OHL ANNOUNCES 2023-24 ALL-STAR AND ALL-ROOKIE TEAMS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the first, second and third all-star team selections, in addition to the first and second all-rookie team designations for the 2023-24 season.

OHL all-star and all-rookie teams were selected by the OHL’s General Managers, with voting conducted in two stages beginning with a Conference ballot followed by a final ballot that integrated the top selections from both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

A total of 15 of the league’s 20 member teams are represented on his year’s all-star and all-rookie team selections, with the OHL champion London Knights leading the way with seven. The Eastern Conference champion Oshawa Generals joined the Central Division champion North Bay Battalion, Kitchener Rangers and Sudbury Wolves in trailing with three players each.

2023-24 OHL All-Star Teams:

Representatives with major positional awards in brackets are default first team members, all other designations are determined by votes cast by OHL General Managers

First All-Star Team
Centre – Dalibor Dvorský (Sudbury)
Left Wing – Quentin Musty (Sudbury)
Right Wing – Easton Cowan (London) (Most Outstanding Player) – voted second all-rookie team in 2022-23
Defence – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw) (Defenceman of the Year) – voted first all-rookie team in 2022-23
Defence – Oliver Bonk (London) – voted second all-rookie team in 2022-23
Goaltender – Jacob Oster (Oshawa) (Goaltender of the Year)
Coach – Derek Laxdal (Oshawa) (Coach of the Year)

Second All-Star Team
Centre – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa)
Left Wing – Denver Barkey (London)
Right Wing – Anthony Romani (North Bay)
Defence – Hunter Brzustewicz (Kitchener)
Defence – Sam Dickinson (London) – voted first all-rookie team in 2022-23
Goaltender – Michael Simpson (London) – voted third all-star in 2022-23
Coach – Dale Hunter (London) – eighth time being voted to an OHL All-Star Team

Third All-Star Team
Centre – Owen Beck (Saginaw) – voted third all-star team in 2022-23
Left Wing – Liam Greentree (Windsor) – voted first all-rookie team in 2022-23
Right Wing – David Goyette (Sudbury)
Defence – Ty Nelson (North Bay) – voted third all-star team in 2022-23
Defence – Michael Buchinger (Guelph)
Goaltender – Carter George (Owen Sound)
Coach – Ryan Oulahen (North Bay) – voted third all-star team in 2022-23

2023-24 OHL All-Rookie Teams:

First All-Rookie Team
Centre – Jake O’Brien (Brantford) (Rookie of the Year)
Left Wing – Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara)
Right Wing – Travis Hayes (Sault Ste. Marie)
Defence – Matthew Schaefer (Erie)
Defence – Cameron Reid (Kitchener)
Goaltender – Carter George (Owen Sound)

Second All-Rookie Team
Centre – Sam O’Reilly (London)
Left Wing – Cole Davis (Windsor)
Right Wing – Tanner Lam (Kitchener)
Defence – Jakub Fibigr (Mississauga)
Defence – Carson Cameron (Peterborough)
Goaltender – Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga)
 

Historical results of note:

  • The Sudbury Wolves (Dalibor Dvorsky, Quentin Musty) feature two first team all-star members for the first time since 1999-2000 (Norm Milley, Taylor Pyatt)
  • The Oshawa Generals (Jacob Oster, Derek Laxdal) feature two first team all-star members for the first time since 2013-14 (Scott Laughton, DJ Smith)
  • The London Knights (Easton Cowan, Oliver Bonk) feature two first team all-star members for the first time since 2015-16 (Christian Dvorak, Mitch Marner, Matthew Tkachuk)
  • The London Knights feature a franchise record seven players voted to all-star teams, surpassing the prior mark of six set in 2004-05
  • The Saginaw Spirit (Zayne Parekh) feature a first team all-star member for the first time since 2011-12 (Brandon Saad, Greg Gilbert)
    • Parekh is the first Spirit defenceman voted to a first all-star team in club history
  • Owen Sound Attack goaltender Carter George becomes the third OHL goaltender to be voted to both an all-star team and all-rookie team in the same season, following Tom McCollum (Guelph, 2006-07) and David Shantz (Mississauga, 2003-04)
  • Sudbury Wolves forward Dalibor Dvorský follows Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (2018-19) as an import player being voted to a first all-star team in his first season in the OHL
  • Brantford Bulldogs centre Jake O’Brien is the first player in Bulldogs history voted to a first all-rookie team
  • Kitchener Rangers defenceman Cameron Reid is the first Rangers blueliner to be voted to a first all-rookie team since 2009-10 (Ryan Murphy)
  • Peterborough Petes defenceman Carson Cameron is the first Petes defenceman voted to an all-rookie team since 2010-11 (Slater Koekkoek)
  • Niagara IceDogs left-winger Ryan Roobroeck becomes the club’s first player voted to an all-rookie team since 2016-17 (Akil Thomas)
  • A trio of former first overall picks are included in this year’s results including Quentin Musty (Sudbury, first all-star team), Ty Nelson (North Bay, third all-star team), Matthew Schaefer (Erie, first all-rookie team)
  • Former Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA teammates Ty Nelson (North Bay) and Michael Buchinger (Guelph) both voted to third all-star team

