Hunter Brzustewicz of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
The thing that impresses me about Kitchener Rangers Defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz is that no matter the situation, he always appears to be calm out there even under pressure. In the defensive zone, he makes quick accurate passes to transition into offence. He’s not really one to take it up the ice himself but he has that escape ability in him.
His skating technique is very good as his mobility. His east-west movement is excellent. His edgework is excellent. If there is one thing, I hoped he would add its more speed. At 6’ he could be a little quicker.
Brzustewicz is a highly intelligent player who process what’s happening quickly. His lateral movement is so good that at the offensive blueline he moves to open up lanes and then fines his teammates for perfect tape-to-tape passes.
Defensively, he can keep gaps tight. I know I am repeating myself, but his lateral movement enables him to force players to the outside. However, he can be overwhelmed in the physicality department and he’s going to have to put some work in to get stronger and to deal with that aspect of the game.
At this point, I should have a good idea on where I would rank him, but I don’t – it will likely be in the 10-20 range among OHL players. There is a lot to like about his game and there seems to be some potential there. I’m hoping he has a good showing in the playoffs where he will face even more pressure.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the launch of Centre of Excellence locations across Ontario in partnership with Power Edge Pro Hockey (PEP).
The OHL/PEP Centre of Excellence is a development initiative creating a premier and unparalleled in-season development experience for Minor Hockey players in Ontario to complement the development programs provided by their club team and minor hockey association.
Both the OHL and PEP are excited to introduce a progressive and engaging performance proven program that creates an opportunity for players to be exposed to OHL quality teaching methods and new skill acquisition through PEP’s Reactive Countering & Reactive Linear Crossover trainings.
The Ontario Hockey League is regarded as one of the top player development leagues in the world and continues to be a leading supplier of talent to both the National Hockey League and Canada’s National Teams at all levels, as well as U SPORTS (Canadian University) hockey.
PEP Hockey is the leading player development program in the world. PEP delivers a patented, unmatched elite training experience with a consummate record of developing players to the NHL and OHL.
PEP’s innovative training has been adopted by the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets and numerous OHL teams.
Launching in September 2023, the Centre of Excellence locations will be offered in Barrie, Belleville, Kitchener, London, North Bay, Oakville, Oshawa, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, St. Catharines, Thunder Bay, and Toronto. Additional locations will be announced for year two.
The program will be available for the U10-U18 age groups with all players required to be a registered participant in a Hockey Canada Program, entering the 2023-24 season.
Applications can be submitted up until April 30th for acceptance to the OHL/PEP Centre of Excellence programs.
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.
Draft Eligible Forward of the Month: Nick Lardis – Hamilton Bulldogs
What a month of February it was for Lardis. In 12 games he notched 10 goals and 11 assists. He scored in all but 4 games, had 2 multi goal games and was held pointless just twice during the month. He fired a whopping 51 shots on goal for a 19.6 shooting percentage and took no penalties.
Also considered were Dylan Roobroeck of the Oshawa Generals who had 7 goals and 10 assists in 13 games and Zakary Lavoie of the Niagara IceDogs who notched 7 goals and 10 assists in 14 games.
Draft Eligible Defenceman of the Month: Rodwin Dionicio – Windsor Spitfires
Dionicio gets the nod on back-to-back months from us here. He has been on a tear since the Spitfires acquired him at the trade deadline. He appeared in 12 games in the month of February scoring 4 goals in consecutive games from February 5 through February 11. He also added 12 assists in those 12 games. He was held off the scoreboard in just 4 games. He finished the month with a plus-7 and complied 22 minutes in penalties.
Also considered were Tristan Bertucci of the Flint Firebirds who had 7 goals and 8 assists in 12 games and Hunter Brzustewicz of the Kitchener Rangers who scored twice and assists on 11 others in 12 games.
Draft Eligible Goaltender of the Month: Tristan Malboeuf – Hamilton Bulldogs
Malboeuf appeared in 7 games during the month of February and posted a 4-1-0-0 record. He stopped 163 of the 175 shots he faced for a save-percentage of .931 and included a 40 save shutout on February 20 against the Kitchener Rangers.
Also considered was Collin MacKenzie of the Ottawa 67’s who appeared in 7 games and stopped 133 of 140 shots for a save-percentage of .950. He went 5-0-1-0 on the month.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its 2nd Annual Officiating Prospect Development Combine that will take place from June 8-10 at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre in Belleville, Ont.
