2021 NHL Draft

INTRODUCING THE OHL’S DRAFT ELIGIBLE PLAYERS

Posted on October 16, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

In previous years of doing this, we have only looked at players eligible for the National Hockey League Entry draft for the first time. You don’t need reminding that the past 18 months have been nothing like we’ve ever seen before.

Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by OHL Images.

Because the Ontario Hockey League did not have a season, there weren’t a lot of eyes on OHL players. And that means that many of them will be re-entering the draft for 2022. Mind you, the majority won’t be selected by NHL teams, but they might just do enough to get camp invites and such.

We normally bring you player profiles on the players we feel will get drafted, or in our opinion those that should get drafted. While we can’t do it for every player on this list, we will endeavor to bring you that coverage throughout the season.

OHL teams had 230 players listed on their training camp rosters eligible for the NHL Entry Draft for the first time and re-entering the draft.

After the first week of regular season games, there are 208 players still remaining on rosters that are draft eligible. Of those 208 players, 113 of them are eligible for the first time while 95 of them re-enter the draft.

Also, of those 208 players, 23 are goaltenders, 64 are defensemen and 121 are forwards.

Here are the players eligible for the draft in order of teams:

BARRIE COLTS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Connor Punnett	D	16-Jun-03	6’2	196	Draft re-entry
Vladislav Dvurechenskii	LW	18-Jun-03	6’4	207	Draft re-entry
Jacob Frasca	C	19-Mar-03	6’4	208	Draft re-entry
Trey Zagrzebski	RW	01-Jan-03	5’9	185	Draft re-entry
Hunter Haight	C	04-Apr-04	5’10	167	First Time Eligible
Cooper Matthews	RW	11-Feb-04	5’9	170	First Time Eligible
Oliver Smith	LW	02-Mar-03	6’1	188	Draft re-entry
David Burri	D	22-Jul-03	6’1	200	Draft re-entry
Ryan Del Monte	C	03-Apr-03	5’10	175	Draft re-entry
Beau Jelsma	LW	24-Apr-04	5’9	174	First Time Eligible

ERIE OTTERS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Ryan Thompson	D	10-Oct-02	6’3	195	Draft re-entry
Owain Johnston	D	19-Oct-03	6′	186	First Time Eligible
Christian Kyrou	D	16-Sep-03	5’11	182	First Time Eligible
Spencer Sova	D	10-Jan-04	6′	185	First Time Eligible
Lucas Ross	LW	30-Mar-04	5’6	150	First Time Eligible
Colby Saganiuk	C	05-Feb-03	5’6	151	Draft re-entry
Cameron Lowe	C	04-Mar-04	6’1	174	First Time Eligible
Artyom Kulakov	D	14-Feb-03	6’2	216	Draft re-entry
Brett Bressette	C	04-Jul-03	5’8	160	Draft re-entry
Marshall Nicholls	G	13-Jun-03	6′	171	Draft re-entry
Noland LaLonde	G	14-Feb-04	6’1	186	First Time Eligible

FLINT FIREBIRDS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Luca D’Amato	D	18-Aug-04	5’8	155	First Time Eligible
Samuel Assinewal	LW	16-Apr-04	5’11	154	First Time Eligible
Zacharie Giroux	C	05-Apr-03	5’6	155	Draft re-entry
Ty Petrou	C	10-May-04	5’11	176	First Time Eligible
Gavin Hayes	RW	14-May-04	6’1	177	First Time Eligible
Amadeus Lombardi	C	06-Jun-03	5’10	165	Draft re-entry
Ian Michelone	G	21-Jun-04	6’2	205	First Time Eligible

GUELPH STORM
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Michael Buchinger	D	25-Apr-04	6′	185	First Time Eligible
Jacob Maillet	C	13-Mar-03	6’1	187	Draft re-entry
Jake Karabela	C	07-Mar-04	5’11	170	First Time Eligible
Matthew Poitras	C	10-Mar-04	5’11	170	First Time Eligible
Braeden Bowman	RW	26-Jun-03	6’2	195	Draft re-entry
Danny Zhilkin	C	19-Dec-03	6’2	185	First Time Eligible
Marko Sikic	C	24-Mar-03	6’3	183	Draft re-entry
Ryan McGuire	LW	29-Feb-04	5’10	185	First Time Eligible
Leo Hafenrichter	D	29-Jul-04	6’1	175	First Time Eligible
Jacob Oster	G	26-Mar-03	6’3	187	First Time Eligible
Dixon Grimes	G	05-Mar-03	6’4	196	Draft re-entry

HAMILTON BULLDOGS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Gavin White	D	12-Nov-02	6′	180	Draft re-entry
Avery Hayes	RW	10-Oct-02	5’10	175	Draft re-entry
Ryan Humphrey	LW	08-Mar-03	6′	175	Draft re-entry
Lawson Sherk	C	03-May-03	6’2	201	Draft re-entry
Jorian Donovan	D	05-Apr-04	6’2	180	First Time Eligible
Jonathan Melee	C	01-Jan-04	6’1	183	First Time Eligible
Mark Duarte	RW	27-Sep-02	6’2	185	Draft re-entry
Patrick Thomas	C	21-Aug-04	5’11	160	First Time Eligible
Tristan Maloeuf	G	21-Mar-04	6’1	170	First Time Eligible

KINGSTON FRONTENACS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Jackson Stewart	LW	18-Jun-04	6′	191	First Time Eligible
Chase Costantino	D	28-Sep-03	6’3	175	First Time Eligible
Gage Heyes	RW	21-Apr-04	5’11	165	First Time Eligible
Paul Hughes	RW	27-Feb-03	6’1	180	Draft re-entry
Paul Ludwinski	C	23-Apr-04	5’11	172	First Time Eligible
Thomas Budnick	D	14-Feb-04	6′	190	First Time Eligible
Nathan Poole	C	28-Jul-04	6’1	197	First Time Eligible
Shane Wright	C	01-Jan-04	6’1	185	First Time Eligible

KITCHENER RANGERS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Andrew LeBlanc	C	03-Jun-04	5’11	165	First Time Eligible
Jacob LeBlanc	D	03-Jun-04	6′	168	First Time Eligible
Simon Motew	D	31-Mar-03	5’11	170	Draft re-entry
Trent Swick	LW	25-Apr-04	6’4	185	First Time Eligible
Mitchell Martin	LW	06-Jan-03	6’3	174	Draft re-entry
Jesse Fishman	C	26-Feb-03	5’7	165	Draft re-entry
Ty Hollett	D	27-Aug-03	6’4	205	Draft re-entry
Matthew Sop	LW	03-Feb-03	5’11	150	Draft re-entry
Pavel Cajan	G	13-Oct-02	6’2	174	Draft re-entry

LONDON KNIGHTS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Isaiah George	D	15-Feb-04	6′	196	First Time Eligible
Stuart Rolofs	LW	28-Mar-03	6’2	204	Draft re-entry
Abakar Kazbekov	C	30-May-04	6′	177	First Time Eligible
Ethan MacKinnon	D	22-May-03	6’1	175	Draft re-entry
Colton Smith	LW	09-Feb-04	6’3	195	First Time Eligible
Connor Federkow	D	26-Jul-03	5’10	188	Draft re-entry
Brody Crane	LW	29-May-03	5’11	183	First Time Eligible
Bryce Montgomery	D	11-Nov-02	6’4	218	Draft re-entry
Ben Bujold	C	03-Mar-03	5’11	175	Draft re-entry
Roger Ben	D	03-Nov-02	6’4	205	Draft re-entry
Landon Sim	C	17-Jul-04	5’11	174	First Time Eligible
Jackson Edward	D	27-Feb-04	6’2	187	First Time Eligible

