Easton Cowan

COWAN, ELLIOTT AND READ NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Knights’ Easton Cowan Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, three assists and five points in two contests.

Cowan helped the Knights bounce back from a Game 1 loss to the Oshawa Generals with a five-point performance on Saturday, scoring twice and adding three assists in a 5-2 win. The first star effort tied him for the franchise record for most playoff points in Knights history with 89. His second career five-point effort in an OHL Championship Final contest makes him the latest player to do so since Mark Scheifele of the 2013 Barrie Colts.

A soon-to-be 20-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont., the 2024 Red Tilson Trophy winner sits second among all post-season scorers with 32 points (10-22-32) in 14 games. Cowan recorded 69 points (29-40-69) in 46 regular season games and has totaled 220 points (84-136-220) over 175 career regular season contests. Originally selected 25th overall by the Knights in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, the 2024 OHL champion has added 89 points (29-60-89) in 57 career playoff games. Cowan was the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 28th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
May 5 – May 11: Easton Cowan (London Knights)
Apr. 28 – May 4: Luca Marrelli (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 21 – Apr. 27: Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 14 – Apr. 20: Colby Barlow (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 7 – Apr. 13: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Mar. 31 – Apr. 6: Owen Griffin (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 24 – Mar. 30: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 17 – Mar. 23: Konnor Smith (Brampton Steelheads)
Mar. 10 – Mar. 16: Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires)
Mar. 3 – Mar. 9: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Feb. 24 – Mar. 2: Brady Martin (Soo Greyhounds)
Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires)
Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Cole Brown (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Igor Chernyshov (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Tuomas Uronen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Kocha Delic (Sudbury Wolves)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara IceDogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Blake Montgomery (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Calvin Crombie (Brantford Bulldogs)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Kevin He (Niagara IceDogs)
Sep. 25 – Sept. 29: Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)

Knights’ Austin Elliott Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Austin Elliott of the London Knights is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the fourth time this season, playing to a 1-1 record along with a 2.54 goals-against average and .914 save percentage.

Elliott made 53 saves over two games in the OHL Championship Series last week, splitting the series 1-1. He stopped 22 of 25 shots in a 4-2 loss to Oshawa on Thursday, marking his first playoff loss and first defeat since February 2nd. The 6-foot-1, 189lb. goaltender bounced back on Saturday, turning aside 31 shots to earn third star honours in a 5-2 win to even the series.

A soon-to-be 21-year-old from Strathmore, Alberta, Elliott posted an outstanding regular season with a 32-1-0-0 record, three shutouts, a 2.10 goals-against average, and a .924 save percentage. He’s remained nearly perfect in the playoffs, going 13-1 with one shutout, a 2.34 goals-against average, and a .906 save percentage. The Knights acquired the overage netminder from the Barrie Colts, who had claimed him off CHL waivers in early October. Elliott joined the OHL after beginning his junior career with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
May 5 – May 11: Austin Elliott (London Knights)
Apr. 28 – May 4: Austin Elliott (London Knights)
Apr. 21 – Apr. 27: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 14 – Apr. 20: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Apr. 7 – Apr. 13: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Mar. 31 – Apr. 6: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Mar. 24 – Mar. 30: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 17 – Mar. 23: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Mar. 10 – Mar. 16: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Mar. 3 – Mar. 9: Austin Elliott (London Knights)
Feb. 14 – Mar. 2: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Austin Elliott (London Knights)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Nolan Lalonde (Soo Greyhounds)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Easton Rye (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Andrew Oke (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Finn Marshall (Sudbury Wolves)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads)

Knights’ Noah Read Named OHL Rookie of the Week

NHL Draft eligible London Knights forward Noah Read is the OHL Rookie of the Week for the second time this season, registering an assist in two games played.

Read tallied a helper to earn third star honours on Thursday night as the London Knights fell 4-2 to the Oshawa Generals in Game 1 of the OHL Championship Series. Read helped the Knights open the scoring, setting up linemate Rene Van Bommel for the opening goal of the series.

Selected by London in the 10th round (188th overall) of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Southern Tier Admirals U16 AAA program, the St. Catharines, Ont. native registered 10 goals, 16 assists, and 26 points in 45 regular season contests. In 14 post-season matchups, the 18-year-old has recorded four goals, two assists and six points. He spent the 2023-24 season with the St. Catharines Falcons of the GOJHL, tallying 38 points in 48 games played.

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Playoffs:
May 6 – May 11: Noah Read (London Knights)
Apr. 28 – May 5: Cameron Arquette (Kitchener Rangers)
Apr. 21 – Apr. 27: Simon Wang (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 14 – Apr. 20: Cameron Arquette (Kitchener Rangers)
Apr. 7 – Apr. 13: Andrew Robinson (Windsor Spitfires)
March. 31 – Apr. 6: Noah Read (London Knights)
March. 24 – March. 30: Ethan Garden (Windsor Spitfires)

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Regular Season:
March. 17 – March. 23: Zachary Jovanovski (Guelph Storm)
March. 10 – March. 16: Aidan Lane (Brampton Steelheads)
March. 3 – March. 9: Liam Beamish (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 24 – March. 2: Filip Ekberg (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Cole Zurawski (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Jacob Cloutier (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Dimian Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Carson Harmer (Saginaw Spirit)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Logan Hawery (London Knights)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Liam Beamish (Sarnia Sting)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Carter Stevens (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Cole Zurawski (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)

BARKEY, HILLEBRANDT AND ROBINSON NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, April 13.

