Around the OHL

OHL CONCLUDES REVIEW INTO ACTIONS OF LONDON KNIGHTS PLAYER CAM ALLEN

Posted on March 8, 2025March 7, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced the conclusion of a League review into the actions of London Knights player Cam Allen on February 8, 2025 that resulted in his being charged by the London Police Service with offences related to impaired driving.

Now that the legal matter has been concluded, the OHL has imposed several requirements of Allen in order to be reinstated to play in the league, which he will be eligible for starting on Sunday, March 16 following a period of 15 games under suspension.

Reinstatement requirements include mandatory enrollment in a counselling program for substance use and an associated treatment plan. Allen is also required to engage in community service dedicated to giving back to the hockey community, as well as participation in an accountability program. He will be subject to an ensuing probationary period upon his return to play.

Allen’s reinstatement effective March 16 will be subject to satisfying the League that he is actively participating in the above noted rehabilitation measures.

OHL THIS WEEK: MARCH 7 TO 9, 2025

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

CHL Team of the Month presented by CCM: February 2025

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced today the February edition of the CHL Team of the Month presented by CCM for the 2024-25 regular season.

F – Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs / WHL)
13G-21A, 34 PTS, +17 in 13 GP in February

Having registered 13 goals and 34 points through 13 games in February, Seattle Kraken prospect Berkly Catton of the No. 5-ranked Spokane Chiefs (WHL) is making his first appearance of the 2024-25 season in the CHL Team of the Month. Held off the scoresheet on just one occasion last month, the 19-year-old from Saskatoon, Sask., registered 10 multi-point outings, including seven games with three points or more. Catton’s 34 points were one shy of the WHL and CHL leader for February, while his 13 goals last month ranked tied for first in the WHL. Between January 11 to February 23, the Chiefs captain tallied a point in 18 straight games (20G-32A over that stretch), which ranks as the fourth-longest point streak in the WHL this season. Since returning from the 2025 World Juniors on January 10, Catton has amassed 54 points (22G-32A) in 22 games, good for third in the CHL behind only his Chiefs teammate Andrew Cristall (56 points) and Saginaw Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh (56 points) over that stretch. Thanks in part to Catton’s strong play, the Spokane Chiefs have also climbed up both the CHL Top-10 Rankings and the WHL standings. Over the last month, having registered a 10-1-1-1 record, the Chiefs placed themselves among the Top-5 clubs in the CHL for the first time this season, while also moving into third place in the WHL’s overall standings. Meanwhile, powered by a strong month of February, Catton is up to 101 points (36G-65A) this season, which ranks third in WHL scoring for the 2024-25 campaign. By breaking the 100-point plateau, Catton has also achieved that feat for the second consecutive season. Named to the CHL’s Second All-Star Team in 2023-24, Catton was one of just three players in the CHL to register 50+ goals and 60+ assists last season. By going eighth overall to the Seattle Kraken during the 2024 NHL Draft, Catton became the highest-drafted player from the Spokane Chiefs in 33 years. Internationally, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound centreman has represented Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship where he recorded one assist in four games. Before that, Catton helped his country to gold at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he led all skaters with eight goals and two assists in five tournament games. He’s also previously won a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World U18 Championship and silver at the 2022 World U-17 Hockey Challenge. Playing in his third full season in the WHL, Catton was selected by the Spokane Chiefs with the first overall pick in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.

F – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit / OHL)
17G-17A, 34 PTS, +12 in 14 GP in February

With an OHL-best 34 points over the last month, just one point shy of the CHL scoring leader for February, 2025 NHL Draft prospect Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit (OHL) has earned a spot on the CHL Team of the Month for the second time during the 2024-25 campaign. In 14 games in February, the 18-year-old from Oakville, Ont., was never held off the scoresheet as he posted 12 multi-point outings, including five games with three points or more. The latter included the 2024 Memorial Cup champion registering a career-high five points (2G-3A) on February 8 against the Guelph Storm. Misa also lit the lamp in 10 contests over the last month, the latter of which included tallying his third hat-trick of the season on February 15 against the Sudbury Wolves. Having strung together 14 straight games with a point through February, Misa managed to extend his active point streak, which currently stands at 27 consecutive contests – making it the third-longest point streak in the CHL this season (behind Gavin McKenna of the Medicine Hat Tigers – 35 games & Easton Cowan of the London Knights – 29 games). With 122 points (58G-64A) in 58 games, Misa leads both the OHL and CHL in scoring so far through the 2024-25 campaign. If Misa were to win the CHL Top Scorer Award this season, he would become the fifth first-year draft-eligible in the CHL to achieve the feat over the last 20 years, joining a group of alumni that includes Connor Bedard (2022-23), Marco Rossi (2019-20), Patrick Kane (2006-07), and Sidney Crosby (2004-05). Meanwhile, the 2025 NHL Draft prospect is also one of just two skaters in the CHL to have broken the 50-goal plateau in 2024-25, alongside Brantford Bulldogs forward Nick Lardis (66 goals). Drafted with the first overall pick of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Misa is one of nine players in CHL history to have been granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada. Over his career, Misa has helped Canada win gold at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and he also earned a silver medal at the 2022 World U17 Hockey Challenge playing for Canada Red. Earlier this season, the 18-year-old was one of 13 CHL forwards to help Team CHL defeat the U.S. National Under-18 Team last November in the inaugural 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada. Identified by NHL Central Scouting as the third-ranked skater in North America ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, Misa was one of 17 CHL players ranked by NHL Central Scouting among the top 20 North American skaters in their Midterm Rankings. A little less than a year ago, Misa also played a part in helping the Saginaw Spirit capture their first-ever Memorial Cup in 2024, as they became just the third American franchise to win the CHL’s championship title.

F – Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL)
21G-10A, 31 PTS, +6 in 11 GP in February

With a CHL-leading 21 goals in 11 games during February, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the No.9-ranked Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) is making his first appearance in the CHL Team of the Month for the 2024-25 season. The 19-year-old from Oakville, Ont., failed to find twine in only one game last month, having recorded six multi-goal contests and four hat-tricks in February (on Feb. 2 @ Sudbury, Feb. 14 vs. Niagara, Feb. 20 @ Peterborough, & Feb. 23 @ Ottawa). One of those four hat-tricks saw Lardis register a single-game career-high of four goals against the Sudbury Wolves at the beginning of the month. Having scored a goal in 20 of his last 22 contests, Lardis put together an 18-game goal streak from January 8 to February 20, the longest streak of its kind in the CHL this season. Over the last month, Lardis’ play has helped lift the Bulldogs, as they went 9-1-1-0 in February and entered the CHL Top-10 Rankings for the first time since October 1. Thanks to his big month, Lardis leads the CHL with 66 goals in 2024-25 – eight more than the next closest skater (Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit – 58 goals). The 5-foot-11, 185-pound right-winger is the only player in the CHL to have broken the 60-goal plateau this season, and just the ninth CHL skater to have reached 65 goals over the last 20 years. If he were to hit 70, the Blackhawks prospect would become only the second OHL player to have achieved the feat since 1992 and the first since Oshawa Generals alumnus John Tavares scored 72 during the 2006-07 campaign. Originally selected by the Peterborough Petes sixth overall in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Lardis was acquired by the Bulldogs during the 2022-23 campaign in exchange for two-time OHL champions Gavin White and Avery Hayes. Over the course of this season, Lardis has become the Brantford Bulldogs’ franchise record holder for goals (66) and points (108) – both marks he is likely to build on over the Bulldogs’ remaining seven games. At the 2023 NHL Draft, Lardis was taken in the third round (67th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks and he signed his entry-level contract with the club in April 2024.

D – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit / OHL)
7G-24A, 31 PTS, +16 in 14 GP in February

After leading all CHL defencemen with seven goals and 31 points in February, Calgary Flames prospect Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit (OHL) has earned a spot in the CHL Team of the Month for a second straight month. In 14 games throughout February, the 19-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., registered a point in 13 of those contests. The latter saw Parekh record a total of 10 multi-point games, including a pair of four-point nights to both start and end the month (Feb. 1 vs. Kitchener & Feb. 28 @ Sudbury). Over the course of February, Parekh had 24 assists, which rank tied for first among all players in the CHL. Entering Thursday, the 6-foot, 185-pound defenceman leads all CHL defencemen with 31 goals and 99 points this season. Currently on a nine-game point streak, Parekh recently became just the second defenceman in the CHL to have registered multiple 30-goal seasons in the 21st century, doing so after Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) alumnus Jonathan Gauthier scored 30-plus goals over consecutive campaigns in 1999-00 and 2000-01. Additionally, by hitting 30 goals in 2024-25, Parekh also became just the second defenceman in OHL/OHA history with multiple 30-goal seasons, following in the footsteps of Oshawa Generals alumnus Bobby Orr who achieved the feat in 1966 (34 goals in 1964-65 & 38 goals in 1965-66). Now sitting just one point shy of 100 points, Parekh will look to become just the fifth CHL rearguard to break the 100-point plateau since 2000 over the final weeks of the 2024-25 campaign. Since January 10, Parekh shares the CHL scoring lead with Spokane Chiefs forward Andrew Cristall having amassed 56 points (19G-37A) in 23 games over that stretch. Last season, in addition to helping the Saginaw Spirit to their first-ever Memorial Cup title, Parekh became the first Spirit player to ever be named the CHL Defenceman of the Year and he was chosen to the CHL’s First All-Star Team after amassing 96 points in 66 games. By going ninth overall to the Calgary Flames at the 2024 NHL Draft, Parekh became the highest-drafted player in Saginaw Spirit history. The 19-year-old was originally taken by Saginaw with the 19th overall pick of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. He has previously helped Canada to gold at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and he competed for Team Red at the 2024 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Moncton, N.B.

