OHL Writers

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

Posted on January 3, 2023 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in December 2022 including Kitchener Rangers forward Francesco Pinelli and Barrie Colts netminder Anson Thornton along with Saginaw Spirit teammates Pavel Mintyukov and Zayne Parekh.

OHL Player of the Month – Francesco Pinelli (Kitchener Rangers):
Los Angeles Kings prospect Francesco Pinelli of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL Player of the Month for December, producing eight goals, 13 assists and 21 points in nine games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-12. The Rangers captain guided his team to a December mark of 6-2-2-0, registering points in eight of his nine outings, six of those yielding multiple points. The 6-foot-1, 185 Ib. centre logged three goals and an assist on Dec. 3rd in Guelph as the Rangers defeated the Storm 5-1. Pinelli’s high-scoring contributions continued in three consecutive mid-month contests, recording a goal and two helpers on Dec. 9th as the Rangers defeated the Niagara IceDogs 5-1. He posted a career-high five points with a goal and four assists at home on Dec. 16th as the Rangers shutout Sault Ste. Marie 9-0. His third consecutive multi-point showing came on Dec. 18th in Mississauga as Pinelli recorded a goal and two assists, helping Kitchener skate to a 5-1 win over the Steelheads. Pinelli becomes the first Rangers player to earn OHL Player of the Month honours since Greg Meireles in March 2019.

A 19-year-old native of Stoney Creek, Ont., Pinelli currently sits atop Rangers scoring with 43 points (21-22–43) in 27 games. His 1.59 points-per-game currently sit fourth in the OHL. Now in his third season with the Rangers, Pinelli has produced career totals that include 61 goals, 83 assists and 144 points in 141 regular season games. He was a second round (42nd 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 Apr. 11, 2022. Pinelli was Kitchener’s first round (13th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Red Wings U16 program.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit):
For the third straight month, Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Defenceman of the Month, leading all defenders with 16 points including two goals and 14 assists in 10 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-8. Mintyukov’s continued dominance on the blue line helped the Western Conference-leading Spirit play to a December record of 6-3-1-0 as they roll into the new year with four consecutive wins. His month included five consecutive multi-point showings, starting with a goal and an assist on Dec. 11th as the Spirit fell to the North Bay Battalion 4-2. He recorded four assists the following game at home as the Spirit defeated the Flint Firebirds 5-1 on Dec. 14th. Mintyukov went on to register a goal and two helpers on Dec. 29th against Sault Ste. Marie, scoring the overtime winner as the Spirit defeated the Greyhounds 5-4. He rounded-out December with a pair of assists in a 7-4 win over the Flint Firebirds on Dec. 30th, followed by another three helpers in a 5-3 win over the Birds on Dec. 31st as the Spirit took a 4-1 lead in the I-75 Divide Cup. Mintyukov becomes the League’s first blueliner on record to ever receive three consecutive OHL Defenceman of the Month honours.

A 19-year-old blueliner standing 6-foot-3 and 195Ibs., Mintyukov sits third in OHL scoring with 51 points (14-37–51) in 34 games this season, paired with the League’s second-best plus/minus rating of plus-27. He became the first defenceman to ever lead the Spirit in scoring last season, recording 62 points (17-45–62) in 67 games before being selected 10th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2022 NHL Draft. The Spirit selected Mintyukov with the 52nd overall pick of the 2020 CHL Import Draft. He was voted to the OHL’s third all-star team last season.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Anson Thornton (Barrie Colts):
Arizona Coyotes prospect Anson Thornton of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for December, playing to a 5-0-0-1 record with a 2.25 goals-against average, .945 save percentage and one shutout. Thornton was busy, making at least 36 saves in all six of his December outings. He stopped 38 of the 40 shots that came his way on Dec. 4th as the Colts defeated his former Sarnia Sting teammates 3-2 in overtime. He turned aside 45 shots the following week at home as the Colts defeated the Saginaw Spirit by a score of 5-2 on Dec. 8th. Thornton registered another 40-plus save showing on Dec. 17th as Barrie defeated the Central Division-leading North Bay Battalion 6-3. He closed out December with his first shoutout of the campaign on Dec. 31st, making 38 saves as the Colts defeated the Guelph Storm 8-0. Thornton earned star of the game recognition five times in December, three times being named first star while being named second star twice.

