OHL Writers

GUZDA AND PIERCEY NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on January 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, January 23, 2022

Firebirds’ Riley Piercey Named OHL Player of the Week

Flint Firebirds forward Riley Piercey is the OHL Player of the Week, scoring four goals while adding three assists for seven points in three victories to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-3.

Piercey scored in all three of his outings, helping the Firebirds climb to within three points of first place in the West Division with wins over Guelph, Saginaw and Kitchener. He scored the overtime winner in Guelph on Tuesday, finding the back of the net with 26 seconds remaining in the extra frame as the ‘Birds defeated the Storm 5-4. Piercey put together a season-high four point effort on Friday at home to Saginaw, scoring twice while adding two assists as the Firebirds secured the I-75 Divide Cup, taking a 6-3 decision to win their season series against the rival Spirit. He finished the week with a goal in Saturday’s commanding 7-1 win over the visiting Kitchener Rangers, extending his current point streak to four games.

A 19-year-old native of Mississauga, Ont., Piercey sits second in Flint scoring with 37 points (15-22–37) over 30 games this season. The 6-foot-3, 212Ib. centreman is in his third OHL season, recording 85 points (35-50–85) over 152 career regular season games between Flint and Barrie. Piercey was originally Barrie’s first round (16th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

Piercey joins Brennan Othmann as the second Firebirds player to earn OHL Player of the Week honours this season. Othmann was also considered for the award this week, registering eight points (2-6–8) over three games. Kingston Frontenacs forward Jordan Frasca posted seven points (2-5–7) and a plus-6 rating across four games as the Fronts closed out the weekend on a three-game winning streak.

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Riley Piercey (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 3 – Jan 9: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Ty Tullio (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Rory Kerins (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Colts’ Mack Guzda Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Mack Guzda of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0-0-0 with a 1.49 goals-against average and .956 save percentage.

Guzda stopped 65 of the 68 shots he faced last week, helping the Colts score home wins over divisional opponents Sudbury and North Bay. He turned aside 31 shots in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over the Wolves, registering over 57 minutes of shutout hockey after Sudbury scored an early goal. Guzda returned to the crease on Saturday against North Bay, backstopping the Colts to a 3-2 overtime win despite being outshot, making 34 saves to earn second star honours in the process. This marks the second time this season Guzda has earned OHL Goaltender of the Week recognition.

A 21-year-old native of Knoxville, Tenn., Guzda is currently tied for the League-lead in save percentage at .922, going 14-6-0-1 with a 2.62 goals-against average in 21 games between Barrie and Owen Sound. Now 9-2-0-0 since joining the Colts in mid-November, Guzda was originally Owen Sound’s second round (31st overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, and has played to career mark of 72-51-10-7.

Also considered for the award this week, Ottawa Senators prospect Leevi Merilainen of the Kingston Frontenacs went 2-1-0-0 with a 1.68 goals-against average, .944 save percentage and his first shutout of the season. Oshawa Generals netminder Patrick Leaver played to a 2-1-0-0 mark, making 120 saves over three games to post a 1.95 goals-against average and .952 save percentage.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: Mitchell Weeks (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 3 – Jan. 9: Nolan Lalonde (Erie Otters)
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: Joe Ranger (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Owen Bennett (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Roman Basran (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Jacob Oster (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Tucker Tynan (Niagara IceDogs)

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.

Matyas Sapovaliv – Saginaw Spirit – Player Profile

Posted on January 22, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

HT	WT	DOB	POS	SHOOTS	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	COUNTRY
6’3	180	2-12-2004	C	L	15^th Import	13th	CZECHIA

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2020-21	Czechia U-20	Kladno U-20	6	4	7	11
2020-21	Czechia-2	Kladno	12	0	3	3
2020-21	U-17	Czechia	3	0	3	3
2020-21	WJC U-18	Czechia	3	0	0	0

Matyas Sapovaliv of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

I will admit that when NHL Central Scouting released it’s mid-term rankings, I was all giddy that they had Saginaw Spirit Centreman Matyas Sapovaliv ranked fourth among Ontario Hockey League prospects eligible for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. I was equally giddy when Sapovaliv appeared third among OHL players On Bob McKenzie’s mid-term list.