D – Justin Kipkie (Victoria Royals / WHL)
4G-11A, 15 PTS, +17 in 11 GP in February

After registering four goals and 11 assists over 11 games in February, Utah Hockey Club prospect Justin Kipkie of the Victoria Royals (WHL) is making his first appearance of the 2024-25 campaign in the CHL Team of the Month. Over the last month, the 19-year-old from Calgary, Alta., registered a point in eight of 11 contests, the latter of which included a trifecta of three-point nights (Feb. 4 vs. Kelowna, Feb. 7 @ Tri-City & Feb. 8 @ Spokane). Each of those three-point contests matched Kipkie’s single-game career-high in the WHL, a feat that he has now accomplished six times throughout the current season. Over the course of February, Kipkie’s solid performances also coincided with a strong month for the Victoria Royals, who won nine of 11 games (9-1-0-1) as they sit in first place in the WHL’s B.C. Division heading into Thursday. With 54 points in 56 games, the Royals captain has already set a new career-high this season, besting his previous mark of 54 that he set in 2023-24. At the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign, Kipkie was named the ninth captain in team history. Named a WHL B.C. Division First-Team following the 2023-24 season, the 6-foot-3, 208-pound defenceman was previously drafted 160th overall in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes (Utah Hockey Club). Now competing in what is his third full season in the WHL, Kipkie was originally drafted by the Victoria Royals in the sixth round (126th overall) of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft.

G – Rudy Guimond (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)
7-0-0-0 record, 1.26 GAA, .956 SV% & 2 SO in 7 GP in February

Holding a perfect 7-0-0-0 record in February, Detroit Red Wings prospect Rudy Guimond of the No. 1-ranked Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) is making his first-ever appearance in the CHL Team of the Month. Over his seven starts, the 19-year-old from Montreal, Que., allowed one goal or fewer on five occasions during the last month. The latter included a pair of shutouts: the first of which saw Guimond stop all 29 shots he faced against the Cape Breton Eagles on February 1, before he later registered a 20-save shutout against those same Cape Breton Eagles on February 21. The 6-foot-4, 175-pound netminder also made a career-high 42 saves in a big 4-1 victory over the Drummondville Voltigeurs on the last day of the month. In total, Guimond registered four performances with 25-plus saves in February. Over the last month, Guimond posted the CHL’s best goals-against average (1.26) and save percentage (.956) for any goalie with a minimum of five games played. Having been acquired by the Moncton Wildcats this past November after spending two seasons with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL, Guimond has provided his new QMJHL club with a big boost in net. The Red Wings prospect has won 13 consecutive games to kick start his QMJHL career, having registered a 1.59 goals-against average, .946 save percentage, and two shutouts over those 13 starts. Of any netminder in the CHL who has played a minimum of 10 games this season, Guimond’s 1.59 GAA and .946 save percentage rank first among that group. He’s also the only goalie within that cohort to have not suffered a loss during the 2024-25 campaign. Drafted in the sixth round (169th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Guimond is committed to play NCAA Division 1 hockey for Yale University next season in 2025-26.

OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH PRESENTED BY HOCKLEY VALLEY RESORT

Posted on March 1, 2025February 28, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Academic Players of the Month for February, proudly presented by Hockley Valley Resort.

East Division – Joshua Avery (Brantford Bulldogs)
Brantford Bulldogs forward Joshua Avery is the East Division Academic Player of the Month for February. The 18-year-old from Cavan, Ont., is currently excelling academically at Brantford Collegiate Institute. Cameron has achieved a 90% average in Grade 12 Data Management, a 93% average in Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership, and is maintaining excellent grades in Biology, Chemistry and English.

“Josh is carrying a heavy university workload this semester. He is conscientious student and has a great work ethic. He carries this exceptional work ethic onto the ice and into the community,” said Bulldogs Academic Advisor Maureen Alfano.

“Josh consistently demonstrates dedication to his studies. He is able to balance his academic excellence with his pursuit of high-level hockey. Josh has strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills and is an asset to any classroom. Josh drives to be the best at all. he is involved in and has a bright future ahead of him,” added one of his classroom teachers, Jessie Vance.

Brantford’s third round (54^th overall) pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Avery has appeared in 50 games this season, recording nine goals, 12 assists and 21 points. Over 57 regular season contests with the Bulldogs, the 6-foot-1, 170lb. forward has registered 25 points (10-15-25). NHL Central Scouting listed Avery as the 141st-ranked North American skater eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft in their midterm report. Avery represented the Eastern Conference in last month’s Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game.

Central Division – Grayson Tiller (Barrie Colts)
Barrie Colts blueliner Grayson Tiller is the Central Division Academic Player of the Month for February. Tiller is achieving high grades in his post-secondary studies at Athabasca University, maintaining an 88 percent average across Economics, Sociology, and Career Development.

“Grayson is involved in many of the Colts community events and is a leader on and off the ice,” said Colts Academic Advisor Brent Preston.

Selected in the third round (44^th overall) by Barrie in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, the 5-foot-10, 193lb. defenceman has tallied seven goals and 10 assists in 57 games played this season. Over his four-year OHL tenure, the St. Catharines, Ont. native has registered 11 goals, 38 assists and 49 points in 204 regular season contests.

Midwest Division – Tyler Challenger (Erie Otters)
Erie Otters first-year forward Tyler Challenger is the Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for February. Challenger has excelled in his Grade 11 studies at Fairview High School and Blyth Academy, achieving a 97 percent average in Innovation, 86 percent average in Public Speaking, a 75 percent average in French and a 90 percent average in Media Arts.

