STORM’S LUCHANKO RECEIVES WILLIAM HANLEY TROPHY AS OHL’S MOST SPORTSMANLIKE PLAYER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that draft eligible Guelph Storm forward Jett Luchanko is the 2023-24 recipient of the William Hanley Trophy awarded to the League’s Most Sportsmanlike Player as voted by OHL General Managers.

Luchanko led the Storm with 74 points including 20 goals and 54 assists over 68 games. He was also a front-runner in this year’s OHL Coaches Poll, emerging as the lone player to finish in the top-three of four different categories. He accomplished this while taking just 36 minutes in penalties during the regular season.

“I’m grateful to be recognized for demonstrating good sportsmanship as it is a reflection of my commitment to competing at the highest levels of the game,” said Luchanko. “I’m honoured to follow in the footsteps of Guelph Storm graduate Nick Suzuki who won this award three times. He’s someone I’ve looked up to growing up in London and a player who has done great things both in the OHL and today in Montreal.”

The 17-year-old from London, Ont. piled up 30 assists on the power play, a figure that finished tied for second in the OHL this season. Luchanko enters the 2024 NHL Draft as the 20th ranked skater in North America on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings released last week.

“Jett has had a terrific season and has led our team in all situations,” said Storm General Manager George Burnett. “It is a credit to him that his compete level has been elevated significantly throughout the season while being able to maintain excellent discipline. We are so proud of Jett’s many accomplishments this season.”

Entering the league as Guelph’s first round (12th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Luchanko has accrued 88 points (25-63—88) over 114 career regular season contests. He earned a silver medal with Canada Red at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and is currently representing Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Finland.

The William Hanley Trophy is awarded each year based on a selection by the 20 General Managers of the Ontario Hockey League.  All 20 teams submit a nominee but are not permitted to vote for their own candidate. The trophy is presented by the OHL to commemorate William Hanley, former Secretary-Manager of the Ontario Hockey Association for over 25 years.

Luchanko finished first in this year’s voting for the award, followed by runner-up Dalibor Dvorský of the Sudbury Wolves.

Luchanko follows fellow Londoner and three-time winner Nick Suzuki (2018-19) along with Jeff Williams (1995-96) to become the third Guelph Storm player to win the award. Other recent recipients have included Evan Vierling of the Barrie Colts (2022-23), Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires (2021-22) and Nick Robertson of the Peterborough Petes (2019-20).

Luchanko will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Sportsman of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony that will be held that the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow from May 24th to June 2nd in Saginaw, Michigan. He’ll be formally presented with the William Hanley Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

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

SPIRIT’S PAREKH AWARDED MAX KAMINSKY TROPHY AS OHL DEFENCEMAN OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that draft eligible Saginaw Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh is the 2023-24 recipient of the Max Kaminsky Trophy awarded to the League’s Defenceman of the Year as voted by OHL General Managers.

Parekh led OHL blueliners with 33 goals and 96 points, both Spirit single season franchise records at the position. He follows John Slaney (Cornwall, 1989-90) as just the second defenceman in OHL history to score more than 30 goals in his first season of NHL Draft eligibility. Parekh is the first Saginaw Spirit player to ever win the OHL Defenceman of the Year Award.

“I am very honoured to be recognized for this award, there’s so much talent in this league and I’m extremely grateful to be selected,” said Parekh.

“I’d like to thank my family, agent and the people within my support group that have helped me so much this year. I especially want to thank the Saginaw Spirit organization, the fans, ownership, staff, and especially the players. Without the group around me, I wouldn’t have had the same success I had throughout the year.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to my Head Coach Chris Lazary and my General Manager Dave Drinkill for helping develop me into the player I’ve become and for always having belief and trust in me.”

Parekh was named OHL Defenceman of the Month for both November and March. His six game-winning goals paced OHL blueliners. He also scored a pair of hat-tricks during the regular season, with the first coming on Nov. 8th in a 6-2 win over Flint and another as part of a five-point effort in an 11-3 win over Windsor on Jan. 10th.

