OHL Writers

OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

Posted on November 2, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Denver Barkey of the London Knights, Kieron Walton of the Sudbury Wolves, Brad Gardiner of the Ottawa 67’s and Alex Kostov of the Soo Greyhounds have been named Academic Players of the Month for October.

East Division: Ottawa 67’s forward Brad Gardiner is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Gardiner, who was also named East Division Academic Player of the Month in February 2022, is achieving an 89.5 percent average in grade 12 university-level Advanced Functions, Business Management and Elite Athlete at Blyth Academy The Glebe. He is on track to graduate a semester early due to his conscientious work ethic and perseverance at carrying both spring and summer courses.

“The 67’s organization continues to be impressed by Brad’s ability to balance his on and off ice responsibilities”, said 67’s General Manager James Boyd. “Brad is a diligent student who continues to impress with his development on and off of the ice.”

The 17-year-old from Aurora, Ont. has played 11 games this season, recording six goals and three assists for a total of nine points. The son of former NHL forward Bruce Gardiner, Gardiner put up seven points (3-4–7) in his rookie season with the 67’s. He was Ottawa’s third round (40th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Central Division: Sudbury Wolves rookie forward Kieron Walton is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Walton is currently achieving high grades in Entrepreneurship, World History, Co-op, and World Religions at St. Charles College. Walton’s teachers have described him as a student that shows positive initiative and is a cooperative team member in the classroom.

“Kieron is an excellent student, a great young player and an outstanding person”, said Wolves academic advisor Gord Ewin.

The 16-year-old from Toronto, Ont. has played 11 games this season, recording three goals and one assist for a total of four points. The 6-foot-6, 203Ib. left-winger was selected in the second round (28th overall) by the Wolves in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.

Midwest Division: London Knights draft-eligible forward Denver Barkey is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Barkey is currently achieving an 87 percent average in English, a 95 percent average in Recreation Leadership, an 80 percent average in World History, and a 95 percent average in Elite Athlete at Catholic Central High School.

“Denver is an exemplary student-athlete,” said Knights academic advisor Wendy Glover. “He understands the demands of the classroom, and not only meets them but also exceeds them. He exemplifies the academic and learning skills that Ontario students are encouraged to demonstrate such as: responsibility, initiative, collaboration, self-regulation and independent work. He demonstrates the behavior that the London Knights and OHL would be proud of.”

“Not only does Denver model appropriate behavior in the classroom, he also made a commitment to support the local and school community,” said Knights General Manager Mark Hunter. “He attends various other school sports or community events/fundraisers. In doing so, he clearly demonstrates a commitment to the concept that he values the contributions and lives of other students and community members, as well as his teammates.”

The Newmarket, Ont. native has played 11 games this season, recording three goals and eight assists for the Knights. His rookie season in 2021-22 included 15 points (7-8–15) over 53 contests. London selected Barkey in the first round (16th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

West Division: Soo Greyhounds rookie forward Alex Kostov is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Kostov has earned an overall average of 91 percent to date, including marks of 100 percent in Advanced Biology, a 95 percent average in Leadership, an 82-percentage average in Functions, and a 90 percent average in Culinary Arts at Superior Heights Secondary School.

“Alex is highly respected by his classmates, teachers and school staff,” said Greyhounds academic advisors Jerry Bumbacco and Mary Lynne Lukenda. “We are looking forward to following Alex’s academics and on-ice achievements as he progresses as a valuable member of the Soo Greyhounds.”

The rookie from Mississauga, Ont. has appeared in eight games this season, recording two assists. Kostov was selected in the third round (58th overall) by the Hounds in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.

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.

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

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Player of the Month for October

Posted on November 2, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Ryan Abraham of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Because COVID cancelled the entire 2020-2021 season meaning a large number of Ontario Hockey League players were about to go into the 2022 National Hockey League Entry Draft as draft re-entries, we did things a little differently here at OHL Writers.

In years past, we always name our Draft Eligible Player of the Month. But because of the sheer number of players eligible last season, we decided that would name a draft eligible forward, defencemen and goaltender. Many of you had written to us to let us know you preferred it that way and asking us to keep it the same going forward. So, here we are doing just that!

Of course, this is the first full month of the season, so this is our first list of the season. Here we go:

Draft Eligible Forward of the Month: Ryan Abraham – Windsor Spitfires

Windsor Spitfires center Ryan Abraham is a draft re-entry who had a phenomenal month of October. His 18 points in 12 games (6 goals, 12 helpers) led all draft eligible players and third best in the OHL. The 5’8”, 168-pound pivot had 6 multi point games, including 5-consecutive to close out the month. His 58.2% in the faceoff circle was second among draft eligible players.

Also considered was Saginaw Spirit forward Calem Mongone. Through 13 games, Mongone has 4 goals and 12 assists. His 16 points ranks him third among Spirit players in scoring and second among draft eligible players.

