: T-1. Andrew Gibson, Soo Greyhounds (16) T-1. Taos Jordan, Owen Sound Attack (16) T-1. Thomas Budnick, Guelph Storm (16) – finished 3rd in Eastern Conference in 2022-23 2. Owain Johnston, Erie Otters (11) 3. Braden Haché, Saginaw Spirit (10)
Best Defensive Forward:
Eastern Conference: 1. Liam Arnsby, North Bay Battalion (31) – finished 1st in 2022-23 and 2nd in 2021-22 2. Cole Beaudoin, Barrie Colts (17) 3. Luke Torrance, Oshawa Generals (12)
Western Conference: 1. Matyas Sapovaliv, Saginaw Spirit (27) 2. Owen Allard, Soo Greyhounds (23) 3. Easton Cowan, London Knights (14)
Best Penalty Killer:
Eastern Conference: 1. Cole Beaudoin, Barrie Colts (19) 2. Luke Torrance, Oshawa Generals (16) 3. Owen Van Steensel, North Bay Battalion (15)
Western Conference: 1. Matthew Andonovski, Kitchener Rangers (26) 2. Isaiah George, London Knights (18) 3. Ethan Hay, Saginaw Spirit (15)
Best Offensive Defenceman:
Eastern Conference: 1. Ty Nelson, North Bay Battalion (35) – finished 3rd in 2022-23 and 2022-21 2. Henry Mews, Ottawa 67’s (23) 3. Luca Marrelli, Oshawa Generals (11)
Western Conference: 1. Zayne Parekh, Saginaw Spirit (39) 2. Hunter Brzustewicz, Kitchener Rangers (29) 3. Oliver Bonk, London Knights (11)
Best Defensive Defenceman:
Eastern Conference: 1. Ben Danford, Oshawa Generals (26) 2. Andre Anania, Sudbury Wolves (18) 3. Matthew Mayich, Ottawa 67’s (12)
Western Conference: 1. Matthew Andonovski, Kitchener Rangers (24) 2. Sam Dickinson, London Knights (23) 3. Andrew Gibson, Soo Greyhounds (20)
Best Puck-Handling Goaltender:
Eastern Conference: 1. Jacob Oster, Oshawa Generals (22) 2. Dom DiVincentiis, North Bay Battalion (21) – finished 1st in 2022-23 3. Matteo Drobac, Brantford Bulldogs (14)
Western Conference: 1. Carter George, Owen Sound Attack (26) 2. Michael Simpson, London Knights (20) – finished 2nd in Eastern Conference in 2022-23 3. Ben Gaudreau, Erie Otters (13) – finished 3rd in 2022-23
Western Conference: 1. Denver Barkey, London Knights (27) T-2. Liam Greentree, Windsor Spitfires (15) T-2. Matthew Sop, Kitchener Rangers (15) 3. Jett Luchanko, Guelph Storm (14)
Best Shootout Goaltender:
Eastern Conference: 1. Jacob Oster, Oshawa Generals (28) 2. Dom DiVincentiis, North Bay Battalion (16) – finished 1st in 2022-23 3. Jack Ivankovic, Mississauga Steelheads (14)
Western Conference: 1. Carter George, Owen Sound Attack (26) 2. Jackson Parsons, Kitchener Rangers (18) 3. Nathan Day, Flint Firebirds (14)
Liam Greentree of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
Though the Windsor season was lackluster overall, left-wing Liam Greentree was a standout. Greentree often carried the team, his stellar play drawing well-deserved attention. With his impressive performance, Greentree seems destined to be a top draft pick at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas.
Greentree is an aggressive forward who excels at driving the net from both sides to create scoring chances. He loves charging straight ahead to attack the front of the opposition’s net, especially on north/south plays. But he also moves laterally well to exploit openings by cutting to the middle of the ice. Once in tight, Greentree has a knack for scoring on tips, rebounds and second chances in the slot.
Greentree has more than just a knack for scoring gritty goals; he also boasts a deceptive, lightning-quick wrist shot that he would be wise to utilize more often.
