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)
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Brantford Bulldogs forward Jake O’Brien is the 2023-24 recipient of the Emms Family Award, presented annually to the OHL Rookie of the Year as voted by the league’s General Managers.
O’Brien led OHL rookies with 51 assists and 64 points over 61 games, surpassing Matthew Strome and Arthur Kaliyev to set a pair of new Bulldogs all-time rookie marks. His 51 assists are the most by an OHL rookie in his first year of eligibility since Sarnia’s Alex Galchenyuk registered 52 in 2010-11.
“It’s an honour to be voted OHL Rookie of the Year. This award symbolizes an incredible amount of work put in and support to make the transition from AAA to the OHL,” said O’Brien. “I want to say thank you to my coaches for their guidance and belief in me and to my teammates for pushing me to be a better player every day.
“I also want to thank my family for their constant support and encouragement. This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
O’Brien’s impressive season also saw him lead OHL rookies in power play goals (8), power play assists (19) and game-winning goals (4). Additionally, O’Brien was the East Division Academic Player of the Month in January after being the league’s Rookie of the Month in December.
“Jake has more than exceeded expectations as a 16-year-old rookie,” said Bulldogs Head Coach Jay McKee. “While his amazing point production stands out, his strengths go well beyond the goals and assists he earned this season. Jake’s commitment to a two-way game, his compete level and the leadership qualities he has shown are well beyond his years.”
A 6-foot-1, 165Ib. centreman from Toronto, Ont., O’Brien was chosen by the Bulldogs with their first round (8th overall) pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection after he guided the Toronto Jr. Canadiens to an OHL Cup championship, being named tournament MVP following a 17-point (7-10—17) output over seven games. He competed in the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in November, representing Canada Red. O’Brien will be eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft.
O’Brien is the first player in Bulldogs history to win the award. He follows other recent winners in Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa (2022-23), Guelph Storm defenceman Cam Allen (2021-22) and Kingston Frontenacs forward Shane Wright (2019-20).
The Emms Family Award was donated by Leighton “Hap” Emms, former owner of the Barrie, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines OHL franchises. The award is selected by all 20 member team General Managers. Teams were asked to submit only one nominee from their own club for consideration on the ballot and were not permitted to vote for the player from their own hockey club.
O’Brien finished as the front-runner in the award voting process followed by goaltender Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack who placed second.
O’Brien is the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony happening at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow that takes place from May 24th through June 2nd in Saginaw, Michigan. O’Brien will be formally presented with the Emms Family Award 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.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the schedule of games for the 2024 OHL Eastern Conference Championship Series for the Bobby Orr Trophy between the Oshawa Generals and the North Bay Battalion.
The Eastern Conference’s first place Generals advanced to the third round of the playoffs following a four-game sweep of the Ottawa 67’s that wrapped-up on Thursday in the nation’s capital. The Generals eliminated the Barrie Colts in the opening round of the OHL Playoffs following a 40-19-7-2 regular season.
The North Bay Battalion are into the Eastern Conference Championship Series for a third straight year, defeating the Sudbury Wolves 5-0 in Game 4 of their second-round affair on Thursday. The Battalion bested the Kingston Frontenacs in five games to open the postseason following a third straight Central Division title with a 39-20-7-2 record during the regular season.
The Battalion and the Generals meet in the playoffs for the third time since the Troops arrived in North Bay following prior encounters in 2014 and 2015. North Bay last won the Bobby Orr Trophy in 2014, eliminating Oshawa in four Eastern Conference Championship Series games before falling to the Guelph Storm in the OHL Final. Oshawa’s last Bobby Orr Trophy came in 2015 after they eliminated North Bay in a six-game East Final before moving on to capture the OHL title over the Erie Otters.
Eastern Conference Championship Series Schedule: Game 1 – Friday, April 26 at Oshawa, 7:35pm Game 2 – Sunday, April 28 at Oshawa, 6:05pm Game 3 – Monday, April 29 at North Bay, 7:00pm Game 4 – Wednesday, May 1 at North Bay, 7:00pm Game 5 – Friday, May 3 at Oshawa, 7:35pm* Game 6 – Sunday, May 5 at North Bay, 2:00pm* Game 7 – Monday, May 6 at Oshawa, 7:05pm* *- if necessary
Watch the entire series, wherever you are on OHL Live! Streaming packages are now on sale at ohllive.com.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today conducted the eighth annual OHL Under-18 Priority Selection for U18 AAA hockey players in Ontario.