Draft Eligible Defenceman of the Month: Hunter Brzustewicz – Kitchener Rangers

On defence we chose none other than Hunter Brzustewicz of the Kitchener Rangers. Despite not scoring a goal, his prowess with setting up his teammates set him apart with 13 points (all assists of course) in just 11 games. That’s tops for draft eligible defencemen and third in the entire league among all defencemen. The 6-foot 188-pound blueliner is second in scoring on his squad as well.

Also considered was Chas Sharpe of the Mississauga Steelheads. Sharpe had 2 goals and 9 assists in 12 games in October and trails only Brzustewicz in points among draft eligible defencemen.

Draft Eligible Goaltender of the Month: Collin MacKenzie – Ottawa 67’s

This was not an easy choice, but we chose Collin MacKenzie because he has a perfect 4-0-0 record and led all draft eligible goaltenders with a 1.36 goals-against-average and .942 save percentage. I will agree playing on an Ottawa team that looks unbeatable for now has helped in terms of number of pucks he has faced and the quality of shots, he has also looked the part.

Also considered was Mason Vaccari of the Kingston Frontenacs who posted a 3-0-0 record to go along with a 2.00 goals-against-average and .935 save percentage.

OHL’s Draft Eligible Statistical Leaders: October 2022

Posted on November 1, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

The 2022-2023 Ontario Hockey League has completed its first full month of the season and once again we are here to track the players eligible for the 2023 National Hockey League Entry Draft and where they rank statistically.

This season we are once again tracking players eligible for the draft for the first time as well as those re-entering the draft for their second draft. Those in their third draft are not tracked so players with a birthdate on or before September 15, 2003 are not listed.

We do are best to track the players but please, always refer to the OHL website for official stats.

Points Leaders
Player	Team	GP	G	A	Pts
Ryan Abraham	Windsor Spitfires	12	6	12	18
Calem Mangone	Saginaw Spirit	13	4	12	16
Luca Pinnelli	Ottawa 67’s	11	6	9	15
Colby Barlow	Owen Sound Attack	10	7	7	14
Aidan Castle	Niagara Ice Dogs	12	7	6	13
Pano Fimis	Niagara Ice Dogs	10	6	7	13
Linus Hemstrom	Kingston Frontenacs	12	5	8	13
Joey Willis	Saginaw Spirit	12	5	8	13
Hunter Brzustewicz	Kitchener Rangers	11	0	13	13
Zakary Lavoie	Mississauga Steelheads	12	8	4	12
Goal Scoring Leaders
Player	Team	GP	G	GPG
Zakary Lavoie	Mississauga Steelheads	12	8	0.67
Colby Barlow	Owen Sound Attack	10	7	0.70
Aidan Castle	Niagara Ice Dogs	12	7	0.58
Brady Stonehouse	Ottawa 67’s	11	7	0.64
Angus MacDonell	Sarnia Sting	12	7	0.58
Ryan Abraham	Windsor Spitfires	12	6	0.50
Luca Pinnelli	Ottawa 67’s	11	6	0.55
Pano Fimis	Niagara Ice Dogs	10	6	0.60
Calum Ritchie	Oshawa Generals	12	6	0.50
Nick Lardis	Peterborough Petes	12	6	0.50
Assist Leaders
Player	Team	GP	A	APG
Hunter Brzustewicz	Kitchener Rangers	11	13	1.18
Ryan Abraham	Windsor Spitfires	12	12	1.00
Calem Mangone	Saginaw Spirit	13	12	0.92
Luca Pinnelli	Ottawa 67’s	11	9	0.82
Chas Sharpe	Mississauga Steelheads	12	9	0.75
Denver Barkey	London Knights	11	8	0.73
Nicholas DeAngelis	Windsor Spitfires	12	8	0.67
Linus Hemstrom	Kingston Frontenacs	12	8	0.67
Joey Willis	Saginaw Spirit	13	8	0.62
Beau Akey	Barrie Colts	10	7	0.70
Defencemen Point Leaders
Player	Team	GP	G	A	Pts
Hunter Brzustewicz	Kitchener Rangers	11	0	13	13
Chas Sharpe	Mississauga Steelheads	12	2	9	11
Beau Akey	Barrie Colts	10	2	7	9
Nicholas DeAngelis	Windsor Spitfires	12	1	8	9
Spencer Sova	Erie Otters	13	4	4	8
Lucas Moore	Hamilton Bulldogs	10	0	7	7
Andrew Gibson	Soo Greyhounds	12	2	4	6
Rodwin Dionicio	Niagara Ice Dogs	8	3	2	5
Plus/Minus Leaders
Player	Team	GP	+/-
Nicholas DeAngelis	Windsor Spitfires	12	+12
Luca D’Amato	Flint Firebirds	13	+11
Colby Barlow	Owen Sound Attack	10	+10
Luca Pinnelli	Ottawa 67’s	11	+8
Zakary Lavoie	Mississauga Steelheads	12	+8
Penalty Minutes Leaders
Player	Team	GP	PIM	M/G
Connor Clattenburg	Soo Greyhounds	10	29	2.90
Angus MacDonell	Sarnia Sting	12	28	2.33
Djibril Toure	Sudbury Wolves	9	23	2.56
Cam Allen	Guelph Storm	13	23	1.77
Jackson Stewart	Kingston Frontenacs	7	22	3.14
Faceoff Leaders (Min 100 faceoffs)
Player	Team	GP	FOA	FOW	%
Denver Barkey	London Knights	11	110	69	62.7
Ryan Abraham	Windsor Spitfires	12	194	113	58.2
Ethan Larmand	Sudbury Wolves	11	163	88	54.0
Calum Ritchie	Oshawa Generals	12	167	89	53.3
Goaltenders Leaders – Goals Against Average
Player	Team	GP	Min	GA	Avg
Colin MacKenzie	Ottawa 67’s	4	220	5	1.36
Mason Vaccari	Kingston Frontenacs	3	180	6	2.00
Liam Sztuska	Peterborough Petes	2	120	4	2.00
Nolan Lalonde	Erie Otters	4	243	9	2.22
Alessio Beglieri	Mississauga Steelheads	9	548	25	2.74
Goaltending Leaders – Save Percentage
Player	Team	GP	SH	SVS	SV%
Colin MacKenzie	Ottawa 67’s	4	86	81	0.942
Mason Vaccari	Kingston Frontenacs	3	93	87	0.935
Liam Sztuska	Peterborough Petes	2	52	48	0.923
Nolan Lalonde	Erie Otters	4	113	104	0.920
Joey Costanzo	Windsor Spitfires	4	102	93	0.912

