25 CHL players will wear the Maple Leaf as Canada gets set for opening game at the 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce that 25 CHL players will wear the Maple Leaf with Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at the 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship (see complete list below), which is scheduled to take place in Frisco and Allen, Texas, from April 23 – May 3. Although the tournament officially began yesterday, Canada will start the defence of its gold medal today when taking on Slovakia at 4 p.m. CT in their opening game.

In total, there are 11 from the Western Hockey League (WHL), 10 players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and four from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) who will represent Team Canada. 

The group of 14 forwards is highlighted by four players (Brady Martin, Jack Nesbitt, Braeden Cootes, Cole Reschny) who were recently ranked among NHL Central Scouting’s top-25 North American skaters heading into the 2025 NHL Draft. Additionally, Canada’s squad will feature a pair of forwards in Cameron Schmidt (Vancouver Giants / WHL) and Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara Ice Dogs / OHL), who both tallied 40-plus goals during the 2024-25 campaign.

On the backend, the eight defencemen on the roster are highlighted by top 2025 NHL Draft prospect Jackson Smith (Tri-City Americans / WHL), who finished tenth in scoring among WHL blueliners following his 54-point season (11G-43A) in 2024-25. Additionally, 2026 NHL Draft prospect Xavier Villeneuve (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada / QMJHL) set a new Armada franchise record for points (62) by a blueliner in a single season, while Ryan Lin (Vancouver Giants / WHL) placed himself among the ten highest-scoring U17 defencemen in the CHL over the last 35 years with his 53-point campaign (5G-48A).

In net, Team Canada will be led by two of the top goalies heading into the 2025 NHL Draft, Lucas Beckman (Baie-Comeau Drakkar / QMJHL) and Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads / OHL). Beckman led the QMJHL in wins (31) and ranked among that league’s top-five netminders for goals-against average (2.65), save percentage (.914), and shutouts (4). Meanwhile, Ivankovic is the lone returnee from last year’s team that defeated the United States to earn gold at last year’s tournament in Espoo, Finland.

Two-time Stanley Cup champion Cory Stillman (Guelph Storm / OHL) is the team’s head coach, working alongside associate coach Travis Crickard (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL), assistant coach Mathieu Turcotte (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada / QMJHL), and goaltending consultant Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL).

Since 2002, Canada has won five gold medals at the IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021, 2024), in addition to one silver (2005) and four bronze (2012, 2014, 2015, 2023).

The 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship kicked off on April 23, with Canada taking on Slovakia, Latvia, Finland, and Norway in the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 3. TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, are broadcasting 16 tournament games, including all Team Canada’s preliminary-round games, as well as the quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal games.

With over 30 CHL players participating in the tournament, the CHL is the only development hockey league in the world to feature one player on eight of the 10 participating countries at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship.

For more information on the 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, please visit the official tournament website at IIHF.com. For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

QUICK FACTS

  • There are seven players on Canada (Ivankovic, Beauchesne, Smith, Cootes, Martin, Reschny, Schmidt) who helped Team CHL defeat the U.S. National Under-18 Team last November at the inaugural 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada.
  • 17 of the 25 players on Team Canada’s U18 roster were listed in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft.
  • Ivankovic is one of just three players in history (alongside Matthew Schaefer and Caleb Desnoyers) to win gold for Team Canada at the U17s, U18s, and Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.
  • Eight players on Canada’s roster are eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft (Carels, Villeuneuve, Di Iorio, Edwards, Lin, Roobroeck, Rudolph, Verhoeff). 
  • 12 players won gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (Martin, Hopkins, Reschny, Czata, Schmidt, Kilfoil, Cootes, Smith, Beauchesne, Huang, Ivankovic, Beckman).
  • 21 players have represented Canada at the U17 World Challenge (Carels, Di Iorio, Edwards, Lin, Rooebroeck, Rudolph, Verhoeff, Villeneuve, Reschny, Martin, Cootes, Kilfoil, Smith, Beauchesne, Nesbitt, Hopkins, Schmidt, Czata, Huang, Ivankovic, Katzin).
  • Gard, Sawchyn, and Hood will represent their country for the first time in their careers at the 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship.

