BARKEY, HILLEBRANDT AND ROBINSON 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 playoff games ending Sunday, April 13.



Knights’ Denver Barkey Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Philadelphia Flyers prospect Denver Barkey of the London Knights is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering four goals, three assists and seven points in a pair of victories.

The Knights captain played a pivotal role in securing a 2-0 second round series lead over the Erie Otters last week. He recorded a hat trick and was named first star in Thursday’s 6-3 win, before adding a goal and three assists to earn first star honours once again in Saturday’s 7-2 victory.

Selected 16th overall by the London Knights in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, the soon-to-be 20-year-old from Newmarket, Ont. recorded 82 points (25-57-82) in 50 regular season games, and currently ranks second in playoff scoring with 19 points (9-10-19) through six contests in the 2024-25 postseason. Now in his fourth season with the Knights, Barkey has amassed 258 points (89-169-258) over 228 career regular season games, along with 72 points (27-45-72) in 49 playoff appearances. The 5-foot-10, 171-pound forward was a key part of the Knights’ OHL championship run last season. He was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round (95th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Also considered for this week’s award, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect and Knights forward Easton Cowan registered seven points (2-5-7) across the two victories. Vancouver Canucks prospect Riley Patterson contributed three goals and three assists to help the Barrie Colts take a 2-0 series lead, while Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs stood out with six points (4-2-6) in a pair of wins.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 7 – Apr. 13: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Mar. 31 – Apr. 6: Owen Griffin (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 24 – Mar. 30: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)

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)



Colts’ Sam Hillebrandt Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Sam Hillebrandt of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, following a pair of wins with a 3.00 goals-against average and .928 save percentage.

Stopping a total of 77 shots last week, Hillebrandt backstopped the Colts to a 2-0 series lead over the Kingston Frontenacs. He turned aside 38 of 40 shots on Thursday, earning first star honours in Barrie’s 6-2 win. The 6-foot-1, 170lb. netminder returned to the crease on Saturday with a 39-save performance as the Colts skated to a 7-4 victory.

A 20-year-old from Riverview, Florida, Hillebrandt posted a 21-13-0-2 record during the regular season, along with a 3.16 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. He’s appeared in five playoff contests so far in 2024-25, maintaining an undefeated 5-0 record with a 3.20 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. Originally from Michigan, Hillebrandt played in the Detroit Little Caesars AAA program before relocating to Florida. He captured gold with the U.S. National Junior Team at both the 2024 and 2025 World Juniors. The Colts signed Hillebrandt as a free agent ahead of the 2022-23 season following his time with the Florida Alliance North 16U program in 2021-22. Across 76 career regular season OHL appearances, he holds a 38-29-2-2 record with one shutout, a 3.41 goals-against average, and a .900 save percentage.

Also considered for the award this week, Joey Costanzo of the Windsor Spitfires played to a 2-0 record along with a 1.00 goals-against average and .947 save percentage, while Austin Elliott of the London Knights was also a standout, going 2-0 with a 2.50 goals-against average and .902 save percentage.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 7 – Apr. 13: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Mar. 31 – Apr. 6: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Mar. 24 – Mar. 30: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)

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)



Spitfires’ Andrew Robinson Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Andrew Robinson of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Rookie of the Week, registered a goal in a pair of victories last week.

Helping the Spitfires take a 2-0 series lead over the Kitchener Rangers, the 6-foot, 185lb. defenceman scored his first career OHL goal on Thursday and earned second star honours in a 5-1 win.

Selected by Windsor in the third round (58th overall) of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Vaughan Kings U16 AAA program, the 17-year-old from Oakville, Ont. native appeared in four regular season games with the Spitfires this season. He spent the majority of 2024-25 with the OJHL’s Georgetown Raiders, tallying three goals, 31 assists and 34 points in 53 games played.