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

Posted on November 1, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in October 2022, including Flint Firebirds forward Brennan Othmann, Saginaw Spirit blueliner Pavel Mintyukov, Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa and Peterborough Petes netminder Michael Simpson.

OHL Player of the Month – Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds):
New York Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann of the Flint Firebirds is the OHL Player of the Month, producing 10 goals, 13 assists and 23 points in 13 October matchups. Othmann, who also registered a plus/minus rating of plus-seven, posted multi-point outputs in eight of his 13 contests, as the Firebirds played to a record of 7-6-0-0. Othmann started the season with a bang, scoring both of the Firebirds’ goals in their home opener against the Niagara IceDogs on Oct. 1st. He registered his first of a trio of three-point outings on Oct. 7th in Guelph, scoring while adding two assists in a 5-3 win. He netted a pair of goals and an assist as the Firebirds routed the Erie Otters 8-1 on Oct. 14th. Othmann’s talents continued to shine on Saturday night as he contributed three helpers to a high scoring 8-7 victory over the Oshawa Generals. The 6-foot, 180lb. left-winger has tallied at least one point in 12 of his 13 appearances so far this season. He becomes the first Firebirds player to ever claim OHL Player of the Month honours.

A 19-year-old native of Pickering, Ont., Othmann currently sits tied atop OHL scoring with 10 goals on the season, and ranks second in points with 23 (10-13–23) in 13 games. His 67 shots on goal lead the League. Now in his third season with the Firebirds, Othmann has produced career totals that include 77 goals, 76 assists and 153 points in 134 regular season games. The veteran winger was a first round (16th overall) pick of the New York Rangers in the 2021 NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the club on Aug. 12, 2021. Othmann was Flint’s first round (2nd overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection after winning an OHL Cup title with the Don Mills Flyers U16 program.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit):
Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for October after leading OHL blueliners with 18 points including six goals and 12 assists over 13 contests. Mintyukov, who also posted a plus/minus rating of plus-7, started the season with with five points (1-4–5) in a 10-6 win over the Guelph Storm in Saginaw’s home opener. He strung together three consecutive multi-point performances from Oct. 7-9, capping it with two goals and an assist as the Spirit defeated the Sudbury Wolves 5-2 on Oct. 9th. He helped the Spirit defeat the Central Division-leading Mississauga Steelheads 4-3 in overtime, recording a goal and an assist on Oct. 29th. This marks Mintyukov’s second OHL Defenceman of the Month honour after he received League honours in March 2022.

An 18-year-old late 2003-born blueliner, the 6-foot-3, 195Ib. Mintyukov became the first defenceman to lead the Spirit in regular season scoring last season, producing 62 points (17-45–62) in 67 games to earn OHL third team all-star recognition. His 18 points (6-12–18) lead OHL defenders thus far in 2022-23. Mintyukov was selected in the first round (10th overall) by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2022 NHL Draft this past summer. The Spirit selected him with the 52nd overall pick of the 2020 CHL Import Draft.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes):
Michael Simpson of the Peterborough Petes is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for October, playing to a 6-2-0-1 record with a 2.22 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. Simpson stopped 241 of the 261 shots he faced over the course of the October, backstopping the Petes into second place in the East Division. He recorded his first shutout of the season on Oct. 8th in Barrie, making 26 saves as the Petes defeated the Colts 5-0. He turned in a 37-save effort on Oct. 28th in Ottawa as the Petes put an end to the 67’s undefeated start to the season, denying them a 10th consecutive win. The OHL Goaltender of the Month honour is Simpson’s second in a row after he earned the distinction to close out the 2021-22 regular season in April.

