Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that it has introduced changes to its video replay procedure, specifically in instances of goals placed under video review.
Effective immediately and for the duration of the 2024 OHL Playoffs, referees will now have the ability to review potential goals that are placed under official video replay and require an expanded review.
Using existing video technology in the form of video tablets accessible at ice level, the referee, along with the League-appointed video goal judge will review the specific situation that is subject to video review simultaneously and rule accordingly. The referee will have the final say in any decision rendered.
“Our ultimate aim is to always get the call right,” said Conrad Haché, the OHL’s Director of Officiating. “Providing our referees with another vantage point and the ability to rule on these very close and often crucial calls is something that can only serve to benefit the accuracy of the final outcome.”
The 2024 OHL Playoffs continue with four games on the Tuesday night schedule
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Spirit’s Owen Beck Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck of the Saginaw Spirit is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording a goal and five assists in a pair of playoff contests.
Helping the Spirit take a 2-0 first round series lead over the Owen Sound Attack, Beck started the week with a trio of assists in a 6-4 Game 1 victory on Thursday night, earning second star honours. He proceeded to pick-up first star honours on Saturday, scoring a goal and two assists as the Spirit defeated the Attack 5-2 at home. Beck wrapped-up Saturday’s game with points in 22 consecutive outings dating back to Feb. 9th.
A 20-year-old centreman from Port Hope, Ont., Beck ranked first among all Spirit goal-scorers this season, registering 34, along with 47 assists for 81 points in 57 regular season games played. The 6-foot, 190lb. forward has tallied 198 points (79-119-198) over 185 games in three seasons spent between the Mississauga Steelheads, Peterborough Petes and Spirit. Beck has demonstrated great playoff success, tallying 16 points (8-8-16) in 22 playoff contests last season to be crowned a 2023 OHL Champion with Peterborough. The lone returning member of the 2023 World Junior team, Beck represented Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden. this past January. Originally Mississauga’s second round (29th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Beck was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft.
Also considered for the award this week, Montreal Canadiens prospect Filip Mesar of the Kitchener Rangers tallied six helpers in two games played, while Dalyn Wakely of the North Bay Battalion registered three goals and two assists, fueling the Battalion to a 2-0 series lead.
2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs: 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)
Wolves’ Jakub Vondras Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jakub Vondras of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0 with a 2.46 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and a shutout in two outings last week.
Vondras helped the Wolves climb out to a 2-0 first round series lead against the Mississauga Steelheads. He earned first star honours on Thursday night, turning aside all 32 shots he faced as Sudbury blanked the Steelheads 3-0. The Wolves returned to the Paramount Fine Foods Centre on Saturday as Vondras stopped 28 of the 33 shots that came his way, defeating the Steelheads in a 6-5 overtime win.
A 19-year-old native of Plzen, Czechia, Vondras played to a regular season mark of 20-10-2-1 with a 3.79 goals-against average and .861 save percentage over 37 games in his first OHL season. A first round (22nd overall) pick by the Wolves in the 2023 CHL Import Draft, the 6-foot-4, 190Ib. netminder was selected in the sixth round (171st overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2022 NHL Draft. Vondras represented Team Czechia at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden this past January, backstopping his country to a bronze medal.
Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson of the London Knights went 2-0 along with a 2.00 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and one shutout to take a two-game first round series lead over the Flint Firebirds.
2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs: 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)
Toronto, Ont. – With the 2024 OHL Cup Championship Final underway, the Ontario Hockey League has announced the seven recipients of 2024 U16 AAA Player of the Year Awards for players representing the four Ontario Hockey Federation Member Partners including the ALLIANCE, Greater Toronto Hockey League, Northern Ontario Hockey Association, and both the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s East and West regions, along with Hockey Eastern Ontario and Hockey Northwestern Ontario.
“Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s awards and thank you to the families, coaches, and teammates for their tremendous support of these remarkable players over the course of the season and throughout their minor hockey careers,” said Brodie Barrick, the OHL’s Director of Recruitment and Player Services.
“The OHL continues to recognize all the hard work, dedication, and extraordinary accomplishments from across Ontario. We thank all players for another great season and wish them the very best of luck in their hockey and academic careers.”
The awards are presented annually to honour the U16 AAA players who best exemplify outstanding ability and the qualities of sportsmanship and leadership as selected by OHL Central Scouting and a panel of Ontario Hockey League general managers.
