OHL DEVELOPMENT COMBINE PRESENTED BY DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO TO BE HELD APRIL 15-16

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that the 2023 OHL Development Combine presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario will be held Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa.

The annual event provides players eligible for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection an opportunity to put their skills on display in both on and off-ice environments before a gathering of OHL scouts and general managers. The Combine will feature 76 prospects, including 36 forwards, 24 defencemen and 16 goaltenders.

“We’re very excited to partner with Dairy Farmers of Ontario on an event that provides prospective players the opportunity to enhance their own personal development,” said Brodie Barrick, the OHL’s Director of Player Recruitment and Player Services. “The blend of both skill testing and competitive games gives players a platform to showcase their abilities in advance of the Priority Selection.”

Saturday’s itinerary will see players participate in on and off-ice testing through a series of exercises. Results will be provided to OHL member teams ahead of the OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore to be held a week later on Friday, April 21 (Rounds 1-3) and Saturday, April 22 (Rounds 4-15).

Players will compete in 5-on-5 and 3-on-3 play throughout Sunday, being joined behind the bench by OHL member team personnel as special guest coaches.

“Our MilkUP brand celebrates, recognizes and provides young athletes opportunities to flourish both on and off the ice. MilkUP also provides meaningful, measurable and lasting impacts on young people through sports and community activities, while highlighting the benefits of milk in a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer of DFO. “Organizations, such as the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), do great work supporting their athletes and partnering with them allows us to support them, too. On behalf of DFO and Ontario’s 3,400 dairy producers, their families and staff, we wish all the hockey players the best as they demonstrate their talents during the 2023 OHL Development Combine.”

Teams will compete for the OHL Combine Cup championship, with the winner achieving supremacy by way of a point system recognizing both individual performance in on and off-ice testing, as well as team performance in Sunday’s game action.

Team Subban reigned supreme at last year’s Combine with a roster that included current OHL players in David Bedkowski (Oshawa Generals), Callum Cheynowski (Hamilton Bulldogs), Caden Kelly (Ottawa 67’s), Carter Lowe (Barrie Colts), Hunter McKenzie (Guelph Storm) and Kaden Pitre (Flint Firebirds).

The 2023 event marks the 14th year that the OHL has hosted a skills development day for players and goaltenders in advance of the OHL Priority Selection.

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.

About Dairy Farmers of Ontario

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk for a dynamic, profitable growing dairy industry. Ontario’s 3,287 dairy farmers, their families and employees are proud to produce high-quality milk for Canadians. For more information, visit www.milk.org.

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OHL, POWER EDGE PRO HOCKEY PARTNER TO LAUNCH CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE LOCATIONS ACROSS ONTARIO

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the launch of Centre of Excellence locations across Ontario in partnership with Power Edge Pro Hockey (PEP).

The OHL/PEP Centre of Excellence is a development initiative creating a premier and unparalleled in-season development experience for Minor Hockey players in Ontario to complement the development programs provided by their club team and minor hockey association.

Both the OHL and PEP are excited to introduce a progressive and engaging performance proven program that creates an opportunity for players to be exposed to OHL quality teaching methods and new skill acquisition through PEP’s Reactive Countering & Reactive Linear Crossover trainings.

The Ontario Hockey League is regarded as one of the top player development leagues in the world and continues to be a leading supplier of talent to both the National Hockey League and Canada’s National Teams at all levels, as well as U SPORTS (Canadian University) hockey.

PEP Hockey is the leading player development program in the world.  PEP delivers a patented, unmatched elite training experience with a consummate record of developing players to the NHL and OHL.

PEP’s innovative training has been adopted by the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets and numerous OHL teams.

Launching in September 2023, the Centre of Excellence locations will be offered in Barrie, Belleville, Kitchener, London, North Bay, Oakville, Oshawa, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, St. Catharines, Thunder Bay, and Toronto. Additional locations will be announced for year two.

The program will be available for the U10-U18 age groups with all players required to be a registered participant in a Hockey Canada Program, entering the 2023-24 season.

Applications can be submitted up until April 30th for acceptance to the OHL/PEP Centre of Excellence programs.

Learn more, and apply today at poweredgepro.com/ohl-centre-of-excellence/


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 TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL OFFICIATING PROSPECT DEVELOPMENT COMBINE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its 2nd Annual Officiating Prospect Development Combine that will take place from June 8-10 at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre in Belleville, Ont.

The OHL received over 200 applications to participate in last year’s inaugural event and selected 72 officials to participate. A total of 10 women, six officials from the United States and four new recruits to officiating were among those selected. A total of 20 participants from last year’s Prospect Development Combine were then selected to attend the OHL Officiating Training Camp in August, and 17 of those officials were given the opportunity to officiate in the OHL for the 2022-23 season.

“I definitely feel like I’ll be going into the upcoming season as a better official.” – Hillary Brennan, OHL referee

“…this was a well-run event and when I chatted with the officials, they seemed to really take value from it. I overheard many comments specifically about the level of professionalism associated with this event.” – Dan Hanoomansingh, Manager of Officiating, Hockey Canada

“…I learned many things I hope to bring into my games in the upcoming years.” – Jason Faist, OHL referee

“I got a lot out of the camp that will assist me in continuing to prgress as an official. I will certainly be encouraging officials to apply for future OHL Combines.” – Brandy Beecroft, official

“The experience was truly invaluable and I feel it was extremely beneficial for more and my officiating career. This was truly a first-class Combine.” – Braydon Munn, official

WATCH: 2022 OHL OFFICIATING PROSPECT DEVELOPMENT COMBINE RECAP

This year’s Combine will not only continue to identify top officiating prospects in Ontario and the United States, but will also serve to enhance the development of these officials as they progress through different levels of the game.

