URONEN, LALONDE AND REID 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, January 19, 2025.



Frontenacs’ Tuomas Uronen Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Vegas Golden Knights prospect Tuomas Uronen of the Kingston Frontenacs is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering two goals, four assists and six points in a pair of wins last week.

Uronen started the week strong with a goal and an assist on Friday, earning second-star honours as the Frontenacs defeated the Soo Greyhounds 3-1. He followed up on Sunday with another standout performance, contributing a goal and three assists to secure second-star recognition again in a 6-2 victory over the Erie Otters.

A 19-year-old forward from Kerava, Finland, Uronen has recorded 51 points (22-29–51) in 36 games this season. Originally selected by the Ottawa 67’s in the first round of the 2023 CHL Import Draft, the 6-foot, 194lb. right-winger has skated in 47 regular season games split between the 67’s and Frontenacs, tallying 24 goals, 33 assists and 57 points. The Vegas Golden Knights’ sixth round (192nd overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Uronen recently won a silver medal with Team Finland at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.

Also considered for the award this week, Calgary Flames prospect Luke Misa of the Brampton Steelheads recorded five points (3-2–5), including a hat-trick, in two contests. Erie Otters teammates in Sam Alfano and Pano Fimis were also exceptional, each tallying three goals, three assists and six points in three games played.

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



Greyhounds’ Nolan Lalonde Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Nolan Lalonde of the Soo Greyhounds is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, earning two shutouts along with a 0.00 goals-against average and 1.000 save percentage.

Acquired by the Greyhounds at the OHL trade deadline, Lalonde continued to make a strong first impression with his new team. He stopped all 36 shots he faced on Thursday in a commanding 7-0 shutout win over the Peterborough Petes. He was back in net on Sunday, turning aside 24 shots to secure his second shutout of the weekend and fifth of his OHL career in a 3-0 victory over the Ottawa 67’s.

The 20-year-old overage netminder has appeared in 25 games this season between Sault Ste. Marie and Kingston, posting an 11-8-5-0 record, including three shutouts, a 3.07 goals-against average and an .889 save percentage. The 6-foot-2, 197lb. netminder was selected by the Erie Otters in the third round (49th overall) of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. Over four OHL seasons split between Erie, Saginaw, Kingston, and Sault Ste. Marie, he has played in 156 regular season games, amassing a 67-61-10-6 record, five shutouts, a 3.58 goals-against average, and .875 save percentage. In the 2024 OHL Playoffs, Lalonde made 12 appearances with the Spirit, earning a 5-7-0-0 record, a 2.79 goals-against average, and an .893 save percentage. A Kingston, Ont. native, he hosted and won the 2024 Memorial Cup with the Saginaw Spirit. Lalonde signed a three-year entry-level contract as a free agent with the Columbus Blue Jackets in October 2022.

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



Greyhounds’ Chase Reid Named OHL Rookie of the Week

Chase Reid is the OHL Rookie of the Week, recording six assists over three games played.

Reid kicked off a weekend road trip with three assists on Thursday, earning second star honours as the Greyhounds blanked the Peterborough Petes 7-0. He added another assist on Friday, though Sault Ste. Marie fell 3-1 to the Kingston Frontenacs. The 6-foot-2, 185lb. blueliner wrapped up the week with two assists on Sunday, contributing to the Greyhounds’ second shutout of the week in a 3-0 victory over the Ottawa 67’s.

A 17-year-old from Chesterfield, MI., Reid joined the Greyhounds in mid-December after starting the 2024-25 season with the Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL) where he recorded six goals and six assists in 18 games played. In his first 15 games with the Greyhounds, Reid has tallied one goal and 18 assists for 19 points. He was selected by Sault Ste. Marie in the seventh round (125th overall) of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Detroit Victory Honda 15U AAA program. A late 2007-born blueliner, Reid isn’t NHL Draft eligible until 2026.

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

HE, COSTANZO 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, October 6, 2024.



IceDogs’ Kevin He Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Winnipeg Jets prospect Kevin He of the Niagara IceDogs is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals along with four assist for seven points over two games played.

He registered an assist on Friday night, contributing to the IceDogs’ 5-3 triumph over the Oshawa Generals. On Sunday, the 6-foot, 180lb. forward delivered a career-best performance, racking up three goals and three assists for an impressive six-point night. The six points tie a Niagara IceDogs single game franchise record. Securing a perfect weekend for the IceDogs, He’s standout showing earned him first-star honours in a 7-3 victory over the Brampton Steelheads.