I will be the first to admit that Sapovaliv was not originally on my top-10. Having watched him at the Under-18 and some Under-17, I felt his skating was going to hold him back some. Well, credit to Sapovaliv as he put in the necessary work to improve both his mobility, agility and speed. There is more work to be done, but I am told he is putting in the extra effort and it will pay dividends.

Through Saginaw’s first 32 games this season, Sapovaliv has 10 goals and 16 assists which places him second among Spirit skaters. In the league he is fifth among rookies and just 5 points off the lead with games in hand on everyone ahead of him. His 10 goals come on 76 shots for a 13.2 shooting percentage. He is especially deadly on the powerplay where 6 of his 10 goals have come and easily leads his team in that department. He also leads his team in faceoff attempts (528), faceoff wins (271) and faceoff percentage (51.3%).

At 6’3” Sapovaliv has great size. While he uses that size, along with his reach effectively in different situations – protecting the puck and breaking up plays – I would like to see him use it to his advantage to win more battles and to drive to the net more often. He’s not soft by any means, but he could certainly use it to his advantage to dominate more at this level.

Sapovaliv is a shooter and a play maker. While I am impressed with his shot accuracy, ability to get it off quickly and that it has some mustard behind it, I am more impressed with his playmaking abilities. He sees the ice very well, has superb anticipation, and can thread the needle with a pass. He can slow the pace down and wait for the play to develop or allow his teammates to get into areas and then send a tape-to-tape pass. At the next level, I think his playmaking skills will translate better.

I am also impressed with Sapovaliv’s defensive game. He uses that long reach of his to break up plays, but he is also very adept at coming back into the slot and winning that vast majority of his battles there. As a center, he knows his role of coming back to help the defenders and he puts in the effort.

There is still half a season to go in the OHL. Sapovaliv just needs to keep on improving.

GOYETTE AND WEEKS NAMED NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on January 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, January 16, 2022.

Wolves’ David Goyette Named OHL Player of the Week

2022 NHL Draft prospect David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Player of the Week, helping his club claim five of a possible six points with five goals, two assists and seven points in three games with a plus/minus rating of plus-6.

Goyette picked up an assist in Sudbury’s 3-1 road win over the Peterborough Petes on Thursday before exploding for the OHL’s first four-goal showing of the 2021-22 season on Friday in Kingston. He had his best single game performance to date before a national audience on TSN, lighting the lamp four times in an 8-4 victory. He joins a list of other prominent Wolves four-goal scorers that includes Adam Ruzicka (Mar. 15, 2019), Benoit Pouliot (Feb. 17, 2006), Norm Milley (Nov. 14, 1999) and Mike Fisher (Dec. 18, 1998) among others. Goyette finished off the weekend with a goal and an assist in Saturday’s 5-4 shootout loss to the Ottawa 67’s.

A 17-year-old from Hawkesbury, Ont., Goyette climbed into a tie for the OHL’s rookie scoring lead over the weekend, drawing even with Mississauga’s Owen Beck with 29 points (12-17–29) over 31 games. The 5-foot-11, 174Ib. centreman was Sudbury’s first round (11th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He was listed as the 35th-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings for the 2022 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week, Seattle Kraken prospect Ryan Winterton of the Hamilton Bulldogs returned from injury to make his season debut, exploding for six points (1-5–6) in a pair of victories. Goyette’s Wolves teammate Kocha Delic was also in the running, registering seven points (2-5–7) across three games.

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 3 – Jan 9: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Ty Tullio (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Rory Kerins (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Wolves’ Mitchell Weeks Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Mitchell Weeks of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, playing to a 2-0-0-1 record with a 2.92 goals-against average and .924 save percentage.

Weeks made 109 saves over three outings, helping the Wolves collect five of a possible six points on a three-in-three road trip with stops in Peterborough, Kingston and Ottawa. He provided 31 saves in Thursday’s 3-1 victory in Peterborough, claiming third star honours as the Wolves snapped an eight-game slide, earning their first win since Nov. 26th. Weeks was back in the crease on Friday in Kingston, backstopping the Wolves to an 8-4 win in front of a national audience on TSN. Weeks made 44 saves as Sudbury was outshot 48-28 in the high-scoring win. He helped the Wolves pick up a point on Saturday in Ottawa, making 34 saves in a 5-4 shootout loss as Sudbury was outshot 38-20.

