Kevin He of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’
182
Apr 30, 2006
LW
L
25th, 2022
78th N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
GTHL U16
North York U16
16
13
12
25
2022-2023
OHL
Niagara IceDogs
66
21
13
34
2023-2024
OHL
Niagara IceDogs
64
31
22
53
Kevin He is the lone Niagara IceDogs player on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, but that doesn’t imply a talent deficiency on the team. The IceDogs have several promising young players, yet the constant roster turnover and turmoil in Niagara likely make it challenging for budding talent to gain stability and develop.
Primarily a goal scorer, he boasts an excellent shot that allows him to beat goaltenders with precision and skill. However, questions remain about his decision-making in the offensive zone – does he lack hockey IQ, or is the dearth of talented teammates limiting his ability to find them with passes? At times he either skates into defensive coverage or struggles to distribute the puck effectively.
Despite his average frame that needs more filling out, his relentless energy, physical play, and ability to frustrate opponents will impress. He excels on the forecheck, accelerating to deliver hits. Willing to absorb contact, he sacrifices his body to make plays.
Ranking He is so challenging because it is hard to determine how much of his performance depends on his own abilities versus the conditions under which he competes.
Luca Marrelli of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’2”
183
Oct 4, 2005
D
R
81st 2021
46th N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2020-2021
DID NOT PLAY
2021-2022
OHL
Oshawa Generals
62
0
12
12
2022-2023
OHL
Oshawa Generals
58
5
23
28
2023-2023
OHL
Oshawa Generals
67
6
51
57
Marrelli’s game relies on making smart, decisive, and proper plays at both ends of the ice, largely due to his high hockey IQ. Combined with his size, mobility, vision, creativity, and right-handed shot, he is sure to attract ample interest.
The OHL has a few highly-touted defensemen expected to be selected early in the NHL draft, but Marrelli may stand out as the top defender at maintaining offensive zone possession. When holding the blue line, he stays composed, rapidly reads the unfolding play with superb vision, and executes skilled passes.
His high hockey IQ benefits him in the defensive zone too. He reads plays well, anticipates movements adeptly, and blocks passing lanes to disrupt opponents. Quick to retrieve the puck, he’s even quicker at initiating the transition game with crisp outlet passes.
Marrelli, a late birth-date, has already played three full seasons in the OHL, giving him significantly more experience than others in his draft class. As a result, he is further along in his development. In my view, he is a third-round pick in the upcoming draft, as his third OHL season demonstrates his versatility but lack of elite skills in any single area.
Jacob Battaglia of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Tim Cornett, OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’
203
Mar 17, 2006
RW
L
27th, 2022
42nd, N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
GTHL U16
Toronto Jr Canadiens
57
37
55
92
2022-2023
OHL
Kingston
66
7
20
27
2023-2023
OHL
Kingston
67
31
34
65
The eventual draft position of Jacob Battaglia in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft remains a mystery, with many unanswered questions but plenty of intrigue surrounding this prospect.
Battaglia is a versatile winger with both playmaking and scoring abilities. His hockey intelligence allows him to survey the ice and create smart plays. Equally skilled at finishing or setting up goals, Battaglia leverages his size and strength to maintain possession. While driving the net, he also finds open ice to get into scoring position. He is equally adept at ding the same to find teammates.
Battaglia’s skating, specifically his speed in both first steps and top-end acceleration, is an area of concern that could cause him to drop in the draft. However, he demonstrates strength and balance on his skates, making it hard to knock him off the puck.
While Battaglia shows flashes of physicality and toughness along the boards, he does not consistently play the body and engage in physical battles, an area we’d like to see more consistency.
Battaglia has the talent to be one of the top 10-12 players drafted from the OHL, but questions remain about how his skating ability may impact his draft position.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Brantford Bulldogs forward Jake O’Brien is the 2023-24 recipient of the Emms Family Award, presented annually to the OHL Rookie of the Year as voted by the league’s General Managers.
O’Brien led OHL rookies with 51 assists and 64 points over 61 games, surpassing Matthew Strome and Arthur Kaliyev to set a pair of new Bulldogs all-time rookie marks. His 51 assists are the most by an OHL rookie in his first year of eligibility since Sarnia’s Alex Galchenyuk registered 52 in 2010-11.
“It’s an honour to be voted OHL Rookie of the Year. This award symbolizes an incredible amount of work put in and support to make the transition from AAA to the OHL,” said O’Brien. “I want to say thank you to my coaches for their guidance and belief in me and to my teammates for pushing me to be a better player every day.
“I also want to thank my family for their constant support and encouragement. This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
O’Brien’s impressive season also saw him lead OHL rookies in power play goals (8), power play assists (19) and game-winning goals (4). Additionally, O’Brien was the East Division Academic Player of the Month in January after being the league’s Rookie of the Month in December.