An 18-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., He ranks fourth among OHL point-producers so far this season, tallying six goals, five assists and 11 points in four games played. Selected in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Winnipeg Jets, He has recorded 98 points (58-40–98) in 134 career OHL regular season games with the IceDogs after being chosen in the second round, 25th overall by the club in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, 2025 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads found the scoresheet, totaling seven points (4-3-7) in three games played. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Luca Pinelli was a standout for the Ottawa 67’s, registering four goals, an assist and five points in a pair of victories.

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



Spitfires’ Joey Costanzo Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Joey Costanzo of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0 with a shutout, along with a 0.50 goals-against average and .981 save percentage.

Stopping 53 of the 54 shots he faced last week, Costanzo turned aside all 27 shots that came his way to earn second star honours in a 5-0 victory over the Soo Greyhounds on Thursday night. The 6-foot-1, 174lb. netminder was back in the crease on Saturday, stopping 26 of the 27 shots he faced as the Spitfires closed out a perfect weekend with a 5-1 road win over the Brantford Bulldogs.

A 19-year-old from Toronto, Ont., Costanzo currently leads all OHL goaltenders with a league-best .943 save percentage this season across four games played. Originally drafted by the Niagara IceDogs in the second round (23rd overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Costanzo has played to a 45-39-2-3 record including two shutouts over 100 regular season games split between the IceDogs and the Spitfires, with a career save percentage of .880 and a 4.09 goals-against average.

Also considered or the award this week, Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Nolan Lalonde of the Kingston Frontenacs went 1-0-0-1, including a shutout. Edmonton Oilers prospect Nathan Day of the Flint Firebirds was also a standout, making 55 saves in a two-win weekend.

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

Beckham Edwards of the Sarnia Sting is the OHL Rookie of the Week, registering three goals, an assist, and four points in three games played.

Edwards opened the week with a goal on Friday night as the Sting came up short in a 5-4 shootout loss to the Saginaw Spirit. The 6-foot-1, 170lb. centreman earned second star honours on Saturday, tallying a pair of goals in a 3-2 overtime loss against the Flint Firebirds. Edwards closed out the weekend with an assist on Sunday as the Sting earned two points in a 2-1 win over the Soo Greyhounds.

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 ranks second among all OHL rookies in points this season, registering five (4-1-5) points in as many games played.

Also considered for the award this week, a pair of Niagara IceDogs teammates in Braidy Wassilyn (2-2-4) and Max Crete (2-1-3) were productive on the ice, contributing to a two-win weekend for the club.

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

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)

SIX OHL PLAYERS TO REPRESENT CANADA AT 2022 IIHF WORLD UNDER-18 HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – Six Ontario Hockey League players have been named to Canada’s roster for the upcoming 2022 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship that will take place from April 23rd to May 1st in Landshut and Kaufbeuren, Germany.

Hockey Canada announced the roster of 25 players on Monday afternoon. Two of the OHL players named to the roster, Sudbury’s Kocha Delic and Niagara’s Pano Fimis, won bronze as part of Team Canada at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics.

The roster also includes David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves who led the OHL in rookie scoring with 33 goals and 73 points over 66 games. Erie Otters netminder Nolan Lalonde led all OHL rookies in minutes played with 3,066, the fourth-highest total in the OHL. Fimis comes off a strong rookie season that saw him collect 30 assists, a new record by an IceDogs rookie.

Six OHL Players Representing Canada at 2022 U18 Worlds:

Forwards:
Kocha Delic (Sudbury Wolves)
Pano Fimis (Niagara IceDogs)
David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)

Defencemen:
Nolan Collins (Sudbury Wolves)
Spencer Sova (Erie Otters)

Goaltenders:
Nolan Lalonde (Erie Otters)

“We are excited to unveil the 25 players that will wear the Maple Leaf at the 2022 IIHF U18 World Championship and take on the challenge of winning a second-consecutive gold medal,” said director of player personnel Alan Millar. “For many of these players, this is the first time they will represent their country in international competition, and we know they are excited for the opportunity to compete on the world stage.”

Canada will open the 2022 IIHF U18 World Championship against the United States on April 23 at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT, and will also take host Germany on April 24 and Czechia on April 26.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast 13 games throughout the tournament, including all Team Canada preliminary-round games, four quarterfinals, both semifinals, and the bronze and gold medal games.

Since 2002, Canada has won four gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021), in addition to one silver (2005) and three bronze (2012, 2014, 2015).

