The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) playoffs are heating up, and April 3 brought thrilling action across the league. Here’s a recap of the scores, standout performances, series leaders, and a look ahead to upcoming games.
Scores and Goal Scorers
London Knights 8, Owen Sound Attack 4: Noah Read led the Knights with a hat trick and an assist, while Denver Barkey added a goal and an assist. Masen Wray scored three goals for Owen Sound.
Kingston Frontenacs 3, Sudbury Wolves 2: Jacob Battaglia scored the game-winning goal for Kingston, advancing them to the second round.
Erie Otters 7, Saginaw Spirit 3: Pano Fimis shone with two goals and two assists, pushing Erie to a commanding 3-1 series lead.
North Bay Battalion 6, Brantford Bulldogs 3: Jacob Therrien scored twice for North Bay, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Barrie Colts 6, Niagara IceDogs 3: Dalyn Wakely contributed a goal and three assists for Barrie, who now lead the series 3-1.
Kitchener Rangers 5, Flint Firebirds 1: Trent Swick had a goal and two assists as Kitchener took a 3-1 series lead.
Oshawa Generals 4, Brampton Steelheads 1: Beckett Sennecke scored twice for Oshawa, putting them one win away from advancing.
Series Leaders
Several teams are dominating their respective series:
London Knights swept the Owen Sound Attack 4-0, showcasing their offensive firepower.
Kingston Frontenacs also completed a sweep against the Sudbury Wolves.
Erie Otters lead the Saginaw Spirit 3-1, with standout performances from Pano Fimis.
Barrie Colts and Kitchener Rangers are both up 3-1 in their series.
Upcoming Games
The playoffs continue with pivotal matchups:
April 5: Brantford Bulldogs vs. North Bay Battalion (Game 5, if necessary).
April 7: Erie Otters vs. Saginaw Spirit (Game 6, if necessary).
The intensity of the OHL playoffs is unmatched, and fans can expect more thrilling moments as teams battle for the coveted J. Ross Robertson Cup. Stay tuned for more updates!
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of its annual coaches poll that 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 Brampton Steelheads and Brantford Bulldogs led the way with six players recognized respectively. Bulldogs forward Nick Lardis had the East’s most impressive individual showing with three different first place finishes (Best Shot, Hardest Shot, Most Dangerous in Goal Area) along with a second-place honour (Best Skater). Barrie Colts centreman Cole Beaudoin also had three different first place finishes (Hardest Worker, Best Defensive Forward, Best Penalty Killer). Brampton’s Porter Martone led Eastern Conference players in the widest number of categories represented as he was featured in five, finishing as the Best Shootout Shooter. The Oshawa Generals excelled on the blueline, with Ben Danford placing first in two different categories (Best Shot Blocker, Best Defensive Defenceman) while Luca Marrelli was voted the East’s best Offensive Defenceman. Generals forward Calum Ritchie placed first in two categories including Best Stickhandler and Best Playmaker.
The Western Conference saw the London Knights lead all OHL clubs with seven different players represented. Captain Denver Barkey was featured in three different categories while forward Kasper Halttunen had a pair of first place finishes (Best Shot, Hardest Shot). Windsor Spitfires forward Ilya Protas enjoyed the best individual performance in the Western Conference, being voted Best Playmaker and Best Stickhandler while finishing second in a pair of other categories (Smartest Player, Best Shootout Shooter). Spitfires teammate Noah Morneau placed atop two categories including Best Penalty Killer and Most Underrated. The Saginaw Spirit were also well-represented as top 2025 NHL Draft eligible Michael Misa appeared in three categories, being voted the West’s Smartest Player. Teammate Zayne Parekh was featured in four categories including being voted the West’s Best Offensive Defenceman. Not to be overlooked, rising Erie Otters star Matthew Schaefer also fared well, being voted the West’s Best Skater while placing third in both Best Offensive Defenceman and Best Defensive Defenceman. Kitchener Rangers captain Matthew Andonovski also finished prominently, being voted Best Defensive Defenceman while finishing second in both Best Bodychecker and Best Penalty Killer.
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: Ben Hrebik, Barrie Colts (25) Maleek McGowan, Kingston Frontenacs (20) Finn Harding, Brampton Steelheads (14)
Western Conference: Noah Morneau, Windsor Spitfires (30) Marco Mignosa, Soo Greyhounds (23) Luke Ellinas, Kitchener Rangers (12)
Most Improved Player:
Eastern Conference: Lirim Amidovski, North Bay Battalion (24) Cole Brown, Brantford Bulldogs (24) Ben Hrebik, Barrie Colts (14)
Western Conference: Jack Nesbitt, Windsor Spitfires (30) Charlie Paquette, Guelph Storm (27) Landen Hookey, Owen Sound Attack (17)
The Ontario Hockey League playoffs delivered thrilling action on April 2, 2025, with pivotal games shaping the first-round series. Here’s a breakdown of the highlights, key performances, and what lies ahead.
