Tournament field now set for 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow with the opening game scheduled for Friday, May 24

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is excited to announce that the field for the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow is now complete. In addition to the host Saginaw Spirit from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the 104th edition of the Memorial Cup, which is scheduled from May 23 – June 2 in Saginaw, Michigan, will feature the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League (WHL), the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). 

The latter three teams punched their ticket to the Memorial Cup by winning their respective league titles in just four games – marking the first time in CHL history that all three championship series from the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL ended in sweeps. The first game of the 2024 Memorial Cup is set for next Friday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT between the host Spirit and the WHL champion Moose Jaw Warriors. The complete schedule for the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow can be found below.

The 2024 Memorial Cup will mark the first time the CHL’s championship event has been held in the United States in 26 years and the very first time it has ever occurred in the State of Michigan. Every game of this year’s 2024 Memorial Cup will air on TSN and RDS in Canada and be available via live stream on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In addition to full coverage in Canada on TSN and RDS, the 2024 Memorial Cup will be available in the United States on NHL Network, and for subscribers of CHL TV outside of North America.

Host – Saginaw Spirit
(making their first-ever appearance at a Memorial Cup in 2024)

One of four teams in the CHL to win 50 games this season, the Saginaw Spirit are set to participate in their first-ever Memorial Cup after a historic year for the franchise. Thanks to their 50-16-1-1 record in the regular season, the Spirit set a new club record with 102 points in 2023-24 – marking the first time they broke the 100-point plateau in their 22-year history. A big part of their success can be attributed to the performance of many players including 2024 NHL Draft prospect Zayne Parekh, who led all CHL defencemen in scoring with 96 points (33G-66A) during the regular season. Saginaw also enjoyed great production from another one of their blueliners during the postseason, Anaheim Ducks prospect Rodwin Dionicio, who led all OHL defencemen and his team in playoff scoring with 17 points (5G-12A in 17 GP). Saginaw reached the OHL’s Western Conference finals for only the second time in club history, before falling to the OHL Champion London Knights in six games. 

In total, the Spirit feature nine NHL prospects on their roster, including Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck, Vegas Golden Knights prospect Matyas Sapovaliv, and Minnesota Wild prospect Hunter Haight. 2025 NHL Draft prospect Michael Misa was also a key player for the Spirit in 2023-24, registering 75 points (29G-46A) in 67 regular-season games, which stands as the most points in Saginaw history by a player who started the year at age 16. Led by head coach Chris Lazary, the Spirit will aim to be the third Memorial Cup host to lift the trophy in the last 10 years.

WHL Champions – Moose Jaw Warriors
(making their first-ever appearance at a Memorial Cup in 2024)

Having won their first-ever Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL Champions, the Moose Jaw Warriors will write another page in their franchise’s history when they head to Saginaw for their first-ever appearance at a Memorial Cup. Following their 4-0 sweep of the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL Championship Series, the Warriors have now won 26 of their last 33 games, losing only three times in regulation since February 23. Guided by head coach Mark O’Leary, Moose Jaw scored 87 times during the playoffs, averaging a WHL-best 4.35 goals per game. Throughout the postseason, Seattle Kraken prospect Jagger Firkus (14G-18A in 20 GP), Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Denton Mateychuk (11G-19A in 20 GP), and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Brayden Yager (11G-16A in 20 GP) have been excellent for Moose Jaw – as all three wrapped up the playoffs ranked first, second and third respectively in WHL scoring this postseason. Specifically, Mateychuk was recognized as the WHL Playoff MVP after leading all CHL defencemen in scoring with 30 points during the playoffs.

The trio of Firkus, Mateychuk, and Yager is also among the seven NHL prospects on the Warriors roster, which also features standout players such as Buffalo Sabres prospect Matthew Savoie (10G-14A in 20 GP), Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Martin Rysavy (6G-10A in 20 GP), and Minnesota Wild prospect Kalem Parker (2G-7A in 20 GP). As they prepare to make the trip to Michigan, Moose Jaw will not only be in search of their first Memorial Cup title in franchise history, but they will hope to become the first WHL club to win the event since the Edmonton Oil Kings were crowned CHL champions 10 years ago.

OHL Champions – London Knights 
(sixth Memorial Cup appearance – 2005, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 & 2024; two Memorial Cup titles – 2005 & 2016)

Set to make their sixth appearance since 2005, no club in the CHL has participated in more Memorial Cups than the London Knights over the last 20 years. Led by head coach Dale Hunter, the 2023-24 OHL regular-season champions punched their ticket to this year’s tournament by defeating the Oshawa Generals in four games to earn their fifth J. Ross Robertson Cup. The Knights started the 2024 OHL Playoffs by winning their first 10 games, marking one of the best postseason starts in recent memory. London ended up recording 31 goals in four games during the OHL Championship Series, and they averaged a CHL-best 4.89 goals per game throughout the playoffs. With 10 NHL prospects in their lineup, London has been led this postseason by Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan, who recorded a CHL-best 34 points (10G-24A in 18 GP) in the playoffs including three goals and 12 assists in the OHL Championship Series. 

By winning the Wayne Gretzky 99 award as the 2024 OHL Playoffs MVP, Cowan became the first player to win the OHL’s MVP award in both the regular season and playoffs since Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner achieved the feat with the Knights in 2015-16. At the same time, San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Haltunnen (17G-9A on 18 GP) led all OHL skaters with 17 goals this postseason, one shy of the CHL leader Justin Poirier of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. The Knights also saw big performances in the playoffs from Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Max McCue (3G-19A on 18 GP) and Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Julien (9G-9A on 18 GP) along with their pair of Philadelphia Flyers prospects Denver Barkey (6G-21A on 18 GP) and Oliver Bonk (7G-9A on 18 GP). In Saginaw, London will aim to be the first OHL club to win the Memorial Cup since the Windsor Spitfires took home the CHL’s championship trophy in 2017.