MISSISSAUGA STELLHEADS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Adam Barkley	D	09-Apr-03	6’1	195	Draft re-entry
Kai Schwindt	LW	17-Dec-03	6’3	195	First Time Eligible
Dylan Gordon	D	13-Aug-04	5’9	160	First Time Eligible
Kasper Larsen	D	23-Sep-02	6’5	229	Draft re-entry
Zakary Lavoie	RW	13-Mar-03	5’11	170	First Time Eligible
Chas Sharpe	D	28-Nov-03	6’2	194	First Time Eligible
Ty Anselmini	LW	11-Jul-03	5’9	187	Draft re-entry
Luca DelBelBelluz	C	10-Nov-03	6’1	178	First Time Eligible
Zander Veccia	RW	27-Jul-04	5’10	175	First Time Eligible
Callum Chisholm	LW	28-Aug-03	6’4	214	Draft re-entry
Owen Beck	C	03-Feb-04	6′	190	First Time Eligible
Justin DiLauro	G	06-Mar-03	6’2	201	Draft re-entry

NIAGARA ICEDOGS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Landon Cato	D	31-Mar-03	6’1	205	Draft re-entry
Anthony Agostinelli	C	01-Jan-03	5’11	163	Draft re-entry
Issac Enright	D	08-Feb-03	6′	170	Draft re-entry
Brice Cook	LW	23-Mar-03	6’1	174	First Time Eligible
Ryan Struthers	C	01-Jan-04	6′	161	First Time Eligible
Pano Fimis	C	17-Jun-04	5’11	157	First Time Eligible
Dylan Roobroeck	LW	27-Jul-04	6’3	157	First Time Eligible
Alec Leonard	D	13-May-03	5’11	174	Draft re-entry
Aidan Castle	LW	08-Jan-04	5’11	167	First Time Eligible
Rodwin Dionicio	D	30-Mar-03	6’2	203	First Time Eligible
Josh Rosenzweig	G	27-Feb-03	6’2	159	Draft re-entry

NORTH BAY BATTALION
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Cam Gauvreau	D	08-Mar-03	6’1	185	Draft re-entry
Paul Christopoulos	D	26-Mar-03	5’11	187	Draft re-entry
Tnias Mathurin	D	15-Jan-04	6’3	197	First Time Eligible
Simon Rose	D	23-Mar-03	6′	186	Draft re-entry
Liam Arnsby	C	20-Nov-03	5’11	181	First Time Eligible
Dylan Wakely	C	05-Mar-04	6’1	182	First Time Eligible
Owen Van Steensel	LW	04-Aug-04	5’10	174	First Time Eligible
Matvey Petrov	LW	12-Mar-03	6’2	181	Draft re-entry
Ty Nelson	D	30-Mar-04	5’10	197	First Time Eligible
Alex Christopoulos	RW	26-Mar-03	5’11	192	Draft re-entry
Kyle Jackson	C	17-Oct-02	6’2	191	Draft re-entry
Alexander Lukin	D	27-Mar-04	6’2	213	First Time Eligible
Dom DiVincentiis	G	04-Mar-04	6’2	181	First Time Eligible

OSHAWA GENERALS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Thomas Stewart	D	06-Jan-03	6’2	200	Draft re-entry
Ryan O’Dell	D	14-Feb-04	6’4	190	First Time Eligible
Kevin Niedenz	LW	02-Apr-03	6’1	170	Draft re-entry
Luke Torrance	LW	30-Mar-04	6′	202	First Time Eligible
Cooper Way	C	11-Jun-03	6’3	193	Draft re-entry
Andrew Whitton	RW	05-Oct-03	6’4	190	First Time Eligible
Daniel Michaud	LW	14-Feb-03	6’3	190	Draft re-entry
Riley Pitt	D	19-Feb-03	6’4	185	Draft re-entry
Patrick Leaver	G	04-Sep-03	6’1	183	Draft re-entry
Carter Bickle	G	27-May-04	5’11	157	First Time Eligible

OTTAWA 67’S
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Derek Smyth	D	17-Apr-04	6’4	204	First Time Eligible
Teddy Sawyer	D	12-Dec-03	6′	184	First Time Eligible
Steven Laforme	C	07-Feb-03	6′	192	Draft re-entry
Ranvir Gill-Shane	D	17-Jun-03	6’2	190	Draft re-entry
Thomas Sirman	D	05-Mar-04	5’10	172	First Time Eligible
Brenden Sirizzotti	RW	14-Apr-03	6′	180	Draft re-entry
Thomas Johnston	LW	04-Jul-03	5’9	161	Draft re-entry
Brady Stonehouse	RW	06-Aug-04	5’9	182	First Time Eligible
Will Gerrior	LW	02-Mar-04	5’10	162	First Time Eligible
Vincenz Rohrer	RW	09-Sep-04	5’11	168	First Time Eligible
Vsevolod Gaidamak	C	09-Apr-03	5’11	196	Draft re-entry
Max Donoso	G	11-Jun-03	6’1	173	Draft re-entry

OWEN SOUND ATTACK
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Taos Jordan	D	29-Mar-04	5’9	151	First Time Eligible
Madden Steen	D	18-May-04	6’2	199	First Time Eligible
Deni Goure	C	15-Jul-03	5’10	176	Draft re-entry
Sam Sedley	D	08-Jun-03	5’11	187	Draft re-entry
Cedrick Guindon	C	21-Apr-04	5’11	163	First Time Eligible
Gavin Bryant	C	24-Jul-04	5’10	185	First Time Eligible
Lorenzo Bonaiuto	LW	20-Apr-04	6’2	199	First Time Eligible
Servac Petrovsky	C	10-Aug-04	5’11	174	First Time Eligible
Julian Fantino	RW	05-Feb-04	6′	182	First Time Eligible
Stepan Machacek	LW	05-Dec-02	6’1	190	Draft re-entry
Kaleb Lawrence	LW	10-Jan-03	6’6	225	Draft re-entry
Cedricson Okitundu	D	01-Jan-04	5’11	201	First Time Eligible
Ethan Burrows	RW	19-Jun-03	5’10	166	Draft re-entry
Corbin Votary	G	12-Apr-04	6’3	197	First Time Eligible

PETERBOROUGH PETES
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Samuel Mayer	D	15-Apr-03	6’2	199	Draft re-entry
Stevie Leskovar	D	09-Sep-04	6’3	183	First Time Eligible
Ryan Gagner	C	08-Apr-04	5’9	145	First Time Eligible
Justin DeZoete	RW	02-Jan-04	6′	178	First Time Eligible
Josh Kavanagh	D	06-May-03	6′	177	Draft re-entry
Cole Patey	RW	11-Feb-03	5’11	166	Draft re-entry
Jaden Reyers	C	01-Jun-04	6’2	200	First Time Eligible
Tucker Robertson	C	22-Jun-03	5’10	187	Draft re-entry
Jax Dubois	C	18-Jun-03	6’3	195	Draft re-entry
Sam Alfano	RW	18-Jan-04	6’4	205	First Time Eligible
Michael Simpson	G	09-Feb-03	6’1	191	Draft re-entry
Liam Sztuska	G	01-May-04	6′	164	First Time Eligible

SAGINAW SPIRIT
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Pavel Mintyukov	D	25-Nov-03	6’2	195	First Time Eligible
Dean Loukus	RW	12-Feb-03	5’10	180	Draft re-entry
Charlie Fink	RW	04-Mar-04	6’2	200	First Time Eligible
Matyas Sapovaliv	C	12-Feb-04	6’4	190	First Time Eligible
Davis Codd	RW	19-Aug-03	5’10	180	Draft re-entry
Evan Klein	LW	12-Jan-04	6’2	210	First Time Eligible
Roberto Mancini	D	08-Jul-03	6’2	195	Draft re-entry
Ian Phillips	LW	03-Jul-03	5’10	165	Draft re-entry
Andrew Oke	G	06-Mar-04	6’2	195	First Time Eligible
Brett Fullerton	G	25-Jun-04	6’2	190	First Time Eligible