“As an organization, we couldn’t be prouder of Zayne for winning such a prestigious award,” said Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill. “Since coming into our league last year as a young 16-year-old, he has worked extremely hard in all aspects of his game, on and off the ice. It is very rewarding to know that the rest of the league recognized this as well, and supported him to receive this award after a tremendous season here in Saginaw.”

“What Zayne accomplished this season as a second-year defenceman was simply remarkable,” Drinkill added. “Each game he found a way to make an impact, helping our team achieve new club records, while setting team and league individual records for a defenceman along the way.”

An 18-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., Parekh joined the Spirit as a first round (19th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Markham Majors U16 program. After setting a new OHL record with 21 goals as a 16-year-old defenceman in 2022-23, he closed out his 2023-24 campaign with career totals that include 54 goals, 79 assists and 133 points over 116 regular season games, registering a plus/minus of plus-42. He enters the 2024 NHL Draft this summer as the highest-ranked OHL skater on Central Scouting’s Final Rankings, coming in at fifth in North America.

The Max Kaminsky Trophy is awarded each year to the Most Outstanding Defenceman as selected by OHL General Managers. All 20 clubs submitted a nominee but were not permitted to vote for their own player.

The award is named in recognition of Max Kaminsky, who enjoyed a 10-year professional playing career that included four years in the NHL with Ottawa, Boston and Montreal. After he retired from playing, Kaminsky enjoyed a 15-year coaching career that was capped by winning the Memorial Cup with the St. Catharines Teepees in 1960.

Parekh led the way in this year’s award voting process, followed by Calgary Flames prospect Hunter Brzustewicz of the Kitchener Rangers as runner-up.

Parekh follows a former Spirit rearguard in Pavel Mintyukov of the Ottawa 67’s who was last year’s recipient. Other prominent names to have won the OHL Defenceman of the Year Award include Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2012), two-time recipients Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2009 & 2011) and Bryan Berard (Detroit 1995 & 1996), Drew Doughty (Guelph 2008) as well as Chris Pronger (Peterborough 1993).

Parekh will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Defenceman of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony that will be held that the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow from May 24th to June 2nd in Saginaw, Michigan. He’ll be formally presented with the Max Kaminsky Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

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

HALTTUNEN AND OSTER 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, April 28th.



Knights’ Kasper Halttunen Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals in a pair of victories.

Helping the Knights take a 2-0 Western Conference Championship Series lead over the Saginaw Spirit last week, Halttunen registered a pair of third period markers to earn first star honours, securing a 3-1 comeback win on Friday night at Budweiser Gardens. The 6-foot-3, 215lb. forward tallied another goal on Sunday, helping London skate to a 3-1 victory.

An 18-year-old from Helsinki, Finland, Halttunen has 14 points (9-5–14) in 10 playoff contests following a regular season that yielded 32 goals, 29 assists and 61 points over 57 games. A former first round pick by London in the 2022 CHL Import Draft, Halttunen was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the second round (36th overall) of last summer’s NHL Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club on July 12, 2023. Halttunen has also found success on the international stage, earning a bronze medal with Finland at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, along with a bronze medal at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Also considered for the award this week, Stuart Rolofs of the Oshawa Generals helped his team skate to a 2-0 Eastern Conference Final series lead over the North Bay Battalion, recording three goals in a pair of victories.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
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)
 



Generals’ Jacob Oster Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the fifth time this season, playing to a 2-0 record including a shutout, along with a 1.00 goals-against average, and .958 save percentage.

Backstopping the Generals to a 2-0 Eastern Conference Championship Series lead over the North Bay Battalion, Oster made a total of 46 saves last week. Oster stopped 24 of the 26 shots that came his way on Friday in a 4-2 win at the Tribute Communities Centre. He returned to the crease on Sunday evening with a 22-save shutout performance to earn first star honours as the Generals blanked the Battalion 3-0.

A 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Oster was awarded OHL Goaltender of the Year honours after playing to a regular season mark of 35-16-7-1 while posting a 2.82 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. Ranked first among all netminders with a 1.76 goals-against average in postseason action, Oster currently holds a 10-2-0-0 record. Selected in the fifth-round (92nd overall) by the Guelph Storm in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the veteran goaltender has appeared in 143 career regular season contests, recording a 3.29 goals-against average and .891 save percentage over three seasons, going 68-47-12-4 in the process. Oster attended training camp with the Los Angeles Kings last September.

Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson backstopped the London Knights to a 2-0 Western Conference Championship Series lead over the Saginaw Spirit, playing to a 2-0 record along with a 1.00 goals-against average and .959 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
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)

GENERALS’ OSTER EARNS JIM RUTHERFORD TROPHY AS OHL GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the 2023-24 recipient of the Jim Rutherford Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year.

Oster excelled for the Generals under a big workload, leading the OHL with 35 wins while setting a new club mark with 3,569 minutes played in a single season. Oster appeared in 60 of the Generals’ 68 regular season games, posting a 2.82 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and three shutouts.

“Obviously it’s a very big honour and something that wouldn’t be possible without the guys in front of me and the coaching staff helping me,” said Oster of the award. “This whole season has been a great ride and I’m proud to be surrounded by such an amazing organization to get to this point.”

Oster’s 35 wins are the third-highest single season total in team history and the most since Ken Appleby won 38 in 2014-15. His 60 games played equal the club mark set by Peter Sidorkiewicz in 1982-83. Oster finished his season out strong, winning his final 11 consecutive starts. He’s the second goaltender in Oshawa Generals history to win the award, and the first to do so since Mike Fountain in 1991-92.

“This is a fantastic achievement for Jacob,” said Generals Vice President and General Manager Roger Hunt. “Let’s face it, a team rides their hot goalie and we did that with Jacob.  Goaltending Coach Mike Parson along with Noah Bender would certainly share in this success of Jacob and our team. Mike’s technical expertise and Noah continuing to put pressure on Jacob to be at his best was a great formula.”

The Generals acquired Oster from the Guelph Storm in January 2023. The 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont. has been a consistent presence in the Oshawa crease with career totals that include a record of 68-47-12-4 with a 3.29 goals-against average, .891 save percentage and six shutouts over 143 career regular season games between the two teams. He was originally Guelph’s fifth round (92nd overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. Oster attended training camp with the Los Angeles Kings last fall.

Announced in August 2019, the Jim Rutherford Trophy is presented by the League in honour of former OHL goaltender, General Manager, Chairman of the Board and two-time Executive of the Year Jim Rutherford. The current President of Hockey Operations of the Vancouver Canucks, Rutherford played 13 seasons as an NHL netminder and was the architect behind Stanley Cup championships for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November 2019.

The OHL’s Goaltender of the Year Award was first presented in 1988 to Rick Tabaracci (Cornwall), with other notable winners including Manny Legace (Niagara Falls 1993), Andrew Raycroft (Kingston 2000), Craig Anderson (Guelph 2001), the League’s only back-to-back winner Mike Murphy (Belleville 2008 & 2009), along with current NHL goaltenders Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound 2013), Alex Nedeljkovic (Plymouth 2014), Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie 2016), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury 2019) and Nico Daws (Guelph 2020).

Oster was the front-runner in this year’s award voting, with Michael Simpson of the London Knights coming in as runner-up.

Oster is the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow which takes place from May 24 to June 2 in Saginaw, Michigan. He will be formally presented with the Jim Rutherford Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

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

Five CHL players added to Team Canada’s roster for the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — Hockey Canada has announced that forward Ollie Josephson (Red Deer Rebels / WHL), forward Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL), defenceman Frankie Marrelli (Ottawa 67’s / OHL), defenceman Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s / OHL), and goaltender Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL) have been added to Team Canada’s roster at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship (see the updated roster below), which is scheduled to run from April 25 – May 5 in Espoo and Vantaa, Finland.

The additions mean that there are now 24 CHL players set to lace up their skates for Team Canada at the tournament, including a total of 13 players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), eight players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), and three from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). In all, 15 of the 24 players named to Team Canada’s roster were listed in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft.

Ollie Josephson, Maxim Massé, Frankie Marrelli, and Henry Mews are no strangers to wearing the Maple Leaf, having been a part of Canada’s gold-medal winning squad at the 2023 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup last summer. All four players were also recently listed among the Top-50 ranked North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting led by Massé (30th), who was then followed by Mews (37th), Josephson (40th), and Marrelli (46th). Massé, who led the QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Saguenéens with 75 points this season, was recently awarded the 2023-24 Michael-Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL’s Top Professional Prospect.

