OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO (Tuesday, December 2, 2025)- The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced Top Performers of the Month for November 2025.

Player of the Month – Nathan Aspinall (Flint Firebirds) – 14 GP, 11G, 13A, 24 PTS., +5
New York Rangers prospect Nathan Aspinall of the Flint Firebirds is the OHL Player of the Month for November, leading the League with 24 points (11-13–24) as the Firebirds played to an impressive record of 11-2-0-1. Flint’s captain, Aspinall put together five separate performances of three points or more, scoring twice four different times. He set up linemate Jimmy Lombardi for the overtime winner on Nov. 14th at Brantford, capping-off a three-point performance in a 3-2 victory. Aspinall enters the month of December on an eight-game point streak as the Firebirds sit one point back of first place Windsor in the West Division.

A 6-foot-7, 207Ib. 19-year-old left wing from Markham, ON, Aspinall leads the Firebirds with 38 points (17-21–38) with a plus-10 rating over 24 games in this, his fourth OHL season. Selected by the Rangers in the fifth round (159th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, Aspinall signed an NHL contract with the Blueshirts on Oct. 23rd, 2025. He was originally Flint’s second round (33rd overall) pick from the Markham Waxers U16 AAA program in 2022.

Also considered for the award this month, Utah Mammoth prospect Cole Beaudoin of the Barrie Colts posted 19 points (6-13–19) over 11 games while Firebirds teammate Jimmy Lombardi, a prospect of the Los Angeles Kings, led the OHL with 13 goals along with 19 points over 13 November contests.

Defenceman of the Month – Adam Jiricek (Brantford Bulldogs) – 12 GP, 5G, 11A, 16 PTS., +3
St. Louis Blues prospect Adam Jiricek of the Brantford Bulldogs is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for November, leading OHL rearguards with 16 points (5-11–16) over 12 contests as the league-leading Bulldogs played to a mark of 8-2-2-0. Jiricek recorded a point in all but one of Brantford’s November matchups, carrying a 13-game point streak from Oct. 26th through Nov. 29th. His November performance was headlined by a three-point effort (2-1–3) on Nov. 15th in a 5-4 win over the Brampton Steelheads, a game in which Jiricek scored the winning goal. He scored three game-winning goals in the month of November.

A 19-year-old right-shot defenceman from Plzen, Czechia, Jiricek fourth in scoring among OHL defencemen with 26 points (9-17–26) over 23 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-15. The 6-foot-3, 185Ib. blueliner recorded 12 points (4-8–12) over 27 games with the Bulldogs after joining the team midway through last season. He was St. Louis’ first round (16th overall) pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and signed with the Blues on July 2, 2024. Jiricek was Brantford’s first round (19th overall) pick in the 2023 CHL Import Draft. He has represented Czechia at each of the past two World Junior tournaments, winning bronze both times.

Also considered for the award this month, New York Islanders prospect Kashawn Aitcheson of the Barrie Colts scored nine goals in as many games, adding six assists for a total of 15 points. NHL Draft prospect Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds recorded 12 points (7-5–12) over 10 games.

Goaltender of the Month – Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts) – 6-0-1-1, 1.97 GAA, .946 SV%, 282 SV
Ben Hrebik of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for November, earning six wins along with a 1.97 goals-against average and .946 save percentage over eight contests. Hrebik kept busy, helping the Colts earn at least a point all eight times he was in the crease. He stopped fewer than 30 shots just twice with back-to-back 43-save efforts in wins over Peterborough and Sudbury on Nov. 13th and 15th. He rides a four-game winning streak into the month of December.

A 6-foot-3, 204Ib. 19-year-old goaltender from Milton, ON, Hrebik owns a record of 9-5-1-3 with a 2.90 goals-against average and .923 save percentage over 18 games this season. The former ninth round (173rd overall) pick by the Colts in 2022 had an impressive first full season in the OHL in 2024-25, going 21-9-2-0 with a 2.87 goals-against average and .920 save percentage over 34 regular season games before seeing seven games of playoff action. He attended NHL prospects camp with the Boston Bruins this past September.

Also considered for the award this month, Easton Rye of the Peterborough Petes played to an 8-2 mark with a 2.49 goals-against average and .929 save percentage, making 326 saves in November.