A 19-year-old Oshawa, Ont. native, Thornton owns a 10-6-1-2 record with a 3.40 goals-against average and .906 save percentage through 19 games in his second OHL season. The 6-foot-4, 187lb. goaltender has played to a career mark of 18-22-1-2 with a 3.77 goals-against average and .893 save percentage in 45 regular season games between Barrie and Sarnia. Thornton signed an entry-level NHL contract as a free agent with the Arizona Coyotes after attending the team’s training camp in October 2021. He was originally Sarnia’s first round (3rd overall) pick in the 2020 OHL U18 Priority Selection. Thornton won an OHL Cup championship with the Don Mills Flyers U16 program in 2019.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit):
Saginaw Spirit blueliner Zayne Parekh is the OHL Rookie of the Month for December, recording 10 points including six goals and four assists in 10 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-7. Parekh recorded points in eight of his 10 December contests, finishing the month with points in four consecutive showings. He had a two-point night on Dec. 6th, recording a goal and an assist as the Spirit defeated the Erie Otters 8-3. He did the same on Dec. 30th as the Spirit defeated the rival Flint Firebirds 7-4. Parekh finished the month with his 11th goal of the season on Dec. 31st as the Spirit took another 5-3 win over Flint. Parekh becomes the first rookie defenceman in Saginaw Spirit history to earn OHL Rookie of the Month honours.

A 16-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., Parekh has been an offensive threat from the blue line with 20 points (11-9–20) in 24 games. His 11 goals this season lead all OHL rookie blueliners. Parekh was Saginaw’s first round (19th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Markham Majors U16 program.

2022-23 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
December – Francesco Pinelli (Kitchener Rangers)
November – Sean McGurn (London Knights)
October – Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)

Defenceman of the Month:
December – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
November – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)

Goaltender of the Month:
December – Anson Thornton (Barrie Colts)
November – Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)

Rookie of the Month:
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.

LOCKHART AND SIMPSON NAMEDOHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on January 2, 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, January 1, 2023.

Petes’ Connor Lockhart Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Vancouver Canucks prospect Connor Lockhart of the Peterborough Petes is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, posting four goals, five assists and nine points in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-7.

Lockhart helped the Petes take three wins last week, extending their current winning streak to five games. He recorded a goal and an assist as the Petes defeated the Mississauga Steelheads 5-1 on Thursday. Lockhart’s success continued on Friday as he contributed four helpers in a 6-2 road win over the Kitchener Rangers. The Petes forward finished the weekend with a natural hat-trick in the second period on Sunday as Peterborough opened the new year with a 6-1 win over the rival Oshawa Generals.

A 19-year-old from Kanata, Ont., Lockhart has recorded 13 goals, 29 assists and 42 points in 32 games this season. He’s produced 117 points (45-72–117) over 153 career OHL regular season games between Peterborough and Erie since being selected by the Otters with the third overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. Lockhart was selected in the sixth round (178th overall) by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2021 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week, Lockhart’s Petes linemates Tucker Robertson (4-5–9) and J.R. Avon (4-4–8) were also productive while Saginaw Spirit blueliner Pavel Mintyukov had eight points (1-7–8) in three victories including an overtime game winner.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Connor Lockhart (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Evan Vierling (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Ryan Gagnier (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Jorian Donovan (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Brody Crane (London Knights)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Matvey Petrov (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Deni Goure (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)

Petes’ Michael Simpson Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Michael Simpson of the Peterborough Petes is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.00 goals-against average and .973 save percentage.

Helping Peterborough close out the 2022 calendar year with a pair of victories, Simpson turned aside 40 of the 41 shots he faced in a first star performance as the Petes defeated the Mississauga Steelheads 5-1 on Thursday. The six-foot-one, 198 lb. goaltender was back between the pipes on Sunday, backstopping the Petes to a 6-1 road victory over the Oshawa Generals where he made 33 saves for the win.

A 19-year-old from London, Ont., Simpson leads the OHL with a 2.57 goals-against average, .919 save percentage and two shutouts through 27 games, posting a record of 14-9-1-2. 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 of the Petes in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the London Jr. Knights U16 program.

Also in the running for the award this week, London Knights netminder Brett Brochu turned aside 61 shots, going 2-0 with a 1.50 goals-against average and .953 save percentage. Arizona Coyotes prospect Anson Thornton of the Barrie Colts also went 2-0 with a 1.93 goals-against average, .949 save percentage and a shoutout victory.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

OHL Draft Eligible Statistical Leaders: December

Posted on January 2, 2023 by Dominic Tiano

We are officially at the unofficial halfway point of the Ontario Hockey League season. A new year is upon us, OHL Trade Deadline is fast approaching and of course, some midseason National Hockey League Entry Draft rankings are on their way out.