This event is once again open to current high-level hockey officials as well as individuals that have recently completed their playing careers and are looking for opportunities to remain in the game. No experience is necessary. Individuals that apply must be excellent skaters, in great physical condition, and have a keen interest and desire to officiate at a high level.

The Combine will be a significant opportunity for officials to demonstrate their officiating desires and abilities. Some participants attending this event will have the opportunity to be selected to attend the OHL Officiating Training Camp in August 2023, with the possibility of competing for a spot on the OHL Officiating Team.

With its close-working relationship with the Ontario Hockey Federation, Hockey Canada and the National Hockey League, the OHL is not only the top development league for players and coaches, but officials aspiring to reach the next level as well.

Interested individuals can register here. Registration will close on Friday, April 14. As there are limited spaces available for this event, applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and those chosen to participate in the Combine will be contacted via email by April 28. Once an individual has been notified that he or she has been selected, additional registration/payment information will be provided.

Investment:

The cost to attend the Combine is $495.00 + HST and will include the following:

  • On and off-ice evaluation by Jackie Jarrell, owner of Gold Performance Training and Testing Specialist for the NHL Exposure Combine
  • Minimum 6 hours of total ice time
  • Minimum 6 hours of high-level classroom sessions
  • Meals (lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday)
  • Special group rate at the Fairfield Marriott (includes breakfast buffet) at individual’s expense (limited rooms available)
  • Exposure to key officiating individuals from various leagues (OHL, NHL, OHF, OHA)
  • Participation gift


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 ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Academic Players of the Month for February including Luca Marrelli of the Oshawa Generals, Andrew Wycisk of the Niagara IceDogs, Matthew Andonovski of the Kitchener Rangers and Easton Wainwright of the Sarnia Sting.
 

East Division: Oshawa Generals blueliner Luca Marrelli is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for February.

Marrelli is achieving an overall average of 89 percent across three grade 12 university-level courses, with a 92 percent average in Human Development, a 78 percent average in Advanced Functions and a 96 percent average in Personal Fitness at Maxwell Heights Secondary School.

“Luca is described as a very personable and dedicated individual by his teachers, coaches and teammates,” said Generals academic advisor Tom Buchanan. “Luca also demonstrates a strong work ethic”.

The 17-year-old from Toronto, Ont. has recorded 28 points (5-23–28) in 57 games for the Generals this season. Marrelli was selected in the fifth round (81st overall) by Oshawa in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Mississauga Reps U16 program.
 

Central Division: Niagara IceDogs defenceman Andrew Wycisk is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for February.

Wycisk is currently achieving academic excellence in grade 12 level courses, including high grades in Advanced Functions, Physics, World Issues and Fitness at Governor Simcoe Secondary School.

“Andrew is an excellent student and is currently holding an average in the high 80’s,” said IceDogs academic advisor Tim Tope. “Andrew is well respected by both staff and students and is sure to lead the IceDogs for years to come.”

The 17-year-old from Etobicoke, Ont. has played 18 games this season, recording two assists for the IceDogs. The 5-foot-9, 150Ib. blueliner was selected in the third round (45th overall) by Niagara in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Vaughan Kings U16 program.
 

Midwest Division: Kitchener Rangers blueliner Matthew Andonovski is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for February.

Andonovski is achieving high grades in grade 12 courses, including an ‘A’ average throughout his demanding schedule that includes Data Management, Biology, International Business, Leadership and Large Group Physical Education at Victus Academy. Andonovski is excited at the prospect of attending university next year to study Sports Management and Business.

“A physical, puck moving defenceman with a knack for leading others on the ice and in the classroom, coaches and teachers alike describe Matthew as a passionate young man, always willing to give his best effort,” said Rangers academic advisor Dave Tennant.

The 17-year-old from Markham, Ont. has played 55 games this season, recording 14 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-16 for the Rangers. The 6-foot-2, 200Ib. defenceman was selected in the fourth round (62nd overall) by Kitchener in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Mississauga Reps U16 program.
 

West Division: Sarnia Sting forward Easton Wainwright is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for February.

Wainwright completed a very successful first semester at Northern Collegiate in Sarnia with an overall average of 90 percent in Advanced Functions, Biology, and Fitness. He is now currently taking Kinesiology, English, Nutrition and Health.

“Easton exhibits a high level of diligence in his studies, a commitment to his daily attendance, and is a frequent contributor to his classes,” said Sting academic advisor Todd Whitlock. “He is an great example of a student-athlete, and positive role model for his peers.”

The 18-year-old from Mount Hope, Ont. has played 57 games this season, recording 10 goals, 14 assists and 24 points for the Sting. The 5-foot-9, 172Ib. centreman was selected in the ninth round (172nd overall) by Sarnia in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs U16 program.
 

