MAYER AND OSTER 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 playoff games ending Sunday, April 7, 2024.



67’s’ Samuel Mayer Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Overage defenceman Samuel Mayer of the Ottawa 67’s is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals and three assists in four playoff contests along with a plus/minus rating of plus-4.

Helping Ottawa skate to a 4-2 series win over the Brantford Bulldogs, Mayer registered a career-high four-point night scoring a hat-trick along with an assist in a 6-5 overtime win to earn first star honours on Thursday. The 6-foot-3, 202lb. blueliner added a pair of helpers in a 6-1 victory on Sunday, punching Ottawa’s ticket to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

A soon-to-be 21-year-old defenceman from L’Orignal, Ont., Mayer registered 21 goals, 32 assists and 53 points in 69 regular season games played between the 67’s and the Peterborough Petes. Mayer has tallied 138 points (41-97-138) over 205 games in three seasons. Mayer was a key member in Peterborough’s playoff success last season, tallying seven points (2-5-7) in 23 playoff contests to be crowned a 2023 OHL Champion. Mayer was originally selected by Peterborough in the first round (15th overall) of the 2020 U18 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Seattle Kraken prospect David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves helped lead his team to a 4-1 series win over the Mississauga Steelheads, recording three goals and four assists in three games played. Pano Fimis of the Erie Otters also found success, tallying a pair of goals and three helpers in three contests as the Otters currently trail 3-2 in their first round series against the Kitchener Rangers.

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



Generals’ Jacob Oster Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the fourth time this season, playing to a 3-1 record including a shutout, along with a 1.18 goals-against average, and .954 save percentage.

Clinching a 4-2 series win over the Barrie Colts, Oster made a total of 104 saves last week to backstop the Generals to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. Oster stopped 15 of the 16 shots that came his way on Tuesday in a 5-1 road win. He returned to the crease on Thursday, making 34 saves in a 4-3 overtime win. Oster turned away 23 of the 24 shots he faced to earn third star honours on Friday as the Generals came up short in a 3-0 loss. The 6-foot-3, 190lb. netminder closed out the series with a 32-save shutout performance to earn first star honours on Sunday, helping the Generals move on to the next round of the OHL Playoffs with a 3-0 win over the Colts.

A 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Oster played to a regular season mark of 35-16-7-1, posting a 2.82 goals-against average, and .905 save percentage. Ranked first among all netminders with a 1.94 goals-against average in postseason action, Oster currently holds a 4-2-0-0 record. Selected in the fifth-round (92nd overall) by the Guelph Storm in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the veteran goaltender has appeared in 143 career regular season contests, recording a 3.29 goals-against average and .891 save percentage over three seasons, going 68-47-12-4 in the process. Oster attended training camp with the Los Angeles Kings last September.

Also considered for the award this week, Sam Hillebrandt of the Barrie Colts went 1-1-0-1 including a shutout with a 1.84 goals-against average and .957 save percentage. Collin MacKenzie backstopped the Ottawa 67’s to a 4-2 series victory over the Brantford Bulldogs, playing to a 3-1-0-0 record along with a 2.65 goals-against average and .911 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
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)

CHL Team of the Month presented by CCM: March 2024

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce today the March edition of the CHL Team of the Month presented by CCM for the 2023-24 regular season.

F – Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves / OHL)
15G-15A, 30 PTS, +9 in 11 GP in March

With 15 goals and 15 assists in 11 games, San Jose Sharks prospect Quentin Musty of the Sudbury Wolves tallied more points than anyone in the CHL over the month of March. His 15 goals were tied for the most by a CHL skater alongside Moose Jaw’s Jagger Firkus. In his 11 contests in March, the 18-year-old from Hamburg, N.Y. also registered an impressive seven multi-point outings, which included posting a season-high six points on March 8 (4G-2A, including GWG, vs. Windsor) and March 22 (2G-4A vs. Barrie). His four-goal effort against Windsor also set a new single-game career-high for the first overall pick of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. To kick start the month, Musty also potted a hat-trick and added two helpers in the Wolves’ 10-3 victory against Sarnia. As the season came to a close last week, Musty finished the 2023-24 campaign ranked tied for fourth in scoring in the OHL having recorded 102 points (43G-59A) in 53 games, and he was one of 16 skaters in the CHL to top 100 points this season. Averaging 1.92 points per game through the 2023-24 campaign, the 6-foot-2, 202-pound left-winger had the highest scoring average of any OHL skater and ranked fourth in the CHL behind Halifax’s Jordan Dumais (2.24), Moose Jaw’s Matthew Savoie (2.09) and Firkus (2.00). Drafted 26th overall by the San Jose Sharks at the 2023 NHL Draft, Musty signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club back at the beginning of the season in October.

