DICKINSON, OKE AND STEVENS NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, November 10, 2024.



Knights’ Sam Dickinson Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

San Jose Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week for the second time in three weeks, registering four goals, four assists and eight points over three games played.

Dickinson kicked off the week with a goal and an assist, earning first star honours in Wednesday’s 5-1 win over the Soo Greyhounds. He continued his strong play on Friday, scoring a hat trick and again claiming first star honours in a 6-2 victory against the North Bay Battalion. Dickinson rounded out the week with three assists on Saturday, contributing to a thrilling 8-7 road win over the Guelph Storm.

An 18-year-old from Toronto, Dickinson leads the Knights in scoring, and ranks first among all OHL blueliners in goals and points with 25 (11-14–25) over 15 games. Formerly a fourth overall pick by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, the 6-foot-3, 200Ib. left-shot blueliner has recorded 118 points (38-80–118) over 145 career regular season contests in London. 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 given consideration for the award this week, 2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Michael Misa registered four goals and three assists (4-3-7) as the Saginaw Spirit earned four points last week. Philadelphia Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm was also a standout, tallying seven points (2-5-7) in three games played.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
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)
 



Spirit’s Andrew Oke Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Andrew Oke of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0-0-0 with a 1.50 goals-against average, and a .957 save percentage.

Oke stopped 67 shots last week, helping the Spirit secure four of a possible six points. Oke made 34 saves in Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Windsor Spitfires, earning second star honours to record his 60th career victory and pass Tristan Lennox as the fifth-winningest goaltender in Spirit history. He returned to the net Sunday afternoon, stopping 33 of 35 shots in a 7-2 victory against the Flint Firebirds.

A 20-year-old from Shelby Township, MI., Oke holds a 9-6-1-0 record this season with a 3.20 goals-against average and .898 save percentage over 16 games. His 955 minutes played currently lead the OHL. Drafted in the fifth round (89th overall) by Saginaw in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the 6-foot-2, 190lb. netminder is in his fourth OHL season, with a career record of 61-42-4-0, a 3.57 goals-against average, .879 save percentage, and two shutouts in 117 regular season games played. A 2024 Memorial Cup champion with the Spirit, Oke boasts a 5-0-0-0 playoff record, with a 1.83 goals-against average, .938 save percentage, and a shutout. He attended Boston Bruins training camp as a free-agent invite this past summer.

Also considered for the award this week, Erie Otters netminder Noah Erliden went 2-1-0-0 with a 2.28 goals-against average and .923 save percentage including a shutout, while Zach Bowen helped the Peterborough Petes earn their first win of the season, playing to a 1-1-0-1 record along with a 2.28 goals-against average and .926 save percentage.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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)
 



Storm’s Carter Stevens Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Guelph Storm forward Carter Stevens is the OHL Rookie of the Week, recording a goal and three assists over three contests.

Stevens opened up the week with an assist on Wednesday night, contributing to the Storm’s 4-1 road win over the Brantford Bulldogs. He was back on the scoresheet Friday, scoring a goal in a 7-4 victory over the Erie Otters. Stevens wrapped up the week with a two-point performance on Sunday, adding two assists in an 8-7 loss to the London Knights.

A 16-year-old from Almonte, Ont., Stevens has recorded nine points (3-6–9) through his first 16 games of the season. The 6-foot-1, 184Ib. centreman was selected by Guelph in the second round, 35th overall of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA program.

Also considered for the award this week, Noah Read helped the London Knights earn six points, registered two goals and an assist. Storm teammate Danill Skvortsov was also a standout, tallying a goal and two assists last week.

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Regular Season:
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)

ATTACK’S GEORGE WINS BOBBY SMITH TROPHY AND IVAN TENNANT MEMORIAL AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that draft eligible Owen Sound Attack goaltender Carter George is the 2023-24 recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year. The 17-year-old netminder also comes away as this year’s recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award presented to the League’s top academic high-school student.

After never winning the award until 2023, the Attack franchise has back-to-back Bobby Smith Trophy recipients as George follows teammate Colby Barlow with excellence in the classroom, putting together a 93.8 percent average across six Grade 12 university-level courses at Owen Sound District Secondary School. George’s transcript was headlined by a 99 percent grade in Business Co-Op, a 97 percent in Organizational Business and 95 percent finishes in both English and International Business.

“It’s truly an honour to receive these awards,” said George. “I believe that to be an elite athlete your habits, character and mindset apply to all aspects of your life, not just hockey. That is why I feel it is just as important for me to strive for a high level of success in my academics. Balancing hockey with my academics has helped me to become more disciplined, resilient and has taught me time management. I’d like to recognize and thank the Attack organization, especially Sarah Rowe, for helping me grow on and off the ice.”

