COWAN AND SIMPSON NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, May 12, 2024.



Knights’ Easton Cowan Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, six assists and eight points in a pair of victories.

Helping the Knights take a 2-0 OHL Championship Series lead over the Oshawa Generals, Cowan opened up the week with a career-high five-point performance in an 8-1 Game 1 victory at home on Thursday night, registering a goal and four assists to earn first star honours. He proceeded to pick-up third star recognition on Saturday, tallying a goal and two assists as the Knights skated past the Generals in a 9-1 win.

A soon-to-be 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont., Cowan leads all post-season point-getters with 27 points (9-18-27) in 16 games played. Recently awarded the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player in the regular season, Cowan registered 96 points (34-62-96) in 54 regular season contests, setting a Knights franchise record with a 36-game point streak. Originally selected in the second round (25th overall) by the Knights in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Cowan has tallied 55 goals, 96 assists, and 151 points over 129 regular season games in London. After leading the Knights to a Western Conference title last season, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Cowan with their first round (28th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
May 6 – May 12: Easton Cowan (London Knights)
Apr. 29 – May 5: Sandis Vilmanis (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Kasper Halttunen (London Knights)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Jacob Julien (London Knights)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Samuel Mayer (Ottawa 67’s)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Owen Beck (Saginaw Spirit)

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Jacob Maillet (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Gavin Bryant (Niagara IceDogs)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)



Knights’ Michael Simpson Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Michael Simpson of the London Knights is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the third time this season, playing to a 2-0 record along with a 1.10 goals-against average and .952 save percentage.

Backstopping the Knights to a 2-0 OHL Championship Series lead over the Oshawa Generals, Simpson made a total of 40 saves last week. He stopped 24 of the 25 shots that came his way on Thursday in an 8-1 win at Budweiser Gardens to open up the Series. He returned to the crease on Saturday evening with a 16-save performance as the Knights defeated the Generals 9-1.

A 21-year-old hometown product, Simpson ranks third among all netminders with a 2.42 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in postseason action, backstopping the Knights to a 14-2-0-0 record. Simpson’s 30-career playoff wins are tied for the third-most by any OHL goaltender since 1981. Playing to a 34-10-1-1 regular season record, the former 2023 OHL Champion ranked first among all goaltenders in regular season action with a 2.61 goals-against average, along with a .905 save percentage. Selected in the 10th round (193rd overall) by the Peterborough Petes in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, the 2023 OHL Playoffs MVP attended development camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins last summer.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
May 6 – May 12: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Apr. 29 – May 5: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Charlie Schenkel (Soo Greyhounds)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Jakub Vondras (Sudbury Wolves)

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Nick Surzycia (Sarnia Sting)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Charlie Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Liam Sztuska (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Ben West (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Owen Willmore (London Knights)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Marcus Vandenberg (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 12: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)

VILMANIS AND MCIVOR NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, May 5th, 2024.



Battalion’s Sandis Vilmanis Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Florida Panthers prospect Sandis Vilmanis of the North Bay Battalion is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording four goals, five assists and nine points in four games played.

Helping the Battalion rally to force a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Championship Series, Vilmanis started off the week with a goal in a 5-2 loss to the Oshawa Generals on Monday. The 6-foot-2, 192lb. forward tallied a pair of goals including the overtime winner along with two assists to earn first star honours on Wednesday, helping the Battalion skate to a 5-4 overtime win at home. He recorded another assist on Friday as the Battalion clinched a 5-4 double overtime victory. Vilmanis closed out the week with a goal and two helpers in a dominant 8-1 win on Sunday, leading the Battalion to tie the series 3-3 heading into Game 7 on Monday night.

A 20-year-old from Riga, Latvia, Vilmanis leads all post-season point-getters with 26 points (10-16–26) in 15 playoff contests following a regular season that yielded 38 goals, 29 assists and 67 points over 60 games played between the Battalion and the Sarnia Sting. A former first round pick by Sarnia in the 2022 CHL Import Draft, Vilmanis was selected by the Florida Panthers in the fifth round (157th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club on March 2, 2024. Vilmanis has also participated on the international stage, representing Latvia at three consecutive IIHF World Junior Championships.