Eligibility for the 2024 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection included all U18 players (2006 and 2007 birth years) not currently on an OHL Member Team Protected List who were carded with an Ontario based U18 AAA Hockey Club or an accredited Hockey Canada sport school within the Ontario Hockey Federation, Hockey Eastern Ontario or Hockey Northwestern Ontario in the current season.
A total of 55 players were selected from 31 different teams and included 27 forwards, 13 defencemen and 15 goaltenders. 53 of the 55 players selected were born in 2007.
“Congratulations to all 55 players selected tonight,” said OHL Director of Player Recruitment and Player Services Brodie Barrick. “The Under-18 Priority Selection has provided the OHL with a number of quality players since its inception in 2017, and it presents another opportunity for prospects to further their development and showcase themselves in an effort to become the best player they can be. Enjoy celebrating with your families and the people who have helped you achieve this great accomplishment.”
Winners of the OHL Priority Selection Draft Lottery back on March 27, the Windsor Spitfires used the first overall selection to take 6-foot-1 Halton Hurricanes goaltender Michael Newlove. He becomes the first goaltender to be chosen with the first overall pick since the Kingston Frontenacs selected Aidan Spooner in 2019.
The Sarnia Sting selected Don Mills Flyers defenceman Jonathan Kapageridis with the second overall choice. The Peterborough Petes followed at third, selecting Ottawa Jr. 67’s left-winger Dylan Turcotte.
All OHL member teams were required to draft a minimum of two players, however to enhance opportunities specifically for goaltenders, clubs selecting a goaltender with one of their selections had the option to select another player (skater only) in a third round.
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) led the way with 16 players selected followed by the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) with 13 and Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) with 12. The Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario developed nine selections, independent school hockey programs developed three and the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) saw two players chosen.
The HEO’s Ottawa Myers Automotive program developed the most players selected with seven being taken off their roster. The OMHA’s Halton Hurricanes and ALLIANCE’s Waterloo Wolves trailed with four each respectively.
The OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was conducted in partnership with RinkNet as picks were submitted online by OHL member clubs and displayed in real time at ontariohockeyleague.com. The selections were also streamed live on OHL Live.
Announced in January 2017, the concept of the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO).
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today concluded the 2024 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore for North American players born predominantly in 2008.
The annual Priority Selection was held online over a span of two days, with Day 1 and 2 coverage produced by YourTV, airing across the province on YourTV, Rogers tv and Eastlink community stations as well as on the OHL Action Pak. Both days of the annual event were streamed for free in their entirety on OHL Live.
A total of 302 players were selected in the 15-round process from 78 different programs. The selected players included 170 forwards, 102 defencemen, and 30 goaltenders. A total of 298 of the players chosen were 2008-born athletes while two were born in 2007 and two were born in 2006.
“Congratulations to the remarkable 302 players drafted in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, a testament to your unwavering commitment and dedication,” said Darrell Woodley, Director of OHL Central Scouting. “Being selected is a tremendous achievement, to be shared with family, friends, coaches and mentors who’ve fuelled your journeys thus far. This is only the beginning as you prepare to reach your full potential throughout your junior careers. Your draft number matters less than the resilience, integrity, and skill you continue to develop on the ice. Success awaits those with the right mindset and determination, even beyond today’s selection. To all players, whether drafted or not, your pursuit of hockey and academic excellence holds endless opportunity, with the chance to also find success through next year’s Under-18 Priority Selection. Best of luck to all players in pursuit of your on and off ice goals!”
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association led the way with 103 selections from 19 different teams with the OMHA champion Barrie Jr. Colts leading with 14 picks, while the OHL Cup champion Oakville Rangers developed 12 and the U16 Peterborough Petes produced 10. The Greater Toronto Hockey League had 77 players selected from 11 different teams, as the GTHL finalist North York Rangers led the way with 16 selections. The Toronto Marlboros and GTHL champion Vaughan Kings trailed close behind with 13 selected players each. The Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario produced 40 selections from 11 different teams with the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks on top of the list with nine players selected, followed closely by the London Jr. Knights with eight. Hockey Eastern Ontario saw 26 players find their way onto OHL Draft boards from five different teams with the Upper Canada Cyclones and Ottawa Myers Automotive each leading with seven. The Northern Ontario Hockey Association had 13 players selected from across five teams as the Sudbury Wolves developed five, followed by the Soo Jr. Greyhounds with four. An additional four prospects were selected from Ontario-based junior teams, along with an out of province and Canadian Prep School player. A total of 34 players were chosen from across 22 different American-based teams led by Detroit Little Caesars with five players chosen, followed closely by Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, Detroit HoneyBaked, and the Chicago Mission with four each. An additional two players were chosen from U.S Prep Schools, while one was selected from an American-based Junior program.
