Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League announced today that it is partnering with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) to bring some of the best women’s hockey talent in the world, including a total of 44 Olympians, to OHL venues in February 2023. The PWHPA Showcase presented by the OHL will feature regular season Secret® Dream Gap Tour games in Peterborough and Niagara on Friday, February 10 followed by two more in Barrie and Kitchener on Saturday, February 11. The event features Team Scotiabank, Team Harvey’s Team Sonnet and Team adidas.
“The OHL and its participating communities in Peterborough, Niagara, Barrie and Kitchener are exceptionally excited about this new partnership with the PWHPA,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “Some of the best women’s hockey players in the world will skate on OHL ice in February, and it’s a tremendous opportunity for the league to assist in the growth and participation in the game for women and girls in our communities.”
Founded in 2019, the PWHPA features four teams comprised of 100 of the world’s best female hockey players and was formed with the goal of creating a sustainable league that provides equity, fairness, and opportunity in women’s professional hockey. Thus far, the 2022-23 Secret® Dream Gap Tour has featured stops in Montreal, Truro, Pittsburgh and Ottawa, with more events across North America to come throughout the second half of the season.
“We’ve been planning this collaboration with the OHL for quite some time now, so we’re excited to finally share details,” said PWHPA Operations Consultant Jayna Hefford. “Throughout the weekend, our players will have access to some of the top facilities and resources in the province that will allow our players to excel. To be able to play in four great hockey cities in one weekend will be a great experience for our players, our current fans and those who may watch women’s hockey for the first time – we’re looking forward to hitting the ice in February.”
Don’t miss these world-class stars as they hit the ice in OHL communities in February! Tickets are available for purchase at any of the four ticketing links below.
Game Schedule:
Game 1: Friday, February 10 – Team Harvey’s vs. Team Scotiabank (Peterborough Memorial Centre, 11:00am) – TICKETS
Game 2: Friday, February 10 – Team adidas vs. Team Sonnet (Meridian Centre, Niagara – 7:00pm) – TICKETS
Game 3: Saturday, February 11 – Team adidas vs. Team Harvey’s (Sadlon Arena, Barrie – 1:00pm) – TICKETS
Game 4: Saturday, February 11 – Team Sonnet vs. Team Scotiabank (Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, 6:00pm) – TICKETS
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.
About the PWHPA Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association’s (PWHPA) mission is to promote, advance and support a viable professional women’s ice hockey league in North America that showcases the greatest product of women’s professional ice hockey in the world. The organization aims to provide a united voice to players advocating for the creation of a sustainable professional league. PWHPA is working to accomplish its mission by coordinating training needs and programming opportunities and collaborating with like-minded organizations to make hockey more inclusive for women and future generations. To learn more about PWHPA and the Secret Dream Gap Tour, visit pwhpa.com.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, December 4, 2022.
Wolves’ Quentin Musty Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
2023 NHL Draft prospect Quentin Musty of the Sudbury Wolves is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, seven assists and nine points in two games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-4.
Musty returned to the Wolves lineup with a goal and an assist in Friday’s 3-2 loss to the visiting Owen Sound Attack. He took centre stage on Sunday afternoon, extending his point streak to 12 games with a franchise record-tying seven points (1-6–7) in a lopsided 13-2 win over the visiting Niagara IceDogs. Musty’s seven points are the most in a single game by a Wolves player since Mike Fisher and Norm Milley both posted seven on Dec. 18, 1998 against Barrie. Hector Marini (Oct. 8, 1976 vs. Ottawa) and Ron Duguay (Mar. 13, 1977 at Toronto) also share the record with Musty, who helped the Wolves score the most goals by an OHL club since the Guelph Storm netted 13 on Mar. 14, 2014.
A 17-year-old from Hamburg, NY., Musty leads the Wolves with 34 points (9-25–34) in 22 games this season. Selected first overall by Sudbury in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the North Jersey Avalanche U16 program, the 6-foot-2, 197Ib. Musty recorded 12 goals, 19 assists and 31 points in his rookie campaign last season. He was recently upgraded to an ‘A’ rating by NHL Central Scouting for the 2023 NHL Draft.
Also considered for the award this week, Anaheim Ducks prospect Sasha Pastujov put up nine points (4-5–9) in three games for the Sarnia Sting. Windsor Spitfires forward Oliver Peer also had success, recording two goals, five assists and seven points as the Spits went 3-0 last week.
Battalion’s Dom DiVincentiis Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Winnipeg Jets prospect Dom DiVincentiis of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two wins, a goals-against average of 1.00 and a save percentage of .967.
Defending the crease in back-to-back road wins, DiVincentiis turned aside 20 of the 22 shots he faced as the Battalion defeated the Kingston Frontenacs 4-2 on Friday. DiVincentiis was back between the pipes on Saturday, backstopping the Battalion to a 3-0 win over the Peterborough Petes where he made 38 saves to earn his first career OHL shutout and first star honours.