SARNIA STING
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Ryan Pryce	D	06-Feb-04	6’2	183	First Time Eligible
Nolan Dann	LW	21-May-03	5’9	182	Draft re-entry
Zach Filak	C	21-Jan-04	6′	163	First Time Eligible
Andrei Malyavin	D	30-Jan-04	5’10	150	First Time Eligible
Max Namestnikov	C	06-Feb-04	5’7	173	First Time Eligible
Nolan Burke	C	09-Dec-02	6’1	185	Draft re-entry
Nikita Tarasevich	RW	09-Feb-03	5’9	170	Draft re-entry
Anson Thornton	G	28-Jun-03	6’3	174	Draft re-entry

SOO GREYHOUNDS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Marc Boudreau	LW	29-Apr-03	6’2	182	Draft re-entry
Owen Allard	C	13-Jan-04	6’1	181	First Time Eligible
Landen Hookey	RW	19-Jan-04	6’4	196	First Time Eligible
Bryce McConnell-Barker	C	04-Jun-04	6’1	188	First Time Eligible
Connor Toms	D	13-Mar-04	6′	163	First Time Eligible
Kiriil Kudryavtsev	D	05-Feb-04	5’11	200	First Time Eligible
Charlie Schenkel	G	16-Aug-04	6’5	193	First Time Eligible
Samuel Ivanov	G	01-Jan-03	6’3	165	Draft re-entry

SUDBURY WOLVES
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Jashua Hoover	D	15-Feb-04	5’10	199	First Time Eligible
Landon McCallum	C	05-Sep-03	5’11	172	Draft re-entry
Kocha Delic	C	11-Mar-04	5’10	180	First Time Eligible
Nick DeGrazia	C	03-Dec-02	6’1	181	Draft re-entry
Ethan Larmand	C	12-Dec-03	5’11	181	First Time Eligible
Payton Robinson	D	30-Apr-03	6’2	195	Draft re-entry
Nolan Collins	D	28-Apr-04	6’3	192	First Time Eligible
Andre Anania	D	02-Mar-03	6’1	191	Draft re-entry
David Goyette	C	27-Mar-04	5’11	174	First Time Eligible
Evan Konyen	RW	22-Feb-04	5’10	158	First Time Eligible
Samuel Vachon	C	02-Oct-02	6′	174	Draft re-entry
Jonathan Lemaire	G	15-Oct-02	6’6	180	Draft re-entry

WINDSOR SPITFIRES
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Daniil Sobolev	D	03-Mar-03	6′	210	Draft re-entry
Ryan Abraham	C	05-Apr-04	5’10	164	First Time Eligible
Nicholas DeAngelis	D	22-May-04	6’2	192	First Time Eligible
Avval Baisov	LW	26-Apr-04	6′	187	First Time Eligible
Wylie Birkett	LW	05-Mar-04	6’6	210	First Time Eligible
Mattew Maggio	RW	25-Nov-02	6′	181	Draft re-entry
Oliver Peer	RW	09-Mar-03	6′	166	Draft re-entry
James Jodoin	D	04-Feb-03	6’3	210	Draft re-entry
Kyle Downey	G	04-Mar-04	6’1	179	First Time Eligible

Oshawa Generals’ Brett Harrison Selected by the Boston Bruins

Posted on July 25, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 185 Pounds

Date of birth: June 7, 2003

Hometown: Dorchester, Ontario

Position: Center/Wing

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 1, 16^th overall – 2019 Priority Selection

LEAGUE	YEAR	GAMES	GOALS	ASSISTS	POINTS
Under-16	2018-19	33	42	21	63
OHL	2019-20	58	21	16	37
SM-SARJA U20	2020-21	7	4	5	9

The 2021 National Hockey League Entry Draft was unlike any other since the inception of the draft. Scout’s eyes weren’t allowed in the rinks most of the time and more dependency was placed on video and analytics.

It was particularly tough when it came to Ontario Hockey League players who had to scramble to find a spot to get some games in when the OHL season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the players eligible for the draft sat out the season and the results were the worst performance by the OHL at the draft in its history. It also led to players falling in the draft.

Which leads us to Brett Harrison of the Oshawa Generals, selected in the third round, 85^th overall by the Boston Bruins on the second day of the draft.

When scouts were allowed in rinks during the 2019-20 season where Harrison finished tied for third among rookies with 21 goals and seventh with 37 points, many believed he was on his way to a late first round selection in 2021. Once again, things changed.

Even Independent Scouting Services had some mixed results. Here’s a look at some of them:

RED LINE REPORT	15
RECRUIT SCOUTING	36
NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING	50
DRAFT PROSPECTS	52
FC HOCKEY	53
BOB MCKENZIE	57
DOBBER PROSPECTS	59
MCKEENS HOCKEY	84
ELITE PROSPECTS	85
SMAHT HOCKEY	95
AVERAGE RANK	58.6

Harrison has a shoot-first mentality, but that’s not to say he isn’t capable of setting up teammates. He routinely finds the open ice and possesses a quick release on his shot that has made him successful to date in his playing career. But his bread and butter is in front of the net. He is strong on his skates and a tough out in front of the blue paint. His ability to tip shots is very impressive as is his ability to pounce on rebounds for second chance opportunities.

Skating was and still is a concern for Harrison. While he has made some good strides in improving that aspect of his game, there is still work to be done. While he has decent top speed, achieving that top speed takes more time than it should. And he lacks a separation gear. His technique can also use some adjusting. But let’s give credit where credit is due. Harrison knows it is an area that he needs to work on and has put in the effort so far. He also said in his media availability that he is on the ice with his power skating coach 2 or 3 times a week this offseason. He has great lower body strength so it becomes a matter of using that in his technique.

Harrison doesn’t shy away from the physical game. He gets in on the forecheck and is willing to battle, but improving on his skating will enable him to get in there quicker for those 50-50 chances. He battles along the walls and has a long reach with his stick to dig in for those pucks.

Harrison has good anticipation. He’s capable of getting into lanes with his body or stick to disrupt the oppositions break out. He creates turnovers by doing just that. But he uses that same anticipation in the defensive zone. While he is very effective in his own zone, he can sometimes be caught losing his man.

Harrison has some flaws, but at this level, almost everyone does. But they aren’t anything good coaching and maturity can’t solve, if he’s willing to put in the work.

Drafting isn’t about what the player is today, but what you project him to be. Every indication is that this is a young man that is willing to put in the hard work necessary to improve. And that bodes well for Harrison and the Boston Bruins.

30 OHL PLAYERS SELECTED IN 2021 NHL DRAFT

Posted on July 25, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that 30 OHL players were selected in the seven rounds of the 2021 NHL Draft held virtually on July 23-24 representing approximately 13% of all 224 players picked by the NHL’s 32 teams.

The 30 OHL players have all played at least one game in the Ontario Hockey League, while an additional nine players selected in the 2021 NHL Draft have made commitments to join OHL clubs.

Peterborough Petes centreman Mason McTavish led the way, being selected third overall by the Anaheim Ducks in Friday’s first round. The OHL featured six players selected in the opening 32 picks, with Los Angeles Kings eighth overall selection Brandt Clarke giving the Barrie Colts the CHL’s longest active streak of four consecutive years producing a first round pick.