The OHL received over 200 applications to participate in last year’s inaugural event and selected 72 officials to participate. A total of 10 women, six officials from the United States and four new recruits to officiating were among those selected. A total of 20 participants from last year’s Prospect Development Combine were then selected to attend the OHL Officiating Training Camp in August, and 17 of those officials were given the opportunity to officiate in the OHL for the 2022-23 season.
“I definitely feel like I’ll be going into the upcoming season as a better official.” – Hillary Brennan, OHL referee
“…this was a well-run event and when I chatted with the officials, they seemed to really take value from it. I overheard many comments specifically about the level of professionalism associated with this event.” – Dan Hanoomansingh, Manager of Officiating, Hockey Canada
“…I learned many things I hope to bring into my games in the upcoming years.” – Jason Faist, OHL referee
“I got a lot out of the camp that will assist me in continuing to prgress as an official. I will certainly be encouraging officials to apply for future OHL Combines.” – Brandy Beecroft, official
“The experience was truly invaluable and I feel it was extremely beneficial for more and my officiating career. This was truly a first-class Combine.” – Braydon Munn, official
This year’s Combine will not only continue to identify top officiating prospects in Ontario and the United States, but will also serve to enhance the development of these officials as they progress through different levels of the game.
This event is once again open to current high-level hockey officials as well as individuals that have recently completed their playing careers and are looking for opportunities to remain in the game. No experience is necessary. Individuals that apply must be excellent skaters, in great physical condition, and have a keen interest and desire to officiate at a high level.
The Combine will be a significant opportunity for officials to demonstrate their officiating desires and abilities. Some participants attending this event will have the opportunity to be selected to attend the OHL Officiating Training Camp in August 2023, with the possibility of competing for a spot on the OHL Officiating Team.
With its close-working relationship with the Ontario Hockey Federation, Hockey Canada and the National Hockey League, the OHL is not only the top development league for players and coaches, but officials aspiring to reach the next level as well.
Interested individuals can register here. Registration will close on Friday, April 14. As there are limited spaces available for this event, applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and those chosen to participate in the Combine will be contacted via email by April 28. Once an individual has been notified that he or she has been selected, additional registration/payment information will be provided.
Investment:
The cost to attend the Combine is $495.00 + HST and will include the following:
On and off-ice evaluation by Jackie Jarrell, owner of Gold Performance Training and Testing Specialist for the NHL Exposure Combine
Minimum 6 hours of total ice time
Minimum 6 hours of high-level classroom sessions
Meals (lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday)
Special group rate at the Fairfield Marriott (includes breakfast buffet) at individual’s expense (limited rooms available)
Exposure to key officiating individuals from various leagues (OHL, NHL, OHF, OHA)
Participation gift
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.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Academic Players of the Month for February including Luca Marrelli of the Oshawa Generals, Andrew Wycisk of the Niagara IceDogs, Matthew Andonovski of the Kitchener Rangers and Easton Wainwright of the Sarnia Sting.
East Division: Oshawa Generals blueliner Luca Marrelli is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for February.
Marrelli is achieving an overall average of 89 percent across three grade 12 university-level courses, with a 92 percent average in Human Development, a 78 percent average in Advanced Functions and a 96 percent average in Personal Fitness at Maxwell Heights Secondary School.
“Luca is described as a very personable and dedicated individual by his teachers, coaches and teammates,” said Generals academic advisor Tom Buchanan. “Luca also demonstrates a strong work ethic”.
The 17-year-old from Toronto, Ont. has recorded 28 points (5-23–28) in 57 games for the Generals this season. Marrelli was selected in the fifth round (81st overall) by Oshawa in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Mississauga Reps U16 program.
Central Division: Niagara IceDogs defenceman Andrew Wycisk is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for February.
Wycisk is currently achieving academic excellence in grade 12 level courses, including high grades in Advanced Functions, Physics, World Issues and Fitness at Governor Simcoe Secondary School.
“Andrew is an excellent student and is currently holding an average in the high 80’s,” said IceDogs academic advisor Tim Tope. “Andrew is well respected by both staff and students and is sure to lead the IceDogs for years to come.”
