OHL Writers

MCCOY AND GEORGE NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on November 20, 2023 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, November 19, 2023.

Petes’ Donovan McCoy Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Blueliner Donovan McCoy of the Peterborough Petes is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, five assists, and seven points over three contests as the Petes climbed to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

McCoy had a strong showing in North Bay on Thursday, registering the overtime winner to earn first star honours as the Petes defeated the Battalion 6-5. The 6-foot, 198lb. blueliner found the scoresheet again on Friday, tallying a pair of helpers in a 7-4 win over the Sudbury Wolves. McCoy closed out the week with a goal and three assists including his second overtime winner of the weekend on Sunday as the Petes completed a thrilling 5-0 comeback to defeat the Oshawa Generals 6-5.

A 19-year-old from Belleville, Ont., McCoy has recorded 14 points (3-11-14) through 19 outings this season as the Petes own a record of 12-3-3-1. The Petes captain was Peterborough’s first round (15th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection from the Quinte Red Devils U16 program. In 145 regular season games, McCoy has put up five goals, 38 assists and 43 points. Following his 10-point (2-8-10) playoff campaign to be crowed an OHL champion last season, McCoy attended rookie camp with the Calgary Flames as a free agent invite.

Also considered for the award this week, Peterborough teammate Jonathan Melee contributed four goals and four assists to the three road wins. Anaheim Ducks prospect Coulson Pitre of the Flint Firebirds was also productive, contributing five goals and an assist in three games last week.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

Attack’s Carter George Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Draft eligible Owen Sound Attack netminder Carter George is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, playing to a a 2-0 record with a 1.00 goals-against average, .966 save percentage and one shutout.

George helped backstop the Attack to a perfect weekend on the road, stopping all 26 shots he faced on Friday in Sarnia for his second shutout of the season. George earned first star honours as the Attack blanked the Sting 4-0. He returned to the crease on Saturday in Flint, turning aside 31 of the 33 shots that came his way in a 4-2 win over the Firebirds.

A 17-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ont., George holds a 7-6-2-0 record on the season, along with a 2.87 goals-against-average and .908 save percentage. The 6-foot-1, 182Ib. George played to a mark of 7-3-0-0 with a 2.41 goals-against average and .924 save percentage over 10 games in Owen Sound last year. George was Owen Sound’s third round (53rd overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Thunder Bay Kings U16 program and won a gold medal with Canada’s men’s national under-18 team this past summer at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Czechia and Slovakia. He was a B-rated prospect on NHL Central Scouting’s October players to watch list.

Also considered for the award this week, Matteo Drobac of the Brantford Bulldogs went 2-0 with 1.00 goals-against average and a .964 save percentage in road wins over Ottawa and Kingston. Andrew Oke of the Saginaw Spirit also went 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and .938 save percentage as the Spirit picked up wins in Erie and Niagara.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

BARKEY AND PARSONS NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on November 14, 2023 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, November 12, 2023

Knights’ Denver Barkey Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Philadelphia Flyers prospect Denver Barkey of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, five assists, and seven points as the Knights won all three of their games last week.

Barkey had a strong start to the week on Thursday, registering three assists as the Knights defeated the Windsor Spitfires in a high-scoring 10-7 road win. The 5-foot-9, 154lb. right-winger found the scoresheet again on Friday, tallying a pair of helpers along with the game-winning goal as London defeated the Owen Sound Attack 5-4 in overtime. Barkey closed out the Knights’ perfect weekend with his 11th goal of the season on Saturday as London blanked the Guelph Storm 4-0 at home.

An 18-year-old from Newmarket, Ont., Barkey ranks first among Knights point-producers, recording 11 goals, 15 assists, and 26 points over 18 games this season. Philadelphia’s third round (95th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft has recorded 100 points (40-60-100) in 132 career OHL regular season games with the Knights after being chosen 16th overall by the club in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. Barkey was a big part of London’s Western Conference title efforts last spring, producing 24 points (11-13–24) in 20 playoff games.