ALLIANCE U16 AAA Player of the Year – Parker Vaughan (Elgin-Middlesex Canucks) Parker Vaughan earns this year’s honours in the ALLIANCE, leading the U16 AAA division with 23 goals and 49 points as captain of the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks. The St. Thomas, Ont. native led the Canucks to the Championship Final of the Wendy Dufton Tournament and helped them secure a bid in the OHL Cup after reaching the ALLIANCE Championship Final.
Past Winners: 2023 – Ryan Roobroeck, London Jr. Knights 2022 – Lucas Karmiris, Brantford 99ers 2020 – Bryce McConnell-Barker, London Jr. Knights 2019 – Deni Goure, Chatham-Kent Cyclones 2018 – Matthew Maggio, Sun County Panthers 2017 – Ryan Suzuki, London Jr. Knights 2016 – Owen Lalonde, Windsor Jr. Spitfires 2015 – Nick Suzuki, London Jr. Knights 2014 – Anthony Salinitri, Windsor Jr. Spitfires 2013 – Travis Konecny, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs 2012 – Jared McCann, London Jr. Knights Gold 2011 – Bo Horvat, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs
GTHL U16 AAA Player of the Year – Adam Valentini (Toronto Marlboros) Toronto Marlboros forward Adam Valentini is this year’s GTHL U16 AAA Player of the Year, compiling 31 goals, 36 assists and 67 points over 32 regular season games for the Marlies, who finished 26-7-3. Valentini led both the Toronto Titans Early Bird Tournament as well as the Whitby International Silver Stick Tournament in scoring.
Past Winners: 2023 – William Moore, Toronto Marlboros 2022 – Malcolm Spence, Mississauga Senators 2020 – Pano Fimis, Toronto Jr. Canadiens 2019 – Shane Wright, Don Mills Flyers 2018 – Jamie Drysdale, Toronto Marlboros 2017 – Nick Porco, Vaughan Kings 2016 – Ryan Merkley, Toronto Jr. Canadiens 2015 – Ryan McLeod, Toronto Marlboros 2014 – Adam Mascherin, Vaughan Kings 2013 – Dylan Strome, Toronto Marlboros 2012 – Connor McDavid, Toronto Marlboros 2011 – Nick Ritchie, Toronto Marlboros
HEO U16 AAA Player of the Year – Maximus Crete (Upper Canada Cyclones) Upper Canada Cyclones forward Maximus Crete is this year’s HEO U16 AAA Player of the Year, leading the league with 66 points (28-38–66) in 29 games. Crete captained the Cyclones, playing an integral role in their wild card entry triumph into the OHL Cup with a win over the Toronto Jr. Canadiens.
Past Winners: 2023 – Quinn Beauchesne, Nepean Raiders 2022 – Cole Beaudoin, Nepean Raiders 2020 – Cedrick Guindon, Rockland Nationals 2019 – Mason McTavish, Pembroke Lumber Kings 2018 – Josh Barnes, Cornwall Colts 2017 – Alexandre Hogue, Cumberland Grads 2016 – Paul Larabie, Nepean Raiders 2015 – Gabriel Vilardi, CIH Academy 2014 – William Bitten, Ottawa Jr. 67’s 2013 – Andrew Peski, Ottawa Jr. 67’s 2012 – Andrew Abou-Assaly, Ottawa Jr. 67’s 2011 – Nicholas Baptiste, Ottawa Senators
HNO U16 AAA Player of the Year – Brady Cates (Thunder Bay Kings) Thunder Bay Kings goaltender Brady Cates is this year’s HNO U16 AAA Player of the Year. Cates was the backbone of the Kings this past season, keeping them in games throughout the year in GTHL league play as well as the Whitby International Silver Stick and OHL Cup Showcase.
Past Winners: 2023 – Carter Poddubny, Thunder Bay Kings 2020 – Brodie McLeod, Thunder Bay Kings 2019 – Jack Michaelis, Thunder Bay Kings 2018 – Michael Stubbs, Thunder Bay Kings 2017 – Christian Cicigoi, Thunder Bay Kings 2016 – Quintin Loon-Stewardson, Thunder Bay Kings 2015 – Kyle Auger, Thunder Bay Kings 2014 – Brad Belisle, Thunder Bay Kings 2013 – Zach Grzelewski, Thunder Bay Kings 2012 – Bryce Martyn, Thunder Bay Kings 2011 – Nolan Nicholas, Thunder Bay Kings
NOHA U16 AAA Player of the Year – Mason Walker (Sudbury Wolves U16) Mason Walker collected 63 points in 36 GNML regular season games for the Sudbury Wolves U16’s to be named the NOHA U16 AAA Player of the Year. The Sudbury, Ont. native also represented Team NOHA at the 2024 OHL Cup.