Rookie of the Month – Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s) – 8-0-0-0, 1.98 GAA, .925 SV%, 1 SO, 197 SV
Ottawa 67’s netminder Ryder Fetterolf is the OHL Rookie of the Month for November, posting an undefeated 8-0 record along with a 1.98 goals-against average and .925 save percentage with one shutout. Fetterolf continued his impressive play into November, starting the month with a shutout of the Oshawa Generals on Nov. 2nd. He’s helped the 67’s climb the standings to within three points of first place Brantford in the East Division. Fetterolf carries a nine-game winning streak into the month of December that dates back to Oct. 29th.

A 17-year-old from Sewickley, Pennsylvania, Fetterolf owns the league’s second-lowest goals-against average of 2.04 while going 13-2-1-0 with a .922 save percentage and two shutouts through 16 games this season. He’s also a perfect 4-for-4 in shootout scenarios. The 67’s signed Fetterolf as an undrafted free agent over the offseason after he spent 2024-25 at Gilmour Academy located in Gates Mills, Ohio. He is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft and committed to Penn State University (NCAA).

Also considered for the award this month, NHL Draft prospect Caleb Malhotra of the Brantford Bulldogs recorded 13 points (5-8–13) over 11 games.
 

2025-26 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
November – Nathan Aspinall (Flint Firebirds)
October – Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs)

Defenceman of the Month:
November – Adam Jiricek (Brantford Bulldogs)
October – Carson Woodall (Windsor Spitfires)

Goaltender of the Month:
November – Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts)
October – Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)

Rookie of the Month:
November – Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s)
October – Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit)

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO (Saturday, November 1, 2025) – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced Top Performers of the Month for October, with additional totals from September’s opening weeks of the regular season also recognized.

Player of the Month – Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs) – 12 GP, 7G, 19A, 26 PTS., +15
Seattle Kraken prospect Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs is the OHL Player of the Month for October, starting his season with a league-leading 26 points (7-19–26) through just 12 games. O’Brien’s start featured seven different multi-point outings highlighted by five points (3-2–5) on Oct. 12th in an 8-5 win over the Ottawa 67’s. He tallied four points (1-3–4) in a game on Oct. 26th as the Bulldogs defeated the host Oshawa Generals 4-1. Behind O’Brien’s leadership, Brantford remains the lone OHL team that is undefeated in regulation (11-0-2-1) entering the month of November.

Named Bulldogs captain to start the season, the 18-year-old O’Brien leads the OHL with 26 points in his third OHL season. The former OHL Rookie of the Year in 2023-24 has 188 career points (52-136–188) over 139 regular season games as a Bulldog. Brantford selected O’Brien with the eighth overall pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. He was Seattle’s first round (8th overall) pick last summer, signing an entry-level NHL contract with the Kraken on July 3, 2025.

Also considered for the award this month, Owen Sound Attack forward Tristan Delisle rides a 16-game point streak, producing 24 points (9-15–24) in that span. Bulldogs teammate Adam Benak, a Minnesota Wild prospect, was also productive with 24 points (7-17–24) over 12 games.

Defenceman of the Month – Carson Woodall (Windsor Spitfires) – 16 GP, 2G, 20A, 22 PTS., +4
Windsor Spitfires blueliner Carson Woodall is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for October, leading OHL rearguards with 22 points (2-20–22) over 16 contests. The third year veteran has recorded a point in all but two of his outings this season, scoring his two goals in a 2-0 win over the Ottawa 67’s on Oct. 23rd. Woodall’s offensive productivity has helped the Spitfires put together the league’s third-ranked power play at 32.8 percent, with him leading all OHL players in power play points with 14 (1-13–14).

A 19-year-old from nearby Belle River, ON, Woodall is a former 10th round (202nd overall) pick by the Spitfires in 2022 who has developed into a reliable contributor on the blueline. The 5-foot-11, 183Ib. defenceman has accrued 89 points (11-78–89) over his 142 career regular season games with the Spitfires.

Also considered for the award this month, New York Islanders prospect Kashawn Aitcheson of the Barrie Colts leads OHL defencemen with nine goals, including a pair of recent overtime winners. The 18-year-old Aitcheson has 15 points (9-6–15) in as many games.

