Mason Zebeski of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’1”
186
Oct 4, 2005
LW
L
208th, 2021
103rd N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2019-2020
SCTA U15
Oakville Rangers
25
8
8
16
2021-2022
OJHL
Oakville Blades
49
11
10
21
2022-2023
OHL
Mississauga Steelheads
66
5
6
11
2023-2024
OHL
Mississauga Steelheads
55
24
11
35
I am uncertain about Mason Zebeski’s draft placement, if any, but I think NHL Central Scouting has him placed too high compared to others who have ranked him too low.
Zebeski has not been a significant scorer in any of the levels where he has competed. Currently, he serves as a supporting player who can provide a high level of enthusiasm. He possesses strong skating abilities with rapid accelerations and utilizes his speed and strong work ethic to excel as a successful forechecker. He is unreserved in using his physical presence and positioning himself in front of the net to disrupt play.
Zebeski shows strong defensive skills and excels at penalty killing. If he reaches the NHL, he has the potential to serve as a reliable fourth-line player, contributing energy, defensive prowess, penalty-killing abilities, and occasional offense.
Nathan Aspinall of the Flint Firebirds. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’7”
189
Mar 30, 2006
LW
L
33rd 2022
102nd N. A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
ETAHL U16
Markham Waxers
27
17
22
39
2022-2023
OHL
Flint Firebirds
29
1
3
4
2023-2024
OHL
Flint Firebirds
65
18
16
34
Nathan Aspinall’s notable feature is his size. With his current physical build, he could enhance his performance in board battles and in front of the opposition net by adding some bulk. Nevertheless, his consistency at this level needs improvement.
Aspinall is a skilled skater despite his large size. He excels at moving in a straight line and has the ability to reach his intended destinations on the ice. He demonstrates strong awareness on the ice, exhibits proficient close-handling skills, possesses a powerful shot, showcases excellent vision, and has a high hockey IQ to complement his abilities.
Aspinall lacks a standout skill that guarantees his future as an NHL player, but scouts will appreciate his size. He is a player without clear concerns, and with more experience and added muscle, his physicality and work ethic could make him a hidden gem in the draft.
Kieron Walton of the Sudbury Wolves. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’6”
210
Apr22, 2006
LW
L
28th 2022
117th N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
AAA U16
North York Rangers
43
33
27
60
2022-2023
OHL
Sudbury Wolves
46
8
5
13
2023-2024
OHL
Sudbury Wolves
65
18
25
43
When analyzing Kieron Walton, it is important to move past the statistics, despite them being satisfactory. His performance can be deemed as acceptable, especially when taking into account the Sudbury Wolves’ roster depth and the challenging circumstances that sometimes-hindered Walton’s point output.
Walton’s height is the initial standout feature, as he is tall and already well-proportioned. Despite his size, he is a strong skater with impressive speed. His ability to strategize at a high level, paired with his speed and size, positions him as a dominant player in both the cycle game and on the rush.
Walton’s scoring abilities are well-established, but it is his playmaking skills that could truly shine. His proficiency in puck possession, combined with his size that makes him difficult to dispossess, high hockey IQ, and exceptional vision, may elevate his playmaking to his standout strength.
Walton’s size is bound to attract attention on its own. When you consider his skating ability, he becomes even more fascinating. You simply need to believe that you have witnessed enough potential in his limited role to anticipate much more in the future.
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 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.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that draft eligible Saginaw Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh is the 2023-24 recipient of the Max Kaminsky Trophy awarded to the League’s Defenceman of the Year as voted by OHL General Managers.
Parekh led OHL blueliners with 33 goals and 96 points, both Spirit single season franchise records at the position. He follows John Slaney (Cornwall, 1989-90) as just the second defenceman in OHL history to score more than 30 goals in his first season of NHL Draft eligibility. Parekh is the first Saginaw Spirit player to ever win the OHL Defenceman of the Year Award.
“I am very honoured to be recognized for this award, there’s so much talent in this league and I’m extremely grateful to be selected,” said Parekh.
“I’d like to thank my family, agent and the people within my support group that have helped me so much this year. I especially want to thank the Saginaw Spirit organization, the fans, ownership, staff, and especially the players. Without the group around me, I wouldn’t have had the same success I had throughout the year.
“I’d like to extend a big thank you to my Head Coach Chris Lazary and my General Manager Dave Drinkill for helping develop me into the player I’ve become and for always having belief and trust in me.”
Parekh was named OHL Defenceman of the Month for both November and March. His six game-winning goals paced OHL blueliners. He also scored a pair of hat-tricks during the regular season, with the first coming on Nov. 8th in a 6-2 win over Flint and another as part of a five-point effort in an 11-3 win over Windsor on Jan. 10th.