An 18-year-old native of Bolton, Ont., DiVincentiis owns a record of 13-4-0-0 on the season with a league-best 2.49 goals-against average and .906 save percentage. He was the recipient of the OHL’s F.W. ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy in 2021-22, posting a league-low 2.59 goals-against average among rookies to go with a 14-8-0-1 record and .907 save percentage. DiVincentiis was selected in the seventh round (207th overall) by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2022 NHL Draft. He’s a former sixth round (116th overall) pick by the Battalion in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.
A pair of other candidates were given consideration for the award as London Knights netminder Brett Brochu went 2-0, recording a 1.50 goals-against average and .933 save percentage in wins over Guelph and Niagara. Windsor Spitfires goaltender Mathias Onuska also went 2-0, posting a 2.00 goals-against average and .917 save percentage.
2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season: Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion) Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Brett Brochu (London Knights) Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes) Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Joe Ranger (Sudbury Wolves) Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit) Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack) Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s) Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ivan Zhigalov (Kingston Frontenacs) Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Alessio Beglieri (Mississauga Steelheads) Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
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, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Finn Harding of the Mississauga Steelheads, Braedyn Rogers of the Owen Sound Attack, James Guo of the Peterborough Petes and Bronson Ride of the Windsor Spitfires have been named Academic Players of the Month for November.
East Division: Peterborough Petes defenceman James Guo is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for November.
Guo is achieving an 87 percent average in grade 12 university-level Advanced Functions, Interdisciplinary Studies and Nutrition and Health at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School.
“James is a dedicated athlete and student,” said Petes academic advisor Shannon Fife. “He balances his academics with a busy on and off-ice schedule. James is a leader and presents himself as such in the school.”
The 17-year-old from Woodbridge, Ont. has played 18 games this season, recording one goal for the Petes. The 6-foot-1, 180Ib. blueliner was selected in the fourth round (74th overall) by Peterborough in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.
Central Division: Mississauga Steelheads rookie defenceman Finn Harding is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for November.
Harding is currently achieving a 91 percent overall average, including a 94 percent average in French Immersion, an 87 percent average in Chemistry, a 93 percent average in Advanced Functions, and a 90 percent average in Co-op at Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School.
“Finn is a diligent and responsible student, whose maturity makes him a pleasure to teach,” said the Steelheads academic advisor Jeff Kyrzakos. Finn has managed to achieve a 91 percent average with a difficult course load while managing the transition to the OHL.”
The 17-year-old from Toronto, Ont. has played 18 games this season, recording two goals and one assist for a total of three points. The 6-foot-1, 182Ib. blueliner was selected in the eighth round (151st overall) by the Steelheads in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.
Midwest Division: Owen Sound Attack defenceman Braedyn Rogers is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for November.
Rogers is currently achieving an 83 percent average in English, a 94 percent average in Nutrition and Health, an 84 percent average in international Business, and a 92 percent average in Co-op at Owen Sound District Secondary School.
“Braedyn has a solid work ethic both on and off the ice,” said Owen Sound’s academic advisor Sarah Rowe. “His teachers describe him as a conscientious worker and a dedicated student. He completed English in the summer and now carries a workload that includes two grade 12 university level courses despite only being in grade 11. Braedyn has a very positive attitude and is a pleasure to work with.”
The Belleville, Ont. native has played 11 games this season, recording one assist for the Attack. He also represented Canada Red at the recent World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in British Columbia. The Attack selected Rogers in the second round (30th overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.
West Division: Windsor Spitfires blueliner Bronson Ride is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for November.
Ride, who also earned the honours in October 2021, has carried an overall average of 90 percent to date, including high marks in grade 12 Data, Functions, Business Leadership and Co-op at St. Anne High School.
“Bronson has started off this grade 12 year on a very high note,” said Spitfires academic advisor Danielle Chevalier. “He is excelling in all of his courses. His teachers love his maturity and hard work ethic. They say he is a pleasure to have in their classrooms.”
The 17-year-old from Oakville, Ont. has appeared in 23 games this season, recording one goal and four assists. Ride was selected in the second round (20th overall) by the Spitfires in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.
2022-23 OHL Academic Players of the Month:
East Division: November – James Guo (Peterborough Petes) October – Brad Gardiner (Ottawa 67’s)
Central Division: November – Finn Harding (Mississauga Steelheads) October – Kieron Walton (Sudbury Wolves)
Midwest Division: November – Braedyn Rogers (Owen Sound Attack) October – Denver Barkey (London Knights)
West Division: November – Bronson Ride (Windsor Spitfires) October – Alex Kostov (Soo Greyhounds)
The OHL continues to produce student-athletes that move on to both professional and U SPORTS men’s hockey endeavors.
A total of 349 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2021-22 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.5 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totaled more than $25 million.
A total of 217 OHL Alumni were included on U SPORTS men’s hockey rosters to open the 2022-23 season.
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, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in November 2022 including London Knights teammates Sean McGurn and Oliver Bonk along with Saginaw Spirit teammates Pavel Mintyukov and Tristan Lennox.
