Kashawn Aitcheson of the Barrie Colts. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
S
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’1”
198
Sep 21, 2006
D
L
50th 2022
15th NA
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2022-2023
OHL
Barrie Colts
23
1
2
3
2023-2024
OHL
Barrie Colts
64
8
31
39
2024-2025
OHL
Barrie Colts
48
17
22
39
Kashawn Aitcheson was drafted in the third round, 50th overall by the Barrie Colts at the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Last season was his first full season and it was a breakout year of sorts, scoring eight goals and 39 points through 64 games with the Colts. This season, he has continued to impress with his strong performances and physical play.
The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is the next step for Aitcheson. Known for his smooth skating, tenacity and physical play, Aitcheson has garnered attention from scouts and hockey fans alike. The upcoming draft will be a crucial milestone in his career, as teams will be keen to assess his potential.
Skating
Kashawn Aitcheson is a mobile defenseman with a smooth stride. He has very good edges, lateral movement and some speed. His skating allows him to pinch at the opposition blue line or carry the puck in transition. He also has the ability recover and get back to position on defense.
Transition Play
Aitcheson excels in transition play, making breakout passes to kick-start rushes. However, he can also skate the puck himself in transition, especially when there is room on the ice such as the powerplay.
Physicality
Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 198 lbs, Aitcheson is not the most physically imposing player, but he plays with an edge and is not afraid to punish his opponents. Proof is in his penalty minutes last season, showing his willingness to engage physically.
Two-Way Ability
Aitcheson consistently demonstrates decent two-way ability. He logs significant minutes on both special teams, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Career to Date
Aitcheson is a hyper-competitive defender who doesn’t back down from physical play and likes to agitate. He has the bite NHL teams will love, even if he occasionally goes over the line. His old-school approach and positive attitude make him a valuable asset to any team.
In summary, Kashawn Aitcheson is a promising young defenseman with a blend of mobility, physicality, and two-way ability. As he continues to develop, he has the potential to make a career for himself at higher levels of hockey.
It’s Family Day weekend! Getting you primed for a full slate of OHL action with playoff races heating up!
Friday Night Faceoff – Rangers at Frontenacs: Prepare for a cross-conference clash of contenders on Friday as the Kingston Frontenacs welcome the Kitchener Rangers to Slush Puppie Place, seeking to set a new franchise record as they hunt down their 10th consecutive win on home ice. Details
Spirit’s Chernyshov named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week: San Jose Sharks prospect Igor Chernyshov of the Saginaw Spirit is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering five goals, five assists and 10 points over three contests. Details
Bulldogs’ Leenders named OHL Goaltender of the Week: Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryerson Leenders of the Brantford Bulldogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, going 2-0-1-0 along with a 1.98 goals-against average, and a .944 save percentage. Details
Attack’s Mbuyi named OHL Rookie of the Week: Owen Sound Attack forward Pierce Mbuyi is the OHL Rookie of the Week for the second time this season, recording three goals and assists over three contests. Details
OHL Plays of the Week: Bringing you another edition of OHL Plays of the Week, featuring Flint’s Matthew Mania, Sault Ste. Marie’s Marco Mignosa, London’s Jared Woolley, Erie’s Gabriel Frasca and Brantford’s duo of Nick Lardis and Jake O’Brien. Watch
OHL Saves of the Week presented by Enbridge Gas: Taking a look at the latest edition of OHL Saves of the Week! This week features standout moments from Ottawa’s Jaeden Nelson, North Bay’s Mike McIvor, Owen Sound’s Carter George, Kingston’s Gavin Betts and Guelph’s Colin Ellsworth. Watch
Knights, Rangers, Spitfires, Colts included in Week 18 edition of CHL Top 10 Rankings: The London Knights (1), Kitchener Rangers (5), Windsor Spitfires (8) and Barrie Colts (9) have been included in the Week 18 edition of the CHL Top 10 Rankings. Details
Knights bounce back in Week 20 OHL Power Rankings: The London Knights return to the top spot in the Week 20 edition of the OHL Power Rankings. Details