BATTALION’S DENNIS WINS JIM GREGORY OHL GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Adam Dennis of the North Bay Battalion is the 2023-24 recipient of the Jim Gregory OHL General Manager of the Year Award.

In his fifth season as General Manager in North Bay, Dennis helped guide the Battalion to a third consecutive Central Division title with a regular season mark of 39-20-7-2. The Troops were powered by a roster consisting largely of their own drafted and developed talent in former first overall OHL Priority Selection choice Ty Nelson along with other past selections in captain Liam Arnsby, centreman Dalyn Wakely, OHL goal-scoring leader Anthony Romani, Dallas Stars prospect Justin Ertel, forward Owen Van Steensel, netminder Dom DiVincentiis along with veteran blueliners Paul Christopoulos and Tnias Mathurin.

“To be recognized for an award that commemorates a great contributor to our game such as Jim Gregory is something I will forever cherish,” said Dennis of the honour. “I am honoured to receive this award on behalf of the North Bay Battalion, this doesn’t happen without the incredible team at the rink and the supportive platform our owner Scott Abbott provides. I’m incredibly blessed to have a great team at home as well. Thank you Caitlin, Clara, William and Ellie, none of this is possible without all of your love and sacrifice.

“There is so much credit that needs to go around,” Dennis continued. “At the rink, Ryan Oulahen and his staff put an incredible amount of time and energy into the development of our players. Behind the scenes, John Winstanley, Charles Abbott and the entire scouting staff spend countless hours on evenings and weekends helping us build our foundation. A huge thanks needs to go to the billet families that have opened their homes to our players and the great fans that have shown us unwavering support as well. North Bay is an incredible community and one my family is grateful to call home. We can’t wait to get back to the rink and do it all over again in the fall.”

Dennis was selected as winner of the annual honour after he and finalists Dave Drinkill of the Saginaw Spirit and Mark Hunter of the London Knights finished as front-runners in voting by OHL General Managers. The final winner was decided upon by a committee consisting of media representatives from a market in each of the OHL’s four divisions, a representative from NHL Central Scouting, as well as a representative from the Ontario Hockey League.

“We’re very happy that Adam has been recognized for the outstanding job he’s done,” said Battalion Owner and Governor Scott Abbott. “While the award is for the 2023-24 season, he assembled teams that won three consecutive Central Division titles, so his abilities have been well known to Battalion fans for some time. His knowledge of the OHL and his work ethic are second to none, and this award is richly deserved.”

In addition to three straight Central Division titles, the Battalion went on to appear in a third consecutive Eastern Conference Championship Series, becoming the first Eastern Conference team to do so since the 2007-09 Belleville Bulls. Dennis’ acquisition of Florida Panthers prospect Sandis Vilmanis and brothers Andrew and Jacob LeBlanc from the Sarnia Sting in January proved to be one of the OHL season’s most impactful transactions. Vilmanis went on to score 28 goals in 30 regular season games with the Troops before leading them in playoff scoring with 27 points (10-17–27) over 16 contests.