F – Jagger Firkus (Moose Jaw Warriors / WHL)
15G-10A, 25 PTS, +10 in 10 GP in March

Thanks to a strong month highlighted by 15 goals and 10 assists, Seattle Kraken prospect Jagger Firkus of the Moose Jaw Warriors has been named to the CHL Team of the Month for the second time this season (previously selected as a member of the CHL Team of the Month in January). Firkus’ 15 goals were tied with Sudbury’s Quentin Musty for the most by a CHL skater in March. The 19-year-old from Irma, Alta., tallied a point in all 10 of the Warriors’ regular season games this month and he heads into the post-season riding a 14-game point streak (20G-12A over that stretch). In total, the 5-foot-11, 160-pound centreman registered eight multi-point outings throughout March, including four in a row to close out the month. Firkus also wrapped up March having scored a goal in five straight games, including tallying two or more in each of his last four contests. His strong play and 25 points down the stretch allowed him to finish the 2023-24 season as the leading scorer in the CHL with 126 points (61G-65A). By achieving the latter, he becomes just the second player in Moose Jaw’s franchise history to lead the CHL in points (Jayden Halbgewachs in 2017-18), and the fourth Warriors skater to ever claim the Bob Clarke Trophy as the WHL’s Top Scorer (Halbgewachs in 2017-18; Troy Brouwer in 2005-06; Theoren Fleury in 1987-88). Firkus also finished the 2023-24 campaign as the CHL leader in power-play points with 50 (15G-35A). Drafted in the second round (35th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, the 19-year-old signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Seattle Kraken back in April 2023.

F – Dalibor Dvorský (Sudbury Wolves / OHL)
13G-12A, 25 PTS, +3 in 11 GP in March

Having registered 13 goals and 25 points in just 11 games during the month of March, St. Louis Blues prospect Dalibor Dvorský of the Sudbury Wolves has earned his first CHL Team of the Month selection of the 2023-24 season. Trailing only his Wolves teammate Quentin Musty in scoring, Dvorský’s 25 points in March placed him in a tie for second in the CHL, while his 13 goals during the month were ranked third behind Musty (15G) and Moose Jaw’s Jagger Firkus (15G). In total, the 18-year-old from Zvolen, Slovakia registered six multi-point contests in March, which included tallying a single-game career-high of five points on March 8 (2G-3A vs. Windsor) and March 16 (1G-4A vs. Barrie). Prior to the Wolves’ final regular season game, which saw Dvorský held off the scoresheet for the first time since February 18, the Blues’ 2023 first-round pick had registered a point in 14 straight games. The 6-foot-1, 201-pound centreman enters the playoffs having scored a goal in nine of his last 11 contests. He finished the 2023-24 campaign with 88 points (45G-43A), a team-leading 45 goals, and a CHL-best 26.8% shooting percentage this season. Dvorský’s 45 goals also place him among the top-five goal scorers in the OHL. Along with his teammates David Goyette (40 goals) and Musty (43 goals), Dvorský is one of three Sudbury Wolves to have topped the 40-goal plateau this season – marking the first time in 24 years that the Wolves have had three 40-goal scorers (1999-00: Norm Milley, Jason Jaspers and Taylor Pyatt). Chosen tenth overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 NHL Draft, Dvorský signed a three-year entry-level contract with the organization last summer in July 2023.