25 CHL PLAYERS NAMED TO CANADA’S NATIONAL MEN’S U18 TEAM
(G) Lucas Beckman (Baie-Comeau Drakkar / QMJHL)
(G) Burke Hood (Vancouver Giants / WHL)
(G) Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads / OHL)
(D) Quinn Beauchesne (Guelph Storm / OHL)
(D) Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars / WHL)
(D) Alex Huang (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL)
(D) Ryan Lin (Vancouver Giants / WHL)
(D) Daxon Rudolph (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL)
(D) Jackson Smith (Tri-City Americans / WHL)
(D) Keaton Verhoeff (Victoria Royals / WHL)
(D) Xavier Villeneuve (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada / QMJHL)
(F) Braeden Cootes (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL)
(F) Ethan Czata (Niagara IceDogs / OHL)
(F) Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting / OHL)
(F) Matthew Gard (Red Deer Rebels / WHL)
(F) Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting / OHL)
(F) Tyler Hopkins (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL)
(F) Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm / OHL)
(F) Liam Kilfoil (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL)
(F) Brady Martin (Soo Greyhounds / OHL)
(F) Jack Nesbitt (Windsor Spitfires / OHL)
(F) Cole Reschny (Victoria Royals / WHL)
(F) Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara IceDogs / OHL)
(F) Cameron Schmidt (Vancouver Giants / WHL)
(F) Lukas Sawchyn (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL)

Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL), and Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL) were invited but are unable to participate 

General Manager – Scott Walker (Guelph Storm / OHL)
Head Coach – Cory Stillman (Guelph Storm / OHL)
Associate Coach – Travis Crickard (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL)
Assistant Coach – Mathieu Turcotte (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada / QMJHL)
Goaltending Consultant – Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL)
Video coach – Matthew Smith (Acadie-Bathurst Titan / QMJHL)
Athletic therapists – Andy Brown (Owen Sound Attack / OHL) and Terence Robertson (Red Deer Rebels / WHL)
Team physician – Dr. Nolan Rau (Kelowna Rockets / WHL)
Strength and Conditioning Coach – Sean Young (Ottawa 67’s / OHL)

KNIGHTS’ SAM DICKINSON WINS MAX KAMINSKY TROPHY AS OHL DEFENCEMAN OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that San Jose Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson of the London Knights is the 2024-25 recipient of the Max Kaminsky Trophy, presented annually to the OHL Defenceman of the Year as voted by the League’s General Managers.

Dickinson established a new London Knights single season record for points by a defenceman with 91, including 29 goals and 62 assists along with a league-leading plus/minus rating of plus-64 over 55 games. His 12 power play goals, eight shorthanded points and 245 shots on goal led OHL defencemen.

“It’s such an honour to win this award and to think of all the incredible players to win before me,” said Dickinson. “My family, teammates, coaches and the entire London Knights organization are the first people I’d like to thank in helping me achieve such an incredible honour. I’m looking forward to what’s next for our team in these playoffs.”

Dickinson’s season included a pair of hat-tricks and 13 different outings that featured at least three points, headlined by a six-point showing (1-5–6) on Nov. 23rd at Saginaw. He represented Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.

“We knew at 16 that Sam was going to be a special player,” said Knights Vice President and General Manager Mark Hunter. “He has high-end talent and can make plays at both ends of the ice. He is very deserving of this award and we are very proud of what he has accomplished as a London Knight.”

An 18-year-old from Toronto, Ont., Dickinson joined the Knights after originally being chosen by the Niagara IceDogs with the fourth overall pick of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. The 6-foot-3, 210Ib. defender has amassed 56 goals, 128 assists and 184 points over 185 career regular season games on the Knights blueline, accompanied by a plus-126 rating. Accolades have included being named to the OHL’s second all-star team, the league’s first all-rookie team as well as winning gold with Canada at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He was selected 11th overall by San Jose in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Dickinson is the latest in a list of Knights to have won the Max Kaminsky Trophy that includes Evan Bouchard (2019), Danny Syvret (2005), John Erskine (2000), Bob Halkidis (1985), teammates Brad Marsh and Rob Ramage (1978) and Rick Green (1976).

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

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

Dickinson led the way in the award voting process followed by Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit, who claimed the honour in 2023-24. Pavel Mintyukov (Ottawa, 2022-23) and Nathan Staios (Hamilton, 2021-22) are other recent recipients.

Dickinson will be formally recognized as the OHL Defenceman of the Year at the OHL Awards Ceremony to be held at The Hockey Hall of Fame in June.

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

OHL ANNOUNCES SCHEDULES FOR EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – A pair of thrilling Tuesday night Game 7 matchups saw the Barrie Colts and Kitchener Rangers emerge to round-out the final four in the OHL Playoffs, with Barrie prevailing 6-4 over the Kingston Frontenacs while Kitchener edged the Windsor Spitfires 2-1 in overtime.