2024-25 OHL Rookies of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 7 – Apr. 13: Andrew Robinson (Windsor Spitfires)
March. 31 – Apr. 6: Noah Read (London Knights)
March. 24 – March. 30: Ethan Garden (Windsor Spitfires)

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)
 

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has long been regarded as the number one development league in the world, continuing to serve as a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League. The OHL consists of 20 teams, with 17 located in Ontario, two in the state of Michigan and one in the state of Pennsylvania. A proud member of the Canadian Hockey League, the OHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships, with over 329 graduates receiving OHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice in 2024-25, resulting in a collective investment of over $42 million by OHL member teams over the past 15 years.

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

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.

PROTAS, MCIVOR AND ZURAWSKI 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 23, 2025.



Spitfires’ Ilya Protas Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas of the Windsor Spitfires is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering five goals, nine assists and 14 points over four contests.

Protas opened the week with a goal and an assist on Monday as the Spitfires secured a 4-1 Family Day win over the Owen Sound Attack. He added two goals and two assists on Friday in a 6-5 overtime loss to the Sarnia Sting. The 6-foot-5, 200lb. forward tallied three assists on Saturday in a 5-4 loss to the Flint Firebirds. Protas capped off the week with a five-point performance on Sunday, recording two goals and three assists to earn first star honours in a 7-3 win over the Saginaw Spirit. Protas reached the 40-goal mark to become the highest goal-scoring import player in Spitfires franchise history.

The 18-year-old from Vitebsk, Belarus, has appeared in 52 games with the Spitfires this season, recording 41 goals, 57 assists, and 98 points. Protas ranks fourth in OHL scoring and third in goals. He was selected third overall by Windsor in the 2024 CHL Import Draft after being chosen in the third round (75th overall) by the Washington Capitals in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs posted seven goals and five assists in four games played. Protas’ Spitfires teammate Ryan Abraham was also a standout, tallying five goals and five assists in three outings.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
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, going 3-0 along with a 1.32 goals-against average and .956 save percentage.

Turning aside an impressive 108 shots last week, McIvor started with a 3-2 Family Day victory over the Ottawa 67’s on Monday, making 22 saves. He provided relief on Thursday, stopping 22 of 23 shots in a 5-1 loss to the Saginaw Spirit. The 6-foot-1, 174lbs. netminder returned to the crease Friday, making 31 saves to earn first-star honours in a 4-1 win over the Flint Firebirds. McIvor closed out the week with a 5-1 victory against the Sarnia Sting, turning aside 33 of 34 shots on the road on Sunday.

An 18-year-old from Warkworth, Ont., McIvor holds a 17-14-2-0 record this season, including two shutouts, with a 2.82 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage over 36 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 25-25-2-0 with a 3.12 goals-against average, a .900 save percentage, and three shutouts in 56 regular-season games. McIvor was recently 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 2-1 with a 2.30 goals-against average and .936 save percentage, while Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals was also a standout in the crease, going 2-0-1-0 along with a 1.68 goals-against average and .943 save percentage.

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



Attack’s Cole Zurawski Named OHL Rookie of the Week

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

Zurawski opened the week with an assist on Monday in Owen Sound’s 4-1 loss to the Windsor Spitfires. He found the scoresheet again Thursday, recording a goal and an assist to earn second star honours in a 5-1 win over the Barrie Colts. The 6-foot, 181lb. right-winger added another goal Friday in an 8-1 loss to the Sudbury Wolves. Zurawski capped off Owen Sound’s week on the road with the overtime winner in Sunday’s 4-3 road win over the Soo Greyhounds.

A 17-year-old from Barrie, Ont., Zurawski has recorded 15 points (6-9-15) in 32 games this season between the Owen Sound Attack and Flint Firebirds. Selected by Flint with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, he was traded to Owen Sound on January 8, 2025, in exchange for Sam McCue and draft picks. Zurawski also represented Team Canada White at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, winning gold this past November.

Also considered for the award this week, Soo Greyhounds blueliner Chase Reid recorded six points (2-4–6) in three games while Guelph Storm forward Lev Katzin (1-4–5) and Sudbury Wolves forward Hudson Chitaroni (0-5–5) each produced five points.

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

LARDIS, GEORGE AND CLOUTIER 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, October 13, 2024.



Bulldogs’ Nick Lardis Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering seven goals, two assists and nine points in three road wins last week.