Also considered for the award this week, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan of the London Knights helped his team skate to a 4-2 Western Conference Final Series victory over the Saginaw Spirit, recording four goals and four assists in four games played. Battalion teammate and Seattle Kraken prospect Ty Nelson was also a standout, registering two goals, five assists and seven points.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 29 – May 5: Sandis Vilmanis (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Kasper Halttunen (London Knights)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Jacob Julien (London Knights)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Samuel Mayer (Ottawa 67’s)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Owen Beck (Saginaw Spirit)

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Jacob Maillet (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Gavin Bryant (Niagara IceDogs)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)



Battalion’s Mike McIvor Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Rookie netminder Mike McIvor of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, playing to a 3-1 record along with a 3.13 goals-against average, and .902 save percentage.

Helping the Battalion bounce back in the Eastern Conference Championship Series, McIvor made a total of 129 saves last week. He stopped 26 of the 31 shots he faced on Monday as the Battalion fell 5-2 to the Oshawa Generals. McIvor earned the Battalion’s first win of the series on Wednesday, blocking 27 of the 31 shots that came his way in a 5-4 overtime victory. The 6-foot, 165lb. netminder returned to the crease with a big performance on Friday, turning aside 41 of the 45 shots he faced to clinch a 5-4 double overtime win. McIvor closed out the week with a 35-save performance on Sunday as the Battalion defeated the Generals in a commanding 8-1 victory to push the series to Game 7.

An 18-year-old from Warkworth, Ont., McIvor played to a regular season mark of 8-9-0-0 with a 3.78 goals-against average and .876 save percentage over 18 games in his first OHL season. A fourth round (83rd overall) pick by the Battalion in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Quinte Red Devils U16 program, McIvor has appeared in 14 playoff contests, playing to a 10-4 record along with a 2.58 goals-against average and .917 save percentage with one shutout.

Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson of the London Knights went 2-2 along with a 3.79 goals-against average and .899 save percentage to take a 4-2 Western Conference Championship Series victory over the Saginaw Spirit. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Nolan Lalonde of the Saginaw Spirit also played to a 2-2 record along with a 3.05 goals-against average and .879 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 29 – May 5: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Charlie Schenkel (Soo Greyhounds)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Jakub Vondras (Sudbury Wolves)

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Nick Surzycia (Sarnia Sting)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Charlie Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Liam Sztuska (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Ben West (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Owen Willmore (London Knights)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Marcus Vandenberg (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 12: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)

HALTTUNEN AND OSTER NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, April 28th.



Knights’ Kasper Halttunen Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals in a pair of victories.

Helping the Knights take a 2-0 Western Conference Championship Series lead over the Saginaw Spirit last week, Halttunen registered a pair of third period markers to earn first star honours, securing a 3-1 comeback win on Friday night at Budweiser Gardens. The 6-foot-3, 215lb. forward tallied another goal on Sunday, helping London skate to a 3-1 victory.

An 18-year-old from Helsinki, Finland, Halttunen has 14 points (9-5–14) in 10 playoff contests following a regular season that yielded 32 goals, 29 assists and 61 points over 57 games. A former first round pick by London in the 2022 CHL Import Draft, Halttunen was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the second round (36th overall) of last summer’s NHL Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the club on July 12, 2023. Halttunen has also found success on the international stage, earning a bronze medal with Finland at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, along with a bronze medal at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Also considered for the award this week, Stuart Rolofs of the Oshawa Generals helped his team skate to a 2-0 Eastern Conference Final series lead over the North Bay Battalion, recording three goals in a pair of victories.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Kasper Halttunen (London Knights)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Jacob Julien (London Knights)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Samuel Mayer (Ottawa 67’s)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Owen Beck (Saginaw Spirit)

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Jacob Maillet (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Gavin Bryant (Niagara IceDogs)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)
 



Generals’ Jacob Oster Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the fifth time this season, playing to a 2-0 record including a shutout, along with a 1.00 goals-against average, and .958 save percentage.