“On behalf of my mother, Rosalie and the entire Gregory family, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Adam Dennis for winning this year’s Jim Gregory Memorial Award,” said David Gregory, son of Jim Gregory and Director of Scouting Services with the National Hockey League. “His leadership of the North Bay Battalion has led to an outstanding season and a remarkable playoff performance. Adam’s consistent excellence year after year truly embodies the spirit of a distinguished hockey executive. Congratulations, Adam, and we wish you continued success in your future endeavours in hockey.”

From Toronto, Ont., Adam Dennis recently completed his eighth season with the Battalion, having joined the organization as an Assistant General Manager and Assistant/Goaltending Coach in 2016-17. Under Dennis’ guidance, the Battalion have won 130 regular season games since the OHL’s return from the Covid-19 pandemic, the most by any team in the Eastern Conference.

On the ice, Dennis holds a unique place in the OHL record book, with his 36 career playoff wins the most by any goaltender in the league’s history. A former 14th round (273rd overall) pick by the Guelph Storm in 2001, Dennis went on to win back-to-back OHL championships in 2004 (with Guelph) and 2005 (with the London Knights) before earning OHL Goaltender of the Year honours in 2006 as his Knights won a Western Conference title. He’s a former sixth round (182nd overall) pick by the Buffalo Sabres in 2005 who went on to play six professional seasons in Italy and Austria.

First announced in August 2019, the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award is presented annually to the General Manager who best excelled in his role during the regular season. The award honours the memory of one of the game’s great builders in former long-time NHL executive Jim Gregory who passed away in October 2019 at the age of 83.

Dennis follows previous award winners in Mark Hunter of the London Knights in 2023, Steve Staios of the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2022 and James Boyd of the Ottawa 67’s in 2020. He’ll be formally presented with the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a complete list of award winners, click here.

Parker Von Richter – Mississauga Steelheads – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Parker Von Richter of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
HTWTDOBPOSSHOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
6’1”183May 17, 2005DR51st, 2022184th, N.A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022GTHL U16Toronto Marlboros4682230
2022-2023OHLMississauga Steelheads6621315
2023-2024OHLMississauga Steelheads6532225

While playing for the Toronto Marlboros in the GTHL U16, Von Richter was perceived to have offensive capabilities from the blueline. However, this aspect of his game did not transition to the OHL during his two seasons with the Mississauga Steelheads. It is now necessary to determine if he is a late bloomer or if this offensive skill set is lacking.

It is certain that his defensive skills are strong. He poses a challenge for opponents in front of his own net when he clears the area for his goalie. Although his skating is only slightly better than average, he maintains tight gap control, directs players to the perimeter, and successfully engages them along the boards. His hockey intelligence in the defensive zone surpasses the norm.

Von Richter shows potential as a solid shutdown defender at the next level. With enhancements to his skating and offensive skills, he could exceed expectations. Despite this, his defensive abilities alone make him a dependable choice in later rounds.

Tournament field now set for 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow with the opening game scheduled for Friday, May 24

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is excited to announce that the field for the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow is now complete. In addition to the host Saginaw Spirit from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the 104th edition of the Memorial Cup, which is scheduled from May 23 – June 2 in Saginaw, Michigan, will feature the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League (WHL), the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). 

The latter three teams punched their ticket to the Memorial Cup by winning their respective league titles in just four games – marking the first time in CHL history that all three championship series from the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL ended in sweeps. The first game of the 2024 Memorial Cup is set for next Friday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT between the host Spirit and the WHL champion Moose Jaw Warriors. The complete schedule for the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow can be found below.

The 2024 Memorial Cup will mark the first time the CHL’s championship event has been held in the United States in 26 years and the very first time it has ever occurred in the State of Michigan. Every game of this year’s 2024 Memorial Cup will air on TSN and RDS in Canada and be available via live stream on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In addition to full coverage in Canada on TSN and RDS, the 2024 Memorial Cup will be available in the United States on NHL Network, and for subscribers of CHL TV outside of North America.