Despite Greentree’s large frame, he could play with more physicality. While he uses his size to win battles and protect the puck, throwing more body checks would make him a more consistent physical presence.
Greentree is a surprisingly agile skater despite his large frame. He accelerates quickly from a standstill and can separate himself from opponents with ease. His strong edges and fluid movements make him remarkably nimble on the ice.
Nearly all players at this level have aspects of their game that need refinement. For Greentree, shoring up his defensive consistency would significantly improve his impact. This inconsistency seems endemic to the Spitfires as a whole rather than just Greentree, implying a team-wide issue is at the root of individual struggles.
Liam Greentree of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
Though the Windsor season was lackluster overall, left-wing Liam Greentree was a standout. Greentree often carried the team, his stellar play drawing well-deserved attention. With his impressive performance, Greentree seems destined to be a top draft pick at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas.
Greentree is an aggressive forward who excels at driving the net from both sides to create scoring chances. He loves charging straight ahead to attack the front of the opposition’s net, especially on north/south plays. But he also moves laterally well to exploit openings by cutting to the middle of the ice. Once in tight, Greentree has a knack for scoring on tips, rebounds and second chances in the slot.
Greentree has more than just a knack for scoring gritty goals; he also boasts a deceptive, lightning-quick wrist shot that he would be wise to utilize more often.
Despite Greentree’s large frame, he could play with more physicality. While he uses his size to win battles and protect the puck, throwing more body checks would make him a more consistent physical presence.
Greentree is a surprisingly agile skater despite his large frame. He accelerates quickly from a standstill and can separate himself from opponents with ease. His strong edges and fluid movements make him remarkably nimble on the ice.
Nearly all players at this level have aspects of their game that need refinement. For Greentree, shoring up his defensive consistency would significantly improve his impact. This inconsistency seems endemic to the Spitfires as a whole rather than just Greentree, implying a team-wide issue is at the root of individual struggles.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Spirit’s Owen Beck Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck of the Saginaw Spirit is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording a goal and five assists in a pair of playoff contests.
Helping the Spirit take a 2-0 first round series lead over the Owen Sound Attack, Beck started the week with a trio of assists in a 6-4 Game 1 victory on Thursday night, earning second star honours. He proceeded to pick-up first star honours on Saturday, scoring a goal and two assists as the Spirit defeated the Attack 5-2 at home. Beck wrapped-up Saturday’s game with points in 22 consecutive outings dating back to Feb. 9th.
A 20-year-old centreman from Port Hope, Ont., Beck ranked first among all Spirit goal-scorers this season, registering 34, along with 47 assists for 81 points in 57 regular season games played. The 6-foot, 190lb. forward has tallied 198 points (79-119-198) over 185 games in three seasons spent between the Mississauga Steelheads, Peterborough Petes and Spirit. Beck has demonstrated great playoff success, tallying 16 points (8-8-16) in 22 playoff contests last season to be crowned a 2023 OHL Champion with Peterborough. The lone returning member of the 2023 World Junior team, Beck represented Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden. this past January. Originally Mississauga’s second round (29th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Beck was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft.
Also considered for the award this week, Montreal Canadiens prospect Filip Mesar of the Kitchener Rangers tallied six helpers in two games played, while Dalyn Wakely of the North Bay Battalion registered three goals and two assists, fueling the Battalion to a 2-0 series lead.
2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs: 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)
Wolves’ Jakub Vondras Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jakub Vondras of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0 with a 2.46 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and a shutout in two outings last week.
Vondras helped the Wolves climb out to a 2-0 first round series lead against the Mississauga Steelheads. He earned first star honours on Thursday night, turning aside all 32 shots he faced as Sudbury blanked the Steelheads 3-0. The Wolves returned to the Paramount Fine Foods Centre on Saturday as Vondras stopped 28 of the 33 shots that came his way, defeating the Steelheads in a 6-5 overtime win.