Past Winners: 2023 – Hudson Chitaroni, Soo Jr. Greyhounds 2022 – Nolan Newton, Sudbury Nickel Capitals 2020 – Connor Toms, Soo Jr. Greyhounds 2019 – Chase Stillman, Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves 2018 – Pacey Schlueting, North Bay Trappers 2017 – Camaryn Baber, Soo Midget Greyhounds 2016 – Damien Giroux, Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves 2015 – Cayse Ton, New Liskeard Cubs 2014 – Zach Dorval, Soo Thunder 2013 – Blake Speers, Soo Thunder 2012 – Michael Amadio, Sault Ste. Marie North Stars 2011 – Ryan Kujawinski, Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves
OMHA East U16 AAA Player of the Year – Maddox Dagenais (Quinte Red Devils) Quinte Red Devils forward Maddox Dagenais is this year’s OMHA East U16 AAA Player of the Year, racking up 42 goals, 39 assists and 81 points in 35 regular season contests. He followed-up his league-leading regular season totals with an additional 17 points over 10 playoff games.
Past Winners: 2023 – Owen Griffin, York-Simcoe Express 2022 – Ethan Procyszyn, North Central Predators 2020 – Donovan McCoy, Quinte Red Devils 2019 – Brenden Sirizzotti, Whitby Wildcats 2018 – Quinton Byfield, York Simcoe Express 2017 – Alex Newhook, York Simcoe Express 2016 – Aidan Dudas, North Central Predators 2015 – Brady Gilmour, Quinte Red Devils 2014 – Chris Paquette, Greater Kingston Jr Frontenacs
OMHA West U16 AAA Player of the Year – Ethan Belchetz (Oakville Rangers) Oakville Rangers forward Ethan Belchetz is the OMHA West U16 AAA Player of the Year, leading the entire OMHA with 46 goals and 84 points in just 34 games. Belchetz helped lead the Rangers to a 31-1 regular season record as well as Championship Final appearances in the Toronto Marlboros Holiday Classic and the OHL Cup.
Past Winners: 2023 – Matthew Schaefer, Halton Hurricanes 2022 – Luca Testa, Niagara North Stars 2020 – Sam Alfano, Southern Tier Admirals 2019 – Lawson Sherk, Halton Hurricanes 2018 – Cameron Tolnai, Oakville Rangers 2017 – Matthew Dunsmoor, Guelph Jr. Gryphons 2016 – Adam McMaster, Niagara North Stars 2015 – Liam Stevens, Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs 2014 – Rylee St Onge, Niagara North Stars
*prior to 2014 there was a single OMHA Player of the Year award recipient
Past OMHA Players of the Year: 2013 – Matt Spencer, Oakville Rangers* 2012 – Nik Coric, York Simcoe Express* 2011 – Alex Yuill, Quinte Red Devils*
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is pleased to announce a new multi-year partnership with Ontario Children’s Hospitals as the League’s dedicated Progressive 50/50 Playoffs Partner, aimed at supporting important healthcare initiatives through the power of sports fans.
This partnership will see the proceeds of the 50/50 raffle program directly enabling the vital work of Ontario Children’s Hospitals. Beginning with the commencement of the first round of the 2024 OHL Playoffs and extending through the culmination of the OHL Championship Series, the progressive 50/50 raffle will serve as a powerful fundraising tool, enabling the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Foundation, Children’s Health Foundation, McMaster Children’s Foundation, and SickKids Foundation to expand their reach and impact for the health and care of children within Ontario communities.
“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am about the launch of the OHL Playoffs 50/50 program. Not only could you win a big jackpot, but you can help millions of kids along the way,” says Scott Fortnum, President and CEO, Children’s Health Foundation. “Each 50/50 ticket helps ensure our kids across the province have access to the best possible care at all four Ontario children’s hospitals. Thank you to the generous Ontario hockey fans for supporting our kids.”
Catering to minors under the age of 18, the Children’s Health Network remains steadfast in its mission to raise funds, ensuring that children and their families throughout Ontario Children’s Hospitals receive optimal care during challenging times.
“We are truly privileged to collaborate with Ontario Children’s Hospitals in efforts to raise funds,” said Matt Gergely, the OHL’s Director of Business Operations. “At the Ontario Hockey League, we recognize the profound significance of supporting these transformative Foundations. We eagerly anticipate the impact of the 50/50 campaign.”
Fans can visit ohl5050.ca to purchase their tickets up until May 23rd at 11:59pm, with a starting Grand Prize pot of $3,000. There are three additional Early Bird prizes of $500 that can be won by those who purchase their tickets before April 26th.