Knights’ Denver Barkey Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Philadelphia Flyers prospect Denver Barkey of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering four goals, three assists and seven points in a pair of victories.

The Knights captain played a pivotal role in securing a 2-0 second round series lead over the Erie Otters last week. He recorded a hat trick and was named first star in Thursday’s 6-3 win, before adding a goal and three assists to earn first star honours once again in Saturday’s 7-2 victory.

Selected 16th overall by the London Knights in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, the soon-to-be 20-year-old from Newmarket, Ont. recorded 82 points (25-57-82) in 50 regular season games, and currently ranks second in playoff scoring with 19 points (9-10-19) through six contests in the 2024-25 postseason. Now in his fourth season with the Knights, Barkey has amassed 258 points (89-169-258) over 228 career regular season games, along with 72 points (27-45-72) in 49 playoff appearances. The 5-foot-10, 171-pound forward was a key part of the Knights’ OHL championship run last season. He was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round (95th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Also considered for this week’s award, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect and Knights forward Easton Cowan registered seven points (2-5-7) across the two victories. Vancouver Canucks prospect Riley Patterson contributed three goals and three assists to help the Barrie Colts take a 2-0 series lead, while Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs stood out with six points (4-2-6) in a pair of wins.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 7 – Apr. 13: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Mar. 31 – Apr. 6: Owen Griffin (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 24 – Mar. 30: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)

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 3.00 goals-against average and .928 save percentage.

Stopping a total of 77 shots last week, Hillebrandt backstopped the Colts to a 2-0 series lead over the Kingston Frontenacs. He turned aside 38 of 40 shots on Thursday, earning first star honours in Barrie’s 6-2 win. The 6-foot-1, 170lb. netminder returned to the crease on Saturday with a 39-save performance as the Colts skated to a 7-4 victory.

A 20-year-old from Riverview, Florida, Hillebrandt posted a 21-13-0-2 record during the regular season, along with a 3.16 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. He’s appeared in five playoff contests so far in 2024-25, maintaining an undefeated 5-0 record with a 3.20 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. Originally from Michigan, Hillebrandt played in the Detroit Little Caesars AAA program before relocating to Florida. He captured gold with the U.S. National Junior Team at both the 2024 and 2025 World Juniors. The Colts signed Hillebrandt as a free agent ahead of the 2022-23 season following his time with the Florida Alliance North 16U program in 2021-22. Across 76 career regular season OHL appearances, he holds a 38-29-2-2 record with one shutout, a 3.41 goals-against average, and a .900 save percentage.

Also considered for the award this week, Joey Costanzo of the Windsor Spitfires played to a 2-0 record along with a 1.00 goals-against average and .947 save percentage, while Austin Elliott of the London Knights was also a standout, going 2-0 with a 2.50 goals-against average and .902 save percentage.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 7 – Apr. 13: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Mar. 31 – Apr. 6: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Mar. 24 – Mar. 30: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)

Spitfires’ Andrew Robinson Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Andrew Robinson of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Rookie of the Week, registered a goal in a pair of victories last week.

Helping the Spitfires take a 2-0 series lead over the Kitchener Rangers, the 6-foot, 185lb. defenceman scored his first career OHL goal on Thursday and earned second star honours in a 5-1 win.

Selected by Windsor in the third round (58th overall) of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Vaughan Kings U16 AAA program, the 17-year-old from Oakville, Ont. native appeared in four regular season games with the Spitfires this season. He spent the majority of 2024-25 with the OJHL’s Georgetown Raiders, tallying three goals, 31 assists and 34 points in 53 games played.

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 7 – Apr. 13: Andrew Robinson (Windsor Spitfires)
March. 31 – Apr. 6: Noah Read (London Knights)
March. 24 – March. 30: Ethan Garden (Windsor Spitfires)

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has long been regarded as the number one development league in the world, continuing to serve as a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League. The OHL consists of 20 teams, with 17 located in Ontario, two in the state of Michigan and one in the state of Pennsylvania. A proud member of the Canadian Hockey League, the OHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships, with over 329 graduates receiving OHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice in 2024-25, resulting in a collective investment of over $42 million by OHL member teams over the past 15 years.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Month for regular season games in March 2025.

Player of the Month – Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires)
Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas of the Windsor Spitfires has been named OHL Player of the Month for March. Protas recorded eight goals, 15 assists, and 23 points in just seven games, registering points in all seven outings, including six multi-point performances. He capped off the month with standout performances, notching four points (3-1-4) on March 15 against the Saginaw Spirit. He then matched his career high with a five-point game on March 20, assisting on all five goals in a 5-0 win over the Sarnia Sting. Protas also earned Player of the Week honours once in March.