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter.


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.

LALONDE AND JOHNSTON 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, January 9, 2022.

Spitfires’ Wyatt Johnston Named OHL Player of the Week

Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals and six assists for eight points in two games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-6.

Johnston helped the Spitfires climb to within two points of the West Division-leading Soo Greyhounds, defeating them in back-to-back games on the road. Johnston earned first star honours in Windsor’s first action since Dec. 28th on Saturday, scoring while adding three assists in a 5-2 win. He added another goal and three more helpers in Sunday’s 10-4 victory over the Greyhounds, picking up second star recognition in his fourth 4+ point outing of the season. He also extended his current point streak to seven games.

An 18-year-old native of Toronto, Ont., Johnston has climbed into a tie for second in OHL scoring with 54 points (20-34–54) in 29 games. His 1.86 points-per-game are the third-most in the League while his 127 shots on goal have him tied for third. Johnston was selected by the Dallas Stars with the 23rd overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft. He was originally Windsor’s first round (6th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros U16 program.

Johnston is the OHL’s first player to claim Player of the Week honours twice this season.

Other candidates from the past week include Windsor Spitfires teammate Matthew Maggio who recorded seven points (3-4–7) in two games on a line alongside Johnston. Mississauga Steelheads forward Luca Del Bel Belluz was also in the running with seven points (2-5–7) in three games.

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 3 – Jan 9: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Ty Tullio (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Rory Kerins (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)


Otters’ Nolan Lalonde Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Nolan Lalonde of the Erie Otters is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, securing back-to-back wins with a 1.44 goals-against average and .957 save percentage in a pair of weekend contests.

Lalonde helped the Otters extend their winning streak to four, turning aside 67 of the 70 shots he faced to defeat the Kitchener Rangers in consecutive road wins. He made 27 saves and stopped four of five shootout opponents in a 3-2 win over the Rangers on Friday. Lalonde returned to the crease on Saturday, making a season-high 40 saves as the Otters prevailed over Kitchener 4-1 to earn second star recognition.

An 18-year-old from Kingston, Ont., Lalonde leads OHL rookies with nine wins, also posting a 3.59 goals-against average and .888 save percentage in 24 games this season. The 6-foot-1, 186Ib. goaltender was assigned a ‘C’ rating by NHL Central Scouting on their latest Players to Watch list for the 2022 NHL Draft. Lalonde was selected by Erie with their third round (49th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Niagara IceDogs netminder Josh Rosenzweig went 2-0-0-0, recording his first career OHL shutout to go with a 2.00 goals-against average and .945 save percentage. Montreal Canadiens prospect Joe Vrbetic of the North Bay Battalion made 71 saves across a pair of wins, recording a 2.37 goals-against average and .934 save percentage.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 3 – Jan. 9: Nolan Lalonde (Erie Otters)
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: Joe Ranger (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Owen Bennett (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Roman Basran (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Jacob Oster (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Tucker Tynan (Niagara IceDogs)


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 ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Cole Brown of the Hamilton Bulldogs, Hunter Haight of the Barrie Colts, Nolan Lalonde of the Erie Otters and Ethan Hay of the Flint Firebirds have been named Academic Players of the Month for November.

East Division: Rookie forward Cole Brown of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the East Division Academic Player of the Month for November with a 92.5 percent average in Grade 11 studies at Ancaster High School.

Currently studying Grade 11 University-level Functions and Health for Life, Brown’s teachers regularly comment on the amount of effort he puts into his homework and assignments.

“Cole enrolled in the maximum number of courses allowed in the new quadmester model and showed great resilience and perseverance in this accelerated format,” said Bulldogs academic advisor Sean Nicholson.

On the ice, the 16-year-old from Aurora, Ont. has four points (2-2–4) through his first nine games with the Bulldogs. He was selected with Hamilton’s third round (43rd overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the York-Simcoe Express U16 program. He scored his first career OHL goal on Nov. 18th in Peterborough.

Central Division: Barrie Colts centreman and top 2022 NHL Draft prospect Hunter Haight is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for November.

Haight has yet to receive a grade below an ‘A’ to this point in his high school career. The Grade 12 student at Innisdale Secondary School recently completed a Personal Physical Fitness course while studying Advanced Functions, Personal Life Management and a High Performance Athlete Co-op program. By the end of the current semester, Haight will have completed all six of his University-level Grade 12 classes including Data Management, Calculus, Vectors, Advanced Functions and Physics.