D – Luca Cagnoni (Portland Winterhawks / WHL)
5G-12A, 17 PTS, +9, in 10 GP in March

Having led all CHL defencemen with 17 points in the month of March, San Jose Sharks prospect Luca Cagnoni of the Portland Winterhawks has earned his second selection of the 2023-24 season to the CHL Team of the Month (previously selected as a member of the CHL Team of the Month in November). In 11 games in March, Cagnoni was held off the scoresheet only twice, having recorded two points or more on six occasions. His strong month allowed the 19-year-old from Burnaby, B.C., to finish the 2023-24 campaign with career-highs in goals (18), assists (72), and points (90). Cagnoni’s 90 points were the most by a WHL blueliner during the 2023-24 campaign, and he was one of just three defencemen in the CHL to top 90 points this season (along with Saginaw’s Zayne Parekh & Kitchener’s Hunter Brzustewicz). Cagnoni was also the first WHL defenceman in 30 years to top the 90-point plateau in a single season, and the first Winterhawks blueliner since 1986 to achieve the feat (1985-86: Glen Wesley, 91 points). In addition to leading all WHL defencemen in scoring this season, Cagnoni’s 72 assists were also the most by a WHL blueliner and he ranked second among rearguards in the CHL trailing only Brzustewicz (79). Last summer, Cagnoni was selected in the fourth round (123rd overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks.

D – Vsevolod Komarov (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL)
4G-10A, 14 PTS, +7 in 10 GP in March

With four goals and 14 points through 10 games in the month of March, Buffalo Sabres prospect Vsevolod Komarov of the Drummondville Voltigeurs rounds out the defencemen selected in March’s CHL Team of the Month. Komarov was held off the scoresheet on just four occasions and he registered four multi-point outings in March, including matching a single-game career-high with four points (1G-3A) on March 1 against the Charlottetown Islanders. The 20-year-old from Chelyabinsk, Russia finished the 2023-24 campaign with 55 assists and 69 points, both of which rank as the most by a QMJHL defenceman this season. The 6-foot-3, 188-pound defenceman ultimately set new career highs in goals (14), assists (55) and points (69) during the 2023-24 season, and he averaged over a point per game for the first time in his QMJHL career. The Sabres prospect, who won a Memorial Cup last year with the Québec Remparts, was acquired by the Voltigeurs from the Remparts at the beginning of December. Of his 69 points recorded this season, Komarov tallied 50 of them in just 38 games with Drummondville. His strong play no doubt played an important role in helping the Voltigeurs to their first 100-point season since 2019 and allowing the club to secure first place in the QMJHL’s Western Conference. Selected in the fifth round (134th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, Komarov signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club last May ahead of his participation in the 2023 Memorial Cup.

G – Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals / OHL)
9-0-0-0 record, 2.33 GAA, .914 SV% in nine starts in March

Having secured a CHL-best nine wins through the month of March, Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals was selected for the first time this season to the CHL Team of the Month. Through nine starts in March, Oster held a perfect 9-0-0-0 record along with an impressive 2.33 goals-against-average and a .914 save percentage. In six of his nine starts this month, Oster gave up two goals or fewer, which included turning aside 26-of-27 shots against the OHL’s highest-scoring team (the Sudbury Wolves) on March 24. The latter proved to be an important victory and performance by Oster, as the Generals secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference for the first time in nine years with the victory. Oshawa’s triumph over the Wolves in that regular-season finale also gave the Generals their 12th victory in a row, which stands as their longest winning streak since 1986-87. Through this historic winning streak, Oster has started in and won 11 of those contests. His strong play late in the year allowed the 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., to finish in a tie for first in the OHL with a .905 save percentage and to grab a share of first place in the CHL with 35 wins this season. Additionally, Oster’s 2.82 goals-against-average during the 2023-24 campaign ranked second in the OHL, trailing only London’s Michael Simpson (2.61 GAA).

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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

Player of the Month – Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)

San Jose Sharks prospect Quentin Musty of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Player of the Month, tallying an impressive 30 points including 15 goals and 15 assists over 11 games played in March. Registering multi-point showings in seven outings, Musty opened the month with a five-point performance on Mar. 1, recording a hat trick and a pair of helpers in a 10-3 win over Sarnia. Musty continued his scoring ways, registering a pair of season-high six-point performances on Mar. 8, (4-2-6) and Mar. 22 (2-4-6). Helping the Wolves play to a 38-23-4-3 record, he’s the second Wolves player to earn OHL Player of the Month honours this season.