A 20-year-old native of Barrie, Ont., Weeks owns a 10-11-3-1 record this season with a 3.71 goals-against average and .901 save percentage. The former first overall pick in the 2018 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection has appeared in 60 career contests with Sudbury, going 23-26-3-2 with a 3.88 goals-against average and .887 save percentage.

Also considered for the award this week, Flint Firebirds goaltender Luke Cavallin played to a 2-1-0-0 mark, posting a 3.00 goals-against average and .915 save percentage with one shutout.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: Mitchell Weeks (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 3 – Jan. 9: Nolan Lalonde (Erie Otters)
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: Joe Ranger (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Owen Bennett (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Roman Basran (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Jacob Oster (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Tucker Tynan (Niagara IceDogs)

Danny Zhilkin – Guelph Storm – Player Profile

Posted on January 16, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

HT	WT	DOB	POS	SHOOTS	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	COUNTRY
6’2”	185	12-19-2003	C	L	14^th 2019	27^th Mid	CANADA

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2018-19	U-16 AAA	Toronto Marlboros	69	32	25	57
2018-19	GTHL U-16	Toronto Marlboros	33	11	12	23
2019-20	OHL	Guelph Storm	60	7	8	15
2019-20	WHC U-17	Canada Black	5	4	2	6
2020-21	WJC U-18	Canada U18	7	0	2	2
2020-21	OHL	DID NOT PLAY

Danny Zhilkin of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

While Guelph Storm forward Danny Zhilkin (Daniil) has both Russian and Canadian citizenship, we list him as Canadian because he has already represented Canada at IIHF tournaments, and under their rules, once you make a decision and represent one country, that designation follows you throughout your career.

A handful of the independent scouting services available have Zhilkin ranked in the 41 to 43 range, so there is some consistency there. However, others like Craig Button (30^th), Sportsnet (25^th) and Consolidated Ranking (32^nd) have him inside the first round. NHL Central Scouting has him 27^th among North American skaters in their mid-term rankings. But opinions of those that follow the OHL closely are very split.

So, what are you getting with Zhilkin? Here’s my thoughts.

Well, you’re getting a player with good size at 6’2” that will need to add some mass to his 185-pound frame for one. You’re getting a player that plays with pace when he’s on. You’re getting a player that can bring you to your feet with electrifying moves – when he’s on.

Let’s start with some positives: Zhilkin certainly has all the skills and the tools to dominate in the OHL. He can beat defenders one-on-one almost with relative ease. He can keep possession of the puck. He can set up teammates. He can pass. He will go to the dirty areas to clean up rebounds or set himself in position to receive a pass and fire off a superb shot.

The negative to all that is ‘when he wants to’. At times he is too lackadaisical for me. Other times, he’s trying to beat everyone on the ice himself rather than utilizing his teammates.

Somewhat surprisingly, Zhilkin is a very good three zone player. He at least puts in the effort through the neutral zone and the defensive zone to disrupt the opposition and when he, or his teammates do and the puck is on his stick, his ability to transition is matched by few.

Zhilkin has gotten better as the season has progressed after a somewhat slow start. He has 10 goals and 14 helpers through 27 games at this point of the season, good for second among point getters on his squad. At this point, I expected him to be at least a point-per-game player and it is likely he will get there by the end of the season.

As I said earlier, the tools and the skillset are all there. If he can put it all together, he will be a fine addition to a team’s prospect stable.

Here’s just a sample of what he’s capable of, picking up the rebound in front of his net and going end to end.

62 OHL Players Included NHLL Central Scouting’s Mid Term Rankings

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is proud to announce that 62 OHL players have been included on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings for the 2022 NHL Draft that takes place July 7-8 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC.

The list includes 41 OHL forwards, 14 defencemen and seven goaltenders.

A total of 10 OHL players are ranked inside the first round led by Kingston Frontenacs centreman Shane Wright, a former OHL Rookie of the Year Award recipient and exceptional status first overall pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

“Shane is an excellent prospect and a guy that the scouting community has been tracking for a while now so everyone’s familiar with the attributes he can bring to a team,” OHL graduate Joey Tenute of NHL Central Scouting said. “He shows up every night, is a leader and plays every situation. He does what it takes all over the ice and any coach can rely on a player like that because he not only provides offense but is an all-around leader of a team … lead by example type of guy.”