Bulldogs’ Lardis becomes first CHL player to 50 goals: Nick Lardis continues his dominant season, becoming the first OHL player since 2020 to hit the 50-goal mark in under 50 games! The Bulldogs star wasted no time, opening the scoring early as Brantford took a 1-0 lead on Friday Night Faceoff. Watch
Latest Moves:
Otters hire Kris Mallette as 11th Head Coach in club history: General manager Dave Brown, director of hockey operations Scott Grieve, and the Erie Otters organization announced on Tuesday morning that long-time Kelowna Rockets coach and Western Hockey League alum Kris Mallette has been hired as the 11th head coach in team history by Erie. Details
Greyhounds sign goaltender Noah Tegelaar: The Soo Greyhounds have signed former second round OHL Under-18 Priority Selection choice Noah Tegelaar to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. The 18-year-old from Georgetown, Ont. is having a standout season with the OJHL’s Collingwood Blues. Details
Petes sign Draft-eligible goaltender Dylan Lee-Stack: The Peterborough Petes have signed American goaltender Dylan Lee-Stack to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Lee-Stack, a native of New York, NY, attended both Petes development and training camp as an undrafted free-agent in 2024. Last season, the 2007-born goaltender featured in 18 games for the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16U, sporting a 2.83 GAA. Details
Attack’s McDonald commits to Robert Morris: Owen Sound Attack overage forward Bruce McDonald has announced his commitment to Robert Morris University for the 2025-26 NCAA hockey season. Details
Other News:
Frontenacs reaping the rewards of Tyler Hopkins’ breakout season: Draft eligible Kingston Frontenacs centreman Tyler Hopkins is enjoying a breakout season in his NHL Draft year under head coach Troy Mann. See Hopkins and the Fronts on this week’s Friday Night Faceoff. Read more
Otters issue statement on status and future of organization: As Erie and the hockey world continue to heal from the sudden and heartbreaking loss of beloved owner, governor, and CEO of the Erie Otters, Jim Waters, questions would arise of the status of the team and organization’s future. Jim’s love and passion for the Otters, for Erie, and for creating one of the most premier franchises in the Ontario Hockey League was evident to anyone who ever interacted with the larger-than-life personality – and that was most obvious to his family. It is with this shared passion of their husband and father’s vision that the Waters Family are excited to continue the legacy and tradition of business and hockey excellence of the Erie Otters for the future. Details
Explore the OHL – Kingston Frontenacs: Explore the city of Kingston! The Ontario Hockey League is home to 20 teams—17 in Canada and three in the United States. Shifting the focus beyond hockey operations, the OHL aims to highlight the distinctiveness of each member club. Details
Community Corner:
Talk Today Month in the OHL: The Ontario Hockey League is excited to announce another Talk Today Month in the OHL. Proudly presented by Syngenta Canada and Grain Farmers of Ontario, Talk Today Month sees all 20 OHL member teams host mental health awareness games in collaboration with CMHA branches. Details
The OHL celebrates Black Heritage Month: The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is celebrating Black Heritage Month by highlighting a former OHL player each week in February who continues to find success both on and off the ice. Details
Petes announce fundraising total of $45,153 for the 16th annual Pink in the Rink campaign: The Peterborough Petes have officially announced their fundraising total for the 16th Annual Pink in the Rink Campaign. A total of $45,153 has been raised in support of Pedal for Hope, a part of Cops for Cancer at the Canadian Cancer Society. Details
Valentines Day across the League: Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and teams across the OHL are celebrating! Don’t miss the chance to bring your special someone to the rink and take part in love-themed activities as Barrie, Flint, Kingston, Saginaw, Owen Sound, and Guelph host special date nights. Visit team websites for more information.
IceDogs to host Superhero Day on Sunday: Make this Family Day Weekend SUPER special and fly on down for the Niagara IceDogs’ Superhero Day on February 16th! The IceDogs will be swapping their traditional reds for superhero-themed jerseys in support of the Niagara Children’s Centre. Details
Family Day in the OHL: Celebrate Family Day with the OHL! Monday’s action-packed schedule features 10 games filled with family-themed fun. Don’t miss out on the excitement, visit team websites for more information!