Also considered for the award this week, draft-eligible forward Liam Greentree of the Windsor Spitfires scored three times and added four assists in three appearances. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Luca Pinelli of the Ottawa 67’s was also productive, contributing a total of four goals and two helpers.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

Rangers’ Jackson Parsons Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Jackson Parsons of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, playing to a 3-0 record including two shutouts, with a 1.00 goals-against average, and .971 save percentage.

Stopping a total of 101 shots last week, Parsons turned aside all 30 that came his way on Wednesday as Kitchener blanked the Owen Sound Attack 5-0. The 6-foot-2, 202lb. netminder was back in the crease on Friday, turning aside all 39 shots he faced to earn first star honours and his second shutout of the weekend as the Rangers built on their win streak with a 4-0 win over the Peterborough Petes. Parsons closed out Kitchener’s perfect week on Sunday, stopping 32 of the 35 shots sent his way as the Rangers defeated the visiting Soo Greyhounds 5-3. Parsons’ shutout streak lasted a span of 181 minutes and 25 seconds.

Turning 19 later this month, Parsons, who is from Embrun, Ont., has come back strong from missing much of 2022-23 to injury, playing to a 10-4 record along with a 2.33 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and league-leading four shutouts so far this season. Selected in the third round (53rd overall) by Kitchener in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Parsons has appeared in 41 career regular season contests, recording a 3.38 goals-against average and .900 save percentage over three seasons.

Also considered for the award this week, Andrew Oke of the Saginaw Spirit went 3-0 with a 1.67 goals-against average and .940 save percentage as the Spirit ran their winning streak to five games. Sam Hillebrandt of the Barrie Colts continued his strong start to the season, going 2-0 with a 1.50 goals-against average and .955 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

KRESSLER AND OSTER NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on November 6, 2023 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, November 5, 2023.

Firebirds’ Braeden Kressler Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Braeden Kressler of the Flint Firebirds is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, five assists, and seven points over three contests as the Firebirds moved up to second place in the West Division.

Kressler had a strong showing on Wednesday, registering three helpers to earn second star honours as the Firebirds defeated the Owen Sound Attack 6-3. The 5-foot-9, 170lb. centreman found the scoresheet again on Friday, tallying a goal and an assist as the Firebirds fell to the Erie Otters in a 4-3 shootout loss. Kressler closed out the weekend with another goal and assist on Saturday in a 5-1 win over the Mississauga Steelheads. He won 54 percent of his faceoffs last week, and rides a current trend of six consecutive multi-point outings.

A 20-year-old from Kitchener, Ont., Kressler has recorded seven goals, 10 assists, and 17 points in 12 games played so far this season. Signed as a free-agent by the Toronto Maple Leafs after an impressive training camp in 2021, Kressler comes off a standout 2022-23 season, tallying 52 points (25-27-52) in 47 appearances with Flint. The overage forward was Flint’s second round (28th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Seattle Kraken prospect Carson Rehkopf of the Kitchener Rangers scored three times and added four assists in three appearances to boost his OHL scoring lead. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights also had a solid performance last week, tallying a pair of goals and four assists in three games.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)

Generals’ Jacob Oster Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, playing to a 2-1 record with a 2.34 goals-against average, and .944 save percentage.

Making 117 saves in three appearances last week, Oster had a strong showing on Thursday, stopping 48 of the 51 shots he faced, earning second star honours as the Generals fell to the Peterborough Petes 3-2. Back in the crease the following night, the Generals redeemed themselves against the Petes in overtime as Oster blocked 38 of the 40 shots that came his way to clinch a 3-2 victory on Friday. The 6-foot-3, 190lb. netminder closed out the weekend with a 31-save performance on Sunday as Oshawa bested the Brantford Bulldogs 6-2 at home.