Frontenacs teammate Paul Ludwinski joins Wright as a potential first round selection, being listed 29th among North American skaters.

Joining Czech forward Matyas Sapovaliv as one of two Saginaw Spirit players ranked inside the top-32, Russian defender Pavel Mintyukov comes in at number five on the list.

“Mintyukov, to me, is the best at his position for the 2022 draft,” said NHL Central Scouting Director Dan Marr. “He plays a very dynamic game utilizing his size, skating, smarts and skills to control the play in all zones and situations. The confidence, composure and degree of authority in which he takes charge and executes on plays places him in a category all to himself.”

The Spirit also boast the highest-ranked goaltender on the list in 17-year-old Shelby Township, Mich. native Andrew Oke, who is the eighth-ranked North American netminder.

The OHL’s first place Mississauga Steelheads also feature two players ranked inside the first round with 18-year-old forward Luca Del Bel Belluz at eleventh on the list and 17-year-old centreman Owen Beck at number 19.

The Guelph Storm join Kingston, Saginaw and Mississauga in producing another pair of players ranked inside the first round in first-year centreman Matthew Poitras at 23rd and sophomore talent Danny Zhilkin at 27th. Rookie defender Michael Buchinger came in just outside of the top-32, being ranked 36th on the list.

Former first overall 2020 OHL Priority Selection choice Ty Nelson of the North Bay Battalion is the highest-ranked Canadian-born defenceman at number 25 on the list.

Nineteen of the OHL’s 20 member teams feature at least one player included on the list, with the London Knights (8), Guelph Storm (6) and North Bay Battalion (5) leading the way.

2022 NHL Central Scouting Midterm Draft Rankings

SKATERS:

RANK	PLAYER	TEAM	POSITION
1	Shane Wright	Kingston Frontenacs	C
5	Pavel Mintyukov	Saginaw Spirit	D
11	Luca Del Bel Belluz	Mississauga Steelheads	C
13	Matyas Sapovaliv	Saginaw Spirit	C
19	Owen Beck	Mississauga Steelheads	C
23	Matthew Poitras	Guelph Storm	C
25	Ty Nelson	North Bay Battalion	D
27	Danny Zhilkin	Guelph Storm	C
28	Bryce McConnell-Barker	Soo Greyhounds	C
29	Paul Ludwinski	Kingston Frontenacs	C
35	David Goyette	Sudbury Wolves	C
36	Michael Buchinger	Guelph Storm	D
38	Spencer Sova	Erie Otters	D
39	Jorian Donovan	Hamilton Bulldogs	D
42	Isaiah George	London Knights	D
46	Vinzenz Rohrer	Ottawa 67’s	C
47	Hunter Haight	Barrie Colts	C
52	Servac Petrovsky	Owen Sound Attack	C
61	Jake Karabela	Guelph Storm	C
62	Ruslan Gazizov	London Knights	LW
66	Liam Arnsby	North Bay Battalion	C
68	Gavin Hayes	Flint Firebirds	LW
75	Jackson Edward	London Knights	D
76	Cedrick Guindon	Owen Sound Attack	LW
77	Pano Fimis	Niagara IceDogs	C
88	Evan Konyen	Sudbury Wolves	RW
103	Kirill Kudryavtsev	Soo Greyhounds	D
107	Lucas Edmonds	Kingston Frontenacs	RW
109	Tucker Robertson	Peterborough Petes	C
120	Samuel Mayer	Peterborough Petes	D
121	Vsevolod Gaidamak	Ottawa 67’s	C
124	Zakary Lavoie	Mississauga Steelheads	RW
129	Colton Smith	London Knights	LW
132	Rodwin Dionicio	Niagara IceDogs	D
137	Beau Jelsma	Barrie Colts	C
138	Brady Stonehouse	Ottawa 67’s	RW
142	Stuart Rolofs	Oshawa Generals	LW
152	Tnias Mathurin	North Bay Battalion	D
155	Aidan Castle	Niagara IceDogs	RW
160	Gavin Bryant	Owen Sound Attack	C
163	Brice Cooke	Niagara IceDogs	LW
179	Christian Kyrou	Erie Otters	D
182	Kyle Jackson	North Bay Battalion	C
183	Tyler Savard	Soo Greyhounds	LW
188	Brody Crane	London Knights	LW
190	Sam Alfano	Peterborough Petes	RW
195	Roberto Mancini	Saginaw Spirit	D
196	Kirill Steklov	London Knights	D
200	Kocha Delic	Sudbury Wolves	C
204	James Hardie	Mississauga Steelheads	LW
210	Ryan Abraham	Windsor Spitfires	C
213	Landon Sim	London Knights	RW
217	Braeden Bowman	Guelph Storm	RW
219	Max Namestnikov	Sarnia Sting	C
224	Nolan Dann	Sarnia Sting	LW
LV	Simon Slavicek	Flint Firebirds	LW