A 19-year-old London, Ont. native, Simpson owns the league’s lowest goals-against average of 2.38 and sits tied for the league-lead in wins with seven. He owns a career record of 27-20-4-1 with a 3.33 goals-against average and .896 save percentage over 55 regular season games with the Petes. The 6-foot-1, 198lb. netminder was Peterborough’s 10th round (193rd overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the London Junior Knights U16 program.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit):
First overall OHL Priority Selection choice Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Rookie of the Month for October, recording 10 goals, seven assists and 17 points in 13 games. Misa had points in 10 of his 13 October contests, producing five different multi-point efforts. The sixth player in OHL history to be granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada, the 15-year-old currently sits tied atop OHL goal-scoring and leads all rookies in points with 17. Misa wasted little time getting adjusted to the OHL pace, scoring twice in his debut as the Spirit defeated the Guelph Storm 10-6 on Oct. 1st. Excelling against Guelph once again, Misa recorded a goal and three assists in Saginaw’s 6-1 road win on Oct. 14th. He put together back-to-back two-goal efforts on Oct. 21st in London and again on Oct. 22nd against the same Knights in Saginaw. He rounded-out October with a goal and an assist as the Spirit defeated the Oshawa Generals 3-2 on Oct. 30th. Misa is the first Spirit player to earn OHL Rookie of the Month honours since Cole Perfetti last did in March 2019.

A native of Oakville, Ont., Misa’s exceptional status debut sat just one point shy of John Tavares’ mark through 10 games back in 2005-2006 as he outpaced both Connor McDavid and Shane Wright in that window to begin his OHL career. Entering his first season with the Spirit after setting a new OHL Cup scoring record for the championship-winning Mississauga Senators, the 5-foot-11, 160lb. forward was selected first overall by Saginaw in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. He won’t be eligible for the NHL Draft until 2025.

GEORGE AND GOURE NAMEDOHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on October 31, 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, October 30, 2022

Attack’s Deni Goure Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Deni Goure of the Owen Sound Attack is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording four goals, four assists and eight points in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-6.

Helping guide the Attack to a perfect 3-0 showing last week, Goure got things started with a goal and two assists on Thursday as Owen Sound overcame a 5-1 deficit on the road in Barrie to win 6-5 in a shootout. He registered a career-high four points on Saturday, scoring twice while adding two assists as the Attack defeated the visiting Guelph Storm 5-2. Goure contributed another goal on Sunday as the Attack closed out the weekend with a 4-1 win over the Kingston Frontenacs.

A 19-year-old native of Grand Pointe, Ont., Goure has produced nine goals, eight assists and 17 points in 13 games this season. The former first round (10th overall) pick by the Bears in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection has registered 44 goals, 61 assists and 105 points in 143 career regular season games as he continues his third season in Owen Sound. Goure attended rookie camp with the Carolina Hurricanes in September.

Also given consideration for the award this week were Erie Otters forward Colby Saganiuk who recorded three goals and four assists (3-4-7) over three games, along with a plus/minus rating of plus-6. Barrie Colts overage forward Evan Vierling registered three goal and four helpers (3-4-7) over two games.

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

Attack’s Carter George Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Rookie netminder Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories, a 0.63 goals-against average and a .976 save percentage.

Trailing 5-1 in Barrie on Thursday, George entered the game for his OHL debut midway through the second period and proceeded to stop all 14 shots he faced before turning aside all eight in the shootout as the Bears came back to win by a score of 6-5. George returned to the crease on Sunday, earning first star honours with 27 saves in a 4-1 win over the Kingston Frontenacs at the Bayshore.

A 16-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ont., George was selected in the third round (53rd overall) by the Attack in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Thunder Bay Kings U16 program. He started the season with the St. Marys Lincolns of the GOJHL, going 2-1-1 with a 2.88 goals-against average and .902 save percentage in five games.

A pair of other candidates were given consideration for the award this week including San Jose Sharks prospect and Sarnia Sting netminder Ben Gaudreau who went 2-0-0-0 last week, posting a 1.50 goals-against average and .940 save percentage as Sarnia defeated Sudbury and Hamilton. Peterborough Petes goaltender Michael Simpson also went 2-0-0-0, posting a 2.50 goals-against average and .922 save percentage with wins over Sault Ste. Marie and Ottawa.

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

47 OHL PLAYERS INCLUDED ONNHL CENTRAL SCOUTING PLAYERS TO WATCH LIST FOR OCTOBER

Posted on October 25, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is proud to announce that 47 OHL players have been included on NHL Central Scouting’s October ‘Players to Watch’ List for the 2023 NHL Draft scheduled to take place June 28-29 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Forwards Colby Barlow of the Owen Sound Attack and Calum Ritchie of the Oshawa Generals join defenceman Cam Allen of the Guelph Storm in receiving ‘A’ ratings, indicating a potential first round selection.