Alumni Notes:
14 OHL alumni competing in 4 Nations Face-Off: The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off will be held from Feb. 12-20 in Montreal and Boston, featuring teams of NHL players from Finland, Sweden, Canada, and the United States competing in a round-robin tournament. The four teams competing in the 4 Nations Face-Off have finalized their rosters for the new best-on-best event, with 14 graduates from the Ontario Hockey League participating. Details
Malcolm Spence of the Erie Otters. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
S
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’2”
201
Aug 22, 2006
LW
L
2nd 2022
14th NA
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2022-2023
OHL
Erie Otters
64
16
26
42
2023-2024
OHL
Erie Otters
66
19
43
62
2024-2025
OHL
Erie Otters
47
21
31
52
In the world of hockey, only a handful names have generated more buzz for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft as Malcolm Spence. This young forward, currently playing for the Erie Otters in the OHL, has been on the radar of scouts and fans alike for his impressive performances and potential to become a top-tier player in the NHL for some time now.
Scouting Report
Skating: Malcolm Spence’s skating ability is a crucial aspect of his game. While not his strongest asset, his skating is solid and not hold him back as he progresses to higher levels of hockey. He generates good power and speed in his first steps and can find separation gear. His strong edges and shiftiness allow him to maneuver around defenders with ease. He’s not shy about challenging defenders one-on-one.
Work ethic: Spence’s motor just doesn’t stop as seen with his relentless attack on puck carriers. He is constantly constantly pressuring the opposition and creating turnovers with his forechecking. But he can also play patiently and wait for the opportunity to pounce so as to not give any advantage going the other way. His high motor and compete level in all zones are as good as anyone’s in this draft class.
Offensive Skills: Spence’s offensive game consists of high-level playmaking skills and superb vision. He has the necessary skills to deliver precise passes through bodies and sticks. Add in his aggressive puck pursuit and motor and you have a constant threat on. He also finds success on the powerplay.
Defensive Skills: Spence is no slouch defensively. His ability to read and react as well as support his defensemen down low. He brings his aggressive attack on the penalty kill as well and does not put himself out of position when doing so.
Intangibles: Spence’s leadership qualities are exceptional. He has worn an “A” for the Otters and has been a staple on the Canadian National Team, winning gold at both the World Junior U-18’s and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup Tournament.
In conclusion, Malcolm Spence is a highly skilled and versatile forward with the potential to become a significant asset to any NHL team. His relentless drive, offensive and defensive capabilities, and leadership qualities make him a player to watch in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft.
The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the only development league in the world to feature at least two alumni on all four countries participating in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off
TORONTO, ON — As the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off gets set to begin tonight at 8 p.m. ET between Canada and Sweden, a total of 29 CHL alumni (see complete list of players below) will represent their home countries during this new event being held by the NHL and the NHLPA. The 29 CHL graduates represent nearly 30% of all the players competing at the 4 Nations Face-Off – the most of any development hockey league in the world.
Canada leads all participating nations with 20 CHL alumni, followed by Finland (4), the United States (3), and Sweden (2). The CHL is the only development league in the world to feature at least two alumni on each country participating in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off. In total, there are 14 graduates hailing from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), 11 from the Western Hockey League (WHL), and four from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) participating in the event.
With a tournament-high 20 CHL graduates, Canada will aim to win a seventh championship title at what will be their ninth appearance at an NHL International Tournament. Among the CHL alumni competing at this event for Team Canada are Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (Erie Otters / OHL), Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), and Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) – who have all three previously won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s MVP.
On the Swedish roster, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell (Plymouth Whalers / OHL) is one of two CHL graduates featured on the team. Rakell has previously helped his country to gold-medal showings at the 2012 World Junior Championship as well as the 2018 World Championship, where he led Sweden with 14 points (6G-8A) en route to being named to the tournament’s All-Star Team.
On Team Finland, there are a total of four CHL alumni, including Utah Hockey Club defenceman Olli Määttä (London Knights / OHL). As one of just eight Finnish defensemen in NHL history to play at least 700 games, Määttä is a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2016 & 2017) and a two-time OHL champion (2012 & 2013).
Finally, among the three CHL alumni on Team USA is Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (London Knights / OHL). Tkachuk last represented the United States at the 2016 World Junior Championship when he helped his country secure a bronze medal, the same season in which he won both the OHL championship and Memorial Cup while skating alongside 4 Nations foe and Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (London Knights / OHL).