A 19-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Oster has played to a 7-7 record this season, along with a 3.15 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage. Selected in the fifth round (92nd overall) by the Guelph Storm in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the veteran goaltender has appeared in 97 career regular season contests, recording a 3.59 goals-against average and .885 save percentage over three seasons.

Also considered for the award this week, Collin MacKenzie of the Ottawa 67’s went 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and .943 save percentage. Jackson Parsons of the Kitchener Rangers also found success, going 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and .931 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

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

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Matheas Stark of the Kitchener Rangers, Noah Bender of the Oshawa Generals, Ethan Czata of the Niagara IceDogs and Lukas Fischer of the Sarnia Sting have been named Academic Players of the Month for October proudly presented by Hockley Valley Resort.

East Division – Noah Bender (Oshawa Generals)

Oshawa Generals rookie netminder Noah Bender is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Bender is currently achieving an overall average of 92 percent across three university-level courses, with a 92 percent average in Advanced Functions, an 86 percent average in Canadian and International Law, and a 98 percent average in High Performance studies at Maxwell Heights Secondary School.

“Noah is described as a hard working, conscientious, and personable individual by his teachers, coaches, and teammates,” said Generals academic advisor Tom Buchanan.

The 17-year-old from Waterloo, Ont. has made two appearances for the Generals this season, making his OHL debut on Oct. 14th in Barrie. Bender was Oshawa’s 12th round (231st overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection before backstopping the PJHL’s Wellesley AppleJacks to a Schmalz Cup title last season as Ontario’s Junior C champions.

Central Division – Ethan Czata (Niagara IceDogs)

Niagara IceDogs rookie forward Ethan Czata is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Czata is currently holding an “A” average in three grade 11 university-level courses, including American History, Superfit, and Chemistry at Governor Simcoe Secondary School.

“Ethan is an excellent student. He is well respected by both staff and students and is sure to lead to IceDogs for years to come!”, said IceDogs academic advisor, Tim Tope.

The 16-year-old from Brampton, Ont. has played 11 games this season, recording two assists for Niagara. The 6-foot, 160Ib. centreman was selected fifth overall by the IceDogs in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. He’ll be competing for Team Canada White in the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, starting this week on Prince Edward Island.

Midwest Division – Matheas Stark (Kitchener Rangers)

Kitchener Rangers rookie forward Matheas Stark is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Stark is currently achieving outstanding grades in four university-level courses, including grade 11 English, American History, Chemistry, and Sport Analytics and Management at TPH Academy in partnership with Blyth Academy.

“In his first year with the Kitchener Rangers, Matheas has seamlessly transitioned into the team, making an impact both on and off the ice. His commitment to excel is undeniable, and it is this very trait that makes him the perfect candidate for Academic Player of the Month,” said Rangers academic advisor Dave Tennant.

“Academically, Matheas has exhibited dedication and discipline. Maintaining an impressive “A” average while juggling a demanding academic load is no small feat. With a schedule that includes four challenging University-level courses, Matheas not only meets the academic bar but raises it,” Tennant added. “His work in the classroom is a testament to his focus and commitment to academic success. On the ice, he exudes the same qualities that make him a great student-athlete. His dedication to success and his ability to inspire and lead his peers set the perfect example for all aspiring student-athletes.”

Stark was selected in the third round (47th overall) by Kitchener in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros U16 program, and has recorded one goal in six games with the Rangers this season.

West Division – Lukas Fischer (Sarnia Sting)

Sarnia Sting blueliner Lukas Fischer is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Fischer is currently achieving high grades in Mathematics, English, Earth Science, Health and Nutrition, and Chemistry through a combination of online studies and time at Northern Collegiate Institute & Vocational School in Sarnia.

“Lukas brings a positive and respectful attitude to Northern Collegiate daily, as well as maturity and insight. There is little doubt that he will continue to excel and develop both as a student and as an athlete during his time with the Sting,” said Sting academic advisor Todd Whitlock.