An 18-year-old from Vitebsk, Belarus, Protas appeared in 61 games with the Spitfires this season, recording 50 goals, 74 assists, and 124 points, good for second-most in the OHL. Protas records the eighth 50-goal season in Spitfires history, joining such names as Matthew Maggio (2022-23), Steve Ott (2000-01) and Ernie Godden (1980-81) in that department. He was selected third overall by Windsor in the 2024 CHL Import Draft after being chosen in the third round (75th overall) by the Washington Capitals in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Also considered for March’s Player of the Month Award, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights tallied 23 points (8-15-9) in nine games played, while San Jose Sharks prospect Igor Chernyshov of the Saginaw Spirit was also a standout, registering 20 points (7-13-20) in nine contests.

Defenceman of the Month – Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
San Jose Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson of the London Knights has been named the OHL Defenceman of the Month for March. Earning this recognition for the second time this season, Dickinson recorded six goals, 12 assists, and 18 points, along with a plus-12 rating over 10 outings. He registered at least one point in nine of his 10 March outings, posting multi-point performances in six, including three-point games on March 11th (2-1-3) and March 21st (2-1-3).

An 18-year-old from Toronto, Ont., Dickinson led all London Knights in scoring, setting a new single season franchise mark with 91 points (29-62–91) over 55 games. His 29 goals and 91 points were the second-most by a defenceman in the OHL this season. The 6-foot-3, 210Ib. left-shot blueliner has recorded 184 points (56-128–184) over 185 career regular season contests in London after being selected fourth overall by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. He put up 13 points (4-9–13) over 18 games in last year’s playoffs as the Knights were crowned OHL champions. Dickinson was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Also considered for March’s Defenceman of the Month Award, Calgary Flames prospect Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit registered 15 points (4-11-15) in seven games, while 2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Kashawn Aitcheson of the Barrie Colts also performed well, tallying five goals, eight assists and 13 points in nine contests.

Goaltender of the Month – Austin Elliott (London Knights)
London Knights goaltender Austin Elliott has been named the OHL Goaltender of the Month for March.

Making 196 saves throughout the month, Elliott posted a perfect 7-0 record with a 1.70 goals-against average, .942 save percentage, and one shutout. Elliott earned Player of the Week honours once in March, recording three 30+ save performances and a 28-save shutout on March 5.

The 20-year-old from Strathmore, Alberta, has been dominant since joining the Knights, who acquired the overage goaltender from the Barrie Colts after he was claimed off CHL waivers in October. He led the OHL with a 2.10 goals-against average, .924 save percentage, and an impressive 32-1-0-0 record through 33 games as an overager. Elliott entered the OHL after starting his junior career with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades.

Also considered for the award this month, Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryerson Leenders of the Brantford Bulldogs impressed with a 6-2 record, a 2.79 goals-against average, .924 save percentage, and one shutout. Meanwhile, Mike McIvor of the North Bay Battalion posted a 5-2-0-1 record with a 2.92 goals-against average, a .914 save percentage and one shutout. Draft eligible Brampton Steelheads goaltender Jack Ivankovic was also in the running with a 2.36 goals-against average, 5-2-0-1 record and a .910 save percentage.

Rookie of the Month – Filip Ekberg (Ottawa 67’s)
Filip Ekberg of the Ottawa 67’s is the Rookie of the Month for March after posting four goals and 11 assists for 15 points over 10 games. Ekberg recorded points in all 10 of his March performances, including four multi-point contests. He set an OHL career high on March 22 with a three-assist game in a 7-1 win over the Erie Otters. Ekberg also earned Rookie of the Week honours to start the month.

A 17-year-old from Uppsala, Sweden, Ekberg recorded 45 points (16-29–45) in 53 games this season. Selected by Ottawa in the first round (33rd overall) of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, he was ranked 136th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. Ekberg has also found success on the international stage, winning a bronze medal with Sweden at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Also considered for the award this month, Beckham Edwards of the Sarnia Sting registered four goals, six assists and 10 points in 10 games played, while Erie Otters blueliner Lucas Ambrosio also impressed, recording seven points (1-6-7) in 11 contests.

2024-25 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
March – Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires)
February – Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
January – Tuomas Uronen (Kingston Frontenacs)
December – Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals)
November – Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
October – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)

Defenceman of the Month:
March – Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
February – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
January – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
December – Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
October – Luca Marrelli (Oshawa Generals)

Goaltender of the Month:
March – Austin Elliott (London Knights)
February – Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
January – Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
December – Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
November – Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)

Rookie of the Month:
March – Filip Ekberg (Ottawa 67’s)
February – Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
January – Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds)
December – Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
November – Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
October – Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)

PROTAS, LEENDERS AND LANE NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Spitfires’ Ilya Protas Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas of the Windsor Spitfires is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week for the second time this season, registering five goals, six assists and 11 points over three contests.

Protas opened the week with a goal and three assists on Tuesday, earning second-star honours as the Spitfires secured a 7-5 win over the Erie Otters. He found the scoresheet again on Thursday, tallying a goal and two assists to earn first-star honours in a 6-3 win over the Soo Greyhounds. The 6-foot-5, 200lb. forward closed out the week with his third hat-trick of the season along with an assist, reaching the 50-goal mark as the Spitfires came up short in a 6-5 shootout loss to the Saginaw Spirit.