The 17-year-old from Etobicoke, Ont. has played 18 games this season, recording two assists for the IceDogs. The 5-foot-9, 150Ib. blueliner was selected in the third round (45th overall) by Niagara in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Vaughan Kings U16 program.
Midwest Division: Kitchener Rangers blueliner Matthew Andonovski is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for February.
Andonovski is achieving high grades in grade 12 courses, including an ‘A’ average throughout his demanding schedule that includes Data Management, Biology, International Business, Leadership and Large Group Physical Education at Victus Academy. Andonovski is excited at the prospect of attending university next year to study Sports Management and Business.
“A physical, puck moving defenceman with a knack for leading others on the ice and in the classroom, coaches and teachers alike describe Matthew as a passionate young man, always willing to give his best effort,” said Rangers academic advisor Dave Tennant.
The 17-year-old from Markham, Ont. has played 55 games this season, recording 14 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-16 for the Rangers. The 6-foot-2, 200Ib. defenceman was selected in the fourth round (62nd overall) by Kitchener in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Mississauga Reps U16 program.
West Division: Sarnia Sting forward Easton Wainwright is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for February.
Wainwright completed a very successful first semester at Northern Collegiate in Sarnia with an overall average of 90 percent in Advanced Functions, Biology, and Fitness. He is now currently taking Kinesiology, English, Nutrition and Health.
“Easton exhibits a high level of diligence in his studies, a commitment to his daily attendance, and is a frequent contributor to his classes,” said Sting academic advisor Todd Whitlock. “He is an great example of a student-athlete, and positive role model for his peers.”
The 18-year-old from Mount Hope, Ont. has played 57 games this season, recording 10 goals, 14 assists and 24 points for the Sting. The 5-foot-9, 172Ib. centreman was selected in the ninth round (172nd overall) by Sarnia in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs U16 program.
2022-23 OHL Academic Players of the Month:
East Division: February – Luca Marrelli (Oshawa Generals) January – Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs) December – Callum Cheynowski (Hamilton Bulldogs) November – James Guo (Peterborough Petes) October – Brad Gardiner (Ottawa 67’s)
Central Division: February – Andrew Wycisk (Niagara IceDogs) January – Wyatt Kennedy (North Bay Battalion) December – Grayson Tiller (Barrie Colts) November – Finn Harding (Mississauga Steelheads) October – Kieron Walton (Sudbury Wolves)
Midwest Division: February – Matthew Andonovski (Kitchener Rangers) January – Jett Luchanko (Guelph Storm) December – Nathan Sauder (Erie Otters) November – Braedyn Rogers (Owen Sound Attack) October – Denver Barkey (London Knights)
West Division: February – Easton Wainwright (Sarnia Sting) January – Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit) December – Tristan Bertucci (Flint Firebirds) November – Bronson Ride (Windsor Spitfires) October – Alex Kostov (Soo Greyhounds)
The OHL continues to produce student-athletes that move on to both professional and U SPORTS men’s hockey endeavours.
A total of 349 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2021-22 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.5 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.
A total of 217 OHL Alumni were included on U SPORTS men’s hockey rosters to open the 2022-23 season.
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.
It’s March and we are into the final stretch of the Ontario Hockey League season so it’s time to take a look at the statistical leaders among players eligible for the 2023 National Hockey League Entry Draft.
Colby Barlow of the Owen Sound Attack continues to lead the way with 71 points in 52 games. He’s put some distance between himself and Quentin Musty of the Sudbury Wolves, but it was an injury to Musty that had a lot to do with that. Calum Ritchie of the Oshawa Generals has moved into the number 3 spot after a slow start for him.
On defence, Hunter Brzustewicz of the Kitchener Rangers sits at the top followed by Beau Akey of the Barrie Wolves. Rodwin Dionicio of the Windsor Spitfires continues his ascent after being traded at the deadline to the Spitfires.
Manning the nets, Collin MacKenzie of the Ottawa 67’s has a comfortable lead in both goals-against-average and save-percentage.
Here’s a look at the leader board. As always, we take great care in compiling stats. But always refer to the OHL website for official stats.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in February 2023, including Windsor Spitfires forward Matthew Maggio, Barrie Colts defenceman Brandt Clarke, Ottawa 67’s goaltender Collin MacKenzie and Sudbury Wolves rookie netminder Nate Krawchuk.
