CHERNYSHOV, LEENDERS AND MBUYI NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, February 9, 2025.

Spirit’s Igor 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.

Chernyshov opened the week with a pair of goals and an assist on Wednesday to earn first star honours in a 6-3 win over the Windsor Spitfires. He followed up with a goal and an assist in a 4-2 loss to the Brantford Bulldogs on Friday, earning third star honours. Chernyshov delivered a dominant five-point outing on Saturday, registering a pair of goals and three assists to earn first star honours in a high-scoring 10-7 win against the Guelph Storm.

The 19-year-old from Penza, Russia overcame offseason shoulder surgery and has appeared in five games with the Spirit this season, tallying eight goals, six assists and 14 points. He was Saginaw’s first round (56th overall) pick in the the 2024 CHL Import Draft. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 225lb., Chernyshov was selected in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks.

Also considered for the award this week, Spirit teammate and top 2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Michael Misa posted four goals and seven assists. Another top 2025 NHL Draft prospect, Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads, stood out with nine points (3-6-9) in two games.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Igor Chernyshov (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Tuomas Uronen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Kocha Delic (Sudbury Wolves)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara IceDogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Blake Montgomery (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Calvin Crombie (Brantford Bulldogs)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Kevin He (Niagara IceDogs)
Sep. 25 – Sept. 29: Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)


Bulldogs’ Ryerson 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.

Turning aside an impressive 101 shots last week, Leenders made 37 of those stops in a 2-1 win over the Sudbury Wolves on Wednesday to earn first star honours. He returned to the crease on Friday, making 31 saves in a 4-2 win against the Saginaw Spirit. Leenders wrapped up the week on Saturday, turning aside 34 of 37 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Windsor Spitfires.

An 18-year-old from Nanticoke, Ont., Leenders is 19-11-3-0 on the season, with a 3.20 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in 33 games played. The former second-round (32nd overall) pick by Mississauga in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection is now in his third OHL season, owning a career mark of 55-43-10-0 with a 3.25 goals-against average, .900 save percentage and three shutouts over 114 regular season games. Leenders was selected in the seventh round (202nd overall) by Buffalo at the 2024 NHL Draft last summer.

Also considered for the award this week, Brampton Steelheads netminder Jack Ivankovic went 2-0-0-0 including a shutout with a 1.50 goals-against average and .944 save percentage, while Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals was also a standout in the crease, going 3-0-0-0 including a shutout, along with a 1.00 goals-against average and .948 save percentage.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Austin Elliott (London Knights)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Nolan Lalonde (Soo Greyhounds)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Easton Rye (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Andrew Oke (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Finn Marshall (Sudbury Wolves)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads)

Attack’s Pierce 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.

Mbuyi kicked off the week with his second hat-trick of the season on Friday, scoring it in a span of seven-and-a-half minutes in the first period in the Attack’s 4-3 loss to Kitchener. He claimed second star recognition again on Saturday with two primary assists in a 4-1 win over North Bay. The 5-foot-10, 153lb. forward capped the week with another assist on Sunday as Owen Sound fell 4-2 to the Kingston Frontenacs.

A 16-year-old left-winger from Mississauga, Ont., Mbuyi leads OHL rookies with 20 goals as part of a total of 33 points through 46 games. The Attack selected Mbuyi with their first round (7th overall) pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA program.

Also considered for the award this week, Carson Harmer of the Saginaw Spirit and Lev Katzin of the Guelph Storm each recorded four points (2-2–4).

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Regular Season:
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Jacob Cloutier (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Dimian Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Carson Harmer (Saginaw Spirit)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Logan Hawery (London Knights)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Liam Beamish (Sarnia Sting)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Carter Stevens (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Cole Zurawski (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)

CHL Team of the Month presented by CCM: January 2025

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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

F – Ben Kindel (Calgary Hitmen / WHL)
8G-20A, 28 PTS, +20 in 14 GP in January

Having led all skaters in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and CHL in scoring over the last month with 28 points (8G-20A), 2025 NHL Draft prospect Ben Kindel of the No. 9-ranked Calgary Hitmen (WHL) is making his first appearance of the 2024-25 season in the CHL Team of the Month. Held off the scoresheet on just two occasions through January, the 17-year-old from Coquitlam, B.C., recorded eight multi-point outings, including a career-high five points (2G-3A) against the Moose Jaw Warriors on January 22. Between November 8 to January 12, Kindel recorded a point in 23 straight games, setting a new franchise record for the longest point streak by a Calgary Hitmen player – besting the previous mark of 20 consecutive games set by Pavel Brendl in 1999. Kindel’s strong play in January was no doubt also important to his team’s success. Since New Year’s Day, Calgary has won 12 of 15 games (12-2-0-1) and they moved into the CHL Top-10 Rankings for the first time this season in January. Kindel’s offensive outburst has helped him climb up to fourth in CHL scoring in 2024-25. His 81 points rank as the second-most by a 2025 NHL Draft prospect in the CHL, as he sits behind Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa (88 points) among that group. Kindel also ranks third in the WHL in scoring, trailing only Spokane Chiefs forward Andrew Cristall (89 points) and Medicine Hat Tigers forward Gavin McKenna (88 points). Identified by NHL Central Scouting as the 20th-ranked skater in North America ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, Kindel was one of 17 CHL players ranked by NHL Central Scouting among the top 20 North American skaters in their Midterm Rankings. Earlier this season, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound forward 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. Selected 43rd overall (2nd Round) by the Calgary Hitmen at the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, Kindel won a gold medal playing for Team Canada at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer.

F – Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL)
7G-19A, 26 PTS, +17 in 11 GP in January

Fresh off his experience at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship with Team Canada, 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna of the No.7-ranked Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) is making his third appearance of the 2024-25 campaign in the CHL Team of the Month. Not only is he the lone player in the CHL to be featured on the CHL Team of the Month for a third time this season, McKenna is also the only one to have made more than one appearance in 2024-25. In January, averaging 2.36 points per game, McKenna tallied seven goals and 19 assists for 26 points in 11 contests. His 26 points ranked second in both CHL and WHL scoring for January, trailing only Calgary Hitmen forward Ben Kindel (28 points). Over the last month, McKenna recorded nine games with two points or more, which included tallying his fourth career WHL hat-trick in a 7-3 Tigers’ victory over the No.4-ranked Everett Silvertips on January 29. The 17-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, is currently in the midst of a 26-game point streak, having registered 59 points (18G-41A) in 26 straight WHL contests dating back to November 4. McKenna’s current 26-game point streak is the second longest in the CHL this season, behind only London Knights forward Easton Cowan (29 straight games). McKenna also hit a major milestone on January 31 against the Portland Winterhawks when he reached 200 career points in his 118th career regular season game. The latter made him the third-fastest skater in the WHL to hit the mark since 1996, trailing only reigning NHL Rookie of the Year and Regina Pats alumnus Connor Bedard (107 games) and Calgary Hitmen alum Pavel Brendl (96 games). McKenna’s performances have played a big part in the Tigers’ current 13-game point streak (12-0-0-1), which saw the team string together 12 victories in a row and climb to second in the WHL’s overall standings. Last month, Medicine Hat also made its return to the CHL Top-10 Rankings for the first time since October 22. As of February 5, with 87 points in 42 games, McKenna sits tied for second in scoring in the CHL, just one point shy of the leader Spokane Chiefs forward Andrew Cristall. 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. Most recently, at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, McKenna became the eighth youngest player to ever suit up for Team Canada at a World Juniors. Following the 2023-24 season, 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.

F – Rémi Gélinas (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / QMJHL)
14G-6A, 20 PTS, +6 in 12 GP in January

Having led both the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and the CHL with 14 goals during January, Rémi Gélinas of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) is making his first career appearance in the CHL Team of the Month. The 19-year-old from St-Eustache, Que., didn’t fail to register a point in all 12 of his contests last month. Specifically, Gélinas lit the lamp in 10 games in January and he also registered four multi-goal outings during that time. By tallying a point in his dozen appearances last month, Gélinas has now scored a point in all 14 games he has played in since coming back from the holiday break on December 29. His current 14-game point streak is the longest active point streak in the QMJHL. Over the month of January, Gélinas also recorded six multi-point games, including a pair of consecutive three-point contests against the Sherbrooke Phoenix and the No.2-ranked Moncton Wildcats on January 9 and 11 respectively. Gélinas has only played 16 career games in the QMJHL. He made his way to the QMJHL from the Hawkesbury Hawks of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) and made his debut with the Huskies on December 13. After failing to register a point in his first two career games in the QMJHL, Gélinas has since found the scoresheet in each of his last 14 appearances. Currently averaging 1.63 points per game, Gélinas ranks as the second-most productive player in the QMJHL behind only that league’s scoring leader Jonathan Fauchon of the Rimouski Océanic (1.64 points per game). Looking ahead to his future Gélinas has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Clarkson University and join that program for the start of the 2026-27 hockey and academic year.

D – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit / OHL)
11G-10A, 21 PTS, +14  in 10 GP in January

Having led all CHL and OHL defencemen with 11 goals and 21 points in January, Calgary Flames prospect Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit (OHL) is making his first appearance of the 2024-25 season in the CHL Team of the Month. In 10 games in January, the 2024 Memorial Cup Champion produced a point in all but one contest, which included matching a career-best five points (3G-2A) against the Guelph Storm on January 18. Impressively, over the last month, the 18-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., also scored a goal in six different contests and registered a pair of hat tricks. Thanks to his offensive output in January, let alone his current nine-game point streak, Parekh leads all CHL defencemen with 24 goals and 67 points this season. If Parekh were to reach 30 goals in 2024-25, he would become only the sixth defenceman in CHL history to have repeated as a 30-goal scorer (QMJHL: David Ezard & Jonathan Gauthier; OHL: Bobby Orr; WHL: Greg Hawgood & Paul Buczkowski). Additionally, in January, Parekh officially became the Spirit’s all-time leading scorer among defencemen, as he now has recorded 78 goals and 122 assists for 200 career points in 158 OHL regular-season games. 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. Having been chosen to the CHL’s First All-Star Team after amassing 96 points in 66 games in 2023-24, Parekh is one just two CHL blueliners over the last 20 years to have topped 95 points in a single season. By going ninth overall to the Calgary Flames at the 2024 NHL Draft, Parekh became the highest-drafted player in Saginaw Spirit history. The 18-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 – Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds / OHL)
1G-18A, 19 PTS, +10 in 12 GP in January

After registering one goal and 18 assists in 12 games in January, 2026 NHL Draft prospect Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds is making his first-ever appearance on the CHL Team of the Month. Playing in his first full month in the OHL, the 17-year-old from Chesterfield, Michigan, led all CHL rearguards with 18 assists in January, and he trailed only Saginaw Spirit blueliner Zayne Parekh (21 points) in terms of scoring by a defenceman. No rookie defenceman in the CHL, let alone any first-year skater in the OHL, had more points in January than Chase Reid. In total, the Greyhounds blueliner recorded six multi-point outings, including a trio of three-point efforts (vs. PBO on Jan. 3; @ PBO on Jan. 16; vs. KIT on Jan. 29). Thanks to his strong play in January, Reid is currently averaging 1.20 points per game during the 2024-25 campaign, which ranks first among CHL rookie blueliners and sixth among all defencemen in the OHL. For his efforts over the last month, Reid was recognized as the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for January – making him the first defenceman to earn this award since Zayne Parekh achieved the feat in December 2022. Reid joined the Greyhounds from the Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) in December. Since making his debut on December 11, the 17-year-old has collected 24 points (2G-22A) over 20 games in his first season in the OHL. The former seventh-round (125th overall) pick by the Greyhounds in 2023 is a December 30, 2007 birthday, and he won’t be eligible for the NHL Draft until 2026.