We here are starting our player profiles of the OHL’s draft eligible players. We will continue to put those out until we release our final (and only) draft rankings just prior to the draft.

For today though, and like we do every month, we are going to look at the draft eligible statistical leaders from the OHL. As always, we take great care in compiling stats but you should always refer to the OHL website for official stats.

Points Leaders
Player	Team	GP	G	A	Pts
Quentin Musty	Sudbury Wolves	30	11	34	45
Colby Barlow	Owen Sound Attack	30	22	21	43
Luca Pinelli	Ottawa 67’s	32	14	23	37
Calem Mangone	Saginaw Spirit	34	11	20	31
Denver Barkey	London Knights	32	9	22	31
Carson Rehkopf	Kitchener Rangers	31	18	12	30
Colton Smith	Windsor Spitfires	31	13	16	29
Coulson Pitre	Flint Firebirds	32	13	16	29
Kocha Delic	Sudbury Wolves	23	11	18	29
Matthew Soto	Kingston Frontenacs	32	11	18	29
Goal Scoring Leaders
Player	Team		GP	G	GPG
Colby Barlow	Owen Sound Attack		30	22	0.73
Carson Rehkopf	Kitchener Rangers		31	18	0.58
Brady Stonehouse	Ottawa 67’s		32	17	0.53
Dalyn Wakely	North Bay Battalion		35	17	0.49
Brad Gardiner	Ottawa 67’s		32	16	0.50
Alex Pharand	Sudbury Wolves		32	15	0.47
Luca Pinelli	Ottawa 67’s		32	14	0.44
Spencer Sova	Erie Otters		32	14	0.44
Max Namestnikov	Guelph Storm		34	14	0.41
Carey Terrance	Erie Otters		32	14	0.44
Assist Leaders
Player	Team		GP	A	APG
Quentin Musty	Sudbury Wolves		30	34	1.13
Hunter Brzustewicz	Kitchener Rangers		31	25	0.81
Luca Pinelli	Ottawa 67’s		32	23	0.72
Denver Barkey	London Knights		32	22	0.69
Colby Barlow	Owen Sound Attack		30	21	0.70
Beau Akey	Barrie Colts		30	20	0.67
Brody Crane	London Knights		32	20	0.63
Lucas Moore	Hamilton Bulldogs		32	20	0.63
Calem Mangone	Saginaw Spirit		34	20	0.59
Quinton Burns	Kingston Frontenacs		33	19	0.58
Defencemen Point Leaders
Player	Team	GP	G	A	Pts
Spencer Sova	Erie Otters	32	14	14	28
Hunter Brzustewicz	Kitchener Rangers	31	2	25	27
Beau Akey	Barrie Colts	30	6	20	26
Oliver Bonk	London Knights	32	7	16	23
Lucas Moore	Hamilton Bulldogs	32	2	20	22
Chas Sharpe	Mississauga Steelheads	34	4	16	20
Quinton Burns	Kingston Frontenacs	33	1	19	20
Tristan Bertucci	Flint Firebirds	30	3	16	19
Matthew Mania	Sudbury Wolves	31	4	14	18
Nicholas DeAngelis	Windsor Spitfires	33	1	16	17
Plus/Minus Leaders
Player	Team			GP	+/-
Luca D’Amato	Oshawa Generals			34	+23
Coulson Pitre	Flint Firebirds			32	+22
Luca Pinelli	Ottawa 67’s			32	+20
Brady Stonehouse	Ottawa 67’s			32	+19
Brody Crane	London Knights			32	+18
Nicholas DeAngelis	Windsor Spitfires			33	+18
Wyatt Kennedy	North Bay Battalion			35	+16
Colby Barlow	Owen Sound Attack			30	+15
Kocha Delic	Sudbury Wolves			23	+14
Quentin Musty	Sudbury Wolves			23	+14
Penalty Minutes Leaders
Player	Team		GP	PIM	M/G
Quinton Burns	Kingston Frontenacs		33	70	2.12
Djibril Toure	Barrie Colts		29	64	2.21
Connor Clattenburg	Soo Greyhounds		28	62	2.21
Angus MacDonell	Sarnia Sting		32	60	1.88
Ryder McIntyre	Oshawa Generals		29	52	1.79
Faceoff Leaders (minimum 230 faceoffs)
Player	Team	GP	FOA	FOW	%
Michael Podolioukh	Niagara IceDogs	24	231	129	55.8
Ethan Larmand	Sudbury Wolves	28	369	205	55.6
Calum Ritchie	Oshawa Generals	31	441	239	54.2
Denver Barkey	London Knights	32	413	222	53.8
Alex Pharand	Sudbury Wolves	32	276	148	53.6
Ryan Abraham	Windsor Spitfires	21	322	172	53.4
Ethan Hay	Flint Firebirds	34	474	252	53.2
Easton Wainwright	Sarnia Sting	34	322	171	53.1
Brad Gardiner	Ottawa 67’s	32	413	218	52.8
Noah Morneau	Windsor Spitfires	30	411	212	51.6
Pano Fimis	Niagara IceDogs	28	553	284	51.4
Shots On Goal Leaders
Player	Team			GP	SOG
Colby Barlow	Owen Sound Attack			30	139
Spencer Sova	Erie Otters			32	124
Quentin Musty	Sudbury Wolves			30	120
Brady Stonehouse	Ottawa 67’s			32	112
Carey Terrance	Erie Otters			32	107
Goaltenders Leaders – Goals Against Average
Player	Team	GP	Min	GA	Avg
Colin MacKenzie	Ottawa 67’s	10	535	17	1.91
Marcus Vandenberg	Kitchener Rangers	10	469	23	2.94
Joey Costanzo	Windsor Spitfires	15	744	37	2.98
Charlie Schenkel	Soo Greyhounds	14	819	41	3.00
Brayden Gillespie	Guelph Storm	7	414	21	3.04
Andrew Oke	Saginaw Spirit	9	498	26	3.13
Mason Vaccari	Kingston Frontenacs	12	688	36	3.14
Zach Bowen	London Knights	10	507	27	3.20
Goaltending Leaders – Save Percentage
Player	Team	GP	SH	SVS	SV%
Colin MacKenzie	Ottawa 67’s	10	232	215	0.927
Marcus Vandenberg	Kitchener Rangers	10	260	237	0.912
Charlie Schenkel	Soo Greyhounds	14	465	424	0.912
Mason Vaccari	Kingston Frontenacs	12	391	355	0.908
Anson Thornton	Barrie Colts	19	660	598	0.906
Joey Costanzo	Windsor Spitfires	15	394	357	0.906
Liam Sztuska	Peterborough Petes	8	259	232	0.896
Zach Bowen	London Knights	10	258	231	0.895