2022-23 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
February – Luca Marrelli (Oshawa Generals)
January – Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)
December – Callum Cheynowski (Hamilton Bulldogs)
November – James Guo (Peterborough Petes)
October – Brad Gardiner (Ottawa 67’s)

Central Division:
February – Andrew Wycisk (Niagara IceDogs)
January – Wyatt Kennedy (North Bay Battalion)
December – Grayson Tiller (Barrie Colts)
November – Finn Harding (Mississauga Steelheads)
October – Kieron Walton (Sudbury Wolves)

Midwest Division:
February – Matthew Andonovski (Kitchener Rangers)
January – Jett Luchanko (Guelph Storm)
December – Nathan Sauder (Erie Otters)
November – Braedyn Rogers (Owen Sound Attack)
October – Denver Barkey (London Knights)

West Division:
February – Easton Wainwright (Sarnia Sting)
January – Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
December – Tristan Bertucci (Flint Firebirds)
November – Bronson Ride (Windsor Spitfires)
October – Alex Kostov (Soo Greyhounds)

The OHL continues to produce student-athletes that move on to both professional and U SPORTS men’s hockey endeavours.

A total of 349 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2021-22 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.5 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.

A total of 217 OHL Alumni were included on U SPORTS men’s hockey rosters to open the 2022-23 season.


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 TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in February 2023, including Windsor Spitfires forward Matthew Maggio, Barrie Colts defenceman Brandt Clarke, Ottawa 67’s goaltender Collin MacKenzie and Sudbury Wolves rookie netminder Nate Krawchuk.

OHL Player of the Month – Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires):
New York Islanders prospect Matthew Maggio of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Player of the Month for February, producing 11 goals, 15 assists and 26 points in 12 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-12. Maggio guided his team to a February mark of 9-2-1-0, registering points in nine of his 12 outings, seven of those yielding multiple points. The 6-foot, 185 Ib. forward started the month with back-to-back two-goal, three-point outings in home victories over Sault Ste. Marie and Hamilton. He then logged a goal and four assists (1-4–5) on Feb. 5th as the Spitfires defeated the Owen Sound Attack 8-1.Maggio’s scoring ways continued on Feb. 16th with another multi-point showing, recording a goal and three helpers (1-3–4) in a 6-5 overtime win over the Flint Firebirds.He closed out the month with another four-point night on Feb. 26th with a pair of goals and assists (2-2–4) to earn first star honours while recording his 200th career point as the Spitfires defeated the Kingston Frontenacs in an 8-4 road win.

A 20-year-old from nearby Tecumseh, Ont., Maggio leads the OHL with 46 goals and 94 points (46–48-94) on the season. Of Maggio’s 46 goals, just three have come on the power play. He helped the Spitfires win a Western Conference title last spring, following-up a 38-goal regular season with 17 points (7-10–17) in 25 playoff contests before being selected by the New York Islanders in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. Maggio was originally Ottawa’s fifth round (86th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the Sun County Panthers U16 program.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts):
Los Angeles Kings prospect Brandt Clarke of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for the second straight month, recording two goals, 17 assists and 19 points in 13 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-12. Clarke helped the Colts play to a February record of 9-2-2-0, finishing the month with four consecutive victories. His month included points in 10 of his 13 contests, including eight multi-point showings. Clarke recorded a pair of assists, including the overtime winner on Feb. 5th as the Colts defeated the Sudbury Wolves 2-1. The 6-foot-2, 188lb. blueliner went on to register three assists on Feb. 20th against Kingston, as the Colts blanked the Frontenacs 4-0. Clarke made Colts franchise history to close out the month, surpassing Luch Nasato as the club’s all-time top-scoring defenceman with a goal and an assist in a 9-4 win over the Niagara IceDogs on Feb. 26th. He wrapped up February on a seven-game point streak. This mark’s Clarke’s third career OHL Defenceman of the Month honour after he was previously recognized in January.

A 20-year-old from Nepean, Ont., Clarke has produced career totals that include 29 goals, 107 assists and a franchise record 136 points by a blueliner in 134 regular season games. Now in his third season with the Colts, Clarke was voted to the League’s second all-star team in 2021-22, recording 59 points (11-48–59) in 55 games. The blueliner was Barrie’s first round (4th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the Don Mills Flyers U16 program. He was a first round (8th overall) pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2021 NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the club on Aug. 10, 2021. He played in nine games with Los Angeles earlier this season, recording two assists in the process, and was a Canadian World Junior gold medalist this past January.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s):
Draft-eligible Ottawa 67’s netminder Collin MacKenzie is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for February, playing to a record of 4-0-1-0 with a 1.45 goals-against average and .950 save percentage over six appearances. MacKenzie opened the month of February by stopping 30 of 31 shots on the road in Saginaw as the 67’s defeated the Spirit 5-1 on Feb. 4th. MacKenzie entered a game on Feb. 9th against the Gatineau Olympiques, stopping all six shots he faced before turning aside 14 of 15 in a win over the Niagara IceDogs on Feb. 10th. Other highlights in February included a 40-save, first star performance on Feb. 16th in Peterborough as the 67’s defeated the Petes 3-2. MacKenzie helped the 67’s defeat the West Division-leading Windsor Spitfires on Feb. 24th, making 28 saves in a 6-1 outcome. He becomes the first 67’s netminder to earn OHL Goaltender of the Month honours since Cedrick Andree, who last did so in January 2019.

An 18-year-old from Elora, Ont., MacKenzie is 14-2-3-0 on the season with a 1.90 goals-against average, .928 save percentage and one shutout over 22 games. MacKenzie won his first 10 consecutive OHL decisions after going 4-0-0-0 in an abbreviated campaign with Ottawa last season. He penciled himself into the OHL record books on Oct. 21st in Sault Ste. Marie, making 15 consecutive shootout saves in a 2-1 victory over the Greyhounds. Ottawa’s eighth round (160th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, MacKenzie is a graduate of the Waterloo Wolves U16 and U18 programs.