About CHEO Foundation CHEO Foundation is the philanthropic arm of CHEO, CHEO Research Institute and Roger Neilson House. For 50 years, the CHEO Foundation has been the link between these respected institutions and the generous community that financially sustains them. CHEO Foundation staff are inspired by donors, and the community, who support pediatric healthcare, cutting-edge research and essential services to ensure children and youth can live their best lives. We are proud to put the interests of kids at the forefront of our decisions and we are intentional in everything we do. We improve by learning from experiences and by being accountable for our outcomes. We take care of ourselves and each other, embrace equity, diversity, inclusivity and indigeneity, and celebrate success as a team.
About Children’s Health Foundation Children’s Health Foundation, founded in 1922, raises funds to ensure that children and their families across Western Ontario receive the best possible care and the most possible hope when faced with a life-threatening or life-limiting diagnosis. By funding equipment, programs and research at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, TVCC and Children’s Health Research Institute, Children’s Health Foundation ensures better childhoods for kids facing serious health issues, and hope, relief and support for those who love them.
About McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation, as part of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, provides vital funding to enable the best possible patient care at McMaster Children’s Hospital, including Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre and McMaster University Medical Centre. The Foundation inspires and motivates gifts that fund medical equipment and patient amenities, innovative research initiatives, essential redevelopment of clinical care spaces, and the education and training of health care providers.
McMaster Children’s Hospital is the second largest provider of inpatient pediatric services in Ontario. The Hospital is home to Canada’s largest neonatal intensive care unit including supportive maternal care, the largest pediatric mental health program in Canada, and the only inpatient pediatric cancer program in south-central Ontario.
About SickKids Foundation SickKids Foundation believes that fighting for the health and wellbeing of children is one of the most powerful ways to improve society. And that starts with supporting the hospital. By fundraising in support of the hospital’s Precision Child Health initiative, SickKids Foundation is healing the future. SickKids Foundation’s mission is to inspire communities to invest in health and scientific advances to improve the lives of children and their families in Canada and around the world.
Toronto, Ont. – The stage is set for the 2024 OHL Cup presented by FPS Payment Championship Final on Saturday afternoon at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto as the Oakville Rangers (5-1-0) will square off against the undefeated Vaughan Kings (6-0-0) when the puck drops at 2:00pm.
The game will air for free on CHL TV, as well as across the province on OHL Action Pak channel 467. Tickets for Saturday’s Championship game are $13.00 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.
Here’s a look at Thursday’s action, with a number of closely-contested matchups throughout the day:
Peterborough Petes captain Colin Fitzgerald closed out the tournament tied atop the OHL Cup scoring lead, registering 13 points (6-9–13) through six games. Toronto Marlboros forward Pierce Mbuyi also finished up with 13 points (6-7–13) over five games, while Marlies teammate Adam Valentini registered 12 points (5-7-12). North York Rangers forward Brady Smith also impressed, registering a goal and an assist in Thursday’s Semi-Final loss to give him 12 points (10-2-11), including a tournament-leading 10 goals over six games. OHL Cup Scoring Leaders
Vaughan Kings goaltender Justin Young is dominating the goaltending ranks, securing shutouts in both games he has played. OHL Cup Goaltending Leaders
The OHL Cup presented by FPS showcase provides fans and scouts one last opportunity to see many of the top U16 AAA players from across Ontario and parts of the United States compete for the OHL Cup performing against the best competition prior to the 2024 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore on April 12th and 13th.
For news, stories, stats and more from the 2024 OHL Cup, visit ohlcup.ca.
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce today the March edition of the CHL Team of the Month presented by CCM for the 2023-24 regular season.
With 15 goals and 15 assists in 11 games, San Jose Sharks prospect Quentin Musty of the Sudbury Wolves tallied more points than anyone in the CHL over the month of March. His 15 goals were tied for the most by a CHL skater alongside Moose Jaw’s Jagger Firkus. In his 11 contests in March, the 18-year-old from Hamburg, N.Y. also registered an impressive seven multi-point outings, which included posting a season-high six points on March 8 (4G-2A, including GWG, vs. Windsor) and March 22 (2G-4A vs. Barrie). His four-goal effort against Windsor also set a new single-game career-high for the first overall pick of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. To kick start the month, Musty also potted a hat-trick and added two helpers in the Wolves’ 10-3 victory against Sarnia. As the season came to a close last week, Musty finished the 2023-24 campaign ranked tied for fourth in scoring in the OHL having recorded 102 points (43G-59A) in 53 games, and he was one of 16 skaters in the CHL to top 100 points this season. Averaging 1.92 points per game through the 2023-24 campaign, the 6-foot-2, 202-pound left-winger had the highest scoring average of any OHL skater and ranked fourth in the CHL behind Halifax’s Jordan Dumais (2.24), Moose Jaw’s Matthew Savoie (2.09) and Firkus (2.00). Drafted 26th overall by the San Jose Sharks at the 2023 NHL Draft, Musty signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club back at the beginning of the season in October.
