Dalyn Wakely of the North Bay Battalion. Luke Durda/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’1”
197
Mar 5, 2003
C
R
30th 2020
116th N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2019-2020
ETAHL U16
Quinte Red Devils
35
30
42
72
2021-2022
OHL
North Bay Battalion
67
20
14
34
2022-2023
OHL
North Bay Battalion
66
30
19
49
2023-2024
OHL
North Bay Battalion
66
39
65
104
As previously discussed regarding his teammate Anthony Romani, I typically do not delve deeply into draft re-entry players, but I believe it is necessary to do so in this case. Dalyn Wakely is a player eligible for the draft for the third time, making it even more imperative to mention him here, as this diminishes his chances of being selected.
Wakely had no trouble scoring goals in the past. Last season, he scored thirty goals while playing lower in the lineup. However, this season, after moving up to the top line in junior hockey, his playmaking abilities shone through, as seen in his increased assist numbers.
Wakely excels in protecting the puck, seldom losing possession when it’s on his stick. Additionally, he demonstrates exceptional awareness and scanning skills to track all players on the ice, enabling him to create scoring opportunities.
When it comes to Wakely, the key question is: How much did his performance improve by playing with Romani and Owen Van Steensel, and how much did the duo benefit from playing with Wakely?
Gabriel Frasca of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’
170
Feb 18, 2006
C/W
L
17th 2022
85th N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
GTHL U16
Mississauga Senators
28
13
22
35
2022-2023
OHL
Kingston Frontenacs
58
15
19
34
2022-2023
WHC U17
Canada Red
2
0
1
1
2023-2024
OHL
Kingston Frontenacs
44
15
17
32
Gabriel Frasca of the Kingston Frontenacs posted impressive statistics during his debut season last year. Despite starting this season with an injury, he maintained his offensive output upon his return. Nonetheless, I think the shoulder injury that caused a delayed start to his season did have a somewhat negative impact on his performance, resulting in decreased statistics.
Frasca is a reliable player who consistently delivers a strong performance on both ends of the ice. He excels in critical moments, whether it’s safeguarding a one-goal lead or in need of a crucial goal. Frasca is skilled at taking and winning important faceoffs, and demonstrates exceptional game awareness and decision-making abilities.
Frasca is a skilled skater who excels at making imaginative plays at high speeds. He demonstrates strong puck-handling abilities and can quickly deliver passes or shots during a rush, thanks to his deceptive release. Frasca is known for having one of the top shots in his draft class.
Frasca possesses the necessary skills and qualities that are transferable to professional hockey. While outcomes are never guaranteed, he is poised to be a reliable choice for any team.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights is the 2023-24 recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy, an award presented annually to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player as voted by the writers and broadcasters that cover the league.
“I want to thank all of my teammates, coaches, training staff and of course my family,” said Cowan of the award. “None of this is possible without them. It’s a great honour for me and my family.”
Cowan finished his sophomore season with 34 goals, 62 assists and 96 points in 54 games, registering the league’s second-highest production rate of 1.78 points-per-game. He garnered league-wide attention with his 36-game point streak that spanned from Nov. 25 through the final game of the regular season on Mar. 24, eventually reaching a run of 42 games in the OHL Playoffs. The 36-game mark established a new London Knights franchise record, and is the longest point streak the OHL has seen since 1995.
“It takes special players to win and have great teams and Easton is exceptional,” said Knights Vice President and General Manager Mark Hunter. “He has speed skill and will and of all of those his will to win and be better everyday is a testament to his work ethic and drive to be a National Hockey League player. He had a great season in London and we’re very proud of him.”
Cowan’s season saw him record at least a point in 49 of his 54 outings, with a total of 33 multi-point performances along the way. His seven shorthanded goals were tied with teammate Denver Barkey for the league lead while his 14 shorthanded points finished atop the OHL list. His contributions helped the Knights secure a Hamilton Spectator Trophy as the OHL’s first place team during the regular season, along with a fifth straight Midwest Division title.
An 18-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont., Cowan has recorded 55 goals, 96 assists and 151 points over 129 career regular season games, registering a plus/minus rating of plus-47. He’s also scored a total of 10 shorthanded goals along with seven goals on the power play. Cowan helped the Knights win the Wayne Gretzky Trophy as Western Conference champions last spring, putting up 21 points (9-12—21) across 20 playoff contests. He was Toronto’s first round (28th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and signed an entry-level NHL contract with the Leafs on Aug. 10, 2023. The Knights selected Cowan with their second round (25th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.