Backstopping the Generals to a 2-0 Eastern Conference Championship Series lead over the North Bay Battalion, Oster made a total of 46 saves last week. Oster stopped 24 of the 26 shots that came his way on Friday in a 4-2 win at the Tribute Communities Centre. He returned to the crease on Sunday evening with a 22-save shutout performance to earn first star honours as the Generals blanked the Battalion 3-0.

A 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Oster was awarded OHL Goaltender of the Year honours after playing to a regular season mark of 35-16-7-1 while posting a 2.82 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. Ranked first among all netminders with a 1.76 goals-against average in postseason action, Oster currently holds a 10-2-0-0 record. Selected in the fifth-round (92nd overall) by the Guelph Storm in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the veteran goaltender has appeared in 143 career regular season contests, recording a 3.29 goals-against average and .891 save percentage over three seasons, going 68-47-12-4 in the process. Oster attended training camp with the Los Angeles Kings last September.

Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson backstopped the London Knights to a 2-0 Western Conference Championship Series lead over the Saginaw Spirit, playing to a 2-0 record along with a 1.00 goals-against average and .959 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 22 – Apr. 28: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 15 – Apr. 21: Charlie Schenkel (Soo Greyhounds)
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Jakub Vondras (Sudbury Wolves)

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Nick Surzycia (Sarnia Sting)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Charlie Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Liam Sztuska (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Ben West (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Owen Willmore (London Knights)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Marcus Vandenberg (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 12: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)

GENERALS’ OSTER EARNS JIM RUTHERFORD TROPHY AS OHL GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the 2023-24 recipient of the Jim Rutherford Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year.

Oster excelled for the Generals under a big workload, leading the OHL with 35 wins while setting a new club mark with 3,569 minutes played in a single season. Oster appeared in 60 of the Generals’ 68 regular season games, posting a 2.82 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and three shutouts.

“Obviously it’s a very big honour and something that wouldn’t be possible without the guys in front of me and the coaching staff helping me,” said Oster of the award. “This whole season has been a great ride and I’m proud to be surrounded by such an amazing organization to get to this point.”

Oster’s 35 wins are the third-highest single season total in team history and the most since Ken Appleby won 38 in 2014-15. His 60 games played equal the club mark set by Peter Sidorkiewicz in 1982-83. Oster finished his season out strong, winning his final 11 consecutive starts. He’s the second goaltender in Oshawa Generals history to win the award, and the first to do so since Mike Fountain in 1991-92.

“This is a fantastic achievement for Jacob,” said Generals Vice President and General Manager Roger Hunt. “Let’s face it, a team rides their hot goalie and we did that with Jacob.  Goaltending Coach Mike Parson along with Noah Bender would certainly share in this success of Jacob and our team. Mike’s technical expertise and Noah continuing to put pressure on Jacob to be at his best was a great formula.”

The Generals acquired Oster from the Guelph Storm in January 2023. The 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont. has been a consistent presence in the Oshawa crease with career totals that include a record of 68-47-12-4 with a 3.29 goals-against average, .891 save percentage and six shutouts over 143 career regular season games between the two teams. He was originally Guelph’s fifth round (92nd overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. Oster attended training camp with the Los Angeles Kings last fall.

Announced in August 2019, the Jim Rutherford Trophy is presented by the League in honour of former OHL goaltender, General Manager, Chairman of the Board and two-time Executive of the Year Jim Rutherford. The current President of Hockey Operations of the Vancouver Canucks, Rutherford played 13 seasons as an NHL netminder and was the architect behind Stanley Cup championships for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November 2019.