QMJHL Champions – Drummondville Voltigeurs
(fourth Memorial Cup appearance – 1988, 1991, 2009 & 2024)

On the heels of winning their second-ever QMJHL championship title and their first in 15 years, the Drummondville Voltigeurs are headed to Saginaw in what will be their fourth Memorial Cup appearance in franchise history. Led by head coach Sylvain Favreau, the Voltigeurs were just one of eight teams in the CHL to top the 100-point plateau this season, having achieved the feat for only the fourth time in club history. They were also the highest-scoring team in both the QMJHL’s regular season (4.50 goals per game) and playoffs (4.37 goals per game). Having lost just three times in 19 games during this postseason, Drummondville was paced in scoring by Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Ethan Gauthier (14G-11A in 19 GP), captain Luke Woodworth (7G-17A in 19 GP), and 2023 Memorial Cup Champion Mikael Huchette (4G-16A in 19 GP). As they swept the top-seeded Baie-Comeau Drakkar in the QMJHL final, Drummondville never trailed in that series thanks in part to the play of goaltender Riley Mercer, who posted two shutouts and allowed only five goals to the Drakkar.

The Voltigeurs also received important contributions from Philadelphia Flyers prospect Alexis Gendron (11G-8A in 15 GP) and Buffalo Sabres prospect Vsevolod Komarov (5G-10A in 19 GP), who together represent two of the five NHL prospects on Drummondville’s roster. Along with Huchette and Kassim Gaudet (0G-7A in 19 GP), Komarov is one of three players on the Voltigeurs to have won a Memorial Cup with the Québec Remparts last year. Komarov was awarded the Guy-Lafleur Trophy as the 2024 QMJHL Playoffs MVP for his efforts during Drummondville’s championship run, making him just the sixth defenseman in QMJHL history to win that award. Having never lifted the Memorial Cup trophy in three previous trips, the Voltigeurs will look to change that in Saginaw and become the fifth QMJHL club in a row to win the CHL’s top prize. Heading into this year’s tournament, the QMJHL has won a record four straight Memorial Cup titles, the longest streak of any league in the CHL since the tournament switched over to a round-robin format in 1972.

SCHEDULE

Round-Robin – Game 1 – Friday, May 24 – Moose Jaw vs. Saginaw (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 2 – Saturday, May 25 – London vs. Drummondville (4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 3 – Sunday, May 26 – Saginaw vs. Drummondville (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 4 – Monday, May 27 – London vs. Moose Jaw (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 5 – Tuesday, May 28 – Drummondville vs. Moose Jaw (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 6 – Wednesday, May 29 – Saginaw vs. London (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Tie-Breaker (*if necessary) – Thursday, May 30 (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Semi-Final – Friday, May 31 (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Championship Final – Sunday, June 2 (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)

67’s’ SIRMAN WINS ROGER NEILSON MEMORIAL AWARD AS OHL’S TOP ACADEMIC POST-SECONDARY STUDENT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Ottawa 67’s defenceman Thomas Sirman is the 2023-24 recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award, presented annually to the OHL’s Top Academic Post-Secondary student.

Sirman recorded an average of over 83 percent in studies at Queen’s University, with excellence in Geography, French and Liberal Arts, doing so during his third season on the 67’s blue line.

“I want to thank everyone in the Ottawa 67’s organization for their role in helping me receive this award; including James Boyd, Jan Egert, Dave Cameron, my billets, teammates and our academic advisor Eileen Duffin, who has helped me continue my education since I’ve arrived in Ottawa,” said Sirman. “Education is extremely important in my family, so being able to share this award with them is amazing. I’m very fortunate to have been able to begin my university education while playing in the OHL.”

A 19-year-old defenceman from Aurora, Ont., Sirman recorded 16 points (3-13–16) over 40 games in an injury-shortened 2023-24 season, recording a plus-9 rating along with 40 penalty minutes. The 5-foot-10, 178Ib. rearguard has collected 12 goals, 51 assists and 63 points in 160 regular season games since being selected by the 67’s with the third round (60th overall) pick of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

“Throughout his time with the Ottawa 67’s, Thomas has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, both on the ice and in the classroom,” said 67’s General Manager James Boyd. “We are very pleased to see him recognized for his academic achievements.”

Sirman added two goals and an assist in 10 playoff games as Ottawa eliminated the Brantford Bulldogs before falling to the Oshawa Generals in the second round.

“I am extremely happy to see Thomas rewarded with the Roger Neilson Award for the top marks he’s earned on his courses at Queen’s University,” said Eileen Duffin, who serves as the club’s Academic Advisor. “Thomas sets the academic bar high, and is an excellent role model for the 67’s high school players who are moving on to university next year.” 

The Roger Neilson Memorial Award is named in honour of the Hall of Fame Coach who served behind the Peterborough Petes bench in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  Neilson, a former high school teacher, was a pioneer in stressing the importance of education to all of his players. Sirman follows other 67’s players in back-to-back winner Adam Varga (2021, ’22), Sasha Chmelevski (2019) and Danny Battochio (2005, ’06) to become the fourth to win the award in franchise history.

Finalists for this year’s Roger Neilson Memorial Award included Oshawa Generals forward Stuart Rolofs and Kitchener Rangers goaltender Jackson Parsons.

For a full list of award winners, click here.

ATTACK’S GEORGE WINS BOBBY SMITH TROPHY AND IVAN TENNANT MEMORIAL AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that draft eligible Owen Sound Attack goaltender Carter George is the 2023-24 recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year. The 17-year-old netminder also comes away as this year’s recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award presented to the League’s top academic high-school student.

After never winning the award until 2023, the Attack franchise has back-to-back Bobby Smith Trophy recipients as George follows teammate Colby Barlow with excellence in the classroom, putting together a 93.8 percent average across six Grade 12 university-level courses at Owen Sound District Secondary School. George’s transcript was headlined by a 99 percent grade in Business Co-Op, a 97 percent in Organizational Business and 95 percent finishes in both English and International Business.

