OHL Writers Draft Eligible Players of the Month: December

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

I hope that everyone was able to bring in the new year safely and surrounded by family and friends and that 2024 brings you joy, happiness and prosperity.

Each month we look at the players eligible for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and make our selection as to who was the best of the month at defence, forward and in the crease. December was a competitive month, but we made our choices and here they are:

Forward of the Month – Ruslan Gazizov – London Knights

Maybe the third time is a charm for Gazizov as he looks to get drafted in his final year of eligibility. He led the Knights attack with 6 goals and 18 assists in 11 games in December. He was held off the scoresheet just twice and had 8 multi point games. Interestingly, he didn’t score his fist goal until 7th game in the month. He had two – 4 assist nights on back-to-backs in mid December.

Also considered was Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm who had 3 goals and 14 assists in 12 games. Luchanko has been a consistent producer for the Storm in his first year of draft eligibility and December was no different.

Defenceman of the Month – Sam Dickinson – London Knights

Dickinson led the Knights blueline with 6 goals and 9 assists through 11 games in December while also finishing a plus-7. He was held pointless in 4 of those games and had 5 multi point games. He also had 44 SOG with a game high of 8 on new years eve. Despite the offensive production, his defensive game was also a reason to make him our choice here, often getting the task of going against the oppositions best players.

Also considered was our November winner Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit. He had 4 goals and 10 helpers in 10 games for the month and was held off the scoresheet just twice. He had 3 multi-point games and finished a plus-8 and 33 shots on goal in those 10 games. Out October winner, Jacob LeBlanc of the Sarnia Sting was also considered. LeBlanc had 3 goals and 10 assists in the Sting’s 11 games in December.

Goaltender of the Month – Carter George – Owen Sound Attack

George appeared in all 10 games for the Attack in December coming in in relief and being relieved himself and posted a sub-par 4-4-0-1 record. But his .908 save percentage should tell you what he means to the Attack. Just for comparisons, his partner posted a .756 save percentage. George faced a lot of rubber with 347 shots on goal while stopping 315 of them.

Also considered was Ryerson Leenders of the Mississauga Steelheads. Leenders appeared in 7 games posting a 3-4-0-0 record and stopped 252 of 276 shots he faced for a .909 save percentage.

Our monthly choices:

Forward of the Month

Ruslan Gazizov – London Knights – December

Liam Greentree – Windsor Spitfires – November

Adrian Misaljevic – Kitchener Rangers – October

Defenceman of the Month

Sam Dickinson – London Knights – December

Zayne Parekh – Saginaw Spirit – November

Jacob LeBlanc – Sarnia Sting – October

Goaltender of the Month

Carter George – Owen Sound Attack – December

Jack Parsons – Kitchener Rangers – November

Brayden Gillespie – Guelph Storm – October

SAPOVALIV AND IVANKOVIC NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, November 26, 2023



Spirit’s Matyas Sapovaliv Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Vegas Golden Knights prospect Matyas Sapovaliv of the Saginaw Spirit is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording four goals, seven assists, and 11 points in three victories.

Sapovaliv had a strong showing on Wednesday, registering three helpers to earn second star honours as the Spirit defeated the rival Flint Firebirds 6-3. The 6-foot-4, 195lb. centreman found the scoresheet again on Friday, tallying a goal and three assists in a 6-1 win over the Sarnia Sting. Sapovaliv closed out the weekend with a hat-trick along with an assist in Sunday’s 6-2 win over the Niagara IceDogs, earning first star honours as the Spirit’s 10th consecutive win established a new club record. Sapovaliv was a force in the faceoff circle last week, winning 64 percent (41-of-64) of his draws.

Selected in the first round, 15th overall by the Spirit in the 2021 CHL Import Draft, Sapovaliv has recorded 28 points (11-17-28) over 22 games this season. The Golden Knights’ second round (48th overall) pick in the 2022 NHL Draft continues his third season in Saginaw, playing to a career mark of 56 goals, 80 assists, and 136 points in 151 regular season matchups. The Kladno, Czechia native has represented his home country in each of the last two World Junior Hockey Championships, helping Czechia claim silver last year.

Also considered for the award this week, San Jose Sharks prospect Quentin Musty of the Sudbury Wolves contributed five goals and three assists to two wins last week. Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Julien of the London Knights was also productive, contributing five goals and an assist in three road games.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)



Steelheads’ Jack Ivankovic Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

First-year netminder Jack Ivankovic of the Mississauga Steelheads is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, coming up with his first career OHL shutout on Saturday night.

Causing a teddy bear flight delay in Erie, Ivankovic stopped all 48 shots that came his way, earning his first career OHL shutout as the Steelheads blanked the Otters 5-0. The Mississauga native’s performance set a new club mark, with his 48 saves being the most ever by a Steelheads goaltender in a shutout effort, as well as the most by a 16-year-old rookie in a shutout in the past 25 years of OHL history.