OHL Rookie of the Month –Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves):
Sudbury Wolves netminder Nate Krawchuk is the OHL Rookie of the Month for February, playing to a 5-1-1-0 record with a 2.50 goals-against average and .912 save percentage with one shutout. Krawchuk made 197 saves in February, winning five of his eight outings for the Wolves. He stopped all 21 shots that came his way on Feb. 3rd to earn his first OHL career shutout as the Wolves blanked the Mississauga Steelheads 4-0. He turned aside 28 of the 30 shots he faced on Feb. 5th to earn first star honours as the Wolves came up short in overtime against the Barrie Colts. Krawchuk closed out February with back-to-back road wins, making 26 saves in a 5-2 triumph over the Niagara IceDogs on Feb. 24th before blocking 38 of the 42 shots he faced in a 5-4 win over the Erie Otters on Feb. 25th.

A 17-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ont., Krawchuk owns a 10-6-1-0 record with a 3.13 goals-against average and .897 save percentage in his first 20 games with the Wolves this season. The 6-foot-1, 153Ib. netminder was Sudbury’s first round (3rd overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection from the Thunder Bay Kings U18 program.

2022-23 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
February – Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
January – Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack)
December – Francesco Pinelli (Kitchener Rangers)
November – Sean McGurn (London Knights)
October – Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)

Defenceman of the Month:
February – Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
January – Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
December – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
November – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)

Goaltender of the Month:
February – Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
January – Domenic DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
December – Anson Thornton (Barrie Colts)
November – Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)

Rookie of the Month:
February – Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves)
January – Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
December – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
November – Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
October – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)


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 ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Academic Players of the Month for January including Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm, Mason Vaccari of the Kingston Frontenacs, Joey Willis of the Saginaw Spirit and Wyatt Kennedy of the North Bay Battalion.

East Division: Kingston Frontenacs rookie netminder Mason Vaccari is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for January.

Vaccari is achieving an overall average of 94 percent across three university-level courses, with a 92 percent average in Financial Accounting and a 95 percent average in both Canadian Law and Advanced Functions at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School.

“Mason is as laser focused a student as he is a goalie,” said Frontenacs academic advisor Kristi LeSarge. His math teacher, Joanne Van Nest shared that “Mason has maintained his 95% in her Advanced Functions course, which is amazing considering his demanding schedule and the challenging nature of the Advanced Functions material. He is a conscientious, dedicated, mature student and an all-around nice, humble person.”

The 17-year-old from Mississauga, Ont. has played 17 games this season, recording a 3.08 goals-against-average and .908 save percentage for the Fronts. In the 2021-2022 season, Vaccari played 16 games for the OJHL’s Coburg Cougars, accumulating nine wins. The 5-foot-9, 178lb. goaltender was Kingston’s fourth round (61st overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Central Division: North Bay Battalion defenceman Wyatt Kennedy is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for January.

Kennedy is currently achieving academic excellence in grade 12 level courses, including high grades in Equity and Social Justice, Business Leadership and Careers at Chippewa Secondary School.

“Wyatt is described by his teachers as a kind, polite and courteous leader, who is an equally strong student,” said Battalion academic advisor Stephanie Silverthorn. “He is respected by staff, students, and his teammates. Wyatt’s approach to learning is positive and his work habits are strong. He regularly shows initiative, is conscientious and displays a principled and open-minded approach within the classroom while managing his time between the ice and school.”

The 17-year-old from Vars, Ont. has played 46 games this season, recording two goals, four assists and six points for the Battalion. The 6-foot-5, 186Ib. blueliner was selected in the third round (50th overall) by North Bay in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Midwest Division: Guelph Storm rookie forward Jett Luchanko is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for January.

Luchanko is achieving an 85 percent average in grade 11 university-level Physics, Mathematics and English at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School.

“Jett’s ability to effectively balance the demands of his academic course load with his on-ice commitments is a direct reflection of his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence,” said Storm academic advisor Coleen Driscoll. “He is to be commended for his conscientious and dedicated approach to his studies.”

The 16-year-old from London, Ont. has played 33 games this season, recording three goals, six assists  and nine points for the Storm. The 5-foot-10, 165Ib. right-winger was selected in the first round (12th overall) by Guelph in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the London Jr. Knights U16 program.

West Division: Saginaw Spirit rookie forward Joey Willis is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for January.

Willis is achieving an overall first semester average of 87 percent, with an 88 percent average in grade 12 English, 83 percent average in Advanced Placement Environmental Science, 88 percent average in Marketing, 81 percent average in Advanced Placement Statistics and a 93 percent average in Work Based Learning at Heritage High School.

“Joey is a very hard working student with an outstanding work ethic,” said Saginaw’s academic advisor Pamela Moretuzzo. “He is scholastically gifted and very dedicated to his studies. Joey is a strong-willed and driven individual. He commits a great deal of time in and out of school to be successful in his academics, as he is currently taking two Advanced Placements courses and often attends additional study sessions outside of his class hours to improve his understanding of the course material.  He is a well-rounded, conscientious individual.”

“Joey is also committed to improving his hockey skills as a member of the Saginaw Spirit team. As a rookie, he is currently second in scoring for first year players,” Moretuzzo continued. “Joey welcomes hockey, academic, and personal challenges and works diligently to accomplish his goals. He has outstanding sportsmanship and a positive attitude both on and off of the ice.”