G – Alexis Cournoyer (Cape Breton Eagles / QMJHL)
5-2-0-1 record, 1.61 GAA, .946 SV% & 2 SO in 8 GP in January

Having led the CHL with a .946 save percentage and two shutouts in January, goaltender Alexis Cournoyer of the Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL) is making his first career appearance in the CHL Team of the Month. Over his eight starts, the 20-year-old from Trois-Rivières, Que., allowed one goal or fewer on six occasions during the last month. The latter included a pair of shutouts: the first of which saw Cournoyer turn aside all 28 shots he faced against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan on January 3, before he later registered a 21-save shutout against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens on January 26. Cournoyer also made a career-high 34 saves in an important 5-1 victory over the Acadie-Bathurst Titan on January 4. Over the last month, Cournoyer also recorded a 1.61 goals-against average, which ranked third among goalies in the CHL in January. His performance last month no doubt was a big part of the Eagles’ 7-2-1-1 record in January, as Cape Breton seeks to climb the QMJHL standings ahead of the playoffs. Having only joined the Eagles in December, Cournoyer has had an immediate impact. His 1.62 goals-against average and .946 save percentage are the best of any QMJHL goaltender in 2024-25 who has played more than 500 minutes this season. Before his time in Cape Breton, the 20-year-old had previously only played in two career QMJHL regular-season games with the Shawinigan Cataractes. Specifically, Cournoyer was acquired from the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in exchange for a 9th-round draft pick in 2026 on December 19 to help support in the absence of Nashville Predators prospect Jakub Milota who spent his holidays representing Czechia at the 2025 World Juniors. Prior to joining the Eagles this season, Cournoyer was playing with the Truro Bearcats of the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL), where he had a .927 save percentage and a 2.83 goals-against average in 21 starts in 2024-25.

CHL Top-10 Rankings presented by Delta Hotels by Marriott: London holds firm at No.1 for a tenth straight week, while Barrie reenters the Top 10

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — Today, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced the Week 17 edition of its CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2024-25 season.

Holding a CHL-best 38 wins and a .819 points percentage, the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) remain in the top spot for a tenth week in a row. Meanwhile, having climbed up a pair of places, the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) are back in second – sitting among the top three for the 14th time in 16 weeks. Only the Knights have more wins and a better points percentage across the CHL than the Wildcats (36 wins & .804). Lastly, having also jumped up two spots, the Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL rank among the top three for the first time since October 22. The 2025 Memorial Cup hosts have earned a point in 13 of their last 14 (11-1-1-1), including 11 wins over that stretch, and trail only Moncton in the QMJHL overall standings.

Among other notable changes to this week’s rankings is the return of the OHL’s Barrie Colts to the Top 10 for the first time in a month. With a point in eight straight games (7-0-1-0), the longest active streak of its kind in the OHL, the Colts have climbed up to tenth. Additionally, a pair of Western Hockey League (WHL) clubs are among this week’s biggest risers. With seven wins over their last nine, averaging 6.00 goals per game over that stretch, the Spokane Chiefs are up to sixth. Plus, amid the longest active point streak in the CHL at 13 games (12-0-0-1), the Medicine Hat Tigers have risen for a second straight week – this time to No. 7.

The next rankings will be released the week of February 10, following the 18th week of regular season action in all three member leagues of the CHL.

CHL Top-10 Rankings – Week 17
1. London Knights (OHL)
2. Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
3. Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
4. Everett Silvertips (WHL)
5. Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
6. Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
7. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
8. Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
9. Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
10. Barrie Colts (OHL)

For information and details about each individual club ranked in the CHL’s latest Top-10 Rankings, please visit chl.ca/video/2024-25-chl-top-10-rankings-week-17.

LARDIS, GEORGE AND CLOUTIER NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, October 13, 2024.



Bulldogs’ Nick Lardis Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering seven goals, two assists and nine points in three road wins last week.

Lardis opened the week with a goal on Thursday in a 3-2 win over the North Bay Battalion. He followed up with a two-goal, one-assist performance in 6-4 victory over the Soo Greyhounds on Friday. The 5-foot-11, 185lb. right-winger closed out the week with a career-high five-point performance on Sunday, registering four goals and an assist to earn first star honours in a 9-3 win against the Sudbury Wolves.

The 19-year-old from Oakville, Ont., leads all OHL skaters in goals and ranks second in points this season with 48 goals, 33 assists, and 81 points in 47 games. Selected in the third round (67th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft, Lardis has recorded 132 goals, 101 assists, and 233 points in 216 regular season games over four seasons spent between the Bulldogs and Peterborough Petes after being drafted sixth overall by Peterborough in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. He has also found success on the international stage, winning bronze with Team Canada at the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship.

Also considered for the award this week, Calgary Flames prospect Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit tallied three goals and five assists over three games. Fellow Flames prospect Jacob Battaglia of the Kingston Frontenacs also impressed, notching eight points (3-5-8) in three contests.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Tuomas Uronen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Kocha Delic (Sudbury Wolves)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara IceDogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Blake Montgomery (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Calvin Crombie (Brantford Bulldogs)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Kevin He (Niagara IceDogs)
Sep. 25 – Sept. 29: Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)



Attack’s Carter George Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Los Angeles Kings prospect Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, going 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage.