Saginaw Spirit vs. Erie Otters The Saginaw Spirit kept their playoff hopes alive with a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory against the Erie Otters. Zayne Parekh emerged as the hero, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime. Earlier, Calem Mangone and Parekh had netted goals in the second period to give Saginaw a lead, while Malcolm Spence’s last-minute goal for Erie forced overtime. The Otters still lead the series 2-1, with Game 4 set for April 3 at Erie Insurance Arena.
Windsor Spitfires vs. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Windsor Spitfires took a commanding 3-1 series lead with a 4-1 win over the Greyhounds. Noah Morneau and Ilya Protas each scored twice, with Protas also adding an empty-net goal. Joey Costanzo’s 23 saves secured the victory for Windsor. The Spitfires will look to close out the series in Game 5 on April 5.
London Knights vs. Owen Sound Attack The London Knights continued their dominance, defeating the Owen Sound Attack 7-4 to take a 3-0 series lead. Sam O’Reilly and Easton Cowan each scored twice, including shorthanded goals, showcasing the Knights’ depth and resilience.
Flint Firebirds vs. Kitchener Rangers Flint Firebirds bounced back with a 2-0 shutout victory over the Kitchener Rangers, narrowing the series deficit to 2-1. Goalie Nathan Day was the star, stopping all 38 shots he faced.
Series Leaders
London Knights lead Owen Sound Attack 3-0.
Windsor Spitfires lead Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 3-1.
Erie Otters lead Saginaw Spirit 2-1.
Kitchener Rangers lead Flint Firebirds 2-1.
Upcoming Schedule
April 3, 2025:
Saginaw Spirit at Erie Otters (Game 4)
Owen Sound Attack at London Knights (Game 4)
Sudbury Wolves at Kingston Frontenacs (Game 4)
April 5, 2025:
Windsor Spitfires at Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (Game 5, if necessary)
Erie Otters at Saginaw Spirit (Game 5, if necessary)
The playoffs are heating up, and every game is a must-watch as teams battle for the coveted J. Ross Robertson Cup. Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds!
TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced today the March edition of the CHL Team of the Month presented by CCM for the 2024-25 regular season (only regular-season games from March were considered).
For a fourth time this season, the most of any player in the CHL during the 2024-25 campaign, 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna of the No.3-ranked Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) has been named to the CHL Team of the Month. Despite playing in just five regular-season games in March, the 17-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, co-led the CHL in scoring with 23 points, having averaged a CHL-best 4.6 points per game during the month. During the Tigers’ 7-3 victory over the Red Deer Rebels on March 15, McKenna established a new single-game career-high by tallying seven points (3G-4A), along with scoring his third hat-trick of 2024-25. McKenna ultimately capped off the 2024-25 regular season by riding a 40-game point streak, which ranks as the second-longest point streak in a single season in the CHL since 2000. The reigning CHL and WHL Rookie of the Year also finished the regular season with nine consecutive games with two or more points, having amassed 32 multi-point outings over his final 40 regular-season contests in 2024-25. Over the year, McKenna registered a CHL-best 88 assists this season, while his 129 points ranked third among all scorers across the Canadian Hockey League. In recognition of his stellar season, McKenna was named a 2024-25 WHL First Team All-Star from the Eastern Conference on Tuesday. Entering Wednesday, through three postseason games in 2025, McKenna leads all skaters in both the WHL and CHL with 11 points (1G-10A), having extended his active point streak to 43 straight games. Taken first overall in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, the reigning WHL and CHL Rookie of the Year captured gold for Team Canada at both the 2024 IIHF World U18 Championship and the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Earlier this season, at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, McKenna became the eighth youngest player to ever suit up for Team Canada at a World Juniors. Last season, following the 2023-24 campaign, McKenna was named a member of both the CHL’s Third All-Star and All-Rookie Teams after he registered 97 points in 61 games as a 16-year-old.