The Eastern and Western Conference Championship Series are set as the Colts advance to face the defending East champion Oshawa Generals while the Rangers will battle their long-time rival, the defending OHL champion London Knights.

Media are invited to attend pre-series Zoom availabilities featuring the captain and head coach of each team, with registration links below. Media accreditation links for the East and West Final will be circulated under separate cover.

Eastern Conference Championship Series Schedule
(2) Barrie Colts vs. (4) Oshawa Generals
Game 1 – Fri., April 25 at Barrie, 7:30pm
Game 2 – Sun., April 27 at Barrie, 6:00pm
Game 3 – Tues., April 29 at Oshawa, 7:05pm
Game 4 – Thurs., May 1 at Oshawa, 7:05pm
Game 5 – Sat., May 3 at Barrie, 7:30pm*
Game 6 – Mon., May 5 at Oshawa, 7:05pm*
Game 7 – Tues., May 6 at Barrie, 7:00pm*

Western Conference Championship Series Schedule
(1) London Knights vs. (3) Kitchener Rangers
Game 1 – Fri., April 25 at London, 7:00pm
Game 2 – Sun., April 27 at London, 4:00pm
Game 3 – Mon., April 28 at Kitchener, 7:00pm
Game 4 – Wed., April 30 at Kitchener, 7:00pm
Game 5 – Fri., May 2 at London, 7:00pm*
Game 6 – Sun., May 4 at Kitchener, 2:00pm*
Game 7 – Tues., May 6 at London, 7:00pm*

*- if necessary

ATTACK’S PIERCE MBUYI EARNS EMMS FAMILY AWARD AS OHL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that Owen Sound Attack forward Pierce Mbuyi is awarded the Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year as voted by the League’s General Managers.

Mbuyi led OHL rookies with 29 goals and 52 points over 63 games, setting a new single season points record by an Owen Sound 16-year-old rookie in the process. He had a highly productive second half of the season, producing 38 points (21-17–38), including three hat-tricks, over 33 games after January 1st. Mbuyi was the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for February and earned Rookie of the Week honours three different times.

“It is a huge honour to be named OHL Rookie of the Year,” said Mbuyi. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, coaches and everyone behind the scenes in Owen Sound. I want to thank my coaches for their trust and belief in me, giving me so much opportunity to play every night. I also want to thank my billets Jason and Shirra for welcoming me into their home and treating me as one of their own. Lastly, I want to thank all my friends and family back home for all their support, I really couldn’t have done it without them.”

Selected seventh overall by the Attack from the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA program in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Mbuyi also led OHL rookies with 11 power play goals and 180 shots on goal in 2024-25. He won a silver medal with Canada Red at the 2024 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, and will be eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft.

“We are incredibly proud of what Pierce has been able to accomplish this season and to be acknowledged as the OHL Rookie of the Year is outstanding,” said Attack General Manager Dale DeGray. “With some of the players we’ve had come through Owen Sound, it’s hard to believe that Pierce is the first Attack recipient of this award. It speaks volumes to how Pierce was able to perform this season with such a young team. His skill and effort was certainly noticeable from the very start, as you could tell from the crowd’s reaction when he scored a goal. Congratulations Pierce, it’s a tremendous accomplishment.”

Mbuyi is the first player in Owen Sound’s OHL history to win the award. He follows other recent winners in Brantford Bulldogs forward Jake O’Brien (2023-24) and Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa (2022-23).

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

Mbuyi finished as the front-runner in the award voting process followed by Windsor Spitfires forward Ethan Belchetz who placed second.

Pierce Mbuyi will be formally recognized as the OHL Rookie of the Year at the 2025 OHL Awards Ceremony to be held at The Hockey Hall of Fame in June.

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

205 CHL alumni are set to take part in the NHL’s 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The 205 CHL alumni represent over 50% of the 409 players who will participate in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, which stands as the most of any development hockey league in the world

TORONTO, ON — As the post-season begins today in the National Hockey League (NHL), a total of 205 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) alumni from its three member leagues (WHL, OHL & QMJHL) are set to take part in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs (click here to see the full list). The 205 CHL alumni, representing over 50% of the players participating in this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, mark the most of any development hockey league in the world.

In total, there are 101 graduates hailing from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), 65 from the Western Hockey League (WHL), and 39 from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

All 16 NHL clubs participating in the 2025 NHL Playoffs feature at least nine CHL alumni on their rosters, with the New Jersey Devils leading the way with 18 CHL graduates. Right behind them are the Edmonton Oilers who have 17 CHL alumni, followed by the Winnipeg Jets with 16, while the Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Capitals each count 15 CHL graduates.