The 17-year-old from Elmhurst, Ill. has played 45 games this season, recording nine goals, 17 assists and 26 points for the Spirit. The 5-foot-10, 170Ib. centreman was selected in the fourth round (79th overall) by Saginaw in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

2022-23 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
January – Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)
December – Callum Cheynowski (Hamilton Bulldogs)
November – James Guo (Peterborough Petes)
October – Brad Gardiner (Ottawa 67’s)

Central Division:
January – Wyatt Kennedy (North Bay Battalion)
December – Grayson Tiller (Barrie Colts)
November – Finn Harding (Mississauga Steelheads)
October – Kieron Walton (Sudbury Wolves)

Midwest Division:
January – Jett Luchanko (Guelph Storm)
December – Nathan Sauder (Erie Otters)
November – Braedyn Rogers (Owen Sound Attack)
October – Denver Barkey (London Knights)

West Division:
January – Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
December – Tristan Bertucci (Flint Firebirds)
November – Bronson Ride (Windsor Spitfires)
October – Alex Kostov (Soo Greyhounds)

The OHL continues to produce student-athletes that move on to both professional and U SPORTS men’s hockey endeavors.

A total of 349 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2021-22 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.5 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totaled more than $25 million.

A total of 217 OHL Alumni were included on U SPORTS men’s hockey rosters to open the 2022-23 season.

Click here for more information about ‘OHL Players First’ programs.


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 TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in January 2023 including Owen Sound Attack forward Colby Barlow, Barrie Colts blueliner Brandt Clarke, Windsor Spitfires rookie Liam Greentree and North Bay Battalion netminder Domenic DiVincentiis.

OHL Player of the Month – Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack):
2023 NHL Draft prospect Colby Barlow of the Owen Sound Attack is the OHL Player of the Month for January, producing 14 goals, six assists and 20 points in 12 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-6. The Attack captain guided his team to a January mark of 8-3-1-0, registering points in 11 of his 12 outings, seven of those yielding multiple points. The 6-foot-1, 187 Ib. forward logged a goal and two helpers on Jan. 12th as the Attack defeated the Erie Otters 6-5 in overtime. Barlow’s scoring ways continued on Jan. 14th with another three-point showing, recording an assist and a pair of goals including the game winner in a 6-4 win over the Guelph Storm. He posted another two-goal night on Jan. 21st as the Attack defeated the Peterborough Petes 7-4 before closing out the month with another game-winning goal (2-0–2) in a 4-3 win over the Sudbury Wolves on Jan. 28th. Barlow becomes the first Attack player to earn OHL Player of the Month honours since Petrus Palmu, who was recognized in March 2017.

A 17-year-old from Orillia, Ont., Barlow leads the OHL with 36 goals on the season, including a League-leading 10 game winners. Listed as the OHL’s top-ranked skater on NHL’s Central Scouting Midseason Rankings, Barlow currently leads the Attack with 63 points (36-27–63) in 42 games. Now in his second season with Owen Sound, the left-winger has produced career totals that include 66 goals, 44 assists and 110 points in 101 regular season games. He was voted to the League’s first all-rookie team last season, setting an Attack franchise record for goals by a 16-year-old forward with 30. Barlow was Owen Sound’s first round (8th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros U16 program. He returns to the Bayshore after captaining Team White to a 4-2 victory in the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects game held in Langley, BC last week.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts):
Los Angeles Kings prospect Brandt Clarke of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for January, recording 20 points including 10 goals and 10 assists in nine games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-12 since returning from the Kings on Jan. 12th. Clarke’s offensive dominance on the blue line helped the Colts play to a January record of 6-3-0-0 upon his return, finishing the month with consecutive victories. His month included points in eight of his nine contests, including six multi-point showings. Clarke recorded a pair of goals and assists (2-2-4) on Jan. 15th to earn first star honours as the Colts defeated the Mississauga Steelheads 6-2. The 6-foot-2, 188lb. blueliner went on to register two goals and an assist on Jan. 17th against Owen Sound, assisting on the overtime winner as the Colts defeated the Attack 6-5. Continuing to lead the Colts to victory, Clarke recorded another three points on Jan. 28th with a pair of goals and a helper as Barrie defeated the Flint Firebirds 6-4. He rounded-out January with his first career OHL hat trick the following night, tacking on an assist as the Colts took a 4-1 win over the Saginaw Spirit. This mark’s Clarke’s second career OHL Defenceman of the Month honour after he was previously recognized in January 2022.

A 19-year-old from Nepean, Ont., Clarke has produced career totals that include 27 goals, 90 assists and 117 points in 121 regular season games. Now in his third season with the Colts, Clarke was voted to the League’s second all-star team in 2021-22, recording 59 points (11-48–59) in 55 games. The blueliner was Barrie’s first round (4th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the Don Mills Flyers U16 program. He was a first round (8th overall) pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2021 NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the club on Aug. 10, 2021. Clarke returned to the Colts after winning a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship last month. He played in nine games with Los Angeles earlier this season, recording two assists in the process.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Domenic DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion):
Winnipeg Jets prospect Domenic DiVincentiis of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for January, playing to a 7-0-0-1 record with a 2.23 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. DiVincentiis made 216 saves last month, winning seven of his eight outings for the Central Division-leading Battalion. He stopped 26 of the 27 shots that came his way on top of four shootout attempts on Jan. 11th as the Battalion defeated the Sudbury Wolves 2-1. He turned aside 47 of the 50 shots he faced the following week at home as the Battalion defeated the Flint Firebirds by a score of 7-3 on Jan. 15th. He closed out January blocking 30 of the 32 shots he faced on Jan. 28th as the Battalion defeated the Niagara IceDogs 8-2.