16-year-old netminder Jack Ivankovic has also previously won gold representing Canada on the world stage, having been a part of Canada White’s first-place finish at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in November. Ivankovic registered a 14-5-4-0 record playing for the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads this season, finishing with a 2.72 goals-against average (GAA) and a .915 save percentage. His 2.72 GAA was the lowest by an OHL rookie during the 2023-24 campaign, earning him the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy.

Canada will play its final pre-tournament game against Norway on Tuesday. Canada’s quest for a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship begins April 25 at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT against Sweden. Canada will play Czechia on April 26, Switzerland on April 28, and Kazakhstan on April 30 to close out preliminary-round action. The semifinals are set for May 4 before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 5.

TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners will broadcast select tournament games, including all Team Canada games and all playoff-round games. Check your local listings for details. Since 2002, Canada has won four gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021), in addition to one silver (2005) and four bronze (2012, 2014, 2015, 2023).

​​For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

24 CHL PLAYERS NAMED TO CANADA’S 2024 IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER

Goaltenders (3)
Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
Carter George (Owen Sound Attack / OHL)

Defencemen (8)
Frankie Marrelli (Ottawa 67’s / OHL)
Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s / OHL),
Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL)
Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL)
Harrison Brunicke (Kamloops Blazers / WHL)
Reese Hamilton (Calgary Hitmen / WHL)
Spencer Gill (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL)
Charlie Elick (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL)

Forwards (13)
Ollie Josephson (Red Deer Rebels / WHL)
Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL)
Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL)
Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL)
Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters / OHL)
Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL)
Jett Luchanko (Guelph Storm / OHL)
Ryder Ritchie (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL)
Porter Martone (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
Carson Wetsch (Calgary Hitmen / WHL)
Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)
Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires / OHL)
Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts / OHL)

Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) and Cayden Lindstrom (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) were invited, but unable to participate 

Staff
Head Coach – Gardiner MacDougall (former Saint John Sea Dogs head coach)
Assistant Coach – Travis Crickard (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL)
Assistant Coach – Ryan Smith (Spokane Chiefs / WHL)
Goaltending Coach – Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL)
Program of Excellence management group representative – Dave Brown (Erie Otters / OHL)
Athletic Therapist – Jimmy McKnight (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL)
Team Physician – Dr. Michael Conrad (Victoria Royals / WHL)

BULLDOGS’ O’BRIEN CLAIMS EMMS FAMILY AWARD AS OHL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Brantford Bulldogs forward Jake O’Brien is the 2023-24 recipient of the Emms Family Award, presented annually to the OHL Rookie of the Year as voted by the league’s General Managers.

O’Brien led OHL rookies with 51 assists and 64 points over 61 games, surpassing Matthew Strome and Arthur Kaliyev to set a pair of new Bulldogs all-time rookie marks. His 51 assists are the most by an OHL rookie in his first year of eligibility since Sarnia’s Alex Galchenyuk registered 52 in 2010-11.

“It’s an honour to be voted OHL Rookie of the Year. This award symbolizes an incredible amount of work put in and support to make the transition from AAA to the OHL,” said O’Brien. “I want to say thank you to my coaches for their guidance and belief in me and to my teammates for pushing me to be a better player every day.

“I also want to thank my family for their constant support and encouragement. This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

O’Brien’s impressive season also saw him lead OHL rookies in power play goals (8), power play assists (19) and game-winning goals (4). Additionally, O’Brien was the East Division Academic Player of the Month in January after being the league’s Rookie of the Month in December.

“Jake has more than exceeded expectations as a 16-year-old rookie,” said Bulldogs Head Coach Jay McKee. “While his amazing point production stands out, his strengths go well beyond the goals and assists he earned this season.  Jake’s commitment to a two-way game, his compete level and the leadership qualities he has shown are well beyond his years.”

A 6-foot-1, 165Ib. centreman from Toronto, Ont., O’Brien was chosen by the Bulldogs with their first round (8th overall) pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection after he guided the Toronto Jr. Canadiens to an OHL Cup championship, being named tournament MVP following a 17-point (7-10—17) output over seven games. He competed in the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in November, representing Canada Red. O’Brien will be eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft.

