Ethan Czata – Niagara IceDogs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
HTWTDOBPOSSOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
6’1”175May 29 2007CL5th 202341st NACAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2023-2024OHLNiagara IceDogs6271017
2024-2025OHLNiagara IceDogs59193150
Ethan Czata of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by OHL Images.

Ethan Czata is a young and talented center from Brampton, Ontario. Born on May 29, 2007, Czata has shown potential and skill on the ice, making him an intriguing prospect for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. We will delve into his hockey career to date, the upcoming draft, and provide a detailed scouting report on this promising player.

Early Career and Development

Czata began his hockey journey with Brampton Hockey Inc., where he honed his skills and developed a strong foundation in the sport. His dedication and hard work paid off when he was drafted 5th overall by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Since then, Czata has been a key player for the IceDogs, showcasing his talent and making significant contributions to the team’s success.

Performance with the Niagara IceDogs

Czata’s time with the Niagara IceDogs has been rather impressive, when all things considered. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 175 lbs, he has the physical attributes to compete, although he needs to add some bulk. The left-shot pivot plays a 200-foot game makes him a versatile and valuable asset to his team. Over the past two seasons, Czata has consistently demonstrated his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and defensive awareness.

In the 2024-25 season, Czata’s performance reached new heights. He recorded multiple multi-point games and played a crucial role in leading the IceDogs to several victories. His ability to read the game, make smart decisions, and execute plays with precision has earned him recognition from scouts and analysts alike.

The 2025 NHL Entry Draft

The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is set to take place on June 27-28 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. This year’s draft will feature a decentralized format, with team executives, scouts, and coaches participating virtually while top prospects, media, and fans will be in attendance. Czata looks to hear his name called in the second round, and his performance over the past few seasons has solidified his position.

Detailed Scouting Report

Ethan Czata’s scouting report highlights several key aspects of his game that make him a sought-after prospect:

Skating: Czata is an excellent skater with strong acceleration and agility. His ability to change direction quickly and maintain balance allows him to navigate through traffic and create scoring opportunities.

Hockey IQ: Czata possesses a high hockey IQ, which is evident in his decision-making and positioning on the ice. He reads the game well, anticipates plays, and consistently makes smart choices with and without the puck.

Offensive Skills: Czata’s offensive skills highly rated, not elite. He has a quick release, accurate shot, and the ability to find open teammates for scoring chances. His vision and creativity make him a dangerous playmaker.

Defensive Play: Czata is a responsible two-way player who excels in the defensive zone. He backchecks diligently, wins battles along the boards, and is effective at disrupting opponents’ plays.

Physicality: Despite his relatively lean frame, Czata is not afraid to engage physically. He uses his body effectively to protect the puck, win battles, and create space for himself and his teammates.

Consistency: One of Czata’s most notable attributes is his consistency. He brings a high level of effort and performance to every game, making him a reliable and dependable player.

Conclusion

Czata’s hockey career to date has been marked by impressive achievements and continuous development. As he prepares for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, his skill set, work ethic, and potential make him a highly attractive prospect for NHL teams. With his combination of skating, hockey IQ, offensive prowess, defensive responsibility, physicality, and consistency, Czata is for the professional level.

CHL Top-10 Rankings presented by Delta Hotels by Marriott: Moncton climbs up to No.1, while Blainville-Boisbriand makes their Top-10 debut

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — Today, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced the Week 21 edition of its CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2024-25 season.

Having won seven games in a row, the longest active winning streak across the CHL, the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) have climbed up to No. 1 – attaining the top spot for the first time since November 12. The Wildcats, who continue to lead the QMJHL with 45 wins and 92 points, hold the best goal differential of any club across the CHL (+122). Right behind them, having slipped a spot after sitting first for 13 straight weeks, are the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). London continues to lead the CHL with 47 wins and a .828 points percentage. Finally, rounding out the top three is the Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL, who are ranked third for the fifth week in a row. The 2025 Memorial Cup hosts extended their point streak to eight games (7-0-1-0) thanks to a pair of road victories last week.