An 18-year-old Bolton, Ont. native, DiVincentiis leads the OHL with 25 wins to go with a 2.51 goals-against average and .911 save percentage through 32 games in his second OHL season. Helping backstop the Battalion to the Eastern Conference Championship Series last season, the 6-foot-2, 190lb. goaltender has played to a career mark of 39-14-1-1 with a 2.54 goals-against average and .909 save percentage in 59 regular season games with North Bay. He was the OHL’s F.W. ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy winner in 2021-22, posting a 2.59 goals-against average while also being voted to the League’s second all-rookie team. DiVincentiis was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the seventh round (207th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. He was originally North Bay’s sixth round (116th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection from the Vaughan Kings U16 program.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires):
Windsor Spitfires forward Liam Greentree is the OHL Rookie of the Month for January, recording 16 points including 10 goals and six assists in 12 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-6. Greentree recorded points in nine of his 12 January contests, finishing the month with points in four consecutive showings. He had a two-point night on Jan. 14th, recording a goal and a game-winning assist to earn first star honours as the Spitfires defeated the Saginaw Spirit 5-3. He continued his scoring ways with a hat trick on Jan. 22nd, including a pair of goals less than a minute apart as the Spitfires fell to the Oshawa Generals in a high-scoring 9-5 contest. Greentree finished the month with another pair of goals on Jan. 29th as the Spitfires took a 9-4 win over the Soo Greyhounds. Greentree is the first Spitfires player to earn OHL Rookie of the Month honours since Logan Brown, who was recognized in February 2015.

A 2006-born right-winger from Oshawa, Ont., the 6-foot-2, 198lb. Greentree recently joined Will Cuylle as just the second Spitfires 16-year-old rookie in the past 10 years to reach the 20-goal mark. Greentree was Windsor’s second round (34th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Markham Majors U16 program. He wont be eligible for the NHL Draft until 2024.

2022-23 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
January – Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack)
December – Francesco Pinelli (Kitchener Rangers)
November – Sean McGurn (London Knights)
October – Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)

Defenceman of the Month:
January – Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
December – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
November – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)

Goaltender of the Month:
January – Domenic DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
December – Anson Thornton (Barrie Colts)
November – Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)

Rookie of the Month:
January – Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
December – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
November – Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
October – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)


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.

15 OHL PLAYERS SELECTED FOR 2023 KUBOTA CHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today the 15 OHL players invited to compete in the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Slated for January 25 at the Langley Events Centre, the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game showcases the top-40 CHL players eligible for the 2023 NHL Draft from across the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The 40 players were identified via a survey conducted with the NHL’s 32 teams.

The list of 15 OHL players selected to compete includes nine forwards, five defencemen and one goaltender, with the Kitchener Rangers emerging as one of seven CHL teams to send multiple players to the event, represented by defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz and forward Carson Rehkopf.

15 OHL Players Named to 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game:

Goaltender:
Charlie Robertson (North Bay Battalion)

Defencemen:
Beau Akey (Barrie Colts)
Cam Allen (Guelph Storm)
Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
Hunter Brzustewicz (Kitchener Rangers)
Andrew Gibson (Soo Greyhounds)

Forwards:
Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack)
Nick Lardis (Peterborough Petes)
Ethan Miedema (Windsor Spitfires)
Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Luca Pinelli (Ottawa 67’s)
Coulson Pitre (Flint Firebirds)
Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Carey Terrance (Erie Otters)

Team rosters and leadership groups for the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game will be announced at a later date.

With a majority of tickets already sold, fans are encouraged to act quickly to secure their seat to the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. Tickets begin at $29.95 plus applicable taxes and fees and are available online, by telephone at 604-882-8800, and in person at the Langley Events Centre ticket office (Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., and until the end of the first period on Giants game days).

The Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game was last held in Kitchener in March 2022 where Team White defeated Team Red 3-1. Jagger Firkus (Team White/Moose Jaw) and Shane Wright (Team Red/Kingston) were named Players of the Game and were both later selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2022 NHL Draft. In all, 38 players who competed in the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game were chosen in the 2022 NHL Draft headlined by Wright at fourth overall.

Since its reintroduction as the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in 1996, the event has featured 15 players who were later selected first overall in the NHL Draft including Alexis Lafreniere (2020), Nico Hischier (2017), Connor McDavid (2015), Aaron Ekblad (2014), Nathan MacKinnon (2013), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011), Taylor Hall (2010), John Tavares (2009), Steven Stamkos (2008), Patrick Kane (2007), Marc-Andre Fleury (2003), Rick Nash (2002), Vincent Lecavalier (1998), Joe Thornton (1997), and Chris Phillips (1996).

With more than 1,300 players competing for 60 teams across Canada and the United States, the CHL is home to the NHL stars of tomorrow with live game action available on CHL TV, accessible via the CHL App, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, and online. The 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game airs live from the Langley Events Centre on TSN, TSN.ca, the TSN App, and RDS on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 at 7 p.m. Pacific.

For more information on media accreditation, and the full Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game roster, visit CHL.ca.