The OHL’s Goaltender of the Year Award was first presented in 1988 to Rick Tabaracci (Cornwall), with other notable winners including Manny Legace (Niagara Falls 1993), Andrew Raycroft (Kingston 2000), Craig Anderson (Guelph 2001), the League’s only back-to-back winner Mike Murphy (Belleville 2008 & 2009), along with current NHL goaltenders Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound 2013), Alex Nedeljkovic (Plymouth 2014), Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie 2016), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury 2019) and Nico Daws (Guelph 2020).

Oster was the front-runner in this year’s award voting, with Michael Simpson of the London Knights coming in as runner-up.

Oster is the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow which takes place from May 24 to June 2 in Saginaw, Michigan. He will be formally presented with the Jim Rutherford Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

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

ROOBROECK AND MCIVOR NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, April 14, 2024.



Generals’ Dylan Roobroeck Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

New York Rangers prospect Dylan Roobroeck of the Oshawa Generals is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week for the second time this season, recording two goals and four assists in a pair of playoff contests.

Helping the Generals take a 2-0 second round series lead over the Ottawa 67’s, Roobroeck opened up the week with a four-point performance in a 4-3 Game 1 victory on Friday, registering a goal and three assists to earn second star honours. He proceeded to pick-up third star recognition on Sunday, tallying a goal and an assist as the Generals defeated the 67’s 6-1 at home.

A 19-year-old from London, Ont., Roobroeck recorded 72 points (26-46–72) through 68 regular season outings. Originally selected in the third round (45th overall) by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection from the London Jr. Knights AAA U16 program, Roobroeck has tallied 49 goals, 97 assists, and 146 points over 200 regular season games between the Generals and the IceDogs. The New York Rangers’ sixth round (178th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the 6-foot-7, 195lb. forward leads all point-getters in the OHL Playoffs, registering 13 points (5-8-13) in eight post-season games.

Also considered for the award this week, Seattle Kraken prospect Eduard Sale of the Kitchener Rangers tallied three goals and two assists in two games played, while Boston Bruins prospect Jackson Edward of the London Knights helped his team take a 2-0 series lead over the Kitchener Rangers, registering a goal and a trio of assists.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Samuel Mayer (Ottawa 67’s)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Owen Beck (Saginaw Spirit)

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Jacob Maillet (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Gavin Bryant (Niagara IceDogs)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)
 



Battalion’s Mike McIvor Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Rookie netminder Mike McIvor of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, playing to a 2-0 record along with a 1.50 goals-against average, and .954 save percentage.

McIvor helped the Battalion climb out to a 2-0 second round series lead against the Sudbury Wolves. He earned second star honours on Thursday night, turning aside 27 of the 29 shots he faced as North Bay defeated the Wolves 5-2. McIvor again earned second star honours on Saturday, blocking 35 of the 36 shots that came his way in a 5-1 win at home.

An 18-year-old native of Warkworth, Ont., McIvor played to a regular season mark of 8-9-0-0 with a 3.78 goals-against average and .876 save percentage over 18 games in his first OHL season. A fourth round (83rd overall) pick by the Battalion in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Quinte Red Devils U16 program, the 6-foot, 165lb. goaltender has appeared in six playoff contests, playing to a 5-1 record along with a 2.27 goals-against average and .916 save percentage.

Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson of the London Knights went 2-0 along with a 2.00 goals-against average and .918 save percentage to take a two-game second round series lead over the Kitchener Rangers. Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals also played to a 2-0 record along with a 2.00 goals-against average and .934 save percentage to give the Generals a 2-0 series lead over the Ottawa 67’s.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 8 – Apr. 14: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion)
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Jakub Vondras (Sudbury Wolves)

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Nick Surzycia (Sarnia Sting)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Charlie Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Liam Sztuska (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Ben West (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Owen Willmore (London Knights)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Marcus Vandenberg (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 12: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)

BECK AND VONDRAS NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, March 31, 2024.



Spirit’s Owen Beck Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck of the Saginaw Spirit is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording a goal and five assists in a pair of playoff contests.