An 18-year-old from Hamburg, NY., Musty ranked fourth among all OHL point-getters with 102 points (43-59-102) through 53 games played this season. Musty finished fifth in goal-scoring, registering a plus/minus rating of plus-19. A 6-foot-2, 202Ib. left-winger, Musty is in his third season with the Wolves, having recorded 81 goals, 130 assists and 211 points over just 156 career regular season games since being selected by Sudbury with the first overall pick of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. Musty was drafted by the San Jose Sharks with their first round (26th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, signing a three-year entry-level contract with the club on Oct. 4, 2023.

Defenceman of the Month – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit)

2024 NHL Draft eligible defenceman Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for the second time this season, registering five goals, 10 assists, and 15 points over 11 March outings, including 11 points in his last seven games. Helping Saginaw win nine of a possible 11 games in March, Parekh closed out the regular season atop all defensive point-getters, recording a Spirit franchise record 96 points (33-63-96) by a blueliner over 66 games played. Tallying four multi-point showings last month, he opened the month with a three-point performance on Mar. 1., registering two goals and an assist, including the overtime winner. He registered three assists on Mar. 23, helping the Spirit best the Windsor Spitfires 8-5. Parekh closed out the month with a goal and an assist on Mar. 24, as the Spirit concluded regular season action with a 50-16-1-1 record, good for second in the Western Conference standings.

An 18-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., Parekh is in his second OHL season after registering 37 points (21-16–37) over 50 games last season, setting a new OHL record for goals by a 16-year-old blueliner with 21. Parekh’s 33 goals this season are the most by a first-time NHL Draft eligible defender in the OHL since Cornwall’s John Slaney scored 38 during the 1989-90 campaign. The 6-foot, 180Ib. right-shot defender earned a gold medal for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this past summer, and was recently awarded an A-rating on NHL Central Scouting’s ‘Players to Watch’ List for the 2024 NHL Draft. Parekh was Saginaw’s first round (19th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Markham Majors U16 program.

Goaltender of the Month – Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)

Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for March, playing to a 9-0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. Helping the Generals clinch first place in the Eastern Conference, Oster registered a 28-save performance on Mar. 12, defeating the Mississauga Steelheads 2-1 in overtime. He continued his consistency in the crease, recording a second 28-save performance on Mar. 17 in a 7-2 win over the Sarnia Sting. Oster closed out the regular season turning aside 26 of the 27 shots that came his way against Sudbury on Mar. 24, extending the Generals winnings to 12 consecutive games.

A 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Oster ranked first among all netminders in wins this year, playing to a regular season mark of 35-16-7-1 including three shutouts, along with a 2.82 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. Selected in the fifth round (92nd overall) by the Guelph Storm in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the 6-foot-3, 190lb. netminder has appeared in 143 career regular season contests between Oshawa and Guelph, recording a 68-47-12-4 record, 3.29 goals-against average and .891 save percentage over three seasons.

Rookie of the Month – Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)

Mississauga Steelheads goaltender Jack Ivankovic is the OHL Rookie of the Month, playing to a 5-1 record, along with a 2.14 goals-against average and .927 save percentage. Making 166 saves in March, Ivankovic opened the month with a 30-save performance in a 6-1 win over the Windsor Spitfires on Mar. 3. Ivankovic recorded his second 30+ save performance of the month on Mar. 10., turning aside 33 of the 35 shots he faced. Ivankovic registered another standout performance on Mar. 17, blocking 28 of the 30 shots that came his way to lead the Steelheads to victory.

A 16-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., Ivankovic played to a regular season mark of 14-5-4-0, along with a 2.72 goals-against average, .915 save percentage and a shutout. His 2.72 G.A.A. was the lowest by an OHL rookie, earning him the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy for his efforts. 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 excelled for Team Canada White at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in November, returning from Prince Edward Island with a gold medal.

2023-24 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
March – Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
February – David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
January – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
December – Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
November – Filip Mesar (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)

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

Goaltender of the Month:
March – Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
February – Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
January – Michael Simpson (London Knights)
December – Marcus Vandenberg (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)

Rookie of the Month:
March – Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
February – Riley Patterson (Barrie Colts)
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.

GOYETTE AND SURZYCIA 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 final week of regular season games ending Sunday, March 24, 2024.



Wolves’ David Goyette Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Seattle Kraken prospect David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week for the second time this season, contributing three goals, eight assists and 11 points while registering a plus-6 rating in three games played.