Among the biggest changes to this week’s rankings were the rise of both the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and the Brantford Bulldogs of the OHL, along with the entry of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL into the CHL Top-10 Rankings for the first time this season. Having improved their record at home to 23-5-1-2 with a pair of wins in Everett last week, the Silvertips are up to No. 4. With 20 wins over their last 23 games (20-2-1-0), the Bulldogs sit alone atop the OHL’s Eastern Conference and now rank ninth among the CHL’s Top 10. Finally, amid the CHL’s longest active point streak at 13 straight games (8-0-3-2), the Armada are making their Top-10 debut of the 2024-25 campaign in tenth.

The next rankings will be released the week of March 10, following the 22nd week of regular season action in all three member leagues of the CHL.

CHL Top-10 Rankings – Week 21
1. Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
2. London Knights (OHL)
3. Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
4. Everett Silvertips (WHL)
5. Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
6. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
7. Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
8. Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
9. Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
10. Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

For information and details about each individual club ranked in the CHL’s latest Top-10 Rankings, please visit chl.ca/video/2024-25-chl-top-10-rankings-week-21.

MARTIN, DAY AND EKBERG NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, March 2, 2025.



Greyhounds’ Brady Martin Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Brady Martin of the Soo Greyhounds is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, four goals, six assists and 10 points in three games played.

Martin opened the week with a career-high five-point night on Tuesday, recording a pair of goals and three assists to earn first star honours in a 6-3 win over the North Bay Battalion. He found the scoresheet again on Wednesday, registering a pair of goals and an assists to earn second star honours as the Greyhounds defeated the Sudbury Wolves 6-3. Martin closed out the week with two helpers on Friday as Soo suffered a 6-3 loss to the Brampton Steelheads.

Martin opened the week with a career-high five-point night on Tuesday, tallying two goals and three assists to earn first star honours in a 6-3 win over the North Bay Battalion. He stayed hot on Wednesday, notching two goals and an assist for second star honours as the Greyhounds defeated the Sudbury Wolves 6-3. Martin closed out the week with two assists on Friday as the Soo fell 6-3 to the Brampton Steelheads.

The soon-to-be 18-year-old from Elmira, Ont., has appeared in 50 games with the Greyhounds this season, recording 29 goals, 32 assists, and 61 points. The 6-foot, 174lb. forward was selected third overall by Sault Ste. Marie in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection and has recorded 89 points (39-50-89) in 102 regular season contests with the Greyhounds over two seasons. Martin was ranked 17th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in the midterm rankings for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft and recently represented the Western Conference at the inaugural Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game.

Also considered for the award this week, Calgary Flames prospect Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit posted two goals and eight assists in three games played, while Jimmy Lombardi of the Flint Firebirds tallied seven points (6-1-7) in four wins.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
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)



Firebirds’ Nathan Day Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Edmonton Oilers prospect Nathan Day of the Flint Firebirds is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the third time this season, going 3-0 with a 1.95 goals-against average and .940 save percentage.

Making 94 saves last week, Day stopped 33 of 34 shots on Monday along with three in the shootout to earn first star honours as the Firebirds edged the Erie Otters 2-1. He returned to the crease Wednesday, turning aside 27 shots in a 6-2 win over the Sarnia Sting. Day closed out the week with a 36-save performance in a 5-3 victory against the Guelph Storm on Friday.

A 20-year-old from Grimsby, Ont., Day owns a record of 24-20-2-3 on the season with a 2.98 goals-against average, .895 save percentage and two shutouts. Now in his fourth season, Day has played to a career mark of 68-59-3-5, along with a 3.48 goals-against average, .880 save percentage and two shutouts. The 6-foot-4, 205Ib. netminder was Edmonton’s sixth round (184th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Day was selected by Flint in the third round (57th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Niagara North Stars U16 AAA program.