This season marked the 24th straight year the Priority Selection was conducted by way of the internet, carried out in partnership with RinkNet.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Kitchener Rangers forward Matthew Sop is the 2023-24 recipient of the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy awarded to the League’s Overage Player of the Year as voted by OHL General Managers.
A 21-year-old from Kitchener, Sop racked up 43 goals and 90 points over 67 games in his third season. He finished tied with teammate Carson Rehkopf for the league-lead in game-winning goals with 10, and was knotted with Sudbury’s Quentin Musty for the most overtime goals with five. He also led Kitchener in shorthanded goals with three.
“This recognition from the league means a lot to me,” said Sop of the honour. “I am really honoured to receive it, but I definitely could not have gotten it without all of my teammates and coaches around me!”
Sop’s production climbed over each of his three OHL seasons, starting with 22 points (10-12—22) as a rookie in 2021-22, climbing to 56 points (23-33—56) in 2022-23 to 90 (43-47—90) this past season, giving the former seventh-round pick in 2019 a total of 169 points (76-93—169) over 203 regular season games with his hometown Rangers.
“We are so excited and proud of Matthew on this individual accomplishment,” said Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “It has been tremendous to see the growth in his game throughout his career with the Rangers and this is well-earned recognition for a great season.
“Also, as a seventh-round pick, it is fitting this award will be handed out on OHL Draft weekend,” McKenzie added. “Matthew is another example that development looks different for everyone and players that aren’t top picks can still make a big impact.”
Sop becomes the fourth player in Kitchener Rangers history to earn Overage Player of the Year recognition, following Jason Akeson (2010-11), Andre Benoit (2004-05) and Joey St. Aubin (1990-91).
Owen Sound Attack forward Deni Goure finished as runner-up in award voting.
The Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the Top Overage Player of the Year as selected by OHL General Managers. Teams were asked to submit a nominee for the award and were not permitted to vote for players from their own hockey club.
First presented in 1984, the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy was donated by the trainers of the Ontario Hockey League, in memory of the late Leo Lalonde, former Chief Scout of OHL Central Scouting. Leo Lalonde was also former the Chief Scout for the Belleville Bulls as well as a scout for the Peterborough Petes.
Sop joins a list of other accomplished recent recipients in last year’s winner Matthew Maggio of the Windsor Spitfires, North Bay Battalion graduate Brandon Coe (2021-22) and former Ottawa 67’s forward Austen Keating (2019-20).
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of the Eastern and Western Conference Coaches Polls for the 2023-24 OHL Regular Season.
The OHL Coaches Poll provides member club coaches with the opportunity to recognize the top three players in 20 different skill categories within their own conference.
In the Eastern Conference, the Oshawa Generals led the OHL with a total of nine players included in the poll, led by goaltender Jacob Oster who placed first in three different categories (Most Improved, Best Puckhandling Goaltender, Best Shootout Goaltender) while forward Luke Torrance and defenceman Ben Danford each appeared in three different sections. The Ottawa 67’s trailed with seven players on the poll while the North Bay Battalion had six, including top scorer Anthony Romani who placed first in two different categories (Smartest Player, Most Dangerous in Goal Area) as well as second in another (Best Shot). Ty Nelson (Offensive Defenceman), Owen Van Steensel (Penalty Killer), Liam Arnsby (Defensive Forward) and Paul Christopoulos (Shot Blocker) were also first place finishers from North Bay. Other prominent Eastern Conference competitors include Barrie Colts teammates Cole Beaudoin (Hardest Worker, Penalty Killer) and Beau Jelsma (Best Skater, Shootout Shooter) who each appeared in three different categories, netting a pair of first place finishes respectively. Sudbury Wolves forward Dalibor Dvorsky also fared well, finishing first in both Best Shot and Best Stickhandler while placing second in Smartest Player.
In the Western Conference, the London Knights led all teams with eight players on the poll, including first place finishers Denver Barkey (Best Shootout Shooter) and Kasper Halttunen (Hardest Shot). The Kitchener Rangers featured seven players, but cleaned up with seven different first place finishes thanks in large part to blueliner Matthew Andonovski who came in on top in three categories (Best Body Checker, Best Penalty Killer, Defensive Defenceman). Carson Rehkopf placed first in both Best Shot and Most Dangerous in the Goal Area while Hunter Brzustewicz appeared three times, placing first in Smartest Player. The Saginaw Spirit had a dual first place finisher in Zayne Parekh (Best Offensive Defenceman, Best Playmaker) while Matyas Sapovaliv finished in three categories, headlining Best on Face-offs. Soo Greyhounds forward Owen Allard was one of the league’s best individual performers on the coaches poll, leading the way in both Most Improved Player and Hardest Worker while placing second in Best Defensive Forward. Lastly, the Owen Sound Attack featured goaltender Carter George, who placed first in both Best Puckhandling Goaltender and Best Shootout Goaltender while Colby Barlow placed second in three different fields (Most Dangerous in Goal Area, Best Shot, Hardest Shot).
