Dalyn Wakely of the North Bay Battalion. Luke Durda/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’1”
197
Mar 5, 2003
C
R
30th 2020
116th N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2019-2020
ETAHL U16
Quinte Red Devils
35
30
42
72
2021-2022
OHL
North Bay Battalion
67
20
14
34
2022-2023
OHL
North Bay Battalion
66
30
19
49
2023-2024
OHL
North Bay Battalion
66
39
65
104
As previously discussed regarding his teammate Anthony Romani, I typically do not delve deeply into draft re-entry players, but I believe it is necessary to do so in this case. Dalyn Wakely is a player eligible for the draft for the third time, making it even more imperative to mention him here, as this diminishes his chances of being selected.
Wakely had no trouble scoring goals in the past. Last season, he scored thirty goals while playing lower in the lineup. However, this season, after moving up to the top line in junior hockey, his playmaking abilities shone through, as seen in his increased assist numbers.
Wakely excels in protecting the puck, seldom losing possession when it’s on his stick. Additionally, he demonstrates exceptional awareness and scanning skills to track all players on the ice, enabling him to create scoring opportunities.
When it comes to Wakely, the key question is: How much did his performance improve by playing with Romani and Owen Van Steensel, and how much did the duo benefit from playing with Wakely?
Gabriel Frasca of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’
170
Feb 18, 2006
C/W
L
17th 2022
85th N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
GTHL U16
Mississauga Senators
28
13
22
35
2022-2023
OHL
Kingston Frontenacs
58
15
19
34
2022-2023
WHC U17
Canada Red
2
0
1
1
2023-2024
OHL
Kingston Frontenacs
44
15
17
32
Gabriel Frasca of the Kingston Frontenacs posted impressive statistics during his debut season last year. Despite starting this season with an injury, he maintained his offensive output upon his return. Nonetheless, I think the shoulder injury that caused a delayed start to his season did have a somewhat negative impact on his performance, resulting in decreased statistics.
Frasca is a reliable player who consistently delivers a strong performance on both ends of the ice. He excels in critical moments, whether it’s safeguarding a one-goal lead or in need of a crucial goal. Frasca is skilled at taking and winning important faceoffs, and demonstrates exceptional game awareness and decision-making abilities.
Frasca is a skilled skater who excels at making imaginative plays at high speeds. He demonstrates strong puck-handling abilities and can quickly deliver passes or shots during a rush, thanks to his deceptive release. Frasca is known for having one of the top shots in his draft class.
Frasca possesses the necessary skills and qualities that are transferable to professional hockey. While outcomes are never guaranteed, he is poised to be a reliable choice for any team.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights is the 2023-24 recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy, an award presented annually to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player as voted by the writers and broadcasters that cover the league.
“I want to thank all of my teammates, coaches, training staff and of course my family,” said Cowan of the award. “None of this is possible without them. It’s a great honour for me and my family.”
Cowan finished his sophomore season with 34 goals, 62 assists and 96 points in 54 games, registering the league’s second-highest production rate of 1.78 points-per-game. He garnered league-wide attention with his 36-game point streak that spanned from Nov. 25 through the final game of the regular season on Mar. 24, eventually reaching a run of 42 games in the OHL Playoffs. The 36-game mark established a new London Knights franchise record, and is the longest point streak the OHL has seen since 1995.
“It takes special players to win and have great teams and Easton is exceptional,” said Knights Vice President and General Manager Mark Hunter. “He has speed skill and will and of all of those his will to win and be better everyday is a testament to his work ethic and drive to be a National Hockey League player. He had a great season in London and we’re very proud of him.”
Cowan’s season saw him record at least a point in 49 of his 54 outings, with a total of 33 multi-point performances along the way. His seven shorthanded goals were tied with teammate Denver Barkey for the league lead while his 14 shorthanded points finished atop the OHL list. His contributions helped the Knights secure a Hamilton Spectator Trophy as the OHL’s first place team during the regular season, along with a fifth straight Midwest Division title.