“Tyler has excelled in the classroom throughout this season, maintaining an average of 87% through his academic courses so far the school year. Tyler is a mature, responsible young man and he has transitioned into the OHL very well. He is a pleasure to work with both on and off the ice and is very deserving of this recognition,” said Otters Assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve.

A 16-year-old centreman from Mississauga, Ont., Challenger has registered six points (4-2-6) in 52 games played with the Otters this season after being selected 10th overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the North York Rangers U16 AAA program.

West Division – Rylan Fellinger (Flint Firebirds)
Flint Firebirds blueliner Rylan Fellinger is the West Division Academic Player of the Month. The 17-year-old from Wawa, Ont., is achieving academic excellence through five Grade 12 university-level courses at Linden High School and Blyth, including Academic Success, Criminology, Social Problems, Career Management, and English.

“Rylan is a dedicated student. He was able to finish all of his classes a month early and do well on them all. He had positive comments from his teacher and is always respectful. Doing well in school is important to him,” said Firebirds Academic Advisor, Elizabeth Hoffman.

Selected by Flint in the 13th round (255th overall) of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Fellinger has recorded three goals, three assists and six points in 53 games played this season. In 111 OHL regular-season contests, the 6-foot-4, 200lb. defenceman has recorded 10 points (3-7-10).

2024-25 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
February – Joshua Avery (Brantford Bulldogs)
January – Carson Cameron (Peterborough Petes)
December – Kohyn Eshkawkogan (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa Generals)
October – Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)

Central Division:
February – Grayson Tiller (Barrie Colts)
January – Troy Patton (Brampton Steelheads)
December – Ethan Dean (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Braidy Wassilyn (Niagara IceDogs)
October – Kent Greer (North Bay Battalion)

Midwest Division:
February – Tyler Challenger (Erie Otters)
January – Tristan Delisle (Owen Sound Attack)
December – Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
November – Andrew MacNiel (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Jimmy Sutherland (Guelph Storm)

West Division:
February – Rylan Fellinger (Flint Firebirds)
January – Conor Walton (Windsor Spitfires)
December – Keegan Gillen (Soo Greyhounds)
November – Hughston Hurt (Sarnia Sting)
October – Kaden Sienko (Saginaw Spirit)

Henry Brzustewicz– London Knights – Player Profile

Posted on February 22, 2025February 21, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Henry Brzustewicz of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

HT	WT	DOB	POS	S	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
6’1”	194	Feb 9, 2007	D	R	22^nd 2023	19^th NA	USA

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-2024	OHL	London Knights	52	2	4	6
2024-2025	OHL	London Knights	51	9	25	34

Henry Brzustewicz, born on February 9, 2007, in Washington, MI, USA, is a young defenseman that has shown immense potential and skill, making him a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. I will delve into his eligibility for the NHL Draft and provide a detailed scouting report.

Scouting Report

Brzustewicz is a right-handed defenseman known for his strong 200-foot game. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 194 lbs, he possesses the physical attributes necessary for a successful career in the NHL. Here are some key aspects of his game:

Skating: Brzustewicz is an excellent skater with smooth strides and agility. His ability to move quickly and efficiently on the ice allows him to cover a lot of ground and make crucial defensive plays.

Offensive Skills: He has a heavy one-timer and a powerful point shot, which makes him a threat on the power play. He also has a knack for getting his shots through. His offensive instincts are sharp, and he can create scoring opportunities for his team.

Defensive Skills: Brzustewicz is a reliable defenseman who excels in his own zone. He has a strong positional sense and can effectively shut down opposing forwards. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions under pressure is commendable.

Physicality: With his size and strength, Brzustewicz is not afraid to engage in physical battles. He can deliver solid checks and protect his goaltender, making him a valuable asset on the blue line.

Hockey IQ: His understanding of the game is advanced for his age. Brzustewicz can anticipate plays and react accordingly. It is a bona-fide asset.

Bloodlines

Henry Brzustewicz comes from a family with a strong hockey background. His brother, Hunter Brzustewicz, is also a talented defenseman who plays for the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL. Hunter was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The Brzustewicz brothers have both shown exceptional skill and dedication to the sport.

Conclusion

Henry Brzustewicz is undoubtedly a player to watch as the 2025 NHL Draft approaches. With his skill set, physical attributes, and strong hockey bloodlines, he has the potential to make an impact in the NHL. As he continues to develop and refine his game, fans and scouts alike will be eagerly anticipating his future in professional hockey.

OHL THIS WEEK:FEBRUARY 21 TO 23, 2025

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Michael Misa’s got over 50, Nick Lardis has 60, and Connor McDavid has the golden goal for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off! Here’s more from across the league.

