SPIRIT’S MICHAEL MISA WINS RED TILSON TROPHY AS OHL’S MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that NHL Draft eligible Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa is this year’s recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy, presented annually to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player as voted by the League’s accredited writers and broadcasters.

Misa led the OHL with 134 points (62-72–134) over 65 games, the most the league has seen since London’s Patrick Kane in 2007. He had multi-point outings in 46 of his 65 contests, with his 134 points tied with John Tavares (2006-07) for the most by an under-18 player since the year 2000. Misa’s 62 goals are tied for the third-most by a draft eligible skater in OHL history.

“I am honoured to receive the Red Tilson Trophy,” said Misa. “None of this would be possible without the hard work of my teammates, the dedication of my coaches and support staff, or the support of my family. I am grateful to each of them, as well as the voters and the league for this recognition.”

Misa’s season was highlighted by a 28-game point streak that spanned from December 29th through March 6th, one that featured 28 goals and 63 points. He becomes the first player in Saginaw Spirit history to win the Red Tilson Trophy, and is the OHL’s first to claim the honour alongside the Eddie Powers Trophy as leading scorer and Bobby Smith Trophy as top scholastic player in the same season since Dave Simpson of the 1981-82 London Knights.

“In my mind, it was never in doubt that Michael was the most outstanding player in our league this season,” said Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill. “He carried our team on his back when we needed him the most and we’re so proud of him. For him to do all of this in his draft year is even more impressive–people forget he was only 17 to start the year.”

An 18-year-old from Oakville, Ont., Misa was chosen by Saginaw as an exceptional status first overall OHL Priority Selection choice in 2022 after winning an OHL Cup title with the Mississauga Senators, a tournament that saw him set a new scoring record for the annual showcase. Misa was the OHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2023 and helped the Spirit hoist the Memorial Cup on home ice last summer. He is the Spirit’s all-time leading scorer with 265 points (113-152–265) over 177 career regular season games, and enters the 2025 NHL Draft as the second-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings released on April 15th.

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

Accredited media were asked to select their top choice from a ballot consisting of 20 team-nominated representatives. Misa was this year’s Red Tilson Trophy voting frontrunner with 50 percent of the vote followed by Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs who garnered 26 percent.

Other recent winners of the Red Tilson Trophy have included London Knights forward Easton Cowan (2023-24), a pair of Windsor Spitfires forwards in Matthew Maggio (2022-23) and Wyatt Johnston (2021-22) along with Ottawa 67’s forward Marco Rossi (2019-20) and Sudbury Wolves goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (2018-19).

Misa will be formally recognized with the Red Tilson Trophy at the 2025 OHL Awards Ceremony to be held at The Hockey Hall of Fame in June.

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

MISA, BUDNICK AND SIENKO NAMED 2024-25 OHL ACADEMIC AWARD WINNERS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced its annual academic award winners for the 2024-25 season including Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa, Brantford Bulldogs defenceman Thomas Budnick and Saginaw Spirit blueliner Kaden Sienko.



Spirit’s Michael Misa claims Bobby Smith Award as OHL Scholastic Player of the Year

Top 2025 NHL Draft prospect Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit is the 2024-25 recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy, presented annually to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year.

Saginaw’s captain, Misa was a force on the ice, with his 134 points earning him the Eddie Powers Trophy as the OHL’s top scorer. He was also a star performer in the classroom, achieving an 86 percent average in Grade 12 University-level courses at Oakville Trafalgar High School. Misa’s course load included Kinesiology, Functions, International Business and Health and Nutrition.

“I am proud of the support system we have in Saginaw,” said Misa. “Pam Moretuzzo did a great job this year, always making sure our players were in check with their schoolwork and helping me whenever I needed it. Receiving the Bobby Smith Award is an honor, and I’m grateful for the league’s consideration.”

Misa’s season on the ice was nothing short of sensational as his 62 goals tied him with Patrick Kane of the 2006-07 London Knights for the third-most by an NHL Draft eligible player in OHL history. His 134 points established a new Saginaw Spirit record and are tied with John Tavares of the 2006-07 Oshawa Generals for the most by an under-18 OHL skater since the year 2000.

“I think what Michael has been able to do this year is incredible,” said Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill. “It shows he’s a well-rounded person, it’s not just about the hockey, and that he takes a lot of pride in who he is away from the rink as well. We couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Misa becomes the Spirit franchise’s second-ever recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy following Cole Perfetti in 2019-20. Other prominent past winners of the award currently playing in the NHL include Thomas Harley (2018-19), Barrett Hayton (2017-18), Nicolas Hague (2015-16), back-to-back winner Connor McDavid (2013-14, 2014-15), Darnell Nurse (2012-13), Adam Pelech (2011-12), Dougie Hamilton (2010-11), Erik Gudbranson (2009-10), Matt Duchene (2008-09) and Steven Stamkos (2006-07).

“Michael is a diligent and hardworking individual both on and off the ice,” said Spirit Academic Advisor Pamela Moretuzzo. “He leads by example through his actions and consistently strives to do his best. Michael sets a positive example for his teammates, perseveres through adversity, and maintains an optimistic outlook in in every situation. He takes initiative in his learning by seeking help to gain a deeper understanding of the material at hand.”