An additional 11 players were assigned ‘B’ ratings indicating a potential second or third round selection while 33, including four goaltenders, received ‘C’ designations indicating a potential fourth, fifth or sixth round candidate.

Eighteen OHL member teams are represented on the list led by the Flint Firebirds, Kingston Frontenacs, Kitchener Rangers and Sudbury Wolves, each with four players included. The Guelph Storm, London Knights, North Bay Battalion, Ottawa 67’s, Peterborough Petes, Saginaw Spirit and Windsor Spitfires trail with three players respectively.

The list includes 25 OHL forwards, 18 defencemen and four goaltenders.

2023 NHL Central Scouting October Players to Watch List – OHL

Players have been identified using the following criteria:

• A Rating – Indicates a first round candidate
• B Rating – Indicates a second or third round candidate
• C Rating – Indicates a fourth/fifth/sixth round candidate

RATING	PLAYER	POS.	TEAM
A	Cam Allen	D	Guelph Storm
A	Colby Barlow	LW	Owen Sound Attack
A	Calum Ritchie	C	Oshawa Generals
B	Beau Akey	D	Barrie Colts
B	Oliver Bonk	D	London Knights
B	Hunter Brzustewicz	D	Kitchener Rangers
B	Andrew Gibson	D	Soo Greyhounds
B	Nick Lardis	LW	Peterborough Petes
B	Ethan Miedema	LW	Windsor Spitfires
B	Quentin Musty	LW	Sudbury Wolves
B	Luca Pinelli	LW	Ottawa 67’s
B	Coulson Pitre	RW	Flint Firebirds
B	Carson Rehkopf	LW	Kitchener Rangers
B	Carey Terrance	C	Erie Otters
C	Matthew Andonovski	D	Kitchener Rangers
C	Denver Barkey	C	London Knights
C	Tristan Bertucci	D	Flint Firebirds
C	Cole Brown	RW	Hamilton Bulldogs
C	Quinton Burns	D	Kingston Frontenacs
C	Easton Cowan	RW	London Knights
C	Alexis Daviault	D	Sarnia Sting
C	P.J. Forgione	D	Saginaw Spirit
C	Brad Gardiner	C	Ottawa 67’s
C	Ethan Hay	C	Flint Firebirds
C	Linus Hemstrom	RW	Kingston Frontenacs
C	Angus MacDonell	C	Sarnia Sting
C	Matthew Mania	D	Sudbury Wolves
C	Matthew Mayich	D	Ottawa 67’s
C	Donovan McCoy	D	Peterborough Petes
C	Luke McNamara	C	Saginaw Spirit
C	Marco Mignosa	RW	Soo Greyhounds
C	Niko Minkkinen	D	Guelph Storm
C	Owen Outwater	LW	Kingston Frontenacs
C	Alex Pharand	C	Sudbury Wolves
C	Michael Podolioukh	C	North Bay Battalion
C	Bronson Ride	D	Windsor Spitfires
C	Nic Sima	RW	North Bay Battalion
C	Blake Smith	D	Oshawa Generals
C	Konnor Smith	D	Peterborough Petes
C	Matthew Soto	RW	Kingston Frontenacs
C	Djibril Toure	D	Sudbury Wolves
C	Joey Willis	LW	Saginaw Spirit
C	Valentin Zhugin	LW	Guelph Storm

RATING	PLAYER	POS.	TEAM
C	Joey Costanzo	G	Windsor Spitfires
C	Nathan Day	G	Flint Firebirds
C	Jackson Parsons	G	Kitchener Rangers
C	Charlie Robertson	G	North Bay Battalion

For the complete list, visit NHL.com.

BECK AND MACKENZIE NAMEDOHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on October 24, 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, October 23, 2022.

Steelheads’ Owen Beck Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals, six assists and nine points in two games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-2.

Beck tied a Steelheads record for most points in a single game on Friday, recording one goal and five assists in an 8-2 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs while also going 13-for-17 in the faceoff circle. His five assists equaled an all-time franchise record, marking the first time a Steelheads player has hit that mark since Nathan Bastian on Oct. 12, 2016 against Guelph. Beck continued his strong play on Saturday in Barrie, registering two goals and an assist as the Steelheads fell to the Colts in a narrow 6-5 defeat.

A 19-year-old native of Port Hope, Ont., Beck has produced six goals, six assists and 12 points in his seven games this season. He was a second round (33rd overall) pick of the Montreal Canadiens this past summer following 21 goals, 30 assists and 51 points in 68 games last season. Last year’s OHL and CHL Scholastic Player of the Year was originally Mississauga’s second round (29th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection from the Quinte Red Devils U16 program.

Also given consideration for the award this week were fellow Montreal Canadiens prospect Filip Mesar of the Kitchener Rangers, who recorded three goals and three assists including an overtime winner in his first two OHL contests. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ty Voit of the Sarnia Sting was also a standout, recording one goal and seven helpers (1-7-8) over three games to rise to the top of the OHL scoring race.