The Coaches Poll is tabulated when each team submits one nominee per category, and coaches then vote for the top three players for each category within their conference. Players receive five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote. Clubs are not permitted to vote for players from their own team allowing for a maximum of 45 possible points for each winner.
All 20 categories are listed below with Eastern Conference and Western Conference winners including their final point totals in brackets.
Most Underrated Player:
Eastern Conference: 1. Owen Van Steensel, North Bay Battalion (29) 2. Luke Torrance, Oshawa Generals (23) 3. Mason Zebeski, Mississauga Steelheads (9)
Western Conference: 1. Kirill Kudryavtsev, Soo Greyhounds (22) finished t-3rd in 2022-23 2. Trent Swick, Kitchener Rangers (15) 3. Cole Davis, Windsor Spitfires (12)
Most Improved Player:
Eastern Conference: 1. Jacob Oster, Oshawa Generals (30) 2. Marek Vanacker, Brantford Bulldogs (26) 3. Jacob Battaglia, Kingston Frontenacs (23)
Western Conference: 1. Owen Allard, Soo Greyhounds (34) 2. Adrian Misaljevic, Kitchener Rangers (17) 3. Sam Alfano, Erie Otters (13)
Smartest Player:
Eastern Conference: 1. Anthony Romani, North Bay Battalion (22) 2. Dalibor Dvorsky, Sudbury Wolves (17) 3. Luca Marrelli, Oshawa Generals (16)
Eastern Conference: 1. Beau Jelsma, Barrie Colts (26) 2. Paul Ludwinski, Kingston Frontenacs (20) 3. Kevin He, Niagara IceDogs (16)
Western Conference: 1. Oliver Peer, Flint Firebirds (33) 2. Jett Luchanko, Guelph Storm (19) 3. Easton Cowan, London Knights (13)
Best Shot:
Eastern Conference: 1. Dalibor Dvorsky, Sudbury Wolves (29) T-2. Anthony Romani, North Bay Battalion (15) T-2. Ryan Roobroeck, Niagara IceDogs (15) 3. Luca Pinelli, Ottawa 67’s (9)
Western Conference: 1. Carson Rehkopf, Kitchener Rangers (33) 2. Colby Barlow, Owen Sound Attack (27) – finished1st in 2022-23 and 3rd in 2021-22 3. Kasper Halttunen, London Knights (15)
Hardest Shot:
Eastern Conference: 1. Connor Punnett, Oshawa Generals (34) – finished 2nd in 2022-23 2. Ty Nelson, North Bay Battalion (17) – finished 1st in 2022-23 3. Samuel Mayer, Ottawa 67’s (15)
Western Conference: 1. Kasper Halttunen, London Knights (31) 2. Colby Barlow, Owen Sound Attack (24) – finished tied for first in 2022-23 and 3rd in 2021-22 T-3. Arttu Karki, Soo Greyhounds (14) T-3. Carson Rehkopf, Kitchener Rangers (14) – finished 3rd in 2022-23
Western Conference: 1. Matthew Andonovski, Kitchener Rangers (23) 2. Owain Johnston, Erie Otters (18) 3. Ryan McGuire, Guelph Storm (12)
Best Shot Blocker:
Eastern Conference: 1. Paul Christopoulos, North Bay Battalion (27) 2. Ben Danford, Oshawa Generals (21) 3. Daniil Sobolev, Brantford Bulldogs (14)
Western Conference: T-1. Andrew Gibson, Soo Greyhounds (16) T-1. Taos Jordan, Owen Sound Attack (16) T-1. Thomas Budnick, Guelph Storm (16) – finished 3rd in Eastern Conference in 2022-23 2. Owain Johnston, Erie Otters (11) 3. Braden Haché, Saginaw Spirit (10)
Best Defensive Forward:
Eastern Conference: 1. Liam Arnsby, North Bay Battalion (31) – finished 1st in 2022-23 and 2nd in 2021-22 2. Cole Beaudoin, Barrie Colts (17) 3. Luke Torrance, Oshawa Generals (12)
Western Conference: 1. Matyas Sapovaliv, Saginaw Spirit (27) 2. Owen Allard, Soo Greyhounds (23) 3. Easton Cowan, London Knights (14)
Best Penalty Killer:
Eastern Conference: 1. Cole Beaudoin, Barrie Colts (19) 2. Luke Torrance, Oshawa Generals (16) 3. Owen Van Steensel, North Bay Battalion (15)