Having shared the CHL scoring lead with 23 points in seven regular-season games last month, Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas of the No.10-ranked Windsor Spitfires (OHL) has been selected to the CHL Team of the Month for the first time in his career. Having registered a point in all seven of his appearances in March, the 18-year-old from Vitebsk, Belarus, recorded six multi-point outings, including matching a single-game career-high with five points (0G-5A) against the Sarnia Sting in what was Protas’ final contest of the 2024-25 regular season on March 20. In 61 regular-season games with the Spitfires, Protas amassed 124 points (50G-74A) this season, which ranked second in the OHL and was the fourth most in the CHL in 2024-25. By scoring 50 goals this season, Protas registered the eighth 50-goal season in Spitfires history, joining such names as Matthew Maggio (2022-23), Steve Ott (2000-01), and Ernie Godden (1980-81). The 18-year-old also became the highest goal-scoring import player in the Spitfires’ franchise history. Since February 17, including postseason games, Protas has been one of the hottest skaters in the CHL – recording 13 multi-point games over his last 16 appearances and tallying a CHL-best 48 points (14G-34A) over that stretch. As of Wednesday, through three playoff games in 2025, Protas leads the OHL with eight assists and ranks tied for second among postseason scorers in the OHL with eight points (0G-8A). Drafted third overall by Windsor in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, Protas was chosen in the third round (75th overall) by the Washington Capitals in the 2024 NHL Draft last summer.
With a QMJHL-leading 19 points over 10 regular-season games in March, New Jersey Devils prospect Cam Squires of the Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL) is making his first appearance in the CHL Team of the Month. Over the last month, in his 10 regular-season contests, Squires was held off the scoresheet on just one occasion, registering six multi-point outings, including his second hat-trick of the season on March 22 against the Saint John Sea Dogs. With 13 assists in March, the 19-year-old from Charlottetown, P.E.I., led all QMJHL skaters in that department, and he closed out his 2024-25 regular season by scoring a goal in three straight games. By doing the latter, Squires reached the 100-goal plateau in his QMJHL career. He now sits at 103 goals, 142 assists, and 245 points in 255 career appearances in the regular season over his four-year career in the QMJHL. March has been a particularly good month historically for Squires, who has recorded 70 points in 46 career games during the month. As he closed out 2024-25, the Eagles forward also posted new single-season career highs in assists (51) and points (75) as he led his team in scoring for the second consecutive season. Entering Wednesday, Squires has tallied a pair of assists through three postseason games in the 2025 QMJL Playoffs. Drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Squires signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Devils back in July 2024. The 19-year-old was Cape Breton’s second-round pick, 22nd overall, in the 2021 QMJHL Entry Draft. He was named QMJHL Humanitarian of the Year for the 2022-23 season.
Following a month where he led all defencemen in the CHL with 18 points in 10 regular-season games, San Jose Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson of the No.2-ranked London Knights (OHL) has been named to the CHL Team of the Month for the second time during the 2024-25 season. Having registered a point in nine of his 10 appearances to close out the regular season, the 18-year-old from Toronto, Ont., collected six multi-point outings, including a trio of three-point contests on March 5 (1G-2A @ Brantford), March 11 (2G-1A @ Guelph), and March 21 (2G-1A vs. Windsor). Following his strong month, Dickinson wrapped up the 2024-25 campaign with 91 points in 55 games, which sits only behind Saginaw Spirit blueliner Zayne Parekh (107 points) for scoring by a defenceman in the CHL this season. Dickinson’s 91 points in 2024-25 rank as the 10th highest point total by a defenceman in a single season since 2000. The San Jose Sharks prospect also set a new London Knights single-season record for the most points (91) by a blueliner, surpassing the previous mark (87) that was held by Edmonton Oilers rearguard Evan Bouchard (2017-18) and Rick Corriveau (1990-91). Entering Wednesday, Dickinson ranked second among CHL defencemen with seven points (3G-4A) in three playoff games in 2025 – just one point shy of current leader Tyson Jugnauth (9 points) of the Portland Winterhawks. Acquired by the London Knights from the Niagara IceDogs after he was the fourth overall pick of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Dickinson has gone on to be named to the OHL’s first all-rookie team in 2022-23 and a second team all-star in 2023-24 while winning an OHL championship. He was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the 11th overall pick of the 2024 NHL Draft and he captained Team Red at the 2024 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Moncton, N.B. Earlier this season, Dickinson was one of three London Knights who represented Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. Dickinson previously earned gold for his country at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and he captained Canada Black at the 2022 World U17 Hockey Challenge, where he was voted to the World U17 All-Star Team.