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

67’s’ Collin MacKenzie Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Collin MacKenzie of the Ottawa 67’s is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories, a 0.60 goals-against average and a .976 save percentage, helping Ottawa continue its run of undefeated hockey to begin the 2022-23 season.

After the 67’s took a Thursday night win in North Bay, MacKenzie took the crease on Friday in Sault Ste. Marie, stopping 21 of the 22 shots that came his way before turning aside a new OHL record 15 consecutive Greyhounds shootout attempts. Gavin Ewles would end the second-longest shootout in OHL history in the 15th round as Ottawa improved to 8-0 with a 2-1 victory. The 67’s fell behind the Sudbury Wolves 3-0 on Sunday afternoon, prompting Ottawa coach Dave Cameron to put MacKenzie into the game 4:58 into the second period. He proceeded to stop all 14 shots he faced as the 67’s scored five unanswered goals to win 5-3 and extend their winning streak to nine games.

A 17-year-old from Elora, Ont., MacKenzie owns a 3-0-0-0 record with a 1.50 goals-against average and .937 save percentage in three games this season. The former eighth round (160th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection is a perfect 7-0-0-0 in his OHL career.

A pair of other candidates were given consideration for the award this week, including Owen Sound Attack netminder Nick Chenard who went 2-0-0-0 last week, posting a 1.50 goals-against average and .954 save percentage. Soo Greyhounds goaltender Charlie Schenkel was MacKenzie’s counterpart in Friday’s shootout marathon, stopping 33 shots through 65 minutes before turning away 14 of the 15 Ottawa shooters he faced in the shootout.

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

MAGGIO AND ZHIGALOV NAMEDOHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on October 17, 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, October 16, 2022

Spitfires’ Matthew Maggio Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

New York Islanders prospect Matthew Maggio of the Windsor Spitfires is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals, four assists and seven points over three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-5.

Suiting up at the WFCU Centre for the first time since returning from the New York Islanders, Maggio posted a goal and two assists, setting up Alex Christopoulos’ overtime winner on Thanksgiving Monday as the Spits defeated the Soo Greyhounds 3-2. He proceeded to add two assists in Windsor’s 6-3 road win over the Sarnia Sting on Friday and closed out the weekend with a pair of goals in a 5-4 overtime loss in Owen Sound on Saturday.

A 19-year-old native of Tecumseh, Ont., Maggio has points in all four of his games this season, posting four goals and four assists for eight points. He was a fifth round (142nd overall) pick of the New York Islanders this past summer following 38 goals, 47 assists and 85 points in 66 games last season. Originally selected by the Ottawa 67’s in the fifth round of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection, Maggio is embarking on his fourth OHL season and is one goal shy of 50 on his OHL career.

Also given consideration for the award this week were Owen Sound Attack forward and top 2023 NHL Draft prospect Colby Barlow, who recorded four goals and two assists (4-2-6) including a hat trick and overtime winner in three games last week. Chicago Blackhawks blue line prospect Ethan Del Mastro of the Mississauga Steelheads was also a standout, recording five points (1-4–5) as the Trout went 3-0.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)

Frontenacs’ Ivan Zhigalov Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Colorado Avalanche prospect Ivan Zhigalov of the Kingston Frontenacs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories, a 1.50 goals-against average and a .952 save percentage.

Leading Kingston to an undefeated weekend at home, Zhigalov stopped 29 of the 31 shots that came his way as the Fronts won 4-2 against the Hamilton Bulldogs on Friday. The 6-foot-3, 173Ib. goaltender continued to defend the crease against the Guelph Storm on Saturday, blocking 30 of the 31 shots he faced in a 6-1 win.

A 19-year-old from Minsk, Belarus, Zhigalov owns a 3-1-0-1 record with a 1.78 goals-against average and .945 save percentage in five games this season. The seventh round (225th overall) pick of the Colorado Avalanche this past summer spent the 2021-22 season with the QMJHL’s Sherbrooke Phoenix, playing to a 26-9-3 record with a 2.84 goals-against-average and .892 save percentage. He participated in the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Kitchener, Ont., and was Kingston’s first round (47th overall) pick in the 2022 CHL Import Draft.

A pair of other candidates were given consideration for the award as Sudbury Wolves netminder Joe Ranger went 1-0-0-1 on the weekend, posting a 2.37 goals-against average and .933 save percentage. Kitchener Rangers goaltender Marco Costantini went 1-1-0-0 with his new club, posting a 2.55 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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 THIS WEEK: OCTOBER 14 TO 16, 2022

Posted on October 14, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

We’re into mid-October and a few teams are starting to find their rhythm. There’s lots to cover across the League!

Firebirds and Otters clash in CHL TV Game of the Week, FREE on OHL Live:
It’s an All-American Western Conference clash in tonight’s CHL TV Game of the Week as fans can see the Flint Firebirds visit the Erie Otters for free on OHL Live. Tune in tonight at 7:00pm at ohllive.com.