Since 2014, of the 269 players whose names have been etched onto the Stanley Cup, 54% (146 players total) have come through the CHL, including 11 players on last year’s Florida Panthers championship roster.

Quick Facts

  • 10 CHL alumni will lead their teams as captains heading into the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, including Adam Lowry (Winnipeg Jets / Swift Current Broncos / WHL), Nick Suzuki (Montreal Canadiens / Owen Sound Attack / Guelph Storm / OHL), and Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils / Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL).
  • Of the 19 captains who have lifted the Stanley Cup over the last 31 years, 14 of them played in the CHL, including Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins / Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), Zdeno Chara (Boston Bruins / Prince George Cougars / WHL), Steve Yzerman (Detroit Red Wings / Peterborough Petes / OHL).
  • Of the 16 coaches who will be leading their teams in this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, there are 11 who either coached and/or played in the CHL, including Craig Berube (Toronto Maple Leafs), Paul Maurice (Florida Panthers), and Scott Arniel (Winnipeg Jets). 
  • Of the last 11 players to win the Conn Smythe Trophy since 2013, seven of them are CHL alumni, including Connor McDavid (Erie Otters / OHL / Edmonton Oilers), Jonathan Marchesseault (Québec Remparts / QMJHL / Vegas Golden Knights), and Duncan Keith (Kelowna Rockets / WHL / Chicago Blackhawks).
  • Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) alumnus Marc-Andre Fleury (Minnesota Wild) could appear in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a record 18th season, which would break a tie with CHL alumni Martin Brodeur (St. Hyacinthe Lasers / QMJHL) and Patrick Roy (Granby Bisons / QMJHL), who each have appeared in 17 NHL postseasons.

2024-25 Regular Season Highlights

  • For the 12th season in a row, a CHL alumnus was awarded the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer. With 121 points (37G-84A) in 78 games, Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning / Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / Québec Remparts / QMJHL) was this year’s recipient, claiming the award in consecutive seasons and for the third time in his career.
  • For the second time in three years, a CHL alumnus has won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goalscorer. As the only NHL skater in 2024-25 to break the 50-goal plateau, Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers / Prince Albert Raiders / Kelowna Rockets / WHL) won the NHL goal-scoring title for the first time in his career – joining CHL alumnus and teammate Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers / Erie Otters / OHL) as the only Oilers to ever win the award (introduced in 1998-99).
  • In a campaign that saw him reach the 600-goal and 1,600-point milestones, Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins / Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL) finished with a 20th career point-per-game season and passed CHL alumnus Wayne Gretzky (Soo Greyhounds / OHL) for the most in NHL history.
  • Earlier this season, Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers / Erie Otters / OHL) became the fourth-fastest player in NHL history to reach the 1,000-point milestone behind CHL alumni Wayne Gretzky (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), Mario Lemieux (Laval Voisins / QMJHL), and Mike Bossy (Laval National / QMJHL).
  • McDavid also became the seventh player in NHL history with at least five consecutive 65-assist seasons and the fourth with at least eight career 100-point seasons, following Wayne Gretzky (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), Mario Lemieux (Laval Voisins / QMJHL), and Marcel Dionne (St. Catharines Black Hawks / OHL).
  • Dustin Wolf (Calgary Flames / Everett Silvertips / WHL) put himself into contention for the Calder Trophy after nearly backstopping the Flames to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 24-year-old rookie goaltender, who can become the first netminder to win the award since London Knights (OHL) graduate Steve Mason (2008-09 w/ CBJ), produced a 29-16-8 record (.910 SV%, 2.64 GAA, 3 SO). His 29 wins in 2024-25 were the fourth most by a U.S.-born rookie goaltender in a single season.
  • Of the 32 skaters who led their team in scoring during the 2024-25 regular season, 15 of them are CHL alumni, including Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks / Regina Pats / WHL), Matt Duchene (Dallas Stars / Brampton Battalion / OHL), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche / Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL).
  • Five of the NHL’s top-six scoring leaders in 2024-25 are CHL graduates: Kucherov, MacKinnon, Draisaitl, Mitch Marner (Toronto Maple Leafs / London Knights / OHL), and McDavid.
  • Two of the NHL’s top-three goaltenders in save percentage and goals-against average in 2024-25 are CHL alumni: Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings / Red Deer Rebels / Spokane Chiefs / WHL) and Anthony Stolarz (Toronto Maple Leafs / London Knights / OHL), who led the NHL this season with a .926 SV% (minimum 25 GP).
  • Of the 1000-plus players who played a game in the NHL this season, over 415 came through the CHL, which is the most of any development hockey league in the world.