An 18-year-old from Oakville, Ont., Misa is the Spirit’s all-time scoring leader with 265 points (113-152–265) over 177 career regular season games. The former OHL Rookie of the Year in 2023 was chosen first overall as an exceptional status 15-year-old player by the franchise after winning an OHL Cup title and setting a new single tournament scoring record in 2022. He enters the 2025 NHL Draft this summer in Los Angeles as the second-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.

Misa finished as this year’s frontrunner for the Bobby Smith Trophy, followed by finalists Beckham Edwards of the Sarnia Sting and Cameron Reid of the Kitchener Rangers.

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.



Bulldogs’ Thomas Budnick earns Roger Neilson Memorial Award as OHL’s Top Academic Post-Secondary Student

Brantford Bulldogs defenceman Thomas Budnick is the 2024-25 recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award, presented annually to the OHL’s Top Academic Post-Secondary Student.

Budnick excelled in studies at the University of Guelph, achieving an 86.2 percent average headlined by a 95 percent grade in Computer Science while also studying Microeconomics, Sport Management and Organizational Studies.

“The Brantford Bulldogs are part of an elite class of organizations,” said Budnick. “The way they turn boys into men is something that is underappreciated. They provide the tools and resources that are necessary in helping you get a proper education to set up a life after hockey. They help you thrive on and off the ice, and provide you with everything you need to succeed. They put an emphasis on getting a proper education and taking school seriously. Most importantly I would like to thank, Mrs. Vance, Mrs. Alfano, Justin Ismael, and Brennan O’Sullivan for pushing me and helping me manage the stress and difficulties that were presented, they were a big part of helping me get through the year.”

While he was a pace-setter in the classroom, Budnick saw big minutes on the ice as a shutdown defenceman for the Bulldogs. He recorded 14 points (4-10–14) over 29 games with a plus-14 record after being acquired by Brantford from the Guelph Storm on January 9th. His 2024-25 season featured seven goals, 20 assists and 27 points along with a plus-28 rating over 46 contests.

“We’re very grateful as a staff for the opportunity to have had Thomas Budnick as part of our team,” said Bulldogs Head Coach Jay McKee. “His leadership qualities will resonate with our current players for years to come and they are further highlighted with Thomas earning the Roger Nielson Memorial Award.  We are very proud of his achievement and look forward to watching the next steps of his hockey career.”

Budnick recently signed a one-year American Hockey League contract with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, top affiliate of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. His four-year OHL career featured other stops in Kingston and Guelph as he amassed 84 points (15-69–84) over 233 regular season games. The 21-year-old from Petoskey, Michigan was originally Kingston’s third round (59th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

“It’s Tommy’s drive and determination that makes him successful both on the ice and in the classroom,” said Bulldogs Academic Advisor Maureen Alfano. “He holds himself to a high standard and does not settle for less than the best he can give. He is extremely hard working and is an exceptional role model for the younger players on the team. Tommy is a very worthy recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award.”

While Budnick emerged as this year’s award winner, finalists included Kingston Frontenacs goaltender Mason Vaccari and Ottawa 67’s forward Chris Barlas.

The Roger Neilson Memorial Award is named in honour of the Hall of Fame Coach who served behind the Peterborough Petes bench in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  Neilson, a former high school teacher, was a pioneer in stressing the importance of education to all of his players. Budnick is the first Bulldogs player to ever win the award.



Spirit’s Kaden Sienko wins Ivan Tennant Memorial Award as OHL’s Top Academic High School Student

First-year Saginaw Spirit defenceman Kaden Sienko is the 2024-25 recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award, presented annually to the OHL’s Top Academic High School Student.

Sienko produced a 98 percent average in Grade 11 studies at Heritage High School, mastering a course load that included English, History, Health, Biology and Co-op.

“I’m incredibly honored to accept the Ivan Tennant Award. It means a lot to be recognized not just for what I do on the ice, but for the work I’ve put in at school too,” said Sienko. “Balancing hockey and high school isn’t always easy—between practices, games, travel, and assignments, it can be a lot. But I’ve always believed that staying committed in the classroom helps me become a better athlete and a better person.”

A 17-year-old from Binghamton, New York, Sienko was Saginaw’s 13th round (261st overall) pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. He recorded three assists over 18 games in his first OHL season, finishing with a plus-4 rating.

“What Kaden accomplished this season was very impressive,” said Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill. “He made our team as a 16-year-old and was playing extremely well before missing significant time with injury. For him to keep up with and excel at his schoolwork through all of that makes him very deserving of this award.”

Sienko becomes the first member of the Saginaw Spirit to win the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award.

“Kaden is a hardworking, proactive student who takes his academics seriously,” said Spirit Academic Advisor Pamela Moretuzzo. “He consistently works ahead to stay on top of his coursework during road trips and demonstrates excellent communication skills with his teachers and peers. Kaden also sets a high standard for his teammates, leading by example.”

Sienko claimed this year’s honour, while Brantford Bulldogs forward Aiden O’Donnell and Niagara IceDogs forward Braidy Wassilyn were award finalists.

The Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is given to the League’s Top Academic High School Player and is named in honour of Ivan Tennant, who spent a lifetime combining hockey and education. He was the Kitchener Rangers’ Education Consultant for 20 years and a key figure on the OHL’s Education Consultant’s Committee.

Misa, Budnick and Sienko will be formally presented with their respective awards in June at the 2025 OHL Awards Ceremony at The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

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

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 2024-25 REGULAR SEASON AWARD WINNERS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today recognized its award winners from the 2024-25 Regular Season that concluded on Sunday.