“As an organization, we couldn’t be prouder of Zayne for winning such a prestigious award,” said Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill. “Since coming into our league last year as a young 16-year-old, he has worked extremely hard in all aspects of his game, on and off the ice. It is very rewarding to know that the rest of the league recognized this as well, and supported him to receive this award after a tremendous season here in Saginaw.”
“What Zayne accomplished this season as a second-year defenceman was simply remarkable,” Drinkill added. “Each game he found a way to make an impact, helping our team achieve new club records, while setting team and league individual records for a defenceman along the way.”
An 18-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., Parekh joined the Spirit as a first round (19th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Markham Majors U16 program. After setting a new OHL record with 21 goals as a 16-year-old defenceman in 2022-23, he closed out his 2023-24 campaign with career totals that include 54 goals, 79 assists and 133 points over 116 regular season games, registering a plus/minus of plus-42. He enters the 2024 NHL Draft this summer as the highest-ranked OHL skater on Central Scouting’s Final Rankings, coming in at fifth in North America.
The Max Kaminsky Trophy is awarded each year to the Most Outstanding Defenceman as selected by OHL General Managers. All 20 clubs submitted a nominee but were not permitted to vote for their own player.
The award is named in recognition of Max Kaminsky, who enjoyed a 10-year professional playing career that included four years in the NHL with Ottawa, Boston and Montreal. After he retired from playing, Kaminsky enjoyed a 15-year coaching career that was capped by winning the Memorial Cup with the St. Catharines Teepees in 1960.
Parekh led the way in this year’s award voting process, followed by Calgary Flames prospect Hunter Brzustewicz of the Kitchener Rangers as runner-up.
Parekh follows a former Spirit rearguard in Pavel Mintyukov of the Ottawa 67’s who was last year’s recipient. Other prominent names to have won the OHL Defenceman of the Year Award include Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2012), two-time recipients Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2009 & 2011) and Bryan Berard (Detroit 1995 & 1996), Drew Doughty (Guelph 2008) as well as Chris Pronger (Peterborough 1993).
Parekh will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Defenceman 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 Max Kaminsky Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
For a complete history of OHL award winners, click here.
Jared Woolley of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SHOOTS
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
COUNTRY
6’4”
214
Feb 27, 2006
D
L
105th 2022
73rd N.A.
CANADA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
ETAHL U16
Quinte Red Devils
26
2
11
13
2022-2023
ETAHL U18
Quinte Red Devils
36
5
19
24
2023-2024
GOJHL
St Thomas Stars
19
6
15
21
2023-2024
OHL
London Knights
37
3
2
5
Scouts will pay attention to defensemen who are 6’4” and weigh 200-plus pounds. Playing for a top-tier team like the London Knights also attracts the notice of scouts.
The issue for Jared Woolley is that few teams can match the defensive depth of the Knights. After starting the season in the GOJHL, he got called up by London, but once there, his ice time was limited by their roster talent.
Leveraging his size and reach, Woolley adeptly takes away time and space from the opposition with poise and calmness. His large frame also allows him to add physicality. While not the fastest skater, Woolley has demonstrated the ability to move the puck out of his defensive zone.
Woolley has the potential to establish himself as a strong defensive player. However, his offensive capabilities remain uncertain. Although he has demonstrated offensive production at every level so far, he was not given optimal offensive opportunities with the Knights. Further developing his skating skills will be advantageous.
Ethan Procyszyn of the North Bay Battalion. Luke Durda/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SHOOTS
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
COUNTRY
6’3”
189
Jul 11, 2006
C
R
20th 2022
48th N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
ETAHL U16
North Central
27
26
26
52
2021-2022
OJHL
Collingwood Blues
6
3
0
3
2022-2023
OHL
North Bay Battalion
62
5
13
18
2023-2024
OHL
North Bay Battalion
62
15
21
36
Ethan Procyszyn is an intriguing prospect, known as a reliable two-way center. However, his defensive play is already very polished. He has a strong work ethic and competitive drive, with exceptional puck protection abilities.
With his large frame, Procyszyn can deliver big hits but avoids compromising his positioning to throw them. He typically wins physical battles in the gritty areas of the ice and leverages his size to drive the net with or without the puck. Upon arriving at the crease, he has the soft hands to finish plays in tight quarters.
Though not the fastest skater, he uses his size and reach effectively in the defensive zone to break up plays and transition the puck up ice. As a center, he displays a strong understanding of positioning and plays the role well. His ability to lead the breakout makes him an excellent two-way player.
Procyszyn shows promise as a bottom-six forward at the professional level. He brings energy, physicality, and defensive responsibility to the ice, with some secondary scoring ability. These qualities make him an attractive depth player that NHL teams will likely consider in the draft.
OHL Writers 