OHL Player of the Month – Sean McGurn (London Knights): London Knights forward Sean McGurn is the OHL Player of the Month for November, leading all players with 20 points including six goals, 14 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-7 in 12 contests last month. The overage centreman helped the Knights turn around a slow start to their season, registering points in 10 of his 12 outings as London played to a November mark of 10-2-0-0. McGurn logged seven multi-point performances, including three straight capped by a goal and two helpers on Nov. 12th in Windsor as the Knights defeated the Spitfires 6-1. McGurn scored in four consecutive contests as part of a 12-game point streak. He posted another goal and two assist showing on Nov. 19th in Flint as the Knights defeated the Firebirds 7-4. He did so again on Nov. 27th in Oshawa as London skated to a 4-2 win. McGurn becomes the first Knights player to earn OHL Player of the Month honours since Mitch Marner last received the title in February 2016.
A 20-year-old native of Ottawa, Ont., McGurn is in his third season with the Knights and sits fourth in OHL scoring with 32 points (10-22–32) in 23 games. He’s won 57.4 percent of his faceoffs this season while taking just two minutes in penalties thus far. He’s accumulated 108 points (31-77–108) over 127 regular season games since being selected by London in the third round (53rd overall) of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. McGurn attended rookie camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs in September.
OHL Defenceman of the Month – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit): For the second straight month, Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Defenceman of the Month, leading all defenders with 17 points including six goals, 11 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-12 in 11 games. Mintyukov’s continued excellence on the blue line helped the Spirit play to a November record of 10-1-0-0 as they roll into the month of December as the hottest team in the OHL. His month included six different multi-point showings, starting with a goal and an assist on Nov. 3rd as the Spirit came back to defeat the Kingston Frontenacs 3-2. He tacked on three points (1-2–3) on Nov. 6th in Oshawa as the Spirit took a 5-0 road win. Mintyukov registered his second multi-goal showing of the campaign on Nov. 12th against Sault Ste. Marie, tying the game with 16 seconds to spare in an eventual 4-3 overtime win over the Greyhounds. He rounded-out November with back-to-back multi-point totals, picking up a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over Sarnia on Nov. 25th before scoring and adding two helpers in a Nov. 26th 7-2 win over the Windsor Spitfires. This marks Mintyukov’s third OHL Defenceman of the Month honour following previous titles in October 2022 and March 2021. He’s the first player to be named OHL Defenceman of the Month in each of the first two months of a season since Dougie Hamilton of the Niagara IceDogs in October and November 2011.
A recently-turned 19-year-old standing 6-foot-3 and 195Ibs., Mintyukov sits second in OHL scoring with 35 points (12-23–35) in 24 games this season, paired with the League’s third-best plus/minus rating of plus-19. He became the first defenceman to ever lead the Spirit in scoring last season, recording 62 points (17-45–62) in 67 games before being selected 10th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2022 NHL Draft. The Spirit selected Mintyukov with the 52nd overall pick of the 2020 CHL Import Draft. He was voted to the OHL’s third all-star team last season.
OHL Goaltender of the Month – Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit): New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for November, helping the Spirit ascend to first place in the West Division standings with a record of 6-1-0-0, goals-against average of 1.86 and save percentage of .931 in seven appearances. After his lone loss to start the month, Lennox posted his first shutout of the campaign on Nov. 6th in Oshawa, making 26 saves as the Spirit defeated the Generals 5-0. He turned aside 28 shots a week later in Sarnia as the Spirit defeated the Sting by a score of 4-3 in overtime on Nov. 11th. Lennox registered 36 saves in a 4-3 overtime road win over the Flint Firebirds on Nov. 23rd, earning second star recognition for his efforts. He closed out November with a sixth straight win on Nov. 26th, making 27 saves as the Spirit defeated visiting Windsor 7-2 to match a franchise record with their ninth consecutive victory. Lennox is the first Spirit goaltender to earn OHL Goaltender of the Month honours since Ivan Prosvetov who last did so in March 2019.
A 20-year-old from Cambridge, Ont., Lennox owns a 12-3-0-0 record with a 2.95 goals-against average and .891 save percentage through 16 games in this, his fourth OHL season. The overage goaltender has played to a career mark of 46-33-3-2 with a 3.25 goals-against average and .887 save percentage in 92 regular season games, all with the Spirit who selected him in the second round (26th overall) of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. Lennox was drafted by the New York Islanders in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft.
OHL Rookie of the Month – Oliver Bonk (London Knights): Draft eligible London Knights blueliner Oliver Bonk is the OHL Rookie of the Month for November, leading all rookies with 14 points including three goals, 11 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-5 in 12 games. Bonk’s presence and increased responsibility on the Knights blue line helped the green and gold surge to a 10-2-0-0 record in the month of November, pushing them to the top of the Midwest Division standings. Bonk recorded points in 10 of his 12 November contests, opening the month by matching his October total in a single game with three points (1-2–3) in a 6-3 loss to the Erie Otters on Nov. 4th. Bonk registered points in eight consecutive games, capped by a goal and an assist on Nov. 19th in Flint as the Knights defeated the Firebirds 7-4. He lit the lamp again on Nov. 25th in Kitchener as the Knights defeated the rival Rangers 4-0. Bonk becomes the first Knights defenceman to earn OHL Rookie of the Month recognition since John Carlson last did so in December 2008.