GOALTENDERS:

RANK	GOALTENDER	TEAM
8	Andrew Oke	Saginaw Spirit
10	Nolan Lalonde	Erie Otters
12	Charlie Schenkel	Soo Greyhounds
14	Domenic Divincentiis	North Bay Battalion
15	Jacob Oster	Guelph Storm
16	Brett Brochu	London Knights
29	Patrick Leaver	Oshawa Generals

LALONDE AND JOHNSTON NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on January 10, 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, January 9, 2022.

Spitfires’ Wyatt Johnston Named OHL Player of the Week

Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals and six assists for eight points in two games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-6.

Johnston helped the Spitfires climb to within two points of the West Division-leading Soo Greyhounds, defeating them in back-to-back games on the road. Johnston earned first star honours in Windsor’s first action since Dec. 28th on Saturday, scoring while adding three assists in a 5-2 win. He added another goal and three more helpers in Sunday’s 10-4 victory over the Greyhounds, picking up second star recognition in his fourth 4+ point outing of the season. He also extended his current point streak to seven games.

An 18-year-old native of Toronto, Ont., Johnston has climbed into a tie for second in OHL scoring with 54 points (20-34–54) in 29 games. His 1.86 points-per-game are the third-most in the League while his 127 shots on goal have him tied for third. Johnston was selected by the Dallas Stars with the 23rd overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft. He was originally Windsor’s first round (6th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros U16 program.

Johnston is the OHL’s first player to claim Player of the Week honours twice this season.

Other candidates from the past week include Windsor Spitfires teammate Matthew Maggio who recorded seven points (3-4–7) in two games on a line alongside Johnston. Mississauga Steelheads forward Luca Del Bel Belluz was also in the running with seven points (2-5–7) in three games.

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 3 – Jan 9: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Ty Tullio (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Rory Kerins (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Otters’ Nolan Lalonde Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Nolan Lalonde of the Erie Otters is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, securing back-to-back wins with a 1.44 goals-against average and .957 save percentage in a pair of weekend contests.

Lalonde helped the Otters extend their winning streak to four, turning aside 67 of the 70 shots he faced to defeat the Kitchener Rangers in consecutive road wins. He made 27 saves and stopped four of five shootout opponents in a 3-2 win over the Rangers on Friday. Lalonde returned to the crease on Saturday, making a season-high 40 saves as the Otters prevailed over Kitchener 4-1 to earn second star recognition.

An 18-year-old from Kingston, Ont., Lalonde leads OHL rookies with nine wins, also posting a 3.59 goals-against average and .888 save percentage in 24 games this season. The 6-foot-1, 186Ib. goaltender was assigned a ‘C’ rating by NHL Central Scouting on their latest Players to Watch list for the 2022 NHL Draft. Lalonde was selected by Erie with their third round (49th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Niagara IceDogs netminder Josh Rosenzweig went 2-0-0-0, recording his first career OHL shutout to go with a 2.00 goals-against average and .945 save percentage. Montreal Canadiens prospect Joe Vrbetic of the North Bay Battalion made 71 saves across a pair of wins, recording a 2.37 goals-against average and .934 save percentage.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 3 – Jan. 9: Nolan Lalonde (Erie Otters)
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: Joe Ranger (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Owen Bennett (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Roman Basran (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Jacob Oster (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Tucker Tynan (Niagara IceDogs)

Paul Ludwinski – Kingston Frontenacs – Player Profile

Posted on January 8, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

HT	WT	DOB	POS	SHOOTS	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	COUNTRY
5’11”	172	4-23-2004	C	L	5^th – 2020	B Prospect	CANADA

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2019-20	YOG	Team Canada	4	0	3	3
2019-20	Under-16	Toronto Marlboros	31	15	17	32
2020-21	OHL	DID NOT PLAY

Paul Ludwinski of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL IMAGES

One thing we know for sure is that because Shane Wright plays for the Kingston Frontenacs, his teammate Paul Ludwinski is going to have a lot of eyes on him this season. What those eyes take away from those viewings may differ. The people I have spoken to have varying opinions.