Helping the Spirit take a 2-0 first round series lead over the Owen Sound Attack, Beck started the week with a trio of assists in a 6-4 Game 1 victory on Thursday night, earning second star honours. He proceeded to pick-up first star honours on Saturday, scoring a goal and two assists as the Spirit defeated the Attack 5-2 at home. Beck wrapped-up Saturday’s game with points in 22 consecutive outings dating back to Feb. 9th.

A 20-year-old centreman from Port Hope, Ont., Beck ranked first among all Spirit goal-scorers this season, registering 34, along with 47 assists for 81 points in 57 regular season games played. The 6-foot, 190lb. forward has tallied 198 points (79-119-198) over 185 games in three seasons spent between the Mississauga Steelheads, Peterborough Petes and Spirit. Beck has demonstrated great playoff success, tallying 16 points (8-8-16) in 22 playoff contests last season to be crowned a 2023 OHL Champion with Peterborough. The lone returning member of the 2023 World Junior team, Beck represented Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden. this past January. Originally Mississauga’s second round (29th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Beck was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week, Montreal Canadiens prospect Filip Mesar of the Kitchener Rangers tallied six helpers in two games played, while Dalyn Wakely of the North Bay Battalion registered three goals and two assists, fueling the Battalion to a 2-0 series lead.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Owen Beck (Saginaw Spirit)

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Jacob Maillet (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Gavin Bryant (Niagara IceDogs)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)
 



Wolves’ Jakub Vondras Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jakub Vondras of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0 with a 2.46 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and a shutout in two outings last week.

Vondras helped the Wolves climb out to a 2-0 first round series lead against the Mississauga Steelheads. He earned first star honours on Thursday night, turning aside all 32 shots he faced as Sudbury blanked the Steelheads 3-0. The Wolves returned to the Paramount Fine Foods Centre on Saturday as Vondras stopped 28 of the 33 shots that came his way, defeating the Steelheads in a 6-5 overtime win.

A 19-year-old native of Plzen, Czechia, Vondras played to a regular season mark of 20-10-2-1 with a 3.79 goals-against average and .861 save percentage over 37 games in his first OHL season. A first round (22nd overall) pick by the Wolves in the 2023 CHL Import Draft, the 6-foot-4, 190Ib. netminder was selected in the sixth round (171st overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2022 NHL Draft. Vondras represented Team Czechia at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden this past January, backstopping his country to a bronze medal.

Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson of the London Knights went 2-0 along with a 2.00 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and one shutout to take a two-game first round series lead over the Flint Firebirds.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Jakub Vondras (Sudbury Wolves)

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Nick Surzycia (Sarnia Sting)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Charlie Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Liam Sztuska (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Ben West (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Owen Willmore (London Knights)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Marcus Vandenberg (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 12: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)

OHL ANNOUNCES 2023-24 REGULAR SEASON AWARD WINNERS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced three individual recipients of the League’s annual regular season awards.
Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (Top Scorer) & Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy (Top Scoring Right Winger) – David Goyette, Sudbury Wolves

Finishing his season with an impressive 15 points over his final five games, Sudbury Wolves captain David Goyette is the OHL’s top scorer in 2023-24, earning the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy after an outstanding season. Goyette’s 117 points that included 40 goals and 77 assists across 68 games also earn him the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy as the League’s top scoring right winger.

A 19-year-old from Hawkesbury, Ont., Goyette recorded at least three points in a game 18 different times during the regular season, a big reason why Sudbury led the OHL with a total of 328 goals scored, the most by the franchise since 1991-92. His 117 points are the most by a Wolves player since Norm Milley registered 120 in 1998-99.

Goyette, who was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the second round (61st overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, becomes the third player in Wolves franchise history to claim the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy, following Michael Sgarbossa (2011-12) and Mike Foligno (1978-79).