The 6-foot-3, 170lb. defenceman enters his second season with the Sting, recording two goals, six assists, and eight points over 13 games played this season. Fischer was Sarnia’s 11th round (208th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection and was recently included as a ‘B’ rated skater on NHL Central Scouting’s October players to watch list for the 2024 NHL Draft.

The OHL continues to produce student-athletes that move on to both professional and U SPORTS men’s hockey endeavors.

A total of 333 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2022-23 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.6 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totaled more than $25 million.

A total of 228 OHL Alumni were included on U SPORTS men’s hockey rosters to open the 2023-24 season.

Click here for more information about ‘OHL Players First’ programs.

About Hockley Valley Resort
Hockley Valley Resort is a premier year-round destination, nestled in the heart of Ontario’s scenic countryside just 45 minutes from Toronto. Offering 108 guest rooms, extensive meeting facilities, full-service spa, championship golf course, ski runs and terrain park, and 10 kilometers of mountain biking trails, the resort caters to the diverse needs of both leisure and corporate guests. With a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and creating unforgettable memories, Hockley Valley Resort offers its guests a welcoming, natural setting, ensuring a memorable stay.

Adamo Estate Winery, sister property to Hockley Valley Resort offers a delightful escape for wine enthusiasts, featuring exceptional wines crafted with attention to detail and a picturesque vineyard setting. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings, guided tours, and special events, immersing themselves in the artistry of winemaking in this emerging wine region of Mono, Ontario.

OHL’s Draft Eligible Statistical Leaders October

Posted on October 31, 2023 by Dominic Tiano

The first month of the Ontario Hockey League season is in the books and it’s time to look at some of the statistical leaders among players eligible for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

Just like we did in our Player of the Month article, at your request we have included all the players eligible for the NHL Entry Draft. As a reminder, players born between January 1, 2004 and September 15, 2006 are eligible for the draft. Players born between September 16, 2005 and September 15, 2006 are first time draft eligible while all the others are draft re-entries.

We are tracking 211 players and goaltenders and do our best to provide accurate stats. But they are not official. Always refer to the OHL’s website for official stats.

Here is the leader board after the first month of the season:

Points Leaders
Player	Team	GP	G	A	Pts
Adrian Misaljevic	Kitchener	13	10	10	20
Luke Misa	Mississauga	13	6	14	20
Anthony Romani	North Bay	13	10	9	19
Dalyn Wakely	North Bay	13	5	14	19
Liam Greentree	Windsor	12	8	9	17
Owen Van Steensel	North Bay	13	8	8	16
Jacob LeBlanc	Sarnia	13	2	13	15
Andrew LeBlanc	Sarnia	13	5	9	14
Tyson Doucette	Sarnia	13	8	5	13
Beau Jelsma	Barrie	12	5	8	13
Goal Scoring Leaders
Player	Team		GP	G	GPG
Adrian Misaljevic	Kitchener		13	10	0.77
Anthony Romani	North Bay		13	10	0.77
Liam Greentree	Windsor		12	8	0.67
Owen Van Steensel	North Bay		13	8	0.62
Tyson Doucette	Sarnia		13	8	0.62
Justin Cloutier	Soo Greyhounds		14	7	0.50
Matthew Buckley	Oshawa		12	7	0.58
Zach Filak	Sarnia		13	7	0.54
Luke Misa	Mississauga		13	7	0.54
Sam Alfano	Erie		13	6	0.46
Assist Leaders
Player	Team		GP	A	APG
Luke Misa	Mississauga		13	14	1.08
Dalyn Wakely	North Bay		13	14	1.08
Jacob LeBlanc	Sarnia		13	13	1.00
Marco Mignosa	Soo Greyhounds		14	11	0.79
Adrian Misaljevic	Kitchener		13	10	0.77
Zayne Parekh	Saginaw		11	10	0.91
Anthony Romani	North Bay		13	9	0.69
Liam Greentree	Windsor		12	9	0.75
Andrew LeBlanc	Sarnia		13	9	0.69
Beckett Sennecke	Oshawa		12	9	0.75
Defencemen Point Leaders
Player	Team	GP	G	A	Pts
Jacob LeBlanc	Sarnia	13	2	13	15
Zayne Parekh	Saginaw	11	2	10	12
Jakub Fibigr	Mississauga	13	2	9	11
Sam Dickinson	London	12	3	7	10
Mitch Young	Sarnia	13	3	6	9
Anthony Cristoforo	Windsor	12	1	8	9
Alexis Daviault	Erie	13	1	8	9
Luca D’Amato	Oshawa	12	3	5	8
Lukas Fischer	Sarnia	13	2	6	8
Luca Marrelli	Oshawa	12	1	7	8
Goaltenders Leaders – Goals Against Average
Player	Team	GP	Min	GA	Avg
Brayden Gillespie	Guelph	10	594	20	2.02
Carter George	Owen Sound	10	550	20	2.18
Sam Hillebrandt	Barrie	6	355	13	2.20
Andrew Oke	Saginaw	6	336	15	2.68
Collin MacKenzie	Ottawa	7	397	18	2.72
Goaltending Leaders – Save Percentage
Player	Team	GP	SH	SVS	SV%
Brayden Gillespie	Guelph	10	293	273	0.932
Carter George	Owen Sound	10	282	262	0.929
Sam Hillebrandt	Barrie	6	175	162	0.926
Liam Sztuska	Peterborough	8	316	292	0.924
Ryerson Leenders	Mississauga	10	326	300	0.920