Ivankovic has appeared in six games for the Steelheads this season, playing to a 4-1-0-0 record, along with a 2.40 goals-against-average and .935 save percentage. The 5-foot-11, 170lb. rookie was the Steelheads’ first round (seventh overall) pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Mississauga Senators U16 program. Ivankovic recently excelled for Team Canada White at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, returning from Prince Edward Island with a gold medal.

Also considered for the award this week, Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack went 1-1 with a 2.51 goals-against average, .948 save percentage, and a 50-save shutout of his own. Max Donoso of the Ottawa 67’s went 2-1 with a 2.61 goals-against average and .928 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 12: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)


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

MCCOY AND GEORGE NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, November 19, 2023.



Petes’ Donovan McCoy Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

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

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

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

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

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)



Attack’s Carter George Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

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

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

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

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

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 12: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)


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

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Players of the Month: October

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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.

KUDRYAVTSEV AND HILLEBRANDT NAMEDOHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, October 29, 2023.


Greyhounds’ Kirill Kudryavtsev Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

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

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

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

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

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


Colts’ Sam Hillebrandt Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

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

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

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

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

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)


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.

REHKOPF AND MACKENZIE NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on 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 15, 2023.



Rangers’ Carson Rehkopf Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Seattle Kraken prospect Carson Rehkopf of the Kitchener Rangers is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording five goals, three assists, and eight points over two contests as the Rangers collected four points over the weekend.

Rehkopf had a strong start on Friday, registering a hat trick and an assist to earn first star honours as the Rangers blanked the visiting Barrie Colts 8-0. The 6-foot-1, 196lb. centreman found the scoresheet again on Sunday, tallying a pair of goals and assists as Kitchener defeated the Windsor Spitfires in a high-scoring 11-2 victory to close out the weekend.

An 18-year-old from Vaughan, Ont., Rehkopf ranks third among OHL point-producers, recording seven goals, six assists, and 13 points over seven games played this season. Seattle’s second round (50th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft has recorded 105 points (55-50–105) in 140 career OHL regular season games with the Rangers after being chosen 17th overall by the club in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, draft-eligible forward Luke Misa of the Mississauga Steelheads scored three times and added five assists in three wins. Rehkopf’s Rangers teammate Matthew Sop was also productive, contributing a total of three goals and four helpers to Kitchener’s perfect weekend.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)
 



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

Ottawa 67’s goaltender Collin MacKenzie is the OHL Goaltender of the Week. He played to a 2-0 record with a 1.50 goals-against average, and .948 save percentage as the 67’s played their way to the top of the OHL Power Rankings.

Stopping a total of 55 shots last week, MacKenzie turned aside 23 of the 25 attempts that came his way on Thursday as Ottawa defeated the North Bay Battalion 4-2. The 6-foot, 175lb. netminder was back in the crease on Friday, stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced to earn first star honours as the 67’s built on their perfect weekend with a 2-1 win over the Soo Greyhounds.

An 18-year-old from Elora, Ont., MacKenzie joined teammate Max Donoso in receiving the 2023-24 Dave Pinkney Trophy presented to the goaltenders of the team that surrenders the fewest goals-against during the regular season. MacKenzie owns a career OHL regular season mark of 27-3-3-0, posting a 2.25 goals-against average and .914 save percentage over 41 games. He was Ottawa’s eighth round (160th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection from the Waterloo Wolves U16 program.

Also in the running for the award this week, Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack played to a 1-1-1-0 record, with a 1.68 goals-against average, and .944 save percentage along with his first OHL shutout. Winnipeg Jets prospect and returning OHL Goaltender of the Year Dom DiVincentiis of the North Bay Battalion played to a 2-1-0-0 mark with a 2.01 goals-against average and .926 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)


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

13 OHL PLAYERS SELECTED TO REPRESENT CANADA AT 2023 HLINKA GRETZKY CUP

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to congratulate 13 OHL players on being selected to represent Canada at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup to be held from July 31st through August 5th in Trencin, Slovakia and Breclav, Czechia.

The 13 OHL players are part of a Canadian roster consisting of 24 names that was assembled by Alan Millar (Tottenham, Ont.), director of player personnel, and Cam Russell (Halifax Mooseheads), the U18 lead for the Program of Excellence management group, with support from Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of hockey operations, Benoit Roy (Sudbury, Ont.), senior manager of hockey operations, and Byron Bonora (Brooks, Alta.), manager of hockey operations and U17 head scout. Head coach Alan Letang (Sarnia Sting) and assistant coaches Kris Mallette (Kelowna Rockets) and Sylvain Favreau (Drummondville Voltigeurs) also provided input.

OHL Rookie of the Year Michael Misa headlines the 13 OHL players named to the roster, being joined by Saginaw Spirit teammate Zayne Parekh on the blue line. Misa and Parekh are accompanied by fellow OHL first all-rookie team members Sam Dickinson of the London Knights and Liam Greentree of the Windsor Spitfires while second team voting recipient Anthony Cristoforo of the Windsor Spitfires is also included.