Lardis opened the week with a goal on Thursday in a 3-2 win over the North Bay Battalion. He followed up with a two-goal, one-assist performance in 6-4 victory over the Soo Greyhounds on Friday. The 5-foot-11, 185lb. right-winger closed out the week with a career-high five-point performance on Sunday, registering four goals and an assist to earn first star honours in a 9-3 win against the Sudbury Wolves.

The 19-year-old from Oakville, Ont., leads all OHL skaters in goals and ranks second in points this season with 48 goals, 33 assists, and 81 points in 47 games. Selected in the third round (67th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft, Lardis has recorded 132 goals, 101 assists, and 233 points in 216 regular season games over four seasons spent between the Bulldogs and Peterborough Petes after being drafted sixth overall by Peterborough in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. He has also found success on the international stage, winning bronze with Team Canada at the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship.

Also considered for the award this week, Calgary Flames prospect Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit tallied three goals and five assists over three games. Fellow Flames prospect Jacob Battaglia of the Kingston Frontenacs also impressed, notching eight points (3-5-8) in three contests.

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



Attack’s Carter George Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Los Angeles Kings prospect Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season, going 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage.

Turning aside 59 shots last week, George stopped 30 of the 31 shots that came his way on Saturday in a 3-1 victory against the Ottawa 67’s. The 6-foot-1, 190lb. netminder returned between the pipes on Sunday, making 29 saves on 31 shots to earn second star honours in a 5-3 win over the Brampton Steelheads.

An 18-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ont, George holds an 8-17-2-3 record this season with a 3.53 goals-against average and .902 save percentage over 31 games. Drafted in the third round (53rd overall) by Owen Sound in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, George is in his third OHL season, with a career record of 38-41-8-6, a 3.28 goals-against average, .907 save percentage, and four shutouts in 97 regular season games played. Selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round (57th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, George earned recognition as the OHL’s Top Academic High School Player and Scholastic Player of the Year in 2023-24. He was also voted to the League’s Third All-Star Team and the First All-Rookie Team. On the international stage, he claimed gold with Team Canada at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the Under-18 World Championship last season.

Also considered for the award this week, Edmonton Oilers prospect Nathan Day of the Flint Firebirds was excellent, going 1-0-0-1 with a 1.44 goals-against average and .953 save percentage, while Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryerson Leenders of the Brantford Bulldogs played to a 2-0 record, along with a 2.50 goals-against average and .924 save percentage.

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



Spirit’s Jacob Cloutier Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Saginaw Spirit forward Jacob Cloutier is the OHL Rookie of the Week, recording three goals in three games played.

Cloutier opened the week with a goal on Thursday in a 9-5 loss to the Saginaw Spirit. After a 5-4 win over the Kitchener Rangers on Saturday, the 5-foot-10, 170lb. right-winger registered a pair of goals on Sunday, helping the Spirit skate past the Soo Greyhounds 5-2.

Selected in the second round (35th overall) by Saginaw in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, the Ottawa, Ont., native has tallied 18 goals, 20 assists, and a league-leading 38 points among rookies in 47 games this season. Appearing in four games with the Spirit during the 2023-24 campaign, Cloutier spent the majority of last season with Saginaw’s GOJHL affiliate, the Chatham Maroons, where he recorded 31 points (11-20-31) in 29 contests.

Also considered for the award this week, Beckham Edwards of the Sarnia Sting recorded four points (2-2–4), while Niagara IceDogs netminder Matthew Humphries went 0-0-0-1 with a 2.77 goals-against average and .927 save percentage.

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

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Month for November 2024.


Player and Defenceman of the Month – Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
San Jose Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson of the London Knights has been named the OHL Player and Defenceman of the Month for November. He registered six goals, 19 assists, and 25 points, along with a plus/minus rating of plus-12 in 13 games played. Dickinson ranks first among OHL defencemen and third overall in OHL points this season, with 15 goals, 30 assists, and 45 points in 24 games. He recorded at least one point in 12 of his 13 November outings, including a career-high six-point performance on November 23 with a goal and five assists in a 6-5 win over the Saginaw Spirit. Dickinson also netted his second hat trick of the season on November 8 in a 6-2 victory over the North Bay Battalion, earning Player of the Week honours.