Media Accreditation
The Canadian Hockey League invites media to submit their credential application to the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, taking place January 25, 2023 at the Langley Events Centre. Media who wish to attend must complete an application no later than January 18, 2023. Any previously issued CHL, NHL, or team media/photo credentials is not valid for this event.

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.

About Kubota Canada Ltd.
Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) is an affiliate of Kubota Corporation, a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. KCL markets and distributes Kubota engineered and manufactured equipment, including a complete line of tractors of up to 210HP, performance-matched implements, compact and utility tractors, compact construction, landscaping and public work equipment, residential lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles. For product literature or dealer locations, contact Kubota Canada Ltd. at 1155 Kubota Drive, Pickering, Ontario Canada L1X 0H4, by telephone, at 905-294-6535, by visiting KCL’s website kubota.ca.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in November 2022 including London Knights teammates Sean McGurn and Oliver Bonk along with Saginaw Spirit teammates Pavel Mintyukov and Tristan Lennox.
 

OHL Player of the Month – Sean McGurn (London Knights):
London Knights forward Sean McGurn is the OHL Player of the Month for November, leading all players with 20 points including six goals, 14 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-7 in 12 contests last month. The overage centreman helped the Knights turn around a slow start to their season, registering points in 10 of his 12 outings as London played to a November mark of 10-2-0-0. McGurn logged seven multi-point performances, including three straight capped by a goal and two helpers on Nov. 12th in Windsor as the Knights defeated the Spitfires 6-1. McGurn scored in four consecutive contests as part of a 12-game point streak. He posted another goal and two assist showing on Nov. 19th in Flint as the Knights defeated the Firebirds 7-4. He did so again on Nov. 27th in Oshawa as London skated to a 4-2 win. McGurn becomes the first Knights player to earn OHL Player of the Month honours since Mitch Marner last received the title in February 2016.

A 20-year-old native of Ottawa, Ont., McGurn is in his third season with the Knights and sits fourth in OHL scoring with 32 points (10-22–32) in 23 games. He’s won 57.4 percent of his faceoffs this season while taking just two minutes in penalties thus far. He’s accumulated 108 points (31-77–108) over 127 regular season games since being selected by London in the third round (53rd overall) of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. McGurn attended rookie camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs in September.
 

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit):
For the second straight month, Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Defenceman of the Month, leading all defenders with 17 points including six goals, 11 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-12 in 11 games. Mintyukov’s continued excellence on the blue line helped the Spirit play to a November record of 10-1-0-0 as they roll into the month of December as the hottest team in the OHL. His month included six different multi-point showings, starting with a goal and an assist on Nov. 3rd as the Spirit came back to defeat the Kingston Frontenacs 3-2. He tacked on three points (1-2–3) on Nov. 6th in Oshawa as the Spirit took a 5-0 road win. Mintyukov registered his second multi-goal showing of the campaign on Nov. 12th against Sault Ste. Marie, tying the game with 16 seconds to spare in an eventual 4-3 overtime win over the Greyhounds. He rounded-out November with back-to-back multi-point totals, picking up a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over Sarnia on Nov. 25th before scoring and adding two helpers in a Nov. 26th 7-2 win over the Windsor Spitfires. This marks Mintyukov’s third OHL Defenceman of the Month honour following previous titles in October 2022 and March 2021. He’s the first player to be named OHL Defenceman of the Month in each of the first two months of a season since Dougie Hamilton of the Niagara IceDogs in October and November 2011.

A recently-turned 19-year-old standing 6-foot-3 and 195Ibs., Mintyukov sits second in OHL scoring with 35 points (12-23–35) in 24 games this season, paired with the League’s third-best plus/minus rating of plus-19. He became the first defenceman to ever lead the Spirit in scoring last season, recording 62 points (17-45–62) in 67 games before being selected 10th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2022 NHL Draft. The Spirit selected Mintyukov with the 52nd overall pick of the 2020 CHL Import Draft. He was voted to the OHL’s third all-star team last season.
 

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit):
New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for November, helping the Spirit ascend to first place in the West Division standings with a record of 6-1-0-0, goals-against average of 1.86 and save percentage of .931 in seven appearances. After his lone loss to start the month, Lennox posted his first shutout of the campaign on Nov. 6th in Oshawa, making 26 saves as the Spirit defeated the Generals 5-0. He turned aside 28 shots a week later in Sarnia as the Spirit defeated the Sting by a score of 4-3 in overtime on Nov. 11th. Lennox registered 36 saves in a 4-3 overtime road win over the Flint Firebirds on Nov. 23rd, earning second star recognition for his efforts. He closed out November with a sixth straight win on Nov. 26th, making 27 saves as the Spirit defeated visiting Windsor 7-2 to match a franchise record with their ninth consecutive victory. Lennox is the first Spirit goaltender to earn OHL Goaltender of the Month honours since Ivan Prosvetov who last did so in March 2019.

A 20-year-old from Cambridge, Ont., Lennox owns a 12-3-0-0 record with a 2.95 goals-against average and .891 save percentage through 16 games in this, his fourth OHL season. The overage goaltender has played to a career mark of 46-33-3-2 with a 3.25 goals-against average and .887 save percentage in 92 regular season games, all with the Spirit who selected him in the second round (26th overall) of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. Lennox was drafted by the New York Islanders in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft.
 