Host – Saginaw Spirit
(making their first-ever appearance at a Memorial Cup in 2024)

One of four teams in the CHL to win 50 games this season, the Saginaw Spirit are set to participate in their first-ever Memorial Cup after a historic year for the franchise. Thanks to their 50-16-1-1 record in the regular season, the Spirit set a new club record with 102 points in 2023-24 – marking the first time they broke the 100-point plateau in their 22-year history. A big part of their success can be attributed to the performance of many players including 2024 NHL Draft prospect Zayne Parekh, who led all CHL defencemen in scoring with 96 points (33G-66A) during the regular season. Saginaw also enjoyed great production from another one of their blueliners during the postseason, Anaheim Ducks prospect Rodwin Dionicio, who led all OHL defencemen and his team in playoff scoring with 17 points (5G-12A in 17 GP). Saginaw reached the OHL’s Western Conference finals for only the second time in club history, before falling to the OHL Champion London Knights in six games. 

In total, the Spirit feature nine NHL prospects on their roster, including Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck, Vegas Golden Knights prospect Matyas Sapovaliv, and Minnesota Wild prospect Hunter Haight. 2025 NHL Draft prospect Michael Misa was also a key player for the Spirit in 2023-24, registering 75 points (29G-46A) in 67 regular-season games, which stands as the most points in Saginaw history by a player who started the year at age 16. Led by head coach Chris Lazary, the Spirit will aim to be the third Memorial Cup host to lift the trophy in the last 10 years.

WHL Champions – Moose Jaw Warriors
(making their first-ever appearance at a Memorial Cup in 2024)

Having won their first-ever Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL Champions, the Moose Jaw Warriors will write another page in their franchise’s history when they head to Saginaw for their first-ever appearance at a Memorial Cup. Following their 4-0 sweep of the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL Championship Series, the Warriors have now won 26 of their last 33 games, losing only three times in regulation since February 23. Guided by head coach Mark O’Leary, Moose Jaw scored 87 times during the playoffs, averaging a WHL-best 4.35 goals per game. Throughout the postseason, Seattle Kraken prospect Jagger Firkus (14G-18A in 20 GP), Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Denton Mateychuk (11G-19A in 20 GP), and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Brayden Yager (11G-16A in 20 GP) have been excellent for Moose Jaw – as all three wrapped up the playoffs ranked first, second and third respectively in WHL scoring this postseason. Specifically, Mateychuk was recognized as the WHL Playoff MVP after leading all CHL defencemen in scoring with 30 points during the playoffs.

The trio of Firkus, Mateychuk, and Yager is also among the seven NHL prospects on the Warriors roster, which also features standout players such as Buffalo Sabres prospect Matthew Savoie (10G-14A in 20 GP), Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Martin Rysavy (6G-10A in 20 GP), and Minnesota Wild prospect Kalem Parker (2G-7A in 20 GP). As they prepare to make the trip to Michigan, Moose Jaw will not only be in search of their first Memorial Cup title in franchise history, but they will hope to become the first WHL club to win the event since the Edmonton Oil Kings were crowned CHL champions 10 years ago.

OHL Champions – London Knights 
(sixth Memorial Cup appearance – 2005, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 & 2024; two Memorial Cup titles – 2005 & 2016)

Set to make their sixth appearance since 2005, no club in the CHL has participated in more Memorial Cups than the London Knights over the last 20 years. Led by head coach Dale Hunter, the 2023-24 OHL regular-season champions punched their ticket to this year’s tournament by defeating the Oshawa Generals in four games to earn their fifth J. Ross Robertson Cup. The Knights started the 2024 OHL Playoffs by winning their first 10 games, marking one of the best postseason starts in recent memory. London ended up recording 31 goals in four games during the OHL Championship Series, and they averaged a CHL-best 4.89 goals per game throughout the playoffs. With 10 NHL prospects in their lineup, London has been led this postseason by Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan, who recorded a CHL-best 34 points (10G-24A in 18 GP) in the playoffs including three goals and 12 assists in the OHL Championship Series. 

By winning the Wayne Gretzky 99 award as the 2024 OHL Playoffs MVP, Cowan became the first player to win the OHL’s MVP award in both the regular season and playoffs since Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner achieved the feat with the Knights in 2015-16. At the same time, San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Haltunnen (17G-9A on 18 GP) led all OHL skaters with 17 goals this postseason, one shy of the CHL leader Justin Poirier of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. The Knights also saw big performances in the playoffs from Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Max McCue (3G-19A on 18 GP) and Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Julien (9G-9A on 18 GP) along with their pair of Philadelphia Flyers prospects Denver Barkey (6G-21A on 18 GP) and Oliver Bonk (7G-9A on 18 GP). In Saginaw, London will aim to be the first OHL club to win the Memorial Cup since the Windsor Spitfires took home the CHL’s championship trophy in 2017.