An 18-year-old from Toronto, Ont., Dickinson was formerly selected fourth overall by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. The 6-foot-3, 210Ib. left-shot blueliner has recorded 138 points (42-96–138) over 154 career regular season contests in London. He put up 13 points (4-9–13) over 18 games in last year’s playoffs as the Knights were crowned OHL champions. Dickinson was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Also considered for November’s Player of the Month Award, 2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit registered 22 points (7-15-22) in 11 games, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs tallied 13 goals and 13 assists (13-13-26) in 14 games, while recent University of Vermont commit Cedrick Guindon of the Kingston Frontenacs was also a standout, recording 23 points (10-13-23) in 13 contests.

Also considered for November’s Defenceman of the Month Award, Calgary Flames prospect Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit registered 17 points (5-12-17) in 10 games, while 2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters also performed, tallying five goals, 10 assists and 15 points with a plus/minus rating of plus-16 in 11 contests.


Goaltender of the Month – Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Kitchener Rangers goaltender Jackson Parsons has been named the OHL Goaltender of the Month for November. Making 230 saves throughout the month, Parsons posted a 5-3-0-0 record, a 1.26 goals-against average, .958 save percentage, and three shutouts. He currently leads the OHL with a 2.12 goals-against average, a .926 save percentage, and a 14-5-1-0 record through 20 games this season. The fourth-year veteran was a standout in November, making 30+ saves in four outings and earning shutouts on November 8, 17, and 23. Parsons was also named OHL Goaltender of the Week twice during the month. He became the first OHL player to commit to an NCAA DI hockey program this season, heading to Clarkson University for 2025-26.

A 20-year-old native of Embrun, Ont., Parsons boasts a career record of 51-37-5-0 with a 3.07 goals-against average, a .900 save percentage, and seven shutouts in 98 regular season appearances with the Rangers. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 202lb., Parsons was selected by Kitchener in the third round (53rd overall) of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection from the Cornwall Colts U18 AAA program.

Also considered for the award this month, Aleksei Medvedev of the London Knights was impressive, compiling a perfect 6-0-0-0 record with a 1.98 goals-against average, a .935 save percentage, and one shutout.


Rookie of the Month – Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
London Knights goaltender Aleksei Medvedev has been named the OHL Rookie of the Month for November after an outstanding performance. The first-year netminder posted a perfect 6-0-0-0 record, including his first OHL shutout on November 28 with 31 saves. He finished the month with a 1.98 goals-against average, a .935 save percentage, and five 30+ save performances, contributing to the Knights’ ongoing 18-game win streak. This season, Medvedev holds an 11-2-0-0 record, a 2.64 goals-against average, and a .918 save percentage, ranking fourth in save percentage and fifth in GAA among OHL goaltenders. Medvedev earned multiple accolades in November, being named OHL Goaltender of the Week once and OHL Rookie of the Week on two occasions.

The 17-year-old from St. Petersburg, Russia was selected by London in the second round (38th overall) of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. The 6-foot-3, 180Ib. netminder was recently listed as a C-rated prospect on NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Players to Watch list for the 2025 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this month, Saginaw Spirit forward Dimian Zhilkin had nine points (5-4–9) in 12 games played. Ottawa 67’s goaltender Jaeden Nelson was also a standout, playing to a 3-0-0-2 record along with a 2.29 goals-against average and .917 save percentage.

2024-25 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
November – Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
October – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)

Defenceman of the Month:
November – Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
October – Luca Marrelli (Oshawa Generals)

Goaltender of the Month:
November – Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)

Rookie of the Month:
November – Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights)
October – Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires)

WILLIS, GEORGE AND EDWARDS NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, November 17, 2024.



Spirit’s Joey Willis Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Nashville Predators prospect Joey Willis of the Saginaw is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering nine goals, two assists and 11 points over three games played.