OHL Player of the Month – Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires): New York Islanders prospect Matthew Maggio of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Player of the Month for February, producing 11 goals, 15 assists and 26 points in 12 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-12. Maggio guided his team to a February mark of 9-2-1-0, registering points in nine of his 12 outings, seven of those yielding multiple points. The 6-foot, 185 Ib. forward started the month with back-to-back two-goal, three-point outings in home victories over Sault Ste. Marie and Hamilton. He then logged a goal and four assists (1-4–5) on Feb. 5th as the Spitfires defeated the Owen Sound Attack 8-1.Maggio’s scoring ways continued on Feb. 16th with another multi-point showing, recording a goal and three helpers (1-3–4) in a 6-5 overtime win over the Flint Firebirds.He closed out the month with another four-point night on Feb. 26th with a pair of goals and assists (2-2–4) to earn first star honours while recording his 200th career point as the Spitfires defeated the Kingston Frontenacs in an 8-4 road win.
A 20-year-old from nearby Tecumseh, Ont., Maggio leads the OHL with 46 goals and 94 points (46–48-94) on the season. Of Maggio’s 46 goals, just three have come on the power play. He helped the Spitfires win a Western Conference title last spring, following-up a 38-goal regular season with 17 points (7-10–17) in 25 playoff contests before being selected by the New York Islanders in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. Maggio was originally Ottawa’s fifth round (86th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the Sun County Panthers U16 program.
OHL Defenceman of the Month – Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts): Los Angeles Kings prospect Brandt Clarke of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for the second straight month, recording two goals, 17 assists and 19 points in 13 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-12. Clarke helped the Colts play to a February record of 9-2-2-0, finishing the month with four consecutive victories. His month included points in 10 of his 13 contests, including eight multi-point showings. Clarke recorded a pair of assists, including the overtime winner on Feb. 5th as the Colts defeated the Sudbury Wolves 2-1. The 6-foot-2, 188lb. blueliner went on to register three assists on Feb. 20th against Kingston, as the Colts blanked the Frontenacs 4-0. Clarke made Colts franchise history to close out the month, surpassing Luch Nasato as the club’s all-time top-scoring defenceman with a goal and an assist in a 9-4 win over the Niagara IceDogs on Feb. 26th. He wrapped up February on a seven-game point streak. This mark’s Clarke’s third career OHL Defenceman of the Month honour after he was previously recognized in January.
A 20-year-old from Nepean, Ont., Clarke has produced career totals that include 29 goals, 107 assists and a franchise record 136 points by a blueliner in 134 regular season games. Now in his third season with the Colts, Clarke was voted to the League’s second all-star team in 2021-22, recording 59 points (11-48–59) in 55 games. The blueliner was Barrie’s first round (4th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the Don Mills Flyers U16 program. He was a first round (8th overall) pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2021 NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the club on Aug. 10, 2021. He played in nine games with Los Angeles earlier this season, recording two assists in the process, and was a Canadian World Junior gold medalist this past January.
OHL Goaltender of the Month – Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s): Draft-eligible Ottawa 67’s netminder Collin MacKenzie is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for February, playing to a record of 4-0-1-0 with a 1.45 goals-against average and .950 save percentage over six appearances. MacKenzie opened the month of February by stopping 30 of 31 shots on the road in Saginaw as the 67’s defeated the Spirit 5-1 on Feb. 4th. MacKenzie entered a game on Feb. 9th against the Gatineau Olympiques, stopping all six shots he faced before turning aside 14 of 15 in a win over the Niagara IceDogs on Feb. 10th. Other highlights in February included a 40-save, first star performance on Feb. 16th in Peterborough as the 67’s defeated the Petes 3-2. MacKenzie helped the 67’s defeat the West Division-leading Windsor Spitfires on Feb. 24th, making 28 saves in a 6-1 outcome. He becomes the first 67’s netminder to earn OHL Goaltender of the Month honours since Cedrick Andree, who last did so in January 2019.
An 18-year-old from Elora, Ont., MacKenzie is 14-2-3-0 on the season with a 1.90 goals-against average, .928 save percentage and one shutout over 22 games. MacKenzie won his first 10 consecutive OHL decisions after going 4-0-0-0 in an abbreviated campaign with Ottawa last season. He penciled himself into the OHL record books on Oct. 21st in Sault Ste. Marie, making 15 consecutive shootout saves in a 2-1 victory over the Greyhounds. Ottawa’s eighth round (160th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, MacKenzie is a graduate of the Waterloo Wolves U16 and U18 programs.