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Players of the Month: October

Posted on October 31, 2023 by Dominic Tiano

Last season we began doing this feature a little differently than previous seasons. We began doing a draft eligible forward, defenceman and goaltender of the month as opposed to just one that stood out. Fans responded to the change with plenty of positive feedback, so we are doing it again this season.

We are also now doing all players eligible for the NHL Entry Draft as opposed to first time draft eligible players. As a reminder, players born between January 1, 2004 and September 15, 2006 are eligible for the draft. Players born between September 16, 2005 and September 15, 2006 are first time draft eligible while all the others are draft re-entries.

Draft Eligible Forward of the Month – Adrian Misaljevic – Kitchener Rangers

Misaljevic was a free agent signing by the Rangers back in 2021 after being passed over in the OHL Priority Selection. He was first eligible for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and has been passed over. He has already surpassed his career highs of 4 goals and 7 assists a season ago with 10 goals and 10 assists in just 13 games. He sits tied on the leader board among draft eligible players in goals and assists. The 5’11”, 154-pound right wing produce in bunches and will continue to be an offensive threat for the Rangers.

Also considered was Mississauga Steelheads forward Luke Misa. Misa had 6 goals and 14 assists in 13 games. With a November, 2005 birthdate, Misa is eligible for the NHL Entry Draft for the first time in 2024.

Draft Eligible Defenceman of the Month – Jacob LeBlanc – Sarnia Sting

After being acquires from the Niagara Ice Dogs (and previously the Kitchener Rangers) LeBlanc (along with his brother) have found a comfortable home with the Sting. LeBlanc led all draft eligible defenceman in assists (13) and points (15) to go along with 2 goals in October. He is also just 1 point shy of leading the Sting in scoring as a defenceman. The right shooting 6’1” blueliner has a June 2004 birthdate, making this his third NHL Entry Draft.

Also considered was Saginaw Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh. He took the OHL by storm last season and has picked up where he left off with 2 goals and 10 assists in 11 games during October. With a 2006 birthdate, this will be his first NHL Entry Draft where he could be a top-10 pick.

Draft Eligible Goaltender of the Month – Brayden Gillespie – Guelph Storm

This wasn’t an easy choice but we went with Gillespie here – who was also named OHL Goaltender of the Month today. Gillespie led all goaltenders in goals against average (2.02), save percentage (.932), third in games played (10) and fifth in minutes (594) and sixth in shots against (594). With a July 2005 birthdate, this will be Gillespie’s second NHL Entry Draft.