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 Goyette, other recent recipients have included Matthew Maggio of the Windsor Spitfires, Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires in 2021-22 and Marco Rossi of the Ottawa 67’s in 2019-20.

Selected by the Wolves with the 11th overall pick of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Goyette joins Milley (1998-99) and Foligno (1978-79) as the third member of the Wolves to win the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy. He wraps-up his third OHL season with career totals that include 114 goals, 168 assists and 282 points, good for sixth-most in Wolves franchise history.

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 Matthew Maggio of the Windsor Spitfires, Lucas Edmonds of the Kingston Frontenacs in 2021-22 and Arthur Kaliyev of the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2019-20.

Dave Pinkney Trophy (Lowest Team Goals-Against) – Michael Simpson and Owen Willmore, London Knights

The London Knights surrendered a league-low 197 goals over their 68-game schedule, a season that resulted in the franchise’s seventh Hamilton Spectator Trophy as OHL regular season champions. Backstopping the Knights to success was the goaltending tandem of Michael Simpson and Owen Willmore, who earn this year’s Dave Pinkney Trophy for their efforts.

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.

A hometown product, Simpson finished the season with a league-low 2.61 goals-against average and placed second in the OHL with 34 wins. The former OHL champion and Playoff MVP also finished tied for the league-lead in shutouts with four, giving him a career total of 10. A former 10th round (193rd overall) pick by Peterborough in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, Simpson played to a career regular season mark of 78-50-6-4 with a 2.94 goals-against average and .904 save percentage over 144 games.

Willmore ended his season on a 12-game run of undefeated hockey in regulation, a streak that dates back to Dec. 15th. The 19-year-old from London played to a mark of 16-4-0-2 with a 2.96 goals-against average and .899 save percentage, recording one shutout over 23 games. Formerly London’s 14th round (279th overall) pick in 2020, Willmore is a career 20-4-0-2, making six appearances with the Knights during the 2021-22 season and an additional three games in the 2023 OHL Championship Series.

This marks the fifth time London goaltenders have earned the award and the first since Tyler Parsons and Brendan Burke of the 2016 Memorial Cup championship team last did so. Other past London recipients have included Gerald Coleman (2004, 2005), Adam Dennis (2005), Ryan MacDonald (2004) and Pat Riggin (1977).

F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy (Best Rookie Goals-Against Average) – Jack Ivankovic, Mississauga Steelheads

Jack Ivankovic of the Mississauga Steelheads is the recipient of the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy, leading all qualified rookie netminders with a 2.72 goals-against average.

A 16-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., Ivankovic had an excellent rookie season, going 14-5-4-0 with a .915 save percentage and one shutout over 25 games. His first career shutout came on Nov. 25th as he stopped all 48 shots he faced in a 5-0 road win over the Erie Otters.

Ivankovic, who was selected by Mississauga with the seventh overall pick of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, becomes the first Steelheads goaltender to ever win the award. He’s the OHL’s first 16-year-old goaltender to claim the honour since Michael DiPietro of the 2015-16 Windsor Spitfires.

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 Zach Bowen of the London Knights who now plays for the Peterborough Petes.


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

GOYETTE AND SURZYCIA NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the final week of regular season games ending Sunday, March 24, 2024.



Wolves’ David Goyette Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

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

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

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

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

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Jacob Maillet (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Gavin Bryant (Niagara IceDogs)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)



Sting’s Nick Surzycia Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

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

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

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

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

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Nick Surzycia (Sarnia Sting)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Charlie Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Liam Sztuska (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Ben West (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Owen Willmore (London Knights)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Marcus Vandenberg (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 12: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)

REHKOPF AND SIMPSON NAMEDOHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, February 25, 2024.



Rangers’ Carson Rehkopf Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Seattle Kraken prospect Carson Rehkopf of the Kitchener Rangers is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week for the second time this season, recording four goals, five assists, and nine points over three contests as the Rangers collected four points over the weekend.