A 17-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Bonk leads the Knights offensively from the blue line with 18 point (5-13–18) in 23 games. The 6-foot-2, 179Ib. right-shot appeared in 10 games with London last season, recording three assists while also excelling with the St. Thomas Stars of the GOJHL where he posted 32 points (5-27–32) in as many games to earn GOJHL West Top Rookie Defenceman honours, also being voted to the GOJHL West Rookie All-Star Team. The son of former long-time NHL forward Radek Bonk, Oliver was London’s second round (26th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. He won gold with Canada in this past summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup Tournament. Bonk was listed as a ‘B’ rated skater on NHL Central Scouting’s latest Players to Watch list released on Oct. 25th.
2022-23 OHL Performers of the Month:
Player of the Month: November – Sean McGurn (London Knights) October – Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
Defenceman of the Month: November – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit) October – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Goaltender of the Month: November – Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit) October – Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Rookie of the Month: November – Oliver Bonk (London Knights) October – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)
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, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, November 27, 2022.
Bulldogs’ Jorian Donovan Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
Ottawa Senators prospect Jorian Donovan of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals, three assists and six points in two games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-9.
Helping guide the Bulldogs to a perfect 2-0 showing last week, Donovan recorded a pair of assists on Friday as Hamilton overcame the North Bay Battalion 4-1 at home. He registered a career-high four points on Sunday, scoring a hat trick while adding an assist as the Bulldogs defeated the visiting Soo Greyhounds in a high-scoring 10-6 victory. Donovan’s hat trick was just the third by a defenceman in Bulldogs history following prior efforts by Nathan Staios (Feb. 26, 2022 vs. Ottawa) and Ben Gleason (Nov. 24, 2017 at Oshawa).
An 18-year-old native of Richmond, Ont., Donovan leads Hamilton blueliners with 17 points (7-10–17) in 18 games this season, and is riding a current eight-game point streak that dates back to Nov. 10th. He was a fifth round (136rd overall) pick of the Ottawa Senators this past summer following three goals, 19 assists and 22 points in 64 games for the OHL champion Bulldogs. The son of former Ottawa 67’s graduate and long-time NHL forward Shean Donovan, Jorian was originally selected by Hamilton in the first round (6th overall) of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.
Also considered for the award this week, Bulldogs’ captain Logan Morrison put up seven points (3-4–7) in two wins. Saginaw rookie Michael Misa continued his success recording two goals, five assists and seven points as the Spirit tacked three more wins onto their run of success.
Knights’ Brett Brochu Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Brett Brochu of the London Knights is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories including a shutout, a 1.00 goals-against average and a .969 save percentage.
Defending the crease in back-to-back wins, Brochu turned aside all 28 shots that came his way to earn first star honours as the Knights opened up the weekend with a 4-0 shutout victory over the Kitchener Rangers on Friday. Brochu returned to the crease on Sunday night in Oshawa, stopping 34 of the 36 shots he faced as the Knights defeated the Generals 4-2. Brochu’s two victories gave him 71 on his OHL career, pushing him ahead of Steve Mason for the fifth-most in franchise history.
A 20-year-old from Belle River, Ont., Brochu owns a 10-6-1-0 record with a 3.07 goals-against average and .892 save percentage in 17 games this season, winning six of his last seven starts. The reigning Jim Rutherford OHL Goaltender of the Year Award recipient owns a 71-23-3-0 record, 2.67 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and five shutouts in 102 regular season contests. Brochu was London’s sixth round (114th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. He attended training camp with the Vancouver Canucks this past September.
Also in the running for the award this week, New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox of the Saginaw Spirit went 2-0 with a 2.49 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. Erie’s Kyle Downey was also outstanding in the crease, going 1-1 with a 1.85 goals-against average and .938 save percentage in three appearances.
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, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today that four Ontario Hockey League clubs have submitted intents to bid for the hosting rights of the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Kia.
The Kingston Frontenacs, Niagara IceDogs, Saginaw Spirit, and Soo Greyhounds will each submit their bids prior to the January 31 deadline, with the winning bid then announced in March 2023.
“We are excited to have four diverse communities express their interest to bid for the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Kia,” said Dan MacKenzie, President of the Canadian Hockey League. “The Memorial Cup is a great hockey tradition that not only celebrates the best in junior hockey but also honours the brave men and women who served and continue to serve our country.”
Open to bids from the OHL and returning to the League for the first time since 2017, the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Kia will take place in June 2024 and will feature the playoff champion from the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League, in addition to the chosen OHL host club.
The Frontenacs, IceDogs, and Spirit would all be first-time hosts of the Memorial Cup, while the Greyhounds both hosted and won the year-end tournament in 1993 following past participation in 1985, 1991, and 1992.
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.
About Kia Canada Kia Canada Inc., founded in 1999, is a subsidiary of Kia Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. The company employs 170 people at its headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario, as well as in locations across Canada and at its regional office in Montréal, Québec. Kia offers products and services that are innovative, dynamic, thoughtful and award-winning, through a network of 197 dealers across the country. The company’s brand slogan – ‘Movement that inspires’ reflects Kia’s commitment to inspiring consumers through its products and services. To learn more, visit kia.ca or Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Denver Barkey of the London Knights, Kieron Walton of the Sudbury Wolves, Brad Gardiner of the Ottawa 67’s and Alex Kostov of the Soo Greyhounds have been named Academic Players of the Month for October.