“It’s truly an honour to receive these awards,” said George. “I believe that to be an elite athlete your habits, character and mindset apply to all aspects of your life, not just hockey. That is why I feel it is just as important for me to strive for a high level of success in my academics. Balancing hockey with my academics has helped me to become more disciplined, resilient and has taught me time management. I’d like to recognize and thank the Attack organization, especially Sarah Rowe, for helping me grow on and off the ice.”

George was the OHL’s busiest netminder this past season, stopping a league-high 1,744 shots, the most by an Owen Sound goaltender since 2000-01 (Cory Roberts, 1,792). He played to a record of 23-21-6-3 with a 3.30 goals-against average, .907 save percentage and four shutouts, a figure tied for the League-lead. He was also the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for October.

George becomes the OHL’s first dual winner of the Bobby Smith and Ivan Tennant awards since Erie Otters defenceman Adam Pelech last earned both honours in 2011-12.

“Being able to say that you are both the Bobby Smith and Ivan Tennant award winner in the same year says a lot about the individual who could win that,” said Attack General Manager Dale DeGray. “Carter George is one of those young men capable of just about anything he puts his mind to. I don’t think anyone in the organization is surprised that he has achieved this feat. Carter has proven to be a leader both on and off the ice since completing his first game with us two years ago. Congratulations to Carter on this incredible accomplishment.”

George joins four other former Attack players as the latest to claim the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award, following Cal Uens (2022), Logan LeSage (2020), Mack Guzda (2019, ’18) and Andrew Shorkey (2007).

George’s 23 wins are the most by a rookie goaltender in Attack franchise history. The former third-round (53rd overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from Thunder Bay, Ont. is also North America’s second-ranked goaltender eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft as listed by NHL Central Scouting. George recently backstopped Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team to a gold medal finish in Espoo, Finland earlier this month.

“Carter is an extremely hard-working individual who has always put forth his best effort, on and off the ice,” said Sarah Rowe, the Attack’s Academic Advisor. “In fact, he is always interested to find out whether his save percentage or academic average is higher!  It is fitting he is being recognized with both the Bobby Smith and Ivan Tennant awards.  His teachers describe him as a conscientious student and a leader who is the first to step in and assist his teammates in the classroom.  His personal desire to not only succeed on the ice but in the classroom as well has resulted in his exceptional academic results. Congratulations Carter!”

Each year the Bobby Smith Trophy is presented to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence. The trophy is in honour of Bobby Smith, a former Ottawa 67’s star who exhibited a standard of excellence in both of these areas. Past recipients since the award was first presented in 1980 include three-time winner Dustin Brown (Guelph 2001-03), back-to-back winner Connor McDavid (Erie, 2014, ’15) and other standouts in Steven Stamkos (Sarnia 2007), Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2008), Matt Duchene (Brampton 2009), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2011) and Cole Perfetti (Saginaw 2020).

Next in line for the Bobby Smith Trophy was Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa who finished as the runner-up followed by 2024 NHL Draft prospect Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm, who placed third in the process.

George will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Scholastic Player of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony that will be held at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow from May 24 to June 2 in Saginaw, Michigan. George will be formally presented with both the Bobby Smith Trophy and the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 2 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a complete history of OHL award winners, click here.

2023-24 OHL Scholastic Team Nominees:
Barrie Colts – Jaiden Newton
Brantford Bulldogs – Jake O’Brien
Erie Otters – Matthew Schaefer
Flint Firebirds – Jimmy Lombardi
Guelph Storm – Jett Luchanko
Kingston Frontenacs – Mason Vaccari
Kitchener Rangers – Cameron Reid
London Knights – Sam Dickinson
Mississauga Steelheads – Lucas Karmiris
Niagara IceDogs – Kevin He
North Bay Battalion – Nolan Laird
Oshawa Generals – Ben Danford
Ottawa 67’s – Frankie Marrelli
Owen Sound Attack – Carter George
Peterborough Petes – Ryder McIntyre
Saginaw Spirit – Michael Misa
Sarnia Sting – Nick Surzycia
Soo Greyhounds – Landon Miller
Sudbury Wolves – Nathan Villeneuve
Windsor Spitfires – Liam Greentree

All games of the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL Championship Series will be live on TSN and RDS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
TSN will air complete coverage of all three of the CHL’s member leagues (WHL, OHL & QMJHL) Championship Series, while RDS will showcase the entire QMJHL Championship Series

TORONTO, ON — With the remaining six teams set to compete for both their league title and a spot in the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is excited to announce that viewers will be able to catch the entirety of the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) Championship Series on TSN and RDS.

Starting tomorrow (May 9), TSN will provide complete coverage of the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL Championship Series, while RDS will showcase the entire QMJHL Championship Series – the latter of which also gets started tomorrow (see the full schedule for each Championship Series below). Full coverage of the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL Championship Series will also be available on CHL TV to fans worldwide, while select games will air on NHL Network in the United States.

Each champion from the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL will earn a place alongside the host Saginaw Spirit at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow from May 23 – June 2 in Saginaw, Michigan. Every game of this year’s 2024 Memorial Cup will air on TSN and RDS in Canada and be available via live stream on TSN.ca, the TSN app, RDS.ca, and the RDS app. In addition to full coverage in Canada on TSN and RDS, the 2024 Memorial Cup will be available in the United States on NHL Network, and for subscribers of CHL TV outside of North America.