Also considered for the award this week, Saginaw Spirit Goaltender Kaleb Papineau went 2-0 along with a 2.50 goals-against average and .925 save percentage, while London Knights netminder Austin Elliott was also a standout, playing to a 2-0 record with a 1.94 goals-against average and .932 save percentage.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)


67’s’ Filip Ekberg Named OHL Rookie of the Week

NHL Draft eligible Ottawa 67’s forward Filip Ekberg is the OHL Rookie of the Week after scoring three goals in two home victories.

Ekberg opened the week with a pair of goals on Friday, earning first star honours in the 67’s’ 5-2 win over the North Bay Battalion. He followed up with another goal on Sunday in a 5-4 victory against the Windsor Spitfires.

A 17-year-old from Uppsala, Sweden, Ekberg has recorded 31 points (13-18–31) in 44 games this season. Selected by Ottawa in the first round (33rd overall) of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, he was ranked 136th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. Ekberg has also found success on the international stage, winning a bronze medal with Sweden at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Also considered for the award this week, Saginaw Spirit forward Carson Harmer registered four points (2-2-4) in three games played.

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Player of the Month: February

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Forward of the Month – Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

We may as well start calling this the Misa Award. The top prospect for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft appeared in 14 games in February and scored 17 goals and added 17 assists. He registered at least one point in all 14 games, had 6 multi goal games, 6 multi assist games and 12 multi point games, 5 game winning goals and 9 powerplay goals and is currently riding a 25-game point streak starting back on December 29.

Also considered was the Soo Greyhounds Marco Mignosa. He appeared in 13 games in February and scored 13 goals and assisted on 14. He had 4 multi-goal games and 6 multi-assist games with 9 multi-point games during the month. He was held off the score sheet just once on February 9 in Oshawa.

Defenceman of the Month – Anthony Cristoforo – Windsor Spitfires

A great month of February saw Cristoforo climb to the top of the scoring race among draft eligible defencemen. Appearing in 12 games during the month, Cristoforo scored once and added 16 assists. He was held off the scoresheet just once on February 5 against Saginaw. He had 5 multi point games and his lone goal came on the powerplay. He only managed 15 shots on goal with 5 of them coming on February 22 in Flint.

Also considered was Alexis Daviault of the Erie Otters. He appeared in 12 games in February and scored once while adding 10 assists but his production came in bunches with 3-three assist games.

Goaltender of the Month – Jack Ivankovic – Brampton Steelheads

This wasn’t the easiest choice because of the discrepancy in games played, but we ultimately decided on Ivankovic here. He posted a 5-1-0-0 record while stopping 165 of 176 shots for a .938 save percentage.

Also considered was his partner Brayden Gillespie who went 4-1-0-0 and stopped 165 of 176 shots for a .926 save percentage. Mike McIvor of the North Bay Battalion went 5-3-0-0 and stopped 226 of 248 shots for a .911 save percentage.

Previous choices

Forward of the Month

October: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

November: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

December: Ethan Czata – Niagara IceDogs

January: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

February: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

Defenceman of the Month

October: Cameron Reid – Kitchener Rangers

November: Matthew Schaefer – Erie Otters

December: Martin Matejicek – Peterborough Petes

January: Anthony Cristoforo – Windsor Spitfires

February: Anthony Cristoforo – Windsor Spitfires

Goaltender of the Month

October: Joey Costanzo – Windsor Spitfires

November: Aleksei Medvedev – London Knights

December: Ben Hrebik – Barrie Colts

January: Aleksei Medvedev – London Knights

February: Jack Ivankovic – Brampton Steelheads

OHL’s Draft Eligible Statistical Leaders: February

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

As the calendar flipped to 2025, Michael Misa held a slim 8-point lead in the scoring race over Porter Martone with the latter having played in 6 fewer games. Fast forward to March 1st, 2025 and that lead has more than tripled to 29 points.