Having shared the scoring lead among WHL defencemen through nine regular-season contests in March, Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio of the No.9-ranked Calgary Hitmen (WHL) is making his first appearance in the CHL Team of the Month in 2024-25. The 19-year-old from Kamloops, B.C., was held off the scoresheet just once over his nine contests to close out the 2024-25 season, as he strung together an eight-game point streak to start the month. With nine assists over those nine games, Mynio led all WHL blueliners in that category during that stretch of time. Over the last five weeks, it seems Mynio has really caught his stride, becoming one of the Hitmen’s most consistent scorers offensively. Specifically, in 15 games (including playoffs) since February 22, Mynio has tallied 17 points (4G-13A) and ranks tied for second on the team in scoring over that stretch. Entering Wednesday, the 19-year-old has three assists in three postseason appearances during the 2025 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien. Mynio finished the 2024-25 regular season with 14 goals and 31 assists over the 49 games he played with both the Seattle Thunderbirds and Calgary Hitmen. At the beginning of January, Mynio was acquired by the Hitmen from the Thunderbirds in a trade. Earlier this season, the Vancouver Canucks prospect also represented his country for the first-time at a IIHF event as he suited up for Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa. Drafted by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the third round (63rd overall) of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft, Mynio has piled up 39 goals and 101 assists for 140 points and a +63 rating in 227 career regular games in the WHL. The Hitmen rearguard has also played in more than 40 playoff games during his WHL career, having previously won an Ed Chynoweth Cup and participated in the 2023 Memorial Cup with the Seattle Thunderbirds during the 2022-23 campaign.
Holding a perfect 5-0-0-0 record in his five regular-season contests in March, goaltender Mathis Rousseau of the No.1-ranked Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) is making his first appearance in the CHL Team of the Month this season. Over his five starts to cap off the 2024-25 campaign, Rousseau registered a .933 save percentage and a 1.58 goals-against average, the latter of which ranked first among all goalies in the QMJHL (minimum of 75 minutes played). By turning aside 18-of-21 shots on March 1 in a 4-3 victory against the Blainville-Boisbriand, Rousseau secured his 100th career victory in the QMJHL – becoming one of just 18 netminders in the history of the QMJHL to have reached this plateau. Wrapping up the 2024-25 campaign with 104 career wins over his career, Rousseau ranks in a tie for 11th on the all-time wins list in QMJHL history. Including his two playoff starts to date in 2025, the 20-year-old from Boisbriand, Québec, has won eight in a row for the Wildcats, and he has only suffered one loss since the beginning of February. Rousseau completed the 2024-25 season with a 20-20-5-0 record, 2.88 goals-against average, .905 save percentage & two shutouts in 45 games played between both the Halifax Mooseheads and the Moncton Wildcats. Acquired by Moncton from Halifax at the beginning of January, the 20-year-old has posted some impressive numbers with his new club – registering an 11-4-0-0 record, a 2.33 goals-against average, and a pair of shutouts in 15 games with the Wildcats. Just last season, during the 2023-24 campaign, Rousseau was a finalist for the Patrick-Roy Trophy as the QMJHL’s Top Goaltender after he led the league with a save percentage of .925 as a member of the Halifax Mooseheads. Drafted by Halifax in the fourth round (61st overall) of the 2020 QMJHL Entry Draft, Rousseau holds a 2.70 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage in 170 appearances in the regular season over his four-year QMJHL career. In addition to his success with the Mooseheads in 2023-24, Rousseau also represented Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) playoffs delivered another thrilling night of hockey on April 1, 2025. Here’s a recap of the games, the standout goal scorers, and a look at the series standings and upcoming matchups.
Brantford Bulldogs vs. North Bay Battalion The Bulldogs continued their dominance with a 4-3 overtime victory, thanks to Marek Vanacker’s two-goal performance, including the game-winner. Brantford now leads the series 3-0
Kingston Frontenacs vs. Sudbury Wolves Cedrick Guindon shone for Kingston, contributing a goal and an assist in their 4-2 win. The Frontenacs hold a commanding 3-0 series lead.
London Knights vs. Owen Sound Attack Easton Cowan and Sam O’Reilly were unstoppable, each scoring twice and adding two assists in London’s 7-4 triumph. The Knights are up 3-0 in the series.
Niagara IceDogs vs. Barrie Colts Alex Assadourian and Kevin He each netted two goals, leading the IceDogs to a 6-4 victory. Barrie still leads the series 2-1.
Flint Firebirds vs. Kitchener Rangers Matthew Wang and Kaden Pitre scored crucial third-period goals, while Nathan Day made 38 saves to secure Flint’s 2-0 shutout win. Kitchener leads the series 2-1.
Oshawa Generals vs. Brampton Steelheads Owen Griffin’s hat trick and assist powered Oshawa to a 7-5 victory. The Generals now lead the series 2-1.
Saginaw Spirit vs. Erie Otters Zayne Parekh scored twice, including the overtime winner, as Saginaw edged Erie 3-2. Erie leads the series 2-1.
Series Leaders
Brantford Bulldogs, Kingston Frontenacs, and London Knights are on the brink of advancing, each leading their series 3-0.
Other series remain tightly contested, with Barrie, Kitchener, Oshawa, and Erie holding slim leads.