Western Conference: 1. Matthew Andonovski, Kitchener Rangers (26) 2. Isaiah George, London Knights (18) 3. Ethan Hay, Saginaw Spirit (15)
Best Offensive Defenceman:
Eastern Conference: 1. Ty Nelson, North Bay Battalion (35) – finished 3rd in 2022-23 and 2022-21 2. Henry Mews, Ottawa 67’s (23) 3. Luca Marrelli, Oshawa Generals (11)
Western Conference: 1. Zayne Parekh, Saginaw Spirit (39) 2. Hunter Brzustewicz, Kitchener Rangers (29) 3. Oliver Bonk, London Knights (11)
Best Defensive Defenceman:
Eastern Conference: 1. Ben Danford, Oshawa Generals (26) 2. Andre Anania, Sudbury Wolves (18) 3. Matthew Mayich, Ottawa 67’s (12)
Western Conference: 1. Matthew Andonovski, Kitchener Rangers (24) 2. Sam Dickinson, London Knights (23) 3. Andrew Gibson, Soo Greyhounds (20)
Best Puck-Handling Goaltender:
Eastern Conference: 1. Jacob Oster, Oshawa Generals (22) 2. Dom DiVincentiis, North Bay Battalion (21) – finished 1st in 2022-23 3. Matteo Drobac, Brantford Bulldogs (14)
Western Conference: 1. Carter George, Owen Sound Attack (26) 2. Michael Simpson, London Knights (20) – finished 2nd in Eastern Conference in 2022-23 3. Ben Gaudreau, Erie Otters (13) – finished 3rd in 2022-23
Western Conference: 1. Denver Barkey, London Knights (27) T-2. Liam Greentree, Windsor Spitfires (15) T-2. Matthew Sop, Kitchener Rangers (15) 3. Jett Luchanko, Guelph Storm (14)
Best Shootout Goaltender:
Eastern Conference: 1. Jacob Oster, Oshawa Generals (28) 2. Dom DiVincentiis, North Bay Battalion (16) – finished 1st in 2022-23 3. Jack Ivankovic, Mississauga Steelheads (14)
Western Conference: 1. Carter George, Owen Sound Attack (26) 2. Jackson Parsons, Kitchener Rangers (18) 3. Nathan Day, Flint Firebirds (14)
TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce today the March edition of the CHL Team of the Month presented by CCM for the 2023-24 regular season.
With 15 goals and 15 assists in 11 games, San Jose Sharks prospect Quentin Musty of the Sudbury Wolves tallied more points than anyone in the CHL over the month of March. His 15 goals were tied for the most by a CHL skater alongside Moose Jaw’s Jagger Firkus. In his 11 contests in March, the 18-year-old from Hamburg, N.Y. also registered an impressive seven multi-point outings, which included posting a season-high six points on March 8 (4G-2A, including GWG, vs. Windsor) and March 22 (2G-4A vs. Barrie). His four-goal effort against Windsor also set a new single-game career-high for the first overall pick of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. To kick start the month, Musty also potted a hat-trick and added two helpers in the Wolves’ 10-3 victory against Sarnia. As the season came to a close last week, Musty finished the 2023-24 campaign ranked tied for fourth in scoring in the OHL having recorded 102 points (43G-59A) in 53 games, and he was one of 16 skaters in the CHL to top 100 points this season. Averaging 1.92 points per game through the 2023-24 campaign, the 6-foot-2, 202-pound left-winger had the highest scoring average of any OHL skater and ranked fourth in the CHL behind Halifax’s Jordan Dumais (2.24), Moose Jaw’s Matthew Savoie (2.09) and Firkus (2.00). Drafted 26th overall by the San Jose Sharks at the 2023 NHL Draft, Musty signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club back at the beginning of the season in October.