Rehkopf had a strong start to the week on Monday afternoon, recording a pair of goals and an assist to earn first star honours as the Rangers defeated the Peterborough Petes 6-2. The 6-foot-1, 196lb. centreman registered a career-high six point performance on Friday, tallying a pair of goals and four assists to once again earn first star honours in a 7-3 win over the Sarnia Sting. The Rangers struggled to find the scoresheet on Sunday, closing out the weekend with a 3-0 loss to the Soo Greyhounds.

A 19-year-old from Vaughan, Ont., Rehkopf ranks first among OHL goal-scorers and third among point-producers, recording 47 goals, 37 assists, and 84 points over 50 games played this season. Seattle’s second round (50th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft has recorded 176 points (95-81–176) in 183 career OHL regular season games with the Rangers after being chosen 17th overall by the club in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Kingston Frontenacs forward Linus Hemstrom recorded nine points (4-5–9) in four games including a hat-trick on Sunday while Seattle Kraken prospect David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves put up seven points (4-3-7) in three contests as the Wolves went 2-1.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Gavin Bryant (Niagara IceDogs)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)
 



Knights’ Michael Simpson Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Michael Simpson of the London Knights is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, playing to a 2-0 record including a shutout, along with a 1.00 goals-against average and .956 save percentage.

Making a total of 43 saves last week, Simpson stopped 25 of the 27 shots that came his way on Monday afternoon as the Knights defeated the Windsor Spitfires 7-2 at home. The 6-foot-1, 198lb. netminder closed out the weekend with an 18-save shutout on Saturday, blanking the Kingston Frontenacs in a 5-0 win.

Playing to a 29-8-0-1 record, the 21-year-old from London, Ont. holds a league-low 2.52 goals-against average, along with a .909 save percentage in 38 games this season. Currently backstopping the Knights to the top of the OHL standings, the former 2023 OHL champion has appeared in 136 career regular season contests, recording a 2.94 goals-against average and .905 save percentage over three seasons, going 73-48-5-4 in the process. Selected in the 10th round (193rd overall) by the Peterborough Petes in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, the 2023 OHL Playoffs MVP attended development camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins last summer.

Also considered for the award this week, Collin MacKenzie of the Ottawa 67’s was solid in the crease, stopping 60 shots while registering a 1-0-0-1 record including a shutout, along with a 1.44 goals-against average and .952 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Ben West (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Owen Willmore (London Knights)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Marcus Vandenberg (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 12: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)


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

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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

Player of the Month – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)

Colorado Avalanche prospect Calum Ritchie of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Player of the Month, leading the league with 26 points including nine goals and 17 assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-19 over 13 games. Ritchie’s month of January featured five different performances with at least three points, including two five-point showings that came on Jan. 6th at Flint and Jan. 19th vs. Peterborough. He helped the Generals climb the Eastern Conference standings with a January record of 8-3-1-1, earning three star recognition six different times throughout the course of the month.

A recently-turned 19-year-old from Oakville, Ont., Ritchie leads the Generals in regular season scoring despite having played in just 28 games. His 1.68 points-per-game resulting from 16 goals and 31 assists are the fourth-highest rate in the OHL this season while he’s also registered a plus/minus rating of plus-28. A 6-foot-2, 179Ib. centreman, Ritchie is in his third season with the Generals, having recorded 59 goals, 92 assists and 151 points over 152 career regular season games since being selected by Oshawa with the second overall pick of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. Ritchie was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche with their first round (27th overall) pick last summer. A former OHL first all-rookie team member in 2021-22, Ritchie won a gold medal with Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, leading the tournament in scoring before capturing bronze at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship.

Also considered for the award this month, London Knights forward Easton Cowan finished January with 21 points (8-13–21) over 10 games.