Steelheads and 67’s make Week 2 edition of Kia CHL Top 10:
After Week 2 action, the Mississauga Steelheads and Ottawa 67’s find themselves in the Week 2 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. WATCH

Spirit’s Mintyukov named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week:
Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording four goals along with three assists for seven points over three games. READ

Steelheads’ Beglieri named OHL Goaltender of the Week:
Alessio Beglieri of the Mississauga Steelheads is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories, a 0.96 goals-against average, .961 save percentage and one shutout. READ

Storm’s Zhilkin headlines OHL Plays of the Week:
A look back at the top plays from across the Ontario Hockey League during the Thanksgiving long weekend, with contributions from Saginaw’s Joey Willis, Oshawa’s Stuart Rolofs, Flint’s Riley Piercey, Sudbury’s Alex Assadourian and Guelph’s Danny Zhilkin. WATCH

Rosenzweig dazzles on OHL Saves of the Week:
A look at the League’s outstanding saves from a Thanksgiving long weekend, with contributions from Niagara’s Josh Rosenzweig, the Sault Ste. Marie duo of Samuel Ivanov and Charlie Schenkel, Saginaw’s Tristan Lennox, Sarnia’s Ben Gaudreau and Kingston’s Ivan Zhigalov. WATCH

Two shutouts and 10 first markers in OHL Milestone Moments:
This week’s run of Milestone Moments includes first career shutouts by Sault Ste. Marie’s Charlie Schenkel and Mississauga’s Alessio Beglieri along with a total of 11 first career goals. WATCH

OHL Weekend Notebook:
The OHL Weekend Notebook recaps the weekend that was with news, information and interesting facts from both on and off the ice. READ

173 OHL Graduates on NHL opening night rosters:
A total of 173 OHL graduates are on Opening Night rosters to begin the 2022-23 National Hockey League season. READ

Wyatt Johnston scores in NHL debut:
It didn’t take long for the reigning OHL Player of the Year to find the back of the net in the National Hockey League. READ

Colts’ Clarke debuts with LA Kings:
Nineteen-year-old Barrie Colts defenceman Brandt Clarke saw his first NHL action with the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night. READ

Shane Wright suits up for Seattle Kraken:
One of six players in OHL history to enter the League with exceptional rookie status, Shane Wright made his NHL debut with the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday night at the age of 18. READ

Xhekaj makes NHL debut with Canadiens:
Never drafted into the OHL or the NHL, Arber Xhekaj made his debut with the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night at the age of 21. READ

Storm hire Rob Collins as Assistant Coach:
The Guelph Storm has added Rob Collins as an Assistant Coach for the 2022-23 season. Collins is joining the Storm from the GOJHL’s Elmira Sugar Kings where he began his coaching career, being named Head Coach of the club in 2021. READ

Steelheads name leadership group:
The Mississauga Steelheads have announced that defenceman Ethan Del Mastro will be returning as captain for his second term in the role. Assistant captains will include James Hardie, Charlie Callaghan, Luca Del Bel Belluz, and Owen Beck. READ

Battalion leadership group unveiled:
Returning captain Liam Arnsby is joined by six other players assigned letters for the North Bay Battalion in 2022-23. READ

Storm name Walker captain:
The Guelph Storm announced that overage centreman Cooper Walker has been named captain of the club for the 2022-23 season, making him the 31st captain in franchise history. READ

Bishop Kearney Selects win 2022 Wendy Dufton Memorial Tournament:
The Bishop Kearney Selects took home the Gold at the 2022 Wendy Dufton memorial tournament in London over the weekend. The event’s U16 division featured 28 teams all competing for a championship and the perfect way to kickstart the 2022-23 season. READ

OHL This Week Podcast:
Take a listen to last week’s edition of the OHL This Week Podcast, featuring Peterborough Petes centre Tucker Robertson and Erie Otters netminder Nolan Lalonde! LISTEN

Bulldogs raise 2021-2022 banners:
The Hamilton Bulldogs celebrated the tremendous accomplishments of their 2021-22 season ahead of their home opener at FirstOntario Centre on Saturday. WATCH

Bulldogs announce affiliation with Hamilton Kilty B’s:
The Hamilton Bulldogs have announced an affiliation agreement with the Hamilton Kilty B’s of the GOJHL. READ

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Frontenacs set to host Hockey Is For The Dogs night on Friday:
The Kingston Frontenacs are partnering with the Kingston Humane Society and Country 93.5 to host their annual Hockey is for the Dogs Night. This event will showcase pets that are available for adoption in the main concourse and it will include plenty more pet themed fun throughout the evening. More at kingstonfrontenacs.com

Storm set to host annual Pink the Rink night on Friday:
The Guelph Storm encourage fans to wear pink in support of cancer research and awareness on Friday for their annual Pink the Rink night. A limited number of Pink the Rink shirts will be available where ten dollars from every shirt will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society Waterloo Wellington. Storm players will also wear a Pink the Rink jersey to be auctioned off at a later date with all proceeds supporting the Canadian Cancer Society-WW. More at guelphstorm.com