Friday Night Faceoff – Steelheads at Knights:
The Brampton Steelheads are hitting their stride just in time for a visit to Canada Life Place to take on the first place London Knights! Tonight’s #FridayNightFaceoff matchup features the defending champion Knights taking on a Brampton squad that features top 2025 NHL Draft eligible Porter Martone, who recently set a new Trout single season record this past week, recording his 83rd point. Tune in tonight across the socials, on OHL Live and on YouTube at 7:00pm! Details

Peterborough to host 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game:
After a terrific inaugural event in Brantford last month, the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game presented by Enbridge Gas comes to Peterborough on January 14, 2026 as the OHL’s up-and-coming stars hit the ice at the Memorial Centre. Details

Watch the grand finale of Spirit Rising presented by Go Great Lakes Bay:
Watch the ninth and final episode of Spirit Rising presented by Go Great Lakes Bay as the event transitions to Rimouski and then to Kelowna in the coming years. Both the Oceanic and the Rockets draw inspiration from the Saginaw Spirit, who won on home ice last June. Watch on YouTube

Spirit surge to fifth in latest OHL Power Rankings:
The Saginaw Spirit are filling up the net! See who else is on the rise in the latest edition of OHL Power Rankings. Details

Knights, Spitfires, Rangers and Bulldogs included in Week 19 CHL Top 10 Rankings presented by Delta Hotels by Marriott:
The London Knights continued to sit atop the weekly CHL Top 10 Rankings while the Windsor Spitfires and Kitchener Rangers continue to trail and the Brantford Bulldogs make their season debut on the list. Details

Bulldogs’ Brown named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week:
New Jersey Devils prospect Cole Brown of the Brantford Bulldogs is the OHL Player of the Week, recording seven points (5-2–7) in a pair of Bulldogs victories. Details

67’s’ MacKenzie named OHL Goaltender of the Week:
Collin MacKenzie of the Ottawa 67’s is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-1 with a 2.00 goals-against average, a .941 save percentage and one shutout. Details

Attack’s Mbuyi named OHL Rookie of the Week once again:
For the second week in a row and the third time this season, Owen Sound Attack forward Pierce Mbuyi is the OHL Rookie of the Week having recorded seven points (3-4–7) over two contests. Details

Otters’ Edwards headlines OHL Plays of the Week:
Erie Otters forward Dylan Edwards headlines the OHL Plays of the Week, with other appearances from Brantford’s Nick Lardis, Sault Ste. Marie’s Travis Hayes, Brampton’s Porter Martone and Kitchener’s Cameron Reid. Watch

Surveying the week’s top stops with the Enbridge Gas OHL Saves of the Week:
See big saves from Erie’s Noah Erliden, Windsor’s Joey Costanzo, Peterborough’s Zach Bowen, Ottawa’s Collin MacKenzie and Niagara’s Owen Flores! Watch

OHL Milestone Moments presented by Syngenta Canada and Grain Farmers of Ontario:
Check out first career OHL markers from Guelph’s Rowan Topp, Barrie’s Ethan Armstrong and Kingston’s Landon Wright on the latest round of OHL Milestone Moments. Watch

Registration ongoing for OHL Performance Development Program:
The OHL PDP takes place in seven cities across Ontario every Sunday starting April 27th through June 22nd and stands as Ontario’s leading off-season hockey training initiative, specifically designed for minor hockey players seeking to elevate their game. Details & Registration

Latest Moves:

Rangers sign coaching trio to multi-year extensions:
The Kitchener Rangers announced Wednesday that they’ve signed head coach Jussi Ahokas, associate Jeff Kyrzakos and assistant Brad Flynn to multi-year contract extensions. Details

Colts sign former 15th round pick William Schneid:
The Barrie Colts have signed 15th round 2023 OHL Priority Selection choice William Schneid, who is currently playing at Northwood School in Lake Placid, NY. The 2007-born forward from Camillus, NY was recently named to NHL Central Scouting’s midterm list for the 2025 NHL Draft, ranking as the 202nd North American skater on the list. Details

Community Corner:

Talk Today Month in the OHL:
The Ontario Hockey League is excited to announce another Talk Today Month in the OHL. Proudly presented by Syngenta Canada and Grain Farmers of Ontario, Talk Today Month sees all 20 OHL member teams host mental health awareness games in collaboration with CMHA branches. Details

Rangers, Rangers Reach and KidsAbility unveil Kitchener Ranger Movement Room mural:
On Wednesday, February 19th at KidsAbility’s newest King Street location, the Kitchener Rangers, in partnership with Rangers Reach, and KidsAbility unveiled a new mural in the Kitchener Rangers Movement Room. Back in November of 2023, The Kitchener Rangers and Rangers Reach announced a significant contribution of $100,000 to the KidsAbility Foundation, a collaborative effort to fund a new therapy room. Read more at kitchenerrangers.com

Rangers host Kids Takeover, #CHLJerseyContest on Friday:
Brought to you by Real Canadian Superstore, Rangers players will once again be wearing the winning design from the CHL Jersey Contest for their Next Generation Game. This game is an exciting and interactive experience for kids ages 12 and under! In this family-friendly game, kids help out the Rangers staff at various levels of the game operations. All player jerseys from the game will be auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going to President’s Choice Children’s Charity to help feed one million kids each year. The Real Canadian Superstore jersey contests have collectively raised over $375,000, help us raise even more this year!