A total of 87 CHL players were chosen including 33 from the Western Hockey League, 30 from the Ontario Hockey League and 24 from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

By position, a total of 15 OHL forwards were selected, as well as 12 defencemen and three goaltenders. Among the OHL’s drafted players, 23 are selections born in 2003, five are late 2002-born picks (Chayka, Roger, Lennox, Montgomery, Vrbetic) and two are 2002 birth years in their second year of eligibility (Ottavainen, Cardwell).

18 of the OHL’s 20 member clubs had a player selected in 2021 led by the London Knights with four. The Sarnia Sting trailed with three players chosen followed by the Barrie Colts, Kingston Frontenacs, Kitchener Rangers, Ottawa 67’s, Peterborough Petes, Saginaw Spirit and Windsor Spitfires who each produced two. The London Knights maintained their record streak of players chosen annually since 1969, climbing into sole possession of first place for the most players chosen all-time with 188 to their credit.

21 of the NHL’s 32 teams added at least one OHL player with the San Jose Sharks leading the way with four selected. The Dallas Stars trailed with three while the Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens and Seattle Kraken each picked two.

Following the 2021 NHL Draft, a total of 2,440 OHL players have been selected since 1969, representing approximately 20% of all players chosen.

OHL Players Selected in the 2021 NHL Draft:

Click on player name below to watch pick announcement and media availability. More player interviews will be uploaded to ontariohockeyleague.com as they become available.

First Round (6 OHL Players):
3. Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes) – Anaheim Ducks
8. Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts) – Los Angeles Kings
16. Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds) – New York Rangers
23. Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires) – Dallas Stars
29. Chase Stillman (Sudbury Wolves) – New Jersey Devils
31. Logan Mailloux (London Knights) – Montreal Canadiens

Second Round (3 OHL Players):
38. Daniil Chayka (Guelph Storm) – Vegas Golden Knights
42. Francesco Pinelli (Kitchener Rangers) – Los Angeles Kings
49. Ben Roger (London Knights) – Ottawa Senators

Third Round (5 OHL Players):
67. Ryan Winterton (Hamilton Bulldogs) – Seattle Kraken
81. Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting) – San Jose Sharks
85. Brett Harrison (Oshawa Generals) – Boston Bruins
93. Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit) – New York Islanders
95. Josh Bloom (Saginaw Spirit) – Buffalo Sabres

Fourth Round (4 OHL Players):
99. Ville Ottavainen (Kitchener Rangers) – Seattle Kraken
105. Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads) – Chicago Blackhawks
121. Ethan Cardwell (Barrie Colts) – San Jose Sharks
124. Jack Matier (Ottawa 67’s) – Nashville Predators

Fifth Round (4 OHL Players):
135. Artem Guryev (Peterborough Petes) – San Jose Sharks
143. Jacob Holmes (Soo Greyhounds) – Dallas Stars
153. Ty Voit (Sarnia Sting) – Toronto Maple Leafs
156. Max McCue (London Knights) – San Jose Sharks

Sixth Round (6 OHL Players):
166. Pasquale Zito (Windsor Spitfires) – Detroit Red Wings
168. Jack Beck (Ottawa 67’s) – Calgary Flames
170. Bryce Montgomery (London Knights) – Carolina Hurricanes
175. Francesco Arcuri (Kingston Frontenacs) – Dallas Stars
178. Connor Lockhart (Erie Otters) – Vancouver Canucks
181. Ryan Mast (Sarnia Sting) – Boston Bruins

Seventh Round (2 OHL Players):
210. Braden Haché (Kingston Frontenacs) – Florida Panthers
214. Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion) – Montreal Canadiens

Additional Players Committed to the OHL (9):
Rd. 2, 48 Ov. – Artyom Grushnikov (Hamilton Bulldogs) – Dallas Stars
Rd. 3, 78 Ov. – Alexei Kolosov (Erie Otters) – Philadelphia Flyers
Rd. 3, 82 Ov. – Dmitry Kuzmin (Flint Firebirds) – Winnipeg Jets
Rd. 3, 96 Ov. – Roman Schmidt (Kitchener Rangers) – Tampa Bay Lightning
Rd. 4, 110 Ov. – Brian Zanetti (Peterborough Petes) – Philadelphia Flyers
Rd. 5, 142 Ov. – Daniil Sobolev (Windsor Spitfires) – Montreal Canadiens
Rd. 6, 167 Ov. – Liam Gilmartin (London Knights) – San Jose Sharks
Rd. 6, 180 Ov. – Matvei Petrov (North Bay Battalion) – Edmonton Oilers
Rd. 7, 202 Ov. – Chandler Romeo (Hamilton Bulldogs) – Ottawa Senators

For more coverage of the 2021 NHL Draft, visit NHL.com.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

SIX OHL PLAYERS SELECTED IN FIRST ROUND OF 2021 NHL DRAFT

Posted on July 25, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – A total of six OHL players were selected in Friday’s first round of the 2021 NHL Draft that was held virtually online and aired across the globe.

The six OHL players were among the 15 CHL players chosen in the draft’s opening round.

Peterborough Petes centreman Mason McTavish led the way for the OHL, being selected third overall by the Anaheim Ducks. The 18-year-old from Carp, Ont. is the highest-drafted Petes player since Nick Ritchie was selected by the Ducks with the 10th overall pick in 2014. McTavish joins a Ducks franchise currently coached by Petes alumnus Dallas Eakins (1984-88) and is the highest-drafted OHL player by the Ducks franchise since Owen Sound’s Bobby Ryan went second overall in 2005.

“We talked two or three times and to be honest I didn’t really know where I was going to end up,” said McTavish. “I’m super fortunate that they took me and I’m really looking forward to the future.”

Offensively gifted Barrie Colts blueliner Brandt Clarke followed McTavish on the journey to Southern California, being selected by the Los Angeles Kings at eighth overall. Joined by older brother and New Jersey Devils prospect Graeme, Brandt was overwhelmed with excitement upon hearing his name called by the Kings.

“I have a really good support system, a lot of people there supporting me and it was amazing,” Clarke described. “It was just raw emotion. I was just really excited and it’s the best day of my life.”

Clarke, who posted 38 points (6-32–38) in 57 games with the Colts as a rookie in 2019-20, becomes the fourth Barrie player in the past decade to be chosen in the top-10 selections at the NHL Draft, joining Andrei Svechnikov (2nd overall, 2018), Aaron Ekblad (1st overall, 2014) and Mark Scheifele (7th overall, 2011).

Fellow 2019 OHL Cup champion and past Don Mills Flyers teammate Brennan Othmann followed Clarke at 16th overall, being selected by the New York Rangers. Othmann, who set Flint Firebirds rookie records with 17 goals and 33 points in 2019-20, expressed excitement about his new destination.

“I think I fit in great. Kakko and Lafreniere – they’re two studs, two great players,” he said. “I think if I’m able to play with those guys, those guys are playmakers and if I’m able to find the right spots on the ice, I think they’d feed me and I’d put the puck in the back of the net all the time.”

Othmann becomes the second Firebirds player to be selected in the first round of the NHL Draft, following former captain and Dallas Stars prospect Ty Dellandrea (13th overall, 2018).

Dallas added dependable two-way Windsor Spitfires centreman Wyatt Johnston with the 23rd overall selection, giving the Stars first round picks out of the OHL in three of the past four years. Johnston recorded 30 points (12-18–30) as a Spits rookie in 2019-20 and played a key role on Canada’s gold medal-winning National Under-18 team this past spring.

“Jamie Benn called me and that was an amazing moment,” Johnston described. “I was pretty star-struck just hearing him on the other side of the phone. That was a special experience.”