The 18-year-old from Vitebsk, Belarus, has appeared in 60 games with the Spitfires this season, recording 50 goals, 69 assists, and 119 points. Protas ranks second in OHL scoring and third in goals. He was selected third overall by Windsor in the 2024 CHL Import Draft after being chosen in the third round (75th overall) by the Washington Capitals in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights registered nine points (2-7-9) in three games played.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 10 – Mar. 16: Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires)
Mar. 3 – Mar. 9: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Feb. 24 – Mar. 2: Brady Martin (Soo Greyhounds)
Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires)
Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Cole Brown (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Igor Chernyshov (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Tuomas Uronen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Kocha Delic (Sudbury Wolves)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara IceDogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Blake Montgomery (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Calvin Crombie (Brantford Bulldogs)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Kevin He (Niagara IceDogs)
Sep. 25 – Sept. 29: Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)

Bulldogs’ Ryerson Leenders Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryerson Leenders of the Brantford Bulldogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the third time this season, going 2-0 along with a 1.00 goals-against average, and a .974 save percentage.

Turning aside 76 shots last week, Leenders blocked 33 of the 34 shots he faced on Thursday in a 2-1 win over the North Bay Battalion, earning second-star honours. He returned to the crease on Friday, making 43 saves in a 5-1 win against the Sudbury Wolves to earn first-star recognition.

An 18-year-old from Nanticoke, Ont., Leenders is 30-13-3-0 on the season, with a 3.09 goals-against average and .910 save percentage in 46 games played. The former second-round (32nd overall) pick by Mississauga in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection is now in his third OHL season, owning a career mark of 66-45-10-0 with a 3.20 goals-against average, .903 save percentage and three shutouts over 127 regular season games. Leenders was selected in the seventh round (202nd overall) by Buffalo in the 2024 NHL Draft last summer.

Also considered for the award this week, Charlie Schenkel of the Kingston Frontenacs went 2-0 with a 1.44 goals-against average and .945 save percentage, while Austin Elliott of the London Knights was also a standout in the crease, going 2-0 along with a 2.00 goals-against average and .938 save percentage.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 10 – Mar. 16: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Mar. 3 – Mar. 9: Austin Elliott (London Knights)
Feb. 14 – Mar. 2: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Austin Elliott (London Knights)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Nolan Lalonde (Soo Greyhounds)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Easton Rye (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Andrew Oke (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Finn Marshall (Sudbury Wolves)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads)

Steelheads’ Aidan Lane Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Brampton Steelheads forward Aidan Lane is the OHL Rookie of the Week, registering three goals, two assists and five points in four games played.

Lane recorded a pair of goals on Wednesday, earning first-star honors as the Steelheads secured a 6-3 win over the Peterborough Petes. He found the scoresheet again on Friday, tallying an assist in a 4-1 win over the Barrie Colts, earning first-star honors once again. Lane closed out the week with a goal and an assist on Sunday to earn third-star honors in a 6-2 victory over the Niagara IceDogs.

Selected by the Steelheads in the fourth round, 80th overall, of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA program, the 6-foot-1, 193-pound forward has registered six goals, four assists, and 10 points in 10 games played with Brampton since signing with the team in December. Lane has spent the majority of the season at St. Andrew’s College.

Also considered for the award this week, Beckham Edwards of the Sarnia Sting recorded five points (3-2-5) in three games played.

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Regular Season:
March. 10 – March. 16: Aidan Lane (Brampton Steelheads)
March. 3 – March. 9: Liam Beamish (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 24 – March. 2: Filip Ekberg (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Cole Zurawski (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Jacob Cloutier (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Dimian Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Carson Harmer (Saginaw Spirit)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Logan Hawery (London Knights)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Liam Beamish (Sarnia Sting)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Carter Stevens (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Cole Zurawski (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)

MUSTY, ELLIOTT AND BEAMISH NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on March 10, 2025March 10, 2025 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, March 9, 2025.

Wolves’ Quentin Musty Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

San Jose Sharks prospect Quentin Musty is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, tallying six goals, four assists and 10 points in three wins.

Musty started the week strong with the winning goal and an assist on Wednesday, earning second star honours in the Wolves’ 3-2 win over the Niagara IceDogs. He stayed hot on Friday, notching two goals and an assist to claim first star honours in a 5-3 victory over the Oshawa Generals. Musty capped off the week in dominant fashion, recording a hat trick and two assists for a five-point performance on Sunday, once again earning first-star recognition as the Wolves topped the Barrie Colts 7-2.

The 19-year-old from Hamburg, NY., has appeared in 31 games with the Wolves this season, recording 27 goals, 27 assists, and 54 points. The 6-foot-2, 200lb. forward was selected first overall by Sudbury in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection and has recorded 265 points (108-157-265) in 187 regular season contests with the Wolves over four seasons. Musty was selected 26th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2023 NHL Draft, and signed an entry-level NHL contract with the Sharks on Oct. 4, 2023.