Defenceman of the Month – Oliver Bonk (London Knights)

Philadelphia Flyers prospect Oliver Bonk of the London Knights is the OHL Defenceman of the Month, recording 21 points including 10 goals and 11 assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-14 over 10 games. Bonk helped the Knights play to a January mark of 9-0-0-2 as they climbed into first place in the OHL standings, recording points in nine of his 10 outings. He recorded three different two-goal outings along with five multi-point contests to begin the 2024 calendar year, headlined by five points (2-3–5) in a 9-2 road win over the Sarnia Sting on Jan. 10th. Three of Bonk’s January goals were game-winners while six of his 10 tallies came on the man advantage.

A newly-turned 19-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Bonk sits third among OHL defencemen with 51 points (16-35–51) over 38 games while his 12 power play markers are tied for the league-lead among rearguards. The 6-foot-2, 179Ib. defender has played parts of three seasons in London, recording 26 goals, 68 assists and 94 points over 115 regular season games. He helped the Knights reach the OHL Championship Series last spring, recording 11 assists during their 21-game playoff run. Bonk was voted to the OHL’s second all-rookie team in 2022-23 before being selected by Philadelphia with their first round (22nd overall) pick last summer. Bonk won gold with Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and represented Canada at this past month’s 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Sweden. The Knights selected Bonk in the second round (26th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this month, Saginaw Spirit defender Zayne Parekh registered 21 points (9-12–21) over 11 games.

Goaltender of the Month – Michael Simpson (London Knights)

London Knights netminder Michael Simpson is the OHL Goaltender of the Month, playing to a record of 5-0-0-1 with a 1.32 goals-against average, .950 save percentage and one shutout over six outings. Simpson carried a five-game winning streak into the month of January, stretching that to 10 games while still remaining undefeated in regulation since Dec. 10th to close-out the month. He backstopped the Knights to his second shutout of the season on Jan. 14th vs. Owen Sound.

A 20-year-old London native, Simpson leads the OHL in both goals-against average (2.54) and wins (23) while also posting a .909 save percentage and two shutouts over 33 games. Now in his third OHL season, last year’s OHL Playoff MVP has played to a career mark of 67-47-5-4 with a 2.96 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and eight shutouts over 129 regular season games between London and Peterborough. The 6-foot-1, 198Ib. goaltender was originally Peterborough’s 10th round (193rd overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. Simpson, who was voted to the OHL’s third all-star team last season, attended training camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins prior to the start of the 2023-24 campaign.

Also considered for the award this month, Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals played to a record of 7-3-0-1 in January, posting a 2.00 goals-against average and .929 save percentage with one shutout over 11 outings.

Rookie of the Month – Riley Patterson (Barrie Colts)

Barrie Colts forward Riley Patterson is the OHL Rookie of the Month, leading all first-year talents with 15 points including five goals and 10 assists over 12 games. Patterson put together a trio of multi-point performances, helping the Colts score wins over the Soo Greyhounds and Niagara IceDogs with three-point efforts on Jan. 6th and Jan. 20th. He closed out January with a career-high four points, scoring twice while adding two assist in a 7-6 overtime loss to the Owen Sound Attack on Jan. 31st.

A 17-year-old from Burlington, Ont., Patterson currently leads OHL rookies with 16 goals, adding 22 assists for 38 points over 44 games. The 6-foot, 194Ib. centreman joined the Colts last summer, coming over in a trade from the Flint Firebirds who selected him in the third round (57th overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. A former OHL Cup champion with the Mississauga Senators U16 program, Patterson was the OJHL Rookie of the Year in 2022-23, recording 73 points (30-43–73) over 52 games with the North York Rangers Jr. A program. Patterson was the 116th ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midseason NHL Draft Rankings released on Jan. 12th.

Also considered for the award this month, December Rookie of the Month award recipient Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs put up 13 points (2-11–13) over 11 contests.

2023-24 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
January – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
December – Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
November – Filip Mesar (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)

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

Goaltender of the Month:
January – Michael Simpson (London Knights)
December – Marcus Vandenberg (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)

Rookie of the Month:
January – Riley Patterson (Barrie Colts)
December – Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs)
November – Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)
October – Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)


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