Goyette tallied a season-high six-point night on Friday, registering a pair of goals and four assists to earn third star honours in a lopsided 13-4 win over the Barrie Colts. He found the scoresheet again on Saturday, earning second star honours with a goal and four helpers in a 9-2 win over the Niagara IceDogs.

Earning the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the season’s top scorer, Goyette registered 40 goals, 77 assists, and 117 points in 68 regular season appearances, the most scored by a Wolves player since 1999. Selected in the second-round (61st overall) by the Seattle Kraken in the 2022 NHL Draft, the former first-round (11th overall) pick by the Wolves in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection has put up 114 goals, 168 assists and 282 points in 197 OHL regular season contests. Goyette signed an entry-level NHL contract with Seattle on Apr. 10, 2023.

Also considered for the award this week, San Jose Sharks prospect and Wolves teammate Quentin Musty recorded 10 points (4-6–10) in three games. Vancouver Canucks prospect Josh Bloom of the Saginaw Spirit also had a standout week, registering eight points (2-6–8) in three showings.

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)



Sting’s Nick Surzycia Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Nick Surzycia of the Sarnia Sting is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, playing to a 1-2 record including a shutout, along with a 2.33 goals-against average and .941 save percentage.

Stopping a total of 111 shots last week, Surzycia turned aside 38 of the 41 shots that came his way in a 3-1 road loss to the Soo Greyhounds on Wednesday. Surzycia returned between the pipes on Friday, stopping 32 of the 36 shots he faced as the Sting fell 4-2 to the Saginaw Spirit. He closed out the week with a 41-save shutout performance on Saturday to earn first star honours as the Sting blanked the Flint Firebirds 3-0.

A 19-year-old from Toronto, Ont., Surzycia played to a regular season mark of 16-28-2-1, posting a 3.98 goals-against average and .875 save percentage. Selected in the second round (32nd overall) by the Sting in the 2021 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection from the Toronto Titans, the 6-foot, 170lb. netminder has appeared in 82 games over two seasons, registering a 3.74 goals-against average and .877 save percentage.

Also in the running for the award this week, Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals played to a 2-0 record with a 1.00 goals-against average, and .961 save percentage. Michael Simpson of the London Knights was also solid in the crease, playing to a 2-0 mark including a shutout, with a 1.50 goals-against average and .927 save percentage.

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)

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Players of the Month: March

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

The 2023-2024 Ontario Hockey League season will be remembered as one of the most competitive and unpredictable in recent memory. The fact that not a single playoff series was set until the last day of the season truly speaks volumes about the level of competition and passion in the league.

Today, we take a look at players eligible for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and who had the most impact in March with our forward, defenceman, and goaltender of the month.

Forward of the Month – Beckett Sennecke – Oshawa Generals

March was Sennecke’s best all-around month of the season and offensively he produced 6 goals and 12 assists in 10 games. He was a plus player in each game and he was kept off the scoresheet just twice. He also had 5 multi-point games.

Also considered were: Dalyn Wakely of the North Bay Battalion with 7 goals and 12 assists in 9 games; his teammate Anthony Romani with 11 goals and 6 assists in 10 games; Ruslan Gazizov of the London Knights with 8 goals and 7 assists in 9 games; Sam Alfano of the Erie Otters with 8 goals and 8 assists in 10 games.

Defenceman of the Month – Zayne Parekh – Saginaw Spirit

For the third time in the season, Parekh is our choice here. In 11 games in March, Parekh had 5 goals and 11 assists and established himself as the top offensive blueliner in the draft. He was held pointless in just two of the games and was a minus player just twice.

Also considered were: Jakub Fibigr of the Mississauga Steelheads who had 1 goal and 12 assists in 11 games; Luca Marrelli of the Oshawa Generals who had 3 goals and 8 assists in 10 games; Henry Mews of the Ottawa 67’s had 4 goals and 6 assists in 12 games.

Goaltender of the Month – Jacob Oster – Oshawa Generals

Oster is a two-time goaltender of the month for us after we selected him in January as well. He appeared in 9 games in March and was a perfect 9-0-0-0. He stopped 223 of 244 shots he faced for a save percentage of .914. This will be Oster’s third and final year of draft eligibility.