Colby Barlow – Owen Sound Attack – Player Profile

Posted on December 29, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

HT	WT	DOB	POS	SHOOTS	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	COUNTRY
6’1”	187	Feb 14/05	LW	L	8^th 2021	A Prospect	CANADA

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2019-20	GTHL U-15	Toronto Marlboros	34	23	24	47
2020-21		DID NOT PLAY
2021-22	OHL	Owen Sound Attack	59	30	17	47
2022-23	OHL	Owen Sound Attack	29	21	19	40
		Projected	65	47	43	90

Colby Barlow of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

There was never any doubt Colby Barlow could produce offence. He showed just that in the Under-15 and one of the reasons why the Owen Sound Attack selected him with the 8^th overall pick at the 2021 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. Last season he proved he could do it at the OHL level as a rookie and he’s about to smash those numbers this season and why NHL Central Scouting has him as a first rounder on their Players to Watch List.

Barlow has an interesting skill set and some intriguing tools. He has good size, very good speed and plays physical. All great attributes to have if you want to play in the NHL. But his defensive game? It is NHL ready right now. When you add in his shot and compete level, he just looks like a professional hockey player.

Barlow does have some things that need work on, as do most players in any draft class. He’s not a play driver but more of a complimentary piece. It is rare that he creates his own opportunities, but he always seems to be in the right place at the right time for his teammates. While he breaks up plays in his own end, his transition game can use some work.

While Barlow has an excellent shot that can beat goaltenders, most of his tallies come from the dirty area in close. He’s not dynamic, won’t bring fans out of their seats with rushes but, he gets the job done. He’s not overly adept in the playmaking department and his goals will always out produce his assists.

Sound like a lot of negativities? Maybe. Some of those things can be worked on and improved. But he’s an NHL caliber prospect and a first rounder at that.