RANGERS’ JUSSI AHOKAS AWARDED MATT LEYDEN TROPHY AS OHL COACH OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that Kitchener Rangers Head Coach Jussi Ahokas is the 2024-25 recipient of the Matt Leyden Trophy, presented annually to the OHL Coach of the Year as voted by the League’s General Managers.

Ahokas steered the Rangers to their fourth 100-point season in franchise history, finishing with a regular season record of 47-15-4-2. Kitchener boasted the league’s second-ranked penalty kill (84.8%) and surrendered the second-fewest goals in the OHL (183) with great goaltending from Jackson Parsons.

Kitchener exceeded expectations in 2024-25, entering the year as the League’s 13th-ranked team on the preseason edition of OHL Power Rankings as voted by members of the media. The Rangers finished the campaign in second, holding down top spot for six weeks during the regular season. They went on a 10-game winning streak from Oct. 12 – Nov. 8, 2024.

“I am really honoured to receive this award,” said Ahokas. “It is a testament to the great work this team has done up to this point and I am really proud of that. This award is also a reflection of the great coaching staff around me. This wouldn’t be possible without them, so this award is shared with them.”

The Rangers benefitted from the aforementioned Parsons in the crease, while finding success with a team-wide approach led by early season addition Jack Pridham, overage forwards Adrian Misaljevic and Trent Swick, as well as draft eligible Cameron Reid and Luca Romano. Hard-hitting captain Matthew Andonovski provided leadership from the back end.

Ahokas is the first Rangers bench boss to earn the Matt Leyden Trophy since Joe McDonnell in 1988-89. Tom Barrett is the only other Rangers coach to have claimed the honour, doing so in 1983-84.

“We are extremely proud of Jussi and the entire coaching staff for earning this honour,” said Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “They spend countless hours and significant time away from their families throughout the hockey season trying to make our team and players the best they can be. It is nice to see them acknowledged for their dedication, hard work and expertise.”

Flanked on the bench by Associate Coach Jeff Kyrzakos and Assistant Coach Brad Flynn, Ahokas is the first European Head Coach in OHL history. He follows recent award recipients in Derek Laxdal of the Oshawa Generals (2023-24), Dave Cameron of the Ottawa 67’s (2022-23) and James Richmond of the Brampton Steelheads (2021-22).

“When we decided to hire Jussi it was considered an outside the box hire due to his European background and little experience in North America but he has shown how good of a coach and leader he is,” added McKenzie. “We are thankful to have him and the rest of our staff here in Kitchener and look forward to what the future holds with Jussi and his coaching staff.”

Ahokas finished as the frontrunner in award voting, trailed by both Jay McKee of the Brantford Bulldogs and Dale Hunter of the London Knights who tied for second.

A native of Oulu, Finland, Ahokas was a goaltender before transitioning to coaching in Finland’s junior ranks in 2004-05. He ascended to coach Finland to a World Junior gold medal in 2020 while also earning Finnish Liiga Coach of the Year honours that same season. He completes his second season as Head Coach in Kitchener owning an overall regular season record of 88-38-4-6, steering the Rangers to consecutive 40+ win seasons for the first time since 2007.

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

Ahokas will be formally recognized as OHL Coach of the Year at the 2025 OHL Awards Ceremony at The Hockey Hall of Fame in June.

For a complete OHL Awards history, click here.

SPITFIRES’ ILYA PROTAS AWARDED WILLIAM HANLEY TROPHY AS OHL’S MOST SPORTSMANLIKE PLAYER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas of the Windsor Spitfires is the 2024-25 recipient of the William Hanley Trophy presented annually to the League’s Most Sportsmanlike Player as voted by OHL General Managers.

Protas finished second in OHL scoring with a total of 124 points including 50 goals and 74 assists over 61 games, recording a plus-58 rating with eight game-winning goals along the way. The 6-foot-5, 200Ib. centreman took 34 minutes in penalties.

“I’m grateful to be recognized for demonstrating good sportsmanship as it is a reflection of my commitment to competing at the highest levels of the game,” said Protas. “I’m honoured to follow in the footsteps of fellow Windsor Spitfires Wyatt Johnston and Kyle Wellwood who won this award. It’s a special award and it is great to win in this league with a lot of very talented and high character players.”

An 18-year-old from Vitebsk, Belarus, Protas was a third round (75th overall) pick by the Washington Capitals at last summer’s NHL Draft. The Spitfires selected him third overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft as he becomes the first Import to claim Most Sportsmanlike honours since Vitali Yachmenev of the North Bay Centennials back in 1995. Protas is the first player to score 50 goals in his first OHL season since Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters in 2014-15.