George was the OHL’s busiest netminder this past season, stopping a league-high 1,744 shots, the most by an Owen Sound goaltender since 2000-01 (Cory Roberts, 1,792). He played to a record of 23-21-6-3 with a 3.30 goals-against average, .907 save percentage and four shutouts, a figure tied for the League-lead. He was also the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for October.

George becomes the OHL’s first dual winner of the Bobby Smith and Ivan Tennant awards since Erie Otters defenceman Adam Pelech last earned both honours in 2011-12.

“Being able to say that you are both the Bobby Smith and Ivan Tennant award winner in the same year says a lot about the individual who could win that,” said Attack General Manager Dale DeGray. “Carter George is one of those young men capable of just about anything he puts his mind to. I don’t think anyone in the organization is surprised that he has achieved this feat. Carter has proven to be a leader both on and off the ice since completing his first game with us two years ago. Congratulations to Carter on this incredible accomplishment.”

George joins four other former Attack players as the latest to claim the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award, following Cal Uens (2022), Logan LeSage (2020), Mack Guzda (2019, ’18) and Andrew Shorkey (2007).

George’s 23 wins are the most by a rookie goaltender in Attack franchise history. The former third-round (53rd overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from Thunder Bay, Ont. is also North America’s second-ranked goaltender eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft as listed by NHL Central Scouting. George recently backstopped Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team to a gold medal finish in Espoo, Finland earlier this month.

“Carter is an extremely hard-working individual who has always put forth his best effort, on and off the ice,” said Sarah Rowe, the Attack’s Academic Advisor. “In fact, he is always interested to find out whether his save percentage or academic average is higher!  It is fitting he is being recognized with both the Bobby Smith and Ivan Tennant awards.  His teachers describe him as a conscientious student and a leader who is the first to step in and assist his teammates in the classroom.  His personal desire to not only succeed on the ice but in the classroom as well has resulted in his exceptional academic results. Congratulations Carter!”

Each year the Bobby Smith Trophy is presented to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence. The trophy is in honour of Bobby Smith, a former Ottawa 67’s star who exhibited a standard of excellence in both of these areas. Past recipients since the award was first presented in 1980 include three-time winner Dustin Brown (Guelph 2001-03), back-to-back winner Connor McDavid (Erie, 2014, ’15) and other standouts in Steven Stamkos (Sarnia 2007), Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2008), Matt Duchene (Brampton 2009), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2011) and Cole Perfetti (Saginaw 2020).

Next in line for the Bobby Smith Trophy was Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa who finished as the runner-up followed by 2024 NHL Draft prospect Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm, who placed third in the process.

George will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Scholastic 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. George will be formally presented with both the Bobby Smith Trophy and the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award 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.

2023-24 OHL Scholastic Team Nominees:
Barrie Colts – Jaiden Newton
Brantford Bulldogs – Jake O’Brien
Erie Otters – Matthew Schaefer
Flint Firebirds – Jimmy Lombardi
Guelph Storm – Jett Luchanko
Kingston Frontenacs – Mason Vaccari
Kitchener Rangers – Cameron Reid
London Knights – Sam Dickinson
Mississauga Steelheads – Lucas Karmiris
Niagara IceDogs – Kevin He
North Bay Battalion – Nolan Laird
Oshawa Generals – Ben Danford
Ottawa 67’s – Frankie Marrelli
Owen Sound Attack – Carter George
Peterborough Petes – Ryder McIntyre
Saginaw Spirit – Michael Misa
Sarnia Sting – Nick Surzycia
Soo Greyhounds – Landon Miller
Sudbury Wolves – Nathan Villeneuve
Windsor Spitfires – Liam Greentree

STORM’S LUCHANKO RECEIVES WILLIAM HANLEY TROPHY AS OHL’S MOST SPORTSMANLIKE PLAYER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that draft eligible Guelph Storm forward Jett Luchanko is the 2023-24 recipient of the William Hanley Trophy awarded to the League’s Most Sportsmanlike Player as voted by OHL General Managers.

Luchanko led the Storm with 74 points including 20 goals and 54 assists over 68 games. He was also a front-runner in this year’s OHL Coaches Poll, emerging as the lone player to finish in the top-three of four different categories. He accomplished this while taking just 36 minutes in penalties during the regular season.

“I’m grateful to be recognized for demonstrating good sportsmanship as it is a reflection of my commitment to competing at the highest levels of the game,” said Luchanko. “I’m honoured to follow in the footsteps of Guelph Storm graduate Nick Suzuki who won this award three times. He’s someone I’ve looked up to growing up in London and a player who has done great things both in the OHL and today in Montreal.”