QMJHL Champions – Drummondville Voltigeurs
(fourth Memorial Cup appearance – 1988, 1991, 2009 & 2024)

On the heels of winning their second-ever QMJHL championship title and their first in 15 years, the Drummondville Voltigeurs are headed to Saginaw in what will be their fourth Memorial Cup appearance in franchise history. Led by head coach Sylvain Favreau, the Voltigeurs were just one of eight teams in the CHL to top the 100-point plateau this season, having achieved the feat for only the fourth time in club history. They were also the highest-scoring team in both the QMJHL’s regular season (4.50 goals per game) and playoffs (4.37 goals per game). Having lost just three times in 19 games during this postseason, Drummondville was paced in scoring by Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Ethan Gauthier (14G-11A in 19 GP), captain Luke Woodworth (7G-17A in 19 GP), and 2023 Memorial Cup Champion Mikael Huchette (4G-16A in 19 GP). As they swept the top-seeded Baie-Comeau Drakkar in the QMJHL final, Drummondville never trailed in that series thanks in part to the play of goaltender Riley Mercer, who posted two shutouts and allowed only five goals to the Drakkar.

The Voltigeurs also received important contributions from Philadelphia Flyers prospect Alexis Gendron (11G-8A in 15 GP) and Buffalo Sabres prospect Vsevolod Komarov (5G-10A in 19 GP), who together represent two of the five NHL prospects on Drummondville’s roster. Along with Huchette and Kassim Gaudet (0G-7A in 19 GP), Komarov is one of three players on the Voltigeurs to have won a Memorial Cup with the Québec Remparts last year. Komarov was awarded the Guy-Lafleur Trophy as the 2024 QMJHL Playoffs MVP for his efforts during Drummondville’s championship run, making him just the sixth defenseman in QMJHL history to win that award. Having never lifted the Memorial Cup trophy in three previous trips, the Voltigeurs will look to change that in Saginaw and become the fifth QMJHL club in a row to win the CHL’s top prize. Heading into this year’s tournament, the QMJHL has won a record four straight Memorial Cup titles, the longest streak of any league in the CHL since the tournament switched over to a round-robin format in 1972.

SCHEDULE

Round-Robin – Game 1 – Friday, May 24 – Moose Jaw vs. Saginaw (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 2 – Saturday, May 25 – London vs. Drummondville (4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 3 – Sunday, May 26 – Saginaw vs. Drummondville (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 4 – Monday, May 27 – London vs. Moose Jaw (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 5 – Tuesday, May 28 – Drummondville vs. Moose Jaw (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 6 – Wednesday, May 29 – Saginaw vs. London (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Tie-Breaker (*if necessary) – Thursday, May 30 (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Semi-Final – Friday, May 31 (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Championship Final – Sunday, June 2 (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)

Anthony Cristoforo – Windsor Spitfires – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Anthony Cristoforo of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
HTWTDOBPOSSHOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
5’11”180Feb 23, 2006DR22nd, 2022194th, N.A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022GTHL U 16Toronto Jr Canadiens65156378
2022-2023OHLWindsor Spitfires6363541
2022-2023WHC U17Canada Red7044
2023-2024OHLWindsor Spitfires6773138

At the start of the season, Cristoforo was classified as a B prospect by NHL Central Scouting on their Players to Watch List, suggesting a selection in the second or third round. However, in the final rankings, he placed 194th among North American skaters, implying he may not be chosen in the draft when considering goaltenders and European players.

Scouts are now questioning the extent to which the decline was a result of a poor team in Windsor versus Cristoforo’s own performance.

Cristoforo excels as a playmaker in the defensive position. He possesses exceptional vision and playmaking abilities. He is a potent threat when in control in the offensive zone, showcasing his danger. While his skating ability is slightly better than average, an improvement in speed would be beneficial. No significant concerns arise in the offensive zone.