Turning aside 59 shots last week, George stopped 30 of the 31 shots that came his way on Saturday in a 3-1 victory against the Ottawa 67’s. The 6-foot-1, 190lb. netminder returned between the pipes on Sunday, making 29 saves on 31 shots to earn second star honours in a 5-3 win over the Brampton Steelheads.

An 18-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ont, George holds an 8-17-2-3 record this season with a 3.53 goals-against average and .902 save percentage over 31 games. Drafted in the third round (53rd overall) by Owen Sound in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, George is in his third OHL season, with a career record of 38-41-8-6, a 3.28 goals-against average, .907 save percentage, and four shutouts in 97 regular season games played. Selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round (57th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, George earned recognition as the OHL’s Top Academic High School Player and Scholastic Player of the Year in 2023-24. He was also voted to the League’s Third All-Star Team and the First All-Rookie Team. On the international stage, he claimed gold with Team Canada at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the Under-18 World Championship last season.

Also considered for the award this week, Edmonton Oilers prospect Nathan Day of the Flint Firebirds was excellent, going 1-0-0-1 with a 1.44 goals-against average and .953 save percentage, while Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryerson Leenders of the Brantford Bulldogs played to a 2-0 record, along with a 2.50 goals-against average and .924 save percentage.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Austin Elliott (London Knights)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Nolan Lalonde (Soo Greyhounds)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Easton Rye (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Andrew Oke (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Finn Marshall (Sudbury Wolves)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads)



Spirit’s Jacob Cloutier Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Saginaw Spirit forward Jacob Cloutier is the OHL Rookie of the Week, recording three goals in three games played.

Cloutier opened the week with a goal on Thursday in a 9-5 loss to the Saginaw Spirit. After a 5-4 win over the Kitchener Rangers on Saturday, the 5-foot-10, 170lb. right-winger registered a pair of goals on Sunday, helping the Spirit skate past the Soo Greyhounds 5-2.

Selected in the second round (35th overall) by Saginaw in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, the Ottawa, Ont., native has tallied 18 goals, 20 assists, and a league-leading 38 points among rookies in 47 games this season. Appearing in four games with the Spirit during the 2023-24 campaign, Cloutier spent the majority of last season with Saginaw’s GOJHL affiliate, the Chatham Maroons, where he recorded 31 points (11-20-31) in 29 contests.

Also considered for the award this week, Beckham Edwards of the Sarnia Sting recorded four points (2-2–4), while Niagara IceDogs netminder Matthew Humphries went 0-0-0-1 with a 2.77 goals-against average and .927 save percentage.

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Jacob Cloutier (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Dimian Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Carson Harmer (Saginaw Spirit)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Logan Hawery (London Knights)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Liam Beamish (Sarnia Sting)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Carter Stevens (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Cole Zurawski (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)

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

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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

East Division – Carson Cameron (Peterborough Petes)
Peterborough Petes defenceman Carson Cameron is the East Division Academic Player of the Month for January. The 17-year-old from Bobcaygeon, Ont., is currently excelling academically at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School. Cameron has achieved an 86% average in Grade 12 Advanced Functions, an 81% average in Physics, and is maintaining excellent grades in Interdisciplinary Studies, Healthy Active Living, and Physical Education.

“Carson is a leader both on and off of the ice. He participates in all team community events while maintaining a high academic average. He was taking academic overload as he was finishing up courses online while attending school,” said Petes academic advisor Shannon Fife.

Peterborough’s first-round (13th overall) pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Cameron has appeared in 43 games this season, recording seven goals, 13 assists and 20 points. Over 102 regular season contests with the Petes, the 6-foot-2, 193lb. blueliner has registered 46 points (11-35-46). NHL Central Scouting listed Cameron as the 87th-ranked North American skater eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft in their recently released midterms.

Central Division – Troy Patton (Brampton Steelheads)
Brampton Steelheads first-year forward Troy Patton is the Central Division Academic Player of the Month for January. Patton has achieved high standing in Grade 11 studies at Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School, engaged in Financial Accounting, Functions and Business Leadership Management courses.

“Troy has demonstrated exceptional dedication to both their studies and athletic performance, consistently balancing academics with athletic excellence. This month, Troy achieved outstanding grades while maintaining a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Troy’s ability to manage time effectively, set personal goals, and support peers has set a great example for others,” said Steelheads Assistant Coach and Academic Advisor, Matt Chiarantano. “We are proud of his achievements and look forward to seeing Troy’s continued success both in the classroom and on the field. Keep up the great work,” he added.

Selected in the second round (34th overall) by Brampton in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Barrie Colts U16 AAA program, the 5-foot-10, 178lb. centreman has tallied two goals and two assists in 24 games played with the Steelheads this season.

Midwest Division – Tristan Delisle (Owen Sound Attack)
Owen Sound Attack forward Tristan Delisle is the Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for January. Delisle has excelled in his Grade 12 studies at Owen Sound District Secondary School, achieving a 92 percent average in Co-op, an 88 percentage average in International Business, a 90 percent average in English and a 70 percent average in Interdisciplinary Studies.

“Tristan has an excellent work ethic and the ability to tune out distractions and focus on the task at hand. He is usually the first to finish his assignments and is more than happy to help his teammates. As a result, he is an amazing asset in the classroom,” said Attack Academic Advisor Sarah Rowe.

A 17-year-old centreman from St. Andrews West, Ont., Delisle has registered 22 points (6-16-22) in 40 games played with the Attack this season. Traded to Owen Sound at the start of the 2024-25 campaign, Delisle has appeared in 106 regular-season OHL games with both the Attack and the Oshawa Generals, recording 14 goals, 27 assists, and 41 points. Delisle was selected by the Generals in the third round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection.