Eddie Powers Trophy (OHL Top Scorer presented by Kubota) – Michael Misa, Saginaw Spirit

NHL Draft eligible Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa completed one of the most outstanding offensive seasons from an OHL player in some time on Sunday, piling up five points (1-4–5) in the Spirit’s 9-2 win over the Flint Firebirds to finish his season with a CHL-leading 134 points including 62 goals, 72 assists and a plus-45 rating over 65 games. Misa becomes the first player in Saginaw Spirit history to claim the Eddie Powers Trophy as the OHL’s top scorer, doing so with the most points since another draft eligible in London’s Patrick Kane (62-83–145) during the 2006-07 season.

A former OHL Rookie of the Year Award recipient and exceptional status first overall pick by the Spirit in 2022, Misa was held pointless in just five of 65 contests. His 134 points are tied with John Tavares (2006-07) for the most by an OHL U18 skater since 2000.

A product of Oakville, Ont., Misa won a Memorial Cup with the Spirit last June, and completes his third OHL season with career totals that include 113 goals, 152 assists and 265 points over 177 regular season games.

The Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy was donated by the Toronto Marlboro Athletic Club in memory of Eddie Powers and was first awarded in 1945-46 to Tod Sloan of St. Michael’s who scored 79 points in 25 games. In addition to Misa, other recent recipients have included David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves (2023-24), Matthew Maggio of the Windsor Spitfires (2022-23) and Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires (2021-22).

Jim Mahon Trophy (Top Scoring Right Winger) – Nick Lardis, Brantford Bulldogs

The 2024-25 recipient of the Jim Mahon Trophy also happens to be the league’s top goal-scorer. Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs led OHL right-wingers with 117 points including a league-leading 71 goals and 46 assists.

Lardis is one of just eight players in OHL history to record at least 70 goals in a season as his 25 power play goals and 375 shots on goal led the league. His season included a total of seven hat-tricks and 20 multi-goal outings for the Bulldogs, who finished atop the Eastern Conference standings.

An Oakville, Ont. native, Lardis has amassed 155 goals, 114 assists and 269 points over 234 career regular season games between Brantford, Hamilton and Peterborough after originally being the Petes’ first round (sixth overall) pick in 2021. He was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third round (67th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

The Jim Mahon Trophy was first presented following the 1971-72 season by the players and management of the Peterborough Petes in memory of their right winger Jim Mahon who was accidentally killed that summer. Recent recipients have included David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves (2023-24), Matthew Maggio of the Windsor Spitfires (2022-23) and Lucas Edmonds of the Kingston Frontenacs (2021-22).

Dave Pinkney Trophy (Lowest Team Goals-Against) – Austin Elliott and Aleksei Medvedev, London Knights
FW ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy (Lowest Rookie Goals-Against Average – Aleksei Medvedev, London Knights

The London Knights are winners of the Dave Pinkney Trophy for the second straight season, surrendering a league-low 180 goals backed by the goaltending tandem of Austin Elliott and Aleksei Medvedev.

The Knights claim the honour for the sixth time in their history, finishing atop the OHL standings with a record of 55-11-2-0. Elliott, who was acquired via waivers from the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades by way of the Barrie Colts, led the league with a 2.10 goals-against average, .924 save percentage and impressive 32-1-0-0 record. The overage netminder won an OHL record 20 consecutive starts to begin his tenure in the league.

Awarded annually since 1949, the Dave Pinkney Trophy is presented to the goaltenders of the team with the lowest goals-against average during the regular season. Last year’s recipients were London netminders Michael Simpson and Owen Willmore.

The draft eligible Aleksei Medvedev led OHL rookies with a 2.79 goals-against average, becoming the seventh Knights goaltender to claim the FW ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy for lowest G.A.A. by a rookie. London’s second round (38th overall) pick by the Knights in 2023 played to a 22-8-2-0 record with a .912 save percentage and three shutouts over 34 games, earning OHL Rookie of the Month honours in November and OHL Goaltender of the Month recognition in January.

The trophy is named after F.W. ‘Dinty’ Moore of Port Colborne, Ont., who served as OHA President from 1942-45. In order to qualify for this rookie award, a goaltender must play a minimum of 900 minutes. Last year’s winner was Jack Ivankovic of the then-Mississauga Steelheads.

2024-25 OHL Regular Season Team Awards:

Hamilton Spectator Trophy (Regular Season Champion) – London Knights
The Knights are back-to-back Hamilton Spectator Trophy recipients, playing to their second-best season in franchise history with a record of 55-11-0-2 with 112 points. Read more

Holody Trophy (Midwest Division Champion) – London Knights
The Knights become the first team in OHL history to win six consecutive division titles, etching their name onto the Holody Trophy once again in 2024-25. Read more

Bumbacco Trophy (West Division Champion) – Windsor Spitfires
The Spitfires are West Division champions with a record of 45-17-4-2, being led offensively by dual 100-point scorers Ilya Protas and Liam Greentree. Read more

Emms Trophy (Central Division Champion) – Barrie Colts
The Barrie Colts claim the Emms Trophy as Central Division champions for the first time since 2018. The Colts featured big contributions from draft eligible defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson in 2024-25, who set a new club single season record on the blueline with 26 goals. Read more

Leyden Trophy (East Division Champion) – Brantford Bulldogs
The Bulldogs secured Brantford its first OHL banner, winning the Leyden Trophy as East Division champions with a record of 44-19-5-0. Read more

The 2025 OHL Playoffs get underway on Thursday as 16 team continue their pursuit of the J. Ross Robertson Cup. OHL Playoff Tracker

SMITH, MCIVOR AND JOVANOVSKI NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, March 23, 2025.