Cristoforo needs to enhance his performance in the defensive zone by increasing his physicality and strength to win more battles in front of the net and along the walls. He struggled in 50-50 battles, which requires improvement. Being caught out of position has been an issue as well.

67’s’ SIRMAN WINS ROGER NEILSON MEMORIAL AWARD AS OHL’S TOP ACADEMIC POST-SECONDARY STUDENT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Ottawa 67’s defenceman Thomas Sirman is the 2023-24 recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award, presented annually to the OHL’s Top Academic Post-Secondary student.

Sirman recorded an average of over 83 percent in studies at Queen’s University, with excellence in Geography, French and Liberal Arts, doing so during his third season on the 67’s blue line.

“I want to thank everyone in the Ottawa 67’s organization for their role in helping me receive this award; including James Boyd, Jan Egert, Dave Cameron, my billets, teammates and our academic advisor Eileen Duffin, who has helped me continue my education since I’ve arrived in Ottawa,” said Sirman. “Education is extremely important in my family, so being able to share this award with them is amazing. I’m very fortunate to have been able to begin my university education while playing in the OHL.”

A 19-year-old defenceman from Aurora, Ont., Sirman recorded 16 points (3-13–16) over 40 games in an injury-shortened 2023-24 season, recording a plus-9 rating along with 40 penalty minutes. The 5-foot-10, 178Ib. rearguard has collected 12 goals, 51 assists and 63 points in 160 regular season games since being selected by the 67’s with the third round (60th overall) pick of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

“Throughout his time with the Ottawa 67’s, Thomas has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, both on the ice and in the classroom,” said 67’s General Manager James Boyd. “We are very pleased to see him recognized for his academic achievements.”

Sirman added two goals and an assist in 10 playoff games as Ottawa eliminated the Brantford Bulldogs before falling to the Oshawa Generals in the second round.

“I am extremely happy to see Thomas rewarded with the Roger Neilson Award for the top marks he’s earned on his courses at Queen’s University,” said Eileen Duffin, who serves as the club’s Academic Advisor. “Thomas sets the academic bar high, and is an excellent role model for the 67’s high school players who are moving on to university next year.” 

The Roger Neilson Memorial Award is named in honour of the Hall of Fame Coach who served behind the Peterborough Petes bench in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  Neilson, a former high school teacher, was a pioneer in stressing the importance of education to all of his players. Sirman follows other 67’s players in back-to-back winner Adam Varga (2021, ’22), Sasha Chmelevski (2019) and Danny Battochio (2005, ’06) to become the fourth to win the award in franchise history.

Finalists for this year’s Roger Neilson Memorial Award included Oshawa Generals forward Stuart Rolofs and Kitchener Rangers goaltender Jackson Parsons.

For a full list of award winners, click here.

Jack Van Volsen – Mississauga Steelheads – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Jack Van Volsen of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by OHL Images.
HTWTDOBPOSSHOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
6’2”188Jan 12, 2006CL6th, 2022164th, N.A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022GTHL U16Toronto Jr Canadiens574564110
2022-2023OHLPeterborough Petes297411
2022-2023OHLMississauga Steelheads3241014
2022-2023WHC U17Canada White6202
2023-2024OHLMississauga Steelheads63201232

Van Volsen can be summed up as disappointment, yet his potential upside is still intriguing. As a late draft pick, he offers a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.

Van Volsen entered the OHL as a talented forward known for his strong two-way play and competitive nature. However, during his time with Peterborough and later Mississauga, he did not emerge as an offensive leader as expected, functioning more as a supporting player. Ultimately, he fell short of initial expectations.

Van Volsen possesses the required skills, but it is uncertain if he is fully committed to putting in the required effort during both the offseason and in-season. While he has good vision and playmaking abilities, his performance is inconsistent. There is room for improvement in utilizing his size to play a more physical game, as well as enhancing his skating to have a more significant influence on matches.

If you think the problems with Van Volsen can be resolved, he may represent a valuable, low-risk, high-reward option towards the end of the draft.

ATTACK’S GEORGE WINS BOBBY SMITH TROPHY AND IVAN TENNANT MEMORIAL AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that draft eligible Owen Sound Attack goaltender Carter George is the 2023-24 recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year. The 17-year-old netminder also comes away as this year’s recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award presented to the League’s top academic high-school student.