Also considered were: Liam Sztuska of the Peterborough Petes who went 2-3-0 and had a save percentage of .915; Charlie Robertson of the Niagara IceDogs who went 1-3-0-1 with a save percentage of .913; Ryerson Leenders of the Mississauga Steelheads who went 3-0-2-0 with a save percentage of .917.

Our monthly choices:

Forward of the Month

Beckett Sennecke – Oshawa Generals – March

Ryan Abraham – Windsor Spitfires – February

Marek Vanacker – Brantford Bulldogs – January

Ruslan Gazizov – London Knights – December

Liam Greentree – Windsor Spitfires – November

Adrian Misaljevic – Kitchener Rangers – October

Defenceman of the Month

Zayne Parekh – Saginaw Spirit – March

Sam Dickinson – London Knights – February

Zayne Parekh – Saginaw Spirit – January

Sam Dickinson – London Knights – December

Zayne Parekh – Saginaw Spirit – November

Jacob LeBlanc – Sarnia Sting – October

Goaltender of the Month

Jacob Oster – Oshawa Generals – March

Carter George – Owen Sound Attack – February

Jacob Oster – Oshawa Generals – January

Carter George – Owen Sound Attack – December

Jack Parsons – Kitchener Rangers – November

Brayden Gillespie – Guelph Storm – October

GAZIZOV AND ROBERTSON 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, March 17, 2024.



Knights’ Ruslan Gazizov Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Ruslan Gazizov of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week for the second time this season, recording six goals, three assists, and nine points over three contests as the Knights earned six points last week.

Extending London’s winnings to five consecutive games, Gazizov registered a pair of helpers on Wednesday in a 5-1 road win over the Erie Otters. He found the scoresheet again on Friday, earning first star honours with a career-high four-goal performance to defeat the Soo Greyhounds 6-3. Gazizov earned first star recognition again on Sunday, closing out the week with two goals and an assist in a 7-4 victory over the Windsor Spitfires.

Selected by the Knights in the first round (12th overall) of the 2021 CHL Import Draft, the 20-year-old Gazizov has recorded a career-high 79 points (36-43–79) through 62 outings this season, helping the Knights play to a League-leading record of 48-14-1-3. Gazizov has tallied 69 goals, 86 assists, and 155 points over 172 regular season games played in three seasons with London. He competed in the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Kitchener.

Also considered for the award, Owen Van Steensel of the North Bay Battalion registered five goals and two assists to help the Troops earn five points last week. Blueliner Chas Sharpe of the Mississauga Steelheads also found success, tallying eight points (3-5-8) in four games.

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



IceDogs’ Charlie Robertson Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Charlie Robertson of the Niagara IceDogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, playing to a 1-1 record including a shutout, along with a 1.51 goals-against average and .959 save percentage.

Making a total of 70 saves last week, Robertson stopped 40 of the 43 shots that came his way on Friday, falling short in a 3-2 road loss to the Mississauga Steelheads. The 6-foot-4, 175lb. netminder closed out the weekend with a 30-save shutout performance on Sunday at home, earning first star honours in a 3-0 win over the Barrie Colts. The shutout is Robertson’s first of the season and the fourth of his OHL career.

Acquired by the IceDogs in a trade with the North Bay Battalion on Jan. 7, Robertson has appeared in 30 games between Niagara and North Bay, going 8-11-4-1 with a 4.71 goals-against average and .875 save percentage. Guarding the crease in his second OHL season, Robertson has played to a career mark of 20-17-4-2 between the IceDogs and Battalion, along with a 4.06 goals-against average and .881 save percentage. The 18-year-old London, Ont. native was the Battalion’s seventh round (130th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the London Jr. Knights U16 program. Robertson competed in the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, and attended rookie camp with the Florida Panthers last September.

Also in the running for the award this week, rookie Landon Miller of the Soo Greyhounds played to a 1-0-0-1 record with a 1.21 goals-against average, and .958 save percentage. Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals was also solid in the crease, playing to a 3-0 mark with a 2.66 goals-against average and .909 save percentage.