An 18-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont., Cowan has recorded 55 goals, 96 assists and 151 points over 129 career regular season games, registering a plus/minus rating of plus-47. He’s also scored a total of 10 shorthanded goals along with seven goals on the power play. Cowan helped the Knights win the Wayne Gretzky Trophy as Western Conference champions last spring, putting up 21 points (9-12—21) across 20 playoff contests. He was Toronto’s first round (28th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and signed an entry-level NHL contract with the Leafs on Aug. 10, 2023. The Knights selected Cowan with their second round (25th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.
Cowan becomes the seventh London Knights player to win the Red Tilson Trophy, joining a list that includes Mitch Marner (2015-16), Michael Houser (2011-12), Corey Perry (2004-05), Jason Allison (1993-94), Dave Simpson (1981-82) and Dennis Maruk (1974-75). Recent winners have included a pair of Windsor Spitfires forwards in Matthew Maggio (2022-23) and Wyatt Johnston (2021-22) along with Ottawa 67’s forward Marco Rossi (2019-20) and Sudbury Wolves goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (2018-19).
The Red Tilson Trophy is the most prestigious individual award presented by the Ontario Hockey League. First presented in 1945, the trophy is named in honour of Albert “Red” Tilson, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II. Tilson was the OHA scoring champion for the 1942-43 season after scoring 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in 22 games with the Oshawa Generals.
Accredited media were asked to select their top choice from a ballot consisting of 20 team-nominated representatives. Cowan emerged as the front-runner, receiving 41 percent of the vote ahead of Saginaw Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh who received 18 percent. Sudbury Wolves forward David Goyette placed third with 17 percent of the vote.
The Red Tilson Trophy winner is the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony that will be held at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow from May 24 to June 2 in Saginaw, Michigan. Cowan will be formally presented with the Red Tilson Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 2 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
For a complete history of OHL award winners, click here.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that draft eligible Guelph Storm forward Jett Luchanko is the 2023-24 recipient of the William Hanley Trophy awarded to the League’s Most Sportsmanlike Player as voted by OHL General Managers.
Luchanko led the Storm with 74 points including 20 goals and 54 assists over 68 games. He was also a front-runner in this year’s OHL Coaches Poll, emerging as the lone player to finish in the top-three of four different categories. He accomplished this while taking just 36 minutes in penalties during the regular season.
“I’m grateful to be recognized for demonstrating good sportsmanship as it is a reflection of my commitment to competing at the highest levels of the game,” said Luchanko. “I’m honoured to follow in the footsteps of Guelph Storm graduate Nick Suzuki who won this award three times. He’s someone I’ve looked up to growing up in London and a player who has done great things both in the OHL and today in Montreal.”
The 17-year-old from London, Ont. piled up 30 assists on the power play, a figure that finished tied for second in the OHL this season. Luchanko enters the 2024 NHL Draft as the 20th ranked skater in North America on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings released last week.
“Jett has had a terrific season and has led our team in all situations,” said Storm General Manager George Burnett. “It is a credit to him that his compete level has been elevated significantly throughout the season while being able to maintain excellent discipline. We are so proud of Jett’s many accomplishments this season.”
Entering the league as Guelph’s first round (12th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Luchanko has accrued 88 points (25-63—88) over 114 career regular season contests. He earned a silver medal with Canada Red at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and is currently representing Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Finland.
The William Hanley Trophy is awarded each year based on a selection by the 20 General Managers of the Ontario Hockey League. All 20 teams submit a nominee but are not permitted to vote for their own candidate. The trophy is presented by the OHL to commemorate William Hanley, former Secretary-Manager of the Ontario Hockey Association for over 25 years.
Luchanko finished first in this year’s voting for the award, followed by runner-up Dalibor Dvorský of the Sudbury Wolves.
Luchanko follows fellow Londoner and three-time winner Nick Suzuki (2018-19) along with Jeff Williams (1995-96) to become the third Guelph Storm player to win the award. Other recent recipients have included Evan Vierling of the Barrie Colts (2022-23), Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires (2021-22) and Nick Robertson of the Peterborough Petes (2019-20).
Luchanko will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Sportsman of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony that will be held that the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow from May 24th to June 2nd in Saginaw, Michigan. He’ll be formally presented with the William Hanley Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
For a complete list of OHL award winners, click here.