O’Brien is the first player in Bulldogs history to win the award. He follows other recent winners in Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa (2022-23), Guelph Storm defenceman Cam Allen (2021-22) and Kingston Frontenacs forward Shane Wright (2019-20).

The Emms Family Award was donated by Leighton “Hap” Emms, former owner of the Barrie, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines OHL franchises. The award is selected by all 20 member team General Managers. Teams were asked to submit only one nominee from their own club for consideration on the ballot and were not permitted to vote for the player from their own hockey club.

O’Brien finished as the front-runner in the award voting process followed by goaltender Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack who placed second.

O’Brien is the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony happening at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow that takes place from May 24th through June 2nd in Saginaw, Michigan. O’Brien will be formally presented with the Emms Family Award at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

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

GENERALS’ LAXDAL AWARDED MATT LEYDEN TROPHY AS OHL COACH OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Derek Laxdal of the Oshawa Generals is the recipient of the Matt Leyden Trophy awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year.

Completing his second season as Head Coach in Oshawa, Laxdal guided the Generals to an exciting finish to the regular season as they rode a 12-game winning streak to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, securing the first seed on the final weekend of the schedule. The Generals played to an Eastern Conference-leading 25-6-4-1 record following the turn of the calendar on January 1st, finishing the 68-game campaign with an overall record of 40-19-7-2.

“To be recognized by your peers is very rewarding not only for me but for the entire organization,” said Laxdal of the honour. “This is truly a reflection of the work of the coaching staff, Steve O’Rourke, Mike Farrugia, Austin Washkurak and the players.

“I would like to thank our Owner Rocco Tullio for the opportunity to coach a team with such a rich tradition, and I would also like to acknowledge General Manager Roger Hunt and the scouting staff for the countless hours spent assembling this talented group of players. The players have grown from day one last year, buying into the culture and playing for each other, day in and day out. It has been very rewarding watching these young men continue to develop on and off the ice daily.

“I’d also like to extend thanks to my wife Hali and daughters Jessica and Jaime for their incredible support.”

Oshawa surrendered an Eastern Conference-low 204 goals-against, backstopped by the goaltending tandem of Jacob Oster and Noah Bender along with reliable names on the blue line such as Dallas Stars prospect Connor Punnett, veteran Luca D’Amato and draft eligibles Luca Marrelli and Ben Danford.

The Generals have seen the rapid development of 6-foot-7 New York Rangers prospect Dylan Roobroeck under Laxdal’s guidance as he joins other prominent forwards in Colorado Avalanche first round pick Calum Ritchie, overage captain Stuart Rolofs and former OHL champion Connor Lockhart in leading the Oshawa attack.

“We are extremely happy for Derek and the entire coaching staff,” said Generals’ President and Governor Rocco Tullio. “They work extremely hard and put in long days so our players can have success both on and off the ice. The development of our players and the success of our team is a direct result of the passion Derek and our coaching staff have for the game of hockey. There is no one more deserving of this award and we could not be more proud and happy for Derek and our team for this prestigious award.”

Originally from Stonewall, Manitoba, Laxdal boasts a lengthy coaching resume that includes a pair of WHL championships as head coach of the Edmonton Oil Kings from 2010-14, capping his tenure there by hoisting the Memorial Cup. He’s also served as an assistant coach of the NHL’s Dallas Stars from 2019-22 along with head coaching assignments with the AHL’s Texas Stars (2014-20), ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads (2005-10) where he won a Kelly Cup title in 2007, as well as with the CHL’s Wichita Thunder (2002-05). On the ice, Laxdal played 67 career NHL contests between the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders between 1984-91 as part of a lengthy professional career. A right-winger, his junior career was spent between the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, Brandon Wheat Kings and New Westminster Bruins as he was an eighth round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1984. Laxdal represented Canada’s National Junior Team in 1986.

Laxdal finished as the front-runner for this year’s award while colleague Jay McKee of the Brantford Bulldogs finished second in the voting process.