Upcoming Games
The playoff excitement continues on April 3, with pivotal Game 4 matchups:
Brantford vs. North Bay
Kingston vs. Sudbury
London vs. Owen Sound
Niagara vs. Barrie
Flint vs. Kitchener
Oshawa vs. Brampton
Saginaw vs. Erie
The intensity is building as teams fight to keep their championship dreams alive. Stay tuned for more unforgettable moments in the OHL playoffs!
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) playoffs are heating up, and March 31 delivered some electrifying action on the ice. Here’s a breakdown of the scores, standout performances, and what’s next in the playoff schedule.
Game Highlights:
Barrie Colts vs. Niagara IceDogs The Barrie Colts secured a thrilling 7-5 victory over the Niagara IceDogs, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven series. Anthony Romani was the star of the night, netting a hat trick for the Colts. Beau Jelsma added two goals, while Grayson Tiller and Emil Hemming contributed singles. For the IceDogs, Ivan Galiyanov scored twice, with Mathieu Paris and Andrei Loshko also finding the back of the net.
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. Windsor Spitfires Caeden Carlisle emerged as the hero for the Greyhounds, scoring the overtime winner in a nail-biting 3-2 victory over the Windsor Spitfires. Justin Cloutier and Travis Hayes scored in regulation for the Greyhounds, while Carson Woodall and Liam Greentree kept the Spitfires in the game. The series now stands at 2-1 in favor of Windsor.
Upcoming Games:
Barrie Colts vs. Niagara IceDogs: Game 3 is set for April 1 in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. Windsor Spitfires: Game 4 will take place on April 2 in Sault Ste. Marie.
Goal Scorers to Watch:
Anthony Romani (Barrie Colts): With five goals in the postseason, Romani is proving to be a key player for the Colts.
Caeden Carlisle (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds): His clutch overtime goal has reignited the Greyhounds’ hopes in the series.
The OHL playoffs are showcasing the grit and determination of young hockey talent, and the excitement is far from over. Stay tuned for more thrilling matchups as teams battle for the coveted J. Ross Robertson Cup!
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) playoffs are in full swing, and Sunday, March 30, 2025, delivered a series of electrifying games that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the action-packed night:
Kingston Frontenacs vs. Sudbury Wolves In a double-overtime thriller, the Kingston Frontenacs emerged victorious with a 4-3 win over the Sudbury Wolves. Gage Heyes scored the game-winning goal at 2:50 of the second overtime period, capping off an intense battle. Cedrick Guindon was a standout for Kingston, netting two goals in regulation, while Nathan Villeneuve shone for Sudbury with two goals and an assist. The Frontenacs now lead the series 2-0 as they head to Sudbury for Game 3.
Brampton Steelheads vs. Oshawa Generals The Brampton Steelheads tied their series against the Oshawa Generals with a hard-fought 3-1 victory. Despite being heavily outshot 47-24, Brampton’s goaltender Jack Ivankovic delivered a stellar performance with 46 saves. Luke Misa contributed a goal and an assist, helping the Steelheads bounce back after losing the series opener.
London Knights vs. Owen Sound Attack The London Knights continued their dominant playoff run, defeating the Owen Sound Attack 6-3 to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. Denver Barkey was the star of the night, scoring twice and adding three assists. The Knights’ offensive depth proved too much for the Attack, who will need to regroup before Game 3.
Kitchener Rangers vs. Flint Firebirds The Kitchener Rangers cruised to a 6-1 victory over the Flint Firebirds, extending their series lead to 2-0. Jack Pridham led the charge with two goals and two assists, while the Rangers’ defense stifled the Firebirds’ offense. Flint will need to find answers quickly as the series shifts to their home ice.
Brantford Bulldogs vs. North Bay Battalion The Brantford Bulldogs blanked the North Bay Battalion 3-0, thanks to a stellar performance by goaltender Ryerson Leenders, who made 21 saves. Nick Lardis scored twice in the third period, solidifying the Bulldogs’ 2-0 series lead. The Battalion will look to turn things around in Game 3 on their home turf.
As the playoffs progress, the intensity and stakes continue to rise. With each team fighting for the coveted J. Ross Robertson Cup, fans can expect more unforgettable moments in the coming games. Which team are you rooting for in this year’s playoffs? Let me know!
Toronto, ON – On the heels of the launch of OHL Assists, the league’s charitable foundation on Tuesday, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is rolling out an exciting charitable initiative for the 2025 playoffs, rewarding clutch goals through charitable giving.
OHL Overtime Heroes will support meaningful local community organizations and initiatives during the 2025 OHL Playoffs, and here’s how it works:
For every overtime goal scored during the playoffs, a donation will be made on behalf of the goal-scorer, with the funds directed to a charity or not-for-profit of the player’s choice. The donation amounts will incrementally grow each round as the playoffs progress, ensuring greater impact as the postseason intensifies.