A 19-year-old native of Plzen, Czechia, Vondras played to a regular season mark of 20-10-2-1 with a 3.79 goals-against average and .861 save percentage over 37 games in his first OHL season. A first round (22nd overall) pick by the Wolves in the 2023 CHL Import Draft, the 6-foot-4, 190Ib. netminder was selected in the sixth round (171st overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2022 NHL Draft. Vondras represented Team Czechia at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden this past January, backstopping his country to a bronze medal.
Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson of the London Knights went 2-0 along with a 2.00 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and one shutout to take a two-game first round series lead over the Flint Firebirds.
2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs: 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)
Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
Today we will be examining the goaltenders that will be available for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The list will be in the order of NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings and will contain some goaltenders who are not ranked. Below, I have included a few brief thoughts.
Carter George – Owen Sound Attack – NHL Central Scouting: 1
George is an exceptional goalie with excellent technical skills. He remains calm and confident in the net, which has a positive influence on his teammates. Although he is not a big-bodied goaltender, he works hard to see the puck through traffic and has great anticipation skills. He excels at controlling rebounds and handling the puck. However, his foot speed could use some improvement, although he is quick to challenge the shooter by moving out on top of the blue paint. He could also improve his lateral movement to become more agile.
Ryerson Leenders – Mississauga Steelheads – NHL Central Scouting: 3
Leenders is a talented goaltender who often makes remarkable saves, earning him recognition as the OHL’s save of the night or week. Although he may not possess the same level of technical skill as George, Leenders’ athleticism and determination allow him to battle for every puck, like Michael DiPietro’s style of play. While he needs to improve his rebound control and ability to navigate through traffic, I am confident that with better coaching, he will continue to progress and reach his full potential.
Landon Miller – Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds – NHL Central Scouting: 17
Miller is a bigger goalie than both George and Leenders and is currently serving as a backup for the Soo. As a result, he doesn’t see as many pucks as the other guys. However, there’s no doubt that he’s the goalie of the future for the Greyhounds. In fact, at times, he has outperformed the current starter, Charlie Schenkel. Miller is an agile goalie, especially considering his size. Although he needs to work on some technical aspects of his game, such as his positioning and rebounds, coaching can easily help him with those. Overall, Miller has the potential to become an excellent goalie.
Karsen Chartier – Sarnia Sting – NHL Central Scouting: 23
It can be challenging to evaluate a goaltender like Chartier on a young and rebuilding team. Often, he is left to fend for himself, facing a significant number of high-quality scoring opportunities against him. To gain a complete understanding of his abilities, it is necessary to observe him consistently. If you only watch him on his off nights, you might miss his potential. However, if you also observe him on his good nights, you can see the skills he possesses. Chartier is a large, athletic goaltender who takes up a lot of space in the butterfly position. Although his technical game requires some fine-tuning, he has the potential to improve with the right guidance.
Zachary Bowen – Peterborough Petes – NHL Central Scouting: 30
Bowen is a draft re-entry with a save percentage of less than .900 in his OHL career. However, he faces a lot of shots on goal and has a calm demeanor that keeps him from getting rattled. Bowen has good glove and blocker hands with quick reflexes. He is quick to move out of the net to the top of the paint and is also fast post-to-post. Although his technique is a work in progress, he has the potential to improve his rebound control.
Sam Hillebrandt – Barrie Colts
Many people were surprised when he received an invitation to Team USA camp for the WJC and was expected to be named the third goalie. However, he demonstrated the right attitude when he said, “My main goal is to just go there and win the number one job.” He has proven people wrong at every level, moving from Junior C to the OHL to the WJC in short order. Despite his size, he compensates with excellent positioning and technical skills. His movements are fluid and controlled, but he needs to work on his rebound control and become stronger on second-chance opportunities.
Owen Willmore – London Knights
As difficult as it is to judge a young goaltender like Chartier on a young and rebuilding squad, perhaps it’s just as difficult doing the same with a young goaltender such as Willmore on a powerhouse London Knights team. Willmore came to the forefront in last year’s playoffs after injuries forced him into action. That was also his first year of draft eligibility. The youngster’s poise, calmness, and confidence exuded from him, and it carried over to this season. A big goaltender who is positionally sound and athletic, he isn’t on many people’s draft list the second time around.
OHL Writers 