“Jake has more than exceeded expectations as a 16-year-old rookie,” said Bulldogs Head Coach Jay McKee. “While his amazing point production stands out, his strengths go well beyond the goals and assists he earned this season. Jake’s commitment to a two-way game, his compete level and the leadership qualities he has shown are well beyond his years.”
A 6-foot-1, 165Ib. centreman from Toronto, Ont., O’Brien was chosen by the Bulldogs with their first round (8th overall) pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection after he guided the Toronto Jr. Canadiens to an OHL Cup championship, being named tournament MVP following a 17-point (7-10—17) output over seven games. He competed in the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in November, representing Canada Red. O’Brien will be eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft.
O’Brien is the first player in Bulldogs history to win the award. He follows other recent winners in Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa (2022-23), Guelph Storm defenceman Cam Allen (2021-22) and Kingston Frontenacs forward Shane Wright (2019-20).
The Emms Family Award was donated by Leighton “Hap” Emms, former owner of the Barrie, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines OHL franchises. The award is selected by all 20 member team General Managers. Teams were asked to submit only one nominee from their own club for consideration on the ballot and were not permitted to vote for the player from their own hockey club.
O’Brien finished as the front-runner in the award voting process followed by goaltender Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack who placed second.
O’Brien is the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony happening at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow that takes place from May 24th through June 2nd in Saginaw, Michigan. O’Brien will be formally presented with the Emms Family Award 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.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the schedule of games for the 2024 OHL Eastern Conference Championship Series for the Bobby Orr Trophy between the Oshawa Generals and the North Bay Battalion.
The Eastern Conference’s first place Generals advanced to the third round of the playoffs following a four-game sweep of the Ottawa 67’s that wrapped-up on Thursday in the nation’s capital. The Generals eliminated the Barrie Colts in the opening round of the OHL Playoffs following a 40-19-7-2 regular season.
The North Bay Battalion are into the Eastern Conference Championship Series for a third straight year, defeating the Sudbury Wolves 5-0 in Game 4 of their second-round affair on Thursday. The Battalion bested the Kingston Frontenacs in five games to open the postseason following a third straight Central Division title with a 39-20-7-2 record during the regular season.
The Battalion and the Generals meet in the playoffs for the third time since the Troops arrived in North Bay following prior encounters in 2014 and 2015. North Bay last won the Bobby Orr Trophy in 2014, eliminating Oshawa in four Eastern Conference Championship Series games before falling to the Guelph Storm in the OHL Final. Oshawa’s last Bobby Orr Trophy came in 2015 after they eliminated North Bay in a six-game East Final before moving on to capture the OHL title over the Erie Otters.
Eastern Conference Championship Series Schedule: Game 1 – Friday, April 26 at Oshawa, 7:35pm Game 2 – Sunday, April 28 at Oshawa, 6:05pm Game 3 – Monday, April 29 at North Bay, 7:00pm Game 4 – Wednesday, May 1 at North Bay, 7:00pm Game 5 – Friday, May 3 at Oshawa, 7:35pm* Game 6 – Sunday, May 5 at North Bay, 2:00pm* Game 7 – Monday, May 6 at Oshawa, 7:05pm* *- if necessary
Watch the entire series, wherever you are on OHL Live! Streaming packages are now on sale at ohllive.com.
Sam O’Reilly of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’1”
180
Mar 30, 2006
C/RW
R
37th, 2022
24th, N.A.
CAN
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
GTHL U16
Vaughan Kings
32
17
17
34
2022-2023
GOJHL
London Nationals
35
26
37
63
2022-2023
OHL
London Knights
5
0
0
0
2023-2024
OHL
London Knights
68
20
36
56
Sam O’Reilly has shown significant progress over the course of the season, defying expectations with his notable development. Though his statistical output barely changed from the first half to the second half, his play markedly improved.
Though O’Reilly’s skating mechanics lack refinement, he can still gain sufficient speed to take on opponents one-on-one. Developing more agility and lateral mobility on his skates would further enhance his game.
O’Reilly has an exceptional work ethic and tireless drive. He strives relentlessly on offense to reach the net, forecheck tenaciously, and engage physically when needed. Moreover, he applies the same diligent effort in the neutral and defensive zones.
With his keen hockey sense, excellent anticipation, and ability to visualize plays in advance, he leverages his vision and playmaking talents to create prime scoring chances for his teammates.
O’Reilly lacks a powerful shot to beat NHL goalies, so he scores by going to the high-traffic areas of the ice. Though he can drive his line at lower levels, he’ll struggle to do so in the NHL. Instead, he profiles as a complementary piece who complements scorers, rather than leading the attack himself. This secondary scoring role still provides value, as depth scoring is crucial.