Also considered for the award this week, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights posted eight points (3-5-8) in three wins, while Chris Thibodeau of the Flint Firebirds tallied four goals, two assists and six points in three games played.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 3 – Mar. 9: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Feb. 24 – Mar. 2: Brady Martin (Soo Greyhounds)
Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires)
Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Cole Brown (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Igor Chernyshov (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Tuomas Uronen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Kocha Delic (Sudbury Wolves)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara IceDogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Blake Montgomery (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Marco Mignosa (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Calvin Crombie (Brantford Bulldogs)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Kevin He (Niagara IceDogs)
Sep. 25 – Sept. 29: Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)

Knights’ Austin Elliott Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Austin Elliott of the London Knights is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, playing to a 2-0 record including a shutout, along with a 1.00 goals-against average and .961 save percentage.

Making a total of 49 saves last week, Elliott opened the week with a 28-save shutout on Wednesday as the Knights blanked the Brantford Bulldogs 5-0. He returned between the pipes on Friday, turning aside 21 of the 23 shots he faced as the Knights defeated the Kingston Frontenacs 3-2.

A 20-year-old from Strathmore, Alberta, Elliott has been dominant this season, owning an impressive 28-1-0-0 record, three shutouts, a 2.15 goals-against average, and .921 save percentage. The Knights acquired the overage goaltender from the Barrie Colts, who had claimed him off CHL waivers in early October. Elliott joined the OHL after beginning his career with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades.

Also considered for the award this week, Sudbury Wolves netminder Finn Marshall went 3-0 with a 2.33 goals-against average and .915 save percentage. North Bay’s Mike McIvor was also steady, going 2-0 with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 3 – Mar. 9: Austin Elliott (London Knights)
Feb. 14 – Mar. 2: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Austin Elliott (London Knights)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Nolan Lalonde (Soo Greyhounds)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Easton Rye (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Andrew Oke (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Finn Marshall (Sudbury Wolves)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads)

Sting’s Liam Beamish Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Sarnia Sting forward Liam Beamish is the OHL Rookie of the Week for the second time this season after scoring four goals in three games played.

Beamish opened the week with his first OHL career hat trick on Friday to earn first star honours as Sarnia defeated the Guelph Storm 5-1. He followed up with a goal on Saturday as the Sting fell 6-2 to the Flint Firebirds.

An 18-year-old from Beamsville, Ont., Beamish has recorded 14 goals, 12 assists and 26 points in 34 games since coming over from the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The 5-foot-11, 179lb. centreman spent last season in the GOJHL playing for the Fort Erie Meteors and was also named GOJHL Golden Horseshoe Rookie of the Year. Beamish was selected by the Sting in the eighth round (151st overall) of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Ottawa 67’s forward Filip Ekberg registered a goal and three helpers in three games played while Hudson Chitaroni of the Sudbury Wolves tallied a pair of goals and an assists in three contests.

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Regular Season:
March. 3 – March. 9: Liam Beamish (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 24 – March. 2: Filip Ekberg (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Cole Zurawski (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Jacob Cloutier (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Dimian Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Carson Harmer (Saginaw Spirit)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Logan Hawery (London Knights)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Liam Beamish (Sarnia Sting)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Lev Katzin (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Carter Stevens (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Cole Zurawski (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Pierce Mbuyi (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Beckham Edwards (Sarnia Sting)
Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)

COWAN AND SIMPSON NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Knights’ Easton Cowan Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, six assists and eight points in a pair of victories.

Helping the Knights take a 2-0 OHL Championship Series lead over the Oshawa Generals, Cowan opened up the week with a career-high five-point performance in an 8-1 Game 1 victory at home on Thursday night, registering a goal and four assists to earn first star honours. He proceeded to pick-up third star recognition on Saturday, tallying a goal and two assists as the Knights skated past the Generals in a 9-1 win.

A soon-to-be 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont., Cowan leads all post-season point-getters with 27 points (9-18-27) in 16 games played. Recently awarded the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player in the regular season, Cowan registered 96 points (34-62-96) in 54 regular season contests, setting a Knights franchise record with a 36-game point streak. Originally selected in the second round (25th overall) by the Knights in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Cowan has tallied 55 goals, 96 assists, and 151 points over 129 regular season games in London. After leading the Knights to a Western Conference title last season, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Cowan with their first round (28th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
May 6 – May 12: Easton Cowan (London Knights)
Apr. 29 – May 5: Sandis Vilmanis (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Kasper Halttunen (London Knights)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Jacob Julien (London Knights)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Samuel Mayer (Ottawa 67’s)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Owen Beck (Saginaw Spirit)

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Jacob Maillet (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Gavin Bryant (Niagara IceDogs)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)
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)

Knights’ Michael Simpson Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Michael Simpson of the London Knights is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the third time this season, playing to a 2-0 record along with a 1.10 goals-against average and .952 save percentage.

Backstopping the Knights to a 2-0 OHL Championship Series lead over the Oshawa Generals, Simpson made a total of 40 saves last week. He stopped 24 of the 25 shots that came his way on Thursday in an 8-1 win at Budweiser Gardens to open up the Series. He returned to the crease on Saturday evening with a 16-save performance as the Knights defeated the Generals 9-1.