Also considered was Owen Sound Attack netminder Carter George who today was named the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for October. Among all OHL goaltenders, George trails only Gillespie in goals against average (2.18) and save percentage (.929). George has a June 2006 birthdate and is eligible for the NHL Entry Draft for the first time in 2024.

CHL Top-10 Rankings: Halifax rises to No.1, while Moncton enters the Top-10 at No. 10

Posted on October 31, 2023 by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced today the Week 5 edition of its CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2023-24 season.

As just one of six clubs in the CHL to have attained 10 wins this season, the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) moved into top spot for the first time this season. Right behind them is the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League (WHL), who jumped up five spots to No. 2 following a week that saw them net two wins against teams ranked in the CHL Top-10. Rounding out the top three was the Prince George Cougars of the WHL, who sit tied atop the WHL standings and continue to lead the CHL with 74 goals this season.

Having won all three of their games this past week, the QMJHL-leading Baie-Comeau Drakkar advanced to No.8, while the Moncton Wildcats, who trail only Baie-Comeau in the QMJHL standings, are making their Top-10 debut in tenth.

The next rankings will be released the week of November 6, following the sixth week of regular season action in all three member leagues of the CHL

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

Posted on October 31, 2023 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced top performers of the month for October, including a small number of games played in September to begin the 2023-24 regular season.

Player of the Month – Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Seattle Kraken prospect Carson Rehkopf of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL Player of the Month for October, leading the league with 14 goals over 13 games to go with nine assists for 23 points along with a plus/minus rating of plus-10. Rehkopf led the OHL with 62 shots on goal and three game-winning goals. He produced points in 11 of his 13 outings, including consecutive four-point showings on Oct. 13th and 15th. He lit the lamp for a third period natural hat trick in the Rangers’ 8-0 win over the Barrie Colts.

An 18-year-old from Vaughan, Ont., Rehkopf comes-off a 30-goal season in 2022-23 and has produced 62 goals, 53 assists and 115 points in 146 career regular season games with Kitchener since being the Rangers’ first round (17th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. The 6-foot-1, 195Ib. forward was Seattle’s second round (50th overall) pick last summer.

Defenceman of the Month – Hunter Brzustewicz (Kitchener Rangers)
Vancouver Canucks prospect Hunter Brzustewicz of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL Defenceman of the Month, leading the league with 25 points including five goals and 20 assists over 13 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-11. Brzustewicz rides a current 12-game point streak into the month of November, registering a four-assist showing on Sept. 30th in Flint along with a total of five three-point efforts in the opening month of the season.

Turning 19 on November 29th, Brzustewicz, who hails from Washington, Michigan, is in his second OHL season after registering 57 points (6-51–57) over 68 games last season. The 6-foot, 188Ib. right-shot defender was Vancouver’s third round (75th overall) pick this past summer. The Rangers acquired Brzustewicz from the Barrie Colts on Jan. 9, 2022 after he was originally Barrie’s fourth round (69th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

Goaltender of the Month – Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Brayden Gillespie of the Guelph Storm is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for October, playing to a 7-3 record with a league-leading 2.02 goals-against average and .932 save percentage along with one shutout. Gillespie posted a 33-save shutout on Oct. 6th against Erie and also factored prominently in victories on Oct. 26th with 34 saves in North Bay and Oct. 29th with 30 saves against Ottawa.

An 18-year-old from Oakville, Ont., Gillespie went 13-6-2-1 with Guelph over 25 games last season after starting the year with the GOJHL’s Ayr Centennials. The 5-foot-11, 155Ib. netminder was the Storm’s 11th round (207th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this month, draft eligible netminder Ryerson Leenders went 8-2 with a 2.72 goals-against average and .920 save percentage over 10 games, posting a pair of shutouts for the first place Mississauga Steelheads.