At the same time, Misa held a 9-goal advantage over Martone in the goals scored department. Now, that lead is 25 over Marco Mignosa. That is the kind of absolute tear Misa has been on and why many of the rankings have him as the first forward off the board at the NHL Entry Draft in June.

Here is a look at the leaderboard in a few different categories among the OHL’s draft eligible players. While we take great care in accumulating stats, always refer to the OHL website for official stats.

Points Leaders
PlayerTeamGPGAPts
Michael MisaSaginaw565662118
Porter MartoneBrampton49305989
Jake O’BrienBrantford59295685
Marco MignosaSoo50314374
Kristian EppersonSaginaw49234568
Brady MartinSoo50293261
Charlie PaquetteGuelph57293059
Malcolm SpenceErie54233255
Jack NesbittWindsor57213354
Anthony CristoforoWindsor58124153
Goal Scoring Leaders
PlayerTeamGPGGPG
Michael MisaSaginaw56561.00
Marco MignosaSoo50310.62
Porter MartoneBrampton49300.61
Jake O’BrienBrantford59290.49
Brady MartinSoo50290.58
Charlie PaquetteGuelph57290.51
Justin CloutierSoo60250.42
Kristian EppersonSaginaw49230.47
Malcolm SpenceErie54230.43
Carson HarmerSaginaw59220.37
Assist Leaders
PlayerTeamGPAAPG
Michael MisaSaginaw56621.11
Porter MartoneBrampton49591.20
Jake O’BrienBrantford59560.95
Kristian EppersonSaginaw49450.92
Marco MignosaSoo50430.86
Anthony CristoforoWindsor58410.71
Cameron ReidKitchener60360.60
Tanner LamKitchener59360.61
Jack NesbittWindsor57330.58
Shamar MosesNorth Bay56330.59
Defencemen Point Leaders
PlayerTeamGPGAPts
Anthony CristoforoWindsor58124153
Cameron ReidKitchener60143650
Kashawn AitchesonBarrie55212546
Jack BrautiNiagara5483038
Mitch YoungSarnia5073138
Henry BrzustewiczLondon55102636
Lukas FischerSarnia41151934
Goaltenders Leaders – Goals Against Average
PlayerTeamGPMinGAAvg
Aleksei MedvedevLondon291659722.60
Ben HrebikBarrie281644752.74
Joey CostanzoWindsor4625891222.83
Mike McIvorNorth Bay3721051002.85
Sam HillebrandtBarrie321849943.05
Jack IvankovicBrampton3520181083.21
Noah ErlidenErie4726171413.23
Nate KrawchukSudbury4423611353.43
Jaeden NelsonOttawa3017271033.58
Goaltending Leaders – Save Percentage
PlayerTeamGPSHSVSSV%
Ben HrebikBarrie289668910.922
Aleksei MedvedevLondon298778050.918
Mike McIvorNorth Bay3710959950.909
Sam HillebrandtBarrie329738790.903
Jack IvankovicBrampton3511009920.902
Noah ErlidenErie47142612850.901
Nate KrawchukSudbury44136712320.901
Joey CostanzoWindsor46118610640.897
Jaeden NelsonOttawa309528490.892

OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH PRESENTED BY HOCKLEY VALLEY RESORT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Academic Players of the Month for February, proudly presented by Hockley Valley Resort.

East Division – Joshua Avery (Brantford Bulldogs)
Brantford Bulldogs forward Joshua Avery is the East Division Academic Player of the Month for February. The 18-year-old from Cavan, Ont., is currently excelling academically at Brantford Collegiate Institute. Cameron has achieved a 90% average in Grade 12 Data Management, a 93% average in Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership, and is maintaining excellent grades in Biology, Chemistry and English.

“Josh is carrying a heavy university workload this semester. He is conscientious student and has a great work ethic. He carries this exceptional work ethic onto the ice and into the community,” said Bulldogs Academic Advisor Maureen Alfano.