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


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

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Player of the Month: January

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

A new month is upon us and it’s time we look at our draft eligible players of the month at forward, defence and in the crease. January was not an easy month to make our selections because there were a few deserving players at each position, especially among goaltenders where it was a banner month for the draft eligible goaltenders. The is the best goalie class to come from the OHL in quite some time, so enjoy it while you can.

Forward of the Month: Marek Vanacker – Brantford Bulldogs

Vanacker appeared in 11 games for the Bulldogs in January scoring 11 goals and adding 7 assists that included 2 game winning goals. He had three multi goal games and was held off the scoresheet just once in the Bulldogs first game of January. He leads the Bulldogs in scoring with 26 goals and 52 points in 45 games.

Also considered were a pair of North Bay Battalion. Anthony Romani had 11 goals and 7 assists in 11 games that included three multi point games. He was held off the scoresheet in two games. Dalyn Wakely had 7 goals and 12 assists in those 11 games. He was held pointless just once in January.

Defenceman of the Month: Zayne Parekh – Saginaw Spirit

There wasn’t much debate here or even Discussion: Parehk takes it by a landslide. In just 11 games (there was a 2-game suspension in there as well, Parekh scored 9 goals and assisted on 12. He also finished with a plus-12. Six of his 9 games were multi point games with 5, 4, 3, 2,2 and 2 points in those games. He was held pointless in just two games, once at the beginning of the month and once at the end.

There was no one else that really garnered consideration from us.

Goaltender of the Month: Jacob Oster – Oshawa Generals

We literally could have flipped a coin here but eventually settles on Oster. He appeared in 11 of the 13 Generals games in January and posted a 7-3-1-0 record while stopping 290 of the 312 shots faced for a .929 save percentage and 2.00 goals against average. He currently sits second in the OHL with a .905 save percentage and also second with 2.86 goals against average.

Also considered were: Ryerson Leenders of the Mississauga Steelheads who posted a 4-5-1-0 record with a .922 save percentage and 2.50 goals against average. Rookie Landon Miller of the Soo Greyhounds had a 4-1-0-0 record with a .925 save percentage, 1.60 goals against average and 1 shutout.

Our monthly choices:

Forward of the Month

Marek Vanacker – Brantford Bulldogs – January

Ruslan Gazizov – London Knights – December

Liam Greentree – Windsor Spitfires – November

Adrian Misaljevic – Kitchener Rangers – October

Defenceman of the Month

Zayne Parekh – Saginaw Spirit – January

Sam Dickinson – London Knights – December

Zayne Parekh – Saginaw Spirit – November

Jacob LeBlanc – Sarnia Sting – October

Goaltender of the Month

Jacob Oster – Oshawa Generals – January

Carter George – Owen Sound Attack – December

Jack Parsons – Kitchener Rangers – November

Brayden Gillespie – Guelph Storm – October

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

Posted on 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.

BONK AND SIMPSON 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, January 14, 2024.



Knights’ Oliver Bonk Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Philadelphia Flyers prospect Oliver Bonk of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, contributing five goals and six assists while registering a plus-6 rating in three victories.

Bonk recorded a career-high five-point night with two goals and three assists on Wednesday, being named the game’s second star as the Knights defeated the Sarnia Sting 9-2. He found the scoresheet again on Friday, registering a goal and an assist in the Knights’ 6-1 win over the Saginaw Spirit. Bonk closed out the weekend with a third consecutive multi-point contest, extending his current point streak to eight games with a pair of goals and assists as the Knights blanked the Owen Sound Attack 10-0. Bonk’s current eight-game run has included seven goals, 13 assists and 20 points.

A recently turned 19-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Bonk ranks third among all OHL defencemen in points this season, recording 44 (12-32–44) through 33 outings as the Knights own a record of 29-11-0-1, good for third in the Western Conference. Selected in the second-round (26th overall) by London in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, the 6-foot-2, 179lb. blueliner has put up 22 goals, 65 assists and 87 points in 110 regular season contests. Bonk helped the Knights reach the OHL Championship Series last season, recording 11 assists in 21 playoff matchups. Selected in the first-round (22nd overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2023 NHL Draft, Bonk recently represented Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship earlier this month. He signed a three-year, entry-level NHL contract with Philadelphia on Aug. 21, 2023.