The 17-year-old from London, Ont. piled up 30 assists on the power play, a figure that finished tied for second in the OHL this season. Luchanko enters the 2024 NHL Draft as the 20th ranked skater in North America on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings released last week.

“Jett has had a terrific season and has led our team in all situations,” said Storm General Manager George Burnett. “It is a credit to him that his compete level has been elevated significantly throughout the season while being able to maintain excellent discipline. We are so proud of Jett’s many accomplishments this season.”

Entering the league as Guelph’s first round (12th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Luchanko has accrued 88 points (25-63—88) over 114 career regular season contests. He earned a silver medal with Canada Red at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and is currently representing Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Finland.

The William Hanley Trophy is awarded each year based on a selection by the 20 General Managers of the Ontario Hockey League.  All 20 teams submit a nominee but are not permitted to vote for their own candidate. The trophy is presented by the OHL to commemorate William Hanley, former Secretary-Manager of the Ontario Hockey Association for over 25 years.

Luchanko finished first in this year’s voting for the award, followed by runner-up Dalibor Dvorský of the Sudbury Wolves.

Luchanko follows fellow Londoner and three-time winner Nick Suzuki (2018-19) along with Jeff Williams (1995-96) to become the third Guelph Storm player to win the award. Other recent recipients have included Evan Vierling of the Barrie Colts (2022-23), Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires (2021-22) and Nick Robertson of the Peterborough Petes (2019-20).

Luchanko will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Sportsman of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony that will be held that the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow from May 24th to June 2nd in Saginaw, Michigan. He’ll be formally presented with the William Hanley Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

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

Jett Luchanko – Guelph Storm – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
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5’11”183Aug 21, 2006CR12th, 202221st, N.A.CAN
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2021-2022Alliance U16London Jr Knights21192746
2022-2023OHLGuelph Storm465914
2023-2024OHLGuelph Storm68205474

Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm is an elite skater with excellent speed and agility. His quick first steps, top-end speed, and ability to separate give him an edge. Luchanko also possesses sharp edge work that allows him to change direction and maneuver in full flight. He can slow down or accelerate to create space for himself or teammates. While speed and skating skills are assets, hockey sense is crucial to utilize them fully. Fortunately, Luchanko has hockey intelligence to complement his skating talents.

Despite his smaller stature, Luchanko is unafraid to throw his weight around and finish checks. He battles fearlessly against larger opponents, never backing down from physical play. Though he will need to build his strength over time, his ability to shield the puck is already highly skilled. His eagerness to take the puck into traffic and drive hard to the net is admirable.

Luchanko possesses the skills to excel as a playmaker. However, he could benefit from occasionally taking shots himself rather than always looking to pass. Additionally, he must improve his awareness of when to drive forward versus pull up for the shot. Though not a poor shooter, adding strength would make his shot more consistent.

Luchanko’s defense is still a work in progress. Although he has made some improvements, as a center he must provide better support to his defensemen. He has a tendency to prematurely charge up ice on the attack rather than helping his team transition out of the defensive zone.

I’m not to worried about that. He’s too smart not to get it.

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Players of the Month: December

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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

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

Forward of the Month – Ruslan Gazizov – London Knights

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

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

Defenceman of the Month – Sam Dickinson – London Knights

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

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

Goaltender of the Month – Carter George – Owen Sound Attack

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

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

Our monthly choices:

Forward of the Month

Ruslan Gazizov – London Knights – December

Liam Greentree – Windsor Spitfires – November

Adrian Misaljevic – Kitchener Rangers – October

Defenceman of the Month

Sam Dickinson – London Knights – December

Zayne Parekh – Saginaw Spirit – November

Jacob LeBlanc – Sarnia Sting – October

Goaltender of the Month

Carter George – Owen Sound Attack – December

Jack Parsons – Kitchener Rangers – November

Brayden Gillespie – Guelph Storm – October

KUDRYAVTSEV AND HILLEBRANDT NAMEDOHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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


Greyhounds’ Kirill Kudryavtsev Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

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

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

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

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

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


Colts’ Sam Hillebrandt Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

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

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

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

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

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


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

OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Academic Players of the Month for January including Jett Luchanko of the Guelph Storm, Mason Vaccari of the Kingston Frontenacs, Joey Willis of the Saginaw Spirit and Wyatt Kennedy of the North Bay Battalion.

East Division: Kingston Frontenacs rookie netminder Mason Vaccari is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for January.

Vaccari is achieving an overall average of 94 percent across three university-level courses, with a 92 percent average in Financial Accounting and a 95 percent average in both Canadian Law and Advanced Functions at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School.