Steelheads host Pucks N’ Paws Game on Saturday:
Bring your dog to the game on Saturday in Brampton as the Steelheads take on the Sudbury Wolves at 4:00pm! During intermission, the excitement reaches a whole new level with the fan-favourite dog race on the ice!

Spits host Superhero Night on Sunday:
Unleash your inner hero on this night where fans of all ages can come dressed as their favourite Superhero. Fans will receive a Limited Edition Super Hero Mask while quantities last. Catch the Spits in their Wolverine Jerseys!

Alumni News:

Eight OHL Alumni lead Canada to victory at 4 Nations Face-Off:
Former Red Tilson Trophy recipients Mitch Marner and Connor McDavid connected for the overtime-winning goal as Canada prevailed over the United States by a score of 3-2 in the 4 Nationals Face-Off Championship Final on Thursday night in Boston. Owen Sound Attack alumnus Jordan Binnington came up with several big saves along the way as a total of eight OHL graduates came together to put Canada atop the podium. Details

CHL Alumni Spotlight – Sean Durzi:
A former OHL champion with the Guelph Storm, Sean Durzi has ascended through the ranks to become an NHL regular with the Utah Hockey Club. The former 12th round OHL Priority Selection choice became a fan favorite with the Owen Sound Attack. Watch

OHL Celebrates Black Heritage Month – Anthony Stewart:
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is celebrating Black Heritage Month by highlighting a former OHL player each week in February who continues to find success both on and off the ice. This week’s spotlight focused on former Kingston Frontenacs star turned NHL forward Anthony Stewart. Details

Cal O’Reilly plays 1,000th AHL contest:
Former Windsor Spitfires forward Cal O’Reilly hit a major milestone on Thursday, suiting up in his 1,000th career American Hockey League contest. O’Reilly, from Seaforth, Ont., is just the ninth player in AHL history to accomplish the feat, reaching the milestone back where his pro career first started with the Milwaukee Admirals. Now 38, O’Reilly played three seasons in Windsor from 2003-06, recording 99 points in his final season. He was a fifth round pick by Nashville in 2005. O’Reilly has appeared in 145 career NHL games over the course of his lengthy pro career.

PETERBOROUGH TO HOST 2026 CONNOR MCDAVID OHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME PRESENTED BY ENBRIDGE GAS

Posted on February 20, 2025February 19, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – After setting a high bar with skill on display, plenty of physicality and a thrilling overtime finish before a capacity crowd last month in Brantford, the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game presented by Enbridge Gas comes to Peterborough in 2026, the home of the league’s longest continuously operating franchise.

Opening its doors with the advent of the Petes in 1956, the Peterborough Memorial Centre is one of the OHL’s iconic venues and will host next year’s event on Wednesday January 14, 2026.

The inaugural showcase brought close to 200 NHL scouts out to see the Ontario Hockey League’s rising stars on display in an East vs. West format, one decided in favour of the Eastern Conference on an overtime goal by Peterborough’s own Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads.

“I’ve heard so much positive feedback from folks across the league, colleagues with the National Hockey League, our great fans and the players themselves on this exciting event,” said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. “Brantford was a great spot to launch, and Peterborough presents a tremendous opportunity for the league to build upon that foundation and take this event to the next level.”

Featuring a hometown star eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft in third overall 2024 OHL Priority Selection choice Colin Fitzgerald, the Petes are eager to welcome fans, scouts and the OHL community to the Liftlock City next January.

“We’re very excited to be co-hosting the 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects game with the City of Peterborough at the Peterborough Memorial Centre,” noted Petes General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke. “This is a great opportunity for our fans to see some of the top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft up close as they face-off against each other. We’re also looking forward to hosting fans from all across Ontario, as we know this game will be embraced by the entire OHL community. This provides us with an excellent opportunity to showcase the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Memorial Centre. We will be announcing some special events in the future that will be sure to make the experience for both fans and participants a memorable one.”

Winners of 10 OHL championships including one as recently as 2023, the Petes are part of Peterborough’s community fabric and identity, inspiring on the ice, but also through charitable initiatives such as their annual Pink in the Rink campaign that recently raised $45,153 for Pedal for Hope, a part of Cops for Cancer at the Canadian Cancer Society.

The franchise that produced such names as Steve Yzerman, Chris Pronger, Bob Gainey and Eric and Jordan Staal has the entire city of Peterborough excited about what’s to come.

“Peterborough is home to one of Ontario’s most passionate hockey communities,” said Jeff Leal, Mayor of the City of Peterborough. “We are pleased to welcome the OHL Top Prospects Game to our city – an excellent opportunity to showcase our facilities, and our love for the game on a national stage. This event will be an inspiring one for future hockey stars, players and fans and will generate positive economic impact for local businesses and community members. We look forward to working with the Peterborough Petes, the OHL, and our local hockey community to create a memorable experience for all.”

Peterborough Petes season ticket holders will have first access to securing tickets for the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game. Other special events planned around the game will be announced this fall.

OHL CUP U16 Top 10 Rankings Week 13

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 13 edition of the weekly U16 AAA rankings for the 2025 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

The 2025 OHL Cup will feature 20 teams consisting of talent eligible for the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. Starting with three Wild Card Play-In matchups on Monday, March 24, all games will be played at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Friday, March 28.