The Matt Leyden Trophy has been awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year as selected by his peers since 1972. The award is in recognition of the contributions of Matt Leyden, past president of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1965-67, and former manager of the Oshawa Generals who spent more than 50 years with the team.

Laxdal joins other past Generals coaches in DJ Smith (2013-14), Paul Theriault (1986-87), Bill White (1977-78) and inaugural winner Gus Bodnar (1971-72) as the fifth coach in franchise history to win the Matt Leyden Trophy.

Laxdal will be the OHL’s nominee for the Brian Kilrea Canadian Hockey League Coach of the Year Award which will be presented at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Kia, set to take place in Saginaw, Michigan from May 24th through June 2nd. Laxdal will be formally presented with the Matt Leyden Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a complete OHL Awards history, click here.

OHL TO HOLD 2024 UNDER-18 PRIORITY SELECTION ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 AT 7:00PM

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The 8th annual OHL Under-18 Priority Selection is set to commence at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 17th where no fewer than 40 players born in 2006 and 2007 will be chosen from Under-18 AAA programs from across the province.

The Under-18 Priority Selection will be held entirely online, and streaming for free on OHL Live. Follow along with pick-by-pick results here at ontariohockeyleague.com.

Here’s everything you need to know about the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection:

History:

The concept for the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed in 2017 with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), to assist in the growth of U18 AAA hockey and provide further opportunities for players at different stages of their hockey development.

Past and Present OHL U18 Draft Picks to play in the OHL:

Victor Hadfield (Barrie Colts, 1st overall 2017), Emmett Serensits (Sudbury Wolves, 7th overall, 2017), Marko Jakovljevic (Sarnia Sting, 28th overall 2017), Kaleb Pearson (Owen Sound Attack, 29th overall 2017).

Mitchell Weeks (Sudbury Wolves, 1st overall 2018), Dustin Hutton (Kingston Frontenacs, 3rd overall 2018), Daniel D’Amato (Erie Otters, 4th overall 2018), Griffin Wilson (Owen Sound Attack, 15th overall 2018), Dakota Betts (Niagara IceDogs, 17th overall 2018)

Ryan Thompson (North Bay Battalion, 8th overall 2019), Nick DeGrazia (Sudbury Wolves, 14th overall 2019), Matt Tovell (Windsor Spitfires, 25th overall 2019), Logan LeSage (Owen Sound Attack, 29th overall 2019), Gavin White (Hamilton Bulldogs, 47th overall 2019)

Anson Thornton (Sarnia Sting, 3rd overall 2020), Samuel Ivanov (Soo Greyhounds, 4th overall 2020), Paul Hughes (Kingston Frontenacs, 5th overall 2020), Andrew Whitton (Oshawa Generals, 13th overall 2020), Samuel Mayer (Peterborough Petes, 15th overall 2020), Marshall Nicholls (Erie Otters, 28th overall 2020), Ian Phillips (Saginaw Spirit, 54th overall 2020)

Abakar Kazbekov (London Knights, 1st overall 2021), Calem Mangone (Saginaw Spirit, 2nd overall 2021), Carter Bickle (Oshawa Generals, 18th overall 2021), Jaden Reyers (Peterborough Petes, 28th overall 2021), Nicholas Surzycia (32nd overall, Sarnia Sting 2021), Ian Michelone (Flint Firebirds, 36th overall 2021), Charlie Fink (Saginaw Spirit, 39th overall 2021), Jacob Julien (41st overall, London Knights 2021), Michael MacLean (Flint Firebirds, 43rd overall 2021), Owen MacDonald (46th overall, Sarnia Sting 2021)

Lincoln Moore (Saginaw Spirit, 1st overall 2022), Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves, 3rd overall 2022), Brennan Faulkner (Peterborough Petes, 6th overall 2022), Will Haley (Mississauga Steelheads, 13th overall 2022), Dustin Good (Soo Greyhounds, 15th overall 2022), Nolan Ling (Kingston Frontenacs, 16th overall 2022), Matthew Jenken (Flint Firebirds, 17th overall 2022), Bruce McDonald (Erie Otters, 41st overall, Erie Otters 2022), Alec Stewart (Windsor Spitfires, 51st overall 2022)

Brett Hammond (Erie Otters, 1st overall 2023), Daniel Chen (Brantford Bulldogs, 7th overall 2023), Sam Ethier (Owen Sound Attack, 10th overall 2023), Evan Hjelholt (Windsor Spitfires, 18th overall 2023)

Players Eligible for Selection:

All U18 players not currently on a CHL Member Team Protected List who were carded with an Ontario-based U18 AAA Hockey Club or an accredited Hockey Canada sport school within the OHF, HNO or HEO in the 2023-24 playing season are eligible for the U18 Priority Selection.

