Team CHL roster revealed for 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce the roster for Team CHL ahead of the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada (see complete roster below). The latter is a new event that will see the top first-year 2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the CHL’s Member Leagues – the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) – face off against USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) Under-18 Team in a two-game series on November 26 in London, Ont., and November 27 in Oshawa, Ont. (Game 1 – London; Game 2 – Oshawa).

The 22 players on Team CHL were selected from a list of the top 2025 NHL Draft prospects as generated by a survey conducted with all 32 NHL clubs. Using that list of players produced by surveying NHL teams, the CHL coaching staff comprised of head coach Kris Mallette (Kelowna Rockets / WHL), assistant coaches Gordie Dwyer (Acadie-Bathurst Titan / QMJHL) and Ryan Oulahen (North Bay Battalion / OHL) along with general manager Dave Brown (Erie Otters / OHL) worked together to identify the final 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders chosen to be on the team.

Among the forwards set to be on Team CHL are Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Porter Martone (Brampton Steelheads / OHL), Cole Reschny (Victoria Royals / WHL), Cameron Schmidt (Vancouver Giants / WHL), Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL), and Justin Carbonneau (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada / QMJHL). Misa (14G-7A in 10 GP), currently riding a 10-game point streak, leads the CHL with 14 goals so far through the 2024-25 campaign. Martone (10G-10A in 9 GP) ranks second in the OHL with 10 goals, while Reschny (2G-11A in 9 GP) has registered points in seven of nine games in the WHL this season. Additionally, with a CHL-best 11-game point streak to start the 2024-25 campaign, Schmidt (12G-7A in 11 GP) leads the WHL with 12 goals and sits atop the scoring leaders of that league with 19 points. Finally, averaging just over 1.4 points per game, both Desnoyers (3G-7A in 7 GP) and Carbonneau (7G-9A in 11 GP) have enjoyed strong starts to their years in the QMJHL.

On the backend, the Team CHL blueline is set to feature five defencemen who helped Canada win gold at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup this summer: Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL), Jackson Smith (Tri-City Americans / WHL), Reese Hamilton (Calgary Hitmen / WHL), Quinn Beauchesne (Guelph Storm / OHL), and Cameron Reid (Kitchener Rangers / OHL). At that same tournament, Blake Fiddler (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL), the lone American on Team CHL, captained Team USA to a fourth-place finish. Meanwhile, Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL) was part of Team Canada’s gold-medal-winning squad at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship last spring.

In net, Team CHL will be backstopped by goaltenders Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads / OHL) and Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars / WHL). Ivankovic (4-0-0-0 record, 1.71 GAA, .936 SV%, 1 SO in 5 GP) leads all OHL netminders with a 1.71 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage. At the same time, through 10 starts, Ravensbergen (6-1-2-1 record, 3.14 GAA, .898 SV% in 10 GP) leads the WHL with six wins and he only has one regulation loss to his name to start the year.

In total, 19 CHL clubs will be represented at the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada, led by the Erie Otters, Calgary Hitmen, and Brampton Steelheads who each feature a pair of players. Among the 22 players on Team CHL, 18 of them have previously won a gold medal representing their country on the international stage, including 13 who helped Canada reach the top of the podium at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, Alta.

Building off of one of hockey’s greatest rivalries between Canada and the United States, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see players from the CHL and NTDP’s U18 team compete before hundreds of NHL scouts and thousands of fans in an effort to improve their draft stock ahead of the upcoming NHL Draft.

The first game will take place on Tuesday, November 26 at Canada Life Place in London, Ont., while the second contest will be held the following night on Wednesday, November 27 at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ont. Fans interested in buying tickets for either game can do so in person at the box office or online:  

GAME 1 TICKETS: LONDON
GAME 2 TICKETS: OSHAWA

As a reminder, the CHL is now accepting applications for media and photo accreditation to the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge. The deadline to apply for a media and/or photo credential for either game is Monday, November 4, 2024. Media and photographers interested in applying for accreditation can do so below:

Forwards (13)
(F) Carter Bear, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
(F) Justin Carbonneau, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
(F) Braeden Cootes, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
(F) Caleb Desnoyers, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
(F) Benjamin Kindel, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
(F) Lynden Lakovic, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
(F) Brady Martin, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
(F) Porter Martone, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
(F) Michael Misa, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
(F) Jake O’Brien, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
(F) Cole Reschny, Victoria Royals (WHL)
(F) Cameron Schmidt, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
(F) Malcolm Spence, Erie Otters (OHL)

*(F) Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL) is unable to participate due to a long-term injury