A 21-year-old hometown product, Simpson ranks third among all netminders with a 2.42 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in postseason action, backstopping the Knights to a 14-2-0-0 record. Simpson’s 30-career playoff wins are tied for the third-most by any OHL goaltender since 1981. Playing to a 34-10-1-1 regular season record, the former 2023 OHL Champion ranked first among all goaltenders in regular season action with a 2.61 goals-against average, along with a .905 save percentage. Selected in the 10th round (193rd overall) by the Peterborough Petes in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, the 2023 OHL Playoffs MVP attended development camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins last summer.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
May 6 – May 12: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Apr. 29 – May 5: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Charlie Schenkel (Soo Greyhounds)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Jakub Vondras (Sudbury Wolves)

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Nick Surzycia (Sarnia Sting)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Charlie Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Liam Sztuska (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Ben West (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Owen Willmore (London Knights)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Marcus Vandenberg (Niagara IceDogs)
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)

VILMANIS AND MCIVOR NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on May 7, 2024 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, May 5th, 2024.

Battalion’s Sandis Vilmanis Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Florida Panthers prospect Sandis Vilmanis of the North Bay Battalion is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording four goals, five assists and nine points in four games played.

Helping the Battalion rally to force a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Championship Series, Vilmanis started off the week with a goal in a 5-2 loss to the Oshawa Generals on Monday. The 6-foot-2, 192lb. forward tallied a pair of goals including the overtime winner along with two assists to earn first star honours on Wednesday, helping the Battalion skate to a 5-4 overtime win at home. He recorded another assist on Friday as the Battalion clinched a 5-4 double overtime victory. Vilmanis closed out the week with a goal and two helpers in a dominant 8-1 win on Sunday, leading the Battalion to tie the series 3-3 heading into Game 7 on Monday night.

A 20-year-old from Riga, Latvia, Vilmanis leads all post-season point-getters with 26 points (10-16–26) in 15 playoff contests following a regular season that yielded 38 goals, 29 assists and 67 points over 60 games played between the Battalion and the Sarnia Sting. A former first round pick by Sarnia in the 2022 CHL Import Draft, Vilmanis was selected by the Florida Panthers in the fifth round (157th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club on March 2, 2024. Vilmanis has also participated on the international stage, representing Latvia at three consecutive IIHF World Junior Championships.

Also considered for the award this week, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights helped his team skate to a 4-2 Western Conference Final Series victory over the Saginaw Spirit, recording four goals and four assists in four games played. Battalion teammate and Seattle Kraken prospect Ty Nelson was also a standout, registering two goals, five assists and seven points.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 29 – May 5: Sandis Vilmanis (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Kasper Halttunen (London Knights)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Jacob Julien (London Knights)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Samuel Mayer (Ottawa 67’s)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Owen Beck (Saginaw Spirit)

Battalion’s Mike McIvor Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Rookie netminder Mike McIvor of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, playing to a 3-1 record along with a 3.13 goals-against average, and .902 save percentage.

Helping the Battalion bounce back in the Eastern Conference Championship Series, McIvor made a total of 129 saves last week. He stopped 26 of the 31 shots he faced on Monday as the Battalion fell 5-2 to the Oshawa Generals. McIvor earned the Battalion’s first win of the series on Wednesday, blocking 27 of the 31 shots that came his way in a 5-4 overtime victory. The 6-foot, 165lb. netminder returned to the crease with a big performance on Friday, turning aside 41 of the 45 shots he faced to clinch a 5-4 double overtime win. McIvor closed out the week with a 35-save performance on Sunday as the Battalion defeated the Generals in a commanding 8-1 victory to push the series to Game 7.

An 18-year-old from Warkworth, Ont., McIvor played to a regular season mark of 8-9-0-0 with a 3.78 goals-against average and .876 save percentage over 18 games in his first OHL season. A fourth round (83rd overall) pick by the Battalion in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Quinte Red Devils U16 program, McIvor has appeared in 14 playoff contests, playing to a 10-4 record along with a 2.58 goals-against average and .917 save percentage with one shutout.

Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson of the London Knights went 2-2 along with a 3.79 goals-against average and .899 save percentage to take a 4-2 Western Conference Championship Series victory over the Saginaw Spirit. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Nolan Lalonde of the Saginaw Spirit also played to a 2-2 record along with a 3.05 goals-against average and .879 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 29 – May 5: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Charlie Schenkel (Soo Greyhounds)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Jakub Vondras (Sudbury Wolves)

KNIGHTS’ COWAN AWARDED RED TILSON TROPHY AS OHL’S MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER

Posted on May 3, 2024May 2, 2024 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights is the 2023-24 recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy, an award presented annually to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player as voted by the writers and broadcasters that cover the league.

“I want to thank all of my teammates, coaches, training staff and of course my family,” said Cowan of the award. “None of this is possible without them. It’s a great honour for me and my family.”

Cowan finished his sophomore season with 34 goals, 62 assists and 96 points in 54 games, registering the league’s second-highest production rate of 1.78 points-per-game. He garnered league-wide attention with his 36-game point streak that spanned from Nov. 25 through the final game of the regular season on Mar. 24, eventually reaching a run of 42 games in the OHL Playoffs. The 36-game mark established a new London Knights franchise record, and is the longest point streak the OHL has seen since 1995.

“It takes special players to win and have great teams and Easton is exceptional,” said Knights Vice President and General Manager Mark Hunter. “He has speed skill and will and of all of those his will to win and be better everyday is a testament to his work ethic and drive to be a National Hockey League player. He had a great season in London and we’re very proud of him.”