Riley Patterson of the Barrie Colts. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’
194
Mar 22, 2006
C
R
57th 2022
61st N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2019-2020
SCTA U14
Burlington Eagles
32
35
13
48
2021-2022
GTHL U16
Mississauga Senators
28
18
12
30
2022-2023
OJHL
North York Rangers
52
30
43
73
2023-2024
OHL
Barrie Colts
68
29
33
62
Riley Patterson has consistently produced at a high level throughout his career. Though he started slowly in his first OHL season, Patterson improved significantly halfway through the year, finishing with nearly a point-per-game.
Patterson is an adept skater with decent speed, but he needs to build more strength on his skates, as opponents can too easily knock him off the puck. His agility allows him to weave through traffic and elude defenses to find open ice. He has the ability to navigate through the neutral zone and gain the blue line on the rush.
Defensively, Patterson is solid but can still grow. He has demonstrated an aptitude for disrupting plays in the neutral zone and grasping his responsibilities in his own end. However, like the Colts as a whole, Patterson’s performance was uneven at times this season, so he must focus on playing more consistently.
Patterson may be better utilized as a winger since he profiles more as a complementary player on a line that can provide strong defense and secondary scoring, rather than as the primary play driver.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that draft eligible Saginaw Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh is the 2023-24 recipient of the Max Kaminsky Trophy awarded to the League’s Defenceman of the Year as voted by OHL General Managers.
Parekh led OHL blueliners with 33 goals and 96 points, both Spirit single season franchise records at the position. He follows John Slaney (Cornwall, 1989-90) as just the second defenceman in OHL history to score more than 30 goals in his first season of NHL Draft eligibility. Parekh is the first Saginaw Spirit player to ever win the OHL Defenceman of the Year Award.
“I am very honoured to be recognized for this award, there’s so much talent in this league and I’m extremely grateful to be selected,” said Parekh.
“I’d like to thank my family, agent and the people within my support group that have helped me so much this year. I especially want to thank the Saginaw Spirit organization, the fans, ownership, staff, and especially the players. Without the group around me, I wouldn’t have had the same success I had throughout the year.
“I’d like to extend a big thank you to my Head Coach Chris Lazary and my General Manager Dave Drinkill for helping develop me into the player I’ve become and for always having belief and trust in me.”
Parekh was named OHL Defenceman of the Month for both November and March. His six game-winning goals paced OHL blueliners. He also scored a pair of hat-tricks during the regular season, with the first coming on Nov. 8th in a 6-2 win over Flint and another as part of a five-point effort in an 11-3 win over Windsor on Jan. 10th.
“As an organization, we couldn’t be prouder of Zayne for winning such a prestigious award,” said Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill. “Since coming into our league last year as a young 16-year-old, he has worked extremely hard in all aspects of his game, on and off the ice. It is very rewarding to know that the rest of the league recognized this as well, and supported him to receive this award after a tremendous season here in Saginaw.”
“What Zayne accomplished this season as a second-year defenceman was simply remarkable,” Drinkill added. “Each game he found a way to make an impact, helping our team achieve new club records, while setting team and league individual records for a defenceman along the way.”
An 18-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., Parekh joined the Spirit as a first round (19th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Markham Majors U16 program. After setting a new OHL record with 21 goals as a 16-year-old defenceman in 2022-23, he closed out his 2023-24 campaign with career totals that include 54 goals, 79 assists and 133 points over 116 regular season games, registering a plus/minus of plus-42. He enters the 2024 NHL Draft this summer as the highest-ranked OHL skater on Central Scouting’s Final Rankings, coming in at fifth in North America.
The Max Kaminsky Trophy is awarded each year to the Most Outstanding Defenceman as selected by OHL General Managers. All 20 clubs submitted a nominee but were not permitted to vote for their own player.
The award is named in recognition of Max Kaminsky, who enjoyed a 10-year professional playing career that included four years in the NHL with Ottawa, Boston and Montreal. After he retired from playing, Kaminsky enjoyed a 15-year coaching career that was capped by winning the Memorial Cup with the St. Catharines Teepees in 1960.