Defencemen (7)
(D) Kashawn Aitcheson, Barrie Colts (OHL)
(D) Quinn Beauchesne, Guelph Storm (OHL)
(D) Blake Fiddler, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
(D) Reese Hamilton, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
(D) Cameron Reid, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
(D) Matthew Schaefer, Erie Otters (OHL)
(D) Jackson Smith, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

Goaltenders (2)
(G) Jack Ivankovic, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
(G) Joshua Ravensbergen, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Coaching & Support Staff
General Manager – Dave Brown (Erie Otters / OHL)
Head Coach – Kris Mallette (Kelowna Rockets / WHL)
Assistant Coach – Gordie Dwyer (Acadie-Bathurst Titan / QMJHL)
Assistant Coach – Ryan Oulahen (North Bay Battalion / OHL)
Equipment Manager (Game 1) – Chris Maton (London Knights / OHL) 
Equipment Manager (Game 2) – Bryan Boyes (Oshawa Generals / OHL)
Athletic Therapist (Game 1) – Luca Paron (London Knights / OHL)
Athletic Therapist (Game 2) – Shawn Winters (Oshawa Generals / OHL)

GREENTREE, COSTANZO AND DI IORIO 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 20, 2024.



Spitfires’ Liam Greentree Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Los Angeles Kings prospect Liam Greentree of the Windsor Spitfires is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering four goals, seven assists and 11 points over three contests.

Greentree captained the League-leading Spitfires to a three-win week, scoring once while adding three assists in a 5-2 win over the Oshawa Generals on Monday to earn first star honours. Greentree tallied another four-point (1-3-4) showing on Friday, defeating the Guelph Storm 4-1. Greentree closed out the week with a pair of goals and an assist in a 4-1 win over the Owen Sound Attack on Saturday, boosting the Spitfires to an 8-1-1-0 record on the season.

An 18-year-old left-winger from Oshawa, Ont., Greentree leads all OHL players in points this season with six goals, 17 assists, and 23 points (6-17-23) in nine games. Drafted 26th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2024 NHL Draft, the 6-foot-3, 216lb. forward has tallied 158 points (67-91-158) in 134 regular season games for Windsor. He was selected by the Spitfires in the second round, 34th overall, of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.

Also given consideration for the award this week, Spitfires teammate and Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas played a big role in Windsor’s six-point week, registering three goals, four assists and seven points. Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit was also a standout, with seven points (3-4—7) over three games played.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
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)



Spitfires’ Joey Costanzo Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Joey Costanzo of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, going 3-0 along with a 1.33 goals-against average and .947 save percentage.

Stopping 71 of the 75 shots he faced last week, Costanzo turned aside 15 of the 17 shots that came his way in a 5-2 win over the Oshawa Generals on Monday. The 6-foot-1, 174lb. netminder was back in the crease on Friday, stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced as the Spitfires defeated the Guelph Storm 4-1. Costanzo closed out a perfect weekend with a 4-1 win over the Owen Sound Attack on Saturday, turning aside 24-of-25 shots. The Spitfires currently lead the OHL standings with an 8-1-1-0 record this season.

A 19-year-old from Toronto, Ont., Costanzo ranks second among all OHL goaltenders with a .932 save percentage and 2.00 goals-against average this season with a league-leading eight wins. Originally drafted by the Niagara IceDogs in the second round (23rd overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Costanzo has played to a 49-39-2-3 record including two shutouts over 104 regular season games split between the IceDogs and the Spitfires, with a career save percentage of .881 and a 4.02 goals-against average.

Also considered or the award this week, Charlie Schenkel of the Soo Greyhounds went 1-1-0-0, making 70 saves last week. Noah Erliden of the Erie Otters was also a standout, going 1-1-0-0 with 62 saves.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)



Sting’s Alessandro Di Iorio Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Sarnia Sting forward Alessandro Di Iorio is the OHL Rookie of the Week, recording five assists over three contests.

Di Iorio helped the Sting earn five of a possible six points with a pair of wins followed by a shootout loss. He contributed a pair of assists in Thursday’s 3-1 win over the North Bay Battalion. Di Iorio helped the Sting earn their second win of the weekend against the Sudbury Wolves on Friday, registering two helpers to earn second star honours in the 5-1 victory. The Sting closed out their road trip with a 5-4 shootout loss to the Soo Greyhounds on Sunday as Di Iorio recorded another assist.

A 16-year-old centreman from Vaughan, Ont., Di Iorio ranks seventh among all rookie point-getters, tallying seven points (2-5—7) through his first 11 OHL contests. The Sting selected Di Iorio second overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Vaughan Kings U16 AAA program.

Also considered for the award this week were Ottawa 67’s teammates Filip Ekberg (1-4-5) and Kohyn Eshkawkogan (1-2-3), despite the team falling short in three games over the weekend.

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Regular Season:
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: Moncton jumps up to No.1, while Drummondville, Windsor, & Everett make their Top-10 debut

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — Today, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced the Week 3 edition of its CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2024-25 season.