Cowan’s season saw him record at least a point in 49 of his 54 outings, with a total of 33 multi-point performances along the way. His seven shorthanded goals were tied with teammate Denver Barkey for the league lead while his 14 shorthanded points finished atop the OHL list. His contributions helped the Knights secure a Hamilton Spectator Trophy as the OHL’s first place team during the regular season, along with a fifth straight Midwest Division title.

An 18-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont., Cowan has recorded 55 goals, 96 assists and 151 points over 129 career regular season games, registering a plus/minus rating of plus-47. He’s also scored a total of 10 shorthanded goals along with seven goals on the power play. Cowan helped the Knights win the Wayne Gretzky Trophy as Western Conference champions last spring, putting up 21 points (9-12—21) across 20 playoff contests. He was Toronto’s first round (28^th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and signed an entry-level NHL contract with the Leafs on Aug. 10, 2023. The Knights selected Cowan with their second round (25^th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Cowan becomes the seventh London Knights player to win the Red Tilson Trophy, joining a list that includes Mitch Marner (2015-16), Michael Houser (2011-12), Corey Perry (2004-05), Jason Allison (1993-94), Dave Simpson (1981-82) and Dennis Maruk (1974-75). Recent winners have included a pair of Windsor Spitfires forwards in Matthew Maggio (2022-23) and Wyatt Johnston (2021-22) along with Ottawa 67’s forward Marco Rossi (2019-20) and Sudbury Wolves goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (2018-19).

The Red Tilson Trophy is the most prestigious individual award presented by the Ontario Hockey League. First presented in 1945, the trophy is named in honour of Albert “Red” Tilson, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II. Tilson was the OHA scoring champion for the 1942-43 season after scoring 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in 22 games with the Oshawa Generals.

Accredited media were asked to select their top choice from a ballot consisting of 20 team-nominated representatives. Cowan emerged as the front-runner, receiving 41 percent of the vote ahead of Saginaw Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh who received 18 percent. Sudbury Wolves forward David Goyette placed third with 17 percent of the vote.

The Red Tilson Trophy winner is the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony that will be held at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow from May 24 to June 2 in Saginaw, Michigan. Cowan will be formally presented with the Red Tilson Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 2 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a complete history of OHL award winners, click here.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

Posted on February 1, 2024 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Month for games played in January 2024.

Player of the Month – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)

Colorado Avalanche prospect Calum Ritchie of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Player of the Month, leading the league with 26 points including nine goals and 17 assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-19 over 13 games. Ritchie’s month of January featured five different performances with at least three points, including two five-point showings that came on Jan. 6th at Flint and Jan. 19th vs. Peterborough. He helped the Generals climb the Eastern Conference standings with a January record of 8-3-1-1, earning three star recognition six different times throughout the course of the month.

A recently-turned 19-year-old from Oakville, Ont., Ritchie leads the Generals in regular season scoring despite having played in just 28 games. His 1.68 points-per-game resulting from 16 goals and 31 assists are the fourth-highest rate in the OHL this season while he’s also registered a plus/minus rating of plus-28. A 6-foot-2, 179Ib. centreman, Ritchie is in his third season with the Generals, having recorded 59 goals, 92 assists and 151 points over 152 career regular season games since being selected by Oshawa with the second overall pick of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. Ritchie was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche with their first round (27th overall) pick last summer. A former OHL first all-rookie team member in 2021-22, Ritchie won a gold medal with Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, leading the tournament in scoring before capturing bronze at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship.

Also considered for the award this month, London Knights forward Easton Cowan finished January with 21 points (8-13–21) over 10 games.

Defenceman of the Month – Oliver Bonk (London Knights)

Philadelphia Flyers prospect Oliver Bonk of the London Knights is the OHL Defenceman of the Month, recording 21 points including 10 goals and 11 assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-14 over 10 games. Bonk helped the Knights play to a January mark of 9-0-0-2 as they climbed into first place in the OHL standings, recording points in nine of his 10 outings. He recorded three different two-goal outings along with five multi-point contests to begin the 2024 calendar year, headlined by five points (2-3–5) in a 9-2 road win over the Sarnia Sting on Jan. 10th. Three of Bonk’s January goals were game-winners while six of his 10 tallies came on the man advantage.

A newly-turned 19-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Bonk sits third among OHL defencemen with 51 points (16-35–51) over 38 games while his 12 power play markers are tied for the league-lead among rearguards. The 6-foot-2, 179Ib. defender has played parts of three seasons in London, recording 26 goals, 68 assists and 94 points over 115 regular season games. He helped the Knights reach the OHL Championship Series last spring, recording 11 assists during their 21-game playoff run. Bonk was voted to the OHL’s second all-rookie team in 2022-23 before being selected by Philadelphia with their first round (22nd overall) pick last summer. Bonk won gold with Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and represented Canada at this past month’s 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Sweden. The Knights selected Bonk in the second round (26th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this month, Saginaw Spirit defender Zayne Parekh registered 21 points (9-12–21) over 11 games.