Calum Ritchie – Oshawa Generals – Player Profile

Posted on December 28, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

HT	WT	DOB	POS	SHOOTS	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	COUNTRY
6’2”	187	Jan 21, 2005	C	R	2^nd 2021	A Prospect	Canada

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2019-20	SCTA U-15	Oakville Rangers	30	20	39	59
2021-22	OHL	Oshawa Generals	65	19	26	45
2022-23	OHL	Oshawa Generals	29	10	17	27
		Projects to	68	23	40	63

#21 Calum Ritchie – Photo by Brandon Taylor – OHL Images.

Projected on most draft boards coming into the season as a top-10 pick, Calum Ritchie was selected by the Oshawa Generals as a point producer with the second overall pick at the 2021 Ontario Hockey League’s Priority Selection.

Despite being talented and having all the tools to be successful at the next level, the production isn’t where it was expected to be this year and he has probably been passed by other players in public rankings to date. His offensive numbers are good, just not great.

Ritchie has decent size, is strong on his skates and has excellent puck protection skills. His skating is technically sound, has good first step speed and average top speed, very good on his edges but is at his best when he’s going north. He has excellent vision and is capable of making a pass where one isn’t apparent. He has an excellent shot as well but could play a little more selfish.

I think Ritchie’s strongest attribute is his hockey IQ. He thinks the game at a very high level and makes his decisions quickly and they are usually the right decisions. It’s his hockey smarts that make him a top-notch three zone player. He has excellent anticipation skills and an uncanny ability to keep the opposition to the outside.

Ritchie has the tools to play at the NHL level, especially when it comes to the three-zone play. But he’s going to have to raise his offensive output in the second half of the season if he’s going to remain a potential top-10 pick.

COSTANTINI AND VIERLING NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on December 19, 2022 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, December 18, 2022.

Colts’ Evan Vierling Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Evan Vierling of the Barrie Colts is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, posting five goals, five assists and 10 points as the Colts won three of four contests last week.

Vierling started his week off strong on Tuesday, recording a goal and five assists as the Colts defeated the visiting Sudbury Wolves 7-5. He found the scoresheet again on Friday in Guelph, helping the Colts defeat the Storm 3-2 in overtime. Vierling’s second multi-goal effort of the season came Saturday at home to North Bay as his second of the game was the deciding marker coming 2:34 into the third period. Vierling’s was the game’s first star, finishing with two goals and an assist. He helped the Colts earn a point on Sunday in North Bay, extending his goal-scoring streak to six games with a tally in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Battalion.

A 20-year-old from Aurora, Ont., Vierling leads the Colts with 38 points including 15 goals and 23 assists in 24 games. The former fifth round NHL Draft pick by the New York Rangers in 2020 has recorded 156 points (55-101–156) in 182 career OHL regular season games between Flint and Barrie after being chosen second overall by the Firebirds in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. Vierling attended training camp with the Columbus Blue Jackets this past September.

Also considered for the award this week, Kitchener Rangers captain Francesco Pinelli scored twice and added six assists in a pair of victories. Windsor Spitfires captain Matthew Maggio was also productive, with a total of six goals on the week including a five-goal effort on Thursday night against the Erie Otters.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Evan Vierling (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Ryan Gagnier (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Jorian Donovan (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Brody Crane (London Knights)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Matvey Petrov (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Deni Goure (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)

Rangers’ Marco Costantini Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Marco Costantini of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0 with a shutout, a 0.50 goals-against average and a .981 save percentage as the Rangers enter the holiday break on a six-game winning streak.

Costantini was in the crease for Kitchener’s 9-0 Friday night win over the visiting Soo Greyhounds as he turned aside 22 shots for his second shutout of the season and eighth of his OHL career. He turned aside 30 shots on Sunday afternoon in Mississauga, sending the Rangers into the break with a first star performance in a 5-1 win over the Steelheads.

A 20-year-old from Hamilton, Ont., Costantini owns an overall record of 11-8-0-0 with a 3.16 goals-against average and .902 save percentage in 20 games between Kitchener and Hamilton this season. Last year’s runner-up in OHL Goaltender of the Year voting, Costantini hoisted the J. Ross Robertson Cup as an OHL champion with the Hamilton Bulldogs and owns career regular season totals that include a record of 52-32-8-2 with a 3.15 goals-against average, .898 save percentage and eight shutouts in 99 games. He was 16-2-1-0 in the 2022 OHL Playoffs with a 2.29 goals-against average, .913 save percentage and three shutouts. Originally Hamilton’s fifth round (95th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection, Costantini attended rookie camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs this past September.