Riding a four-game winning streak, the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) moved into the top spot for the first time this season. Right behind them are the Brampton Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), who fell down a spot to second, while the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League (WHL) remain in third.

Undefeated over the last week, the Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL, the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL, and the London Knights of the OHL were among this week’s biggest risers. Additionally, as all three sit atop the standings of their respective leagues, the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL, the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL, and the Everett Silvertips of the WHL are making their Top-10 debut of the season at No. 7, No. 9, and No. 10 respectively.

The next rankings will be released the week of October 21, following the fourth week of regular season action in all three member leagues of the CHL.

CHL Top-10 Rankings – Week 3
1. Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
2. Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
3. Prince George Cougars (WHL)
4. Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
5. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
6. London Knights (OHL)
7. Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
8. Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
9. Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
10. Everett Silvertips (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-3.

41 CHL players named to Team Canada rosters for 2024 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce that 41 CHL players will compete with Canada Red and Canada White at the 2024 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, from November 3-9 at Progressive Auto Sales Arena in Sarnia, Ontario. Specifically, there are 19 players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), 15 from the Western Hockey League (WHL), and seven from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) who will aim to help either Canada Red or Canada White win gold in Sarnia (see complete rosters for both teams below).

In all, 29 CHL clubs are represented with at least one player. The Windsor Spitfires (OHL) lead the way with three players, while the Spokane Chiefs (WHL), Guelph Storm (OHL), Erie Otters (OHL), Peterborough Petes (OHL), Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL), Vancouver Giants (WHL), Sarnia Sting (OHL), Prince Albert Raiders (WHL), London Knights (OHL), and Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) each have a pair of players represented.

Among the many CHL players selected are the first-overall pick of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), the first-overall pick of the 2024 QMJHL Draft Maddox Dagenais (Québec Remparts / QMJHL), and the first-overall pick of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL). All three of these CHL rookies have gotten off to impressive starts to begin their careers in the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL.

Belchetz (4G-4A in 5 GP) tallied four goals during the Spitfires’ opening game of the 2024-25 season, which were the most by a Spitfires 16-year-old rookie since Taylor Hall achieved the feat on March 6, 2008. Belchetz’s six points (4G-2A) on opening night were also the most in a single game by a 16-year-old newcomer in the OHL since Matt Puempel on March 13, 2010. Meanwhile, in the QMJHL, Dagenais (6G-5A in 7 GP) is one of just four 16-year-old players (along with Angelo Esposito, Zachary L’Heureux, and Nathan MacKinnon) to have scored at least 10 points in his first seven career QMJHL games over the last 20 years.

Finally, as the ninth Exceptional Status Player in CHL history, the 15-year-old DuPont (4G-7A in 7 GP) is currently on a seven-game point streak, which is the second longest streak by an Exceptional Status Player to start their CHL career – trailing only Connor Bedard who tallied points in each of his first 12 career WHL games. Additionally, DuPont’s 11 points through his first seven career contests are the second-most of any Exceptional Status Player in CHL history behind only Bedard (5G-7A for 12 PTS over his first seven career games).

The 2024 U17 World Challenge kicks off on Nov. 3, with Canada White taking on Czechia at 3:30 p.m. ET and Canada Red facing off against Finland at 7:30 p.m. ET. Teams will play two preliminary-round games before the medal round, which concludes on Nov. 9 with the medal games, as well as the fifth-place game. The event will also feature pre-tournament games in Sarnia, Petrolia, and Forest on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. ET.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the bronze and gold medal games; check local listings for details.

Fans looking to secure their seat to watch the top under-17 players from five countries can purchase a variety of ticket options at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets, with full-event ticket packages starting as low as $140 for youth and $210 for adults (plus fees). A Group A or Group B three-game package is also available starting as low as $50 (plus fees), as well as a seven-game medal round package that starts at $130 (plus fees) and includes one ticket to both quarterfinals, both semifinals, the placement game, and the bronze and gold medal games. Pending availability, single-game tickets will be available in the coming weeks.

As a legacy of hosting the event, Sarnia will receive net proceeds from all ticket sales to support grassroots hockey within the community.

More than 2,000 NHL draft picks have suited up since the inception of the U17 World Challenge (previously known as the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and Quebec Esso Cup) in 1986, including 10 CHL alumni since 2001 who were later drafted first overall to the NHL (Rick Nash, 2002; Marc-André Fleury, 2003; Patrick Kane, 2007; John Tavares, 2009; Taylor Hall, 2010, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, 2011; Nathan MacKinnon, 2013; Aaron Ekblad, 2014; Connor McDavid, 2015; Alexis Lafrenière, 2020).