2024 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien
Ed Chynoweth Cup

Moose Jaw Warriors (in search of their first-ever Memorial Cup appearance)
Portland Winterhawks (five Memorial Cup Appearances – 1982, 1983, 1986, 1998 & 2013; two Memorial Cup titles – 1983 & 1998)

In the WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien, the Moose Jaw Warriors will be looking to secure their first-ever Ed Chynoweth Cup in franchise history, while the Portland Winterhawks will be aiming for their fourth WHL championship title since the franchise arrived in Portland in 1976. Set to play in their first WHL final in 18 years, the Warriors have been on a tear since February 23, having collected 22 wins and just three regulation losses over their last 29 contests. During the postseason, Moose Jaw has been led by WHL Defenceman of the Year and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Denton Mateychuk (8G-19A in 16 GP), along with Seattle Kraken prospect and the CHL’s regular-season scoring leader Jagger Firkus (12G-15A in 16 GP), who both sit tied for first in the WHL with 27 points during the playoffs. The Warriors have also enjoyed key contributions throughout the postseason from Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Brayden Yager (10G-11A in 16 GP), Buffalo Sabres prospect Matthew Savoie (8G-12A in 15 GP), and 20-year-old Atley Calvert (6G-9A in 16 GP). Meanwhile, on the other side, the Winterhawks are playing in their first WHL Championship Series in 10 years, thanks in part to the performance of 2023 Detroit Red Wings first-rounder Nate Danielson (5G-16A in 14 GP) who leads the team in scoring. Portland finished the 2023-24 campaign as the highest-scoring team in the CHL, averaging 4.85 goals per game. Their roster features seven NHL prospects including Edmonton Oilers prospect James Stefan (7G-8A in 14 GP), Seattle Kraken prospect Tyson Jugnauth (4G-11A in 14 GP), and Philadelphia Flyers prospect Carter Sotheran (4G-7A in 14 GP). The Winterhawks have also enjoyed strong goaltending from netminder Jan Špunar who figures among the WHL leaders in GAA (2.32) and SV% (.923) during the postseason.

2024 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien Schedule
Game 1^ – Friday, May 10 – Moose Jaw at Portland – 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT (on TSN4/5)
Game 2^ – Saturday, May 11 – Moose Jaw at Portland – 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT (on TSN3/4)
Game 3^ – Tuesday, May 14 – Portland at Moose Jaw  – 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
Game 4^ – Wednesday, May 15 – Portland at Moose Jaw – 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
Game 5*^ – Friday, May 17 – Portland at Moose Jaw – 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
Game 6*^ – Sunday, May 19 – Moose Jaw at Portland – Time To Be Confirmed
Game 7*^ – Monday, May 20 – Moose Jaw at Portland – Time To Be Confirmed

* = if necessary
^ = TSN national broadcast
Channel designations are subject to change
TSN channel designations for Game 3-7 to be confirmed

2024 OHL Championship Series
Ross Robertson Cup

London Knights (five Memorial Cup appearances – 2005, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2016; two Memorial Cup titles – 2005 & 2016)
Oshawa Generals (12 Memorial Cup appearances – 1938, 1939, 1940, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1966, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1997 & 2015; five Memorial Cup titles – 1939, 1940, 1944, 1990 & 2015)

The London Knights are back in the OHL Championship Series for a second straight year, once again vying for a fifth J. Ross Robertson Cup. Standing in their way are the Oshawa Generals who will be looking to add to the record 13 OHL Championship titles that they have accrued in club history. London was just one of four teams in the CHL to win 50 games this season and they earned the 2023-24 Hamilton Spectator Trophy as the OHL’s regular season champions. So far through three rounds, the Knights have enjoyed strong performances in the postseason from San Jose Sharks prospect Kasperi Haltunnen (9G-6A in 14 GP), Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan (7G-12A in 14 GP), and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Max McCue (2G-15A in 14 GP). London is also backstopped by last year’s 2023 OHL Playoff MVP, Michael Simpson, who enters the OHL Championship Series with a 2.59 GAA and .911 SV%. Meanwhile, 2023 Colorado Avalanche first-round pick and Generals forward Calum Ritchie (6G-19A in 17 GP) leads all active players remaining in the OHL Playoffs with 25 points through 17 games. His teammate, 2024 NHL Draft prospect Beckett Sennecke (10G-12A in 16 GP), stands behind him with 22 points, while New York Rangers prospect Dylan Roobroeck (10G-11A in 17 GP) ranks fifth among OHL skaters in playoff scoring with 21 points. 2024 OHL Goaltender of the Year Jacob Oster has carried over his excellent play from the regular season into the postseason as the Oshawa netminder ranks second in GAA (2.29) and third in SV% (.923) among OHL goaltenders in the playoffs. The Generals, who will be playing in their first OHL Championship Series since 2015, won 31 of their final 43 games (31-7-4-1) in the regular season to climb out from the bottom of the standings to secure first place in both their division and conference ahead of the playoffs.

2024 OHL Championship Series Schedule
Game 1^ – Thursday, May 9 – Oshawa at London – 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (on TSN3)
Game 2^ – Saturday, May 11 – Oshawa at London – 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (on TSN3)
Game 3^ – Monday, May 13 – London at Oshawa – 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
Game 4^ – Wednesday, May 15 – London at Oshawa – 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
Game 5*^ – Friday, May 17 – Oshawa at London – 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
Game 6*^ – Sunday, May 19 – London at Oshawa – Time To Be Confirmed
Game 7*^ – Monday, May 20 – Oshawa at London – Time To Be Confirmed

* = if necessary
^ = TSN national broadcast
Channel designations are subject to change
TSN channel designations for Game 3-7 to be confirmed

2024 QMJHL Championship Series
Gilles-Courteau Trophy

Baie-Comeau Drakkar (in search of their first-ever Memorial Cup appearance)
Drummondville Voltigeurs (three Memorial Cup appearances – 1988, 1991 & 2009)