Thanks to a strong month highlighted by 15 goals and 10 assists, Seattle Kraken prospect Jagger Firkus of the Moose Jaw Warriors has been named to the CHL Team of the Month for the second time this season (previously selected as a member of the CHL Team of the Month in January). Firkus’ 15 goals were tied with Sudbury’s Quentin Musty for the most by a CHL skater in March. The 19-year-old from Irma, Alta., tallied a point in all 10 of the Warriors’ regular season games this month and he heads into the post-season riding a 14-game point streak (20G-12A over that stretch). In total, the 5-foot-11, 160-pound centreman registered eight multi-point outings throughout March, including four in a row to close out the month. Firkus also wrapped up March having scored a goal in five straight games, including tallying two or more in each of his last four contests. His strong play and 25 points down the stretch allowed him to finish the 2023-24 season as the leading scorer in the CHL with 126 points (61G-65A). By achieving the latter, he becomes just the second player in Moose Jaw’s franchise history to lead the CHL in points (Jayden Halbgewachs in 2017-18), and the fourth Warriors skater to ever claim the Bob Clarke Trophy as the WHL’s Top Scorer (Halbgewachs in 2017-18; Troy Brouwer in 2005-06; Theoren Fleury in 1987-88). Firkus also finished the 2023-24 campaign as the CHL leader in power-play points with 50 (15G-35A). Drafted in the second round (35th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, the 19-year-old signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Seattle Kraken back in April 2023.
Having registered 13 goals and 25 points in just 11 games during the month of March, St. Louis Blues prospect Dalibor Dvorský of the Sudbury Wolves has earned his first CHL Team of the Month selection of the 2023-24 season. Trailing only his Wolves teammate Quentin Musty in scoring, Dvorský’s 25 points in March placed him in a tie for second in the CHL, while his 13 goals during the month were ranked third behind Musty (15G) and Moose Jaw’s Jagger Firkus (15G). In total, the 18-year-old from Zvolen, Slovakia registered six multi-point contests in March, which included tallying a single-game career-high of five points on March 8 (2G-3A vs. Windsor) and March 16 (1G-4A vs. Barrie). Prior to the Wolves’ final regular season game, which saw Dvorský held off the scoresheet for the first time since February 18, the Blues’ 2023 first-round pick had registered a point in 14 straight games. The 6-foot-1, 201-pound centreman enters the playoffs having scored a goal in nine of his last 11 contests. He finished the 2023-24 campaign with 88 points (45G-43A), a team-leading 45 goals, and a CHL-best 26.8% shooting percentage this season. Dvorský’s 45 goals also place him among the top-five goal scorers in the OHL. Along with his teammates David Goyette (40 goals) and Musty (43 goals), Dvorský is one of three Sudbury Wolves to have topped the 40-goal plateau this season – marking the first time in 24 years that the Wolves have had three 40-goal scorers (1999-00: Norm Milley, Jason Jaspers and Taylor Pyatt). Chosen tenth overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 NHL Draft, Dvorský signed a three-year entry-level contract with the organization last summer in July 2023.
Having led all CHL defencemen with 17 points in the month of March, San Jose Sharks prospect Luca Cagnoni of the Portland Winterhawks has earned his second selection of the 2023-24 season to the CHL Team of the Month (previously selected as a member of the CHL Team of the Month in November). In 11 games in March, Cagnoni was held off the scoresheet only twice, having recorded two points or more on six occasions. His strong month allowed the 19-year-old from Burnaby, B.C., to finish the 2023-24 campaign with career-highs in goals (18), assists (72), and points (90). Cagnoni’s 90 points were the most by a WHL blueliner during the 2023-24 campaign, and he was one of just three defencemen in the CHL to top 90 points this season (along with Saginaw’s Zayne Parekh & Kitchener’s Hunter Brzustewicz). Cagnoni was also the first WHL defenceman in 30 years to top the 90-point plateau in a single season, and the first Winterhawks blueliner since 1986 to achieve the feat (1985-86: Glen Wesley, 91 points). In addition to leading all WHL defencemen in scoring this season, Cagnoni’s 72 assists were also the most by a WHL blueliner and he ranked second among rearguards in the CHL trailing only Brzustewicz (79). Last summer, Cagnoni was selected in the fourth round (123rd overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks.