West Division – Conor Walton (Windsor Spitfires)
Windsor Spitfires blueliner Conor Walton is the West Division Academic Player of the Month. The 18-year-old from Toronto, Ont., achieved a 90% average across three university-level courses at Laurentian University in the first semester, including high marks in Microeconomics, Geology, and History.

“Conor is an outstanding young man and an exceptional representative of a student athlete in the Ontario Hockey League. He is committed to his education and being the best person that he can be on and off the ice. Conor was able to balance his rigorous hockey schedule with his education,” said Spitfires Academic Advisor, Danielle Chevalier.

Originally selected by the Sudbury Wolves in the fourth round of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, the 6-foot-5, 204lb. defenceman appeared in four games with the Wolves during his rookie season before joining the Spitfires for the past two seasons. In 113 OHL regular-season contests, Walton has recorded 25 points (3-22-25). This season, he has tallied two goals, eight assists, and 10 points in 45 games played with the Spitfires.

2024-25 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

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

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

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

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

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

A total of 331 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2023-24 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.9 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totaled more than $25 million.

A total of 194 OHL Alumni were included on U SPORTS men’s hockey rosters to open the 2024-25 season.

DELIC, RYE AND KATZIN NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, January 12, 2025.



Wolves’ Kocha Delic Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Sudbury Wolves overage forward Kocha Delic is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering five goals, three assists and eight points in three contests last week.

Delic opened the week with a four-point performance on Thursday, recording a hat-trick and an assist to earn first star honours in a 7-1 win over the Soo Greyhounds. He continued his strong play on Friday, scoring a goal in a 5-4 loss to the Niagara IceDogs. Delic wrapped up the week with a goal and two assists on Sunday, helping the Wolves secure a high-scoring 10-6 victory over the Kingston Frontenacs.

A 20-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., Delic has recorded 49 points (20-29–49) in 37 games this season, securing the third consecutive 20+ goal season of his career. Selected by Sudbury in the second round (28th overall) of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the 5-foot-11, 198lb. centreman has amassed 211 points (89-122–211) over 205 career regular-season games across four seasons with the Wolves.

Also considered for the award this week, Philadelphia Flyers prospect Denver Barkey of the London Knights recorded seven points (3-4-7) in a pair of wins. Top 2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads was also a standout, tallying a goal, six assists and seven points in three games played.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Kocha Delic (Sudbury Wolves)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara IceDogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Blake Montgomery (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Calvin Crombie (Brantford Bulldogs)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Kevin He (Niagara IceDogs)
Sep. 25 – Sept. 29: Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)



Petes’ Easton Rye Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Easton Rye of the Peterborough Petes is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0-0-1 with a 2.91 goals-against average and .920 save percentage in three outings.

Making 92 saves last week, Rye stopped 23 of 25 shots on Thursday, backstopping the Petes to a 5-2 win over the Barrie Colts. He returned to the crease on Saturday, making 39 saves and stopping two shootout attempts in a 5-4 shootout loss to the Brantford Bulldogs. Rye wrapped up the week with a 30-save performance on Sunday, helping Peterborough secure a 5-2 victory against the Niagara IceDogs.

The 18-year-old hometown product has appeared in 16 games for the Petes this season, posting a 7-7-1-1 record with a 3.23 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. Over two OHL seasons, Rye has played in 25 games, compiling an 8-11-1-1 record with a 4.03 goals-against average and an .891 save percentage. The 6-foot, 196lb. netminder was selected by Peterborough in the fifth round (89th overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection and spent the majority of 2023-24 with the PJCHL’s Lakefield Chiefs.

Also considered for the award this week, Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals was excellent, going 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and .915 save percentage.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Easton Rye (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Andrew Oke (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Finn Marshall (Sudbury Wolves)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads)



Storm’s Lev Katzin Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Guelph Storm forward Lev Katzin is the OHL Rookie of the Week for the second time this season, recording one goal, five assists and six points over three games played.

Katzin kicked off the week with an assist on Wednesday as the Storm came up short in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Erie Otters. He added two more assists on Friday, contributing to the Storm’s 6-4 victory over the Flint Firebirds. The 5-foot-8, 176lb. forward capped off the week with a standout performance on Saturday, tallying a goal and two assists to earn first star honours in a 4-2 win over the Soo Greyhounds.

A 17-year-old forward from Thornhill, Ont., Katzin joined the Storm in late November after spending two seasons with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers, where he recorded 39 points (12-27–39) in 66 games. In his first 16 games with the Storm, Katzin has tallied seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points, leading all OHL rookies with 1.5 points-per-game. He was part of the gold medal-winning Team Canada White at the 2023 U17 World Hockey Challenge in Prince Edward Island. During his OHL draft year, Katzin excelled with the GTHL’s Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA program and was selected by the Storm in the fifth round (94th overall).

Also considered for the award this week, Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds contributed five assists in three contests, while Katzin’s Storm teammate Daniil Skvortsov tallied a goal and three helpers from the back end.

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Carson Harmer (Saginaw Spirit)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Logan Hawery (London Knights)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Liam Beamish (Sarnia Sting)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Carter Stevens (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Cole Zurawski (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)

CHL Top-10 Rankings presented by Delta Hotels by Marriott: London still No. 1, while Windsor & Kitchener among the biggest risers following holiday break

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — Today, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced the Week 13 edition of its CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2024-25 season.

With 26 wins and only two regulation losses over their last 29 games, the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) continue to hold down the No. 1 spot, a position they’ve held since November 19. Trailing in second is the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), who are amid an eight-game winning streak as they sit first in the QMJHL. Lastly, rounding out the top three are the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League (WHL), who are riding a six-game point streak (4-0-1-1) as they hold a nine-point lead in the WHL.