“What a great honour for Ilya,” said Spitfires GM Bill Bowler. “He plays the game the right way with an unbelievable hockey IQ. Ilya is able to compete and play at such a high level with such sportsmanship, which is a credit to his character. He is a great representative of the Windsor Spitfires and the Ontario Hockey League.”

Protas was named OHL Player of the Month for March and honoured as OHL Player of the Week on two occasions this season. His 2.03 points-per-game are the most over a full season by a Windsor Spitfires player since Jason Spezza (2.09) in 2000-01.

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

Protas finished first in this year’s voting for the award, followed by runner-up Patrick Thomas of the Brantford Bulldogs.

Protas follows recent winners in Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm (2023-24), Evan Vierling of the Barrie Colts (2022-23) and Spitfires forward Wyatt Johnston (2021-22). He will be formally presented with the William Hanley Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony in June at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

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

SCHAEFER, MISA LEAD 64 OHL PLAYERS INCLUDED ON NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING’S FINAL DRAFT RANKINGS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League is proud to announce that 64 OHL players have been included on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft scheduled to take place June 27-28 at the Peacock Theatre is Los Angeles, California.

The OHL leads the way among the top-32 North American skaters, with 10 players listed as potential first-round selections. Erie Otters defenceman Matthew Schaefer tops the rankings at first overall, followed by Saginaw SPirit forward Michael Misa at second, Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs at fourth, and Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads at sixth. In goal, Steelheads netminder Jack Ivankovic paces the OHL, ranking fourth among all North American goaltenders.

The list includes 38 OHL forwards, 19 defencemen and seven goaltenders.

All 20 OHL member teams are represented on the list, led by the Saginaw Spirit with seven players, followed by the Guelph Storm and Brampton Steelheads with five each.

2025 NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings – OHL

SKATERS

RANKPLAYERPOS.TEAM
1Matthew SchaeferDErie Otters
2Michael MisaCSaginaw Spirit
4Jake O’BrienCBrantford Bulldogs
6Porter MartoneRWBrampton Steelheads
9Kashawn AitchesonDBarrie Colts
11Brady MartinCSoo Greyhounds
15Jack NesbittCWindsor Spitfires
17Malcolm SpenceLWErie Otters
19Henry BrzustewiczDLondon Knights
23Cameron ReidDKitchener Rangers
34Simon WangDOshawa Generals
47Kristian EppersonLWSaginaw Spirit
48Luca RomanoCKitchener Rangers
49Ethan CzataCNiagara IceDogs
52Tyler HopkinsCKingston Frontenacs
62David BedkowskiDOwen Sound Attack
70Owen GriffinCOshawa Generals
71Kieren DervinCKingston Frontenacs
75Quinn BeauchesneDGuelph Storm
84Jimmy LombardiCFlint Firebirds
87Evan PassmoreDBarrie Colts
104Shamar MosesRWNorth Bay Battalion
106Jordan CharronRWSoo Greyhounds
107Carson HarmerCSaginaw Spirit
108Jacob CloutierCSaginaw Spirit
112Aidan LaneRWBrampton Steelheads
119Travis HayesRWSoo Greyhounds
120Lauri SinivuoriLWOshawa Generals
123Lirim AmidovskiRWNorth Bay Battalion
131Caden TaylorLWPeterborough Petes
137Carson CameronDPeterborough Petes
139Jack BrautiDNiagara IceDogs
140Rio KaiserDPeterborough Petes
142Lev KatzinCGuelph Storm
151Lucas KarmirisCBrampton Steelheads
153Noah JenkenDGuelph Storm
154Daniil SkvortsovDGuelph Storm
157Noah ReadCLondon Knights
158Oliver TurnerDErie Otters
159Tanner LamRWKitchener Rangers
160Gabriel ChiarotRWBrampton Steelheads
168Joshua AveryCBrantford Bulldogs
170Hayden BarchDSaginaw Spirit
171Liam BeamishCSarnia Sting
173Jake CrawfordCOwen Sound Attack
178Filip EkbergRWOttawa 67’s
180Parker SnelgroveCGuelph Storm
193Evan Van GorpLWLondon Knights
196Shaan KingwellLWOttawa 67’s
198Josh GlavinDSaginaw Spirit
200Aiden YoungLWPeterborough Petes
202Xander VelliarisDSaginaw Spirit
211Jonathan KapageridisDNorth Bay Battalion
214Ruslan KarimovRWSarnia Sting
215Grant SpadaDGuelph Storm
219Max DirracoloDKitchener Rangers
223Zach HoubenLWOttawa 67’s