Selection Procedure:

The Under-18 Priority Selection Process is capped at two rounds with each OHL Member Team required to select two players.

The OHL’s four non-playoff teams, the Niagara IceDogs, Windsor Spitfires, Peterborough Petes and Sarnia Sting, participated in a Priority Selection Lottery on March 27 to determine the order of selection for picks 1-through-4. The remaining order of selection is determined by inverse order of finish in the OHL regular season standings.

The Windsor Spitfires will select first overall in 2024, followed by the Sarnia Sting, Peterborough Petes and Niagara IceDogs.

Goaltender Policy:

Should a Member Team select a goalie with one of their two selections, the Club has the option to select another player (skater only).  There will be an additional round added to the Under-18 Priority Selection to facilitate the drafting of the additional skater utilizing the same selection order and process.

General Rules of Selection:

OHL Member Teams may utilize a maximum of five minutes to select a player through the duration of the Under-18 Priority Selection.

Each OHL Member Team will have the opportunity for one two minute timeout during the Under-18 Priority Selection.

19 CHL players named to Team Canada’s roster for the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce that 19 CHL players will wear the Maple Leaf as part of Team Canada’s roster at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship (see complete list below), scheduled from April 25 – May 5 in Espoo and Vantaa, Finland.

Specifically, there are 10 players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), seven players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), and two from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) who will represent Team Canada in their effort to win their first gold medal at this event since 2021. 11 of the 19 players named to Team Canada’s roster were listed in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft earlier this morning.

Among some of the CHL forwards selected were Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL), and Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL). Greentree and Vanacker led all draft-eligible skaters in the OHL this season with 36 goals, while McKenna finished second among rookie scorers in the CHL by tallying 97 points (34G-63A) in 61 games during the 2023-24 campaign. Additionally, forwards Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters / OHL), Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL), Porter Martone (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL), and Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL) are among a group of projected 2025 NHL Draft first-round picks on the roster.

On the backend, Team Canada will feature three blueliners who were ranked this morning by NHL Central Scouting in Charlie Elick (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL), Harrison Brunicke (Kamloops Blazers / WHL), and Spencer Gill (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL). Gill, who was the top-ranked skater from the QMJHL on NHL Central Scouting’s list, recorded career-highs in goals (12), assists (34), and points (46) this season. Additionally, 2023 OHL first overall pick and defenseman Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL) will look to secure another gold medal for his country after helping Canada White to the top of the podium at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge last November.

In net, Canada will be led by Carter George (Owen Sound Attack / OHL) and Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL), who were ranked second and tenth respectively by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft. Both Leenders (.909 SV%) and George (.907 SV%) led all OHL goalies in save percentage this season (min. 1600 minutes).

Projected 2024 NHL Draft first-round picks Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) and Cayden Lindstrom (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) were invited to be a part of the team but are both unable to participate. 

Former Saint John Sea Dogs bench boss and 2022 Memorial Cup champion Gardiner MacDougall will serve as the team’s head coach. He will be joined on the bench by assistant coaches Travis Crickard (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL), Bruce Richardson, and Ryan Smith (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) along with goaltending coach Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL).

Canada’s quest for a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship begins April 25 at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT against Sweden. Canada will play Czechia on April 26, Switzerland on April 28, and Kazakhstan on April 30 to close out preliminary-round action. The semifinals are set for May 4 before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 5.

TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners will broadcast select tournament games, including all Team Canada games and all playoff-round games. Check your local listings for details.

Since 2002, Canada has won four gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021), in addition to one silver (2005) and four bronze (2012, 2014, 2015, 2023).