The playoffs are about to begin across the province and the Huron-Perth Lakers, Sun County Panthers and Toronto Marlboros are all climbing the Top-10 as the pace picks up!

The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.

U16 AAA Rankings for the 2025 OHL Cup – Week 13

RANK:	TEAM:	LAST WEEK	WEEKS RANKED
1	Don Mills Flyers (GTHL)	1	13
2	Detroit Little Caesars	2	12
3	Toronto Titans (GTHL)	3	13
4	Huron-Perth Lakers (ALLIANCE)	5	13
5	Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)	4	13
6	Ottawa Valley Titans (HEO)	6	13
7	Sun County Panthers (ALLIANCE)	8	13
8	Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)	9	12
9	Vaughan Kings (GTHL)	7	6
10	Oakville Rangers (OMHA)	10	7

HM	Waterloo Wolves (ALLIANCE)	–	–
HM	Toronto Red Wings (GTHL)	–	9
HM	Halton Hurricanes (OMHA)	–	2

OHL THIS WEEK:FEBRUARY 14 TO 17, 2025

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

It’s Family Day weekend! Getting you primed for a full slate of OHL action with playoff races heating up!

Friday Night Faceoff – Rangers at Frontenacs:
Prepare for a cross-conference clash of contenders on Friday as the Kingston Frontenacs welcome the Kitchener Rangers to Slush Puppie Place, seeking to set a new franchise record as they hunt down their 10th consecutive win on home ice. Details

Spirit’s Chernyshov named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week:
San Jose Sharks prospect Igor Chernyshov of the Saginaw Spirit is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering five goals, five assists and 10 points over three contests. Details

Bulldogs’ Leenders named OHL Goaltender of the Week:
Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryerson Leenders of the Brantford Bulldogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, going 2-0-1-0 along with a 1.98 goals-against average, and a .944 save percentage. Details

Attack’s Mbuyi named OHL Rookie of the Week:
Owen Sound Attack forward Pierce Mbuyi is the OHL Rookie of the Week for the second time this season, recording three goals and assists over three contests. Details

OHL Plays of the Week:
Bringing you another edition of OHL Plays of the Week, featuring Flint’s Matthew Mania, Sault Ste. Marie’s Marco Mignosa, London’s Jared Woolley, Erie’s Gabriel Frasca and Brantford’s duo of Nick Lardis and Jake O’Brien. Watch

OHL Saves of the Week presented by Enbridge Gas:
Taking a look at the latest edition of OHL Saves of the Week! This week features standout moments from Ottawa’s Jaeden Nelson, North Bay’s Mike McIvor, Owen Sound’s Carter George, Kingston’s Gavin Betts and Guelph’s Colin Ellsworth. Watch

Knights, Rangers, Spitfires, Colts included in Week 18 edition of CHL Top 10 Rankings:
The London Knights (1), Kitchener Rangers (5), Windsor Spitfires (8) and Barrie Colts (9) have been included in the Week 18 edition of the CHL Top 10 Rankings. Details

Knights bounce back in Week 20 OHL Power Rankings:
The London Knights return to the top spot in the Week 20 edition of the OHL Power Rankings. Details

Bulldogs’ Lardis becomes first CHL player to 50 goals:
Nick Lardis continues his dominant season, becoming the first OHL player since 2020 to hit the 50-goal mark in under 50 games! The Bulldogs star wasted no time, opening the scoring early as Brantford took a 1-0 lead on Friday Night Faceoff. Watch

Latest Moves:

Otters hire Kris Mallette as 11th Head Coach in club history:
General manager Dave Brown, director of hockey operations Scott Grieve, and the Erie Otters organization announced on Tuesday morning that long-time Kelowna Rockets coach and Western Hockey League alum Kris Mallette has been hired as the 11^th head coach in team history by Erie. Details

Greyhounds sign goaltender Noah Tegelaar:
The Soo Greyhounds have signed former second round OHL Under-18 Priority Selection choice Noah Tegelaar to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. The 18-year-old from Georgetown, Ont. is having a standout season with the OJHL’s Collingwood Blues. Details

Petes sign Draft-eligible goaltender Dylan Lee-Stack:
The Peterborough Petes have signed American goaltender Dylan Lee-Stack to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Lee-Stack, a native of New York, NY, attended both Petes development and training camp as an undrafted free-agent in 2024. Last season, the 2007-born goaltender featured in 18 games for the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16U, sporting a 2.83 GAA. Details

Attack’s McDonald commits to Robert Morris:
Owen Sound Attack overage forward Bruce McDonald has announced his commitment to Robert Morris University for the 2025-26 NCAA hockey season. Details

Other News:

Frontenacs reaping the rewards of Tyler Hopkins’ breakout season:
Draft eligible Kingston Frontenacs centreman Tyler Hopkins is enjoying a breakout season in his NHL Draft year under head coach Troy Mann. See Hopkins and the Fronts on this week’s Friday Night Faceoff. Read more