Steelheads’ Konnor Smith Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Anaheim Ducks prospect Konnor Smith of the Brampton Steelheads is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering four goals, three assists and seven points in three victories.

Smith opened the week with a goal on Wednesday in the Steelheads’ 7-2 win over the Brantford Bulldogs. He followed up with a career-high performance on Friday, netting a hat trick and adding two assists to earn first star honours in a 6-1 victory over the Peterborough Petes. Smith capped off the week with an assist on Sunday, earning third star honours as the Steelheads secured a perfect week with a 4-1 win over the Kingston Frontenacs.

The 20-year-old defenceman recorded 10 goals, 16 assists, and 26 points in 40 games this season between the Steelheads and Owen Sound Attack. A Windsor, Ont., native, he was traded to Brampton at the start of the new year from the Attack. Originally selected by the Peterborough Petes in the ninth round (175th overall) of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Smith has totaled 70 points (26-44-70) in 219 career regular-season games. An OHL champion with the Petes in 2023, he contributed two points during their 23-game playoff run. Smith was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the fourth round (97th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week, 2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit registered eight points (3-5-8) in three games played, while Noel Nordh tallied three goals and three assists in three contests.

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


 

Battalion’s Mike McIvor Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Mike McIvor of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, going 3-0 including a shutout, along with a 1.67 goals-against average and .950 save percentage.

Helping the Battalion secure the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, McIvor turned aside an impressive 95 shots last week. He stopped 38 of 39 shots on Thursday, earning first star honours in a 5-1 win over the Oshawa Generals. Back in net on Friday, he made 28 saves in a 5-4 victory against the Niagara IceDogs. McIvor capped off the week with a 29-save shutout on Sunday as the Battalion defeated the Sudbury Wolves 4-0, once again earning first-star honours and officially clinching a post-season berth.

A recently turned 19-year-old from Warkworth, Ont., McIvor played to a 22-17-3-0 record this season, including three shutouts, with a 2.86 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage over 45 games. A former fourth round pick (83rd overall) by the Battalion in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, he is in his second full OHL season, boasting a career record of 30-28-3-0 with a 3.11 goals-against average, a .901 save percentage, and four shutouts in 65 regular-season games. McIvor was ranked 22nd among North American goaltenders on the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings.

Also considered for the award this week, Los Angeles Kings prospect Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack went 2-0 with a 1.50 goals-against average and .958 save percentage, while Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals was also a standout in the crease, going 2-0 along with a 1.50 goals-against average and .947 save percentage.

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



Storm’s Zachary Jovanovski Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Guelph Storm goaltender Zachary Jovanovski is the OHL Rookie of the Week, playing to a 2-1 record along with a 2.67 goals-against average and .921 save percentage.

Turning aside 93 shots last week, Jovanovski earned first star honours on Tuesday, stopping 38 of 39 shots in the Storm’s 2-1 win over the Flint Firebirds. He returned to the crease on Thursday, making 29 saves in a 6-4 victory over the Erie Otters. Jovanovski closed out the week with a 26-save performance on Saturday as Guelph fell 4-2 to the Owen Sound Attack.

Selected by the Storm in the seventh round, 134th overall, of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Sun County Panthers U16 AAA program, the 6-foot-2, 170lb. netminder played to a 6-10-3-0 record this season including a shutout, along with a 3.71 goals-against average and .886 save percentage. The 17-year-old from Tecumseh, Ont. also spent part of the season with the GOJHL’s Ayr Centennials.

Also considered for the award this week, Brady R. Smith of the Soo Greyhounds registered three goals and two assists, while Filip Ekberg of the Ottawa 67’s tallied six points (1-5-6) in three games played.

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

CHL Team of the Month presented by CCM: February 2025

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced today the February edition of the CHL Team of the Month presented by CCM for the 2024-25 regular season.

F – Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs / WHL)
13G-21A, 34 PTS, +17 in 13 GP in February