Parekh led the way in this year’s award voting process, followed by Calgary Flames prospect Hunter Brzustewicz of the Kitchener Rangers as runner-up.
Parekh follows a former Spirit rearguard in Pavel Mintyukov of the Ottawa 67’s who was last year’s recipient. Other prominent names to have won the OHL Defenceman of the Year Award include Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2012), two-time recipients Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2009 & 2011) and Bryan Berard (Detroit 1995 & 1996), Drew Doughty (Guelph 2008) as well as Chris Pronger (Peterborough 1993).
Parekh will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Defenceman of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony that will be held that the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow from May 24th to June 2nd in Saginaw, Michigan. He’ll be formally presented with the Max Kaminsky Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
For a complete history of OHL award winners, click here.
Jared Woolley of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SHOOTS
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
COUNTRY
6’4”
214
Feb 27, 2006
D
L
105th 2022
73rd N.A.
CANADA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
ETAHL U16
Quinte Red Devils
26
2
11
13
2022-2023
ETAHL U18
Quinte Red Devils
36
5
19
24
2023-2024
GOJHL
St Thomas Stars
19
6
15
21
2023-2024
OHL
London Knights
37
3
2
5
Scouts will pay attention to defensemen who are 6’4” and weigh 200-plus pounds. Playing for a top-tier team like the London Knights also attracts the notice of scouts.
The issue for Jared Woolley is that few teams can match the defensive depth of the Knights. After starting the season in the GOJHL, he got called up by London, but once there, his ice time was limited by their roster talent.
Leveraging his size and reach, Woolley adeptly takes away time and space from the opposition with poise and calmness. His large frame also allows him to add physicality. While not the fastest skater, Woolley has demonstrated the ability to move the puck out of his defensive zone.
Woolley has the potential to establish himself as a strong defensive player. However, his offensive capabilities remain uncertain. Although he has demonstrated offensive production at every level so far, he was not given optimal offensive opportunities with the Knights. Further developing his skating skills will be advantageous.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, April 28th.
Knights’ Kasper Halttunen Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals in a pair of victories.
Helping the Knights take a 2-0 Western Conference Championship Series lead over the Saginaw Spirit last week, Halttunen registered a pair of third period markers to earn first star honours, securing a 3-1 comeback win on Friday night at Budweiser Gardens. The 6-foot-3, 215lb. forward tallied another goal on Sunday, helping London skate to a 3-1 victory.
An 18-year-old from Helsinki, Finland, Halttunen has 14 points (9-5–14) in 10 playoff contests following a regular season that yielded 32 goals, 29 assists and 61 points over 57 games. A former first round pick by London in the 2022 CHL Import Draft, Halttunen was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the second round (36th overall) of last summer’s NHL Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club on July 12, 2023. Halttunen has also found success on the international stage, earning a bronze medal with Finland at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, along with a bronze medal at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Also considered for the award this week, Stuart Rolofs of the Oshawa Generals helped his team skate to a 2-0 Eastern Conference Final series lead over the North Bay Battalion, recording three goals in a pair of victories.
2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs: Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Kasper Halttunen (London Knights) Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Jacob Julien (London Knights) Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals) Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Samuel Mayer (Ottawa 67’s) Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Owen Beck (Saginaw Spirit)
2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season: Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves) Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights) Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals) Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Jacob Maillet (Ottawa 67’s) Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers) Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit) Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves) Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Gavin Bryant (Niagara IceDogs) Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires) Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves) Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Oliver Bonk (London Knights) Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion) Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Sam Dickinson (London Knights) Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights) Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs) Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters) Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit) Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes) Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Denver Barkey (London Knights) Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds) Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds) Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion) Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers) Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds) Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)
Generals’ Jacob Oster Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the fifth time this season, playing to a 2-0 record including a shutout, along with a 1.00 goals-against average, and .958 save percentage.
Backstopping the Generals to a 2-0 Eastern Conference Championship Series lead over the North Bay Battalion, Oster made a total of 46 saves last week. Oster stopped 24 of the 26 shots that came his way on Friday in a 4-2 win at the Tribute Communities Centre. He returned to the crease on Sunday evening with a 22-save shutout performance to earn first star honours as the Generals blanked the Battalion 3-0.