Willis opened the week with a Spirit single game record-setting five-goal performance on Wednesday, netting five straight markers to lead the Spirit to a 7-5 comeback win over the Flint Firebirds. He added a goal and an assist on Friday in a 7-5 loss to the Erie Otters. Willis capped off the week with a hat-trick and an assist on Saturday, claiming first star honours in a dominant 9-3 victory over the Sarnia Sting.

A 19-year-old from Elmhurst, IL., Willis has recorded 23 points (12-11-23) over 18 games played this season. Selected by Saginaw in the fourth round (79th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, the 5-foot-11, 185Ib. centreman has recorded 117 points (41-76–117) over 152 career regular season contests. He put up 11 points (4-7–11) over 17 games in last year’s playoffs before the 2024 host Spirit were crowned Memorial Cup champions. Willis was selected by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round, 111th overall of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Also given consideration for the award this week, San Jose Sharks prospect Quentin Musty registered nine points (3-6-9) in two games played. Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs was also a standout, tallying six goals, three assists and nine points in three contests, delivering back-to-back hat-tricks.

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



Attack’s Carter George Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Los Angeles Kings prospect Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, scoring a goal while going 1-1-0-0 with a 2.46 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage.

Turning aside an impressive 81 shots last week, George stopped 36 of the 37 shots that came his way on Thursday in a 4-1 victory over the Peterborough Petes. George made history in the matchup, scoring an empty-net goal to become the 11th netminder in OHL history to find the back of the net and the first to do so for the Owen Sound Attack. He provided relief on Friday, stopping 25 shots in a 7-1 loss to the Kingston Frontenacs. The 6-foot-1, 190lb. netminder returned between the pipes on Sunday, making 20 saves on 24 shots in a hard-fought 4-3 loss to the Ottawa 67’s.

An 18-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ont, George holds a 4-8-2-2 record this season with a 3.25 goals-against average and .907 save percentage over 17 games. Drafted in the third round (53rd overall) by Owen Sound in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, George is in his third OHL season, with a career record of 34-32-8-5, a 3.19 goals-against average, .909 save percentage, and four shutouts in 83 regular season games played. Selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round (57th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, George earned recognition as the OHL’s Top Academic High School Player and Scholastic Player of the Year in 2023-24. He was also voted to the League’s Third All-Star Team and the First All-Rookie Team. On the international stage, he claimed gold with Team Canada at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the Under-18 World Championship last season.

Also considered for the award this week, Kitchener Rangers netminder Jackson Parsons continued to shine, playing to a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout, along with a 0.50 goals-against average and .977 save percentage.

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



Sting’s Beckham Edwards Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Sarnia Sting forward Beckham Edwards is the OHL Rookie of the Week for the second time this season, recording three goals over three contests.

Edwards kicked off the week with a goal in Friday’s 5-3 loss to the London Knights. The 6-foot-1, 170lb. centreman added two more on Saturday in a 9-3 defeat to the Saginaw Spirit, giving him a league-leading total among rookies of nine goals.

Selected in the third round (46th overall) by the Sting in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Detroit Little Caesars U15 AAA program, Edwards sits tied for first among all OHL rookies in points this season, registering 14 (9-5-14) in 17 games played.

Also considered for the award this week, Niagara IceDogs forward Braidy Wassilyn contributed four assists in two contests, while Rowan Henderson of the Sudbury Wolves tallied a pair of goals and a helper in two games played.

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

CROMBIE, MARSHALL 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, October 13, 2024.



Bulldogs’ Calvin Crombie Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Brantford Bulldogs forward Calvin Crombie is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, leading the league with 10 points over three contests.

Crombie helped the Bulldogs rebound to go 3-0 this past week, scoring once while adding nine assists on a lethal line alongside Nick Lardis and Patrick Thomas. Crombie began the week with three assists in Wednesday’s 5-1 win over the visiting Sarnia Sting. The Bulldogs hit the road on Friday and Crombie took his offensive productivity with him to the nation’s capital, scoring while adding three assists in a 6-3 win over the Ottawa 67’s. Crombie closed out the week on Saturday, recording an assist on all three Brantford goals as the Bulldogs defeated the Kingston Frontenacs 3-2 in the game’s final minute.