Currently. Ludwinski is ranked as a B-Prospect on NHL Central Scouting’s players to watch list. That typically means a second or third round pick. A few of the independent scouting services has him in the 32 to 35 range while one has him as high as 27. A couple of more have him in the 40’s and just one as low as 54.

One of the first things you’ll notice is that he plays the game at an extremely high pace. His ability and willingness to motor is very noticeable. He gets in on the forecheck quickly and isn’t afraid to after anyone to try and create turnovers – and he’s actually pretty successful at it. He is more than willing to drive to the net with or without the puck. Unless you are looking for it, you won’t notice, but Ludwinski uses subtle little moves in front of the blue paint to separate himself from defenders and pounce on loose pucks for second chance opportunities.

Ludwinski is an accomplished three-zone player. He positions himself perfectly to break up plays or passes through the neutral zone or defensive zone. And when he breaks those up, he transitions quickly and with possession with an excellent ability to gain the offensive blue line. His defensive game is well into his development.

Along with Ludwinski’s pace and willingness to battle physically, he is a strong technical skater with very good top speed and acceleration. He gets to top speed quickly but he has that separation gear as well. He has a knack of being able to slow down and then burst back into top gear quickly and uses his body to protect the puck very well.

Some question his hockey IQ. I don’t have any questions about that IQ as some of the things I have spoken of speak to his IQ. But to add to that, he sees the ice very well and can make plays to set up teammates using those smarts and passing abilities.

What I have been somewhat disappointed in his production this season. I thought he would be further along than he is. But in fairness, he has come on lately. Of his 6 goals and 12 assists through 25 games, 3 goals and 5 assists have come in his last 7 games. He’s going to have to keep close to that pace to lock himself into an early second round pick.

I don’t have a read on what Ludwinski could become at the next level. Can he be a middle six player or is he destined to be a bottom six? By the end of the season it could become clearer but for now we know his defensive game and pace of play is surely going to garner him some attention.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

Posted on January 4, 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 December 2021, including Windsor Spitfires forward Wyatt Johnston, Mississauga Steelheads defenceman Ethan Del Mastro, Flint Firebirds forward Coulson Pitre and Barrie Colts goaltender Mack Guzda.

OHL Player of the Month – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires):
Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Player of the Month for December, sitting tied for the League lead with 19 points including seven goals and 12 assists over eight games to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-13. Johnston recorded points in seven of his eight outings as the Spitfires played to a December mark of 6-1-1-0, holding down second place in the West Division. Johnston opened the month with three assists, going 14-for-17 in the faceoff circle in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Erie Otters on Dec. 2nd. He built off that performance a night later, recording a career-high six points (2-4–6) as the Spitfires defeated the Sarnia Sting 7-5. The six points were the most in a single game by a Spitfires player since Josh Ho-Sang on Feb. 9, 2014. Johnston would proceed to post three more multi-point efforts, doing so with three point showings on Dec. 16th and 17th as Windsor defeated Sault Ste. Marie and Saginaw. Johnston rounded-out December on a five-game goal-scoring streak. He’s the first Spitfires player to claim OHL Player of the Month honours since Brendan Lemieux in December 2015.

An 18-year-old native of Toronto, Ont., Johnston sits fourth in OHL scoring with 46 points (18-28–46) in 27 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-17. He currently leads all OHL players, having received recognition in the three stars of the game on 12 different occasions. Johnston was a first round (23rd overall) pick of the Dallas Stars in the 2021 NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the club on Sept. 28, 2021. A former World Under-18 Hockey Championship gold medalist with Team Canada, Johnston was Windsor’s first round (6th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads):
Chicago Blackhawks prospect Ethan Del Mastro of the Mississauga Steelheads is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for December, leading OHL rearguards with 11 points, all assists, in nine games to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-9. Del Mastro helped the Steelheads ascend to first place in the OHL standings with assists in seven of his nine outings as Mississauga played to a December record of 8-1-0-0. The 6-foot-4, 206Ib. defender finished the month with six points in his last two contests, recording a pair of helpers in Wednesday’s 5-4 win over visiting North Bay. He racked up a career-high four assists in a first star performance on New Year’s Eve as the Steelheads defeated the Sudbury Wolves 8-2 on the road. Del Mastro is the first Steelheads blueliner to earn Defenceman of the Month honours since Nicolas Hague in March 2018.