For more information on Hockey Canada and the U17 World Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Canada Red (22)
(G) Carter Esler, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
(G) Colin Ellsworth, Guelph Storm (OHL)
(D) Cameron Chartrand, Bishop Kearney (US16U) / Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
(D) Lucas Ambrosio, Erie Otters (OHL)
(D) Carson Carels, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
(D) Carter Hicks, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
(D) Blake Gowan, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
(D) Landon DuPont, Everett Silvertips (WHL) 
(D) Kohyn Eshkawkogan, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
(F) Cruz Pavao, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
(F) Parker Vaughan, Barrie Colts (OHL)
(F) Pierce Mbuyi, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
(F) Braidy Wassilyn, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
(F) Colin Fitzgerald, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
(F) Alessandro Di Iorio, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
(F) Jaxon Jacobson, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
(F) Joe Iginla, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
(F) Brett Olson, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
(F) Alex McLean, Guelph Storm (OHL)
(F) Romain Litalien, Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL)
(F) Maddox Dagenais, Québec Remparts (QMJHL)
(F) Chad Lygitsakos, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)

Canada White (19)
(G) Antoine Proulx, Lévis (LHM18AAAQ) / Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL)
(G) Gavin Betts, Pickering (OJHL) / Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
(D) Giorgos Pantelas, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
(D) Keaton Verhoeff, Victoria Royals (WHL)
(D) Daxon Rudolph, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
(D) Ryan Lin, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
(D) Benjamin Cossette-Ayotte, Val-d’Or Foreurs (QMJHL)
(D) Caleb Mitchell, London Knights (OHL)
(F) Ethan Belchetz, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
(F) Beckham Edwards, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
(F) Liam Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
(F) Tyler Challenger, Erie Otters (OHL)
(F) Jean-Christoph Lemieux, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
(F) Mathis Preston, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
(F) Logan Hawery, London Knights (OHL)
(F) Markus Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
(F) Riley Boychuk, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
(F) Cole Zurawski, Flint Firebirds (OHL)
(F) Jayden Plouffe, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)

HE, COSTANZO AND EDWARDS 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 6, 2024.



IceDogs’ Kevin He Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Winnipeg Jets prospect Kevin He of the Niagara IceDogs is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals along with four assist for seven points over two games played.

He registered an assist on Friday night, contributing to the IceDogs’ 5-3 triumph over the Oshawa Generals. On Sunday, the 6-foot, 180lb. forward delivered a career-best performance, racking up three goals and three assists for an impressive six-point night. The six points tie a Niagara IceDogs single game franchise record. Securing a perfect weekend for the IceDogs, He’s standout showing earned him first-star honours in a 7-3 victory over the Brampton Steelheads.

An 18-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., He ranks fourth among OHL point-producers so far this season, tallying six goals, five assists and 11 points in four games played. Selected in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Winnipeg Jets, He has recorded 98 points (58-40–98) in 134 career OHL regular season games with the IceDogs after being chosen in the second round, 25th overall by the club in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, 2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads found the scoresheet, totaling seven points (4-3-7) in three games played. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Luca Pinelli was a standout for the Ottawa 67’s, registering four goals, an assist and five points in a pair of victories.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Kevin He (Niagara IceDogs)
Sep. 25 – Sept. 29: Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)



Spitfires’ Joey Costanzo Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Joey Costanzo of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0 with a shutout, along with a 0.50 goals-against average and .981 save percentage.

Stopping 53 of the 54 shots he faced last week, Costanzo turned aside all 27 shots that came his way to earn second star honours in a 5-0 victory over the Soo Greyhounds on Thursday night. The 6-foot-1, 174lb. netminder was back in the crease on Saturday, stopping 26 of the 27 shots he faced as the Spitfires closed out a perfect weekend with a 5-1 road win over the Brantford Bulldogs.

A 19-year-old from Toronto, Ont., Costanzo currently leads all OHL goaltenders with a league-best .943 save percentage this season across four games played. Originally drafted by the Niagara IceDogs in the second round (23rd overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Costanzo has played to a 45-39-2-3 record including two shutouts over 100 regular season games split between the IceDogs and the Spitfires, with a career save percentage of .880 and a 4.09 goals-against average.

Also considered or the award this week, Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Nolan Lalonde of the Kingston Frontenacs went 1-0-0-1, including a shutout. Edmonton Oilers prospect Nathan Day of the Flint Firebirds was also a standout, making 55 saves in a two-win weekend.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads)



Sting’s Beckham Edwards Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Beckham Edwards of the Sarnia Sting is the OHL Rookie of the Week, registering three goals, an assist, and four points in three games played.

