Lukas Fischer of the Sarnia Sting. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SH
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
NAT
6’3”
170
Aug 9, 2006
LD
L
208th, 2022
55th, N.A.
USA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2021-2022
HPHL U15
Compuware AAA
20
5
3
8
2022-2023
OHL
Sarnia Sting
47
3
7
10
2023-2024
OHL
Sarnia Sting
68
6
28
34
Fischer’s hockey career took a surprising turn last season. He started off playing in the USHL but then joined the Sting mid-season. However, the Sting already had a strong defensive roster, limiting Fischer’s ice time. Still, the Sting saw great potential in this former 11th round OHL draft pick.
His size stands out immediately, and he may still grow more. Despite his size, he displays incredible athleticism. His skating abilities are well above average, with smooth transitions between forward and backward skating without losing speed. He also shows impressive quickness and edges with great lateral mobility on his blades.
Despite his youth, he demonstrates remarkable defensive maturity. With his long reach, he skillfully thwarts scoring chances. His quick footwork enables him to maintain tight gaps and instantly pressure the puck. This is far different than the player we saw early in the season. He does need to find consistency in his physical game.
Fischer quickly recovers loose pucks and stays composed under pressure. He consistently makes smart plays, advancing the puck up ice with precise passes or his own skating. His poise with the puck will only improve as he gains more confidence on the ice.
Offensively, some question if his offensive skills will transfer effectively to the next level. Currently, he directs the powerplay adeptly and has demonstrated skill at this level of play. His vision, passing accuracy and speed are assets. Though his shot is solid, increased strength would likely add force. Additionally, he has shown the ability to join the attack at opportune moments.
Though those are positive indicators, they offer no assurance he will excel offensively. However, even if his scoring skills do not translate to the NHL, he can still have a successful career as a lockdown defender.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Matheas Stark of the Kitchener Rangers, Noah Bender of the Oshawa Generals, Ethan Czata of the Niagara IceDogs and Lukas Fischer of the Sarnia Sting have been named Academic Players of the Month for October proudly presented by Hockley Valley Resort.
East Division – Noah Bender (Oshawa Generals)
Oshawa Generals rookie netminder Noah Bender is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for October.
Bender is currently achieving an overall average of 92 percent across three university-level courses, with a 92 percent average in Advanced Functions, an 86 percent average in Canadian and International Law, and a 98 percent average in High Performance studies at Maxwell Heights Secondary School.
“Noah is described as a hard working, conscientious, and personable individual by his teachers, coaches, and teammates,” said Generals academic advisor Tom Buchanan.
The 17-year-old from Waterloo, Ont. has made two appearances for the Generals this season, making his OHL debut on Oct. 14th in Barrie. Bender was Oshawa’s 12th round (231st overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection before backstopping the PJHL’s Wellesley AppleJacks to a Schmalz Cup title last season as Ontario’s Junior C champions.
Central Division – Ethan Czata (Niagara IceDogs)
Niagara IceDogs rookie forward Ethan Czata is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for October.
Czata is currently holding an “A” average in three grade 11 university-level courses, including American History, Superfit, and Chemistry at Governor Simcoe Secondary School.
“Ethan is an excellent student. He is well respected by both staff and students and is sure to lead to IceDogs for years to come!”, said IceDogs academic advisor, Tim Tope.
The 16-year-old from Brampton, Ont. has played 11 games this season, recording two assists for Niagara. The 6-foot, 160Ib. centreman was selected fifth overall by the IceDogs in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. He’ll be competing for Team Canada White in the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, starting this week on Prince Edward Island.
Midwest Division – Matheas Stark (Kitchener Rangers)
Kitchener Rangers rookie forward Matheas Stark is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for October.
Stark is currently achieving outstanding grades in four university-level courses, including grade 11 English, American History, Chemistry, and Sport Analytics and Management at TPH Academy in partnership with Blyth Academy.
“In his first year with the Kitchener Rangers, Matheas has seamlessly transitioned into the team, making an impact both on and off the ice. His commitment to excel is undeniable, and it is this very trait that makes him the perfect candidate for Academic Player of the Month,” said Rangers academic advisor Dave Tennant.
“Academically, Matheas has exhibited dedication and discipline. Maintaining an impressive “A” average while juggling a demanding academic load is no small feat. With a schedule that includes four challenging University-level courses, Matheas not only meets the academic bar but raises it,” Tennant added. “His work in the classroom is a testament to his focus and commitment to academic success. On the ice, he exudes the same qualities that make him a great student-athlete. His dedication to success and his ability to inspire and lead his peers set the perfect example for all aspiring student-athletes.”
Stark was selected in the third round (47th overall) by Kitchener in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros U16 program, and has recorded one goal in six games with the Rangers this season.
West Division – Lukas Fischer (Sarnia Sting)
Sarnia Sting blueliner Lukas Fischer is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for October.
Fischer is currently achieving high grades in Mathematics, English, Earth Science, Health and Nutrition, and Chemistry through a combination of online studies and time at Northern Collegiate Institute & Vocational School in Sarnia.
“Lukas brings a positive and respectful attitude to Northern Collegiate daily, as well as maturity and insight. There is little doubt that he will continue to excel and develop both as a student and as an athlete during his time with the Sting,” said Sting academic advisor Todd Whitlock.
The 6-foot-3, 170lb. defenceman enters his second season with the Sting, recording two goals, six assists, and eight points over 13 games played this season. Fischer was Sarnia’s 11th round (208th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection and was recently included as a ‘B’ rated skater on NHL Central Scouting’s October players to watch list for the 2024 NHL Draft.
The OHL continues to produce student-athletes that move on to both professional and U SPORTS men’s hockey endeavors.
A total of 333 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2022-23 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.6 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totaled more than $25 million.
A total of 228 OHL Alumni were included on U SPORTS men’s hockey rosters to open the 2023-24 season.
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OHL Writers 