The Ottawa 67’s feature a pair of teammates on the blueline in Henry Mews and Frankie Marrelli while the Mississauga Steelheads joined the 67’s, Saginaw Spirit and Windsor Spitfires in also producing two players named to the squad in forward Porter Martone and goaltender Ryerson Leenders.

OHL Players Named to Canada’s National Summer Under-18 Team:

Goaltender:
Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)

Defencemen:
Anthony Cristoforo (Windsor Spitfires)
Ben Danford (Oshawa Generals)
Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Frankie Marrelli (Ottawa 67’s)
Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s)
Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)

Forwards:
Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts)
Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Porter Martone (Mississauga Steelheads)
Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)
Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters)

Prior to the start of the tournament, the team will practice at the Ice Palace in Budapest, Hungary from July 23-27, and will face off against Hungary’s national under-20 team on July 27 at 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT. It will also take on Czechia on July 29 at 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT at Fosfa Arena in Breclav as a part of its pre-tournament schedule.

Canada will open the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup against Finland on July 31 at 9:30 a.m. ET/6:30 a.m. PT. It will also face co-host Slovakia and Switzerland in the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with the medal games on Aug. 5.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast all Team Canada games and select elimination and medal games; please check local listings for more details.

Canada has won 23 gold medals in 31 years of summer under-18 competition, along with three silver medals and one bronze.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca.


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.

BOWMAN AND SIMPSON NAMEDOHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on 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, February 26, 2023.



Storm’s Braeden Bowman Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Braeden Bowman of the Guelph Storm is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording four goals, five assists and nine points in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-3.

Guiding the Storm to an undefeated 3-0 week, Bowman got things started with a pair of goals and an assist on Monday as Guelph defeated the Owen Sound Attack 6-2 on Family Day. He recorded a career-high five points with a goal and four assists on Friday as the Storm defeated the visiting Soo Greyhounds 7-3. The 6-foot-2, 195 lb. right-winger extended his goal-scoring streak to four games on Sunday, finding the back of the net as the Storm closed out the weekend with a 4-3 overtime win against the London Knights. Bowman now has points in 20 of his last 22 games.

A 19-year-old native of Kitchener, Ont., Bowman has matched last year’s total of 27 goals while tacking on 25 assists for 52 points in 43 games this season. His 22.9 percent shooting percentage is currently tied for the third-highest in the OHL. The former fifth round (96th overall) pick by the Storm in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection has registered 54 goals, 35 assists and 89 points in 105 career regular season games as he continues his third season in Guelph. Bowman attended rookie camp with the San Jose Sharks last September.

Also given consideration for the award this week were Los Angeles Kings prospect Brandt Clarke of the Barrie Colts who recorded one goal and eight assists (1-8-9) over four games, along with a plus/minus rating of plus-7. Clarke set a new Barrie Colts franchise record for career points by a defenceman, passing Luch Nasato on the club’s all-time list. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ty Voit of the Sarnia Sting was also a standout registered two goals and seven helpers for nine points over four games.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Braeden Bowman (Guelph Storm)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Nolan Burke (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Sean McGurn (London Knights)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Sahil Panwar (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Bryce McConnell-Barker (Soo Greyhounds)
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 third time this season, going 3-0 with a shutout, a 1.33 goals-against average and .963 save percentage.

Simpson was in the crease for Peterborough’s 4-0 Family Day win over the Sudbury Wolves as he turned aside all 45 shots he faced for his second of back-to-back shutouts, earning first star recognition for his fifth clean sheet of the season. He turned aside 41 of 43 shots that came his way on Thursday as the Petes defeated the West Division-leading Windsor Spitfires 6-2. The 6-foot-1, 198 lb. goaltender was back between the pipes on Friday, backstopping the Petes to a 5-2 road victory over the Oshawa Generals where he made 19 saves for the win. Simpson closed out the weekend with a total of 105 saves over three games played.

A 20-year-old from London, Ont., the 23-16-1-2 Simpson leads the OHL in saves (1,211), save percentage (.917) and shutouts (5) along with a 2.62 goals-against average through 43 games. The second-year netminder played to a 20-18-3-1 mark in 2021-22, registering a 3.56 goals-against average and .891 save percentage. Simpson was a 10th round (193rd overall) pick by the Petes in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the London Jr. Knights U16 program.

Also in the running for the award this week, Owen Sound Attack rookie netminder Carter George turned aside 76 shots, going 1-1 with a 1.51 goals-against average and .962 save percentage. Tristan Malboeuf of the Hamilton Bulldogs played to a 2-1 mark with a 1.70 goals-against average, .949 save percentage and a shoutout victory.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Zach Bowen (London Knights)
Jan 30 – Feb. 5: Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan 23 – Jan. 29: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Jan 16 – Jan. 22: Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan 9 – Jan. 15: Matteo Drobac (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Marco Costantini (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Owen Flores (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Joe Ranger (Sudbury Wolves)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ivan Zhigalov (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Alessio Beglieri (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)


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

GEORGE AND GOURE NAMEDOHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on 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)


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.