London drew significant attention this season, with scouts closely evaluating his teammate Sam Dickinson, projected as a top-10 pick in June. Numerous scouts came away impressed not just with Dickinson, but also with O’Reilly’s performance.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today conducted the eighth annual OHL Under-18 Priority Selection for U18 AAA hockey players in Ontario.
Eligibility for the 2024 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection included all U18 players (2006 and 2007 birth years) not currently on an OHL Member Team Protected List who were carded with an Ontario based U18 AAA Hockey Club or an accredited Hockey Canada sport school within the Ontario Hockey Federation, Hockey Eastern Ontario or Hockey Northwestern Ontario in the current season.
A total of 55 players were selected from 31 different teams and included 27 forwards, 13 defencemen and 15 goaltenders. 53 of the 55 players selected were born in 2007.
“Congratulations to all 55 players selected tonight,” said OHL Director of Player Recruitment and Player Services Brodie Barrick. “The Under-18 Priority Selection has provided the OHL with a number of quality players since its inception in 2017, and it presents another opportunity for prospects to further their development and showcase themselves in an effort to become the best player they can be. Enjoy celebrating with your families and the people who have helped you achieve this great accomplishment.”
Winners of the OHL Priority Selection Draft Lottery back on March 27, the Windsor Spitfires used the first overall selection to take 6-foot-1 Halton Hurricanes goaltender Michael Newlove. He becomes the first goaltender to be chosen with the first overall pick since the Kingston Frontenacs selected Aidan Spooner in 2019.
The Sarnia Sting selected Don Mills Flyers defenceman Jonathan Kapageridis with the second overall choice. The Peterborough Petes followed at third, selecting Ottawa Jr. 67’s left-winger Dylan Turcotte.
All OHL member teams were required to draft a minimum of two players, however to enhance opportunities specifically for goaltenders, clubs selecting a goaltender with one of their selections had the option to select another player (skater only) in a third round.
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) led the way with 16 players selected followed by the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) with 13 and Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) with 12. The Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario developed nine selections, independent school hockey programs developed three and the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) saw two players chosen.
The HEO’s Ottawa Myers Automotive program developed the most players selected with seven being taken off their roster. The OMHA’s Halton Hurricanes and ALLIANCE’s Waterloo Wolves trailed with four each respectively.
The OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was conducted in partnership with RinkNet as picks were submitted online by OHL member clubs and displayed in real time at ontariohockeyleague.com. The selections were also streamed live on OHL Live.
Announced in January 2017, the concept of the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO).
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Derek Laxdal of the Oshawa Generals is the recipient of the Matt Leyden Trophy awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year.
Completing his second season as Head Coach in Oshawa, Laxdal guided the Generals to an exciting finish to the regular season as they rode a 12-game winning streak to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, securing the first seed on the final weekend of the schedule. The Generals played to an Eastern Conference-leading 25-6-4-1 record following the turn of the calendar on January 1st, finishing the 68-game campaign with an overall record of 40-19-7-2.
“To be recognized by your peers is very rewarding not only for me but for the entire organization,” said Laxdal of the honour. “This is truly a reflection of the work of the coaching staff, Steve O’Rourke, Mike Farrugia, Austin Washkurak and the players.
“I would like to thank our Owner Rocco Tullio for the opportunity to coach a team with such a rich tradition, and I would also like to acknowledge General Manager Roger Hunt and the scouting staff for the countless hours spent assembling this talented group of players. The players have grown from day one last year, buying into the culture and playing for each other, day in and day out. It has been very rewarding watching these young men continue to develop on and off the ice daily.
“I’d also like to extend thanks to my wife Hali and daughters Jessica and Jaime for their incredible support.”
Oshawa surrendered an Eastern Conference-low 204 goals-against, backstopped by the goaltending tandem of Jacob Oster and Noah Bender along with reliable names on the blue line such as Dallas Stars prospect Connor Punnett, veteran Luca D’Amato and draft eligibles Luca Marrelli and Ben Danford.
The Generals have seen the rapid development of 6-foot-7 New York Rangers prospect Dylan Roobroeck under Laxdal’s guidance as he joins other prominent forwards in Colorado Avalanche first round pick Calum Ritchie, overage captain Stuart Rolofs and former OHL champion Connor Lockhart in leading the Oshawa attack.
“We are extremely happy for Derek and the entire coaching staff,” said Generals’ President and Governor Rocco Tullio. “They work extremely hard and put in long days so our players can have success both on and off the ice. The development of our players and the success of our team is a direct result of the passion Derek and our coaching staff have for the game of hockey. There is no one more deserving of this award and we could not be more proud and happy for Derek and our team for this prestigious award.”