“Josh consistently demonstrates dedication to his studies. He is able to balance his academic excellence with his pursuit of high-level hockey. Josh has strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills and is an asset to any classroom. Josh drives to be the best at all. he is involved in and has a bright future ahead of him,” added one of his classroom teachers, Jessie Vance.

Brantford’s third round (54th overall) pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Avery has appeared in 50 games this season, recording nine goals, 12 assists and 21 points. Over 57 regular season contests with the Bulldogs, the 6-foot-1, 170lb. forward has registered 25 points (10-15-25). NHL Central Scouting listed Avery as the 141st-ranked North American skater eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft in their midterm report. Avery represented the Eastern Conference in last month’s Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game.

Central Division – Grayson Tiller (Barrie Colts)
Barrie Colts blueliner Grayson Tiller is the Central Division Academic Player of the Month for February. Tiller is achieving high grades in his post-secondary studies at Athabasca University, maintaining an 88 percent average across Economics, Sociology, and Career Development.

“Grayson is involved in many of the Colts community events and is a leader on and off the ice,” said Colts Academic Advisor Brent Preston.

Selected in the third round (44th overall) by Barrie in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, the 5-foot-10, 193lb. defenceman has tallied seven goals and 10 assists in 57 games played this season. Over his four-year OHL tenure, the St. Catharines, Ont. native has registered 11 goals, 38 assists and 49 points in 204 regular season contests.

Midwest Division – Tyler Challenger (Erie Otters)
Erie Otters first-year forward Tyler Challenger is the Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for February. Challenger has excelled in his Grade 11 studies at Fairview High School and Blyth Academy, achieving a 97 percent average in Innovation, 86 percent average in Public Speaking, a 75 percent average in French and a 90 percent average in Media Arts.

“Tyler has excelled in the classroom throughout this season, maintaining an average of 87% through his academic courses so far the school year. Tyler is a mature, responsible young man and he has transitioned into the OHL very well. He is a pleasure to work with both on and off the ice and is very deserving of this recognition,” said Otters Assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve.

A 16-year-old centreman from Mississauga, Ont., Challenger has registered six points (4-2-6) in 52 games played with the Otters this season after being selected 10th overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the North York Rangers U16 AAA program.

West Division – Rylan Fellinger (Flint Firebirds)
Flint Firebirds blueliner Rylan Fellinger is the West Division Academic Player of the Month. The 17-year-old from Wawa, Ont., is achieving academic excellence through five Grade 12 university-level courses at Linden High School and Blyth, including Academic Success, Criminology, Social Problems, Career Management, and English.

“Rylan is a dedicated student. He was able to finish all of his classes a month early and do well on them all. He had positive comments from his teacher and is always respectful. Doing well in school is important to him,” said Firebirds Academic Advisor, Elizabeth Hoffman.

Selected by Flint in the 13th round (255th overall) of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Fellinger has recorded three goals, three assists and six points in 53 games played this season. In 111 OHL regular-season contests, the 6-foot-4, 200lb. defenceman has recorded 10 points (3-7-10).

2024-25 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
February – Joshua Avery (Brantford Bulldogs)
January – Carson Cameron (Peterborough Petes)
December – Kohyn Eshkawkogan (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa Generals)
October – Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)

Central Division:
February – Grayson Tiller (Barrie Colts)
January – Troy Patton (Brampton Steelheads)
December – Ethan Dean (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Braidy Wassilyn (Niagara IceDogs)
October – Kent Greer (North Bay Battalion)

Midwest Division:
February – Tyler Challenger (Erie Otters)
January – Tristan Delisle (Owen Sound Attack)
December – Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
November – Andrew MacNiel (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Jimmy Sutherland (Guelph Storm)

West Division:
February – Rylan Fellinger (Flint Firebirds)
January – Conor Walton (Windsor Spitfires)
December – Keegan Gillen (Soo Greyhounds)
November – Hughston Hurt (Sarnia Sting)
October – Kaden Sienko (Saginaw Spirit)