A 19-year-old right-winger from Hamilton, Ont., Crombie is in his second season with the Bulldogs, putting up 11 points (1-10—11) through his first seven games of the season. A former 15th round (297th overall) pick by the London Knights in 2022, Crombie spent time with the GOJHL’s Caledonia Corvairs before entering the OHL. He is the nephew of former Knights forward Chris Crombie (1989-92).

Also given consideration for the award this week, Bulldogs linemate Nick Lardis put the finishing touches of Crombie’s playmaking, scoring six times while adding two assists over three games. Kitchener Rangers forward Adrian Misaljevic was also a standout, with seven points (3-4—7) over three games for the Blueshirts.

2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Calvin Crombie (Brantford Bulldogs)
Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Kevin He (Niagara IceDogs)
Sep. 25 – Sept. 29: Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)



Wolves’ Finn Marshall Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Sudbury Wolves netminder Finn Marshall is the OHL Goaltender of the Week after he went 2-0 with a 1.80 goals-against average, .946 save percentage and one shutout in a trio of appearances last week.

Marshall’s early-season success story continued as he opened the week with a 40-save shutout on Thursday in Peterborough, helping the Wolves skate to a 1-0 win at the PMC. Marshall was thrust into a relief appearance on Friday in Kingston as the Wolves came out on the short end of a 7-2 outcome. Wolves head coach Scott Barney went back to Marshall on Sunday in Ottawa, a start that resulted in 24 saves as Sudbury defeated the 67’s 4-1. In all, Marshall led the league with 87 saves across 167 minutes of action.

An 18-year-old from Toronto, Marshall 4-0 to begin his OHL career, recording a 2.09 goals-against average and .933 save percentage in the process. The former 13th round (246th overall) pick by Sudbury in 2022 spent last season with the OJHL’s Georgetown Raiders, playing to a mark of 17-11-1 with a 2.85 goals-against average and .915 save percentage over 33 contests.

Also considered for the award this week, Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryerson Leenders of the Brantford Bulldogs backstopped his team to a pair of road wins with a 1.50 goals-against average and .949 save percentage.

2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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, recording two goals and an assist over three contests.

Mbuyi helped the Attack earn five of a possible six points with a pair of wins following an overtime loss. He pitched in with an assist in Wednesday’s 5-4 defeat at the hands of the London Knights. Mbuyi and the Attack handed the Niagara IceDogs their first loss by a score of 6-4 on Friday in St. Catharines before the Bears returned home on Saturday, with Mbuyi scoring twice in a 7-2 win over the Peterborough Petes to earn second star recognition.

A 16-year-old left-winger from Mississauga, Ont., Mbuyi has four points (3-1—4) through his first seven OHL contests. 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 includes London Knights netminder Alexei Medvedev, who backstopped the green and gold to a pair of wins. Guelph Storm forward Alex McLean also scored a pair of goals across two games last week.

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


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has long been regarded as the number one development league in the world, continuing to serve as a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League. The OHL consists of 20 teams, with 17 located in Ontario, two in the state of Michigan and one in the state of Pennsylvania. A proud member of the Canadian Hockey League, the OHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships, with over 330 graduates receiving OHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice in 2023-24, resulting in a collective investment of over $3.9 million by OHL member teams.

LARDIS AND DONOSO 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, December 11, 2023.



Bulldogs’ Nick Lardis Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording five goals, two assists, and seven points over three contests as the Bulldogs earned five of a possible six points.

Lardis had a strong showing in Peterborough on Thursday, registering a goal against his former club as the Bulldogs defeated the Petes 4-2. The 5-foot-11, 171lb. forward found the scoresheet again on Friday, tallying a goal and an assist as the Bulldogs suffered a 6-5 overtime loss to the Kitchener Rangers. Lardis closed out the week with his first career OHL hat trick along with an assist on Saturday. He scored the overtime winner, earning first star honours as the Bulldogs bounced back, defeating the Rangers 5-4 in extra time.