Also considered for the award this week, Sarnia Sting netminder Nicholas Surzycia posted a 2.00 goals-against average and .927 save percentage in wins over Erie and Flint.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

OHL PRESENTS PWHPA SHOWCASE COMING TO BARRIE, KITCHENER, NIAGARA AND PETERBOROUGH

Posted on December 14, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League announced today that it is partnering with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) to bring some of the best women’s hockey talent in the world, including a total of 44 Olympians, to OHL venues in February 2023. The PWHPA Showcase presented by the OHL will feature regular season Secret® Dream Gap Tour games in Peterborough and Niagara on Friday, February 10 followed by two more in Barrie and Kitchener on Saturday, February 11. The event features Team Scotiabank, Team Harvey’s Team Sonnet and Team adidas.

“The OHL and its participating communities in Peterborough, Niagara, Barrie and Kitchener are exceptionally excited about this new partnership with the PWHPA,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “Some of the best women’s hockey players in the world will skate on OHL ice in February, and it’s a tremendous opportunity for the league to assist in the growth and participation in the game for women and girls in our communities.”

Founded in 2019, the PWHPA features four teams comprised of 100 of the world’s best female hockey players and was formed with the goal of creating a sustainable league that provides equity, fairness, and opportunity in women’s professional hockey. Thus far, the 2022-23 Secret® Dream Gap Tour has featured stops in Montreal, Truro, Pittsburgh and Ottawa, with more events across North America to come throughout the second half of the season.

“We’ve been planning this collaboration with the OHL for quite some time now, so we’re excited to finally share details,” said PWHPA Operations Consultant Jayna Hefford. “Throughout the weekend, our players will have access to some of the top facilities and resources in the province that will allow our players to excel. To be able to play in four great hockey cities in one weekend will be a great experience for our players, our current fans and those who may watch women’s hockey for the first time – we’re looking forward to hitting the ice in February.”

Don’t miss these world-class stars as they hit the ice in OHL communities in February! Tickets are available for purchase at any of the four ticketing links below.

Game Schedule:

Game 1: Friday, February 10 – Team Harvey’s vs. Team Scotiabank (Peterborough Memorial Centre, 11:00am) – TICKETS
Game 2: Friday, February 10 – Team adidas vs. Team Sonnet (Meridian Centre, Niagara – 7:00pm) – TICKETS
Game 3: Saturday, February 11 – Team adidas vs. Team Harvey’s (Sadlon Arena, Barrie – 1:00pm) – TICKETS
Game 4: Saturday, February 11 – Team Sonnet vs. Team Scotiabank (Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, 6:00pm) – TICKETS

For more information on the Ontario Hockey League, visit ontariohockeyleague.com or follow the League on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Visit the PWHPA online at pwhpa.com or follow along on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

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.

About the PWHPA
Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association’s (PWHPA) mission is to promote, advance and support a viable professional women’s ice hockey league in North America that showcases the greatest product of women’s professional ice hockey in the world. The organization aims to provide a united voice to players advocating for the creation of a sustainable professional league. PWHPA is working to accomplish its mission by coordinating training needs and programming opportunities and collaborating with like-minded organizations to make hockey more inclusive for women and future generations. To learn more about PWHPA and the Secret Dream Gap Tour, visit pwhpa.com.

FLORES AND GAGNIER NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on December 12, 2022 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, December 11, 2022.

Generals’ Ryan Gagnier Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Ryan Gagnier of the Oshawa Generals is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, six assists and eight points in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-6.

Helping the Generals extend their winning streak to five with three more victories this week, Gagnier got things started with a goal and three assists on Tuesday as Oshawa defeated the London Knights 5-3 at Budweiser Gardens on Tuesday. He picked up an assist on Friday as the Generals defeated the visiting Soo Greyhounds 7-2. Gagnier contributed another goal, two helpers and the shootout winner in Oshawa’s annual Teddy Bear Toss game on Sunday, fueling a 4-3 victory over the Barrie Colts.

A 20-year-old native of Tecumseh, Ont., Gagnier has produced nine goals, 19 assists and 28 points in 29 games this season, winning 57 percent of his 516 faceoff attempts in the process. The former third round (50th overall) pick by the Generals in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection has registered 31 goals, 41 assists and 72 points in 150 career regular season games as he continues his fourth season in Oshawa.

