VILMANIS AND MCIVOR 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 playoff games ending Sunday, May 5th, 2024.



Battalion’s Sandis Vilmanis Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Florida Panthers prospect Sandis Vilmanis of the North Bay Battalion is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording four goals, five assists and nine points in four games played.

Helping the Battalion rally to force a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Championship Series, Vilmanis started off the week with a goal in a 5-2 loss to the Oshawa Generals on Monday. The 6-foot-2, 192lb. forward tallied a pair of goals including the overtime winner along with two assists to earn first star honours on Wednesday, helping the Battalion skate to a 5-4 overtime win at home. He recorded another assist on Friday as the Battalion clinched a 5-4 double overtime victory. Vilmanis closed out the week with a goal and two helpers in a dominant 8-1 win on Sunday, leading the Battalion to tie the series 3-3 heading into Game 7 on Monday night.

A 20-year-old from Riga, Latvia, Vilmanis leads all post-season point-getters with 26 points (10-16–26) in 15 playoff contests following a regular season that yielded 38 goals, 29 assists and 67 points over 60 games played between the Battalion and the Sarnia Sting. A former first round pick by Sarnia in the 2022 CHL Import Draft, Vilmanis was selected by the Florida Panthers in the fifth round (157th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club on March 2, 2024. Vilmanis has also participated on the international stage, representing Latvia at three consecutive IIHF World Junior Championships.

Also considered for the award this week, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights helped his team skate to a 4-2 Western Conference Final Series victory over the Saginaw Spirit, recording four goals and four assists in four games played. Battalion teammate and Seattle Kraken prospect Ty Nelson was also a standout, registering two goals, five assists and seven points.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 29 – May 5: Sandis Vilmanis (North Bay Battalion)
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)



Battalion’s Mike McIvor Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Rookie netminder Mike McIvor of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, playing to a 3-1 record along with a 3.13 goals-against average, and .902 save percentage.

Helping the Battalion bounce back in the Eastern Conference Championship Series, McIvor made a total of 129 saves last week. He stopped 26 of the 31 shots he faced on Monday as the Battalion fell 5-2 to the Oshawa Generals. McIvor earned the Battalion’s first win of the series on Wednesday, blocking 27 of the 31 shots that came his way in a 5-4 overtime victory. The 6-foot, 165lb. netminder returned to the crease with a big performance on Friday, turning aside 41 of the 45 shots he faced to clinch a 5-4 double overtime win. McIvor closed out the week with a 35-save performance on Sunday as the Battalion defeated the Generals in a commanding 8-1 victory to push the series to Game 7.

An 18-year-old from Warkworth, Ont., McIvor played to a regular season mark of 8-9-0-0 with a 3.78 goals-against average and .876 save percentage over 18 games in his first OHL season. A fourth round (83rd overall) pick by the Battalion in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Quinte Red Devils U16 program, McIvor has appeared in 14 playoff contests, playing to a 10-4 record along with a 2.58 goals-against average and .917 save percentage with one shutout.

Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson of the London Knights went 2-2 along with a 3.79 goals-against average and .899 save percentage to take a 4-2 Western Conference Championship Series victory over the Saginaw Spirit. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Nolan Lalonde of the Saginaw Spirit also played to a 2-2 record along with a 3.05 goals-against average and .879 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 29 – May 5: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
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)

LONDON KNIGHTS WIN SECOND CONSECUTIVE WAYNE GRETZKY TROPHY AS WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Saginaw, Mich. – Easton Cowan recorded two goals and an assist and Jackson Edward scored the third period game-winner as the London Knights defeated the Saginaw Spirit 4-2 at the Dow Event Center to be crowned Western Conference Champions for the second straight year.
 
Sam O’Reilly also scored for the Knights while Denver Barkey and Max McCue each had a pair of assists. Michael Simpson made 33 saves in the win as London prevailed despite being outshot 35-26.
 
The Knights become the first team to win back-to-back Wayne Gretzky Trophies since the franchise last did so in 2012 and 2013.
 
“We had a total team game going,” said Knights head coach Dale Hunter. “Our big guns came out and played really well and the young guys who came in and filled spots played really well too.”
 
The Knights opened the West Final with back-to-back 3-1 wins on home ice before the Spirit skated to a 6-2 victory in Game 3. The Knights came back strong, defeating Saginaw 7-3 on the road in Game 4 before the Spirit rallied to defeat London 4-2 at Budweiser Gardens in Game 5. The Knights sealed the deal on Sunday afternoon in mid-Michigan, capturing their eighth Wayne Gretzky Trophy in franchise history.
 