Edwards opened the week with a goal on Friday night as the Sting came up short in a 5-4 shootout loss to the Saginaw Spirit. The 6-foot-1, 170lb. centreman earned second star honours on Saturday, tallying a pair of goals in a 3-2 overtime loss against the Flint Firebirds. Edwards closed out the weekend with an assist on Sunday as the Sting earned two points in a 2-1 win over the Soo Greyhounds.

Selected in the third round (46th overall) by the Sting in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Detroit Little Caesars U15 AAA program, Edwards ranks second among all OHL rookies in points this season, registering five (4-1-5) points in as many games played.

Also considered for the award this week, a pair of Niagara IceDogs teammates in Braidy Wassilyn (2-2-4) and Max Crete (2-1-3) were productive on the ice, contributing to a two-win weekend for the club.

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Regular Season:
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has long been regarded as the number one development league in the world, continuing to serve as a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League. The OHL consists of 20 teams, with 17 located in Ontario, two in the state of Michigan and one in the state of Pennsylvania. A proud member of the Canadian Hockey League, the OHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships, with over 330 graduates receiving OHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice in 2023-24, resulting in a collective investment of over $3.9 million by OHL member teams.

Coaching staff for Team CHL named for the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce the coaching staff that will lead Team CHL at the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada. The latter is a new event that will see the top first-year NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the CHL face off against USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) Under-18 Team in a two-game series on November 26 in London, Ont., and November 27 in Oshawa, Ont.

With representation from the CHL’s three Member Leagues in its coaching staff, Kris Mallette (Kelowna Rockets / WHL) will lead Team CHL as its head coach, while Gordie Dwyer (Acadie-Bathurst Titan / QMJHL) and Ryan Oulahen (North Bay Battalion / OHL) will join him on the bench as assistant coaches. All three recently helped Team Canada to a third consecutive gold medal at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup this past August, and they will reprise the roles they served in Edmonton but this time for the CHL at its newest event.

Building off of one of hockey’s greatest rivalries between Canada and the United States, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see the top prospects from the CHL’s Member Leagues – Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) – compete against those from the U.S. National Under-18 Team. 

Fans interested in buying tickets for either game can do so online (Game 1 – London; Game 2 – Oshawa). The first game will take place on Tuesday, November 26 at Budweiser Gardens in London, Ont., while the second contest will be held the following night on Wednesday, November 27 at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ont. 

“We are excited to be bringing on board three coaches with the level of experience Kris, Gordie, and Ryan have to lead our Team CHL at this first-ever CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada,” said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “All three have extensive experience coaching in the CHL and internationally. Having recently worked with a number of our 2025 NHL Draft prospects at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where they captured gold as part of that team’s coaching staff, Kris, Gordie, and Ryan will be excellent coaches to lead the talented group of players from the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL who will represent the CHL at this new event.”

“I feel very fortunate and honoured to be given the opportunity to represent the CHL. It’s obviously somewhere that I’ve been for coming up into my eleventh season as a coach and then my time as a player too,” said Kris Mallette, head coach of the Kelowna Rockets and Team CHL. “Having a relationship with some of these players in a high-pressure environment I think will help because it’s built some trust between myself and those players. This event will be a great showcase for the players within the WHL and players across the CHL. We as a staff have the opportunity to be the first to try and have some success at this event so I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

Players for the CHL team will be provided by NHL Central Scouting as selected by the NHL’s 32 clubs with the CHL’s coaching staff playing a role in identifying the final 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders who will be chosen to compete for Team CHL at the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge. The roster for Team CHL is expected to be announced by the end of October.

Mallette is currently in his fifth season (2020-24) as the head coach of the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL), having previously served as an assistant coach with the club for six seasons (2014-20). During his time as an assistant coach with the Rockets, Mallette won a WHL championship and helped the Rockets reach the Memorial Cup final in 2015. Internationally, he’s won three gold medals with Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, two as an assistant (2022 & 2023), and his most recent one as the team’s head coach in 2024. He also earned a silver medal as the head coach of Canada Red at the 2021 Capital City Challenge. Before his time behind the bench, Mallette was a defenceman for four seasons in the WHL with the Kelowna Rockets and Moose Jaw Warriors. As a player, he was also selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft and enjoyed a nine-year career playing professional hockey.

Since 2022, Dwyer has served as the head coach and general manager of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Now in his third season with the Titan, Dwyer previously spent time as the head coach of the Saint John Sea Dogs, Shawinigan Cataractes, Charlottetown Islanders, and Prince Edward Island Rocket. This past summer, Dwyer won gold with Team Canada at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. He also earned gold as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship and won a bronze medal a pair of times – once as Canada’s head coach at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games and the other as an assistant coach at the 2012 IIHF U18 World Championship. Prior to becoming a coach, Dwyer played four seasons as a forward in the QMJHL with the Québec Remparts, Drummondville Voltigeurs, Beauport Harfangs, Laval Titan Collège Français, and Hull Olympiques, where he won a Gilles-Courteau Trophy in 1995. He also played professionally for 11 years, including games over five seasons in the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, and Montreal Canadiens.

