AJ Spellacy of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SHOOTS
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
COUNTRY
6’3”
195
Feb 24, 2006
C
R
62nd 2022
72nd N.A.
USA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
EHL U15
Cleveland Barons
15
6
5
11
2022-2023
OHL
Windsor Spitfires
47
7
10
17
2023-2024
Hlinka Gretzky
USA
5
0
1
1
2023-2024
OHL
Windsor Spitfires
67
21
17
38
It really was a mixed bag of a season for Windsor Spitfires Center AJ Spellacy. It was a tough start to the season for him (and the Spitfires). He went pointless in his first 11 games of the season and then had a cold stretch of 5 games coming back from the holiday break. If you can ignore those 16 games, then Spellacy had an incredibly consistent season.
Spellacy demonstrated offensive talent in his rookie season before a knee injury sidelined him for the last 20 games. The big-bodied center, who chose hockey over football, is an agile skater with impressive speed for his size. Tenacious and relentless, he can play rugged physical game.
The three-zone play of Spellacy has steadily improved. Although his offensive skills may not translate well at the next level, he still has the potential for a solid career as a bottom-six player who is reliable defensively and can chip in offensively.
Spellacy plays an energetic, direct style as a skilled player, but I have concerns about his offensive abilities: he seems to lack the vision to create plays for teammates, yet also does not have the shot to consistently convert goals himself.
Owen Protz of the Brantford Bulldogs. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’2”
207
Feb 7, 2006
D
L
86th 2022
100th N. A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
HEO U18
Ottawa Jr Canadians
32
6
8
14
2022-2023
CCHL
Ottawa Jr Senators
49
3
15
18
2022-2023
OHL
Sudbury Wolves
1
0
0
0
2023-2024
OHL
Sudbury Wolves
36
1
6
7
2023-2024
OHL
Brantford Bulldogs
30
2
10
12
During the first half of the season, Owen Protz’s lack of offensive production raised questions about his offensive upside. But after a midseason trade to the Brantford Bulldogs, where his output increased by 71.4%, it seemed there was untapped potential. The key difference post-trade was opportunity – with the Sudbury Wolves he had limited ice time, but with the Bulldogs he earned top-4 minutes. Now the question becomes “is there more?”
Protz stands at 6’2″ and 207 pounds, so his sturdy frame requires little additional filling out. He leverages his size and strength to play a physical game. In the defensive zone, he keeps gaps tight and forces opponents to the outside with his skating. Along the boards and in front of the net, he uses his strength to make life difficult for the opposition. Quick to pucks, he can ignite the breakout with his excellent vision and passing skills.
The most intriguing aspect of his offense, beyond his skating and awareness that allow him to join the rush, is his multifaceted shot. He has a heavy shot that he can get through to the net, but he seems to use it primarily to generate deflections and second-chance opportunities rather than directly score goals himself.
Time will reveal whether Protz’s qualities that caught NHL Central Scouting’s attention and led to his sharp rise in the draft rankings will prove justified. Clearly, they’ve caught my attention.
Nathan Villeneuve of the Sudbury Wolves. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’
190
Apr 13, 2006
C
L
3rd 2022
60th N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
HEO U18
Navan Grads
30
26
41
67
2022-2023
OHL
Sudbury Wolves
55
12
10
22
2023-2024
OHL
Sudbury Wolves
56
23
27
50
Despite bouncing around the lineup due to the Wolves’ depth at center, Nathan Villeneuve had a very productive season in what must have been a challenging year with all the shuffling of the lineup.
If I had to identify one clear area of improvement from last season, it would be Villeneuve’s skating. He has clearly put in work, and his skating looked quicker across the board – from his first strides to top speed. While he was always a technically sound skater, the added quickness is a real asset.
Villeneuve demonstrates impressive intensity and a strong work ethic. He plays an aggressive, physical game, battling hard on opposition defenses and along the boards while driving hard to the net with and without the puck. His intensity, physicality, and net-driving ability are major assets.
Villeneuve has an excellent shot with a quick release and good accuracy. He also has the vision to create scoring chances for his teammates. Though he can contribute offensively at the next level, it’s his attention to detail in all facets of his game that will make him stand out.
Villeneuve was suspended for 15 games for violating the OHL social media Policy. I don’t believe it should have any baring on his draft position.
Ollie Josephson, Maxim Massé, Frankie Marrelli, and Henry Mews are no strangers to wearing the Maple Leaf, having been a part of Canada’s gold-medal winning squad at the 2023 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup last summer. All four players were also recently listed among the Top-50 ranked North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting led by Massé (30th), who was then followed by Mews (37th), Josephson (40th), and Marrelli (46th). Massé, who led the QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Saguenéens with 75 points this season, was recently awarded the 2023-24 Michael-Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL’s Top Professional Prospect.