Having registered 13 goals and 34 points through 13 games in February, Seattle Kraken prospect Berkly Catton of the No. 5-ranked Spokane Chiefs (WHL) is making his first appearance of the 2024-25 season in the CHL Team of the Month. Held off the scoresheet on just one occasion last month, the 19-year-old from Saskatoon, Sask., registered 10 multi-point outings, including seven games with three points or more. Catton’s 34 points were one shy of the WHL and CHL leader for February, while his 13 goals last month ranked tied for first in the WHL. Between January 11 to February 23, the Chiefs captain tallied a point in 18 straight games (20G-32A over that stretch), which ranks as the fourth-longest point streak in the WHL this season. Since returning from the 2025 World Juniors on January 10, Catton has amassed 54 points (22G-32A) in 22 games, good for third in the CHL behind only his Chiefs teammate Andrew Cristall (56 points) and Saginaw Spirit defenceman Zayne Parekh (56 points) over that stretch. Thanks in part to Catton’s strong play, the Spokane Chiefs have also climbed up both the CHL Top-10 Rankings and the WHL standings. Over the last month, having registered a 10-1-1-1 record, the Chiefs placed themselves among the Top-5 clubs in the CHL for the first time this season, while also moving into third place in the WHL’s overall standings. Meanwhile, powered by a strong month of February, Catton is up to 101 points (36G-65A) this season, which ranks third in WHL scoring for the 2024-25 campaign. By breaking the 100-point plateau, Catton has also achieved that feat for the second consecutive season. Named to the CHL’s Second All-Star Team in 2023-24, Catton was one of just three players in the CHL to register 50+ goals and 60+ assists last season. By going eighth overall to the Seattle Kraken during the 2024 NHL Draft, Catton became the highest-drafted player from the Spokane Chiefs in 33 years. Internationally, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound centreman has represented Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship where he recorded one assist in four games. Before that, Catton helped his country to gold at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he led all skaters with eight goals and two assists in five tournament games. He’s also previously won a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World U18 Championship and silver at the 2022 World U-17 Hockey Challenge. Playing in his third full season in the WHL, Catton was selected by the Spokane Chiefs with the first overall pick in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.

F – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit / OHL)
17G-17A, 34 PTS, +12 in 14 GP in February

With an OHL-best 34 points over the last month, just one point shy of the CHL scoring leader for February, 2025 NHL Draft prospect Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit (OHL) has earned a spot on the CHL Team of the Month for the second time during the 2024-25 campaign. In 14 games in February, the 18-year-old from Oakville, Ont., was never held off the scoresheet as he posted 12 multi-point outings, including five games with three points or more. The latter included the 2024 Memorial Cup champion registering a career-high five points (2G-3A) on February 8 against the Guelph Storm. Misa also lit the lamp in 10 contests over the last month, the latter of which included tallying his third hat-trick of the season on February 15 against the Sudbury Wolves. Having strung together 14 straight games with a point through February, Misa managed to extend his active point streak, which currently stands at 27 consecutive contests – making it the third-longest point streak in the CHL this season (behind Gavin McKenna of the Medicine Hat Tigers – 35 games & Easton Cowan of the London Knights – 29 games). With 122 points (58G-64A) in 58 games, Misa leads both the OHL and CHL in scoring so far through the 2024-25 campaign. If Misa were to win the CHL Top Scorer Award this season, he would become the fifth first-year draft-eligible in the CHL to achieve the feat over the last 20 years, joining a group of alumni that includes Connor Bedard (2022-23), Marco Rossi (2019-20), Patrick Kane (2006-07), and Sidney Crosby (2004-05). Meanwhile, the 2025 NHL Draft prospect is also one of just two skaters in the CHL to have broken the 50-goal plateau in 2024-25, alongside Brantford Bulldogs forward Nick Lardis (66 goals). Drafted with the first overall pick of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Misa is one of nine players in CHL history to have been granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada. Over his career, Misa has helped Canada win gold at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and he also earned a silver medal at the 2022 World U17 Hockey Challenge playing for Canada Red. Earlier this season, the 18-year-old was one of 13 CHL forwards to help Team CHL defeat the U.S. National Under-18 Team last November in the inaugural 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada. Identified by NHL Central Scouting as the third-ranked skater in North America ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, Misa was one of 17 CHL players ranked by NHL Central Scouting among the top 20 North American skaters in their Midterm Rankings. A little less than a year ago, Misa also played a part in helping the Saginaw Spirit capture their first-ever Memorial Cup in 2024, as they became just the third American franchise to win the CHL’s championship title.

F – Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL)
21G-10A, 31 PTS, +6 in 11 GP in February

With a CHL-leading 21 goals in 11 games during February, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the No.9-ranked Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) is making his first appearance in the CHL Team of the Month for the 2024-25 season. The 19-year-old from Oakville, Ont., failed to find twine in only one game last month, having recorded six multi-goal contests and four hat-tricks in February (on Feb. 2 @ Sudbury, Feb. 14 vs. Niagara, Feb. 20 @ Peterborough, & Feb. 23 @ Ottawa). One of those four hat-tricks saw Lardis register a single-game career-high of four goals against the Sudbury Wolves at the beginning of the month. Having scored a goal in 20 of his last 22 contests, Lardis put together an 18-game goal streak from January 8 to February 20, the longest streak of its kind in the CHL this season. Over the last month, Lardis’ play has helped lift the Bulldogs, as they went 9-1-1-0 in February and entered the CHL Top-10 Rankings for the first time since October 1. Thanks to his big month, Lardis leads the CHL with 66 goals in 2024-25 – eight more than the next closest skater (Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit – 58 goals). The 5-foot-11, 185-pound right-winger is the only player in the CHL to have broken the 60-goal plateau this season, and just the ninth CHL skater to have reached 65 goals over the last 20 years. If he were to hit 70, the Blackhawks prospect would become only the second OHL player to have achieved the feat since 1992 and the first since Oshawa Generals alumnus John Tavares scored 72 during the 2006-07 campaign. Originally selected by the Peterborough Petes sixth overall in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Lardis was acquired by the Bulldogs during the 2022-23 campaign in exchange for two-time OHL champions Gavin White and Avery Hayes. Over the course of this season, Lardis has become the Brantford Bulldogs’ franchise record holder for goals (66) and points (108) – both marks he is likely to build on over the Bulldogs’ remaining seven games. At the 2023 NHL Draft, Lardis was taken in the third round (67th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks and he signed his entry-level contract with the club in April 2024.

D – Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit / OHL)
7G-24A, 31 PTS, +16  in 14 GP in February

After leading all CHL defencemen with seven goals and 31 points in February, Calgary Flames prospect Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit (OHL) has earned a spot in the CHL Team of the Month for a second straight month. In 14 games throughout February, the 19-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., registered a point in 13 of those contests. The latter saw Parekh record a total of 10 multi-point games, including a pair of four-point nights to both start and end the month (Feb. 1 vs. Kitchener & Feb. 28 @ Sudbury). Over the course of February, Parekh had 24 assists, which rank tied for first among all players in the CHL. Entering Thursday, the 6-foot, 185-pound defenceman leads all CHL defencemen with 31 goals and 99 points this season. Currently on a nine-game point streak, Parekh recently became just the second defenceman in the CHL to have registered multiple 30-goal seasons in the 21st century, doing so after Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) alumnus Jonathan Gauthier scored 30-plus goals over consecutive campaigns in 1999-00 and 2000-01. Additionally, by hitting 30 goals in 2024-25, Parekh also became just the second defenceman in OHL/OHA history with multiple 30-goal seasons, following in the footsteps of Oshawa Generals alumnus Bobby Orr who achieved the feat in 1966 (34 goals in 1964-65 & 38 goals in 1965-66). Now sitting just one point shy of 100 points, Parekh will look to become just the fifth CHL rearguard to break the 100-point plateau since 2000 over the final weeks of the 2024-25 campaign. Since January 10, Parekh shares the CHL scoring lead with Spokane Chiefs forward Andrew Cristall having amassed 56 points (19G-37A) in 23 games over that stretch. Last season, in addition to helping the Saginaw Spirit to their first-ever Memorial Cup title, Parekh became the first Spirit player to ever be named the CHL Defenceman of the Year and he was chosen to the CHL’s First All-Star Team after amassing 96 points in 66 games. By going ninth overall to the Calgary Flames at the 2024 NHL Draft, Parekh became the highest-drafted player in Saginaw Spirit history. The 19-year-old was originally taken by Saginaw with the 19th overall pick of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. He has previously helped Canada to gold at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and he competed for Team Red at the 2024 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Moncton, N.B.

D – Justin Kipkie (Victoria Royals / WHL)
4G-11A, 15 PTS, +17 in 11 GP in February

After registering four goals and 11 assists over 11 games in February, Utah Hockey Club prospect Justin Kipkie of the Victoria Royals (WHL) is making his first appearance of the 2024-25 campaign in the CHL Team of the Month. Over the last month, the 19-year-old from Calgary, Alta., registered a point in eight of 11 contests, the latter of which included a trifecta of three-point nights (Feb. 4 vs. Kelowna, Feb. 7 @ Tri-City & Feb. 8 @ Spokane). Each of those three-point contests matched Kipkie’s single-game career-high in the WHL, a feat that he has now accomplished six times throughout the current season. Over the course of February, Kipkie’s solid performances also coincided with a strong month for the Victoria Royals, who won nine of 11 games (9-1-0-1) as they sit in first place in the WHL’s B.C. Division heading into Thursday. With 54 points in 56 games, the Royals captain has already set a new career-high this season, besting his previous mark of 54 that he set in 2023-24. At the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign, Kipkie was named the ninth captain in team history. Named a WHL B.C. Division First-Team following the 2023-24 season, the 6-foot-3, 208-pound defenceman was previously drafted 160th overall in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes (Utah Hockey Club). Now competing in what is his third full season in the WHL, Kipkie was originally drafted by the Victoria Royals in the sixth round (126th overall) of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft.

G – Rudy Guimond (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)
7-0-0-0 record, 1.26 GAA, .956 SV% & 2 SO in 7 GP in February

Holding a perfect 7-0-0-0 record in February, Detroit Red Wings prospect Rudy Guimond of the No. 1-ranked Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) is making his first-ever appearance in the CHL Team of the Month. Over his seven starts, the 19-year-old from Montreal, Que., allowed one goal or fewer on five occasions during the last month. The latter included a pair of shutouts: the first of which saw Guimond stop all 29 shots he faced against the Cape Breton Eagles on February 1, before he later registered a 20-save shutout against those same Cape Breton Eagles on February 21. The 6-foot-4, 175-pound netminder also made a career-high 42 saves in a big 4-1 victory over the Drummondville Voltigeurs on the last day of the month. In total, Guimond registered four performances with 25-plus saves in February. Over the last month, Guimond posted the CHL’s best goals-against average (1.26) and save percentage (.956) for any goalie with a minimum of five games played. Having been acquired by the Moncton Wildcats this past November after spending two seasons with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL, Guimond has provided his new QMJHL club with a big boost in net. The Red Wings prospect has won 13 consecutive games to kick start his QMJHL career, having registered a 1.59 goals-against average, .946 save percentage, and two shutouts over those 13 starts. Of any netminder in the CHL who has played a minimum of 10 games this season, Guimond’s 1.59 GAA and .946 save percentage rank first among that group. He’s also the only goalie within that cohort to have not suffered a loss during the 2024-25 campaign. Drafted in the sixth round (169th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Guimond is committed to play NCAA Division 1 hockey for Yale University next season in 2025-26.