The New Jersey Devils nabbed a competitor with the 29th overall selection, taking third generation OHL talent Chase Stillman of the Sudbury Wolves. The son of two-time Stanley Cup champion Cory Stillman and younger brother of Chicago Blackhawks blueliner Riley Stillman, Chase put up 13 goals and 34 points as a Wolves rookie in 2019-20. Following second overall pick Quinton Byfield (Los Angeles) in 2020, Stillman’s selection gives the Sudbury franchise first rounders in back-to-back years for the first time since 2005 & 2006.

“It was a remarkable moment, it’s a huge relief and I’m beyond excited,” said Stillman. “I talked to multiple people in the organization and I had a good feeling. New Jersey is a great organization that has done very well. To throw on a Devils jersey will be an awesome experience.”

The Montreal Canadiens rounded-out OHL selections in the first round by picking London Knights blueliner Logan Mailloux at 31st overall.

The 2021 NHL Draft resumes with Rounds 2-7 on Saturday, beginning at 11:00am ET.

OHL Players Selected in the First Round of the 2021 NHL Draft:

Click on player name below to watch pick announcement and media availability

3. Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes) – Anaheim Ducks
8. Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts) – Los Angeles Kings
16. Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds) – New York Rangers
23. Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires) – Dallas Stars
29. Chase Stillman (Sudbury Wolves) – New Jersey Devils
31. Logan Mailloux (London Knights) – Montreal Canadiens

For more information on the 2021 NHL Draft including full results visit nhl.com.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

OHL ANNOUNCES 2021 EXHIBITION GAME SCHEDULE

Posted on July 21, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Exhibition Game Schedule for the 2021-22 season that includes 54 games from Friday September 3 through Sunday October 3. All OHL clubs are scheduled to play between three and six pre-season contests.

OHL Training Camps open on Thursday September 2 and the Regular Season Schedule gets underway on Thursday October 7.

2021 OHL Exhibition Game Schedule:

Fri. Sept 3 Sarnia at London, 7:30pm

Sat. Sept 4       Saginaw at Erie, 2:00pm
Sat. Sept 4       Mississauga at Guelph, 7:00pm
Sat. Sept. 4      Oshawa at Hamilton, 7:00pm
Sat. Sept. 4      London at Sarnia, 7:05pm

Sun. Sept 5      Guelph at Mississauga, 2:00pm
Sun. Sept 5      Sudbury at Sault Ste. Marie, 2:07pm
Sun. Sept 5      Hamilton at Oshawa, 6:05pm

Mon. Sept 6 Ottawa at Peterborough, 2:05pm
Mon. Sept 6 Owen Sound at Barrie, 6:00pm

Thur. Sept 16 Flint at Erie, 7:00pm
Thur. Sept 16 Kingston at Peterborough, 7:05pm

Fri. Sept 17      Flint vs. Saginaw, 7:00pm (at Erie)
Fri. Sept 17      London at Hamilton, 7:00pm
Fri. Sept 17      Guelph at Mississauga, 7:00pm
Fri. Sept 17      Windsor at Sarnia, 7:05pm
Fri. Sept 17      Peterborough at Sudbury, 7:05pm
Fri. Sept 17      Barrie at Kitchener, 7:30pm
Fri. Sept 17      Niagara at Oshawa, 7:35pm

Sat. Sept 18     Owen Sound at North Bay, 2:00pm
Sat. Sept 18     Saginaw at Erie, 7:00pm
Sat. Sept 18     Ottawa at Kingston, 7:00pm
Sat. Sept 18     Oshawa at Niagara, 7:00pm
Sat. Sept 18     Kitchener at Barrie, 7:30pm

Sun. Sept 19 Sarnia at Windsor, 4:05pm

Thur. Sept 23 Sarnia at Peterborough, 7:05pm

Fri. Sept 24      Windsor at Hamilton, 7:00pm
Fri. Sept 24      North Bay at Ottawa, 7:00pm
Fri. Sept 24      Owen Sound at Sudbury, 7:05pm
Fri. Sept 24      Mississauga at Kitchener, 7:30pm
Fri. Sept 24      Barrie at London, 7:30pm
Fri. Sept 24      Niagara at Guelph, 7:30pm

Sat. Sept 25     Ottawa at North Bay, 4:00pm
Sat. Sept 25     Peterborough at Kingston, 7:00pm
Sat. Sept 25     Guelph at Niagara, 7:00pm
Sat. Sept 25     Barrie at Owen Sound, 7:00pm
Sat. Sept 25     Sudbury at Sault Ste. Marie, 7:07pm

Sun. Sept 26 Kitchener at Mississauga, 2:00pm
Sun. Sept 26 Hamilton at Windsor, 4:05pm

Wed. Sept 29 Kingston at Ottawa, 7:00pm

Thur. Sept 30 London at Barrie, 7:30pm

Fri. Oct 1         Erie vs. Saginaw, 7:05pm (at Flint)
Fri. Oct 1         Peterborough at Sarnia, 7:05pm
Fri. Oct 1         Sault Ste. Marie at Sudbury, 7:05pm
Fri. Oct 1         Mississauga at Guelph, 7:30pm
Fri. Oct 1         Niagara at Kitchener, 7:30pm
Fri. Oct 1         Hamilton at London, 7:30pm
Fri. Oct 1         Windsor at Oshawa, 7:35pm

Sat. Oct 2        North Bay at Owen Sound, 2:00pm
Sat. Oct 2        Erie at Flint, 7:00pm
Sat. Oct 2        Kitchener at Niagara, 7:00pm

Sun. Oct 3       Ottawa at Sudbury, 3:00pm
Sun. Oct 3       Oshawa at Windsor, 4:05pm
Sun. Oct 3       Saginaw at Flint, 7:00pm

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

61 OHL PLAYERS INCLUDED ON FINAL 2021 NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING DRAFT RANKINGS

Posted on May 28, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to recognize 61 players included on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings for the 2021 NHL Draft to be held on July 23-24.

A total of 55 players on Central Scouting’s North American rankings in addition to six from the International list combine to include 37 forwards, 19 defencemen and five goaltenders, all of whom have played at least one game in the Ontario Hockey League. An additional 13 players who had committed for the 2020-21 season, but who have yet to play in an OHL game were also listed.

Peterborough Petes centre and recent IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship gold medalist Mason McTavish comes in as the second-ranked North American skater on the list. The 18-year-old from Carp, Ont. scored 29 goals and added 13 assists, finishing with 42 points in 57 games as a rookie with the Petes in 2019-20. McTavish wore an ‘A’ for Canada at the U18 Worlds, finishing with 11 points (5-6–11) over seven games.

“McTavish is that coveted skilled power centre who is capable of making a difference in any situation,” said NHL Central Scouting Director Dan Marr. “He’s big and plays a smart, competitive game. McTavish has deceptive speed and quickness. He utilizes his size to effectively protect pucks while driving to the net and can still make plays while being checked.”

Barrie Colts defenceman Brandt Clarke and Flint Firebirds forward Brennan Othmann, both members of the 2019 OHL Cup champion Don Mills Flyers, gave the OHL three players in the top-10, coming in at seventh and eighth respectively.

In goal, Canadian National Under-18 Team netminder Benjamin Gaudreau is North America’s second-ranked goaltender. The Sarnia Sting product from Corbeil, Ont. is followed at third on the list by late 2002-born Saginaw Spirit goaltender Tristan Lennox.

Guelph Storm defenceman Daniil Chayka, who hoisted the J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2019, ranks fifth on Central Scouting’s list of International skaters. The Russian blueliner spent the 2020-21 season with Russia’s CSKA Moscow organization after two seasons in Guelph.