“Hunter’s scholastic ability is matched on the ice where he takes on a leadership role,” said Colts academic advisor Chris Cudmore. “He’s clearly integral to his team’s success and continues to excel away from the rink as well.”

The 17-year-old Haight has posted 11 points (5-6–11) over 18 games in his rookie season, being assigned a ‘B’ rating on NHL Central Scouting’s Players to Watch List. The Strathroy, Ont. product was Barrie’s first round (9th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection from the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs U16 program.

Midwest Division: Erie Otters goaltender Nolan Lalonde is the Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for November, excelling in his studies between Fairview High School and Blyth Academy.

Lalonde has taken on a heavy course-load that includes Grade 11 classes in English and Business in addition to Grade 12 Advanced Functions, English and Biology as well as Public Speaking.

“Nolan has a tremendous work ethic and has committed himself to being a true leader both in the classroom and on the ice,” said Otters academic advisor Jaime Cieszynski. “Nolan has adapted to the return to the classroom, his new home in Erie, and the pressures of his first OHL season while being a role model for his teammates.”

The 17-year-old from Kingston, Ont. has appeared in 15 games this season, going 5-8-1-0 with a 3.72 goals-against average and .884 save percentage. Lalonde was assigned a ‘C’ rating on NHL Central Scouting’s November Players to Watch List for the 2022 NHL Draft. He was Erie’s third round (49th overall) selection from the Kingston Jr. Gaels U16 program in 2020.

West Division: Flint Firebirds rookie forward Ethan Hay is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for November, recording an 88.4 percent average in Grade 11 studies through Grand Blanc High School and Blyth Academy.

Hay achieved a 97.2 percent average in Sociology, a 93 percent in English and a 75 percent in Mathematics, drawing high praise from his academic advisor.

“What has impressed me most about Ethan is his work ethic on and off the ice,” said Kevin Keilitz. “When he comes to school he doesn’t waste any time getting to his studies. Ethan was also a huge advocate of bringing a math tutor in to help with players who are struggling. There is no doubt in my mind that by the end of the semester his math grade will rise at least 10 percent.”

A 16-year-old from Waterloo, Ont., Hay has four points (2-2–4) through his first 17 games with the Firebirds. He was chosen by Flint with their third round (46th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Waterloo Wolves U16 program. Hay scored his first career OHL goal on Nov. 5th in Kitchener.

2021-22 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
November – Cole Brown (Hamilton Bulldogs)
October – Sam Alfano (Peterborough Petes)

Central Division:
November – Hunter Haight (Barrie Colts)
October – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)

Midwest Division:
November – Nolan Lalonde (Erie Otters)
October – Cal Uens (Owen Sound Attack)

West Division:
November – Ethan Hay (Flint Firebirds)
October – Bronson Ride (Windsor Spitfires)

A total of 343 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2020-21 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.1 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.

Click here for more information about ‘OHL Players First’ programs.


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 NETMINDERS INVITED TO HOCKEY CANADA’S VIRTUAL PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE GOALTENDING CAMP

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada continues preparations for the 2020-21 season with a virtual four-day Program of Excellence goaltending camp from June 9-12.

Typically serving as the initial evaluation stage for summer development and selection camps for Canada’s national men’s teams, the online camp will focus on goaltender development and evaluation through online education.

Twenty-three of the top goaltenders in Canada will participate in camp, as well as 11 elite-level instructors. The list of goaltenders includes five at the under-20 level, six at the under-18 level and 12 at the under-17 level.

“The Program of Excellence goaltending camp is a great opportunity to bring together the top young goaltenders in the country and assist with the development process for these athletes,” said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of national teams for Hockey Canada. “Despite the unique nature of this year’s camp and the switch to an online delivery for our programs, we believe all 23 goalies will benefit from world-class instruction as we continue to prepare for a new season.”

Online sessions will include goaltender development, mental and physical performance, planning for short-term competition, environments for success, embracing the role of a back-up goaltender and more.

OHL Goaltenders Invited to Program of Excellence Goaltending Camp

Under-20 Goaltenders:
Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)

Under-18 Goaltenders:
Matteo Drobac (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Benjamin Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)

Under-17 Goaltenders:
Nolan Lalonde (Kingston Jr. Gaels U16/Erie Otters)*
Jackson Parsons (Cornwall Colts U18/Kitchener Rangers)*

*- committed to OHL member team for 2020-21 season

For more information on Hockey Canada and the Program of Excellence, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Twitter.com/HC_Men.