With four goals and 14 points through 10 games in the month of March, Buffalo Sabres prospect Vsevolod Komarov of the Drummondville Voltigeurs rounds out the defencemen selected in March’s CHL Team of the Month. Komarov was held off the scoresheet on just four occasions and he registered four multi-point outings in March, including matching a single-game career-high with four points (1G-3A) on March 1 against the Charlottetown Islanders. The 20-year-old from Chelyabinsk, Russia finished the 2023-24 campaign with 55 assists and 69 points, both of which rank as the most by a QMJHL defenceman this season. The 6-foot-3, 188-pound defenceman ultimately set new career highs in goals (14), assists (55) and points (69) during the 2023-24 season, and he averaged over a point per game for the first time in his QMJHL career. The Sabres prospect, who won a Memorial Cup last year with the Québec Remparts, was acquired by the Voltigeurs from the Remparts at the beginning of December. Of his 69 points recorded this season, Komarov tallied 50 of them in just 38 games with Drummondville. His strong play no doubt played an important role in helping the Voltigeurs to their first 100-point season since 2019 and allowing the club to secure first place in the QMJHL’s Western Conference. Selected in the fifth round (134th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, Komarov signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club last May ahead of his participation in the 2023 Memorial Cup.
Having secured a CHL-best nine wins through the month of March, Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals was selected for the first time this season to the CHL Team of the Month. Through nine starts in March, Oster held a perfect 9-0-0-0 record along with an impressive 2.33 goals-against-average and a .914 save percentage. In six of his nine starts this month, Oster gave up two goals or fewer, which included turning aside 26-of-27 shots against the OHL’s highest-scoring team (the Sudbury Wolves) on March 24. The latter proved to be an important victory and performance by Oster, as the Generals secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference for the first time in nine years with the victory. Oshawa’s triumph over the Wolves in that regular-season finale also gave the Generals their 12th victory in a row, which stands as their longest winning streak since 1986-87. Through this historic winning streak, Oster has started in and won 11 of those contests. His strong play late in the year allowed the 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., to finish in a tie for first in the OHL with a .905 save percentage and to grab a share of first place in the CHL with 35 wins this season. Additionally, Oster’s 2.82 goals-against-average during the 2023-24 campaign ranked second in the OHL, trailing only London’s Michael Simpson (2.61 GAA).
Toronto, Ont. – Round robin play at the 2024 OHL Cup presented by FPS Payment hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League concluded on Wednesday with a total of 14 games on the schedule.
2024 OHL Cup Day 3 Results:
Game 27 – Ottawa Myers Automotive 4 vs. Niagara North Stars 0 Ottawa MVP – Brady Blaseg (1G, 2A) Niagara MVP – Kieran Raynor Recap – Stats
Game 28 – York-Simcoe Express 2 vs. Sun County Panthers 1 York-Simcoe MVP – Bryson Morgan (1G) Sun County MVP – Brock Devlin (27 SV) Recap – Stats
Game 29 – Vaughan Kings 3 vs. TPH Hockey 1 Vaughan MVP – Tyler Clark (1G) TPH MVP – Brody Pepoy (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 39 – Barrie Colts 5 vs. Team NOHA 0 Barrie MVP – Jason Schaubel (15 SV, SO) NOHA MVP – Mason Walker Recap – Stats
Game 40 – North York Rangers 5 vs. Upper Canada Cyclones 4 North York MVP – Brady Smith (2G) UCC MVP – Jay-Zeus Mbarushimana (2G, 2A) Recap – Stats
The undefeated Peterborough Petes, Vaughan Kings, North York Rangers and Barrie Colts enter Thursday’s Quarter-Final action boasting perfect 4-0 records following Round Robin play, each clinching the top spot in their Divisions. OHL Cup standings
Toronto Marlboros forward Pierce Mbuyi sits atop all tournament point-getters following Wednesday’s action, registering six goals, seven assists and 13 points in four games played. Mbuyi ended the day on a high note, tying the tournament’s single-game point record (4-2-6) in the Marlies’ commanding 6-1 win over Ottawa Myers Automotive. Peterborough’s Colin Fitzgerald (7-4-11) and Toronto’s Adam Valentini (4-7-11) trail close behind, each tallying 11 points in four games. North York Rangers forward Brady Smith leads the showcase in goals with eight. OHL Cup scoring leaders
Thursday’s quarterfinal schedule is set as eight teams are left standing in their quest for OHL Cup supremacy, including the GTHL champion Vaughan Kings and OMHA champion Barrie Colts.