If a player’s overtime goal is the series-clinching goal scored in Game 7 of any series, a bonus donation of $2500 will be awarded to amplify the program’s impact.
The OHL Overtime Heroes program highlights the league’s commitment to community involvement, with players not only showcasing their skills on the ice but also giving back to causes that matter most to them.
Any overtime goal scored to decide a series in Game 7 will receive a $2500 bonus!
Follow along throughout the playoffs as the league will announce the charitable organizations benefitting from OHL Overtime Heroes donations across its social media channels on X, Facebook and Instagram!
TORONTO, ON — On Sunday, 23 CHL alumni helped the No.8-seeded University of Ottawa to a historic first national title, as the Gee-Gees defeated the No.3-seeded University of Concordia Stingers 3-2 to take home the 2025 U SPORTS University Cup at TD Place in Ottawa. CHL alumni Vincent Labelle (Moncton Wildcats/QMJHL), Bradley Chenier (North Bay Battalion/Sudbury Wolves/OHL), and Luka Verreault (Rimouski Océanic/QMJHL) tallied the goals for the Gee-Gees during Sunday’s final, while CHL graduate Francesco Lapenna (Val-d’Or Foreurs / Drummondville Voltigeurs / Charlottetown Islanders / Gatineau Olympiques / QMJHL) was named the Player of the Game after making 31 saves to clinch the upset victory for Ottawa.
Gee-Gees goaltender Lapenna, who capped off his QMJHL career playing across the Ottawa River for the Gatineau Olympiques, was named the 2025 U SPORTS Men’s Hockey Championship MVP. Lapenna registered 30-plus saves in all three of his appearances at the 2025 U CUP, holding a 2.14 goals-against average and a tournament-best .936 save percentage. As the tournament MVP, Lapenna was one of six CHL alumni to be selected to the tournament all-star team, joining forwards Dawson Holt (Vancouver Giants /Regina Pats/WHL), Mathieu Bizier (Rimouski Océanic/Gatineau Olympiques/QMJHL), Marc-Antoine Séguin (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies/Chicoutimi Saguenéens/Baie-Comeau Drakkar/QMJHL), along with defencemen Simon Lavigne (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada/QMJHL) and Joseph Ianniello (Saint John Sea Dogs/QMJHL).
By winning the national title on Sunday, the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees became the first eighth-seed to ever win the David Johnston University Cup. In addition to Lapenna’s stellar play, the Gee-Gees were led up front by Labelle (Moncton Wildcats/QMJHL) and Mitch Martin (Kitchener Rangers/OHL), who both led the team in scoring with five points (2G-3A) during the 2025 U SPORTS University Cup. In addition to their roster of 23 CHL alumni, the Gee-Gees were guided by head coach Patrick Grandmaître, who played five seasons in the QMJHL from 1995-2000 with the Victoriaville Tigres and the Québec Remparts – serving as a captain for both clubs.
Meanwhile, before the championship game, the No.2-seeded University of Saskatchewan Huskies won their fifth bronze medal in school history thanks to a 4-1 victory over the No.4-seeded Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold in the bronze medal game. WHL alumnus and Huskies forward Vince Loschiavo (Kootenay ICE/Moose Jaw Warriors/Edmonton Oil Kings/WHL) scored twice, while WHL graduate Landon Kosior (Prince Albert Raiders/WHL) was credited with the game-winner and added an assist to help provide the University of Saskatchewan with its first national medal since 2018.
Among the 87 players rostered on the three universities who earned a medal on Sunday, 70 of them were CHL graduates, including 24 on the Concordia University roster.
Out of the 223 players listed on the eight participating teams competing at the 2025 U SPORTS Men’s Hockey Championship, there were 176 CHL alumni who accounted for close to 80% of the players partaking in the tournament. Among the alumni from the CHL participating in the event, there were 80 graduates from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), 49 from the Western Hockey League (WHL), and 47 who hail from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
The CHL and its Member Leagues (WHL, OHL & QMJHL) are committed to the academic development of its athletes, investing roughly $10 million annually on the education of current and former players, a group that includes the 176 CHL alumni who competed at the 2025 University Cup. The CHL also remains the number one supplier of talent to U SPORTS. Just last season, over 950 CHL graduates were enrolled in post-secondary institutions across North America, including many who continued their playing careers in U SPORTS programs in Canada.