During the current 2024-25 NHL season, of the more than 925 players who played a game in the NHL, over 400 have developed in the CHL, showcasing once again why the CHL continues to be the number one supplier of talent to the NHL.
Stats & Facts
All 13 forwards and three goaltenders on Team Canada developed through the CHL, including the NHL’s current scoring leader Nathan MacKinnon (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL) of the Colorado Avalanche.
Nearly half of Finland’s blueline is comprised of CHL graduates: Henri Jokiharju (Portland Winterhawks / WHL), Olli Määttä (London Knights / OHL) & Juuso Välimäki (Tri-City Americans / WHL).
10 CHL graduates at the 4 Nations Face-Off have previously won a WHL, OHL, or QMJHL title, including Sam Reinhart (Kootenay ICE / WHL), Olli Määttä (London Knights / OHL) & Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL).
Six CHL alumni competing at the 4 Nations Face-Off have previously earned a CHL Award, including Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), Connor McDavid (Erie Otters / OHL), & Mitch Marner (London Knights / OHL), who are previous recipients of the David Branch Player of the Year Award as the CHL’s Most Outstanding Player.
A total of 14 CHL alumni representing their country at the 4 Nations Face-Off have previously helped their NHL club hoist a Stanley Cup, a list that includes Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Shea Theodore (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL), St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound Attack / OHL), & Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL).
Among the 29 CHL alumni participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off, 23 CHL graduates have previously helped their country win a gold medal at an international event.
United States (3) (F) J.T. Miller (Plymouth Whalers / OHL), New York Rangers (F) Matthew Tkachuk (London Knights / OHL), Florida Panthers (F) Vincent Trocheck (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), New York Rangers
TORONTO, ON — Today, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced the Week 18 edition of its CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2024-25 season.
With a CHL best 40 wins and .827 winning percentage, the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League remain in the top spot for an 11th straight week. The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League’s Moncton Wildcats stand pat at no. 2, a position they have held for 15 of the last 17 weeks. The top three is rounded out by the 2025 Memorial Cup hosts, the Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL.
The biggest mover in Week 18 is the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen who move up two spots to a season best no. 7. With a pair of wins last week, the Hitmen – who are 8-1-1 over their last 10 games – own the best winning percentage in the WHL’s Eastern Conference at .690.
The next rankings will be released the week of February 17, following the 19th week of regular season action in all three member leagues of the CHL.
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 12 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 Vaughan Kings have hit a new benchmark for the season, climbing to seventh on the Top 10 while the Oakville Rangers make their first appearance on the list since back in Week 5.
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.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Spirit’s Igor Chernyshov Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
San Jose Sharks prospect Igor Chernyshov of the Saginaw Spirit is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering five goals, five assists and 10 points over three contests.
Chernyshov opened the week with a pair of goals and an assist on Wednesday to earn first star honours in a 6-3 win over the Windsor Spitfires. He followed up with a goal and an assist in a 4-2 loss to the Brantford Bulldogs on Friday, earning third star honours. Chernyshov delivered a dominant five-point outing on Saturday, registering a pair of goals and three assists to earn first star honours in a high-scoring 10-7 win against the Guelph Storm.
The 19-year-old from Penza, Russia overcame offseason shoulder surgery and has appeared in five games with the Spirit this season, tallying eight goals, six assists and 14 points. He was Saginaw’s first round (56th overall) pick in the the 2024 CHL Import Draft. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 225lb., Chernyshov was selected in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks.
Also considered for the award this week, Spirit teammate and top 2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Michael Misa posted four goals and seven assists. Another top 2025 NHL Draft prospect, Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads, stood out with nine points (3-6-9) in two games.
Bulldogs’ Ryerson Leenders Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryerson Leenders of the Brantford Bulldogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, going 2-0-1-0 along with a 1.98 goals-against average, and a .944 save percentage.
An 18-year-old from Nanticoke, Ont., Leenders is 19-11-3-0 on the season, with a 3.20 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in 33 games played. The former second-round (32nd overall) pick by Mississauga in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection is now in his third OHL season, owning a career mark of 55-43-10-0 with a 3.25 goals-against average, .900 save percentage and three shutouts over 114 regular season games. Leenders was selected in the seventh round (202nd overall) by Buffalo at the 2024 NHL Draft last summer.