Rookie of the Month – Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Draft eligible Owen Sound Attack netminder Carter George is the OHL Rookie of the Month for October, playing to a 5-2-1-0 record with a 2.18 goals-against average, .929 save percentage and one shutout. George posted his first career OHL clean sheet on Oct. 14th in Sault Ste. Marie, making 34 saves as the Attack defeated the Greyhounds 4-0. All five of George’s October victories featured at least 29 saves, headlined by a pair of first star performances.

A 17-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ont., George maintains designated rookie status in the OHL this season as a result of playing in just 10 games last year when he went 7-3 with a 2.41 goals-against average with a .924 save percentage, splitting time between the Bears and the GOJHL’s St. Marys Lincolns. George backstopped Canada’s national men’s under-18 team to gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this past summer. He was recently listed as a ‘B’ rated goaltender on NHL Central Scouting’s October players to watch list. He was Owen Sound’s third round (53rd overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for recognition this month, draft eligible Mississauga Steelheads defender Jakub Fibigr led OHL rookies with 11 points (2-9–11) in 13 games from the blueline.

KUDRYAVTSEV AND HILLEBRANDT NAMEDOHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on October 30, 2023 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, October 29, 2023.

Greyhounds’ Kirill Kudryavtsev Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Vancouver Canucks prospect Kirill Kudryavtsev of the Soo Greyhounds is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, scoring two goals and four assists while registering a plus-4 rating in three games.

Starting off the week with a point on Wednesday, Kudryatsev tallied an assist as the Greyhounds fell 6-3 to the Flint Firebirds at home. Helping the Hounds bounce back on Friday night, the 6-foot, 202lb. blueliner went on to win first star honours, tallying a goal and an assist in a 5-4 win over the Saginaw Spirit. Kudryatsev would again receive first star honours on Saturday, recording the overtime winner along with a pair of helpers as the Greyhounds defeated the Firebirds 6-5 to climb to second place in the Western Conference standings.

The 19-year-old blueliner ranks fourth among OHL defencemen, recording three goals,12 assists, and 15 points over 14 games this season. Vancouver’s seventh round (208th overall) pick in the 2022 NHL Draft has recorded 104 points (16-88–104) in 149 career OHL regular season games with the Greyhounds after being chosen sixth overall by the club in the 2021 CHL Import Draft. Kudryavtsev signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with Vancouver on Mar. 10, 2023.

Also considered for the award this week, 2024 NHL Draft prospect Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm recorded a pair of goals and four assists in three games played. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Braeden Kressler of the Flint Firebirds was also a big contributor, tallying three goals and three assists, along with a plus-5 rating over three games.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

Colts’ Sam Hillebrandt Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Sam Hillebrandt of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Goaltender of the Week following a pair of wins with a 1.00 goals-against average and .971 save percentage.

Stopping a total of 67 shots last week, Hillebrandt turned aside 34 of the 35 attempts that came his way on Friday as Barrie defeated the first place Mississauga Steelheads 6-1. The 6-foot-1, 166lb. netminder was back in the crease on Saturday, stopping 33 of the 34 shots he faced to earn first star honours in a 5-1 win over the Brantford Bulldogs as the Colts improved to 6-6-0-0 on the season.

An 18-year-old from Riverview, Florida., Hillebrandt owns a season mark of 4-2-0-0, posting a 2.20 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. Originally hailing from Michigan, Hillebrandt played in the Detroit Little Caesars AAA program before moving to Florida. The Colts signed Hillebrandt as a free agent ahead of the 2022 season after spending the 2021-22 season with the Florida Alliance North 16U organization.

Also in the running for the award this week, Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack played to a 2-0 record, with a 2.50 goals-against average, and .925 save percentage. Last year’s recipient, Brayden Gillespie of the Guelph Storm, played to a 2-1 mark with a 2.35 goals-against average and .929 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

42 CHL Players named to Team Canada rosters for 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Dominic Tiano

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