Complete list of 70 CHL Alumni who won a medal at the 2025 U SPORTS University Cup in Ottawa Players are listed alongside the CHL club they’ve played the most games with
GOLD – University of Ottawa Gee Gees (23)
Francesco Lapenna (Gatineau/QMJHL), Jean-Philippe Tourigny (Rouyn-Noranda/QMJHL), Brendon Clavelle (Charlottetown/QMJHL), Cam Gauvreau (Peterborough/OHL), David Lafrance (Halifax/QMJHL), Jacob LeGuerrier (Soo/OHL), Vincent Maisonneuve (Gatineau/QMJHL), Anson McMaster (Winnipeg/WHL), Peter Stratis (Sudbury/OHL), Andrew Belchamber (Baie-Comeau/QMJHL), Alexis Bonefon (Shawinigan/QMJHL), Tommy Bouchard (Blainville-Boisbriand/QMJHL), Bradley Chenier (North Bay/OHL), Mathieu Desgagnés (Acadie-Bathurst/QMJHL), Zacharie Giroux (Flint/OHL), Max Grondin (Saginaw/OHL), Nicolas Kingsbury-Fournier (Acadie-Bathurst/QMJHL), Vincent Labelle (Moncton/QMJHL), Mitchell Martin (Kitchener/OHL), Anthony Poulin (Blainville-Boisbriand/QMJHL), Charles-Antoine Roy (Gatineau/QMJHL), Marc-Antoine Séguin (Chicoutimi/QMJHL), Luka Verreault (Rimouski/QMJHL)
SILVER – Concordia University Stingers (24)
Nikolas Hurtubise (Victoriaville/QMJHL), Brady James (Halifax/QMJHL), Félix Allard (Rouyn-Noranda/QMJHL), Édouard Carrier (Victoriaville/ QMJHL), Vincent Frédette (Chicoutimi/QMJHL), Kyle Havlena (Cape Breton/QMJHL), Christopher Inniss (Rimouski/QMJHL), Sean Larochelle (Victoriaville/QMJHL), Simon Lavigne (Blainville-Boisbriand/QMJHL), Nathan Lavoie (Blainville-Boisbriand/QMJHL), Daniel Agostino (Québec/QMJHL), Julien Anctil (Sherbrooke/QMJHL), Mathieu Bizier (Gatineau/QMJHL), Isiah Campbell (Cape Breton/QMJHL), Édouard Charron (Drummondville/QMJHL), Loïck Daigle (Victoriaville/QMJHL), Émile Gadoury (Gatineau/QMJHL), Alexander Gaudio (Rimouski/QMJHL), Nicholas Girouard (Drummondville/QMJHL), Mikael Huchette (Québec/QMJHL), Alexandre Nadeau (Victoriaville/QMJHL), Gabriel Proulx (Cape Breton/QMJHL), Blake Richardson (Blainville-Boisbriand/QMJHL), Charles Savoie (Québec/QMJHL)
BRONZE – University of Saskatchewan Huskies (23)
Ethan Chadwick (Saskatoon/WHL), Jordan Kooy (London/OHL), Roddy Ross (Seattle/WHL), Logan Bairos (Kamloops/WHL), Parker Gavlas (Edmonton/WHL), Mac Gross (Spokane/WHL), Cole Jordan (Moose Jaw/WHL), Landon Kosior (Prince Albert/WHL), Ty Prefontaine (Lethbridge/WHL), Ethan Regnier (Swift Current/WHL), Rhett Rhinehart (Prince George/WHL), Chase Bertholet (Spokane/WHL), Ashton Ferster (Kamloops/WHL), Cade Hayes (Spokane/WHL), Dawson Holt (Vancouver/WHL), Liam Keeler (Edmonton/WHL), Vince Loschiavo (Kootenay/WHL), Raphael Pelletier (Swift Current/WHL), Josh Pillar (Kamloops/WHL), Cohner Saleski (Swift Current/WHL), Keaton Sorensen (Prince Albert/WHL), Carter Stebbings (Swift Current/WHL), Trevor Wong (Saskatoon/WHL)
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today recognized its award winners from the 2024-25 Regular Season that concluded on Sunday.
Eddie Powers Trophy (OHL Top Scorer presented by Kubota) – Michael Misa, Saginaw Spirit
NHL Draft eligible Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa completed one of the most outstanding offensive seasons from an OHL player in some time on Sunday, piling up five points (1-4–5) in the Spirit’s 9-2 win over the Flint Firebirds to finish his season with a CHL-leading 134 points including 62 goals, 72 assists and a plus-45 rating over 65 games. Misa becomes the first player in Saginaw Spirit history to claim the Eddie Powers Trophy as the OHL’s top scorer, doing so with the most points since another draft eligible in London’s Patrick Kane (62-83–145) during the 2006-07 season.
A former OHL Rookie of the Year Award recipient and exceptional status first overall pick by the Spirit in 2022, Misa was held pointless in just five of 65 contests. His 134 points are tied with John Tavares (2006-07) for the most by an OHL U18 skater since 2000.