OHL Rookie of the Month – Oliver Bonk (London Knights):
Draft eligible London Knights blueliner Oliver Bonk is the OHL Rookie of the Month for November, leading all rookies with 14 points including three goals, 11 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-5 in 12 games. Bonk’s presence and increased responsibility on the Knights blue line helped the green and gold surge to a 10-2-0-0 record in the month of November, pushing them to the top of the Midwest Division standings. Bonk recorded points in 10 of his 12 November contests, opening the month by matching his October total in a single game with three points (1-2–3) in a 6-3 loss to the Erie Otters on Nov. 4th. Bonk registered points in eight consecutive games, capped by a goal and an assist on Nov. 19th in Flint as the Knights defeated the Firebirds 7-4. He lit the lamp again on Nov. 25th in Kitchener as the Knights defeated the rival Rangers 4-0. Bonk becomes the first Knights defenceman to earn OHL Rookie of the Month recognition since John Carlson last did so in December 2008.

A 17-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Bonk leads the Knights offensively from the blue line with 18 point (5-13–18) in 23 games. The 6-foot-2, 179Ib. right-shot appeared in 10 games with London last season, recording three assists while also excelling with the St. Thomas Stars of the GOJHL where he posted 32 points (5-27–32) in as many games to earn GOJHL West Top Rookie Defenceman honours, also being voted to the GOJHL West Rookie All-Star Team. The son of former long-time NHL forward Radek Bonk, Oliver was London’s second round (26th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. He won gold with Canada in this past summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup Tournament. Bonk was listed as a ‘B’ rated skater on NHL Central Scouting’s latest Players to Watch list released on Oct. 25th.
 

2022-23 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
November – Sean McGurn (London Knights)
October – Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)

Defenceman of the Month:
November – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)

Goaltender of the Month:
November – Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)

Rookie of the Month:
November – Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
October – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)


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 ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Denver Barkey of the London Knights, Kieron Walton of the Sudbury Wolves, Brad Gardiner of the Ottawa 67’s and Alex Kostov of the Soo Greyhounds have been named Academic Players of the Month for October.

East Division: Ottawa 67’s forward Brad Gardiner is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Gardiner, who was also named East Division Academic Player of the Month in February 2022, is achieving an 89.5 percent average in grade 12 university-level Advanced Functions, Business Management and Elite Athlete at Blyth Academy The Glebe. He is on track to graduate a semester early due to his conscientious work ethic and perseverance at carrying both spring and summer courses.

“The 67’s organization continues to be impressed by Brad’s ability to balance his on and off ice responsibilities”, said 67’s General Manager James Boyd. “Brad is a diligent student who continues to impress with his development on and off of the ice.”

The 17-year-old from Aurora, Ont. has played 11 games this season, recording six goals and three assists for a total of nine points. The son of former NHL forward Bruce Gardiner, Gardiner put up seven points (3-4–7) in his rookie season with the 67’s. He was Ottawa’s third round (40th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Central Division: Sudbury Wolves rookie forward Kieron Walton is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Walton is currently achieving high grades in Entrepreneurship, World History, Co-op, and World Religions at St. Charles College. Walton’s teachers have described him as a student that shows positive initiative and is a cooperative team member in the classroom.

“Kieron is an excellent student, a great young player and an outstanding person”, said Wolves academic advisor Gord Ewin.

The 16-year-old from Toronto, Ont. has played 11 games this season, recording three goals and one assist for a total of four points. The 6-foot-6, 203Ib. left-winger was selected in the second round (28th overall) by the Wolves in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.

Midwest Division: London Knights draft-eligible forward Denver Barkey is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Barkey is currently achieving an 87 percent average in English, a 95 percent average in Recreation Leadership, an 80 percent average in World History, and a 95 percent average in Elite Athlete at Catholic Central High School.

“Denver is an exemplary student-athlete,” said Knights academic advisor Wendy Glover. “He understands the demands of the classroom, and not only meets them but also exceeds them. He exemplifies the academic and learning skills that Ontario students are encouraged to demonstrate such as: responsibility, initiative, collaboration, self-regulation and independent work. He demonstrates the behavior that the London Knights and OHL would be proud of.”

“Not only does Denver model appropriate behavior in the classroom, he also made a commitment to support the local and school community,” said Knights General Manager Mark Hunter. “He attends various other school sports or community events/fundraisers. In doing so, he clearly demonstrates a commitment to the concept that he values the contributions and lives of other students and community members, as well as his teammates.”

The Newmarket, Ont. native has played 11 games this season, recording three goals and eight assists for the Knights. His rookie season in 2021-22 included 15 points (7-8–15) over 53 contests. London selected Barkey in the first round (16th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

West Division: Soo Greyhounds rookie forward Alex Kostov is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Kostov has earned an overall average of 91 percent to date, including marks of 100 percent in Advanced Biology, a 95 percent average in Leadership, an 82-percentage average in Functions, and a 90 percent average in Culinary Arts at Superior Heights Secondary School.

“Alex is highly respected by his classmates, teachers and school staff,” said Greyhounds academic advisors Jerry Bumbacco and Mary Lynne Lukenda. “We are looking forward to following Alex’s academics and on-ice achievements as he progresses as a valuable member of the Soo Greyhounds.”

The rookie from Mississauga, Ont. has appeared in eight games this season, recording two assists. Kostov was selected in the third round (58th overall) by the Hounds in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.
 

The OHL continues to produce student-athletes that move on to both professional and U SPORTS men’s hockey endeavours.

A total of 349 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2021-22 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.5 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.

A total of 217 OHL Alumni were included on U SPORTS men’s hockey rosters to open the 2022-23 season.

Click here for more information about ‘OHL Players First’ programs.


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.