Among the week’s biggest risers are the Kitchener Rangers and the Windsor Spitfires, who both play in the OHL. Having reeled off six victories in a row, the Rangers have moved up two spots to find themselves at a season-best No. 4 in the CHL Top-10 Rankings. Meanwhile, riding the longest active winning streak at eight victories in a row, the Spitfires are up to fifth and back in the top five for the first time since the beginning of November.

The next rankings will be released the week of January 13, following the 14th week of regular season action in all three member leagues of the CHL.

CHL Top-10 Rankings – Week 13
1. London Knights (OHL)
2. Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
3. Everett Silvertips (WHL)
4. Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
5. Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
6. Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
7. Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
8. Barrie Colts (OHL)
9. Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)
10. Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

For information and details about each individual club ranked in the CHL’s latest Top-10 Rankings, please visit chl.ca/video/2024-25-chl-top-10-rankings-week-13.

CHL Team of the Month presented by CCM: December 2024

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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

F – Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals / OHL)
9G-13A, 22 PTS, +4 in 8 GP in December

Having led both the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and CHL in scoring with 22 points over December, Anaheim Ducks prospect Beckett Sennecke of the Oshawa Generals (OHL) is making his first appearance of the 2024-25 season in the CHL Team of the Month. Held off the scoresheet in only one of his eight games in December, the 18-year-old from Toronto, Ont., registered an impressive seven multi-point outings, including three games with three points or more. The latter included a single-game career high of four goals and six points against the Kingston Frontenacs on December 1. Ultimately, Sennecke averaged a CHL-best 2.75 points per game over the last month. His success in December has catapulted the 6-foot-4, 195-pound right winger into the OHL’s top-10 scoring leaders of the 2024-25 campaign as Sennecke now leads the Generals with 52 points (24G-28A) in 31 games this season. Last June, Sennecke was the first CHL player to be taken at the 2024 NHL Draft after being selected with the third overall pick by the Anaheim Ducks. Heading into that draft, Sennecke registered 22 points (10G-12A) over 16 postseason games during the 2024 OHL Playoffs as the Generals were crowned that league’s Eastern Conference champions. A former eighth overall by the Generals in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, the Anaheim Ducks prospect has totaled 175 points (71G-104A) over 155 career regular season games over his three seasons in Oshawa. A year ago, Sennecke also participated in the 2024 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, playing for Team White in Moncton, N.B.

F – Oliver Tulk (Calgary Hitmen / WHL)
5G-16A, 21 PTS, +9 in 9 GP in December

No player in the Western Hockey League (WHL) registered more points in the month of December than Oliver Tulk of the Calgary Hitmen (WHL), who tallied 21 points (5G-16A) in nine games played. The soon-to-be 20-year-old from Gibsons, B.C., tallied a point in all nine of his contests in December, which included registering six multi-point performances. The latter also included Tulk recording four points on three separate occasions over the last month. Having notched a point in all of his games in December, along with nabbing a point on January 1, Tulk is currently riding the WHL’s second-longest active point streak with 33 points (11G-22A) in 15 games dating back to November 13. His recent string of performances over his point streak has pushed Tulk into the WHL’s top-five scoring leaders as he now has 54 points (16G-38A) in 34 games during the 2024-25 season. Tulk currently leads the Hitmen in scoring (54 points) and assists (38). The 5-foot-8, 174-pound centreman is poised to establish new single-season career highs in both of those categories as he is on pace to register over 100 points for the first time in his WHL career. At the end of December, Tulk announced his commitment to the University of Wisconsin for the 2025-26 season. Over 231 career games in the WHL, the 19-year-old has netted 89 goals and 124 assists for 213 points. Last season, in 2023-24, Tulk was also named a WHL Central Division Second Team All-Star.

F – Kyle Chyzowski (Portland Winterhawks / WHL)
10G-10A, 20 PTS, +5 in 10 GP in December

Having led both the CHL and WHL with 10 goals over the last month, Kyle Chyzowski of the Portland Winterhawks (WHL) rounds out the forward group for December’s CHL Team of the Month. In 10 games in December, the 20-year-old from Surrey, B.C., was held off the scoresheet on just one occasion. In total, Chyzowski registered eight multi-point performances in December, and he scored a goal in six contests including four games with two goals or more. Thanks to his strong play over the last month, the Portland Winterhawks captain shares the goal-scoring lead in the WHL with 27 goals during the 2024-25 campaign, while his 58 points trail only Medicine Hat’s Gavin McKenna (60 points) in terms of scoring in the WHL this season. Both his 27 goals and 58 points also mark career highs for Chyzowski as he is averaging a career-best 1.61 points per game so far through the 2024-25 campaign. At the beginning of this season, Chyzowski was named the 49th captain in Portland Winterhawks history. Last year, in 2023-24, the 20-year-old posted 50 points in 65 games, before leading the Winterhawks in goals with nine as Portland won a Western Conference Championship during the 2024 WHL Playoffs. Over his 243 career games in the WHL, the 5-foot-10, 171-pound centreman has tallied 76 goals and 108 assists for 184 points.

D – Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s / OHL)
4G-16A, 20 PTS, -1 in 11 GP in December

Having co-led all CHL defencemen with 20 points through 11 games in December, Calgary Flames prospect Henry Mews of the Ottawa 67’s (OHL) makes his first appearance on the CHL Team of the Month this season. The 18-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., was held off the scoresheet only once over the last month, having tallied a point in 10 of 11 games in December. Specifically, Mews registered six multi-point outings, including three games with three points or more. His strong offensive performance over the last month has Mews now ranked first among both OHL and CHL defencemen in scoring with 49 points (11G-38A) in 35 games this season. Over his OHL career, the 6-foot-1, 183-pound defenceman has collected 141 points (38G-103A) in 155 regular season games since being selected seventh overall by the 67’s at the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Selected by the Calgary Flames in the third round (74th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft this past June, Mews has represented his country three times internationally, winning gold with Canada at both the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2024 U18 World Junior Championship. Last season, the 67’s blueliner also participated in the 2024 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, serving as an alternate captain for Team White in Moncton, N.B.

D – Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL)
5G-11A, 16 PTS, +4 in 9 GP in December

After registering five goals and 11 assists in nine games in December, 15-year-old defenceman Landon DuPont of the No.3-ranked Everett Silvertips (WHL) is making his first-ever appearance on the CHL Team of the Month. Having amassed 16 points over the last month, DuPont ranked third in scoring among defencemen in the CHL in December. Impressively, the 5-foot-11, 179-pound defenceman tallied points in eight of his nine games during the month. He also registered six multi-point performances in December, including four straight to close out the calendar year. Additionally, DuPont has tallied a goal in each of his last three contests in December as he now has four goals over his last three outings. During what is his first season in the WHL, the 15-year-old from Calgary, Alta., has totaled 10 goals and 30 assists for 40 points and a +23 rating in 32 games in 2024-25. His 30 assists and 40 points on the year not only lead all WHL rookies this season, but they both rank first among all first-year skaters in the CHL. Last April, DuPont became just the ninth Exceptional Status Player in CHL history and the first defenceman in WHL history to have received this distinction to compete full-time as a 15-year-old. Later that same spring, the Everett Silvertips drafted the young blueliner with the first-overall pick in the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft. Additionally, in November 2024, DuPont tallied four assists in four games en route to a silver medal with Canada Red at the U17 World Hockey Challenge. For his efforts in Sarnia, DuPont was named to the 2024 World U17 All-Star Team.

G – Jacob Steinman (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)
6-1-0-0 record, 2.11 GAA, .936 SV% in 7 GP in December

With six wins in seven starts last month to go along with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage, Jacob Steinman of the No. 2-ranked Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) has been selected as the netminder for the CHL Team of the Month in December. Over his seven appearances, the 20-year-old from Toronto, Ont., registered five performances with 30-plus saves, recording a win in four of those contests. In six of seven starts, Steinman registered a save percentage greater than .930 as he led all QMJHL netminders with a .936 SV% for the month of December (min. 200 minutes played). Dating back to November 23, Steinman has amassed eight wins, the most of any goalie in the QMJHL. He now has 21 victories to his name during the 2024-25 campaign, which ranks first in the QMJHL and places him third in the CHL. Having played in 29 games this season, tied for the most of any netminder in the QMJHL, Steinman also ranks among the top-five goalies in the QMJHL for goals-against average (2.20), save percentage (.926), and saves (761) so far during the 2024-25 campaign.

OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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

East Division – Kohyn Eshkawkogan (Ottawa 67’s)
Ottawa 67’s rookie defenceman Kohyn Eshkawkogan is the East Division Academic Player of the Month for December. The 16-year-old from Manitoulin Island, Ont. is currently maintaining an 85 percent average across five Grade 11 courses at Blyth Academy: The Glebe, including English, Functions, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology and World History.

“Kohyn is a diligent and proactive student who has done an excellent job of managing academics and athletics during a busy schedule which included participating in the World Junior A Challenge,” said 67’s General Manager James Boyd.

Eshkawkogan was selected 21st overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection by the 67’s. The 5-foot-10, 164lb. blueliner has played 31 games with Ottawa this season, scoring two goals and nine assists for 11 points.

“Kohyn is an extremely motivated student, committed to producing excellent work while balancing the rigors of the 67’s hockey schedule with full time school attendance,” said 67’s Academic Advisor Eileen Duffin. “His work ethic has earned the respect of his teachers at Blyth Academy, his teammates and fellow students.”

A member of M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Eshkawkogan represented Team Canada Red at the U17 World Challenge that took place in Sarnia this past November. Prior to his time with the Barber Poles, he helped lead Team Ontario to a gold medal at the U18 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships where he was named Best Defenceman and led the tournament in points.

Central Division – Ethan Dean (Sudbury Wolves)
Sudbury Wolves first-year forward Ethan Dean is the Central Division Academic Player of the Month for December. Dean is achieving 90+ averages across four Grade 11 classes at St. Charles College, including Chemistry, Hockey, Interdisciplinary Studies and Functions.

“Ethan’s attendance is excellent. He has also helped the school community on many leadership opportunities including participating as a Grade 9 Day leader and the canned food drive that collected 129,263 cans for the Sudbury Food Bank,” said Wolves Academic Advisor Jennifer Humphrey.

Selected in the second round (36th overall) by the Wolves last spring, the 16-year-old from London, Ont. has registered two goals, three assists and five points in 31 games played so far this season. The 5-foot-10, 166lb. centreman collected 31 points (16-15-31) in 30 games played with the London Jr. Knights U16 AAA program during the 2023-24 season.

Midwest Division – Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
London Knights rookie netminder Aleksei Medvedev is the Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for December. Medvedev has maintained an 84 percent average in Grade 12 university-level studies at Catholic Central High School, excelling in Business Leadership, Kinesiology and Philosophy.

“Aleksei is an engaged student that is highly respectful to this teachers and classmates. He is an exemplary ambassador of Catholic Central High School, the London Knights, and the Ontario Hockey League,” said Knights Academic Advisor Wendy Glover.

The 17-year-old from St. Petersburg, Russia was selected by London in the second round (38th overall) of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. This season, Medvedev holds a 13-4-1-0 record, a 2.64 goals-against average, and a .918 save percentage, ranking fourth in save percentage and fifth in GAA among OHL goaltenders. The 6-foot-3, 180Ib. netminder was listed as a C-rated prospect on NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Players to Watch list for the 2025 NHL Draft and named the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for November. He’ll represent the Western Conference in the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game presented by Enbridge Gas on January 15 in Brantford.