Also considered for the award this week, Brampton Steelheads netminder Jack Ivankovic went 2-0-0-0 including a shutout with a 1.50 goals-against average and .944 save percentage, while Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals was also a standout in the crease, going 3-0-0-0 including a shutout, along with a 1.00 goals-against average and .948 save percentage.
Attack’s Pierce Mbuyi Named OHL Rookie of the Week
Owen Sound Attack forward Pierce Mbuyi is the OHL Rookie of the Week for the second time this season, recording three goals and assists over three contests.
Mbuyi kicked off the week with his second hat-trick of the season on Friday, scoring it in a span of seven-and-a-half minutes in the first period in the Attack’s 4-3 loss to Kitchener. He claimed second star recognition again on Saturday with two primary assists in a 4-1 win over North Bay. The 5-foot-10, 153lb. forward capped the week with another assist on Sunday as Owen Sound fell 4-2 to the Kingston Frontenacs.
A 16-year-old left-winger from Mississauga, Ont., Mbuyi leads OHL rookies with 20 goals as part of a total of 33 points through 46 games. The Attack selected Mbuyi with their first round (7th overall) pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA program.
Also considered for the award this week, Carson Harmer of the Saginaw Spirit and Lev Katzin of the Guelph Storm each recorded four points (2-2–4).
Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs. Photo by OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’2”
170
June 16, 2007
C
R
8th 2023
8th NA
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2023-2024
OHL
Brantford Bulldogs
61
13
51
64
2024-2025
OHL
Brantford Bulldogs
52
26
46
72
As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, one name that has been generating significant buzz is Jake O’Brien. This young center from Brantford has been turning heads with his impressive performances and has firmly established himself as a top prospect. We’ll take a closer look at O’Brien’s journey, his strengths, and what makes him a standout player in this year’s draft class.
Early Years and Development
O’Brien’s journey to the NHL Draft began in his hometown of Brantford, Ontario. From a young age, it was clear that he had a natural talent for hockey. His dedication to the sport and relentless work ethic set him apart from his peers. As he progressed through the ranks, O’Brien’s skills continued to develop, and he quickly became a key player for the Bulldogs.
Scouting Report
Hockey IQ and Playmaking: O’Brien’s ability to read the game and make smart, quick and decisive decisions with the puck is one of his standout qualities. He processes the game at an elite level, often creating opportunities out of seemingly thin air. His vision and passing abilities allow him to set up Grade “A” scoring chances for his teammates.
Puck Skills and Scoring Ability: He has a quick, deceptive release and a “shoot-to-score” mentality, and is a constant threat in the offensive zone. He handles the puck well in tight spaces and uses his quick hands to generate scoring chances. His ability to control the tempo of the game with calm decision-making and poise under pressure makes him a valuable asset. He is also a beast in puck protection.
Two-Way Play and Defensive Reliability: O’Brien is highly responsible defensively, staying on top of opponents during puck battles and showing the quickness to cover for teammates. He excels in puck possession, forechecking, and creating offensive opportunities from defensive plays. His defensive game is complemented by his ability to block shots, win puck battles, and make quick outlets to transition from defense to offense.
Work Ethic and Compete Level: One of O’Brien’s most admirable traits is his relentless work ethic. He consistently puts in second and third efforts on loose pucks and battles hard in all zones. His team-first mentality and willingness to play physical elevate the performance of his teammates. O’Brien’s leadership qualities make him a player that coaches can rely on in crucial moments. There will be a letter on his jersey one day in the NHL.
Areas for Improvement: There aren’t many but, there are areas where he can continue to develop. Improving his faceoff efficiency and skating mechanics will be critical to his transition to the NHL. Additionally, gaining physical strength will help him handle tougher matchups and be a more reliable option in important moments of the game.
Conclusion
Jake O’Brien’s combination of skill, hockey IQ, and work ethic make him a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. As he continues to develop and refine his game, there’s no doubt that he has the potential to become a standout player in the NHL. Keep an eye on this rising star as he takes the next step in his hockey journey.
Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’2”
183
Sep 5, 2007
D
L
1st 2023
1st NA
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2023-2024
OHL
Erie Otters
56
3
14
17
2024-2025
OHL
Erie Otters
17
7
15
22
When it comes to the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, few names have generated as much buzz as Matthew Schaefer. As a defenseman playing for the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League, Schaefer has quickly become a standout player, drawing attention from scouts and fans alike. With the Draft on the horizon, it’s time to take a closer look at this promising young talent.
Early Career and Development
Matthew Schaefer’s journey to becoming a top prospect began at a young age. Known for his dedication and work ethic, Schaefer has consistently demonstrated his commitment to improving his game. His time with the Erie Otters has been marked by steady progress and impressive performances, making him a key player for the team, regardless of the time he has missed due to injuries.
Scouting Report
Versatility and Mobility
One of Schaefer’s most notable attributes is his versatility. As a left-handed defenseman, he excels at both ends of the ice. His elite mobility, intelligence, and anticipation make him a formidable presence in puck handling and rushes. Schaefer’s ability to move the puck up the ice and control the pace of the game is a testament to his skating agility and hockey IQ.
Offensive Prowess
Offensively, Schaefer is a constant threat. He keeps opponents on their toes with his movement, creating opportunities for his teammates. His shot will not overpower goaltenders but accuracy and shooting with a purpose makes his shot dangerous. He is difficult to counter, and can exploit openings and create scoring opportunities with his vision and elite level playmaking.
Defensive Reliability
Defensively, Schaefer is just as impressive. He logs significant minutes on the top pair and is trusted by his coaches in all situations. His ability to anticipate plays and his fluid skating ensure that he is rarely caught out of position. Even when taking offensive risks, Schaefer’s calculated approach minimizes dangers for his team. He is also elite at retrieving pucks and quickly transitioning the other way.
Physicality
Schaefer is not afraid to engage physically. In one-on-one situations, he uses his size and strength to his advantage, making him a well-rounded defenseman capable of handling the physical demands of the game.
Achievements and Highlights
Schaefer’s performance at the Hlinka-Gretzky Tournament further solidified his status as a top prospect. With 5 points in 3 games for Team Canada, he showcased his ability to perform on the international stage. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, and he is widely regarded as the best defensemen eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Conclusion
Matthew Schaefer is the perfect example of the modern defenseman. His combination of versatility, mobility, offensive prowess, defensive reliability, and physicality make him a highly sought-after prospect. As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Schaefer to see where his promising career will take him next.
Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’3”
208
Oct 26, 2006
RW
R
5th 2022
4th NA
CANADA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2022-2023
OHL
Sarnia Sting
29
6
7
13
2022-2023
OHL
Mississauga Steelheads
32
13
9
22
2023-2024
OHL
Mississauga Steelheads
60
33
38
71
2024-2025
OHL
Brampton Steelheads
38
23
44
67
Strengths:
Power Forward Skill Set: Martone’s size and strength are key features of his playing style. He is skilled at using his body to shield the puck, particularly along the boards and in front of the opposing net. His ability to take and deliver hits establishes him as a prime power forward, a player that NHL teams highly seek.
Puck Control and Offensive Instincts: Martone has impressive puck control for his size. He shows good skill in tight areas and can make clever plays even in crowded situations. His quick shot and powerful release are valuable assets for scoring.
Hockey IQ and Playmaking: Martone possesses a strong hockey IQ, especially in his ability to analyze the game and make effective choices when he spots an opponent’s error. His skill in creating plays enhances his goal-scoring talent, making him a dual threat on offense.
Physicality and Competitive Edge: Martone plays with a mean streak, often engaging physically and not shying away from battles. His energy and intensity on the ice contribute to his ability to consistently win puck battles and be a force along the boards.
Performance Under Pressure: Martone’s ability to perform in high-stakes situations, such as international tournaments, has turned heads. His contributions in key moments in critical games, highlight his impact when the stakes are highest.
Areas for Improvement:
Skating: While Martone is effective with his size and skill, his skating is currently average for the National Hockey League. Improving his skating could elevate his game to the next level.
Overall Assessment: Porter Martone is a highly coveted prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft due to his rare combination of size, skill, and mentality. His ability to blend power and skill has made for numerous entertaining moments this season. With continued development, particularly in his skating, Martone has the potential to be a major threat in the offensive zone in the NHL.
OHL Writers 