In the QMJHL, the Baie-Comeau Drakkar are in search of both their first Gilles-Courteau Trophy and Memorial Cup appearance in franchise history, while the Drummondville Voltigeurs are looking to earn a second QMJHL Championship title having previously won in 2009. With a franchise-record 53 wins this season, the Drakkar won more games than any club in the CHL and they gave up the fewest amount of goals alongside the Saskatoon Blades, as both clubs allowed just 2.40 goals per game during the 2023-24 campaign. Set to play in their third QMHJL final and their first one since 2014, Baie-Comeau has been led in the playoffs by 2024 NHL Draft prospect Justin Poirier (17G-8A in 13 GP) who has registered a QMJHL-leading 17 goals and 25 points through three rounds. His 17 goals this postseason are the most by a 17-year-old QMJHL skater in 44 years (Dale Hawerchuk – Cornwall Royals – 20 goals in 1980). Right behind Poirier, sitting in second in scoring during the QMJHL playoffs, is New York Islanders prospect Justin Gill (10G-14A in 13 GP) with 24 points, while Latvian defenceman Niks Fenenko (4G-11A in 13 GP) leads all QMJHL defencemen with 15 points. The Drakkar’s goaltending has also been a position of strength through the playoffs as Charles-Édward Gravel ranks first among QMJHL goalies in GAA (1.89) and third in SV% (.924) during the postseason. Conversely, Voltigeurs netminder Riley Mercer has been excellent for Drummondville. With a QMJHL-best .927 SV% and a solid 2.07 GAA through 15 games, Mercer has played a big part in helping the Voltigeurs ascend to their fifth QMJHL Championship Series in franchise history. Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Ethan Gauthier (10G-10A in 15 GP) leads all Voltigeurs skaters with 20 points in the playoffs, while Philadelphia Flyers prospect Alexis Gendron (8G-5A in 11 GP) has collected 13 points in 11 playoff games since returning from injury. Averaging 4.5 goals per game, the Voltigeurs were the highest-scoring team in the QMJHL this season. Drummondville was also one of eight teams in the CHL to top the 100-point plateau, having accomplished the feat for only the fourth time in franchise history and for the first time since 2019.

2024 QMJHL Championship Series Schedule
Game 1# – Thursday, May 9 – Drummondville at Baie-Comeau – 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (on RDS2 & TSN2)
Game 2# – Friday, May 10 – Drummondville at Baie-Comeau – 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (on RDS & TSN5)
Game 3# – Monday, May 13 – Baie-Comeau at Drummondville – 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (on RDS)
Game 4# – Tuesday, May 14 – Baie-Comeau at Drummondville – 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (on RDS)
Game 5*# – Thursday, May 16 – Drummondville at Baie-Comeau – 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (on RDS)
Game 6*# – Saturday, May 18 – Baie-Comeau at Drummondville – 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (on RDS)
Game 7*# – Tuesday, May 21 – Drummondville at Baie-Comeau – 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (on RDS)

* = if necessary
# = RDS & TSN national broadcast
Channel designations are subject to change
TSN channel designations for Game 3-7 to be confirmed

FRONTENACS’ VACCARI AWARDED DAN SNYDER MEMORIAL TROPHY AS OHL HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Mason Vaccari of the Kingston Frontenacs is the 2023-24 recipient of the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy presented annually to the OHL’s Humanitarian of the Year.

Through his “Mason’s Miracles” initiative, Vaccari has raised more than $13,200 for the Pediatric Wing at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, a figure that will continue to grow into the summer.

At the outset of the season, Vaccari prioritized using his athletic gifts to make an impact in the lives of children, setting up various fundraising initiatives to benefit the local hospital. He started by donating .50 cents of his own money for each of the 1,458 saves he’d go on to make during the 2023-24 season, a figure that would be matched by generous community supporters. Members of the Kingston hockey community donated at a link created through canadahelps.org throughout the season, further bolstering Vaccari’s fundraising efforts.

The 19-year-old goaltender also went to great lengths to form personal connections with young patients in the Kingston Health Sciences Centre’s Pediatric Wing, making visits there on off-days throughout the season.

“Being recognized with this award is truly an honour,” said Vaccari. “When the idea of Mason’s Miracles first started, the goal was to give back to the community that has given my teammates and I a home away from home. I’m very proud to have surpassed our goal of raising $10,000 for the Pediatric ward and am confident that this money will go a long way toward making a difference for children needing care at the hospital.

“I’d especially like to thank Charette Custom Homes for believing in me, this mission, and matching my donations over the course of the year. I’d also like to thank the doctors, nurses and families who allowed my teammates and I to spend time with and get to know some of the children within the ward. I really enjoyed my visits and these were some of my favourite memories of the season.

Finally, I’d like to thank everyone including my family, friends, billets, the rest of the Frontenacs organization, and everyone else who has made a donation online, contributed their time to get the word out, and sent me messages of encouragement along the way. I am so grateful for your support and I couldn’t have accomplished any of this without you.”

An 89 percent student in his final semester of high school, Vaccari quickly enrolled in online university prep courses including Economics and Human Development to close out 2023-24. He got creative in his fundraising work, holding a design-a-mask contest that continues to raise funds through an online auction that is still ongoing here.

“We are extremely proud of Mason for his efforts in our community,” said Frontenacs General Manager Kory Cooper. “When players arrive in Kingston, we stress the importance of being involved in the community and being good people on and off the ice. Mason has taken that to the next level this season. He provides us with a great example of what players in our organization and our league can accomplish with their platform. Mason is deserving of this award, and he should be proud of what he has accomplished with Mason’s Miracles.”

Vaccari, who hails from Mississauga, Ont., was busy in the crease as well, appearing in 59 games while going 27-27-3-0 with a 3.55 goals-against average and .880 save percentage. His 1,458 saves were the fourth-most in the OHL this season. The former fourth round pick by Kingston in 2021 has played to a career regular season mark that includes a record of 38-41-3-0 with a 3.54 goals-against average and .887 save percentage over 88 games.

Vaccari was the front-runner for this year’s OHL Humanitarian of the Year Award, with North Bay Battalion defenceman Ty Nelson finishing as the runner-up for his tremendous efforts with Community Living North Bay.

Each year the OHL awards a player that has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a positive role model in the community with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy. The Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors announced in 2004 that the OHL Humanitarian of the Year award would be named in recognition of the former Owen Sound Platers captain, who was twice named his team’s Humanitarian of the Year in recognition of his tremendous efforts in supporting community activities.