Cowan becomes the seventh London Knights player to win the Red Tilson Trophy, joining a list that includes Mitch Marner (2015-16), Michael Houser (2011-12), Corey Perry (2004-05), Jason Allison (1993-94), Dave Simpson (1981-82) and Dennis Maruk (1974-75). Recent winners have included a pair of Windsor Spitfires forwards in Matthew Maggio (2022-23) and Wyatt Johnston (2021-22) along with Ottawa 67’s forward Marco Rossi (2019-20) and Sudbury Wolves goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (2018-19).
The Red Tilson Trophy is the most prestigious individual award presented by the Ontario Hockey League. First presented in 1945, the trophy is named in honour of Albert “Red” Tilson, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II. Tilson was the OHA scoring champion for the 1942-43 season after scoring 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in 22 games with the Oshawa Generals.
Accredited media were asked to select their top choice from a ballot consisting of 20 team-nominated representatives. Cowan emerged as the front-runner, receiving 41 percent of the vote ahead of Saginaw Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh who received 18 percent. Sudbury Wolves forward David Goyette placed third with 17 percent of the vote.
The Red Tilson Trophy winner is the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League 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. Cowan will be formally presented with the Red Tilson Trophy 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.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that draft eligible Guelph Storm forward Jett Luchanko is the 2023-24 recipient of the William Hanley Trophy awarded to the League’s Most Sportsmanlike Player as voted by OHL General Managers.
Luchanko led the Storm with 74 points including 20 goals and 54 assists over 68 games. He was also a front-runner in this year’s OHL Coaches Poll, emerging as the lone player to finish in the top-three of four different categories. He accomplished this while taking just 36 minutes in penalties during the regular season.
“I’m grateful to be recognized for demonstrating good sportsmanship as it is a reflection of my commitment to competing at the highest levels of the game,” said Luchanko. “I’m honoured to follow in the footsteps of Guelph Storm graduate Nick Suzuki who won this award three times. He’s someone I’ve looked up to growing up in London and a player who has done great things both in the OHL and today in Montreal.”
The 17-year-old from London, Ont. piled up 30 assists on the power play, a figure that finished tied for second in the OHL this season. Luchanko enters the 2024 NHL Draft as the 20th ranked skater in North America on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings released last week.
“Jett has had a terrific season and has led our team in all situations,” said Storm General Manager George Burnett. “It is a credit to him that his compete level has been elevated significantly throughout the season while being able to maintain excellent discipline. We are so proud of Jett’s many accomplishments this season.”
Entering the league as Guelph’s first round (12th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Luchanko has accrued 88 points (25-63—88) over 114 career regular season contests. He earned a silver medal with Canada Red at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and is currently representing Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Finland.
The William Hanley Trophy is awarded each year based on a selection by the 20 General Managers of the Ontario Hockey League. All 20 teams submit a nominee but are not permitted to vote for their own candidate. The trophy is presented by the OHL to commemorate William Hanley, former Secretary-Manager of the Ontario Hockey Association for over 25 years.
Luchanko finished first in this year’s voting for the award, followed by runner-up Dalibor Dvorský of the Sudbury Wolves.
Luchanko follows fellow Londoner and three-time winner Nick Suzuki (2018-19) along with Jeff Williams (1995-96) to become the third Guelph Storm player to win the award. Other recent recipients have included Evan Vierling of the Barrie Colts (2022-23), Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires (2021-22) and Nick Robertson of the Peterborough Petes (2019-20).
Luchanko will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Sportsman of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony that will be held that the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow from May 24th to June 2nd in Saginaw, Michigan. He’ll be formally presented with the William Hanley Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
For a complete list of OHL award winners, click here.
Riley Patterson of the Barrie Colts. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’
194
Mar 22, 2006
C
R
57th 2022
61st N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2019-2020
SCTA U14
Burlington Eagles
32
35
13
48
2021-2022
GTHL U16
Mississauga Senators
28
18
12
30
2022-2023
OJHL
North York Rangers
52
30
43
73
2023-2024
OHL
Barrie Colts
68
29
33
62
Riley Patterson has consistently produced at a high level throughout his career. Though he started slowly in his first OHL season, Patterson improved significantly halfway through the year, finishing with nearly a point-per-game.
Patterson is an adept skater with decent speed, but he needs to build more strength on his skates, as opponents can too easily knock him off the puck. His agility allows him to weave through traffic and elude defenses to find open ice. He has the ability to navigate through the neutral zone and gain the blue line on the rush.
Defensively, Patterson is solid but can still grow. He has demonstrated an aptitude for disrupting plays in the neutral zone and grasping his responsibilities in his own end. However, like the Colts as a whole, Patterson’s performance was uneven at times this season, so he must focus on playing more consistently.
Patterson may be better utilized as a winger since he profiles more as a complementary player on a line that can provide strong defense and secondary scoring, rather than as the primary play driver.
OHL Writers 