The London Knights lead the League with seven players included on the rankings followed by the Barrie Colts, Kitchener Rangers, Ottawa 67’s, Peterborough Petes, Sarnia Sting, Soo Greyhounds and Windsor Spitfires all tied with four.

A total of 31 OHL players were taken in the 2020 NHL Draft including five chosen within the top-10 selections. Los Angeles Kings second overall choice Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves) and Anaheim Ducks sixth pick Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters) both made their NHL debuts this past season.

OHL Players Included on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings

*-player committed for 2020-21 season, not included in overall total

North American Skaters:

RANK	PLAYER	TEAM	POS.	HT	WT
2	McTavish, Mason	Peterborough Petes	C	6.01	207
7	Clarke, Brandt	Barrie Colts	D	6.02	185
8	Othmann, Brennan	Flint Firebirds	LW	6.00	175
15	Pinelli, Francesco	Kitchener Rangers	C	6.00	185
16	Johnston, Wyatt	Windsor Spitfires	C	6.01	178
23	Mailloux, Logan	London Knights	D	6.03	212
33	Winterton, Ryan	Hamilton Bulldogs	C	6.02	175
35	Stillman, Chase	Sudbury Wolves	RW	6.01	180
50	Harrison, Brett	Oshawa Generals	C	6.02	188
57	Del Mastro, Ethan	Mississauga Steelheads	D	6.04	210
70	Holmes, Jacob	Soo Greyhounds	D	6.01	205
74	Roger, Ben	London Knights	D	6.04	200
79	Matier, Jack	Ottawa 67’s	D	6.04	200
82	Beck, Jack	Ottawa 67’s	RW	5.11	162
83	Goure, Deni	Owen Sound Attack	C	5.10	182
85	DeGrazia, Nick	Sudbury Wolves	LW	6.00	180
89	Mast, Ryan	Sarnia Sting	D	6.04	210
99	Guryev, Artem	Peterborough Petes	D	6.04	225
103	Kressler, Braeden	Flint Firebirds	C	5.09	165
104	Lockhart, Connor	Erie Otters	RW	5.09	165
107	Voit, Ty	Sarnia Sting	LW	5.09	160
113	Bloom, Josh	Saginaw Spirit	LW	6.02	182
114	McCue, Max	London Knights	C	6.01	175
120	Frasca, Jacob	Barrie Colts	C	6.04	215
122	Arcuri, Francesco	Kingston Frontenacs	C	6.02	193
127	Hayes, Avery	Hamilton Bulldogs	RW	5.10	175
129	Motew, Simon	Kitchener Rangers	D	6.00	185
131	Enright, Isaac	Niagara IceDogs	D	6.00	190
135	Zito, Pasquale	Windsor Spitfires	LW	6.00	175
138	Burroughs, Ethan	Owen Sound Attack	RW	5.10	183
143	Sirizzotti, Brendan	Ottawa 67’s	RW	6.00	180
146	Montgomery, Bryce	London Knights	D	6.04	220
148	Punnett, Connor	Barrie Colts	D	6.01	202
153	Sherk, Lawson	Hamilton Bulldogs	C	6.02	200
154	Hardie, James	Mississauga Steelheads	LW	6.00	180
156	Calisti, Robert	Soo Greyhounds	D	5.10	190
158	Jackson, Kyle	North Bay Battalion	LW	6.02	187
159	Cardwell, Ethan	Barrie Colts	RW	5.11	193
163	Gill-Shane, Ranvir	Ottawa 67’s	D	6.02	185
169	Romeo, Chandler*	Hamilton Bulldogs	D	6.05	205
171	Michaud, Daniel	Oshawa Generals	C	6.02	190
172	Rolofs, Stuart	London Knights	LW	6.02	200
174	Sop, Matthew	Kitchener Rangers	LW	6.00	175
175	Maggio, Matthew	Windsor Spitfires	RW	5.11	180
181	Haché, Braden	Kingston Frontenacs	D	6.04	200
182	McCallum, Landon	Sudbury Wolves	C	5.11	175
183	Robertson, Tucker	Peterborough Petes	C	5.11	186
193	Saganiuk, Colby*	Erie Otters	C	5.07	160
200	Avon, J.R.	Peterborough Petes	C	6.00	180
206	Boudreau, Marc	Soo Greyhounds	LW	6.02	180
213	Dann, Nolan	Sarnia Sting	RW	5.10	180
215	Lawrence, Kaleb	Owen Sound Attack	RW	6.06	225
221	Maillet, Jacob	Guelph Storm	C	6.00	173
222	Robinson, Payton*	Sudbury Wolves	D	6.02	194

North American Goaltenders:

RANK	PLAYER	TEAM	POS.	HT	WT
2	Gaudreau, Benjamin	Sarnia Sting	G	6.02	175
3	Lennox, Tristan	Saginaw Spirit	G	6.04	190
6	Vrbetic, Joe	North Bay Battalion	G	6.06	190
11	Brochu, Brett	London Knights	G	5.11	177

International Skaters:

RANK	PLAYER	TEAM	POS.	HT	WT
5	Chayka, Daniil	Guelph Storm	D	6.03	187
24	Grushnikov, Artyom*	Hamilton Bulldogs	D	6.02	198
32	Sobolev, Daniil*	Windsor Spitfires	D	6.00	210
35	Petrov, Matvei*	North Bay Battalion	LW	6.02	178
64	Kulakov, Artyom*	Erie Otters	D	6.02	202
70	Rafkin, Ruben	Windsor Spitfires	D	5.11	190
72	Kuzmin, Dmitry*	Flint Firebirds	D	5.09	178
74	Steklov, Kirill	London Knights	D	6.04	187
83	Gaidamak, Vsevolod*	Ottawa 67’s	C	5.11	198
90	Ottavainen, Ville	Kitchener Rangers	D	6.05	210
115	Suni, Oliver	Oshawa Generals	LW	6.02	186
117	Larsen, Kasper*	Mississauga Steelheads	D	6.06	229
149	Zanetti, Brian*	Peterborough Petes	D	6.02	181

International Goaltenders:

RANK	PLAYER	TEAM	POS.	HT	WT
2	Kolosov, Alexei*	Erie Otters	G	6.01	185
10	Malik, Nick	Soo Greyhounds	G	6.01	177
11	Cajan, Pavel*	Kitchener Rangers	G	6.01	177

For full 2021 NHL Central Scouting Final Draft Rankings, visit nhl.com.

The 2021 NHL Draft Raises a Question

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

It all began with simple tweet by yours truly.

Here's my question: For #OHL players playing in Europe such as Brandt Clarke, will he be immediately eligible for the #AHL since he was drafted from Europe? https://t.co/fcRxbFjpZa
— Dominic Tiano (@dominictiano) April 24, 2021

In a following tweet, I tagged Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet who provided some insight on his 31-Thoughts.

In his column, Friedman said “I looked into it and was told these things still need to be sorted out.”

Why is this important? Well, for players drafted out of the Canadian Hockey League there are only two choices for them: 1) make the NHL roster or 2) Return back to their Junior club. In other words, the American Hockey League is not an option. Players drafted outside the CHL are eligible to play in the AHL.

The unanimous response I was getting on twitter was that the players are on loan and therefore are considered being drafted from the OHL.

Not so fast. I’ve done some checking.

Under the Transition Rules agreed to by the NHL and the NHLPA, Article 8 answers the question definitively.