Oulahen is in his sixth season as head coach of the North Bay Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Before that, he spent three seasons as head coach of the Flint Firebirds and six seasons as an assistant coach with the Battalion (2010-16). Alongside Mallette and Dwyer, Oulahen helped Canada to a third straight gold medal at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. Additionally, on the international stage, Oulahen was also behind the bench at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in 2014 (assistant coach, Canada Red), 2015 (assistant coach, Canada Black), and 2017 (head coach, Canada White). He also served as an assistant at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, winning gold. A former captain during his playing days in the OHL with the Battalion, Oulahen played three seasons as a forward for the franchise he now coaches. He was later drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the fifth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and played four seasons with their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. 

Set to be a part of the calendar over the next three seasons, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see players from the CHL and NTDP’s U18 team compete before hundreds of NHL scouts and thousands of fans in an effort to improve their draft stock ahead of the upcoming NHL Draft. Much like other national events in the CHL, the hosting duties of the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will rotate between the CHL’s Member League markets each year.

CHL Top-10 Rankings: Medicine Hat, Brampton & London top preseason rankings ahead of 2024-25 campaign

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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

Sitting atop the list to begin the regular season is the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League (WHL), followed by the Brampton Steelheads the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the London Knights of the OHL who round out the top three.

The preseason rankings were determined with input from NHL Central Scouting ahead of the start of the regular season, which officially begins this Friday (September 20) with 17 games across the CHL. Specifically, nine of those contests on September 20 will kick start the latest QMJHL campaign, while on that same night, eight games in the WHL will usher in a new season. Then, just a few nights later, the Saginaw Spirit will mark the beginning of the latest OHL regular season by raising their 2024 Memorial Cup Championship banner before hosting the Windsor Spitfires on Wednesday, September 25.

CHL Top-10 Rankings – 2024 Preseason
1. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
2. Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
3. London Knights (OHL)
4. Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
5. Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
6. Cape-Breton Eagles (QMJHL)
7. Prince George Cougars (WHL)
8. Oshawa Generals (OHL)
9. Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
10. Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

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

The next rankings will be released the week of September 30, following the first week of regular season action in all three member leagues of the CHL.

London & Oshawa to be host cities for the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and its three Member Leagues are excited to announce the London Knights and the Oshawa Generals as the host clubs for the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada, which will be a two-game series between the CHL and USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP). This new event is being added to the calendar starting this season and it will feature many of the best prospects set to be chosen at the 2025 NHL Draft.

The first game of this new event will take place on Tuesday, November 26 at Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario, while the second contest will be held the following night on Wednesday, November 27 at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ontario. Tickets for both games of the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge will be available to the public starting Tuesday, October 1 at 10 a.m. ET. By being a CHL Insider or registering to become one by Friday (September 20) at 10 a.m. ET, fans can be a part of an exclusive pre-sale and receive a special promotional code that will give them access to a select number of seats ahead of the public on-sale of each game.

Building off of one of hockey’s greatest rivalries between Canada and the United States, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see the top first-year NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the CHL’s Member Leagues – Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) – face-off against those from the U.S. National Under-18 Team in a two-game series.

“We are really excited to be heading to two strong hockey markets in London and Oshawa for the inaugural edition of this brand-new event,” said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “The CHL USA Prospects Challenge will be a can’t-miss, two-game series on the prospect calendar not only for this season but for years to come. We look forward to bringing it to life in London and Oshawa this November and providing our incredible fans with a chance to come watch a future generation of NHL stars.”

“We are thrilled to bring some of the best junior hockey players in the world to our fans in London,” said Mark Hunter, the Vice-President and General Manager of the London Knights. “It will be an exciting game to watch and to see the next group of young men that aspire to play in the National Hockey League. It is a great thing for our organization, city, and our community to be a part of.”

“The entire Generals organization and I are extremely excited to bring this prospects game to Oshawa and our loyal fans,” said Rocco Tullio, the Owner, President, and Governor of the Oshawa Generals. “This event is the first ever of its kind, and we look forward to hosting and showcasing what our great city, community and fans have to offer.”

The format of the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see teams earn two points for a win and zero points for a loss, regardless of whether a game ends in regulation, overtime, or a shootout. If a game is tied after regulation, teams will play a five-minute three-on-three overtime period, followed by a three-round shootout if necessary. If either game is still tied after three players have shot for each team, the shootout will continue in a sudden-death fashion using different players until a team wins the game.

If after the completion of the second game of the series, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge has the CHL and NTDP’s U18 team tied at two points each, the teams will play a three-on-three 20-minute period(s) until a goal is scored to determine the winner of the series.