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Player of the Month: February

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

Forward of the Month – Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit

We may as well start calling this the Misa Award. The top prospect for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft appeared in 14 games in February and scored 17 goals and added 17 assists. He registered at least one point in all 14 games, had 6 multi goal games, 6 multi assist games and 12 multi point games, 5 game winning goals and 9 powerplay goals and is currently riding a 25-game point streak starting back on December 29.

Also considered was the Soo Greyhounds Marco Mignosa. He appeared in 13 games in February and scored 13 goals and assisted on 14. He had 4 multi-goal games and 6 multi-assist games with 9 multi-point games during the month. He was held off the score sheet just once on February 9 in Oshawa.

Defenceman of the Month – Anthony Cristoforo – Windsor Spitfires

A great month of February saw Cristoforo climb to the top of the scoring race among draft eligible defencemen. Appearing in 12 games during the month, Cristoforo scored once and added 16 assists. He was held off the scoresheet just once on February 5 against Saginaw. He had 5 multi point games and his lone goal came on the powerplay. He only managed 15 shots on goal with 5 of them coming on February 22 in Flint.

Also considered was Alexis Daviault of the Erie Otters. He appeared in 12 games in February and scored once while adding 10 assists but his production came in bunches with 3-three assist games.

Goaltender of the Month – Jack Ivankovic – Brampton Steelheads

This wasn’t the easiest choice because of the discrepancy in games played, but we ultimately decided on Ivankovic here. He posted a 5-1-0-0 record while stopping 165 of 176 shots for a .938 save percentage.

Also considered was his partner Brayden Gillespie who went 4-1-0-0 and stopped 165 of 176 shots for a .926 save percentage. Mike McIvor of the North Bay Battalion went 5-3-0-0 and stopped 226 of 248 shots for a .911 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

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

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

BROWN, MACKENZIE AND MBUYI NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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



Bulldogs’ Cole Brown Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

New Jersey Devils prospect Cole Brown of the Brantford Bulldogs is the OHL Player of the Week, recording seven points (5-2–7) in a pair of Bulldogs victories.

Brown got in on the scoring fun Friday night at home to the Niagara IceDogs, joining teammates Nick Lardis and Marek Vanacker with hat-tricks in a lopsided 10-1 win at the Civic Centre. Brown stretched his point streak to eight games in St. Catharines on Sunday, recording two goals and an assist for first star honours in a 5-4 win.

A 19-year-old from Aurora, Ont., Brown has 26 goals, 30 assists and 56 points over 53 games in his fourth season with the Bulldogs. The 6-foot-3, 189Ib. right-wing has produced career totals that include 68 goals, 90 assists and 158 points over 227 career regular season games, having the opportunity to hoist the J. Ross Robertson Cup as an OHL champion in 2022. Brown was New Jersey’s sixth round (164th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Bulldogs originally selected him in the third round (43rd overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Saginaw Spirit teammates Igor Chernyshov and Michael Misa were both dialed in. The former recorded nine points (3-6–9) over three outings while Misa made Spirit history, finishing with six goals and an assist last week to set a new club single-season goal-scoring mark.

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



67’s’ Collin MacKenzie Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Collin MacKenzie of the Ottawa 67’s is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-1 with a 2.00 goals-against average, a .941 save percentage and one shutout.

MacKenzie helped the 67’s in their playoff push, stopping a combined 64-of-65 shots in back-to-back wins over the Peterborough Petes. The overage goaltender logged his first shutout of the season on Wednesday, making 29 saves as Ottawa beat Peterborough 3-0. He was excellent on the road at the PMC on Friday, stopping 35-of-36 in a 4-1 win. MacKenzie took to the crease on Sunday, making 31 saves as Ottawa came up short against the Kitchener Rangers.

A 20-year-old from Elora, Ont., MacKenzie is 8-17-1-2 with a 3.76 goals-against average and .883 save percentage in his fourth season with the 67’s. The former eighth round (160th overall) pick by the Barber Poles in 2020 is a career 47-30-6-3 with a 2.98 goals-against average, .899 save percentage and three shutouts over 98 career regular season games.

Also considered for the award this week, Brantford’s Ryerson Leenders went 2-0 with a 2.50 goals-against average and .924 save percentage while Andrew Oke of the Saginaw Spirit had a perfect 3-0 showing with a 2.99 goals-against average and .920 save percentage.

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



Attack’s Pierce Mbuyi Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Owen Sound Attack forward Pierce Mbuyi is the OHL Rookie of the Week having recorded seven points (3-4–7) over two contests.

Mbuyi potted his third hat-trick in an eight-game span on Friday as the Attack defeated the Erie Otters 8-5, a game that saw Mbuyi tack on two assists for a five-point outing. He pitched in with two more helpers on Saturday as Owen Sound fell 4-3 to the Otters in overtime.

A 16-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., Mbuyi leads OHL rookies with 23 goals, adding 17 assists for 40 points through 48 games. He also leads the league’s rookies with 131 shots on goal. The Attack selected Mbuyi with their first round (7th overall) pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA program.

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

CHERNYSHOV, LEENDERS AND MBUYI 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, February 9, 2025.

Spirit’s Igor Chernyshov Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

San Jose Sharks prospect Igor Chernyshov of the Saginaw Spirit is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering five goals, five assists and 10 points over three contests.