Thanks to a strong month highlighted by 15 goals and 10 assists, Seattle Kraken prospect Jagger Firkus of the Moose Jaw Warriors has been named to the CHL Team of the Month for the second time this season (previously selected as a member of the CHL Team of the Month in January). Firkus’ 15 goals were tied with Sudbury’s Quentin Musty for the most by a CHL skater in March. The 19-year-old from Irma, Alta., tallied a point in all 10 of the Warriors’ regular season games this month and he heads into the post-season riding a 14-game point streak (20G-12A over that stretch). In total, the 5-foot-11, 160-pound centreman registered eight multi-point outings throughout March, including four in a row to close out the month. Firkus also wrapped up March having scored a goal in five straight games, including tallying two or more in each of his last four contests. His strong play and 25 points down the stretch allowed him to finish the 2023-24 season as the leading scorer in the CHL with 126 points (61G-65A). By achieving the latter, he becomes just the second player in Moose Jaw’s franchise history to lead the CHL in points (Jayden Halbgewachs in 2017-18), and the fourth Warriors skater to ever claim the Bob Clarke Trophy as the WHL’s Top Scorer (Halbgewachs in 2017-18; Troy Brouwer in 2005-06; Theoren Fleury in 1987-88). Firkus also finished the 2023-24 campaign as the CHL leader in power-play points with 50 (15G-35A). Drafted in the second round (35th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, the 19-year-old signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Seattle Kraken back in April 2023.
Having registered 13 goals and 25 points in just 11 games during the month of March, St. Louis Blues prospect Dalibor Dvorský of the Sudbury Wolves has earned his first CHL Team of the Month selection of the 2023-24 season. Trailing only his Wolves teammate Quentin Musty in scoring, Dvorský’s 25 points in March placed him in a tie for second in the CHL, while his 13 goals during the month were ranked third behind Musty (15G) and Moose Jaw’s Jagger Firkus (15G). In total, the 18-year-old from Zvolen, Slovakia registered six multi-point contests in March, which included tallying a single-game career-high of five points on March 8 (2G-3A vs. Windsor) and March 16 (1G-4A vs. Barrie). Prior to the Wolves’ final regular season game, which saw Dvorský held off the scoresheet for the first time since February 18, the Blues’ 2023 first-round pick had registered a point in 14 straight games. The 6-foot-1, 201-pound centreman enters the playoffs having scored a goal in nine of his last 11 contests. He finished the 2023-24 campaign with 88 points (45G-43A), a team-leading 45 goals, and a CHL-best 26.8% shooting percentage this season. Dvorský’s 45 goals also place him among the top-five goal scorers in the OHL. Along with his teammates David Goyette (40 goals) and Musty (43 goals), Dvorský is one of three Sudbury Wolves to have topped the 40-goal plateau this season – marking the first time in 24 years that the Wolves have had three 40-goal scorers (1999-00: Norm Milley, Jason Jaspers and Taylor Pyatt). Chosen tenth overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 NHL Draft, Dvorský signed a three-year entry-level contract with the organization last summer in July 2023.
Having led all CHL defencemen with 17 points in the month of March, San Jose Sharks prospect Luca Cagnoni of the Portland Winterhawks has earned his second selection of the 2023-24 season to the CHL Team of the Month (previously selected as a member of the CHL Team of the Month in November). In 11 games in March, Cagnoni was held off the scoresheet only twice, having recorded two points or more on six occasions. His strong month allowed the 19-year-old from Burnaby, B.C., to finish the 2023-24 campaign with career-highs in goals (18), assists (72), and points (90). Cagnoni’s 90 points were the most by a WHL blueliner during the 2023-24 campaign, and he was one of just three defencemen in the CHL to top 90 points this season (along with Saginaw’s Zayne Parekh & Kitchener’s Hunter Brzustewicz). Cagnoni was also the first WHL defenceman in 30 years to top the 90-point plateau in a single season, and the first Winterhawks blueliner since 1986 to achieve the feat (1985-86: Glen Wesley, 91 points). In addition to leading all WHL defencemen in scoring this season, Cagnoni’s 72 assists were also the most by a WHL blueliner and he ranked second among rearguards in the CHL trailing only Brzustewicz (79). Last summer, Cagnoni was selected in the fourth round (123rd overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks.
With four goals and 14 points through 10 games in the month of March, Buffalo Sabres prospect Vsevolod Komarov of the Drummondville Voltigeurs rounds out the defencemen selected in March’s CHL Team of the Month. Komarov was held off the scoresheet on just four occasions and he registered four multi-point outings in March, including matching a single-game career-high with four points (1G-3A) on March 1 against the Charlottetown Islanders. The 20-year-old from Chelyabinsk, Russia finished the 2023-24 campaign with 55 assists and 69 points, both of which rank as the most by a QMJHL defenceman this season. The 6-foot-3, 188-pound defenceman ultimately set new career highs in goals (14), assists (55) and points (69) during the 2023-24 season, and he averaged over a point per game for the first time in his QMJHL career. The Sabres prospect, who won a Memorial Cup last year with the Québec Remparts, was acquired by the Voltigeurs from the Remparts at the beginning of December. Of his 69 points recorded this season, Komarov tallied 50 of them in just 38 games with Drummondville. His strong play no doubt played an important role in helping the Voltigeurs to their first 100-point season since 2019 and allowing the club to secure first place in the QMJHL’s Western Conference. Selected in the fifth round (134th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, Komarov signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club last May ahead of his participation in the 2023 Memorial Cup.