Goaltender of the Month – Michael Simpson (London Knights)

London Knights netminder Michael Simpson is the OHL Goaltender of the Month, playing to a record of 5-0-0-1 with a 1.32 goals-against average, .950 save percentage and one shutout over six outings. Simpson carried a five-game winning streak into the month of January, stretching that to 10 games while still remaining undefeated in regulation since Dec. 10th to close-out the month. He backstopped the Knights to his second shutout of the season on Jan. 14th vs. Owen Sound.

A 20-year-old London native, Simpson leads the OHL in both goals-against average (2.54) and wins (23) while also posting a .909 save percentage and two shutouts over 33 games. Now in his third OHL season, last year’s OHL Playoff MVP has played to a career mark of 67-47-5-4 with a 2.96 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and eight shutouts over 129 regular season games between London and Peterborough. The 6-foot-1, 198Ib. goaltender was originally Peterborough’s 10th round (193rd overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. Simpson, who was voted to the OHL’s third all-star team last season, attended training camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins prior to the start of the 2023-24 campaign.

Also considered for the award this month, Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals played to a record of 7-3-0-1 in January, posting a 2.00 goals-against average and .929 save percentage with one shutout over 11 outings.

Rookie of the Month – Riley Patterson (Barrie Colts)

Barrie Colts forward Riley Patterson is the OHL Rookie of the Month, leading all first-year talents with 15 points including five goals and 10 assists over 12 games. Patterson put together a trio of multi-point performances, helping the Colts score wins over the Soo Greyhounds and Niagara IceDogs with three-point efforts on Jan. 6th and Jan. 20th. He closed out January with a career-high four points, scoring twice while adding two assist in a 7-6 overtime loss to the Owen Sound Attack on Jan. 31st.

A 17-year-old from Burlington, Ont., Patterson currently leads OHL rookies with 16 goals, adding 22 assists for 38 points over 44 games. The 6-foot, 194Ib. centreman joined the Colts last summer, coming over in a trade from the Flint Firebirds who selected him in the third round (57th overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. A former OHL Cup champion with the Mississauga Senators U16 program, Patterson was the OJHL Rookie of the Year in 2022-23, recording 73 points (30-43–73) over 52 games with the North York Rangers Jr. A program. Patterson was the 116th ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midseason NHL Draft Rankings released on Jan. 12th.

Also considered for the award this month, December Rookie of the Month award recipient Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs put up 13 points (2-11–13) over 11 contests.

2023-24 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
January – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
December – Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
November – Filip Mesar (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)

Defenceman of the Month:
January – Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
December – Nick DeAngelis (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Hunter Brzustewicz (Kitchener Rangers)

Goaltender of the Month:
January – Michael Simpson (London Knights)
December – Marcus Vandenberg (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)

Rookie of the Month:
January – Riley Patterson (Barrie Colts)
December – Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs)
November – Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)
October – Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)

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.

KRESSLER AND OSTER NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on November 6, 2023 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, November 5, 2023.

Firebirds’ Braeden Kressler Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Braeden Kressler of the Flint Firebirds is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, five assists, and seven points over three contests as the Firebirds moved up to second place in the West Division.

Kressler had a strong showing on Wednesday, registering three helpers to earn second star honours as the Firebirds defeated the Owen Sound Attack 6-3. The 5-foot-9, 170lb. centreman found the scoresheet again on Friday, tallying a goal and an assist as the Firebirds fell to the Erie Otters in a 4-3 shootout loss. Kressler closed out the weekend with another goal and assist on Saturday in a 5-1 win over the Mississauga Steelheads. He won 54 percent of his faceoffs last week, and rides a current trend of six consecutive multi-point outings.

A 20-year-old from Kitchener, Ont., Kressler has recorded seven goals, 10 assists, and 17 points in 12 games played so far this season. Signed as a free-agent by the Toronto Maple Leafs after an impressive training camp in 2021, Kressler comes off a standout 2022-23 season, tallying 52 points (25-27-52) in 47 appearances with Flint. The overage forward was Flint’s second round (28th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Seattle Kraken prospect Carson Rehkopf of the Kitchener Rangers scored three times and added four assists in three appearances to boost his OHL scoring lead. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights also had a solid performance last week, tallying a pair of goals and four assists in three games.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

Generals’ Jacob Oster Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, playing to a 2-1 record with a 2.34 goals-against average, and .944 save percentage.

Making 117 saves in three appearances last week, Oster had a strong showing on Thursday, stopping 48 of the 51 shots he faced, earning second star honours as the Generals fell to the Peterborough Petes 3-2. Back in the crease the following night, the Generals redeemed themselves against the Petes in overtime as Oster blocked 38 of the 40 shots that came his way to clinch a 3-2 victory on Friday. The 6-foot-3, 190lb. netminder closed out the weekend with a 31-save performance on Sunday as Oshawa bested the Brantford Bulldogs 6-2 at home.

A 19-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Oster has played to a 7-7 record this season, along with a 3.15 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage. Selected in the fifth round (92nd overall) by the Guelph Storm in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the veteran goaltender has appeared in 97 career regular season contests, recording a 3.59 goals-against average and .885 save percentage over three seasons.

Also considered for the award this week, Collin MacKenzie of the Ottawa 67’s went 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and .943 save percentage. Jackson Parsons of the Kitchener Rangers also found success, going 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and .931 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

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