East Division: Ottawa 67’s forward Brad Gardiner is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for October.
Gardiner, who was also named East Division Academic Player of the Month in February 2022, is achieving an 89.5 percent average in grade 12 university-level Advanced Functions, Business Management and Elite Athlete at Blyth Academy The Glebe. He is on track to graduate a semester early due to his conscientious work ethic and perseverance at carrying both spring and summer courses.
“The 67’s organization continues to be impressed by Brad’s ability to balance his on and off ice responsibilities”, said 67’s General Manager James Boyd. “Brad is a diligent student who continues to impress with his development on and off of the ice.”
The 17-year-old from Aurora, Ont. has played 11 games this season, recording six goals and three assists for a total of nine points. The son of former NHL forward Bruce Gardiner, Gardiner put up seven points (3-4–7) in his rookie season with the 67’s. He was Ottawa’s third round (40th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.
Central Division: Sudbury Wolves rookie forward Kieron Walton is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for October.
Walton is currently achieving high grades in Entrepreneurship, World History, Co-op, and World Religions at St. Charles College. Walton’s teachers have described him as a student that shows positive initiative and is a cooperative team member in the classroom.
“Kieron is an excellent student, a great young player and an outstanding person”, said Wolves academic advisor Gord Ewin.
The 16-year-old from Toronto, Ont. has played 11 games this season, recording three goals and one assist for a total of four points. The 6-foot-6, 203Ib. left-winger was selected in the second round (28th overall) by the Wolves in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.
Midwest Division: London Knights draft-eligible forward Denver Barkey is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for October.
Barkey is currently achieving an 87 percent average in English, a 95 percent average in Recreation Leadership, an 80 percent average in World History, and a 95 percent average in Elite Athlete at Catholic Central High School.
“Denver is an exemplary student-athlete,” said Knights academic advisor Wendy Glover. “He understands the demands of the classroom, and not only meets them but also exceeds them. He exemplifies the academic and learning skills that Ontario students are encouraged to demonstrate such as: responsibility, initiative, collaboration, self-regulation and independent work. He demonstrates the behavior that the London Knights and OHL would be proud of.”
“Not only does Denver model appropriate behavior in the classroom, he also made a commitment to support the local and school community,” said Knights General Manager Mark Hunter. “He attends various other school sports or community events/fundraisers. In doing so, he clearly demonstrates a commitment to the concept that he values the contributions and lives of other students and community members, as well as his teammates.”
The Newmarket, Ont. native has played 11 games this season, recording three goals and eight assists for the Knights. His rookie season in 2021-22 included 15 points (7-8–15) over 53 contests. London selected Barkey in the first round (16th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.
West Division: Soo Greyhounds rookie forward Alex Kostov is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for October.
Kostov has earned an overall average of 91 percent to date, including marks of 100 percent in Advanced Biology, a 95 percent average in Leadership, an 82-percentage average in Functions, and a 90 percent average in Culinary Arts at Superior Heights Secondary School.
“Alex is highly respected by his classmates, teachers and school staff,” said Greyhounds academic advisors Jerry Bumbacco and Mary Lynne Lukenda. “We are looking forward to following Alex’s academics and on-ice achievements as he progresses as a valuable member of the Soo Greyhounds.”
The rookie from Mississauga, Ont. has appeared in eight games this season, recording two assists. Kostov was selected in the third round (58th overall) by the Hounds in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.
The OHL continues to produce student-athletes that move on to both professional and U SPORTS men’s hockey endeavours.
A total of 349 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2021-22 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.5 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.
A total of 217 OHL Alumni were included on U SPORTS men’s hockey rosters to open the 2022-23 season.
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, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in October 2022, including Flint Firebirds forward Brennan Othmann, Saginaw Spirit blueliner Pavel Mintyukov, Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa and Peterborough Petes netminder Michael Simpson.
OHL Player of the Month – Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds): New York Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann of the Flint Firebirds is the OHL Player of the Month, producing 10 goals, 13 assists and 23 points in 13 October matchups. Othmann, who also registered a plus/minus rating of plus-seven, posted multi-point outputs in eight of his 13 contests, as the Firebirds played to a record of 7-6-0-0. Othmann started the season with a bang, scoring both of the Firebirds’ goals in their home opener against the Niagara IceDogs on Oct. 1st. He registered his first of a trio of three-point outings on Oct. 7th in Guelph, scoring while adding two assists in a 5-3 win. He netted a pair of goals and an assist as the Firebirds routed the Erie Otters 8-1 on Oct. 14th. Othmann’s talents continued to shine on Saturday night as he contributed three helpers to a high scoring 8-7 victory over the Oshawa Generals. The 6-foot, 180lb. left-winger has tallied at least one point in 12 of his 13 appearances so far this season. He becomes the first Firebirds player to ever claim OHL Player of the Month honours.