Also given consideration for the award this week were New York Islanders prospect Matthew Maggio of the Windsor Spitfires who recorded four goals and four assists (4-4-8) over three games, along with a plus/minus rating of plus-5. Minnesota Wild prospect Hunter Haight of the Saginaw Spirit was also a standout, registering three goal and five helpers (3-5-8) in four games.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Ryan Gagnier (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Jorian Donovan (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Brody Crane (London Knights)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Matvey Petrov (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Deni Goure (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)

IceDogs’ Owen Flores Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Owen Flores of the Niagara IceDogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with one win and a shootout loss, a goals-against average of 1.44 and save percentage of .963.

Flores stopped 77 of the 81 shots that came his way last week, helping the IceDogs earn three of a possible four points. He turned aside 35 shots on top of two of the three shootout attempts he faced on Thursday as the IceDogs fell to the Kingston Frontenacs 3-2. Flores was back between the pipes on Saturday, backstopping the IceDogs to a 2-1 win over the Mississauga Steelheads where he made 43 saves to earn first star honours.

An 18-year-old from Antioch, Ill., Flores owns a 5-7-2-1 record with a 4.64 goals-against average and .879 save percentage in 18 games with the IceDogs this season. The 6-foot-2, 176Ib. netminder was acquired from the London Knights in September after going 6-8-2-2 with a 3.67 goals-against average and .875 save percentage with the Knights in his rookie season. He was also named to the GOJHL’s Rookie All-Star Team in 2021-22 after playing to a 12-2-0 record with a 2.20 goals-against average and .928 save percentage in 16 games with the London Nationals. Flores was London’s sixth round (114th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

A pair of other candidates were given consideration for the award as Kitchener Rangers netminder Marcus Vandenberg went 2-0, recording a 2.00 goals-against average and .953 save percentage in wins over Guelph and Peterborough. Colorado Avalanche prospect Ivan Zhigalov of the Kingston Frontenacs also went 2-0, posting a 1.44 goals-against average and .955 save percentage in road victories over Niagara and Hamilton.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

15 OHL PLAYERS SELECTED FOR 2023 KUBOTA CHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME

Posted on December 12, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today the 15 OHL players invited to compete in the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Slated for January 25 at the Langley Events Centre, the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game showcases the top-40 CHL players eligible for the 2023 NHL Draft from across the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The 40 players were identified via a survey conducted with the NHL’s 32 teams.

The list of 15 OHL players selected to compete includes nine forwards, five defencemen and one goaltender, with the Kitchener Rangers emerging as one of seven CHL teams to send multiple players to the event, represented by defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz and forward Carson Rehkopf.

15 OHL Players Named to 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game:

Goaltender:
Charlie Robertson (North Bay Battalion)

Defencemen:
Beau Akey (Barrie Colts)
Cam Allen (Guelph Storm)
Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
Hunter Brzustewicz (Kitchener Rangers)
Andrew Gibson (Soo Greyhounds)

Forwards:
Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack)
Nick Lardis (Peterborough Petes)
Ethan Miedema (Windsor Spitfires)
Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Luca Pinelli (Ottawa 67’s)
Coulson Pitre (Flint Firebirds)
Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Carey Terrance (Erie Otters)

Team rosters and leadership groups for the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game will be announced at a later date.

With a majority of tickets already sold, fans are encouraged to act quickly to secure their seat to the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. Tickets begin at $29.95 plus applicable taxes and fees and are available online, by telephone at 604-882-8800, and in person at the Langley Events Centre ticket office (Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., and until the end of the first period on Giants game days).

The Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game was last held in Kitchener in March 2022 where Team White defeated Team Red 3-1. Jagger Firkus (Team White/Moose Jaw) and Shane Wright (Team Red/Kingston) were named Players of the Game and were both later selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2022 NHL Draft. In all, 38 players who competed in the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game were chosen in the 2022 NHL Draft headlined by Wright at fourth overall.

Since its reintroduction as the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in 1996, the event has featured 15 players who were later selected first overall in the NHL Draft including Alexis Lafreniere (2020), Nico Hischier (2017), Connor McDavid (2015), Aaron Ekblad (2014), Nathan MacKinnon (2013), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011), Taylor Hall (2010), John Tavares (2009), Steven Stamkos (2008), Patrick Kane (2007), Marc-Andre Fleury (2003), Rick Nash (2002), Vincent Lecavalier (1998), Joe Thornton (1997), and Chris Phillips (1996).