Also considered for the award this week, 2024 NHL Draft-eligible defenceman Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit recorded nine points (5-4–9) in three games. Newly acquired Spirit teammate Owen Beck also had a standout week, as the Montreal Canadiens prospect registered nine points (3-6–9) in three games, including a single-game club record-tying six in his debut with the team.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
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,  playing to a 2-0 record including a shutout, along with a 0.50 goals-against average and .983 save percentage.

Making a total of 58 saves last week, Simpson stopped 30 of the 31 shots that came his way on Friday night as the Knights defeated the Saginaw Spirit 6-1 at home. The 6-foot-1, 198lb. netminder closed out the weekend with a 28-save shutout to earn third star honours on Sunday, blanking the Owen Sound Attack in a lopsided 10-0 victory.

Playing to a 22-7-0-0 record, the 20-year-old from London, Ont. holds a league-low 2.58 goals-against average, along with a .908 save percentage in 31 games this season. The only goaltender to reach 20+ wins this season, the former 2023 OHL champion has appeared in 127 career regular season contests, recording a 2.98 goals-against average and .904 save percentage over three seasons, going 66-47-5-3 in the process. 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.

Also considered for the award this week, Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals went 2-0 with a 1.50 goals-against average and .930 save percentage, while Kitchener Rangers netminder Tristan Malboeuf also went 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and .929 save percentage.

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


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.

ROMANI AND OSTER 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, January 7th, 2024.



Battalion’s Anthony Romani Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

North Bay Battalion forward Anthony Romani is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week for the second time this season, contributing four goals and two assists while registering a plus-4 rating in three games.

Romani scored a goal and added an assist on Thursday, being named the game’s second star as the Battalion defeated the Brantford Bulldogs 4-2. He found the scoresheet again on Friday, tallying a pair of goals in the Battalion’s 5-2 road win over the Ottawa 67’s. Romani closed out the weekend with a third consecutive multi-point contest, extending his current point streak to 15 games with a goal and an assist in a 3-2 loss to the Kitchener Rangers. Romani has compiled 13 goals, 15 assists and 28 points throughout the course of his 15-game point streak that dates back to Nov. 25th.

An 18-year-old from Pickering, Ont., Romani ranks second among all OHL point producers this season, recording 61 points (31-30–61) through 38 outings as the Battalion own a record of 18-14-5-1. The 6-foot-1, 184Ib. right-wing was North Bay’s third-round (41st overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 program. In 158 regular season games, Romani has put up 62 goals, 56 assists and 118 points. He’s reached the Eastern Conference Championship Series with the Battalion in each of the past two seasons, recording 12 points (9-3–12) across 33 career playoff games. Romani attended rookie camp with the Carolina Hurricanes this past September.

Also considered for the award this week, overage forward Connor Lockhart of the Oshawa Generals recorded six points (4-2–6) in four games. Sudbury Wolves forward Kocha Delic was also productive, recording five points (1-4–5) in a pair of wins last week.

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



Generals’ Jacob Oster Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the third time this season, playing to a 2-2 record with a 1.77 goals-against average, and .952 save percentage.

Making a total of 139 saves last week, Oster stopped 30 of the 33 shots that came his way on New Year’s Day as the Generals came up short against the first place Kitchener Rangers by a score of 3-2. Oster returned to the crease on Wednesday, making 42 saves to earn first star honours in a 1-0 loss at home to the Soo Greyhounds. He turned away another 32 shots on Saturday as the Generals earned their first win of the new year, defeating the Flint Firebirds 10-2. The 6-foot-3, 190lb. netminder closed out the weekend with a 35-save performance to earn first star honours on Sunday in Saginaw, helping the Generals defeat the Spirit by a score of 5-1.

A 19-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Oster has played to a 15-13-3-1 record this season, posting a 3.03 goals-against average, and .905 save percentage. He currently sits second in OHL minutes played (1,884) and saves (903) this season. Selected in the fifth-round (92nd overall) by the Guelph Storm in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the veteran goaltender has appeared in 115 career regular season contests, recording a 3.48 goals-against average and .887 save percentage over three seasons, going 48-44-8-4 in the process. Oster attended training camp with the Los Angeles Kings last September.

Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson of the London Knights went 2-0 with a 1.50 goals-against average and .943 save percentage, becoming the first goaltender to 20 wins with a league-low 2.73 goals-against average.

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


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.