Originally from Stonewall, Manitoba, Laxdal boasts a lengthy coaching resume that includes a pair of WHL championships as head coach of the Edmonton Oil Kings from 2010-14, capping his tenure there by hoisting the Memorial Cup. He’s also served as an assistant coach of the NHL’s Dallas Stars from 2019-22 along with head coaching assignments with the AHL’s Texas Stars (2014-20), ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads (2005-10) where he won a Kelly Cup title in 2007, as well as with the CHL’s Wichita Thunder (2002-05). On the ice, Laxdal played 67 career NHL contests between the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders between 1984-91 as part of a lengthy professional career. A right-winger, his junior career was spent between the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, Brandon Wheat Kings and New Westminster Bruins as he was an eighth round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1984. Laxdal represented Canada’s National Junior Team in 1986.
Laxdal finished as the front-runner for this year’s award while colleague Jay McKee of the Brantford Bulldogs finished second in the voting process.
The Matt Leyden Trophy has been awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year as selected by his peers since 1972. The award is in recognition of the contributions of Matt Leyden, past president of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1965-67, and former manager of the Oshawa Generals who spent more than 50 years with the team.
Laxdal joins other past Generals coaches in DJ Smith (2013-14), Paul Theriault (1986-87), Bill White (1977-78) and inaugural winner Gus Bodnar (1971-72) as the fifth coach in franchise history to win the Matt Leyden Trophy.
Laxdal will be the OHL’s nominee for the Brian Kilrea Canadian Hockey League Coach of the Year Award which will be presented at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Kia, set to take place in Saginaw, Michigan from May 24th through June 2nd. Laxdal will be formally presented with the Matt Leyden Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
Jakub Fibigr of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by OHL Images.
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SHOOTS
IMPORT DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’
171
July 22, 2006
D
L
16th, 2023
52nd, N.A.
CZECH
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
Czech U17
Viktovice
36
10
18
28
2022-2023
Czech U20
Viktovice
43
2
12
14
2023-2024
Hlinka/ Gretzky
Czechia
5
1
1
2
2023-2024
OHL
Mississauga
61
7
36
43
Jakub Fibigr played for the Czechia team at the 2023 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, where they won the silver medal. Soon after, the Mississauga Steelheads signed Fibigr, whom they had selected 16th overall in the CHL Import Draft earlier that July.
The puck moving defenceman was just what the doctor ordered for the Steelheads and he did not disappoint.
Fibigr is an excellent skater who combines straight-ahead speed with agility and lateral mobility. These assets allow him to keep offensive plays alive at the blueline by maneuvering around defenders. He can also jump into the play or lead the rush by carrying the puck up ice himself. Fibigr further utilizes his vision and playmaking skills to generate scoring chances for his teammates.
His strong skating skills give him the confidence to take risks and break up plays in the neutral zone. In the defensive zone, he maintains tight gaps on opponents and forces them to the perimeter. Belying his average size, he plays a surprisingly physical game, quickly retrieving pucks and igniting the transition game with either his skating or crisp outlet passes.
His strong work ethic and intense competitive spirit are also surprising traits. Playing on the international stage and against older opponents at different stages has provided valuable developmental experience.
Toronto, Ont. – The 8th annual OHL Under-18 Priority Selection is set to commence at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 17th where no fewer than 40 players born in 2006 and 2007 will be chosen from Under-18 AAA programs from across the province.
The Under-18 Priority Selection will be held entirely online, and streaming for free on OHL Live. Follow along with pick-by-pick results here at ontariohockeyleague.com.
Here’s everything you need to know about the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection:
History:
The concept for the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed in 2017 with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), to assist in the growth of U18 AAA hockey and provide further opportunities for players at different stages of their hockey development.
Past and Present OHL U18 Draft Picks to play in the OHL:
All U18 players not currently on a CHL Member Team Protected List who were carded with an Ontario-based U18 AAA Hockey Club or an accredited Hockey Canada sport school within the OHF, HNO or HEO in the 2023-24 playing season are eligible for the U18 Priority Selection.
Selection Procedure:
The Under-18 Priority Selection Process is capped at two rounds with each OHL Member Team required to select two players.
The OHL’s four non-playoff teams, the Niagara IceDogs, Windsor Spitfires, Peterborough Petes and Sarnia Sting, participated in a Priority Selection Lottery on March 27 to determine the order of selection for picks 1-through-4. The remaining order of selection is determined by inverse order of finish in the OHL regular season standings.
The Windsor Spitfires will select first overall in 2024, followed by the Sarnia Sting, Peterborough Petes and Niagara IceDogs.
Goaltender Policy:
Should a Member Team select a goalie with one of their two selections, the Club has the option to select another player (skater only). There will be an additional round added to the Under-18 Priority Selection to facilitate the drafting of the additional skater utilizing the same selection order and process.
General Rules of Selection:
OHL Member Teams may utilize a maximum of five minutes to select a player through the duration of the Under-18 Priority Selection.
Each OHL Member Team will have the opportunity for one two minute timeout during the Under-18 Priority Selection.
OHL Writers 