With more than 1,300 players competing for 60 teams across Canada and the United States, the CHL is home to the NHL stars of tomorrow with live game action available on CHL TV, accessible via the CHL App, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, and online. The 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game airs live from the Langley Events Centre on TSN, TSN.ca, the TSN App, and RDS on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 at 7 p.m. Pacific.

For more information on media accreditation, and the full Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game roster, visit CHL.ca.

Media Accreditation
The Canadian Hockey League invites media to submit their credential application to the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, taking place January 25, 2023 at the Langley Events Centre. Media who wish to attend must complete an application no later than January 18, 2023. Any previously issued CHL, NHL, or team media/photo credentials is not valid for this event.

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.

About Kubota Canada Ltd.
Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) is an affiliate of Kubota Corporation, a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. KCL markets and distributes Kubota engineered and manufactured equipment, including a complete line of tractors of up to 210HP, performance-matched implements, compact and utility tractors, compact construction, landscaping and public work equipment, residential lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles. For product literature or dealer locations, contact Kubota Canada Ltd. at 1155 Kubota Drive, Pickering, Ontario Canada L1X 0H4, by telephone, at 905-294-6535, by visiting KCL’s website kubota.ca.

DIVINCENTIIS AND MUSTY NAMEDOHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on December 5, 2022December 5, 2022 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, December 4, 2022.

Wolves’ Quentin Musty Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

2023 NHL Draft prospect Quentin Musty of the Sudbury Wolves is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, seven assists and nine points in two games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-4.

Musty returned to the Wolves lineup with a goal and an assist in Friday’s 3-2 loss to the visiting Owen Sound Attack. He took centre stage on Sunday afternoon, extending his point streak to 12 games with a franchise record-tying seven points (1-6–7) in a lopsided 13-2 win over the visiting Niagara IceDogs. Musty’s seven points are the most in a single game by a Wolves player since Mike Fisher and Norm Milley both posted seven on Dec. 18, 1998 against Barrie. Hector Marini (Oct. 8, 1976 vs. Ottawa) and Ron Duguay (Mar. 13, 1977 at Toronto) also share the record with Musty, who helped the Wolves score the most goals by an OHL club since the Guelph Storm netted 13 on Mar. 14, 2014.

A 17-year-old from Hamburg, NY., Musty leads the Wolves with 34 points (9-25–34) in 22 games this season. Selected first overall by Sudbury in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the North Jersey Avalanche U16 program, the 6-foot-2, 197Ib. Musty recorded 12 goals, 19 assists and 31 points in his rookie campaign last season. He was recently upgraded to an ‘A’ rating by NHL Central Scouting for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week, Anaheim Ducks prospect Sasha Pastujov put up nine points (4-5–9) in three games for the Sarnia Sting. Windsor Spitfires forward Oliver Peer also had success, recording two goals, five assists and seven points as the Spits went 3-0 last week.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Jorian Donovan (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Brody Crane (London Knights)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Matvey Petrov (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Deni Goure (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)

Battalion’s Dom DiVincentiis Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Winnipeg Jets prospect Dom DiVincentiis of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two wins, a goals-against average of 1.00 and a save percentage of .967.

Defending the crease in back-to-back road wins, DiVincentiis turned aside 20 of the 22 shots he faced as the Battalion defeated the Kingston Frontenacs 4-2 on Friday. DiVincentiis was back between the pipes on Saturday, backstopping the Battalion to a 3-0 win over the Peterborough Petes where he made 38 saves to earn his first career OHL shutout and first star honours.

An 18-year-old native of Bolton, Ont., DiVincentiis owns a record of 13-4-0-0 on the season with a league-best 2.49 goals-against average and .906 save percentage. He was the recipient of the OHL’s F.W. ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy in 2021-22, posting a league-low 2.59 goals-against average among rookies to go with a 14-8-0-1 record and .907 save percentage. DiVincentiis was selected in the seventh round (207th overall) by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2022 NHL Draft. He’s a former sixth round (116th overall) pick by the Battalion in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

A pair of other candidates were given consideration for the award as London Knights netminder Brett Brochu went 2-0, recording a 1.50 goals-against average and .933 save percentage in wins over Guelph and Niagara. Windsor Spitfires goaltender Mathias Onuska also went 2-0, posting a 2.00 goals-against average and .917 save percentage.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

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