Thursday’s Quarter-Final Schedule: Quarter-Final #1 – North York Rangers (4-0-0) vs. Toronto Marlboros (3-1-0) (10:30am – Rink 2) Quarter-Final #2 – Peterborough Petes (4-0-0) vs. Oshawa Generals (3-1-0) (12:15pm – Rink 1) Quarter-Final #3 – Barrie Colts (4-0-0) vs. Oakville Rangers (3-1-0) (10:00am – Rink 2) Quarter-Final #4 – Vaughan Kings (4-0-0) vs. Mississauga Rebels (3-1-0) (11:45pm – Rink 1)
All tournament games feature live scoring complete with the OHL’s Game Centre module.
The 2024 OHL CUP presented by FPS Payment continues on Thursday as teams face off in Quarter-Final and Semi-Final action before concluding with Saturday’s 2:00pm Championship Final at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. Tickets to the Championship Final can be purchased for $13.00 on TicketMaster.
All games are available live and on demand through LiveBarn.
The showcase provides fans and scouts one last opportunity to see many of the top U16 AAA players from across Ontario and parts of the United States compete for the OHL Cup performing against the best competition prior to the 2024 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore on April 12th and 13th.
Toronto, Ont. – For the first time since 1976, the Windsor Spitfires will select First Overall in the OHL Priority Selection on Friday, April 12th, coming away winners of the 2024 OHL Draft Lottery held Wednesday evening, with results streamed on OHL Live.
Each of the four non-playoff teams participating in the Priority Selection Lottery, the 20th place Niagara IceDogs (40 percent chance), 19th place Windsor Spitfires (30 percent chance), 18th place Peterborough Petes (20 percent chance) and 17th place Sarnia Sting (10 percent chance), had adjusted proportionate odds of drawing the first overall selection. The final results were determined by a computerized random number generator, with the process overseen and certified by Mr. Robert Bayne, partner with the law firm Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP.
The coveted first overall selection came down to a big reveal between the Spitfires and their West Division rival the Sarnia Sting, who will be selecting second overall.
Windsor’s only other first overall draft pick was Jim Fox, selected from the North Bay Trappers back in 1976. Fox would never play for Windsor, instead going on to become one of the League’s most prolific scorers as a member of the Ottawa 67’s before embarking on an NHL career.
The Spitfires played to a mark of 18-42-5-3 this past season following back-to-back West Division titles. They were crowned Western Conference champions in 2022, coming within one win of the J. Ross Robertson Cup.
The OHL Priority Selection will once again be held over the course of two days, with Rounds 1-3 taking place beginning at 7:00pm on Friday, April 12th. The proceedings continue on Saturday, April 13th starting at 9:00am with Rounds 4-15. The Priority Selection will be produced by YourTV, and streamed for free in its entirety on OHL Live.
2024 OHL Priority Selection First Round Order of Selection:
Windsor Spitfires
Sarnia Sting
Peterborough Petes
Niagara IceDogs
Barrie Colts
Flint Firebirds
Owen Sound Attack
Kingston Frontenacs
Guelph Storm
Erie Otters
Ottawa 67’s
Sudbury Wolves
Mississauga Steelheads
Brantford Bulldogs
Kitchener Rangers
North Bay Battalion
Oshawa Generals
Soo Greyhounds
Saginaw Spirit
London Knights
Ottawa 67’s*
*indicates compensatory pick
The 2024 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore will see the top players born in 2008 within OHL jurisdiction eligible to be selected on April 12-13.
In addition to live streaming on OHL Live, the Priority Selection will also be covered extensively on the OHL’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts, as well as on the web at ontariohockeyleague.com.
Toronto, Ont. – The 2024 OHL Cup presented by FPS Payment hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League continued on Tuesday with a total of 12 games on the Round Robin schedule.