OHL Rookie of the Month –Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves): Sudbury Wolves netminder Nate Krawchuk is the OHL Rookie of the Month for February, playing to a 5-1-1-0 record with a 2.50 goals-against average and .912 save percentage with one shutout. Krawchuk made 197 saves in February, winning five of his eight outings for the Wolves. He stopped all 21 shots that came his way on Feb. 3rd to earn his first OHL career shutout as the Wolves blanked the Mississauga Steelheads 4-0. He turned aside 28 of the 30 shots he faced on Feb. 5th to earn first star honours as the Wolves came up short in overtime against the Barrie Colts. Krawchuk closed out February with back-to-back road wins, making 26 saves in a 5-2 triumph over the Niagara IceDogs on Feb. 24th before blocking 38 of the 42 shots he faced in a 5-4 win over the Erie Otters on Feb. 25th.
A 17-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ont., Krawchuk owns a 10-6-1-0 record with a 3.13 goals-against average and .897 save percentage in his first 20 games with the Wolves this season. The 6-foot-1, 153Ib. netminder was Sudbury’s first round (3rd overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection from the Thunder Bay Kings U18 program.
2022-23 OHL Performers of the Month:
Player of the Month: February – Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires) January – Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack) December – Francesco Pinelli (Kitchener Rangers) November – Sean McGurn (London Knights) October – Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
Defenceman of the Month: February – Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts) January – Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts) December – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit) November – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit) October – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Goaltender of the Month: February – Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s) January – Domenic DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion) December – Anson Thornton (Barrie Colts) November – Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit) October – Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Rookie of the Month: February – Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves) January – Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires) December – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit) November – Oliver Bonk (London Knights) October – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)
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.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, February 26, 2023.
Storm’s Braeden Bowman Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
Braeden Bowman of the Guelph Storm is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording four goals, five assists and nine points in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-3.
A 19-year-old native of Kitchener, Ont., Bowman has matched last year’s total of 27 goals while tacking on 25 assists for 52 points in 43 games this season. His 22.9 percent shooting percentage is currently tied for the third-highest in the OHL. The former fifth round (96th overall) pick by the Storm in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection has registered 54 goals, 35 assists and 89 points in 105 career regular season games as he continues his third season in Guelph. Bowman attended rookie camp with the San Jose Sharks last September.
Also given consideration for the award this week were Los Angeles Kings prospect Brandt Clarke of the Barrie Colts who recorded one goal and eight assists (1-8-9) over four games, along with a plus/minus rating of plus-7. Clarke set a new Barrie Colts franchise record for career points by a defenceman, passing Luch Nasato on the club’s all-time list. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ty Voit of the Sarnia Sting was also a standout registered two goals and seven helpers for nine points over four games.
Petes’ Michael Simpson Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Michael Simpson of the Peterborough Petes is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the third time this season, going 3-0 with a shutout, a 1.33 goals-against average and .963 save percentage.
Simpson was in the crease for Peterborough’s 4-0 Family Day win over the Sudbury Wolves as he turned aside all 45 shots he faced for his second of back-to-back shutouts, earning first star recognition for his fifth clean sheet of the season. He turned aside 41 of 43 shots that came his way on Thursday as the Petes defeated the West Division-leading Windsor Spitfires 6-2. The 6-foot-1, 198 lb. goaltender was back between the pipes on Friday, backstopping the Petes to a 5-2 road victory over the Oshawa Generals where he made 19 saves for the win. Simpson closed out the weekend with a total of 105 saves over three games played.
A 20-year-old from London, Ont., the 23-16-1-2 Simpson leads the OHL in saves (1,211), save percentage (.917) and shutouts (5) along with a 2.62 goals-against average through 43 games. The second-year netminder played to a 20-18-3-1 mark in 2021-22, registering a 3.56 goals-against average and .891 save percentage. Simpson was a 10th round (193rd overall) pick by the Petes in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the London Jr. Knights U16 program.
Also in the running for the award this week, Owen Sound Attack rookie netminder Carter George turned aside 76 shots, going 1-1 with a 1.51 goals-against average and .962 save percentage. Tristan Malboeuf of the Hamilton Bulldogs played to a 2-1 mark with a 1.70 goals-against average, .949 save percentage and a shoutout victory.