Goaltender of the Month – Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires) – 11 GP, 9-1-0-0, 1.66 GAA, .923 SV%, 2 SO
Joey Costanzo of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for October, compiling an impressive record of 9-1 with a 1.66 goals-against average and .923 save percentage over 11 contests. Costanzo’s success featured a pair of shutouts, with the first in a 4-0 win over the Sudbury Wolves on Sept. 25th followed by another in a 6-0 triumph over the Niagara IceDogs on Oct. 2nd.

A 20-year-old from Toronto, Costanzo owns a career OHL record of 84-50-5-4 with a 3.61 goals-against average and .884 save percentage with seven shutouts over 158 regular season games between Windsor and Niagara. He was originally. Niagara’s second round (23rd overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Mason Vaccari of the Flint Firebirds was very good in October, going 7-2-1-0 with a 2.66 goals-against average and .923 save percentage and two shutouts over 10 games. Niagara IceDogs newcomer Vladislav Yermolenko also made a strong impression, going 6-1-0-1 with a 2.63 goals-against average, a .925 save percentage and one shutout over nine games. Additionally, San Jose Sharks prospect Christian Kirsch of the Kitchener Rangers played to an 8-2-0-0 mark with a 1.99 goals-against average, .920 save percentage and one shutout.

Rookie of the Month – Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit) – 15 GP, 10G, 13A, 23 PTS., +2
First-year Saginaw Spirit forward Nikita Klepov is the OHL Rookie of the Month for October, pacing OHL newcomers with 23 points (10-13–23) over 15 games. Klepov’s introduction to the OHL has been headlined by a five-point effort (2-3–5) on Oct. 4th as the Spirit skated to a 7-5 road win over the Owen Sound Attack. He’s proceeded to post a goal and an assist on Oct. 18th at Flint and Oct. 24th vs. Erie. Klepov currently leads all OHL skaters with 71 shots on goal.

A 17-year-old from Deerfield Beach, Florida, Klepov comes to the OHL from the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers where he posted 31 points (12-19–31) over 59 games in 2024-25. Selected 35th overall by the Spirit in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, Klepov is an A-rated skater on NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary players to watch list, indicating a potential first round NHL Draft pick. The 6-foot, 180Ib. right-wing won gold with the United States at this past summer’s Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. Klepov is committed to Michigan State (NCAA).

Also considered for the award this week, fellow NHL Draft prospect Caleb Malhotra of the Brantford Bulldogs piled up 19 points (6-13–19) over 14 games. Spirit teammate Levi Harper was a productive force on the blueline, recording 15 points (5-10–15) over 15 contests. In the crease, Ryder Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67’s went 5-2-1-0 with a 2.10 goals-against average and .919 save percentage.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK FOR OCT. 2-5, 2025

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO (Monday, October 6, 2025 – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for regular season games from Thursday, October 2 and Sunday, October 5, 2025.


Colts’ Kashawn Aitcheson named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

New York Islanders prospect Kashawn Aitcheson of the Barrie Colts is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, scoring five goals and adding an assist for six points over three contests.

Aitcheson began the week with his first goal of the season in Thursday’s 5-4 shootout loss to the visiting Soo Greyhounds. He enjoyed his most productive showing of the season thus far on Saturday, scoring twice while adding an assist as the Colts beat the Oshawa Generals 5-3 on home ice. Aitcheson closed-out the weekend with a second-straight two-goal performance on Sunday, helping Barrie overcome a 5-1 third period deficit with a pair of tallies in a 6-5 shootout win in Niagara.

A 6-foot-1, 198Ib., 19-year-old defenceman from Toronto, Aitcheson has eight points (5-3–8) through his first six games to begin 2025-26 after recording 59 points (26-33–59) over 64 games last season. His 26 goals set a new Barrie Colts single season record by a defenceman. Originally Barrie’s third round (50th overall) pick in 2022, Aitcheson has collected 109 points (40-69–109) over 157 career regular season games with Barrie, adding 16 points (7-9–16) in 26 career playoff contests. He was a first round (17th overall) pick by the New York Islanders at the 2025 NHL Draft. Internationally, Aitcheson is a former World Under-18 Hockey Challenge gold medalist as a member of Team Canada in 2024.