After never winning the award until 2023, the Attack franchise has back-to-back Bobby Smith Trophy recipients as George follows teammate Colby Barlow with excellence in the classroom, putting together a 93.8 percent average across six Grade 12 university-level courses at Owen Sound District Secondary School. George’s transcript was headlined by a 99 percent grade in Business Co-Op, a 97 percent in Organizational Business and 95 percent finishes in both English and International Business.

“It’s truly an honour to receive these awards,” said George. “I believe that to be an elite athlete your habits, character and mindset apply to all aspects of your life, not just hockey. That is why I feel it is just as important for me to strive for a high level of success in my academics. Balancing hockey with my academics has helped me to become more disciplined, resilient and has taught me time management. I’d like to recognize and thank the Attack organization, especially Sarah Rowe, for helping me grow on and off the ice.”

George was the OHL’s busiest netminder this past season, stopping a league-high 1,744 shots, the most by an Owen Sound goaltender since 2000-01 (Cory Roberts, 1,792). He played to a record of 23-21-6-3 with a 3.30 goals-against average, .907 save percentage and four shutouts, a figure tied for the League-lead. He was also the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for October.

George becomes the OHL’s first dual winner of the Bobby Smith and Ivan Tennant awards since Erie Otters defenceman Adam Pelech last earned both honours in 2011-12.

“Being able to say that you are both the Bobby Smith and Ivan Tennant award winner in the same year says a lot about the individual who could win that,” said Attack General Manager Dale DeGray. “Carter George is one of those young men capable of just about anything he puts his mind to. I don’t think anyone in the organization is surprised that he has achieved this feat. Carter has proven to be a leader both on and off the ice since completing his first game with us two years ago. Congratulations to Carter on this incredible accomplishment.”

George joins four other former Attack players as the latest to claim the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award, following Cal Uens (2022), Logan LeSage (2020), Mack Guzda (2019, ’18) and Andrew Shorkey (2007).

George’s 23 wins are the most by a rookie goaltender in Attack franchise history. The former third-round (53rd overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from Thunder Bay, Ont. is also North America’s second-ranked goaltender eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft as listed by NHL Central Scouting. George recently backstopped Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team to a gold medal finish in Espoo, Finland earlier this month.

“Carter is an extremely hard-working individual who has always put forth his best effort, on and off the ice,” said Sarah Rowe, the Attack’s Academic Advisor. “In fact, he is always interested to find out whether his save percentage or academic average is higher!  It is fitting he is being recognized with both the Bobby Smith and Ivan Tennant awards.  His teachers describe him as a conscientious student and a leader who is the first to step in and assist his teammates in the classroom.  His personal desire to not only succeed on the ice but in the classroom as well has resulted in his exceptional academic results. Congratulations Carter!”

Each year the Bobby Smith Trophy is presented to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence. The trophy is in honour of Bobby Smith, a former Ottawa 67’s star who exhibited a standard of excellence in both of these areas. Past recipients since the award was first presented in 1980 include three-time winner Dustin Brown (Guelph 2001-03), back-to-back winner Connor McDavid (Erie, 2014, ’15) and other standouts in Steven Stamkos (Sarnia 2007), Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2008), Matt Duchene (Brampton 2009), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2011) and Cole Perfetti (Saginaw 2020).

Next in line for the Bobby Smith Trophy was Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa who finished as the runner-up followed by 2024 NHL Draft prospect Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm, who placed third in the process.

George will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Scholastic Player of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony that will be held at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow from May 24 to June 2 in Saginaw, Michigan. George will be formally presented with both the Bobby Smith Trophy and the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 2 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

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

2023-24 OHL Scholastic Team Nominees:
Barrie Colts – Jaiden Newton
Brantford Bulldogs – Jake O’Brien
Erie Otters – Matthew Schaefer
Flint Firebirds – Jimmy Lombardi
Guelph Storm – Jett Luchanko
Kingston Frontenacs – Mason Vaccari
Kitchener Rangers – Cameron Reid
London Knights – Sam Dickinson
Mississauga Steelheads – Lucas Karmiris
Niagara IceDogs – Kevin He
North Bay Battalion – Nolan Laird
Oshawa Generals – Ben Danford
Ottawa 67’s – Frankie Marrelli
Owen Sound Attack – Carter George
Peterborough Petes – Ryder McIntyre
Saginaw Spirit – Michael Misa
Sarnia Sting – Nick Surzycia
Soo Greyhounds – Landon Miller
Sudbury Wolves – Nathan Villeneuve
Windsor Spitfires – Liam Greentree

COWAN AND SIMPSON 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, May 12, 2024.