Frontenacs set to host Hockey Fights Cancer game on Saturday:
The Kingston Frontenacs are set to host their annual Hockey Fights Cancer game on Saturday in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Rangers set to host 1960’s Retro game on Sunday:
As the Kitchener Rangers continue to celebrate 60 years of Rangers Hockey in Kitchener, the team will be throwing it back to a 1960’s-style theme game. Additionally, the Rangers, in support of Hockey Helps the Homeless, will be collecting new men’s toques, mittens and gloves at the game. READ

Wolves set to host Jersey Day on Sunday:
Kids 12 years old and under will receive a free Sudbury Wolves practice jersey with their valid game ticket as the Wolves host Jersey Day on Sunday. Kids under 10 years old and under can get into the arena for Sunday’s game for just $10. It will be the first Junior Wolves Sunday this season so fans can join select members from the Pack to skate following the game. More at sudburywolves.com

ALUMNI NOTES:

OHL mourns the loss of Joe Crozier:
The Ontario Hockey League is mourning the loss of former Kitchener Rangers head coach Joe Crozier, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 93. READ

OHL mourns the loss of Dave Dryden:
The OHL is mourning the loss of an alumnus and former head coach in Dave Dryden, who passed away on Friday at the age of 81. READ

Luka Profaca signs with AHL’s San Diego Gulls:
The San Diego Gulls announced that the American Hockey League club has signed former Guelph Storm defenseman Luka Profaca to a one-year standard player contract. READ

Frontenacs pay tribute to former Assistant Trainer Len Coyle:
The Kingston Frontenacs honoured a sports icon in the City of Kingston. Len Coyle joined the Kingston Canadians on day one in 1973, and he remained a part of our team until 2020. WATCH

Dale Hawerchuk honoured in Barrie:
The Barrie Colts honoured late head coach and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Dale Hawerchuk ahead of puck drop at Sadlon Arena on Saturday night. WATCH

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

– All games streaming on OHL Live
– Radio and TV broadcast information

Friday October 7th
Hamilton at Kingston – 7:00pm
Flint at Erie – 7:00pm (CHL TV Game of the Week – FREE)
Mississauga at London – 7:00pm
Barrie at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Windsor at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Peterborough at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Saginaw at Guelph – 7:30pm
Owen Sound at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Ottawa at Oshawa – 7:35pm

Saturday October 8th
Oshawa at Mississauga– 4:00pm
Guelph at Kingston – 7:00pm
Flint at Niagara – 7:00pm
Saginaw at Erie – 7:00pm
Barrie at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Windsor at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday October 9th
London at Hamilton – 2:00pm
Guelph at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Sarnia at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Flint at Kitchener – 2:00pm
Peterborough at Sudbury – 2:05pm

BEGLIERI AND MINTYUKOV NAMEDOHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on October 11, 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, October 9, 2022.

Spirit’s Pavel Mintyukov Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording four goals along with three assists for seven points over three games.

Mintyukov led the Spirit, recording one goal and one assist in a 7-4 win against the Sarnia Sting on Friday, continuing his efforts in a two-point night on Saturday against the Windsor Spitfires. The six-foot-three, 195 lb. blueliner closed out the weekend with two goals and an assist on Sunday to help Saginaw defeat the Sudbury Wolves 5-2 at home as he now leads all OHL players with 12 points (5-7-12) on the season.

An 18-year-old rearguard, Mintyukov was selected in the first round (10th overall) by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2022 NHL Draft. The former first round (52nd overall) pick by the Spirit in the 2020 CHL Import Draft recorded 17 goals, 45 assists and 62 points last season, becoming the first defenceman to ever lead the Spirit in regular season scoring.

Also given consideration for the award this week were Spirit teammate and Vegas Golden Knights prospect Matyas Sapovaliv, who recorded seven points, scoring four goals and three assists. Sudbury Wolves sophomore forward Quentin Musty was also a standout, recording seven points (3-4–7) in a three-game weekend for the Wolves.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)

Steelheads’ Alessio Beglieri Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Alessio Beglieri of the Mississauga Steelheads is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories, a 0.96 goals-against average, .961 save percentage and one shutout.

Beglieri stopped 35 of the 37 shots that came his way on top of two shootout attempts as the Steelheads won 3-2 over the Erie Otters despite being outshot 37-26 on Friday. The 5-foot-11, 170Ib. goaltender returned to the crease on Saturday, stopping 14 shots for his first career OHL shutout in a 4-0 triumph over the Owen Sound Attack.

An 18-year-old from Nidau, Switzerland, Beglieri was selected by the Steelheads in the first round (33rd overall) of the 2022 CHL Import Draft and remains undefeated in three appearances for Mississauga this season.

A pair of other candidates were given consideration for the award as North Bay Battalion netminder and Winnipeg Jets prospect Dom DiVincentiis posted 47 saves in a pair of outings, recording a 1.44 goals-against average and .940 save percentage. Peterborough Petes goaltender Michael Simpson blocked 26 shots for the shutout on Saturday, posting a 1.52 goals-against average and .949 save percentage in two appearances.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Alessio Beglieri (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)

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