A 19-year-old native of Pickering, Ont., Othmann currently sits tied atop OHL scoring with 10 goals on the season, and ranks second in points with 23 (10-13–23) in 13 games. His 67 shots on goal lead the League. Now in his third season with the Firebirds, Othmann has produced career totals that include 77 goals, 76 assists and 153 points in 134 regular season games. The veteran winger was a first round (16th overall) pick of the New York Rangers in the 2021 NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the club on Aug. 12, 2021. Othmann was Flint’s first round (2nd overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection after winning an OHL Cup title with the Don Mills Flyers U16 program.
OHL Defenceman of the Month – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit): Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for October after leading OHL blueliners with 18 points including six goals and 12 assists over 13 contests. Mintyukov, who also posted a plus/minus rating of plus-7, started the season with with five points (1-4–5) in a 10-6 win over the Guelph Storm in Saginaw’s home opener. He strung together three consecutive multi-point performances from Oct. 7-9, capping it with two goals and an assist as the Spirit defeated the Sudbury Wolves 5-2 on Oct. 9th. He helped the Spirit defeat the Central Division-leading Mississauga Steelheads 4-3 in overtime, recording a goal and an assist on Oct. 29th. This marks Mintyukov’s second OHL Defenceman of the Month honour after he received League honours in March 2022.
An 18-year-old late 2003-born blueliner, the 6-foot-3, 195Ib. Mintyukov became the first defenceman to lead the Spirit in regular season scoring last season, producing 62 points (17-45–62) in 67 games to earn OHL third team all-star recognition. His 18 points (6-12–18) lead OHL defenders thus far in 2022-23. Mintyukov was selected in the first round (10th overall) by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2022 NHL Draft this past summer. The Spirit selected him with the 52nd overall pick of the 2020 CHL Import Draft.
OHL Goaltender of the Month – Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes): Michael Simpson of the Peterborough Petes is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for October, playing to a 6-2-0-1 record with a 2.22 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. Simpson stopped 241 of the 261 shots he faced over the course of the October, backstopping the Petes into second place in the East Division. He recorded his first shutout of the season on Oct. 8th in Barrie, making 26 saves as the Petes defeated the Colts 5-0. He turned in a 37-save effort on Oct. 28th in Ottawa as the Petes put an end to the 67’s undefeated start to the season, denying them a 10th consecutive win. The OHL Goaltender of the Month honour is Simpson’s second in a row after he earned the distinction to close out the 2021-22 regular season in April.
A 19-year-old London, Ont. native, Simpson owns the league’s lowest goals-against average of 2.38 and sits tied for the league-lead in wins with seven. He owns a career record of 27-20-4-1 with a 3.33 goals-against average and .896 save percentage over 55 regular season games with the Petes. The 6-foot-1, 198lb. netminder was Peterborough’s 10th round (193rd overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the London Junior Knights U16 program.
OHL Rookie of the Month – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit): First overall OHL Priority Selection choice Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Rookie of the Month for October, recording 10 goals, seven assists and 17 points in 13 games. Misa had points in 10 of his 13 October contests, producing five different multi-point efforts. The sixth player in OHL history to be granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada, the 15-year-old currently sits tied atop OHL goal-scoring and leads all rookies in points with 17. Misa wasted little time getting adjusted to the OHL pace, scoring twice in his debut as the Spirit defeated the Guelph Storm 10-6 on Oct. 1st. Excelling against Guelph once again, Misa recorded a goal and three assists in Saginaw’s 6-1 road win on Oct. 14th. He put together back-to-back two-goal efforts on Oct. 21st in London and again on Oct. 22nd against the same Knights in Saginaw. He rounded-out October with a goal and an assist as the Spirit defeated the Oshawa Generals 3-2 on Oct. 30th. Misa is the first Spirit player to earn OHL Rookie of the Month honours since Cole Perfetti last did in March 2019.
A native of Oakville, Ont., Misa’s exceptional status debut sat just one point shy of John Tavares’ mark through 10 games back in 2005-2006 as he outpaced both Connor McDavid and Shane Wright in that window to begin his OHL career. Entering his first season with the Spirit after setting a new OHL Cup scoring record for the championship-winning Mississauga Senators, the 5-foot-11, 160lb. forward was selected first overall by Saginaw in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. He won’t be eligible for the NHL Draft until 2025.
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, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, October 23, 2022.
Steelheads’ Owen Beck Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals, six assists and nine points in two games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-2.
Beck tied a Steelheads record for most points in a single game on Friday, recording one goal and five assists in an 8-2 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs while also going 13-for-17 in the faceoff circle. His five assists equaled an all-time franchise record, marking the first time a Steelheads player has hit that mark since Nathan Bastian on Oct. 12, 2016 against Guelph. Beck continued his strong play on Saturday in Barrie, registering two goals and an assist as the Steelheads fell to the Colts in a narrow 6-5 defeat.
A 19-year-old native of Port Hope, Ont., Beck has produced six goals, six assists and 12 points in his seven games this season. He was a second round (33rd overall) pick of the Montreal Canadiens this past summer following 21 goals, 30 assists and 51 points in 68 games last season. Last year’s OHL and CHL Scholastic Player of the Year was originally Mississauga’s second round (29th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection from the Quinte Red Devils U16 program.