​​For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

19 CHL PLAYERS NAMED TO CANADA’S 2024 IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER

Goaltenders (2)
Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
Carter George (Owen Sound Attack / OHL)

Defencemen (6)
Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL)
Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL)
Harrison Brunicke (Kamloops Blazers / WHL)
Reese Hamilton (Calgary Hitmen / WHL)
Spencer Gill (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL)
Charlie Elick (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL)

Forwards (11)
Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL)
Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL)
Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters / OHL)
Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL)
Jett Luchanko (Guelph Storm / OHL)
Ryder Ritchie (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL)
Porter Martone (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
Carson Wetsch (Calgary Hitmen / WHL)
Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)
Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires / OHL)
Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts / OHL)

Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) and Cayden Lindstrom (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) were invited, but are unable to participate 

Staff
Head Coach – Gardiner MacDougall (former Saint John Sea Dogs head coach)
Assistant Coach – Travis Crickard (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL)
Assistant Coach – Ryan Smith (Spokane Chiefs / WHL)
Goaltending Coach – Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL)
Program of Excellence management group representative – Dave Brown (Erie Otters / OHL)
Athletic Therapist – Jimmy McKnight (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL)
Team Physician – Dr. Michael Conrad (Victoria Royals / WHL)

OHL COMPLETES 2024 PRIORITY SELECTION PRESENTED BY REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today concluded the 2024 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore for North American players born predominantly in 2008.

The annual Priority Selection was held online over a span of two days, with Day 1 and 2 coverage produced by YourTV, airing across the province on YourTV, Rogers tv and Eastlink community stations as well as on the OHL Action Pak. Both days of the annual event were streamed for free in their entirety on OHL Live.

A total of 302 players were selected in the 15-round process from 78 different programs. The selected players included 170 forwards, 102 defencemen, and 30 goaltenders. A total of 298 of the players chosen were 2008-born athletes while two were born in 2007 and two were born in 2006.

The Windsor Spitfires made the first overall pick after winning the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Draft Lottery held on March 27. The Spitfires selected 2008-born forward Ethan Belchetz of the Oakville Rangers to open the proceedings.

“Congratulations to the remarkable 302 players drafted in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, a testament to your unwavering commitment and dedication,” said Darrell Woodley, Director of OHL Central Scouting. “Being selected is a tremendous achievement, to be shared with family, friends, coaches and mentors who’ve fuelled your journeys thus far. This is only the beginning as you prepare to reach your full potential throughout your junior careers. Your draft number matters less than the resilience, integrity, and skill you continue to develop on the ice. Success awaits those with the right mindset and determination, even beyond today’s selection. To all players, whether drafted or not, your pursuit of hockey and academic excellence holds endless opportunity, with the chance to also find success through next year’s Under-18 Priority Selection. Best of luck to all players in pursuit of your on and off ice goals!”

The Ontario Minor Hockey Association led the way with 103 selections from 19 different teams with the OMHA champion Barrie Jr. Colts leading with 14 picks, while the OHL Cup champion Oakville Rangers developed 12 and the U16 Peterborough Petes produced 10. The Greater Toronto Hockey League had 77 players selected from 11 different teams, as the GTHL finalist North York Rangers led the way with 16 selections. The Toronto Marlboros and GTHL champion Vaughan Kings trailed close behind with 13 selected players each. The Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario produced 40 selections from 11 different teams with the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks on top of the list with nine players selected, followed closely by the London Jr. Knights with eight. Hockey Eastern Ontario saw 26 players find their way onto OHL Draft boards from five different teams with the Upper Canada Cyclones and Ottawa Myers Automotive each leading with seven. The Northern Ontario Hockey Association had 13 players selected from across five teams as the Sudbury Wolves developed five, followed by the Soo Jr. Greyhounds with four. An additional four prospects were selected from Ontario-based junior teams, along with an out of province and Canadian Prep School player.  A total of 34 players were chosen from across 22 different American-based teams led by Detroit Little Caesars with five players chosen, followed closely by Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, Detroit HoneyBaked, and the Chicago Mission with four each. An additional two players were chosen from U.S Prep Schools, while one was selected from an American-based Junior program.

This season marked the 24th straight year the Priority Selection was conducted by way of the internet, carried out in partnership with RinkNet.