An 18-year-old from Oakville, Ont., Lardis has recorded 35 points (23-12-35) through 28 outings this season as the Bulldogs own a record of 14-9-5-1. Originally selected sixth overall by the Peterborough Petes in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Oakville Rangers U16 program, Lardis has tallied 78 goals, 59 assists, and 137 points over 160 regular season games between the Petes and the Bulldogs. Lardis was selected in the third round (67th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week, overage forward Jack Beck of the Soo Greyhounds scored three times and added four assists to help the Greyhounds earn six points. Oliver Peer of the Windsor Spitfires was also productive, contributing a total of three goals and four helpers to a two-win weekend.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
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)
 



67’s’ Max Donoso Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Max Donoso of the Ottawa 67’s is the OHL Goaltender of the Week after he went 2-0, posting a 1.51 goals-against average and .957 save percentage in three appearances last week.

Stopping a total of 88 shots last week, Donoso turned aside 32 of the 34 shots he faced on Wednesday as the 67’s defeated the Oshawa Generals 3-2 in overtime. Donoso entered the game to begin the second period of Friday’s matchup against the Peterborough Petes, stopping 17 of the 18 shots that came his way as the 67’s fell by a score of 5-2. He returned to the crease on Sunday afternoon in Peterborough, earning first star honours with 39 saves in a 2-1 win over the Petes. Sunday’s win was the 50th of Donoso’s OHL career, making him the 10th goaltender in 67’s franchise history to reach the milestone.

A 20-year-old from Windsor, Ont., Donoso has appeared in 18 games this season, playing to a 2.83 goals-against average to go with a 9-6-1-0 record, .909 save percentage and one shutout. The 6-foot-1, 185Ib. netminder was the 67’s fifth round (98th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the Windsor Jr. Spitfires U16 program. He owns a career regular season mark of 50-25-2-7 with a 2.77 goals-against average, .903 save percentage and four shutouts in 92 contests.

Also considered for the award this week, Ben Gaudreau of the Erie Otters went 2-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average, and .961 save percentage as Erie defeated Niagara and Guelph. Ian Michelone of the Windsor Spitfires also secured a pair of wins, recording a 2.00 goals-against average along with a .945 save percentage as the Spits defeated Barrie and Flint.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
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.

Nick Lardis – Hamilton Bulldogs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
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The Hamilton Bulldogs acquired Nick Lardis from the Peterborough Petes on Jan 7. Photo by OHL Images.

Nick Lardis of the Hamilton Bulldogs has been one of the biggest risers on NHL Central Scouting’s draft lists and rightfully so. Ranked 96th among North American skaters on their mid term rankings, Lardis appeared at number 27 on their final list. He was the benefactor of a January 7th trade from the Peterborough Petes to the Bulldogs.

Lardis was the 6th overall pick at the 2021 OHL Priority Selection by the Petes. He would finish the campaign with 18 goals and 19 assists – not bad for a rookie. He got off to a good start this season but it wasn’t until the trade that he exploded. He more than doubled his production in the second half with Hamilton.

Lardis is now a solid second round pick on most rankings and a strong showing at the World Junior Championships Under-18 where he already has 3 goals in 2 games could potentially see some teams liking him in the very late first round.

The biggest difference after the trade is Lardis turned from complimentary piece to a driver in Hamilton. Because of his size, skating is key to Lardis’ game. At the CHL/NHL Top Prospects game fitness testing, Lardis ranked near the top in several categories: 5th in 30-meter backwards skate, 5th in weave agility, first in weave agility with the puck, 5th in transition ability, 2nd in transition ability with the puck, 1st in reaction ability and 4th in reaction ability with the puck. He finished at the top of the overall list in on-ice testing.

Lardis is one of the better skaters in the draft class, but he also brings a lot of energy with it. He gets on the forecheck quickly, can cause havoc and create turnovers and he can make plays once he gains possession. He’s a north-south player he uses his speed and energy to perfection.

Of course, there are things Lardis needs to work on. He’s going to have to add a lot of bulk and strength onto his frame and he’s going to have to bring the same intensity and energy to the defensive side of the puck.