Having secured a CHL-best nine wins through the month of March, Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals was selected for the first time this season to the CHL Team of the Month. Through nine starts in March, Oster held a perfect 9-0-0-0 record along with an impressive 2.33 goals-against-average and a .914 save percentage. In six of his nine starts this month, Oster gave up two goals or fewer, which included turning aside 26-of-27 shots against the OHL’s highest-scoring team (the Sudbury Wolves) on March 24. The latter proved to be an important victory and performance by Oster, as the Generals secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference for the first time in nine years with the victory. Oshawa’s triumph over the Wolves in that regular-season finale also gave the Generals their 12th victory in a row, which stands as their longest winning streak since 1986-87. Through this historic winning streak, Oster has started in and won 11 of those contests. His strong play late in the year allowed the 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., to finish in a tie for first in the OHL with a .905 save percentage and to grab a share of first place in the CHL with 35 wins this season. Additionally, Oster’s 2.82 goals-against-average during the 2023-24 campaign ranked second in the OHL, trailing only London’s Michael Simpson (2.61 GAA).
Toronto, Ont. – For the first time since 1976, the Windsor Spitfires will select First Overall in the OHL Priority Selection on Friday, April 12th, coming away winners of the 2024 OHL Draft Lottery held Wednesday evening, with results streamed on OHL Live.
Each of the four non-playoff teams participating in the Priority Selection Lottery, the 20th place Niagara IceDogs (40 percent chance), 19th place Windsor Spitfires (30 percent chance), 18th place Peterborough Petes (20 percent chance) and 17th place Sarnia Sting (10 percent chance), had adjusted proportionate odds of drawing the first overall selection. The final results were determined by a computerized random number generator, with the process overseen and certified by Mr. Robert Bayne, partner with the law firm Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP.
The coveted first overall selection came down to a big reveal between the Spitfires and their West Division rival the Sarnia Sting, who will be selecting second overall.
Windsor’s only other first overall draft pick was Jim Fox, selected from the North Bay Trappers back in 1976. Fox would never play for Windsor, instead going on to become one of the League’s most prolific scorers as a member of the Ottawa 67’s before embarking on an NHL career.
The Spitfires played to a mark of 18-42-5-3 this past season following back-to-back West Division titles. They were crowned Western Conference champions in 2022, coming within one win of the J. Ross Robertson Cup.
The OHL Priority Selection will once again be held over the course of two days, with Rounds 1-3 taking place beginning at 7:00pm on Friday, April 12th. The proceedings continue on Saturday, April 13th starting at 9:00am with Rounds 4-15. The Priority Selection will be produced by YourTV, and streamed for free in its entirety on OHL Live.
2024 OHL Priority Selection First Round Order of Selection:
Windsor Spitfires
Sarnia Sting
Peterborough Petes
Niagara IceDogs
Barrie Colts
Flint Firebirds
Owen Sound Attack
Kingston Frontenacs
Guelph Storm
Erie Otters
Ottawa 67’s
Sudbury Wolves
Mississauga Steelheads
Brantford Bulldogs
Kitchener Rangers
North Bay Battalion
Oshawa Generals
Soo Greyhounds
Saginaw Spirit
London Knights
Ottawa 67’s*
*indicates compensatory pick
The 2024 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore will see the top players born in 2008 within OHL jurisdiction eligible to be selected on April 12-13.
In addition to live streaming on OHL Live, the Priority Selection will also be covered extensively on the OHL’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts, as well as on the web at ontariohockeyleague.com.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Month for regular season games played in March 2024.
Player of the Month – Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
San Jose Sharks prospect Quentin Musty of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Player of the Month, tallying an impressive 30 points including 15 goals and 15 assists over 11 games played in March. Registering multi-point showings in seven outings, Musty opened the month with a five-point performance on Mar. 1, recording a hat trick and a pair of helpers in a 10-3 win over Sarnia. Musty continued his scoring ways, registering a pair of season-high six-point performances on Mar. 8, (4-2-6) and Mar. 22 (2-4-6). Helping the Wolves play to a 38-23-4-3 record, he’s the second Wolves player to earn OHL Player of the Month honours this season.