2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season: Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes) Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit) Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Zach Bowen (London Knights) Jan 30 – Feb. 5: Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves) Jan 23 – Jan. 29: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals) Jan 16 – Jan. 22: Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs) Jan 9 – Jan. 15: Matteo Drobac (Hamilton Bulldogs) Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s) Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes) Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Marco Costantini (Kitchener Rangers) Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Owen Flores (Niagara IceDogs) Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion) Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Brett Brochu (London Knights) Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes) Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Joe Ranger (Sudbury Wolves) Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit) Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack) Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s) Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ivan Zhigalov (Kingston Frontenacs) Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Alessio Beglieri (Mississauga Steelheads) Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
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.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, February 19, 2023.
Sting’s Nolan Burke Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
Nashville Predators prospect Nolan Burke of the Sarnia Sting is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, scoring five goals and adding three assists for eight points as the Sting collected five of a possible six points last week.
A 20-year-old from Peterborough, Ont., Burke has built off last year’s breakout campaign with career-highs of 36 goals and 61 points in 43 games this season. He’s scored the League’s second-highest total of 17 power play goals this season, and owns career figures of 76 goals, 57 assists and 133 points in 164 regular season games with Sarnia. The Sting selected Burke in the fourth round (79th overall) of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. He signed a three-year, entry-level NHL contract with the Nashville Predators on Nov. 14, 2022.
Also considered for the award this week, Barrie Colts overage forward Evan Vierling produced six goals, two assists and eight points in three contests last week. Saginaw defenceman Mitchell Smith contributed a goal and six assists as the Spirit strung together three straight road wins.
Spirit’s Tristan Lennox Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, going 3-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and .926 save percentage.
A 20-year-old from Cambridge, Ont., Lennox is 22-13-1-1 this season with a 3.24 goals-against average, .882 save percentage and two shutouts in 38 games. His 56 career wins are the fifth-most in Spirit franchise history as the former second round (26th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection has played to a career mark of 56-43-4-3 with a 3.29 goals-against average, .885 save percentage and three shutouts in 114 games. Lennox is the only remaining member of the Spirit who reached the Western Conference Championship Series with the club back in 2019. He was a third round (93rd overall) pick by the New York Islanders in 2021 NHL Draft.
Also considered for the award this week, San Jose Sharks prospect Ben Gaudreau helped the Sarnia Sting gather five of a possible six points, going 2-0-1-0 with a 2.30 goals-against average and .929 save percentage.
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.
Kaden Pitre of the Flint Firebirds. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
Coulson Pitre played his U-16 hockey with the Richmond Hills Coyotes U-16 squad where he scored 11 goals and 20 assists in 27 games. The Windsor Spitfires selected him with the 73rd overall pick at the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He sat out the 2020-2021 season because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
In September 2021, the Flint Firebirds sent a 6th round pick and 15th round pick to the Spitfires for Coulson and he immediately signed a Standard Player Agreement. Interestingly enough, when the Firebirds acquired Pitre he stood 5’11” tall and just 150 pounds. He’s had a bit of a growth spirt and added some muscle to his frame.
With 2 goals and 3 assists in his first 10 games of the season, Pitre got off to a slow start but I was still intrigued. He picked it up and since the calendar flipped to 2023, he has notched 8 goals to go along with 8 assists in 14 games.
Pitre is a highly intelligent player who responds well on both sides of the puck. He plays in all situations including the PK but it’s his effectiveness 5-on-5 that draws interest in him. He’s an above average skater but doesn’t possess any after burners. Instead he uses his high IQ along with the skating skills he does have to be in the right places.
Pitre has shown great control with the puck on his stick and when you combine his vision with his IQ, he makes the right decision consistently. He’s is also a very elusive player and makes himself an option for his teammates. He’s also a gifted passer who identifies lanes and seam quickly and can deliver a tape-to-tape pass.
Pitre is a power forward. He does not shy away from contact whether he is delivering the physicality or on the receiving end of a hit to make a play. Willing to battle and fight through contact.
It’s not just about offence for Pitre. His three-zone game is very accomplished. I think it’s fair to say he plays a pro style game now.
I think if you’re drafting in the middle of the second round and Pitre is there, you have to take a shot at this player.
OHL Writers 