An 18-year-old native of Freelton, Ont., Del Mastro has 21 points (4-17–21) through 28 games in his second OHL season. The Steelheads’ captain also boasts a League-leading plus-28 plus/minus rating. Del Mastro was Chicago’s fourth round (105th overall) pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. The former Canadian National Under-18 Team gold medalist was selected by the Steelheads with the 12th overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Coulson Pitre (Flint Firebirds):
Flint Firebirds forward Coulson Pitre is the OHL Rookie of the Month for December, recording four goals, seven assists and 11 points over eight games with a plus/minus rating of plus-6. Pitre posted four different multi-point efforts as the Firebirds went 4-3-0-1 in December, opening the month with goals in three consecutive games. Pitre recorded the first of two three-point efforts on Dec. 4th with a goal and two helpers in a 7-4 win over Owen Sound. He recorded three assists on Dec. 8th as Flint defeated the Erie Otters 9-6. Pitre is the first Firebirds player to ever earn OHL Rookie of the Month honours.

A 17-year-old native of Stouffville, Ont., Pitre sits tied for fourth among OHL rookies with 21 points (9-12–21) in 20 games with the Firebirds. Formerly a fourth round (73rd overall) pick by the Windsor Spitfires in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Pitre was acquired by Flint in September 2021.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts):
Mack Guzda of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for December, playing to a 4-0-0-0 record with a league-best 1.45 goals-against average and .952 save percentage with one shutout. Guzda made at least 30 saves in three of his four wins, starting the month with back-to-back 32-save performances on Dec. 2nd and 11th as the Colts defeated Hamilton and North Bay on home ice. He recorded a 26-save shutout, his first as a Colt, on Dec. 12th in a 1-0 road win over the Battalion. Guzda finished December with a 30-save road win over Ottawa as the Colts skated to a 5-2 decision. Guzda is the first Barrie netminder to earn OHL Goaltender of the Month honours since Mackenzie Blackwood last did so in November 2015.

A 20-year-old native of Knoxville, Tenn., Guzda owns an overall record of 11-5-0-1 with a 2.77 goals-against average and .918 save percentage in 17 games between the Colts and Owen Sound Attack this season. Since joining Barrie on Nov. 19th, Guzda has played to a 6-1-0-0 mark. The 6-foot-5, 205Ib. fourth-year veteran owns a career OHL record of 69-50-10-7 with a 3.28 goals-against average and .892 save percentage with six shutouts over 147 regular season games. Owen Sound’s second round (31st overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, Guzda attended rookie camp with the Buffalo Sabres last September.

2021-22 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
December – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
November – Kyle Jackson (North Bay Battalion)
October – Sasha Pastujov (Guelph Storm)

Defenceman of the Month:
December – Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads)
November – Nathan Staios (Hamilton Bulldogs)
October – Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Rookie of the Month:
December – Coulson Pitre (Flint Firebirds)
November – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
October – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)

Goaltender of the Month:
December – Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
November – Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion)
October – Brett Brochu (London Knights)

HARDIE AND RANGER NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on January 4, 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, January 2, 2022

Steelheads’ James Hardie Named OHL Player of the Week

Mississauga Steelheads forward James Hardie is the OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals and three assists for six points in a pair of victories.

Hardie helped Mississauga stay on top of the OHL standings with consecutive wins, recording a season-high four points with two goals and two assists in Wednesday’s 5-4 win over visiting North Bay. He followed-up that first star performance with a goal and an assist on New Year’s Eve in Sudbury as Mississauga won 8-2, claiming their fourth consecutive win.

A 19-year-old product of Innisfil, Ont., Hardie sits tied for second in OHL goal-scoring with 21 this season. He leads the Steelheads with 38 points (21-17–38) through 28 contests while posting a plus/minus rating of plus-26. A former first round (8th overall) selection by Mississauga in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection, Hardie has posted 70 goals, 53 assists and 123 points in 149 career regular season games with the Steelheads. He attended rookie camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs this past September.