“I’m really proud of this team, they stuck with it,” said Easton Cowan. “We had guys in and out of the lineup. Everyone was playing different minutes. We had a really good team effort today and I’m really happy with how I played and how our guys played.”
 
The Knights have eliminated the Flint Firebirds, Kitchener Rangers and Saginaw Spirit and advance to the OHL Championship Series where they’ll face the winner of a Monday night Game 7 between the North Bay Battalion and host Oshawa Generals.
 
The Saginaw Spirit see their OHL playoff run come to an end as they turn their attention toward preparations for the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow that they’ll host starting May 24th.
 
The Spirit come off their most successful season in franchise history, playing to a record of 50-16-0-1 with 102 points. They bested the Owen Sound Attack and Soo Greyhounds before coming up short against London.
 
“I have nothing negative to say about our compete at all,” said Spirit head coach Chris Lazary. “I thought we played our hearts out. We hit a post late and could have tied the game there. We obviously didn’t see it ending today, but it’s not for lack of effort.
 
“It’s heartbreaking for the players, staff, fans, everybody,” Lazary continued. “This isn’t just the game of hockey for us, it’s our life. When you lose a game like that, if you’ve ever had everything put into one basket like that – it rips your heart out.
 
“Right now we’re just trying to catch our breath. The job’s not done. We’ve gotta come back and we’ll reset ourselves and we still have something here on the table to play for and the chance to end with this group as champions.”
 
The Wayne Gretzky Trophy was presented to Knights veterans Max McCue, Isaiah George and Jackson Edward by OHL Vice President Cole Butterworth. The Knights, who come off a fifth straight Midwest Division title this past season, claim the Wayne Gretzky Trophy following previous triumphs in 1999, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2023.

Follow along with the 2024 OHL Playoffs at ontariohockeyleague.com.

– Game Centre & Highlights
– London Knights Post-Game: Dale Hunter & Easton Cowan

25 CHL players earn gold as Canada defeats the United States at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
ESPOO, FINLAND – MAY 5: Team Canada poses for a group photo with the championship trophy after a 6-4 Gold Medal Game win against Team USA at the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Metro Arena on May 5, 2024 in Espoo, Finland. (Photo by André Ringuette/IIHF)

TORONTO, ON — Today, 25 CHL players proudly won gold as Team Canada topped the podium at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship by defeating the United States 6-4 in Sunday’s final in Espoo, Finland. The victory gave Canada its first gold medal at the IIHF U18 World Championship in three years. Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) scored a hat-trick and an assist in the Gold Medal game, while Tij Iginla (Kelowna Rockets / WHL) recorded three points (1G-2A) including the game-winning goal. Goaltender Carter George (Owen Sound Attack / OHL) was named Canada’s Player of the Game as he turned aside 31-of-35 shots against the United States.

Ultimately, Canada held a perfect 7-0 record during the tournament.

With 20 points (10G-10A) through seven games, 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna led all Canadian skaters at the event in both scoring and goals. McKenna’s 10 goals were the most of any player at the tournament and now stands as the most-ever by a Canadian at this event, beating the previous record of nine goals held by OHL alumnus Shane Wright. McKenna’s 20 points also established a new single-tournament record for points by a Canadian at the U18 World Championship by besting the previous mark of 15. 

2025 NHL Draft prospect Porter Martone (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL) finished the event with 17 points (5G-12A) in seven games. Having now accrued 23 points (8G-15A) in 14 career games at the IIHF U18 World Championships, Martone set a new career scoring record by a Canadian by surpassing WHL alumnus Connor Bedard’s previous record of 21 points.

In net, 2024 NHL Draft prospect Carter George was named the top goaltender of the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship. He finished the tournament with a 2.33 goals against average and a .915 save percentage, both of which ranked second among all goalies at the U18 World Championship. As of result of their excellent performances, George, Martone, and McKenna were all named to the tournament all-star team and they were identified as Canada’s top three players at the event on Saturday.

In total, 25 CHL players were a part of the gold medal-winning Canadian squad (see complete list below), including 13 players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), nine from the Western Hockey League (WHL), and three from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). 16 of the 25 players on Team Canada’s U18 roster were listed in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft, including Kelowna Rockets forward Tij Iginla (6G-6A in 7 GP), Chicoutimi Saguenéens forward Maxim Massé (2G-3A in 7 GP), and Ottawa 67’s defenceman Henry Mews (2G-5A in 7 GP).