Aleksei Medvedev – London Knights – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Aleksei Medvedev of the London Knights. Photo by OHL Images
HTWTDOBPOSSOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
6’3”180Sep 10, 2007GL38th 20232 NARUS
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAASV%SO
2023-2024GOJHLSt Thomas Stars284.00.9040
2024-2025OHLLondon Knights292.60.9182

Aleksei Medvedev, born on September 10, 2007, in St. Petersburg, Russia, has been drawing attention in the hockey world and rightfully so. At just 17 years old, Medvedev has already shown immense potential and skill, making him one of the top prospects for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Early Career and Development

Medvedev began his hockey journey with the St. Petersburg youth team, where he quickly stood out as a talented goaltender. His impressive performances caught the attention of scouts, and he was drafted by the London Knights in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Since then, Medvedev has been honing his skills in the OHL, where he has continued to impress with his agility, quick reflexes, and strong positional play.

Achievements and Highlights

Throughout his career, Medvedev has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. In the 2024-2025 season, he played a crucial role for the London Knights. His standout performances have earned him recognition as one of the top goaltenders in the league, and he is currently ranked #2 by NHL Central Scouting for North American goalies.

Scouting Report

As the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaches, Medvedev is considered one of the top goaltending prospects. Here’s a detailed scouting report on his strengths and areas for improvement:

Strengths

Reflexes and Agility: Medvedev’s quick reflexes and agility make him a formidable presence in the net. He has an excellent ability to track the puck and make rapid saves, even in high-pressure situations.

Positional Play: Medvedev’s strong positional play ensures that he is always in the right place to make a save. He has a keen understanding of angles and effectively covers the net, making it difficult for opponents to find scoring opportunities. His rebound control is very good.

Composure: Despite his young age, Medvedev displays remarkable composure on the ice. He remains calm and focused, even during intense moments, which allows him to make crucial saves and maintain his team’s confidence.

Puck Handling: Medvedev is also proficient in handling the puck, which adds an extra dimension to his game. He can effectively play the puck to his defensemen, helping to initiate offensive plays and relieve pressure on his team.

Areas for Improvement

Consistency: While Medvedev has shown flashes of brilliance, he needs to work on maintaining a high level of performance consistently. This will come with experience and continued development.

Conclusion

Aleksei Medvedev’s career to date has been nothing short of impressive. With his exceptional skills and potential, he is poised to make an impact in the NHL. As the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaches, teams will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on this talented young goaltender. Whether he becomes a franchise cornerstone or a reliable starter, Medvedev’s future in hockey looks bright.

Luca Romano – Kitchener Rangers – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
HTWTDOBPOSSOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
5’11”168June 25, 2007CR11th 202335th NACAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2023-2024OHLKitchener Rangers56101222
2024-2025OHLKitchener Rangers58212344
Luca Romano of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by OHL Images.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, on June 25, 2007, Luca Romano is an OHL player to watch. The 17-year-old has shown great skill. He now plays for the Kitchener Rangers. Romano’s talent points to a promising future. Many expect Romano to be drafted into the NHL in 2025.

Early Career

Romano’s hockey career started in the Amesbury Minor Hockey Association. He worked hard to improve his hockey abilities. His hard work paid off. The Kitchener Rangers selected him 11th overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection.

Since joining the Kitchener Rangers, Romano has been a consistent performer. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 168 lbs, he is a right shot center. His agility, speed, and playmaking abilities have made him a key player for the Rangers. In the 2024-2025 season, Romano has played 58 games, scored 21 goals and provided 23 assists, totaling 44 points.

Scouting Report

Skating: Romano is an exceptional skater with great acceleration and top-end speed. His agility allows him to maneuver through tight spaces and evade defenders. His edge work is also commendable, making him a dynamic player on the ice.

Offensive Skills: Romano is a constant offensive threat. He has a quick release and accurate shot, making him a goal-scoring threat from anywhere in the offensive zone. His vision and playmaking abilities are also top-notch, allowing him to set up his teammates for scoring opportunities.