For purposes of determining where a Player who is drafted in the 2021 NHL Draft was “drafted from” under the provisions of Article 8, a Player will be deemed to have been “drafted from” the league and team as follows:

i) if the Player played during the 2020-21 season, the league and team for which he played during the 2020-21 season as per traditional practice, provided, however:

A) if the Player played in a league outside North America during the 2020-21 season but had never played in a league outside North America prior to the 2020-21 season, the league and team for which he played during the 2019-20 season as per the traditional practice,

B) if the Player played in North America during the 2020-21 season but had never played in North America prior to 2020-21, the league and team for which he played during the 2019-20 season as per the traditional practice,

ii) if the Player did not play during the 2020-21 season, then the league and team for which he played during the 2019-20 season as per the traditional practice.

i) A) is the important one for OHL players that played in Europe. If a player played in Europe this season and has played in Europe prior to the 2020-21 season, then that player will be considered “drafted from Europe” and therefore be eligible to play in the AHL.

If a player played in Europe this season but has never played in Europe prior to the 2020-21 season, then that player will be considered drafted from the OHL and not eligible to play in the AHL.

52 OHL PLAYERS INCLUDED ON NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING PLAYERS TO WATCH LIST FOR JANUARY

Posted on January 24, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is proud to announce that 52 players with OHL ties have been included on NHL Central Scouting’s January ‘Players to Watch’ List for the 2021 NHL Draft.

A total of four skaters received ‘A’ ratings indicating a potential first round NHL Draft selection. Guelph Storm defenceman Daniil Chayka, Barrie Colts blueliner Brandt Clarke, Peterborough Petes forward Mason McTavish and Kitchener Rangers centreman Francesco Pinelli all maintained the ‘A’ rank assigned to them back on October’s Players to Watch List.

A total of four skaters climbed from ‘C’ ratings back in October to ‘B’ in January including Owen Sound Attack forward Deni Goure, Hamilton Bulldogs forward Ryan Winterton, first overall CHL Import Draft Selection Matvei Petrov of the North Bay Battalion as well as London Knights defenceman Logan Mailloux. Other ‘B’ rated skaters include Brett Harrison (Oshawa Generals), Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires), Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds), Chase Stillman (Sudbury Wolves), Nick DeGrazia (Sudbury Wolves) and 2020 CHL Import Draft Selections Artyom Grushnikov (Hamilton Bulldogs) and Daniil Sobolev (Windsor Spitfires). Goaltenders Benjamin Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting), Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit), Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion) and CHL Import Draft Selection Alexei Kolosov (Erie Otters) were assigned ‘B’ ratings.

An additional 30 skaters and three netminders received ‘C’ ratings indicating a potential fourth, fifth or sixth round candidate.

All 20 OHL member teams were represented on the list led by the London Knights and Ottawa 67’s with five each. The Erie Otters, Hamilton Bulldogs and Sarnia Sting each trailed with four players assigned rankings.

The list includes 26 OHL forwards, 19 defencemen and seven goaltenders. Eleven of the players listed (denoted by an asterisk) have yet to play a game in the Ontario Hockey League but have committed to their respective member team for the 2020-21 season.

2021 NHL Central Scouting January ‘Players to Watch List – OHL Skaters

RANK	PLAYER	TEAM	POSITION
A	Daniil Chayka	Guelph Storm	D
A	Brandt Clarke	Barrie Colts	D
A	Mason McTavish	Peterborough Petes	C
A	Francesco Pinelli	Kitchener Rangers	C
B	Nick DeGrazia	Sudbury Wolves	C
B	Deni Goure	Owen Sound Attack	C
B	Artyom Grushnikov*	Hamilton Bulldogs	D
B	Brett Harrison	Oshawa Generals	C
B	Wyatt Johnston	Windsor Spitfires	C
B	Logan Mailloux	London Knights	D
B	Brennan Othmann	Flint Firebirds	LW
B	Matvei Petrov*	North Bay Battalion	RW
B	Daniil Sobolev*	Windsor Spitfires	D
B	Chase Stillman	Sudbury Wolves	C
B	Ryan Winterton	Hamilton Bulldogs	RW
C	Francesco Arcuri	Kingston Frontenacs	C
C	Jack Beck	Ottawa 67’s	RW
C	Josh Bloom	Saginaw Spirit	LW
C	Ethan Burroughs	Owen Sound Attack	RW
C	Ethan Cardwell	Barrie Colts	RW
C	Nolan Dann	Sarnia Sting	RW
C	Ethan Del Mastro	Mississauga Steelheads	D
C	Isaac Enright	Niagara IceDogs	D
C	Vsevolod Gaidamak*	Ottawa 67’s	C
C	Ranvir Gill-Shane	Ottawa 67’s	D
C	Avery Hayes	Hamilton Bulldogs	RW
C	Jacob Holmes	Soo Greyhounds	D
C	Braeden Kressler	Flint Firebirds	C
C	Artyom Kulakov*	Erie Otters	D
C	Dmitry Kuzmin*	Flint Firebirds	D
C	Kasper Larsen*	Mississauga Steelheads	D
C	Connor Lockhart	Erie Otters	C
C	Ryan Mast	Sarnia Sting	D
C	Jack Matier	Ottawa 67’s	D
C	Bryce Montgomery	London Knights	D
C	Connor Punnett	Barrie Colts	D
C	Ben Roger	London Knights	D
C	Colby Saganiuk*	Erie Otters	RW
C	Lawson Sherk	Hamilton Bulldogs	C
C	Brenden Sirizzotti	Ottawa 67’s	RW
C	Matthew Sop	Kitchener Rangers	LW
C	Kirill Steklov	London Knights	D
C	Oliver Suni	Oshawa Generals	LW
C	Ty Voit	Sarnia Sting	RW
C	Brian Zanetti*	Peterborough Petes	D

2021 NHL Central Scouting January ‘Players to Watch List – OHL Goalies

RANK	GOALTENDER	TEAM
B	Benjamin Gaudreau	Sarnia Sting
B	Alexei Kolosov*	Erie Otters
B	Tristan Lennox	Saginaw Spirit
B	Joe Vrbetic	North Bay Battalion
C	Brett Brochu	London Knights
C	Pavel Cajan*	Kitchener Rangers
C	Nick Malik	Soo Greyhounds

*– indicates player committed to OHL for 2020-21

Players have been identified using the following criteria:

• A Rating – Indicates a first round candidate
• B Rating – Indicates a second or third round candidate
• C Rating – Indicates a fourth/fifth/sixth round candidate

For the complete list, visit NHL.com.

46 OHL PLAYERS INCLUDED ON NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING PRELIMINARY PLAYERS TO WATCH LIST

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is proud to announce that 46 OHL players have been included on NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Players to Watch List for the 2021 NHL Draft.

The list includes 25 forwards, 16 defencemen and five goaltenders.

“At this point in the evaluation process and considering the lack of a summer scouting season, it’s much too early to identify a strength for the 2021 draft class other than to state that there are a number of good prospects at every position,” Director of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr said.

A total of five OHL players were assigned an ‘A’ rating indicating a potential first round NHL Draft candidate. Those names include a 2019-20 first all-rookie team member in Barrie Colts defenceman Brandt Clarke along with a second team member in Peterborough Petes centreman Mason McTavish. Guelph Storm defenceman Daniil Chayka joins a recently committed Hamilton Bulldogs prospect in Russian countryman Artyom Grushnikov in the ‘A’ column alongside Kitchener Rangers forward Francesco Pinelli.

An additional six OHL skaters along with three goaltenders were assigned ‘B’ rankings, indicating a potential second or third round candidate. Those include former first round 2019 OHL Priority Selection choices Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds), Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires), Brett Harrison (Oshawa Generals) and goaltender Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting). Sudbury Wolves forwards Chase Stillman and Nick DeGrazia join recently committed Windsor Spitfires prospect Daniil Sobolev in receiving a ‘B’ listing along with goaltenders Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit) and Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion). An additional 30 skaters and two goaltenders were assigned a ‘C’ ranking, indicating a potential fourth, fifth or sixth round candidate.