Team Canada was led by former Saint John Sea Dogs bench boss and 2022 Memorial Cup champion Gardiner MacDougall who served as the squad’s head coach. He was joined on the bench by assistant coaches Travis Crickard (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) and Ryan Smith (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) along with goaltending coach Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL).

Since 2002, Canada has now won five gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021, 2024), in addition to one silver (2005) and four bronze (2012, 2014, 2015, 2023). In total, there were 38 players from the CHL who competed in the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship including eight with Czechia, three with Switzerland, and one with Latvia and Slovakia.

38 CHL PLAYERS PARTICIPATED IN THE 2024 IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Canada (25)
G – Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
G – Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
G – Carter George (Owen Sound Attack / OHL)
D – Frankie Marrelli (Ottawa 67’s / OHL)
D – Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s / OHL),
D – Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL)
D – Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL)
D – Harrison Brunicke (Kamloops Blazers / WHL)
D – Reese Hamilton (Calgary Hitmen / WHL)
D – Spencer Gill (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL)
F – Charlie Elick (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL)
F – Tij Iginla (Kelowna Rockets / WHL)
F – Ollie Josephson (Red Deer Rebels / WHL)
F – Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL)
F – Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL)
F – Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL)
F – Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters / OHL)
F – Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL)
F – Jett Luchanko (Guelph Storm / OHL)
F – Ryder Ritchie (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL)
F – Porter Martone (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
F – Carson Wetsch (Calgary Hitmen / WHL)
F – Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)
F – Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires / OHL)
F – Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts / OHL)

Czechia (8)
G – Jakub Milota (Cape Breton Eagles / QMJHL)
D – Jakub Fibigr (Mississauga Steelheads / OHL)
D – Ales Zielinski (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)
F – Maxmilian Curran (Tri-City Americans / WHL)
F – Samuel Drancak (Red Deer Rebels / WHL)
F – Adam Jecho (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL)
F – Matej Kubiesa (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL)
F – Adam Titlbach (Vancouver Giants / WHL)

Latvia (1)
D – Bruno Petrovics (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL)

Slovakia (1)
F – Ondrej Maruna (Charlottetown Islanders / QMJHL)

Switzerland (3)
F – Jordan Forget (Shawinigan Cataractes / QMJHL)
F – Kimi Körbler (Ottawa 67’s / OHL)
F – Yannik Ponzetto (Acadie-Bathurst Titan / QMJHL)

Dalyn Wakely – North Bay Battalion – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Dalyn Wakely of the North Bay Battalion. Luke Durda/OHL Images
HTWTDOBPOSSHOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
6’1”197Mar 5, 2003CR30th 2020116th N.A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2019-2020ETAHL U16Quinte Red Devils35304272
2021-2022OHLNorth Bay Battalion67201434
2022-2023OHLNorth Bay Battalion66301949
2023-2024OHLNorth Bay Battalion663965104

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?

That will be the determining factor.

Gabriel Frasca – Kingston Frontenacs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Gabriel Frasca of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by OHL Images.
HTWTDOBPOSSHOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
6’170Feb 18, 2006C/WL17th 202285th N.A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022GTHL U16Mississauga Senators28132235
2022-2023OHLKingston Frontenacs58151934
2022-2023WHC U17Canada Red2011
2023-2024OHLKingston Frontenacs44151732

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.

KNIGHTS’ COWAN AWARDED RED TILSON TROPHY AS OHL’S MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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.

STORM’S LUCHANKO RECEIVES WILLIAM HANLEY TROPHY AS OHL’S MOST SPORTSMANLIKE PLAYER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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 – Barrie Colts – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Riley Patterson of the Barrie Colts. Photo by OHL Images.
HTWTDOBPOSSHOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
6’194Mar 22, 2006CR57th 202261st N.A.CAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2019-2020SCTA U14Burlington Eagles32351348
2021-2022GTHL U16Mississauga Senators28181230
2022-2023OJHLNorth York Rangers52304373
2023-2024OHLBarrie Colts68293362

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.

SPIRIT’S PAREKH AWARDED MAX KAMINSKY TROPHY AS OHL DEFENCEMAN OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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 – London Knights – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Jared Woolley of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
6’4”214Feb 27, 2006DL105th 202273rd N.A.CANADA
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022ETAHL U16Quinte Red Devils2621113
2022-2023ETAHL U18Quinte Red Devils3651924
2023-2024GOJHLSt Thomas Stars1961521
2023-2024OHLLondon Knights37325

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.