GOALTENDERS

RANKGOALTENDERTEAM
4Jack IvankovicBrampton Steelheads
6Aleksei MedvedevLondon Knights
9Matthew KoprowskiOwen Sound Attack
17Trenten BennettOwen Sound Attack
19Ben HrebikBarrie Colts
26Michael McIvorNorth Bay Battalion
29Noah TegelaarSoo Greyhounds

For the full NHL Central Scouting Final Draft Rankings, visit nhl.com.

BARKEY, HILLEBRANDT AND ROBINSON NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, April 13.



Knights’ Denver Barkey Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Philadelphia Flyers prospect Denver Barkey of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering four goals, three assists and seven points in a pair of victories.

The Knights captain played a pivotal role in securing a 2-0 second round series lead over the Erie Otters last week. He recorded a hat trick and was named first star in Thursday’s 6-3 win, before adding a goal and three assists to earn first star honours once again in Saturday’s 7-2 victory.

Selected 16th overall by the London Knights in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, the soon-to-be 20-year-old from Newmarket, Ont. recorded 82 points (25-57-82) in 50 regular season games, and currently ranks second in playoff scoring with 19 points (9-10-19) through six contests in the 2024-25 postseason. Now in his fourth season with the Knights, Barkey has amassed 258 points (89-169-258) over 228 career regular season games, along with 72 points (27-45-72) in 49 playoff appearances. The 5-foot-10, 171-pound forward was a key part of the Knights’ OHL championship run last season. He was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round (95th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Also considered for this week’s award, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect and Knights forward Easton Cowan registered seven points (2-5-7) across the two victories. Vancouver Canucks prospect Riley Patterson contributed three goals and three assists to help the Barrie Colts take a 2-0 series lead, while Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs stood out with six points (4-2-6) in a pair of wins.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 7 – Apr. 13: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Mar. 31 – Apr. 6: Owen Griffin (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 24 – Mar. 30: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 17 – Mar. 23: Konnor Smith (Brampton Steelheads)
Mar. 10 – Mar. 16: Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires)
Mar. 3 – Mar. 9: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Feb. 24 – Mar. 2: Brady Martin (Soo Greyhounds)
Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires)
Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Cole Brown (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Igor Chernyshov (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Tuomas Uronen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Kocha Delic (Sudbury Wolves)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara IceDogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Blake Montgomery (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Calvin Crombie (Brantford Bulldogs)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Kevin He (Niagara IceDogs)
Sep. 25 – Sept. 29: Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)



Colts’ Sam Hillebrandt Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Sam Hillebrandt of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, following a pair of wins with a 3.00 goals-against average and .928 save percentage.

Stopping a total of 77 shots last week, Hillebrandt backstopped the Colts to a 2-0 series lead over the Kingston Frontenacs. He turned aside 38 of 40 shots on Thursday, earning first star honours in Barrie’s 6-2 win. The 6-foot-1, 170lb. netminder returned to the crease on Saturday with a 39-save performance as the Colts skated to a 7-4 victory.

A 20-year-old from Riverview, Florida, Hillebrandt posted a 21-13-0-2 record during the regular season, along with a 3.16 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. He’s appeared in five playoff contests so far in 2024-25, maintaining an undefeated 5-0 record with a 3.20 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. Originally from Michigan, Hillebrandt played in the Detroit Little Caesars AAA program before relocating to Florida. He captured gold with the U.S. National Junior Team at both the 2024 and 2025 World Juniors. The Colts signed Hillebrandt as a free agent ahead of the 2022-23 season following his time with the Florida Alliance North 16U program in 2021-22. Across 76 career regular season OHL appearances, he holds a 38-29-2-2 record with one shutout, a 3.41 goals-against average, and a .900 save percentage.

Also considered for the award this week, Joey Costanzo of the Windsor Spitfires played to a 2-0 record along with a 1.00 goals-against average and .947 save percentage, while Austin Elliott of the London Knights was also a standout, going 2-0 with a 2.50 goals-against average and .902 save percentage.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 7 – Apr. 13: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Mar. 31 – Apr. 6: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Mar. 24 – Mar. 30: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 17 – Mar. 23: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Mar. 10 – Mar. 16: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Mar. 3 – Mar. 9: Austin Elliott (London Knights)
Feb. 14 – Mar. 2: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Austin Elliott (London Knights)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Nolan Lalonde (Soo Greyhounds)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Easton Rye (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Andrew Oke (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Finn Marshall (Sudbury Wolves)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads)



Spitfires’ Andrew Robinson Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Andrew Robinson of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Rookie of the Week, registered a goal in a pair of victories last week.