2024 OHL Cup Day 2 Results:
Game 15 – Upper Canada Cyclones 3 vs. Huron-Perth Lakers 1 Cyclones MVP – Jack Yates (1G) Lakers MVP – Kingston Powell (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 16 – Ottawa Valley Titans 4 vs. Elgin-Middlesex Canucks 3 Titans MVP – Carter Stevens (1G, 1A) Canucks MVP – Austin Brekelmans (2G, 1A) Recap – Stats
Game 17 – TPH Hockey 3 vs. York-Simcoe Express 1 TPH MVP – Chase Gaughan Express MVP – Jackson Halloran (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 18 – Niagara North Stars 3 vs. London Jr. Knights 1 North Stars MVP – Nicholas Gilby (1G, 1A) Knights MVP – Seth Coomber (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 19 – Mississauga Rebels 4 vs. Team NOHA 1 Rebels MVP – Colton Woods (2G) NOHA MVP – Mason Walker Recap – Stats
Game 20 – North York Rangers 7 vs. Thunder Bay Kings 2 Rangers MVP – Kohyn Eshkawkogan (1G, 3A) Kings MVP – Landen Hanson (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 21 – Peterborough Petes 5 vs. Ottawa Myers Automotive 4 – OT Petes MVP – Matt Souter (3G) Ottawa MVP – Max Mews (1G, 2A) Recap – Stats
Game 22 – Oakville Rangers 9 vs. Southern County Panthers 1 Rangers MVP – Jonny Brooks (3G, 1A) Panthers MVP – Grant Symons Recap – Stats
Game 23 – Barrie Colts 5 vs. Ottawa Valley Titans 1 Colts MVP – Nathan Amidovski (3G) Titans MVP – Carter Stevens (1A) Recap – Stats
Game 24 – Oshawa Generals 3 vs. Upper Canada Cyclones 1 Generals MVP – Layne Gallacher (1G, 1A) Cyclones MVP – Maximus Crete (1A) Recap – Stats
Game 25 – Toronto Marlboros 5 vs. Niagara North Stars 1 Marlboros MVP – Adam Valentini (2G, 2A) Stars MVP – Ty Daniels Recap – Stats
The OMHA Finalist Peterborough Petes enter Wednesday’s action as the lone 3-0 team in the showcase, clinching first place in the Subban Division. The OMHA champion Barrie Colts, GTHL champion Vaughan Kings, GTHL finalist North York Rangers, and TPH Hockey also remain undefeated, all playing to a 2-0 record. OHL Cup Standings
Peterborough’s Colin Fitzgerald (3-4-7), Toronto Marlboros’ Pierce Mbuyi (2-5-7) and Oakville’s Jaxson Harismowich (0-7-7) sit atop all tournament point-getters following Tuesday’s action, each producing seven points in three contests. Upper Canada’s Jack Yates, Barrie’s Nathan Amidovski and North York’s Brady Smith lead the tournament in goal-scoring, tallying four goals each. OHL Cup Scoring Leaders
In goal, Oshawa Generals netminder Chase Petrova has played to a 2-0 record, leading the way in the crease with a 1.33 goals-against average and .946 save percentage. OHL Cup Goaltending Leaders
All tournament games feature live scoring complete with the OHL’s Game Centre module.
The 2024 OHL CUP presented by FPS Payment Round Robin action continues on Wednesday before Quarter-Final and Semi-Final action on Thursday, concluding with Saturday’s 2:00pm Championship Final at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. Tickets to the Championship Final can be purchased for $13.00 on TicketMaster.
All games are available live and on demand through LiveBarn.
The showcase provides fans and scouts one last opportunity to see many of the top U16 AAA players from across Ontario and parts of the United States compete for the OHL Cup performing against the best competition prior to the 2024 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore on April 12th and 13th.
Follow along with the 2024 OHL Cup presented by FPS Payment at ohlcup.ca.
TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced today the Week 25 and final edition of its CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2023-24 season.
Heading into the playoffs on a 19-game point streak (17-0-1-1), the longest active point streak in the CHL, the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League (WHL) closed out the season as the No.1-ranked team in the CHL. The Cougars finished the 2023-24 campaign with a +129 goal differential, which ranked as the best of any club in the CHL this season. Right behind them is the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), who won their two games last week to earn the Hamilton Spectator Trophy as the OHL Regular Season Champions. It marked the seventh time in club history that the Knights have earned this distinction and the first time in 11 years. Finally, rounding out the top three was the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL, who posted their first 50-win and 100-point campaign in franchise history as they prepare to host the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow at the end of May.
The highest-ranked team from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) was the No.4-ranked Baie-Comeau Drakkar, who led all CHL clubs with 53 wins this season and were one of four teams across the CHL to top 50 wins. Another club to achieve the latter was the No.6-ranked Saskatoon Blades of the WHL, who along with the Drakkar, gave up the fewest amount of goals in the CHL this season – as both allowed an average of 2.40 goals per game. The Drakkar and the Blades also finished the year as the regular season champions of the QMJHL and WHL, respectively.
OHL Writers 