A product of Oakville, Ont., Misa won a Memorial Cup with the Spirit last June, and completes his third OHL season with career totals that include 113 goals, 152 assists and 265 points over 177 regular season games.
The Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy was donated by the Toronto Marlboro Athletic Club in memory of Eddie Powers and was first awarded in 1945-46 to Tod Sloan of St. Michael’s who scored 79 points in 25 games. In addition to Misa, other recent recipients have included David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves (2023-24), Matthew Maggio of the Windsor Spitfires (2022-23) and Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires (2021-22).
Jim Mahon Trophy (Top Scoring Right Winger) – Nick Lardis, Brantford Bulldogs
The 2024-25 recipient of the Jim Mahon Trophy also happens to be the league’s top goal-scorer. Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs led OHL right-wingers with 117 points including a league-leading 71 goals and 46 assists.
Lardis is one of just eight players in OHL history to record at least 70 goals in a season as his 25 power play goals and 375 shots on goal led the league. His season included a total of seven hat-tricks and 20 multi-goal outings for the Bulldogs, who finished atop the Eastern Conference standings.
An Oakville, Ont. native, Lardis has amassed 155 goals, 114 assists and 269 points over 234 career regular season games between Brantford, Hamilton and Peterborough after originally being the Petes’ first round (sixth overall) pick in 2021. He was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third round (67th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.
The Jim Mahon Trophy was first presented following the 1971-72 season by the players and management of the Peterborough Petes in memory of their right winger Jim Mahon who was accidentally killed that summer. Recent recipients have included David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves (2023-24), Matthew Maggio of the Windsor Spitfires (2022-23) and Lucas Edmonds of the Kingston Frontenacs (2021-22).
Dave Pinkney Trophy (Lowest Team Goals-Against) – Austin Elliott and Aleksei Medvedev, London Knights FW ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy (Lowest Rookie Goals-Against Average – Aleksei Medvedev, London Knights
The London Knights are winners of the Dave Pinkney Trophy for the second straight season, surrendering a league-low 180 goals backed by the goaltending tandem of Austin Elliott and Aleksei Medvedev.
The Knights claim the honour for the sixth time in their history, finishing atop the OHL standings with a record of 55-11-2-0. Elliott, who was acquired via waivers from the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades by way of the Barrie Colts, led the league with a 2.10 goals-against average, .924 save percentage and impressive 32-1-0-0 record. The overage netminder won an OHL record 20 consecutive starts to begin his tenure in the league.
Awarded annually since 1949, the Dave Pinkney Trophy is presented to the goaltenders of the team with the lowest goals-against average during the regular season. Last year’s recipients were London netminders Michael Simpson and Owen Willmore.
The draft eligible Aleksei Medvedev led OHL rookies with a 2.79 goals-against average, becoming the seventh Knights goaltender to claim the FW ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy for lowest G.A.A. by a rookie. London’s second round (38th overall) pick by the Knights in 2023 played to a 22-8-2-0 record with a .912 save percentage and three shutouts over 34 games, earning OHL Rookie of the Month honours in November and OHL Goaltender of the Month recognition in January.
The trophy is named after F.W. ‘Dinty’ Moore of Port Colborne, Ont., who served as OHA President from 1942-45. In order to qualify for this rookie award, a goaltender must play a minimum of 900 minutes. Last year’s winner was Jack Ivankovic of the then-Mississauga Steelheads.
2024-25 OHL Regular Season Team Awards:
Hamilton Spectator Trophy (Regular Season Champion) – London Knights The Knights are back-to-back Hamilton Spectator Trophy recipients, playing to their second-best season in franchise history with a record of 55-11-0-2 with 112 points. Read more
Holody Trophy (Midwest Division Champion) – London Knights The Knights become the first team in OHL history to win six consecutive division titles, etching their name onto the Holody Trophy once again in 2024-25. Read more
Bumbacco Trophy (West Division Champion) – Windsor Spitfires The Spitfires are West Division champions with a record of 45-17-4-2, being led offensively by dual 100-point scorers Ilya Protas and Liam Greentree. Read more
Emms Trophy (Central Division Champion) – Barrie Colts The Barrie Colts claim the Emms Trophy as Central Division champions for the first time since 2018. The Colts featured big contributions from draft eligible defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson in 2024-25, who set a new club single season record on the blueline with 26 goals. Read more
Leyden Trophy (East Division Champion) – Brantford Bulldogs The Bulldogs secured Brantford its first OHL banner, winning the Leyden Trophy as East Division champions with a record of 44-19-5-0. Read more
The 2025 OHL Playoffs get underway on Thursday as 16 team continue their pursuit of the J. Ross Robertson Cup. OHL Playoff Tracker
OHL Writers 