Vaccari follows Andrew Raycroft (1999-2000) and David Ling (1994-95) to become the third player in Frontenacs franchise history to win the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy. Other recent OHL recipients include Dalyn Wakely of the North Bay Battalion (2022-23) and Mark Woolley of the Owen Sound Attack (2021-22).

Vaccari will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Humanitarian of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 1 during the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow which takes place in Saginaw, Michigan from May 24 through June 2. Vaccari will be formally presented with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy at the OHL Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a complete list of OHL award winners, click here.

“For many kids, coming to the hospital for care or treatment can be scary. One of the goals of our team is to make the hospital stay as positive as possible. When Mason offered to spend some time visiting patients, he didn’t just brighten their afternoon – he made a positive impact on their entire hospital experience. This was especially apparent when visiting patients in our pediatric oncology playroom. Here he spent time playing mini-sticks, bubble hockey & video games with a handful of hockey-obsessed kids, bursting with excitement to face-off against a real OHL goalie.

Our hospitals rely on the generosity of donors to fund things like equipment and patient care items. Mason’s fundraising and monetary donation has the potential to make an impact on young patients for years to come and goes a long way in inspiring a culture of philanthropy among his peers and fans.”

– Erika Kooi (Program Manager – Pediatrics, NICU & Child Life at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre)

OHL ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR 2024 OHL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the schedule of games for the 2024 OHL Championship Series that is set to take place between the Western Conference champion London Knights and the Eastern Conference champion Oshawa Generals.

Oshawa advanced to the OHL Championship Series following a 6-1 win over the North Bay Battalion in a Monday night Game 7 matchup, winning their first Bobby Orr Trophy since 2015, the same year they won a Memorial Cup title. Oshawa has eliminated the Barrie Colts, Ottawa 67’s and North Bay Battalion thus far on their playoff quest.

The Knights come off their second-straight Wayne Gretzky Trophy as Western Conference Champions, eliminating the Saginaw Spirit in six games. The Knights reached last year’s OHL Championship Final before falling in six games to the Peterborough Petes. London eliminated the Flint Firebirds and Kitchener Rangers with consecutive series sweeps before besting Saginaw in the West Final.

The 2024 OHL Championship Series will be broadcast in its entirety on TSN, the official broadcast partner of the Canadian Hockey League. Games can also be seen live online across Canada at ohllive.com.

2024 OHL Championship Series Schedule:
Game 1 – Thursday, May 9th at London, 7:00pm
Game 2 – Saturday, May 11th at London, 7:00pm
Game 3 – Monday, May 13th at Oshawa, 7:00pm
Game 4 – Wednesday, May 15th at Oshawa, 7:00pm
Game 5 – Friday, May 17th at London, 7:00pm*
Game 6 – Sunday, May 19th at Oshawa, Time To Be Confirmed*
Game 7 – Monday, May 20th at London, Time To Be Confirmed*

*if necessary

VILMANIS AND MCIVOR 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 playoff games ending Sunday, May 5th, 2024.



Battalion’s Sandis Vilmanis Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Florida Panthers prospect Sandis Vilmanis of the North Bay Battalion is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording four goals, five assists and nine points in four games played.

Helping the Battalion rally to force a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Championship Series, Vilmanis started off the week with a goal in a 5-2 loss to the Oshawa Generals on Monday. The 6-foot-2, 192lb. forward tallied a pair of goals including the overtime winner along with two assists to earn first star honours on Wednesday, helping the Battalion skate to a 5-4 overtime win at home. He recorded another assist on Friday as the Battalion clinched a 5-4 double overtime victory. Vilmanis closed out the week with a goal and two helpers in a dominant 8-1 win on Sunday, leading the Battalion to tie the series 3-3 heading into Game 7 on Monday night.

A 20-year-old from Riga, Latvia, Vilmanis leads all post-season point-getters with 26 points (10-16–26) in 15 playoff contests following a regular season that yielded 38 goals, 29 assists and 67 points over 60 games played between the Battalion and the Sarnia Sting. A former first round pick by Sarnia in the 2022 CHL Import Draft, Vilmanis was selected by the Florida Panthers in the fifth round (157th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club on March 2, 2024. Vilmanis has also participated on the international stage, representing Latvia at three consecutive IIHF World Junior Championships.

Also considered for the award this week, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights helped his team skate to a 4-2 Western Conference Final Series victory over the Saginaw Spirit, recording four goals and four assists in four games played. Battalion teammate and Seattle Kraken prospect Ty Nelson was also a standout, registering two goals, five assists and seven points.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 29 – May 5: Sandis Vilmanis (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Kasper Halttunen (London Knights)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Jacob Julien (London Knights)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Samuel Mayer (Ottawa 67’s)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Owen Beck (Saginaw Spirit)

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Jacob Maillet (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Gavin Bryant (Niagara IceDogs)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)



Battalion’s Mike McIvor Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Rookie netminder Mike McIvor of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, playing to a 3-1 record along with a 3.13 goals-against average, and .902 save percentage.

Helping the Battalion bounce back in the Eastern Conference Championship Series, McIvor made a total of 129 saves last week. He stopped 26 of the 31 shots he faced on Monday as the Battalion fell 5-2 to the Oshawa Generals. McIvor earned the Battalion’s first win of the series on Wednesday, blocking 27 of the 31 shots that came his way in a 5-4 overtime victory. The 6-foot, 165lb. netminder returned to the crease with a big performance on Friday, turning aside 41 of the 45 shots he faced to clinch a 5-4 double overtime win. McIvor closed out the week with a 35-save performance on Sunday as the Battalion defeated the Generals in a commanding 8-1 victory to push the series to Game 7.

An 18-year-old from Warkworth, Ont., McIvor played to a regular season mark of 8-9-0-0 with a 3.78 goals-against average and .876 save percentage over 18 games in his first OHL season. A fourth round (83rd overall) pick by the Battalion in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Quinte Red Devils U16 program, McIvor has appeared in 14 playoff contests, playing to a 10-4 record along with a 2.58 goals-against average and .917 save percentage with one shutout.

Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson of the London Knights went 2-2 along with a 3.79 goals-against average and .899 save percentage to take a 4-2 Western Conference Championship Series victory over the Saginaw Spirit. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Nolan Lalonde of the Saginaw Spirit also played to a 2-2 record along with a 3.05 goals-against average and .879 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 29 – May 5: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Charlie Schenkel (Soo Greyhounds)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Jakub Vondras (Sudbury Wolves)

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Nick Surzycia (Sarnia Sting)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Charlie Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Liam Sztuska (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Ben West (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Owen Willmore (London Knights)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Marcus Vandenberg (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 12: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)

LONDON KNIGHTS WIN SECOND CONSECUTIVE WAYNE GRETZKY TROPHY AS WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Saginaw, Mich. – Easton Cowan recorded two goals and an assist and Jackson Edward scored the third period game-winner as the London Knights defeated the Saginaw Spirit 4-2 at the Dow Event Center to be crowned Western Conference Champions for the second straight year.
 
Sam O’Reilly also scored for the Knights while Denver Barkey and Max McCue each had a pair of assists. Michael Simpson made 33 saves in the win as London prevailed despite being outshot 35-26.
 
The Knights become the first team to win back-to-back Wayne Gretzky Trophies since the franchise last did so in 2012 and 2013.
 
“We had a total team game going,” said Knights head coach Dale Hunter. “Our big guns came out and played really well and the young guys who came in and filled spots played really well too.”
 
The Knights opened the West Final with back-to-back 3-1 wins on home ice before the Spirit skated to a 6-2 victory in Game 3. The Knights came back strong, defeating Saginaw 7-3 on the road in Game 4 before the Spirit rallied to defeat London 4-2 at Budweiser Gardens in Game 5. The Knights sealed the deal on Sunday afternoon in mid-Michigan, capturing their eighth Wayne Gretzky Trophy in franchise history.
 
“I’m really proud of this team, they stuck with it,” said Easton Cowan. “We had guys in and out of the lineup. Everyone was playing different minutes. We had a really good team effort today and I’m really happy with how I played and how our guys played.”
 
The Knights have eliminated the Flint Firebirds, Kitchener Rangers and Saginaw Spirit and advance to the OHL Championship Series where they’ll face the winner of a Monday night Game 7 between the North Bay Battalion and host Oshawa Generals.
 
The Saginaw Spirit see their OHL playoff run come to an end as they turn their attention toward preparations for the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow that they’ll host starting May 24th.
 
The Spirit come off their most successful season in franchise history, playing to a record of 50-16-0-1 with 102 points. They bested the Owen Sound Attack and Soo Greyhounds before coming up short against London.
 
“I have nothing negative to say about our compete at all,” said Spirit head coach Chris Lazary. “I thought we played our hearts out. We hit a post late and could have tied the game there. We obviously didn’t see it ending today, but it’s not for lack of effort.
 
“It’s heartbreaking for the players, staff, fans, everybody,” Lazary continued. “This isn’t just the game of hockey for us, it’s our life. When you lose a game like that, if you’ve ever had everything put into one basket like that – it rips your heart out.
 
“Right now we’re just trying to catch our breath. The job’s not done. We’ve gotta come back and we’ll reset ourselves and we still have something here on the table to play for and the chance to end with this group as champions.”
 
The Wayne Gretzky Trophy was presented to Knights veterans Max McCue, Isaiah George and Jackson Edward by OHL Vice President Cole Butterworth. The Knights, who come off a fifth straight Midwest Division title this past season, claim the Wayne Gretzky Trophy following previous triumphs in 1999, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2023.

Follow along with the 2024 OHL Playoffs at ontariohockeyleague.com.

– Game Centre & Highlights
– London Knights Post-Game: Dale Hunter & Easton Cowan

25 CHL players earn gold as Canada defeats the United States at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
ESPOO, FINLAND – MAY 5: Team Canada poses for a group photo with the championship trophy after a 6-4 Gold Medal Game win against Team USA at the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Metro Arena on May 5, 2024 in Espoo, Finland. (Photo by André Ringuette/IIHF)

TORONTO, ON — Today, 25 CHL players proudly won gold as Team Canada topped the podium at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship by defeating the United States 6-4 in Sunday’s final in Espoo, Finland. The victory gave Canada its first gold medal at the IIHF U18 World Championship in three years. Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) scored a hat-trick and an assist in the Gold Medal game, while Tij Iginla (Kelowna Rockets / WHL) recorded three points (1G-2A) including the game-winning goal. Goaltender Carter George (Owen Sound Attack / OHL) was named Canada’s Player of the Game as he turned aside 31-of-35 shots against the United States.

Ultimately, Canada held a perfect 7-0 record during the tournament.

With 20 points (10G-10A) through seven games, 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna led all Canadian skaters at the event in both scoring and goals. McKenna’s 10 goals were the most of any player at the tournament and now stands as the most-ever by a Canadian at this event, beating the previous record of nine goals held by OHL alumnus Shane Wright. McKenna’s 20 points also established a new single-tournament record for points by a Canadian at the U18 World Championship by besting the previous mark of 15. 

2025 NHL Draft prospect Porter Martone (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL) finished the event with 17 points (5G-12A) in seven games. Having now accrued 23 points (8G-15A) in 14 career games at the IIHF U18 World Championships, Martone set a new career scoring record by a Canadian by surpassing WHL alumnus Connor Bedard’s previous record of 21 points.

In net, 2024 NHL Draft prospect Carter George was named the top goaltender of the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship. He finished the tournament with a 2.33 goals against average and a .915 save percentage, both of which ranked second among all goalies at the U18 World Championship. As of result of their excellent performances, George, Martone, and McKenna were all named to the tournament all-star team and they were identified as Canada’s top three players at the event on Saturday.