Helping the Spitfires take a 2-0 series lead over the Kitchener Rangers, the 6-foot, 185lb. defenceman scored his first career OHL goal on Thursday and earned second star honours in a 5-1 win.

Selected by Windsor in the third round (58th overall) of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Vaughan Kings U16 AAA program, the 17-year-old from Oakville, Ont. native appeared in four regular season games with the Spitfires this season. He spent the majority of 2024-25 with the OJHL’s Georgetown Raiders, tallying three goals, 31 assists and 34 points in 53 games played.

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 7 – Apr. 13: Andrew Robinson (Windsor Spitfires)
March. 31 – Apr. 6: Noah Read (London Knights)
March. 24 – March. 30: Ethan Garden (Windsor Spitfires)

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Regular Season:
March. 17 – March. 23: Zachary Jovanovski (Guelph Storm)
March. 10 – March. 16: Aidan Lane (Brampton Steelheads)
March. 3 – March. 9: Liam Beamish (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 24 – March. 2: Filip Ekberg (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Cole Zurawski (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Jacob Cloutier (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Dimian Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Carson Harmer (Saginaw Spirit)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Logan Hawery (London Knights)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Liam Beamish (Sarnia Sting)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Carter Stevens (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Cole Zurawski (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)
 

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has long been regarded as the number one development league in the world, continuing to serve as a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League. The OHL consists of 20 teams, with 17 located in Ontario, two in the state of Michigan and one in the state of Pennsylvania. A proud member of the Canadian Hockey League, the OHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships, with over 329 graduates receiving OHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice in 2024-25, resulting in a collective investment of over $42 million by OHL member teams over the past 15 years.

OHL COMPLETES 2025 PRIORITY SELECTION PRESENTED BY REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today concluded the 2025 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore for North American players born predominantly in 2009.

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

A total of 303 players were selected in the 15-round process from 88 different programs. The selected players included 169 forwards, 107 defencemen, and 27 goaltenders. A total of 283 of the players chosen were 2009-born athletes while 14 were born in 2008 and six were born in 2007.

The Peterborough Petes made the first overall pick after winning the 2025 OHL Priority Selection Draft Lottery, securing the top selection for the first time in franchise history. The Petes selected 2009-born forward Kaden McGregor of the Ottawa Valley Titans to open the proceedings.

“Congratulations to the 303 players selected in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection,” said Darrell Woodley, Director of OHL Central Scouting. “This achievement reflects the discipline and perseverance each of you has demonstrated throughout your development. Being drafted marks an important step in your hockey journey, one made possible through the support of family, coaches, and mentors. It is, however, just the beginning. Continued growth, resilience, and integrity will define your path forward, regardless of where or whether your name was called today. Opportunities remain, including next year’s Under-18 Priority Selection, for those committed to striving for both athletic and academic success in the Ontario Hockey League.”

The Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) led the way with 87 selections. The Toronto Titans topped the list with 15 players selected. The GTHL champion Don Mills Flyers followed with 14 while the Toronto Marlboros trailed with 11 picks, while the OHL Cup champion Toronto Jr. Canadiens, Toronto Red Wings, and Vaughan Kings each had 10 selections. The Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) followed with 61 selections. The York-Simcoe Express led the OMHA with eight picks, followed by the Barrie Jr. Colts and Oakville Rangers with seven each. The Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario had 37 players selected, with the Alliance champion Huron-Perth Lakers leading the way with 10 picks, followed by the Sun County Panthers with seven. Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) saw 26 players chosen in the OHL Draft. The Ottawa Valley Titans led the way with 10 selections, trailed by Ottawa Myers Automotive with six. The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) had five players selected, with the Eastern Ontario Wild leading the league with four. An additional four prospects were selected from Ontario-based junior teams, along with one player from an out-of-province team and one from a Canadian prep school.

An OHL Priority Selection record total of 81 players were chosen from American-based teams, led by Detroit Little Caesars with eight selections. Chicago Mission, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, Chicago Reapers, Pittsburgh Penguins Elite, and Mount St. Charles Academy each had six players selected. An additional two players were chosen from U.S. prep schools, while two were selected from the U.S. National Development Program.

This season marked the 25th straight year the Priority Selection was conducted by way of the internet, carried out in partnership with RinkNet.