Defensive Play: Romano is an offensive talent. Yet, he shows defensive responsibility too. He backchecks hard and uses speed to interrupt opponents. His defense zone play needs to improve. His spot on the ice and focus need work. Still, he has gotten better as the season has moved forward.

Hockey IQ: Romano possesses a high hockey IQ, which is evident in his decision-making on the ice. He reads the game well and anticipates plays, allowing him to be in the right place at the right time.

Physicality: Although not the biggest player on the ice, Romano does not shy away from physical play, and he can be overwhelmed at times. He uses his body effectively to protect the puck. His competitiveness and determination are evident in almost every shift.

Conclusion

Luca Romano’s journey in hockey is just beginning, but he has already shown potential and promise. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience, he is poised to make a significant impact in the hockey world. With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on the horizon, Romano is a player that scouts and fans alike should keep an eye on. His combination of skill, speed, and hockey IQ makes him a valuable asset to any team.

OHL CUP U16 AAA TOP 10 RANKINGS:WEEK 14

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 14 edition of the weekly U16 AAA rankings for the 2025 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

The 2025 OHL Cup will feature 20 teams consisting of talent eligible for the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. Starting with three Wild Card Play-In matchups on Monday, March 24, all games will be played at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Friday, March 28.

The first three teams have clinched spots in the 2025 OHL Cup Showcase including the GTHL’s Don Mills Flyers, Toronto Titans and Vaughan Kings.

The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.

U16 AAA Rankings for the 2025 OHL Cup – Week 14

RANK:TEAM:  LAST WEEK WEEKS RANKED
1Don Mills Flyers (GTHL)*114
2Detroit Little Caesars213
3Toronto Titans (GTHL)*314
4Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)514
5Ottawa Valley Titans (HEO614
6Huron-Perth Lakers (ALLIANCE)414
7Sun County Panthers (ALLIANCE)    714
8Vaughan Kings (GTHL)*97
9Oakville Rangers (OMHA)108
10Halton Hurricanes (OMHA)–3
    
HMWaterloo Wolves (ALLIANCE)––
HMToronto Red Wings (GTHL)–9
HMToronto Marlboros (GTHL)812

*- clinched spot in 2025 OHL Cup

CHL Top-10 Rankings presented by Delta Hotels by Marriott: London sits No. 1 for the 13th week in a row, while Medicine Hat, Kitchener & Calgary climb up rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — Today, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced the Week 20 edition of its CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2024-25 season.

With a CHL-best 45 wins and .836 points percentage, which is being powered by their current eight-game point streak (7-0-1-0), the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) continue their dominance as they remain No.1 for a 13th consecutive week. Right behind them, sitting in second, are the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The Wildcats are allowing 2.33 goals per game on average and hold a +118 goal differential – both of which rank first among all clubs in the CHL. Finally, the Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL are sitting at No.3 for the fourth week in a row. The 2025 Memorial Cup hosts extended their point streak to six games (5-0-1-0) over the last seven days and they continue to hold the third-best points percentage (.745) in the CHL.

Among the notable changes to this week’s rankings were the rise of the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, and the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. With 18 wins over their last 22 games (18-2-1-1), the Tigers are up to No. 6 – their highest ranking since October 15. Having earned big victories against the Barrie Colts and the No.1-ranked London Knights in the last week, the Rangers have climbed up to seventh. Meanwhile, with 13 victories over their last 16 contests (13-3-0-0), the Hitmen have risen by one place to sit eighth this week.

The next rankings will be released the week of March 3, following the 21st week of regular season action in all three member leagues of the CHL.

CHL Top-10 Rankings – Week 20
1. London Knights (OHL)
2. Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
3. Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
4. Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
5. Everett Silvertips (WHL)
6. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
7. Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
8. Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
9. Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
10. Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

For information and details about each individual club ranked in the CHL’s latest Top-10 Rankings, please visit chl.ca/video/2024-25-chl-top-10-rankings-week-20.