Also given consideration for the award this week were fellow Montreal Canadiens prospect Filip Mesar of the Kitchener Rangers, who recorded three goals and three assists including an overtime winner in his first two OHL contests. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ty Voit of the Sarnia Sting was also a standout, recording one goal and seven helpers (1-7-8) over three games to rise to the top of the OHL scoring race.
2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season: Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads) Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires) Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit) Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)
67’s’ Collin MacKenzie Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Collin MacKenzie of the Ottawa 67’s is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories, a 0.60 goals-against average and a .976 save percentage, helping Ottawa continue its run of undefeated hockey to begin the 2022-23 season.
After the 67’s took a Thursday night win in North Bay, MacKenzie took the crease on Friday in Sault Ste. Marie, stopping 21 of the 22 shots that came his way before turning aside a new OHL record 15 consecutive Greyhounds shootout attempts. Gavin Ewles would end the second-longest shootout in OHL history in the 15th round as Ottawa improved to 8-0 with a 2-1 victory. The 67’s fell behind the Sudbury Wolves 3-0 on Sunday afternoon, prompting Ottawa coach Dave Cameron to put MacKenzie into the game 4:58 into the second period. He proceeded to stop all 14 shots he faced as the 67’s scored five unanswered goals to win 5-3 and extend their winning streak to nine games.
A 17-year-old from Elora, Ont., MacKenzie owns a 3-0-0-0 record with a 1.50 goals-against average and .937 save percentage in three games this season. The former eighth round (160th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection is a perfect 7-0-0-0 in his OHL career.
A pair of other candidates were given consideration for the award this week, including Owen Sound Attack netminder Nick Chenard who went 2-0-0-0 last week, posting a 1.50 goals-against average and .954 save percentage. Soo Greyhounds goaltender Charlie Schenkel was MacKenzie’s counterpart in Friday’s shootout marathon, stopping 33 shots through 65 minutes before turning away 14 of the 15 Ottawa shooters he faced in the shootout.
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.
Opening Week is under our belt as we embark on the Thanksgiving long weekend! Here’s what’s happening across the League.
Storm, Attack and Firebirds make Week 1 edition of Kia CHL Top 10: After Week 1 action, the Guelph Storm, Owen Sound Attack and Flint Firebirds find themselves in the Week 1 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. WATCH
Petes’ Robertson named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week: Seattle Kraken prospect Tucker Robertson of the Peterborough Petes is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording one goal, four assists and five points in a pair of victories. READ
Sting’s Gaudreau named OHL Goaltender of the Week: San Jose Sharks prospect Ben Gaudreau of the Sarnia Sting is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories, a 1.99 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. READ
OHL Plays of the Week: Rolling out an OHL Opening Week edition of the OHL Plays of the Week! Guelph’s Matthew Poitras, Erie’s Carey Terrance, Sudbury’s David Goyette and Hamilton Bulldogs teammates Florian Xhekaj and Logan Morrison make the final cut. WATCH
OHL Saves of the Week: See stops from Oshawa’s Patrick Leaver, Owen Sound’s Nick Chenard, Sudbury’s Joe Ranger, Flint’s Will Cranley, Peterborough’s Michael Simpson and Kingston’s Ivan Zhigalov in this season’s first edition of Saves of the Week. WATCH
15 first goals in OHL Milestone Moments: Syngenta and Grain Farmers of Ontario present a total of 15 first career OHL goals from Opening Week action. WATCH
OHL Weekend Notebook: The OHL Weekend Notebook recaps the weekend that was with news, information and interesting facts from both on and off the ice. READ
Wiseman steps into lead coaching role for the Storm: Associate Coach Chad Wiseman is being promoted to Head Coach of the Storm after the team announced that Head Coach Scott Walker will be stepping away from his coaching duties to address health concerns. READ
Bulldogs’ Staios joins Oilers in player development role: The Edmonton Oilers have hired Hamilton Bulldogs president and general manager Steve Staios in a player development role. READ
Bulldogs name Matt Turek interim General Manager: With Steve Staios taking a position with the Edmonton Oilers, the Hamilton Bulldogs have named Matt Turek their interim General Manager. READ
Otters’ Lalonde signs with Blue Jackets: The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Nolan Lalonde to a three-year entry level contract. Lalonde attended training camp as a free agent invitee. READ
Steelheads’ Beck signs with Canadiens: The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Owen Beck to a three-year entry level contract. Beck was selected 33rd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. READ
Knights’ Mailloux signs with Canadiens: The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenseman Logan Mailloux to a three-year entry level contract. Mailloux was selected 31st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. READ