Set to be a part of the calendar over the next three seasons, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see players from the CHL and NTDP’s U18 team compete before hundreds of NHL scouts and thousands of fans in an effort to improve their draft stock ahead of the upcoming NHL Draft. Players for the CHL team will be provided by NHL Central Scouting as selected by the NHL’s 32 clubs, and much like other national events in the CHL, the hosting duties of the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will rotate between the CHL’s three Member League markets each year.

About the Canadian Hockey League (CHL)
The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the world’s largest development hockey league with 51 Canadian and nine American teams participating in the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League (NHL) and U SPORTS than any other league. During the 2023-24 season, of the 1,000-plus players who played a game in the NHL, over 430 came through the CHL. At the 2024 NHL Draft, 88 CHL players were selected, including 14 in the first round.

About USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program
USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program is a two-year residency program for high-performance players that is located at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. The goal of the full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice. 

About Kubota Canada Ltd.
Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kubota Corporation, a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. KCL markets and distributes Kubota engineered and manufactured machinery and equipment, including a complete line of tractors of up to 200 Gross HP, performance-matched implements, compact construction, commercial turf and landscaping products, utility vehicles, and consumer lawn and garden equipment. KCL is also the Canadian distributor for Great Plains, Kverneland, and Land Pride products, all of which are also wholly owned subsidiaries of Kubota Corporation. For product literature or dealer locations, contact Kubota Canada Ltd. at 1155 Kubota Drive, Pickering, Ontario, Canada L1X 0H4, 905 294-6535, or visit kubota.ca.

RANGERS’ BRZUSTEWICZ NAMED INAUGURAL RECIPIENT OF TED BAKER TEAMMATE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Kitchener Rangers defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz is the inaugural recipient of the Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award. The annual honour is presented to the player deemed the best teammate based off selfless play, on and off-ice leadership as a mentor and role model to other players, as well as a commitment and dedication to his team.

A 6-foot, 188Ib. right-shot defenceman, Brzustewicz earns the award after persevering through a season where he encountered challenges both on the ice and in life, maintaining a positive, team-first attitude regardless of the circumstances he was faced with. Dealt to the Calgary Flames midseason in a trade that saw the Vancouver Canucks acquire forward Elias Lindholm, Brzustewicz excelled for the Rangers, setting a new single-season franchise mark for defencemen with a league-leading 79 assists. His 92 points tied a 1993-94 mark held by Jason Gladney for points by a Kitchener defenceman. He was recently named to the OHL’s second all-star team for the 2023-24 season, and also recognized by the Canadian Hockey League as a second team all-star for his efforts.

“First of all, I would like to thank the OHL and the Kitchener Rangers for making this possible,” said Brzustewicz of the honour. “I would also like to thank my teammates for making it so easy to come to the rink everyday, to work hard and have fun. All I’ve wanted to do since I’ve been here is give it my all to be the best teammate and player I can be. The coaches gave me the guidance to make all that possible.

“I believe everything happens for a reason,” he continued. “No matter what, always make the best out of the opportunities you get.”

Brzustewicz’s totals included 13 goals, 79 assists and 92 points over 67 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-31 this past season. His performance earned him the Rangers’ Jim Malleck Trophy as the team’s most valuable player, the Bob ‘Snowy’ Schlieman Award as the club’s best offensive blueliner and the Blueline Club Award as the player who best embodies sportsmanship and respect for the game. The 19-year-old from Washington, Mich. has appeared in 135 career regular season games for Kitchener since being acquired from the Barrie Colts in January 2022, amassing an impressive 149 points (19-130–149) along the way.

“We are very proud of Hunter and it is a great honour for a member of our organization to be recognized with this award,” said Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “He had many moments of adversity throughout the season but was always there for our team and was a steadying presence on and off the ice. He is a very deserving recipient and we couldn’t be happier for him and his family.”

A middle child with two older sisters and two younger brothers, one of whom (Henry) currently plays for the division rival London Knights, Brzustewicz was originally a fourth-round (69th overall) pick by the Barrie Colts in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, and joined the Rangers via trade after parts of three seasons with the U.S. National Development Program. He was a third-round (75th overall) choice by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2023 NHL Draft. After being acquired by Calgary, Brzustewicz signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with the Flames on March 14, 2024.

The Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award was first announced in August 2023 following the retirement of OHL Vice President Ted Baker, who served 35 years with the Ontario Hockey League. The award celebrates the achievements of a player deemed to have demonstrated the same qualities of teamwork, selflessness and dedication demonstrated by Ted throughout his time with the league.

Brzustewicz will be formally presented with the Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a full list of award winners, click here.