All 20 of the OHL’s member teams are represented on the list led by the defending Hamilton Spectator Trophy recipient Ottawa 67’s with five players followed by the Hamilton Bulldogs with four and the Barrie Colts, Kitchener Rangers, London Knights, Peterborough Petes and Sarnia Sting each with three.

2021 NHL Central Scouting Preliminary Players to Watch List – OHL:

SKATERS:

RANK	PLAYER	TEAM	POSITION
A	Daniil Chayka	Guelph Storm	D
A	Brandt Clarke	Barrie Colts	D
A	Artyom Grushnikov*	Hamilton Bulldogs	D
A	Mason McTavish	Peterborough Petes	C
A	Francesco Pinelli	Kitchener Rangers	C
B	Nick DeGrazia	Sudbury Wolves	C
B	Brett Harrison	Oshawa Generals	C
B	Wyatt Johnston	Windsor Spitfires	C
B	Brennan Othmann	Flint Firebirds	LW
B	Daniil Sobolev*	Windsor Spitfires	D
B	Chase Stillman	Sudbury Wolves	C
C	Francesco Arcuri	Kingston Frontenacs	C
C	Jack Beck	Ottawa 67’s	RW
C	Ethan Burroughs	Owen Sound Attack	RW
C	Ethan Cardwell	Barrie Colts	RW
C	Nolan Dann	Sarnia Sting	LW
C	Ethan Del Mastro	Mississauga Steelheads	D
C	Isaac Enright	Niagara IceDogs	D
C	Vsevolod Gaidamak*	Ottawa 67’s	C
C	Ranvir Gill-Shane	Ottawa 67’s	D
C	Deni Goure	Owen Sound Attack	C
C	Artem Guryev	Peterborough Petes	D
C	Avery Hayes	Hamilton Bulldogs	RW
C	Jacob Holmes	Soo Greyhounds	D
C	Braeden Kressler	Flint Firebirds	C
C	Kasper Larsen*	Mississauga Steelheads	D
C	Connor Lockhart	Erie Otters	C
C	Logan Mailloux	London Knights	D
C	Jack Matier	Ottawa 67’s	D
C	Bryce Montgomery	London Knights	D
C	Matvei Petrov*	North Bay Battalion	RW
C	Connor Punnett	Barrie Colts	D
C	Ben Roger	London Knights	D
C	Colby Saganiuk*	Erie Otters	RW
C	Lawson Sherk	Hamilton Bulldogs	C
C	Brenden Sirizzotti	Ottawa 67’s	RW
C	Matthew Sop	Kitchener Rangers	LW
C	Oliver Suni	Oshawa Generals	RW
C	Ty Voit	Sarnia Sting	RW
C	Ryan Winterton	Hamilton Bulldogs	RW
C	Brian Zanetti*	Peterborough Petes	D

GOALTENDERS:

RANK	GOALTENDER	TEAM
B	Ben Gaudreau	Sarnia Sting
B	Tristan Lennox	Saginaw Spirit
B	Joe Vrbetic	North Bay Battalion
C	Pavel Cajan*	Kitchener Rangers
C	Nick Malik	Soo Greyhounds

*– indicates player committed to OHL for 2020-21

Players have been identified using the following criteria:

• A Rating – Indicates a first round candidate

• B Rating – Indicates a second or third round candidate

• C Rating – Indicates a fourth/fifth/sixth round candidate

For the complete list, visit NHL.com.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league. For more information visit http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/.

Hockey Canada Releases Under-18 Invites

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Dominic Tiano

Hockey Canada

The 2020 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the precursor to the 2021 National Hockey League Draft, was cancelled because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, but that didn’t stop Hockey Canada from naming the 46 players that would have been invited to the selection camp.

Hockey Canada released that list today and it includes 12 Ontario Hockey League players with a possible 13th, depending on whether goaltender Matteo Drobac makes the Hamilton Bulldogs roster when the 2020-2021 season takes place.

Five of the six players on our Players to Watch List have made the cut with Russian Daniil Chayka the only exception, so of course, he’s not eligible.

Here is the full list of invites by Hockey Canada:

Name	Ht.	Wt.	Club Team	NHL Draft
Goaltenders
Tyler Brennan	6’3”	187	Prince George (WHL)	2022
Matteo Drobac	6’1”	170	Hamilton (GOJHL)	2021
Benjamin Gaudreau	6’2″	165	Sarnia (OHL)	2021
Jacob Goobie	5’10”	178	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	2021
Thomas Milic	5’11”	155	Burnaby Winter Club (CSSHL)	2021
William Rousseau	6’10”	170	Trois-Rivières (LHMAAAQ)	2021
Defence
Nolan Allan	6’2″	185	Prince Albert (WHL)	2021
Olivier Boutin	5’10”	160	Gatineau (QMJHL)	2021
Corson Ceulemans	6’2″	190	Brooks (AJHL)	2021
Brandt Clarke	6’1″	181	Barrie (OHL)	2021
Jacob Holmes	6’1″	174	Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)	2021
Carson Lambos	6’1″	200	Winnipeg (WHL)	2021
Jérémy Langlois			Cape Breton (QMJHL)	2022
Kyle Masters	5’11”	159	Red Deer (WHL)	2021
Evan Nause	6’1″	172	Sioux Falls (USHL)	2021
Oscar Plandowski	5’11”	175	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	2021
Guillaume Richard	6’0″	148	Mount St. Charles Academy (USU16)	2021
Graham Sward	6’2″	170	Spokane (WHL)	2021
Cameron Whynot	6’1″	168	Halifax (QMJHL)	2021
Olen Zellweger	5’9″	165	Everett (WHL)	2021
Forwards
Liam Arnsby	5’10”	172	North Bay (OHL)	2022
Zachary Bolduc	6’0″	172	Rimouski (QMJHL)	2021
Zach Dean	5’9″	166	Gatineau (QMJHL)	2021
Nathan Gaucher	6’3″	186	Quebec (QMJHL)	2022
Dylan Guenther	6’1″	170	Edmonton (WHL)	2021
Brett Harrison	6’1″	167	Oshawa (OHL)	2021
Cole Huckins	6’4″	191	Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)	2021
Wyatt Johnston	6’0″	167	Windsor (OHL)	2021
Riley Kidney	5’11”	160	Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)	2021
Zachary L’Heureux	5’10”	196	Moncton (QMJHL)	2021
Connor Lockhart	5’8″	163	Erie (OHL)	2021
James Malatesta	5’9″	172	Quebec (QMJHL)	2021
Mason McTavish	6’1″	198	Peterborough (OHL)	2021
Olivier Nadeau	6’2″	204	Shawinigan (QMJHL)	2021
Brennan Othmann	5’11”	165	Flint (OHL)	2021
Francesco Pinelli	6’0″	182	Kitchener (OHL)	2021
Peter Reynolds	5’10”	165	Chilliwack (BCHL)	2021
Justin Robidas	5’7″	173	Val-d’Or (QMJHL)	2021
Conner Roulette	5’11”	158	Seattle (WHL)	2021
Joshua Roy	6’0″	191	Saint John (QMJHL)	2021
Cole Sillinger	6’0″	187	Medicine Hat (WHL)	2021
Logan Stankoven	5’7″	165	Kamloops (WHL)	2021
Chase Stillman	5’11”	170	Sudbury (OHL)	2021
Zach Stringer	6’1″	165	Lethbridge (WHL)	2021
Dovar Tinling	5’11”	181	Hawkesbury (CCHL)	2021
Danny Zhilkin	6’0″	185	Guelph (OHL)	2022

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