Steelheads’ Schwindt signs with Panthers: Mississauga Steelheads Forward Kai Schwindt has signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with the Florida Panthers Undrafted, Schwindt attended Florida’s 2022-2023 Training Camp. READ
Spirit name Bloom captain: The Saginaw Spirit are pleased to announce that Buffalo Sabres prospect Josh Bloom has been named the 22nd captain in the history of the team. READ
Wolves name Holmes captain: The Sudbury Wolves are pleased to announce that they have named Dallas Stars prospect Jacob Holmes as the team’s captain for the Wolves’ 50th anniversary season. READ
Greyhounds name McConnell-Barker captain: The Soo Greyhounds are pleased to announce New York Rangers prospect Bryce McConnell-Barker as captain for the 2022-2023 season. READ
Bulldogs name Morrison captain: The Hamilton Bulldogs are pleased to announce 2022 OHL Playoff MVP Logan Morrison the sixth captain in franchise history. READ
OHL This Week Podcast: The OHL This Week Podcast returns to the airwaves to kick-off the 2022-23 season! LISTEN
Will Haley commits to Steelheads: The Mississauga Steelheads have received a commitment from defenceman Will Haley. Haley was selected in the first round (13th overall) of the 2022 U18 Draft. READ
Caleb Van De Ven commits to Greyhounds: The Soo Greyhounds have received a commitment from 13th round 2020 OHL Priority Selection choice Caleb Van De Ven who joins the team’s blueline. READ
Jakub Chromiak commits to Wolves: The Sudbury Wolves have received a commitment from 7th overall pick in the 2022 CHL Import Draft Slovakia’s Jakub Chromiak. READ
Dustin Good commits to Greyhounds: The Kitchener Rangers have received a commitment from 1st round 2022 U18 Priority Selection choice Dustin Good to a standard player agreement with the Hounds. READ
Sights & Sounds: Entering a new era on opening night in Niagara: Sights and sounds from a thrilling opening night in Niagara as Zakary Lavoie came up big with his first career OHL hat trick in a Mississauga Steelheads overtime win. WATCH
COMMUNITY CORNER:
OHL partners with Syngenta Canada and Grain Farmers of Ontario to present CMHA Ontario’s Talk Today Program: The OHL has joined together with Syngenta Canada and Grain Farmers of Ontario, who will serve as presenting sponsors of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division’s Talk Today program, now entering its ninth season. READ
OHL partners with Their Opportunity for National Truth & Reconciliation Day: This National Truth & Reconciliation Day, the OHL partnered with Their Opportunity to highlight the work done by Randy Gill, Graham McWaters and countless volunteers and donors to make the Indigenous Hockey Equipment Drive possible. WATCH
Colts set to honour the late Dale Hawerchuk: The Barrie Colts will be honouring former Head Coach, Dale Hawerchuk at home on Saturday, October 8th. There will be a special pre-game ceremony honouring Dale, as well as guest speakers, video presentations, and a special presentation revealing an honourary Dale Hawerchuk banner. Tickets are on sale now. More at barriecolts.com
Spitfires set to host Champions Night on Thursday: The Western Conference Champion Windsor Spitfires will be raising their championship banner at home on Thursday night where fans will also receive limited edition calendars with all of the greatest moments from last years Wayne Gretzky Trophy Cup run.
Fronts set to host 1970s night on Friday: The Kingston Frontenacs are set to host a 1970s theme night at home on Friday that will feature hits from the past and highlight the 1970s Kingston Canadians era. There will also be a special ceremony held before the game for Len Coyle.
ALUMNI NOTES:
OHL mourns the loss of Andre Payette: The Ontario Hockey League is saddened by news of the loss of former Soo Greyhounds and Kingston Frontenacs forward Andre Payette. READ
Generals’ Foster joins Coyotes as Development Coach: The Arizona Coyotes have named Kurtis Foster as a development coach. Foster most recently served on the OHL’s Oshawa Generals coaching staff in 2021-22 and was promoted to interim co-head coach in March, helping the club secure a playoff berth. READ
Rychel joins Oilers as pro scout: Former Windsor Spitfires general manager and Barrie Colts head coach Warren Rychel is back in the game after joining the Edmonton Oilers as a pro scout. Rychel, who architected back-to-back Memorial Cup championship teams in 2009 and 2010, served as a scout for the Arizona Coyotes prior to his tenure in Windsor. READ
Thursday October 6th Sudbury at Windsor – 7:05pm North Bay at Peterborough – 7:05pm Niagara at Barrie – 7:30pm
Friday October 7th North Bay at Kingston – 7:00pm Kitchener at Ottawa – 7:00pm Erie at Mississauga – 7:00pm Oshawa at Niagara – 7:00pm Sault Ste. Marie at London – 7:00pm Saginaw at Sarnia – 7:05pm Flint at Guelph – 7:30pm Hamilton at Owen Sound – 7:30pm
Saturday October 8th Oshawa at Hamilton – 7:00pm North Bay at Ottawa – 7:00pm Guelph at Niagara – 7:00pm Sudbury at Flint– 7:00pm London at Erie – 7:00pm Windsor at Saginaw – 7:05pm Peterborough at Barrie – 7:30pm Mississauga at Owen Sound – 7:30pm
Sunday October 9th Kitchener at Kingston – 2:00pm Sault Ste. Marie at Sarnia – 2:05pm (Free for TSN subscribers) Sudbury at Saginaw – 5:30pm
Monday October 10th Sault Ste. Marie at Windsor – 2:05pm
OHL Writers 