Otters issue statement on status and future of organization:
As Erie and the hockey world continue to heal from the sudden and heartbreaking loss of beloved owner, governor, and CEO of the Erie Otters, Jim Waters, questions would arise of the status of the team and organization’s future. Jim’s love and passion for the Otters, for Erie, and for creating one of the most premier franchises in the Ontario Hockey League was evident to anyone who ever interacted with the larger-than-life personality – and that was most obvious to his family. It is with this shared passion of their husband and father’s vision that the Waters Family are excited to continue the legacy and tradition of business and hockey excellence of the Erie Otters for the future. Details

Explore the OHL – Kingston Frontenacs:
Explore the city of Kingston! The Ontario Hockey League is home to 20 teams—17 in Canada and three in the United States. Shifting the focus beyond hockey operations, the OHL aims to highlight the distinctiveness of each member club. Details

Community Corner:

The OHL celebrates Black Heritage Month:
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is celebrating Black Heritage Month by highlighting a former OHL player each week in February who continues to find success both on and off the ice. Details

Petes announce fundraising total of $45,153 for the 16th annual Pink in the Rink campaign:
The Peterborough Petes have officially announced their fundraising total for the 16th Annual Pink in the Rink Campaign. A total of $45,153 has been raised in support of Pedal for Hope, a part of Cops for Cancer at the Canadian Cancer Society. Details

Valentines Day across the League:
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and teams across the OHL are celebrating! Don’t miss the chance to bring your special someone to the rink and take part in love-themed activities as Barrie, Flint, Kingston, Saginaw, Owen Sound, and Guelph host special date nights. Visit team websites for more information.

IceDogs to host Superhero Day on Sunday:
Make this Family Day Weekend SUPER special and fly on down for the Niagara IceDogs’ Superhero Day on February 16th! The IceDogs will be swapping their traditional reds for superhero-themed jerseys in support of the Niagara Children’s Centre. Details

Family Day in the OHL:
Celebrate Family Day with the OHL! Monday’s action-packed schedule features 10 games filled with family-themed fun. Don’t miss out on the excitement, visit team websites for more information!

Alumni Notes:

14 OHL alumni competing in 4 Nations Face-Off:
The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off will be held from Feb. 12-20 in Montreal and Boston, featuring teams of NHL players from Finland, Sweden, Canada, and the United States competing in a round-robin tournament. The four teams competing in the 4 Nations Face-Off have finalized their rosters for the new best-on-best event, with 14 graduates from the Ontario Hockey League participating. Details

Matthew Schaefer – Erie Otters – Player Profile

Posted on February 8, 2025February 7, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters. Photo by OHL Images.

HT	WT	DOB	POS	SH	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	NAT
6’2”	183	Sep 5, 2007	D	L	1^st 2023	1^st NA	CAN

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-2024	OHL	Erie Otters	56	3	14	17
2024-2025	OHL	Erie Otters	17	7	15	22

When it comes to the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, few names have generated as much buzz as Matthew Schaefer. As a defenseman playing for the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League, Schaefer has quickly become a standout player, drawing attention from scouts and fans alike. With the Draft on the horizon, it’s time to take a closer look at this promising young talent.

Early Career and Development

Matthew Schaefer’s journey to becoming a top prospect began at a young age. Known for his dedication and work ethic, Schaefer has consistently demonstrated his commitment to improving his game. His time with the Erie Otters has been marked by steady progress and impressive performances, making him a key player for the team, regardless of the time he has missed due to injuries.

Scouting Report

Versatility and Mobility

One of Schaefer’s most notable attributes is his versatility. As a left-handed defenseman, he excels at both ends of the ice. His elite mobility, intelligence, and anticipation make him a formidable presence in puck handling and rushes. Schaefer’s ability to move the puck up the ice and control the pace of the game is a testament to his skating agility and hockey IQ.

Offensive Prowess

Offensively, Schaefer is a constant threat. He keeps opponents on their toes with his movement, creating opportunities for his teammates. His shot will not overpower goaltenders but accuracy and shooting with a purpose makes his shot dangerous. He is difficult to counter, and can exploit openings and create scoring opportunities with his vision and elite level playmaking.

Defensive Reliability

Defensively, Schaefer is just as impressive. He logs significant minutes on the top pair and is trusted by his coaches in all situations. His ability to anticipate plays and his fluid skating ensure that he is rarely caught out of position. Even when taking offensive risks, Schaefer’s calculated approach minimizes dangers for his team. He is also elite at retrieving pucks and quickly transitioning the other way.

Physicality

Schaefer is not afraid to engage physically. In one-on-one situations, he uses his size and strength to his advantage, making him a well-rounded defenseman capable of handling the physical demands of the game.

Achievements and Highlights

Schaefer’s performance at the Hlinka-Gretzky Tournament further solidified his status as a top prospect. With 5 points in 3 games for Team Canada, he showcased his ability to perform on the international stage. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, and he is widely regarded as the best defensemen eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft.

Conclusion

Matthew Schaefer is the perfect example of the modern defenseman. His combination of versatility, mobility, offensive prowess, defensive reliability, and physicality make him a highly sought-after prospect. As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Schaefer to see where his promising career will take him next.

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