“Mason is as laser focused a student as he is a goalie,” said Frontenacs academic advisor Kristi LeSarge. His math teacher, Joanne Van Nest shared that “Mason has maintained his 95% in her Advanced Functions course, which is amazing considering his demanding schedule and the challenging nature of the Advanced Functions material. He is a conscientious, dedicated, mature student and an all-around nice, humble person.”

The 17-year-old from Mississauga, Ont. has played 17 games this season, recording a 3.08 goals-against-average and .908 save percentage for the Fronts. In the 2021-2022 season, Vaccari played 16 games for the OJHL’s Coburg Cougars, accumulating nine wins. The 5-foot-9, 178lb. goaltender was Kingston’s fourth round (61st overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Central Division: North Bay Battalion defenceman Wyatt Kennedy is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for January.

Kennedy is currently achieving academic excellence in grade 12 level courses, including high grades in Equity and Social Justice, Business Leadership and Careers at Chippewa Secondary School.

“Wyatt is described by his teachers as a kind, polite and courteous leader, who is an equally strong student,” said Battalion academic advisor Stephanie Silverthorn. “He is respected by staff, students, and his teammates. Wyatt’s approach to learning is positive and his work habits are strong. He regularly shows initiative, is conscientious and displays a principled and open-minded approach within the classroom while managing his time between the ice and school.”

The 17-year-old from Vars, Ont. has played 46 games this season, recording two goals, four assists and six points for the Battalion. The 6-foot-5, 186Ib. blueliner was selected in the third round (50th overall) by North Bay in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Midwest Division: Guelph Storm rookie forward Jett Luchanko is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for January.

Luchanko is achieving an 85 percent average in grade 11 university-level Physics, Mathematics and English at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School.

“Jett’s ability to effectively balance the demands of his academic course load with his on-ice commitments is a direct reflection of his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence,” said Storm academic advisor Coleen Driscoll. “He is to be commended for his conscientious and dedicated approach to his studies.”

The 16-year-old from London, Ont. has played 33 games this season, recording three goals, six assists  and nine points for the Storm. The 5-foot-10, 165Ib. right-winger was selected in the first round (12th overall) by Guelph in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the London Jr. Knights U16 program.

West Division: Saginaw Spirit rookie forward Joey Willis is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for January.

Willis is achieving an overall first semester average of 87 percent, with an 88 percent average in grade 12 English, 83 percent average in Advanced Placement Environmental Science, 88 percent average in Marketing, 81 percent average in Advanced Placement Statistics and a 93 percent average in Work Based Learning at Heritage High School.

“Joey is a very hard working student with an outstanding work ethic,” said Saginaw’s academic advisor Pamela Moretuzzo. “He is scholastically gifted and very dedicated to his studies. Joey is a strong-willed and driven individual. He commits a great deal of time in and out of school to be successful in his academics, as he is currently taking two Advanced Placements courses and often attends additional study sessions outside of his class hours to improve his understanding of the course material.  He is a well-rounded, conscientious individual.”

“Joey is also committed to improving his hockey skills as a member of the Saginaw Spirit team. As a rookie, he is currently second in scoring for first year players,” Moretuzzo continued. “Joey welcomes hockey, academic, and personal challenges and works diligently to accomplish his goals. He has outstanding sportsmanship and a positive attitude both on and off of the ice.”

The 17-year-old from Elmhurst, Ill. has played 45 games this season, recording nine goals, 17 assists and 26 points for the Spirit. The 5-foot-10, 170Ib. centreman was selected in the fourth round (79th overall) by Saginaw in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

2022-23 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
January – Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)
December – Callum Cheynowski (Hamilton Bulldogs)
November – James Guo (Peterborough Petes)
October – Brad Gardiner (Ottawa 67’s)

Central Division:
January – Wyatt Kennedy (North Bay Battalion)
December – Grayson Tiller (Barrie Colts)
November – Finn Harding (Mississauga Steelheads)
October – Kieron Walton (Sudbury Wolves)

Midwest Division:
January – Jett Luchanko (Guelph Storm)
December – Nathan Sauder (Erie Otters)
November – Braedyn Rogers (Owen Sound Attack)
October – Denver Barkey (London Knights)

West Division:
January – Joey Willis (Saginaw Spirit)
December – Tristan Bertucci (Flint Firebirds)
November – Bronson Ride (Windsor Spitfires)
October – Alex Kostov (Soo Greyhounds)

The OHL continues to produce student-athletes that move on to both professional and U SPORTS men’s hockey endeavors.

A total of 349 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2021-22 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.5 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totaled more than $25 million.

A total of 217 OHL Alumni were included on U SPORTS men’s hockey rosters to open the 2022-23 season.

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


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