An 18-year-old from Hamburg, NY., Musty ranked fourth among all OHL point-getters with 102 points (43-59-102) through 53 games played this season. Musty finished fifth in goal-scoring, registering a plus/minus rating of plus-19. A 6-foot-2, 202Ib. left-winger, Musty is in his third season with the Wolves, having recorded 81 goals, 130 assists and 211 points over just 156 career regular season games since being selected by Sudbury with the first overall pick of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. Musty was drafted by the San Jose Sharks with their first round (26th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, signing a three-year entry-level contract with the club on Oct. 4, 2023.
Defenceman of the Month – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
2024 NHL Draft eligible defenceman Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for the second time this season, registering five goals, 10 assists, and 15 points over 11 March outings, including 11 points in his last seven games. Helping Saginaw win nine of a possible 11 games in March, Parekh closed out the regular season atop all defensive point-getters, recording a Spirit franchise record 96 points (33-63-96) by a blueliner over 66 games played. Tallying four multi-point showings last month, he opened the month with a three-point performance on Mar. 1., registering two goals and an assist, including the overtime winner. He registered three assists on Mar. 23, helping the Spirit best the Windsor Spitfires 8-5. Parekh closed out the month with a goal and an assist on Mar. 24, as the Spirit concluded regular season action with a 50-16-1-1 record, good for second in the Western Conference standings.
An 18-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., Parekh is in his second OHL season after registering 37 points (21-16–37) over 50 games last season, setting a new OHL record for goals by a 16-year-old blueliner with 21. Parekh’s 33 goals this season are the most by a first-time NHL Draft eligible defender in the OHL since Cornwall’s John Slaney scored 38 during the 1989-90 campaign. The 6-foot, 180Ib. right-shot defender earned a gold medal for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this past summer, and was recently awarded an A-rating on NHL Central Scouting’s ‘Players to Watch’ List for the 2024 NHL Draft. Parekh was Saginaw’s first round (19th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Markham Majors U16 program.
Goaltender of the Month – Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for March, playing to a 9-0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. Helping the Generals clinch first place in the Eastern Conference, Oster registered a 28-save performance on Mar. 12, defeating the Mississauga Steelheads 2-1 in overtime. He continued his consistency in the crease, recording a second 28-save performance on Mar. 17 in a 7-2 win over the Sarnia Sting. Oster closed out the regular season turning aside 26 of the 27 shots that came his way against Sudbury on Mar. 24, extending the Generals winnings to 12 consecutive games.
A 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Oster ranked first among all netminders in wins this year, playing to a regular season mark of 35-16-7-1 including three shutouts, along with a 2.82 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. Selected in the fifth round (92nd overall) by the Guelph Storm in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the 6-foot-3, 190lb. netminder has appeared in 143 career regular season contests between Oshawa and Guelph, recording a 68-47-12-4 record, 3.29 goals-against average and .891 save percentage over three seasons.
Rookie of the Month – Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Mississauga Steelheads goaltender Jack Ivankovic is the OHL Rookie of the Month, playing to a 5-1 record, along with a 2.14 goals-against average and .927 save percentage. Making 166 saves in March, Ivankovic opened the month with a 30-save performance in a 6-1 win over the Windsor Spitfires on Mar. 3. Ivankovic recorded his second 30+ save performance of the month on Mar. 10., turning aside 33 of the 35 shots he faced. Ivankovic registered another standout performance on Mar. 17, blocking 28 of the 30 shots that came his way to lead the Steelheads to victory.
A 16-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., Ivankovic played to a regular season mark of 14-5-4-0, along with a 2.72 goals-against average, .915 save percentage and a shutout. His 2.72 G.A.A. was the lowest by an OHL rookie, earning him the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy for his efforts. The 5-foot-11, 170lb. rookie was the Steelheads’ first round (seventh overall) pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Mississauga Senators U16 program. Ivankovic excelled for Team Canada White at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in November, returning from Prince Edward Island with a gold medal.
2023-24 OHL Performers of the Month:
Player of the Month: March – Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves) February – David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves) January – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals) December – Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights) November – Filip Mesar (Kitchener Rangers) October – Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Defenceman of the Month: March – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit) February – Sam Dickinson (London Knights) January – Oliver Bonk (London Knights) December – Nick DeAngelis (Sudbury Wolves) November – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit) October – Hunter Brzustewicz (Kitchener Rangers)
Goaltender of the Month: March – Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals) February – Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion) January – Michael Simpson (London Knights) December – Marcus Vandenberg (Sudbury Wolves) November – Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers) October – Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Rookie of the Month: March – Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads) February – Riley Patterson (Barrie Colts) January – Riley Patterson (Barrie Colts) December – Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs) November – Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires) October – Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
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 Writers 