Hardie is the first Steelheads player to earn OHL Player of the Week honours since former goaltender Jacob Ingham last did so in February 2019.

Also considered for the award this week, Calgary Flames prospect Rory Kerins of the Soo Greyhounds recorded seven points (4-3–7) as the Greyhounds won two of their three games last week. Chicago Blackhawks prospect and Hardie’s Mississauga Steelheads teammate Ethan Del Mastro also had a strong showing, recording six assists in two games.

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Ty Tullio (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Rory Kerins (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Steelheads’ Joe Ranger Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Joe Ranger of the Mississauga Steelheads is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, helping the Steelheads remain on top of the standings by posting a 3.00 goals-against average, .909 save percentage and turning aside 60 shots in a pair of victories.

Ranger made 35 saves on Wednesday as the Steelheads won a Central Division showdown, defeating the visiting North Bay Battalion 5-4 despite being outshot 39-22. He was solid in a New Year’s Eve road win over the Sudbury Wolves on Friday, making 25 saves as the Trout took it 8-2 for their fourth straight win.

A 19-year-old native of Carp, Ont., Ranger currently leads the League in goals-against average (1.93) and save percentage (.929) while posting a 9-2-1-0 record with two shutouts over 13 games. He’s played to an overall record of 15-12-5-0 with a 3.40 goals-against average and .885 save percentage in 39 career OHL regular season games with Mississauga. Ranger was originally the Steelheads’ fourth round (63rd overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection and joins Roman Basran as the second Mississauga netminder to earn the award this season.

Also considered for recognition this week, Saginaw Spirit rookie Andrew Oke went 2-1-0-0 with a 2.62 goals-against average and .908 save percentage. Flint Firebirds netminder Luke Cavallin was 1-0-0-1 with a 2.41 goals-against average and .918 save percentage.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: Joe Ranger (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Owen Bennett (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Roman Basran (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Jacob Oster (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Tucker Tynan (Niagara IceDogs)

Pavel Mintyukov – Saginaw Spirit – Player Profile

Posted on January 3, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

HT	WT	DOB	POS	SHOOTS	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	COUNTRY
6’2”	190	11-25-2003	D	L	52^nd Import	A – November	RUSSIA

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2018-19	Under-16	Russia Under-16	24	9	11	20
	Under-18	Russia Under-18	7	2	8	10
2019-20	MHL	Dynamo Moskva	33	1	2	3
	WHC U-17	Russia	6	0	5	5
2020-21	OHL	DID NOT PLAY

Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Saginaw Spirit defenceman Pavel Mintyukov arrived in the Ontario Hockey League primarily known for his offensive contributions. Don’t let his MHL (OHL equivalent in Russia) fool you as he was playing above his age group starting there as a 16-year-old.

Mintyukov’s offensive game has come as advertised. Despite playing in fewer games, he’s third among draft eligible defensemen in points (22 points in 27 games) and second on goals (6 goals in 27 games) at this point.

Mintyukov is a gambler, willing to make high risk plays from the blueline. The fact is he checks off all the boxes necessary to pull them off: Skating, stick handling, vision, hockey sense, you name it, he’s got it and he quite possibly end up as the best offensive defenceman in the OHL draft class.

In his own zone, Mintyukov retrieve’s pucks quickly. He will draw in forecheckers and beat them on the transition mostly with his skating, but he can make a great first pass out of his zone. His ability to stickhandle in a phone booth is up there with the best of them.

What makes Mintyukov a high-risk high-reward type of player is that he makes those same high risk plays in his own zone as he does in the offensive zone and he can leave you scratching your head with his decision making. I love a player who has the confidence in his abilities and is willing to take risks, but he does need to reel them in some. In fairness, he has taken the steps to pick his spots better, but it is a work in progress.

You can certainly find a “safer” pick among OHL blueliners, but they don’t possess Mintyukov’s offensive talent. And you could say that sometimes he looks disinterested or doesn’t put in the effort. Some who cover the OHL suggest they would take him before Ty Nelson of the North Bay Battalion and is the clear number one blueliner. Others say they prefer the safer picks.

Myself? I believe if Mintyukov can put it all together he has the ability to be a top pairing defenceman at the NHL level. It all comes down to whether you believe he can. We’re only half way through the OHL season. Once the season comes to an end, we’ll have a better understanding on where he fits.

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