In total, 25 CHL players were a part of the gold medal-winning Canadian squad (see complete list below), including 13 players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), nine from the Western Hockey League (WHL), and three from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). 16 of the 25 players on Team Canada’s U18 roster were listed in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft, including Kelowna Rockets forward Tij Iginla (6G-6A in 7 GP), Chicoutimi Saguenéens forward Maxim Massé (2G-3A in 7 GP), and Ottawa 67’s defenceman Henry Mews (2G-5A in 7 GP).

Team Canada was led by former Saint John Sea Dogs bench boss and 2022 Memorial Cup champion Gardiner MacDougall who served as the squad’s head coach. He was joined on the bench by assistant coaches Travis Crickard (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) and Ryan Smith (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) along with goaltending coach Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL).

Since 2002, Canada has now won five gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021, 2024), in addition to one silver (2005) and four bronze (2012, 2014, 2015, 2023). In total, there were 38 players from the CHL who competed in the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship including eight with Czechia, three with Switzerland, and one with Latvia and Slovakia.

38 CHL PLAYERS PARTICIPATED IN THE 2024 IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Canada (25)
G – Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
G – Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
G – Carter George (Owen Sound Attack / OHL)
D – Frankie Marrelli (Ottawa 67’s / OHL)
D – Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s / OHL),
D – Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL)
D – Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL)
D – Harrison Brunicke (Kamloops Blazers / WHL)
D – Reese Hamilton (Calgary Hitmen / WHL)
D – Spencer Gill (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL)
F – Charlie Elick (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL)
F – Tij Iginla (Kelowna Rockets / WHL)
F – Ollie Josephson (Red Deer Rebels / WHL)
F – Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL)
F – Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL)
F – Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL)
F – Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters / OHL)
F – Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL)
F – Jett Luchanko (Guelph Storm / OHL)
F – Ryder Ritchie (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL)
F – Porter Martone (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
F – Carson Wetsch (Calgary Hitmen / WHL)
F – Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)
F – Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires / OHL)
F – Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts / OHL)

Czechia (8)
G – Jakub Milota (Cape Breton Eagles / QMJHL)
D – Jakub Fibigr (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
D – Ales Zielinski (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)
F – Maxmilian Curran (Tri-City Americans / WHL)
F – Samuel Drancak (Red Deer Rebels / WHL)
F – Adam Jecho (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL)
F – Matej Kubiesa (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL)
F – Adam Titlbach (Vancouver Giants / WHL)

Latvia (1)
D – Bruno Petrovics (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL)

Slovakia (1)
F – Ondrej Maruna (Charlottetown Islanders / QMJHL)

Switzerland (3)
F – Jordan Forget (Shawinigan Cataractes / QMJHL)
F – Kimi Körbler (Ottawa 67’s / OHL)
F – Yannik Ponzetto (Acadie-Bathurst Titan / QMJHL)

KNIGHTS’ COWAN AWARDED RED TILSON TROPHY AS OHL’S MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights is the 2023-24 recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy, an award presented annually to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player as voted by the writers and broadcasters that cover the league.

“I want to thank all of my teammates, coaches, training staff and of course my family,” said Cowan of the award. “None of this is possible without them. It’s a great honour for me and my family.”

Cowan finished his sophomore season with 34 goals, 62 assists and 96 points in 54 games, registering the league’s second-highest production rate of 1.78 points-per-game. He garnered league-wide attention with his 36-game point streak that spanned from Nov. 25 through the final game of the regular season on Mar. 24, eventually reaching a run of 42 games in the OHL Playoffs. The 36-game mark established a new London Knights franchise record, and is the longest point streak the OHL has seen since 1995.

“It takes special players to win and have great teams and Easton is exceptional,” said Knights Vice President and General Manager Mark Hunter. “He has speed skill and will and of all of those his will to win and be better everyday is a testament to his work ethic and drive to be a National Hockey League player. He had a great season in London and we’re very proud of him.”

Cowan’s season saw him record at least a point in 49 of his 54 outings, with a total of 33 multi-point performances along the way. His seven shorthanded goals were tied with teammate Denver Barkey for the league lead while his 14 shorthanded points finished atop the OHL list. His contributions helped the Knights secure a Hamilton Spectator Trophy as the OHL’s first place team during the regular season, along with a fifth straight Midwest Division title.

An 18-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont., Cowan has recorded 55 goals, 96 assists and 151 points over 129 career regular season games, registering a plus/minus rating of plus-47. He’s also scored a total of 10 shorthanded goals along with seven goals on the power play. Cowan helped the Knights win the Wayne Gretzky Trophy as Western Conference champions last spring, putting up 21 points (9-12—21) across 20 playoff contests. He was Toronto’s first round (28th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and signed an entry-level NHL contract with the Leafs on Aug. 10, 2023. The Knights selected Cowan with their second round (25th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Cowan becomes the seventh London Knights player to win the Red Tilson Trophy, joining a list that includes Mitch Marner (2015-16), Michael Houser (2011-12), Corey Perry (2004-05), Jason Allison (1993-94), Dave Simpson (1981-82) and Dennis Maruk (1974-75). Recent winners have included a pair of Windsor Spitfires forwards in Matthew Maggio (2022-23) and Wyatt Johnston (2021-22) along with Ottawa 67’s forward Marco Rossi (2019-20) and Sudbury Wolves goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (2018-19).

The Red Tilson Trophy is the most prestigious individual award presented by the Ontario Hockey League.  First presented in 1945, the trophy is named in honour of Albert “Red” Tilson, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II. Tilson was the OHA scoring champion for the 1942-43 season after scoring 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in 22 games with the Oshawa Generals.

Accredited media were asked to select their top choice from a ballot consisting of 20 team-nominated representatives. Cowan emerged as the front-runner, receiving 41 percent of the vote ahead of Saginaw Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh who received 18 percent. Sudbury Wolves forward David Goyette placed third with 17 percent of the vote.

The Red Tilson Trophy winner is the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony that will be held at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow from May 24 to June 2 in Saginaw, Michigan. Cowan will be formally presented with the Red Tilson Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 2 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a complete history of OHL award winners, click here.