A 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Oster was awarded OHL Goaltender of the Year honours after playing to a regular season mark of 35-16-7-1 while posting a 2.82 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. Ranked first among all netminders with a 1.76 goals-against average in postseason action, Oster currently holds a 10-2-0-0 record. Selected in the fifth-round (92nd overall) by the Guelph Storm in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the veteran goaltender has appeared in 143 career regular season contests, recording a 3.29 goals-against average and .891 save percentage over three seasons, going 68-47-12-4 in the process. Oster attended training camp with the Los Angeles Kings last September.
Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson backstopped the London Knights to a 2-0 Western Conference Championship Series lead over the Saginaw Spirit, playing to a 2-0 record along with a 1.00 goals-against average and .959 save percentage.
2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs: Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals) Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Charlie Schenkel (Soo Greyhounds) Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion) Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals) Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Jakub Vondras (Sudbury Wolves)
2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season: Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Nick Surzycia (Sarnia Sting) Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Charlie Robertson (Niagara IceDogs) Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads) Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Liam Sztuska (Peterborough Petes) Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Michael Simpson (London Knights) Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs) Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Ben West (Barrie Colts) Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Owen Willmore (London Knights) Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts) Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs) Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Michael Simpson (London Knights) Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals) Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm) Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals) Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s) Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Marcus Vandenberg (Niagara IceDogs) Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads) Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack) Nov. 8 – Nov. 12: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers) Oct. 30 – Nov. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals) Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts) Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm) Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s) Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads) Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Ethan Procyszyn of the North Bay Battalion. Luke Durda/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SHOOTS
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
COUNTRY
6’3”
189
Jul 11, 2006
C
R
20th 2022
48th N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
ETAHL U16
North Central
27
26
26
52
2021-2022
OJHL
Collingwood Blues
6
3
0
3
2022-2023
OHL
North Bay Battalion
62
5
13
18
2023-2024
OHL
North Bay Battalion
62
15
21
36
Ethan Procyszyn is an intriguing prospect, known as a reliable two-way center. However, his defensive play is already very polished. He has a strong work ethic and competitive drive, with exceptional puck protection abilities.
With his large frame, Procyszyn can deliver big hits but avoids compromising his positioning to throw them. He typically wins physical battles in the gritty areas of the ice and leverages his size to drive the net with or without the puck. Upon arriving at the crease, he has the soft hands to finish plays in tight quarters.
Though not the fastest skater, he uses his size and reach effectively in the defensive zone to break up plays and transition the puck up ice. As a center, he displays a strong understanding of positioning and plays the role well. His ability to lead the breakout makes him an excellent two-way player.
Procyszyn shows promise as a bottom-six forward at the professional level. He brings energy, physicality, and defensive responsibility to the ice, with some secondary scoring ability. These qualities make him an attractive depth player that NHL teams will likely consider in the draft.
Luke Ellinasi of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SHOOTS
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
COUNTRY
6’1”
186
Mar 12, 2006
LW/C
L
29th, 2022
88th N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
AAA U16
North York Rangers
18
11
11
22
2022-2023
OJHL
North York Rangers
44
11
12
23
2023-2024
OHL
Kitchener Rangers
67
16
17
33
Originally selected in the second round, 29th overall by the Barrie Colts in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Luke Ellinas was traded to the Kitchener Rangers before this season in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
The Rangers had a lot of center depth, which forced Ellinas to play on the wing. Therefore, it’s hard to determine if he fits better as a winger or center. There simply hasn’t been a large enough sample size at this level to make a clear projection yet.
Ellinas is projected to be a physical, reliable two-way player, who has been trusted by Coach Jussi Ahokas to handle critical defensive situations. In his own zone, he demonstrates advanced hockey sense, reading and anticipating the play skillfully to disrupt opposing offenses.
In the offensive zone, Ellinas demonstrates an ability to forecheck effectively, find openings in defensive coverage, and position himself well on the ice. While possessing an above-average shot, there is uncertainty whether his offensive skills will fully translate to higher levels of competition. More realistically, he could carve out a career as a defense-first forward who contributes modest offense and provides versatility across all three forward positions.
OHL Writers 