2025-26 Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
Sept. 18-21: Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 22-28: Ethan Czata (Niagara IceDogs)
Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts)


Frontenacs’ Gavin Betts named Mary Brown’s Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week

2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin Betts of the Kingston Frontenacs is the Mary Brown’s Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average, a .960 save percentage and one shutout.

Betts turned aside 21-of-23 shots in Friday’s 5-2 win over the visiting Oshawa Generals before recording his first career OHL shutout on Sunday afternoon, making 27 saves as the Fronts blanked the Erie Otters 1-0 behind Kieren Dervin’s third period goal. Betts earned first star honours in the win, helping the Frontenacs improve to 4-1-0-1.

A 17-year-old from Toronto, Betts is 3-1-0-1 with a 2.75 goals-against average and .903 save percentage through five games to begin the 2025-26 season. He appeared in nine contests for Kingston in 2024-25, going 5-4 with a 3.44 goals-against average and .876 save percentage, spending the rest of his 16-year-old campaign with the OJHL’s Pickering Panthers where he was 7-7-2 with a 3.07 goals-against average and .920 save percentage over 18 appearances. Kingston’s second round (37th overall) pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Betts won World Under-17 Hockey Challenge gold with Team Canada White last fall. He claimed bronze with Canada at August’s Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, posting a 1.68 goals-against average, .933 save percentage and two shutouts over five games.

2025-26 Mary Brown’s Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week
Sept. 18-21: Jason Schaubel (Kitchener Rangers)
Sept. 22-28: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs)


Spirit’s Nikita Klepov named OHL Rookie of the Week

2026 NHL Draft prospect Nikita Klepov of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Rookie of the Week, recording five points over three road games.

Klepov started the week with a shorthanded goal on Friday night in Guelph as the Spirit fell 3-2 in overtime. He had the most productive performance of his young OHL career on Saturday in Owen Sound, scoring twice while adding two assists as the Spirit defeated the Attack 7-5.

A 17-year-old from Deerfield Beach, Florida, Klepov leads OHL rookies with 11 points (7-4–11) over seven games since coming over from the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers where he produced 31 points (12-19–21) over 59 games in 2024-25. The Spirit selected Klepov 35th overall in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. The 6-foot, 180Ib. left-shot winger won Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold with the United States in August, recording six points (1-5–6) in five games. Klepov is committed to Michigan State University (NCAA).

2025-26 OHL Rookie of the Week
Sept. 18-21: Thomas Vandenberg (Ottawa 67’s)
Sept. 22-28: Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs)
Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit


Firebirds prospect Liam Edgcumbe named GOHL Prospect of the Week

Flint Firebirds prospect Liam Edgcumbe of the Pelham Panthers is the GOHL Prospect of the Week, stopping all 67 shots sent his direction in back-to-back shutouts.

After winning his GOHL debut on September 19th, Edgcumbe was flawless in Thursday’s 2-0 road win over the Hamilton Kilty B’s, making 44 saves at Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena. He was back in the crease on Friday at home, denying 23 Welland Jr. Canadians shots in a 3-0 victory.

A 6-foot-4, 175Ib. 17-year-old from Grimsby, ON, Edgcumbe was selected by Flint in the eighth round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Niagara North Stars AAA program. In 13 games with the PJHL’s Niagara Riverhawks last season, Edgcumbe played to a mark of 9-2-2 with a 2.39 goals-against average and .935 save percentage.

2025-26 GOHL Prospect of the Week
Sept. 10-21: Brendan Gerber (Elmira Sugar Kings/London Knights)
Sept. 22-28: Alex Forrest (Cambridge RedHawks/Kitchener Rangers)
Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Liam Edgcumbe (Pelham Panthers/Flint Firebirds)

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Player of the Month: March

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Forward of the Month – Malcolm Spence – Erie Otters

Spence had a very good month of March to close out the regular season, scoring 9 goals and adding 9 assists in 11 games. He had 3-multi goal games, 4-multi assist games and 5-multi point games. All 9 of his goals came on 5-on-5 hockey. He also had a whopping 43 shots on goal in those 9 games.