West Division – Keegan Gillen (Soo Greyhounds)
Soo Greyhounds first-year defender Keegan Gillen is the West Division Academic Player of the Month for December. The 17-year-old from Amherstburg, Ont. is achieving a 90 percent average across five Grade 12 courses at Superior Heights Collegiate & Vocational School, including a 100 percent average in Entrepreneurship.

“Keegan is an outstanding young man and an exceptional representative of a student athlete in the Ontario Hockey League. He is committed to his education,” said Greyhounds’ Academic Advisors, Jerry Bumbacco and Mary- Lynne Lukenda.

Selected by Sault Ste. Marie in the 14th-round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Gillen has recorded two assists across his first 27 OHL contests. The 5-foot-10, 180lb. blueliner spent the 2023-24 season with the Detroit Little Caesars U16 AAA program, registering 31 points in 56 games played.

2024-25 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
December – Kohyn Eshkawkogan (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa Generals)
October – Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)

Central Division:
December – Ethan Dean (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Braidy Wassilyn (Niagara IceDogs)
October – Kent Greer (North Bay Battalion)

Midwest Division:
December – Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
November – Andrew MacNiel (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Jimmy Sutherland (Guelph Storm)

West Division:
December – Keegan Gillen (Soo Greyhounds)
November – Hughston Hurt (Sarnia Sting)
October – Kaden Sienko (Saginaw Spirit)

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Month for December 2024.


Player of the Month – Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals)
Anaheim Ducks prospect Beckett Sennecke of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Player of the Month for December after recording nine goals, 13 assists, and 22 points in just eight games, along with a plus-4 rating. Currently ranking fifth among OHL goal-scorers this season, Sennecke leads the Generals with 52 points (24-28-52) in 31 games. The soon-to-be 19-year-old had a stellar December, highlighted by a career-high six-point performance on December 1 and a five-point effort on December 4. Sennecke registered multi-point outings in seven of his eight games during the month.

A native of Toronto, Ont., Sennecke was formerly selected eighth overall by the Generals in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. The 6-foot-4, 195Ib. right-wing has recorded 175 points (71-104–175) over 155 career regular season contests in Oshawa. He put up 22 points (10-12–22) over 16 games in last year’s playoffs as the Generals were crowned Eastern Conference champions. Sennecke was selected by the Anaheim Ducks with the third overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this month, Winnipeg Jets prospect Kieron Walton of the Sudbury Wolves put up 19 points (5-14–19) over eight contests.


Defenceman of the Month – Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s)
Calgary Flames prospect Henry Mews of the Ottawa 67’s has been named OHL Defenceman of the Month for December, leading all blueliners with four goals, 16 assists and 20 points over 11 games. The 6-foot-1, 183lb. defenceman recorded points in 10 of his 11 December contests with the 67’s, highlighted by six multi-point efforts, including a four-assist performance on December 14. Mews currently leads all OHL defencemen in scoring this season with 48 points (11-37-48) in 34 games.

An 18-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Mews has amassed 140 points (38-102-140) in 154 career OHL regular season games since being selected seventh overall by the 67’s in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. He has also contributed nine points (3-6-9) in 21 playoff games. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in the third round (74th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, Mews has also achieved international success, winning gold with Canada at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the U18 World Junior Championship.


Goaltender of the Month – Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
Barrie Colts goaltender Ben Hrebik has been named the OHL Goaltender of the Month for December. Making 282 saves throughout the month, Hrebik posted a 6-1-0-1 record, a 2.13 goals-against average, .943 save percentage, and a shutout. The 6-foot-3, 199lb. netminder excelled in December, recording 30+ saves in six games, highlighted by a 45-save shutout on December 18 against Owen Sound. Hrebik also earned OHL Goaltender of the Week honours during the month.

The 18-year-old from Milton, Ont. has appeared in 16 games with the Colts this season, posting a 12-2-1-0 record, along with a league-best 2.09 goals-against average and .939 save percentage. Hrebik was selected by Barrie in the ninth round (173rd overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, and spent last season with the OJHL’s Burlington Cougars.

Also considered for the award this month, Jackson Parsons of the Kitchener Rangers was impressive, compiling a 8-1-0-0 record with a 2.06 goals-against average, a .927 save percentage, and one shutout. Austin Elliott of the London Knights was also dominant, playing to a perfect 5-0-0-0 record along with a 1.60 goals-against average, a .944 save percentage, and one shutout.


Rookie of the Month – Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Guelph Storm forward Lev Katzin has been named the OHL Rookie of the Month for December, registering 15 points including five goals and 10 assists over 10 games. Katzin sits tied for fourth in team scoring despite playing in just 10 of the Storm’s 34 games so far this season. He delivered standout performances in December with two three-point efforts on December 8 and 13, each featuring a goal and two assists. His efforts also earned him OHL Rookie of the Week honours during the month.

A 17-year-old forward from Thornhill, Ont., Katzin joined the Storm in late November after spending the past two seasons with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers, where he tallied 39 points (12-27–39) over 66 games. He was part of the gold medal-winning Team Canada White at the 2023 U17 World Hockey Challenge in Prince Edward Island. During his OHL Draft year, Katzin excelled with the GTHL’s Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA program and was the Storm’s fifth round (94th overall) selection.

Also considered for the award this month, Saginaw Spirit forward Carson Harmer had 11 points (6-5–11) in 10 games played. Sarnia Sting forward Liam Beamish was also a standout, registering 11 points (6-5-11) in 11 contests.

2024-25 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
December – Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals)
November – Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
October – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)

Defenceman of the Month:
December – Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
October – Luca Marrelli (Oshawa Generals)

Goaltender of the Month:
December – Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
November – Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)

Rookie of the Month:
December – Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
November – Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
October – Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)