16-year-old netminder Jack Ivankovic has also previously won gold representing Canada on the world stage, having been a part of Canada White’s first-place finish at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in November. Ivankovic registered a 14-5-4-0 record playing for the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads this season, finishing with a 2.72 goals-against average (GAA) and a .915 save percentage. His 2.72 GAA was the lowest by an OHL rookie during the 2023-24 campaign, earning him the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy.
Canada will play its final pre-tournament game against Norway on Tuesday. Canada’s quest for a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship begins April 25 at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT against Sweden. Canada will play Czechia on April 26, Switzerland on April 28, and Kazakhstan on April 30 to close out preliminary-round action. The semifinals are set for May 4 before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 5.
TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners will broadcast select tournament games, including all Team Canada games and all playoff-round games. Check your local listings for details. Since 2002, Canada has won four gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021), in addition to one silver (2005) and four bronze (2012, 2014, 2015, 2023).
For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
24 CHL PLAYERS NAMED TO CANADA’S 2024 IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER
Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) and Cayden Lindstrom (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) were invited, but unable to participate
Staff Head Coach – Gardiner MacDougall (former Saint John Sea Dogs head coach) Assistant Coach – Travis Crickard (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) Assistant Coach – Ryan Smith (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) Goaltending Coach – Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL) Program of Excellence management group representative – Dave Brown (Erie Otters / OHL) Athletic Therapist – Jimmy McKnight (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL) Team Physician – Dr. Michael Conrad (Victoria Royals / WHL)
Kevin He of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’
182
Apr 30, 2006
LW
L
25th, 2022
78th N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
GTHL U16
North York U16
16
13
12
25
2022-2023
OHL
Niagara IceDogs
66
21
13
34
2023-2024
OHL
Niagara IceDogs
64
31
22
53
Kevin He is the lone Niagara IceDogs player on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, but that doesn’t imply a talent deficiency on the team. The IceDogs have several promising young players, yet the constant roster turnover and turmoil in Niagara likely make it challenging for budding talent to gain stability and develop.
Primarily a goal scorer, he boasts an excellent shot that allows him to beat goaltenders with precision and skill. However, questions remain about his decision-making in the offensive zone – does he lack hockey IQ, or is the dearth of talented teammates limiting his ability to find them with passes? At times he either skates into defensive coverage or struggles to distribute the puck effectively.
Despite his average frame that needs more filling out, his relentless energy, physical play, and ability to frustrate opponents will impress. He excels on the forecheck, accelerating to deliver hits. Willing to absorb contact, he sacrifices his body to make plays.
Ranking He is so challenging because it is hard to determine how much of his performance depends on his own abilities versus the conditions under which he competes.
Luca Marrelli of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’2”
183
Oct 4, 2005
D
R
81st 2021
46th N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2020-2021
DID NOT PLAY
2021-2022
OHL
Oshawa Generals
62
0
12
12
2022-2023
OHL
Oshawa Generals
58
5
23
28
2023-2023
OHL
Oshawa Generals
67
6
51
57
Marrelli’s game relies on making smart, decisive, and proper plays at both ends of the ice, largely due to his high hockey IQ. Combined with his size, mobility, vision, creativity, and right-handed shot, he is sure to attract ample interest.
The OHL has a few highly-touted defensemen expected to be selected early in the NHL draft, but Marrelli may stand out as the top defender at maintaining offensive zone possession. When holding the blue line, he stays composed, rapidly reads the unfolding play with superb vision, and executes skilled passes.
His high hockey IQ benefits him in the defensive zone too. He reads plays well, anticipates movements adeptly, and blocks passing lanes to disrupt opponents. Quick to retrieve the puck, he’s even quicker at initiating the transition game with crisp outlet passes.
Marrelli, a late birth-date, has already played three full seasons in the OHL, giving him significantly more experience than others in his draft class. As a result, he is further along in his development. In my view, he is a third-round pick in the upcoming draft, as his third OHL season demonstrates his versatility but lack of elite skills in any single area.
Jacob Battaglia of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Tim Cornett, OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’
203
Mar 17, 2006
RW
L
27th, 2022
42nd, N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
GTHL U16
Toronto Jr Canadiens
57
37
55
92
2022-2023
OHL
Kingston
66
7
20
27
2023-2023
OHL
Kingston
67
31
34
65
The eventual draft position of Jacob Battaglia in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft remains a mystery, with many unanswered questions but plenty of intrigue surrounding this prospect.
Battaglia is a versatile winger with both playmaking and scoring abilities. His hockey intelligence allows him to survey the ice and create smart plays. Equally skilled at finishing or setting up goals, Battaglia leverages his size and strength to maintain possession. While driving the net, he also finds open ice to get into scoring position. He is equally adept at ding the same to find teammates.
Battaglia’s skating, specifically his speed in both first steps and top-end acceleration, is an area of concern that could cause him to drop in the draft. However, he demonstrates strength and balance on his skates, making it hard to knock him off the puck.
While Battaglia shows flashes of physicality and toughness along the boards, he does not consistently play the body and engage in physical battles, an area we’d like to see more consistency.