Knights’ Easton Cowan Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, six assists and eight points in a pair of victories.

Helping the Knights take a 2-0 OHL Championship Series lead over the Oshawa Generals, Cowan opened up the week with a career-high five-point performance in an 8-1 Game 1 victory at home on Thursday night, registering a goal and four assists to earn first star honours. He proceeded to pick-up third star recognition on Saturday, tallying a goal and two assists as the Knights skated past the Generals in a 9-1 win.

A soon-to-be 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont., Cowan leads all post-season point-getters with 27 points (9-18-27) in 16 games played. Recently awarded the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player in the regular season, Cowan registered 96 points (34-62-96) in 54 regular season contests, setting a Knights franchise record with a 36-game point streak. Originally selected in the second round (25th overall) by the Knights in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Cowan has tallied 55 goals, 96 assists, and 151 points over 129 regular season games in London. After leading the Knights to a Western Conference title last season, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Cowan with their first round (28th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
May 6 – May 12: Easton Cowan (London Knights)
Apr. 29 – May 5: Sandis Vilmanis (North Bay Battalion)
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)



Knights’ Michael Simpson Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Michael Simpson of the London Knights is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the third time this season, playing to a 2-0 record along with a 1.10 goals-against average and .952 save percentage.

Backstopping the Knights to a 2-0 OHL Championship Series lead over the Oshawa Generals, Simpson made a total of 40 saves last week. He stopped 24 of the 25 shots that came his way on Thursday in an 8-1 win at Budweiser Gardens to open up the Series. He returned to the crease on Saturday evening with a 16-save performance as the Knights defeated the Generals 9-1.

A 21-year-old hometown product, Simpson ranks third among all netminders with a 2.42 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in postseason action, backstopping the Knights to a 14-2-0-0 record. Simpson’s 30-career playoff wins are tied for the third-most by any OHL goaltender since 1981. Playing to a 34-10-1-1 regular season record, the former 2023 OHL Champion ranked first among all goaltenders in regular season action with a 2.61 goals-against average, along with a .905 save percentage. Selected in the 10th round (193rd overall) by the Peterborough Petes in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, the 2023 OHL Playoffs MVP attended development camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins last summer.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
May 6 – May 12: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Apr. 29 – May 5: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
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)

Christopher Thibodeau – Kingston Frontenacs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Christopher Thibodeau of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by OHL Images.
HTWTDOBPOSSHOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
5’9”144Oct 13, 2005RWR75th, 2021151st N.A.USA
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2019-2020Alliance U15Waterloo Wolves31121123
2021-2022OHLKingston Frontenacs51459
2022-2023OHLKingston Frontenacs66172239
2023-2024OHLKingston Frontenacs68213960

When considering Thibodeau, the initial step is to overlook his size and frame, which can be challenging. He possesses the necessary skating ability for being undersized. Additionally, his high-paced performance on every shift makes him a compelling option.

Thibodeau excels in gaining zone entries when on the offensive. After entering the attacking zone, he can easily adjust his pace to facilitate play development. His adept edgework and rapid bursts of speed enable him to navigate through traffic smoothly. He possesses a sharp shooting ability with a swift release and better-than-average accuracy. Nevertheless, his forte might lie in serving as a playmaker from the wing.

Thibodeau can struggle when trying to reach the middle of the ice. While he is not hesitant when it comes to physical play, he can struggle to access high-risk areas at times. Increasing his muscle mass would be beneficial, but given his height of 5’9”, there may be limitations to how much he can realistically gain.

Thibodeau has the necessary skills to become a third-line winger at the next level, but achieving this will require patience and hard work.