BATTALION’S DENNIS WINS JIM GREGORY OHL GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Adam Dennis of the North Bay Battalion is the 2023-24 recipient of the Jim Gregory OHL General Manager of the Year Award.

In his fifth season as General Manager in North Bay, Dennis helped guide the Battalion to a third consecutive Central Division title with a regular season mark of 39-20-7-2. The Troops were powered by a roster consisting largely of their own drafted and developed talent in former first overall OHL Priority Selection choice Ty Nelson along with other past selections in captain Liam Arnsby, centreman Dalyn Wakely, OHL goal-scoring leader Anthony Romani, Dallas Stars prospect Justin Ertel, forward Owen Van Steensel, netminder Dom DiVincentiis along with veteran blueliners Paul Christopoulos and Tnias Mathurin.

“To be recognized for an award that commemorates a great contributor to our game such as Jim Gregory is something I will forever cherish,” said Dennis of the honour. “I am honoured to receive this award on behalf of the North Bay Battalion, this doesn’t happen without the incredible team at the rink and the supportive platform our owner Scott Abbott provides. I’m incredibly blessed to have a great team at home as well. Thank you Caitlin, Clara, William and Ellie, none of this is possible without all of your love and sacrifice.

“There is so much credit that needs to go around,” Dennis continued. “At the rink, Ryan Oulahen and his staff put an incredible amount of time and energy into the development of our players. Behind the scenes, John Winstanley, Charles Abbott and the entire scouting staff spend countless hours on evenings and weekends helping us build our foundation. A huge thanks needs to go to the billet families that have opened their homes to our players and the great fans that have shown us unwavering support as well. North Bay is an incredible community and one my family is grateful to call home. We can’t wait to get back to the rink and do it all over again in the fall.”

Dennis was selected as winner of the annual honour after he and finalists Dave Drinkill of the Saginaw Spirit and Mark Hunter of the London Knights finished as front-runners in voting by OHL General Managers. The final winner was decided upon by a committee consisting of media representatives from a market in each of the OHL’s four divisions, a representative from NHL Central Scouting, as well as a representative from the Ontario Hockey League.

“We’re very happy that Adam has been recognized for the outstanding job he’s done,” said Battalion Owner and Governor Scott Abbott. “While the award is for the 2023-24 season, he assembled teams that won three consecutive Central Division titles, so his abilities have been well known to Battalion fans for some time. His knowledge of the OHL and his work ethic are second to none, and this award is richly deserved.”

In addition to three straight Central Division titles, the Battalion went on to appear in a third consecutive Eastern Conference Championship Series, becoming the first Eastern Conference team to do so since the 2007-09 Belleville Bulls. Dennis’ acquisition of Florida Panthers prospect Sandis Vilmanis and brothers Andrew and Jacob LeBlanc from the Sarnia Sting in January proved to be one of the OHL season’s most impactful transactions. Vilmanis went on to score 28 goals in 30 regular season games with the Troops before leading them in playoff scoring with 27 points (10-17–27) over 16 contests.

“On behalf of my mother, Rosalie and the entire Gregory family, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Adam Dennis for winning this year’s Jim Gregory Memorial Award,” said David Gregory, son of Jim Gregory and Director of Scouting Services with the National Hockey League. “His leadership of the North Bay Battalion has led to an outstanding season and a remarkable playoff performance. Adam’s consistent excellence year after year truly embodies the spirit of a distinguished hockey executive. Congratulations, Adam, and we wish you continued success in your future endeavours in hockey.”

From Toronto, Ont., Adam Dennis recently completed his eighth season with the Battalion, having joined the organization as an Assistant General Manager and Assistant/Goaltending Coach in 2016-17. Under Dennis’ guidance, the Battalion have won 130 regular season games since the OHL’s return from the Covid-19 pandemic, the most by any team in the Eastern Conference.

On the ice, Dennis holds a unique place in the OHL record book, with his 36 career playoff wins the most by any goaltender in the league’s history. A former 14th round (273rd overall) pick by the Guelph Storm in 2001, Dennis went on to win back-to-back OHL championships in 2004 (with Guelph) and 2005 (with the London Knights) before earning OHL Goaltender of the Year honours in 2006 as his Knights won a Western Conference title. He’s a former sixth round (182nd overall) pick by the Buffalo Sabres in 2005 who went on to play six professional seasons in Italy and Austria.

First announced in August 2019, the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award is presented annually to the General Manager who best excelled in his role during the regular season. The award honours the memory of one of the game’s great builders in former long-time NHL executive Jim Gregory who passed away in October 2019 at the age of 83.

Dennis follows previous award winners in Mark Hunter of the London Knights in 2023, Steve Staios of the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2022 and James Boyd of the Ottawa 67’s in 2020. He’ll be formally presented with the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a complete list of award winners, click here.