Chernyshov opened the week with a pair of goals and an assist on Wednesday to earn first star honours in a 6-3 win over the Windsor Spitfires. He followed up with a goal and an assist in a 4-2 loss to the Brantford Bulldogs on Friday, earning third star honours. Chernyshov delivered a dominant five-point outing on Saturday, registering a pair of goals and three assists to earn first star honours in a high-scoring 10-7 win against the Guelph Storm.

The 19-year-old from Penza, Russia overcame offseason shoulder surgery and has appeared in five games with the Spirit this season, tallying eight goals, six assists and 14 points. He was Saginaw’s first round (56th overall) pick in the the 2024 CHL Import Draft. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 225lb., Chernyshov was selected in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks.

Also considered for the award this week, Spirit teammate and top 2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Michael Misa posted four goals and seven assists. Another top 2025 NHL Draft prospect, Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads, stood out with nine points (3-6-9) in two games.

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


Bulldogs’ Ryerson Leenders Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryerson Leenders of the Brantford Bulldogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, going 2-0-1-0 along with a 1.98 goals-against average, and a .944 save percentage.

Turning aside an impressive 101 shots last week, Leenders made 37 of those stops in a 2-1 win over the Sudbury Wolves on Wednesday to earn first star honours. He returned to the crease on Friday, making 31 saves in a 4-2 win against the Saginaw Spirit. Leenders wrapped up the week on Saturday, turning aside 34 of 37 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Windsor Spitfires.

An 18-year-old from Nanticoke, Ont., Leenders is 19-11-3-0 on the season, with a 3.20 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in 33 games played. The former second-round (32nd overall) pick by Mississauga in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection is now in his third OHL season, owning a career mark of 55-43-10-0 with a 3.25 goals-against average, .900 save percentage and three shutouts over 114 regular season games. Leenders was selected in the seventh round (202nd overall) by Buffalo at the 2024 NHL Draft last summer.

Also considered for the award this week, Brampton Steelheads netminder Jack Ivankovic went 2-0-0-0 including a shutout with a 1.50 goals-against average and .944 save percentage, while Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals was also a standout in the crease, going 3-0-0-0 including a shutout, along with a 1.00 goals-against average and .948 save percentage.

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

Attack’s Pierce Mbuyi Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Owen Sound Attack forward Pierce Mbuyi is the OHL Rookie of the Week for the second time this season, recording three goals and assists over three contests.

Mbuyi kicked off the week with his second hat-trick of the season on Friday, scoring it in a span of seven-and-a-half minutes in the first period in the Attack’s 4-3 loss to Kitchener. He claimed second star recognition again on Saturday with two primary assists in a 4-1 win over North Bay. The 5-foot-10, 153lb. forward capped the week with another assist on Sunday as Owen Sound fell 4-2 to the Kingston Frontenacs.

A 16-year-old left-winger from Mississauga, Ont., Mbuyi leads OHL rookies with 20 goals as part of a total of 33 points through 46 games. The Attack selected Mbuyi with their first round (7th overall) pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA program.

Also considered for the award this week, Carson Harmer of the Saginaw Spirit and Lev Katzin of the Guelph Storm each recorded four points (2-2–4).

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

Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
HTWTDOBPOSSHOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
6’1”185Feb 16, 2007CL1st 20223rd NACANADA
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2022-2023OHLSaginaw Spirit45223456
2023-2024OHLSaginaw Spirit67294675
2024-2025OHLSaginaw Spirit43404686

When it comes to the 2025 NHL Draft, one of the stand outs is Michael Misa. This young talent has been making waves in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Saginaw Spirit, and for good reason. His exceptional skills and relentless work ethic have scouts and fans buzzing with excitement.

Strengths

  1. High-End Skating: Misa is an outstanding skater. His incredible speed and skillful edgework help him navigate around defenders effortlessly. He can create scoring chances even in tight situations.
  • Offensive IQ Misa has an impressive hockey IQ for someone his age. His ability to see plays and think creatively on the ice makes him a constant threat to score. He skillfully connects with his teammates, finding them even in difficult spots and high-risk situations.
  • Playmaking Skills: In hockey, making quick and smart choices is essential. Misa stands out for his ability to set up plays. He excels in give-and-go situations, staying ahead of his rivals and proving to be a valuable player for any team.
  • Versatility: Misa is a reliable player in every aspect of the game: offense, defense, and special teams. He shows strong awareness and takes responsibility on the ice. Coaches trust him in important moments, such as during penalty kills or when facing tough opponents.
  • Transition Game: Misa excels at turning defense into offense. His skillful zone entries and inventive rush plays consistently create excellent scoring opportunities. This ability makes him a significant threat during transitions.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Consistency in 5-on-5 Play: Misa has shown some great moments, but it is important for him to play well consistently during games. This steady performance will be key to his growth as a player.
  • Physicality: Enhancing Misa’s physical engagement during board battles and boosting his strength will help him adjust to the physical demands of the NHL and perform at the top level.
  • Risk Management: Misa’s high-risk, high-reward style of play can sometimes lead to turnovers. Improving his decision-making in these situations will be essential for his success.

Conclusion

Michael Misa is an exciting player to follow as he approaches the 2025 NHL Draft. His impressive skating, sharp hockey sense, and strong puck skills set him apart as a leading prospect. If he continues to improve his game, Misa could become a top NHL forward who excels in any situation.

Keep your eyes on this rising star—Michael Misa is poised to make a significant impact in the hockey world!