Also considered was Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit. He posted 6 goals and 10 assists in 9 games while Filip Ekberg of the Ottawa 67’s, who was named Rookie of the Month by the OHL, had 4 goals and 11 assists in 10 games.

Defenceman of the Month – Kashawn Aitcheson – Barrie Colts

Aitcheson has had a very good regular season and March was no different as he posted 5 goals and 8 assists in 9 games during the month of March. He was held off the scoresheet just once on March 9 against the Sudbury Wolves. He did not produce a multi-goal game but had 3-multi assist games. He was also runner up as the OHL Defenseman of the Month.

Also considered were Parker Von Richter of the Brampton Steelheads who had 1 goal and 9 assists in 10 games as well as James Petrovski of the Owen Sound Attack who had 1 goal and 8 assists in 9 games.

Goaltender of the Month – Mike McIvor – North Bay Battalion

McIvor posted a 5-2-0-1 record in March where he stopped 235 of 257 shots for a save percentage of .914 and a goals-against-average of 2.92. McIvor is a draft re-entry and is ranked sixth among OHL goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting. While others have put up better numbers, there is no arguing the effort.

Also considered was Jack Ivankovic of the Brampton Steelheads with also put up a 5-2-0-1 record with a 2.36 goals-against-average and .910 save percentage.

Previous choices

Forward of the Month

October: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

November: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

December: Ethan Czata – Niagara IceDogs

January: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

February: Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

March: Malcolm Spence – Erie Otters

Defenceman of the Month

October: Cameron Reid – Kitchener Rangers

November: Matthew Schaefer – Erie Otters

December: Martin Matejicek – Peterborough Petes

January: Anthony Cristoforo – Windsor Spitfires

February: Anthony Cristoforo – Windsor Spitfires

March: Kashawn Aitcheson – Barrie Colts

Goaltender of the Month

October: Joey Costanzo – Windsor Spitfires

November: Aleksei Medvedev – London Knights

December: Ben Hrebik – Barrie Colts

January: Aleksei Medvedev – London Knights

February: Jack Ivankovic – Brampton Steelheads

March: Mike McIvor – North Bay Battalion

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

2024-25 OHL Performers of the Month:

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

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

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

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

Kashawn Aitcheson – Barrie Colts – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Kashawn Aitcheson of the Barrie Colts. Photo by OHL Images.
HTWTDOBPOSSOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
6’1”198Sep 21, 2006DL50th 202215th NACAN
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2022-2023OHLBarrie Colts23123
2023-2024OHLBarrie Colts6483139
2024-2025OHLBarrie Colts48172239

Kashawn Aitcheson was drafted in the third round, 50th overall by the Barrie Colts at the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Last season was his first full season and it was a breakout year of sorts, scoring eight goals and 39 points through 64 games with the Colts. This season, he has continued to impress with his strong performances and physical play.

The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is the next step for Aitcheson. Known for his smooth skating, tenacity and physical play, Aitcheson has garnered attention from scouts and hockey fans alike. The upcoming draft will be a crucial milestone in his career, as teams will be keen to assess his potential.

Skating

Kashawn Aitcheson is a mobile defenseman with a smooth stride. He has very good edges, lateral movement and some speed. His skating allows him to pinch at the opposition blue line or carry the puck in transition. He also has the ability recover and get back to position on defense.

Transition Play

Aitcheson excels in transition play, making breakout passes to kick-start rushes. However, he can also skate the puck himself in transition, especially when there is room on the ice such as the powerplay.

Physicality

Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 198 lbs, Aitcheson is not the most physically imposing player, but he plays with an edge and is not afraid to punish his opponents. Proof is in his penalty minutes last season, showing  his willingness to engage physically.

Two-Way Ability

Aitcheson consistently demonstrates decent two-way ability. He logs significant minutes on both special teams, contributing both offensively and defensively.

Career to Date

Aitcheson is a hyper-competitive defender who doesn’t back down from physical play and likes to agitate. He has the bite NHL teams will love, even if he occasionally goes over the line. His old-school approach and positive attitude make him a valuable asset to any team.

In summary, Kashawn Aitcheson is a promising young defenseman with a blend of mobility, physicality, and two-way ability. As he continues to develop, he has the potential to make a career for himself at higher levels of hockey.