Battaglia has the talent to be one of the top 10-12 players drafted from the OHL, but questions remain about how his skating ability may impact his draft position.
Sam O’Reilly of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’1”
180
Mar 30, 2006
C/RW
R
37th, 2022
24th, N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
GTHL U16
Vaughan Kings
32
17
17
34
2022-2023
GOJHL
London Nationals
35
26
37
63
2022-2023
OHL
London Knights
5
0
0
0
2023-2024
OHL
London Knights
68
20
36
56
Sam O’Reilly has shown significant progress over the course of the season, defying expectations with his notable development. Though his statistical output barely changed from the first half to the second half, his play markedly improved.
Though O’Reilly’s skating mechanics lack refinement, he can still gain sufficient speed to take on opponents one-on-one. Developing more agility and lateral mobility on his skates would further enhance his game.
O’Reilly has an exceptional work ethic and tireless drive. He strives relentlessly on offense to reach the net, forecheck tenaciously, and engage physically when needed. Moreover, he applies the same diligent effort in the neutral and defensive zones.
With his keen hockey sense, excellent anticipation, and ability to visualize plays in advance, he leverages his vision and playmaking talents to create prime scoring chances for his teammates.
O’Reilly lacks a powerful shot to beat NHL goalies, so he scores by going to the high-traffic areas of the ice. Though he can drive his line at lower levels, he’ll struggle to do so in the NHL. Instead, he profiles as a complementary piece who complements scorers, rather than leading the attack himself. This secondary scoring role still provides value, as depth scoring is crucial.
London drew significant attention this season, with scouts closely evaluating his teammate Sam Dickinson, projected as a top-10 pick in June. Numerous scouts came away impressed not just with Dickinson, but also with O’Reilly’s performance.
Jakub Fibigr of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SHOOTS
IMPORT DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’
171
July 22, 2006
D
L
16th, 2023
52nd, N.A.
CZECH
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
Czech U17
Viktovice
36
10
18
28
2022-2023
Czech U20
Viktovice
43
2
12
14
2023-2024
Hlinka/ Gretzky
Czechia
5
1
1
2
2023-2024
OHL
Mississauga
61
7
36
43
Jakub Fibigr played for the Czechia team at the 2023 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, where they won the silver medal. Soon after, the Mississauga Steelheads signed Fibigr, whom they had selected 16th overall in the CHL Import Draft earlier that July.
The puck moving defenceman was just what the doctor ordered for the Steelheads and he did not disappoint.
Fibigr is an excellent skater who combines straight-ahead speed with agility and lateral mobility. These assets allow him to keep offensive plays alive at the blueline by maneuvering around defenders. He can also jump into the play or lead the rush by carrying the puck up ice himself. Fibigr further utilizes his vision and playmaking skills to generate scoring chances for his teammates.
His strong skating skills give him the confidence to take risks and break up plays in the neutral zone. In the defensive zone, he maintains tight gaps on opponents and forces them to the perimeter. Belying his average size, he plays a surprisingly physical game, quickly retrieving pucks and igniting the transition game with either his skating or crisp outlet passes.
His strong work ethic and intense competitive spirit are also surprising traits. Playing on the international stage and against older opponents at different stages has provided valuable developmental experience.
Ben Danford of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’2”
190
Feb 6, 2006
RD
R
14th, 2022
32nd, N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
ETAHL U16
Quinte Red Devils
26
7
22
29
2022-2023
WHC U17
Canada Red
7
1
1
2
2022-2023
OHL
Oshawa Generals
63
4
17
21
2023-2024
Hlinka/ Gretzky
Canada
5
0
0
0
2023-2023
OHL
Oshawa Generals
64
1
32
33
Last season, rookie defenseman Ben Danford demonstrated defensive maturity beyond his years. This season, he has elevated his game even further. If defensive prowess in his own zone is all Danford achieves at the next level, there will still be demand for a big, right-handed blueliner with sound defensive instincts.
Danford’s competitiveness in his own zone stands out. He just doesn’t want to give his opponents anything. He takes away time and space with solid gap control and has a very active stick. He battles hard along the walls and behind the goal line. He can make life difficult for opponents in front of his own net. Yet he’s not really considered physical because he doesn’t go out looking to make a hit. Physicality comes in many forms though. He’s also an excellent shot blocker.
While Danford’s skating ability is currently average, lacking speed and agility, he uses it effectively to maintain gaps and force opponents to the outside. Moreover, he selectively jumps into the offensive play, joining rushes and leading breakouts, displaying wise decision-making and considerable improvement over the past year.
Danford is skilled at protecting his own blue line and maintaining the offensive zone with equal proficiency. He has a talent for sustaining offensive pressure, using his hockey intelligence to get pucks to the net from the point. While his shot may lack overpowering velocity, he generates rebounds and second chances.
Danford needs another season to demonstrate sustained offensive growth before determining if his skills will transfer successfully to the next level. Currently, he is tracking towards a promising career as a defensively skilled player with room to build an effective offensive dimension over time.
OHL Writers 