LOCKHART AND BROCHU NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, April 30, 2023.



Petes’ Connor Lockhart Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Vancouver Canucks prospect Connor Lockhart of the Peterborough Petes is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, posting four goals, one assist and five points in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-1.

Lockhart pushed the Petes to the Eastern Conference Championship Series, scoring a hat trick as Peterborough defeated the Ottawa 67’s 5-4 in Game 6 of their second round series on Monday night. The 5-foot-9, 164lb. forward continued his scoring ways against North Bay on Friday, recording a goal and an assist as the Petes defeated the Battalion 3-2 in Game 1. Lockhart continues to excel on a line alongside Owen Beck and Chase Stillman as the Petes enter Tuesday’s Game 3 of their Conference Final series tied at one with the North Bay Battalion.

A 20-year-old from Kanata, Ont., Lockhart recorded 29 goals, 50 assists and 79 points in 66 games this season. He’s produced 154 points (61-93–154) over 187 career OHL regular season games between Peterborough and Erie since being selected by the Otters with the third overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. He’s currently produced 10 points (6-4–10) over 12 games in the 2023 OHL Playoffs. Lockhart was selected in the sixth round (178th overall) by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2021 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week, Petes teammate and Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck was productive, recording one goal and four assists in three games, while Seattle Kraken prospect Ryan Winterton of the London Knights had five points (2-3–5) in two victories.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 24 – Apr. 30: Connor Lockhart (Peterborough Petes)
Apr. 17 – Apr. 23: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Apr. 10 – Apr. 16: Evan Vierling (Barrie Colts)
Apr. 3 – Apr. 9: Luca Pinelli (Ottawa 67’s)
Mar. 27 – Apr. 2: Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit)

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 20 – Mar. 26: Ethan Miedema (Kingston Frontenacs)
Mar. 13 – Mar. 19: Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
Mar. 6– Mar. 12: Sahil Panwar (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Christian Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Braeden Bowman (Guelph Storm)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Nolan Burke (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Sean McGurn (London Knights)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Sahil Panwar (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Bryce McConnell-Barker (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Connor Lockhart (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Evan Vierling (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Ryan Gagnier (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Jorian Donovan (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Brody Crane (London Knights)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Matvey Petrov (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Deni Goure (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)




Knights’ Brett Brochu Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Brett Brochu of the London Knights is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the third time in the past four weeks, going 1-0 with a 0.62 goals-against average and .980 save percentage.

Brochu helped the Knights take a 2-0 series lead over the Sarnia Sting in the Western Conference Championship Series last week, turning aside 32 of the 33 shots he faced in a 4-1 win to earn first star honours on Friday. The 6-foot, 176lb. netminder stopped all 18 shots he faced in Sunday’s Game 2, leaving the game in the second period with an injury as the Knights went on to win by a score of 3-1.

A 20-year-old from Belle River, Ont., Brochu played to a 28-17-2-0 record with a 2.82 goals-against average and .902 save percentage in 47 games this past season. He’ll graduate with 89 regular season career victories, the second-most in London Knights franchise history. He posted a 2.67 goals-against average and .910 save percentage over 132 career regular season games, and also set a new OHL record for wins by a rookie goaltender with 32 in 2019-20. The overage netminder is currently 9-1 with a 1.48 goals-against average and .943 save percentage with four shutouts over 11 games in the 2023 OHL Playoffs. Brochu was London’s sixth round (114th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. He attended training camp with the Vancouver Canucks last October.

Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson of the Peterborough Petes went 2-1 with a 2.68 goals-against average and .928 save percentage, making 103 saves over three games played last week. Winnipeg Jets prospect Dom DiVincentiis of the North Bay Battalion went 2-2 with a 2.02 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 24 – Apr. 30: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Apr. 17 – Apr. 23: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Apr. 10 – Apr. 16: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
Apr. 3 – Apr. 9: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Mar. 27 – Apr. 2: Marco Costantini (Kitchener Rangers)

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 20 – Mar. 26: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Mar. 13 – Mar. 19: Liam Sztuska (Peterborough Petes)
Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Zach Bowen (London Knights)
Jan 30 – Feb. 5: Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan 23 – Jan. 29: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Jan 16 – Jan. 22: Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan 9 – Jan. 15: Matteo Drobac (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Marco Costantini (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Owen Flores (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Joe Ranger (Sudbury Wolves)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ivan Zhigalov (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Alessio Beglieri (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)


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.

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BECK AND MACKENZIE NAMEDOHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, October 23, 2022.



Steelheads’ Owen Beck Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals, six assists and nine points in two games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-2.

Beck tied a Steelheads record for most points in a single game on Friday, recording one goal and five assists in an 8-2 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs while also going 13-for-17 in the faceoff circle. His five assists equaled an all-time franchise record, marking the first time a Steelheads player has hit that mark since Nathan Bastian on Oct. 12, 2016 against Guelph. Beck continued his strong play on Saturday in Barrie, registering two goals and an assist as the Steelheads fell to the Colts in a narrow 6-5 defeat.

A 19-year-old native of Port Hope, Ont., Beck has produced six goals, six assists and 12 points in his seven games this season. He was a second round (33rd overall) pick of the Montreal Canadiens this past summer following 21 goals, 30 assists and 51 points in 68 games last season. Last year’s OHL and CHL Scholastic Player of the Year was originally Mississauga’s second round (29th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection from the Quinte Red Devils U16 program.

Also given consideration for the award this week were fellow Montreal Canadiens prospect Filip Mesar of the Kitchener Rangers, who recorded three goals and three assists including an overtime winner in his first two OHL contests. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ty Voit of the Sarnia Sting was also a standout, recording one goal and seven helpers (1-7-8) over three games to rise to the top of the OHL scoring race.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit) 
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)
 



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

Collin MacKenzie of the Ottawa 67’s is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories, a 0.60 goals-against average and a .976 save percentage, helping Ottawa continue its run of undefeated hockey to begin the 2022-23 season.

After the 67’s took a Thursday night win in North Bay, MacKenzie took the crease on Friday in Sault Ste. Marie, stopping 21 of the 22 shots that came his way before turning aside a new OHL record 15 consecutive Greyhounds shootout attempts. Gavin Ewles would end the second-longest shootout in OHL history in the 15th round as Ottawa improved to 8-0 with a 2-1 victory. The 67’s fell behind the Sudbury Wolves 3-0 on Sunday afternoon, prompting Ottawa coach Dave Cameron to put MacKenzie into the game 4:58 into the second period. He proceeded to stop all 14 shots he faced as the 67’s scored five unanswered goals to win 5-3 and extend their winning streak to nine games.

A 17-year-old from Elora, Ont., MacKenzie owns a 3-0-0-0 record with a 1.50 goals-against average and .937 save percentage in three games this season. The former eighth round (160th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection is a perfect 7-0-0-0 in his OHL career.

A pair of other candidates were given consideration for the award this week, including Owen Sound Attack netminder Nick Chenard who went 2-0-0-0 last week, posting a 1.50 goals-against average and .954 save percentage. Soo Greyhounds goaltender Charlie Schenkel was MacKenzie’s counterpart in Friday’s shootout marathon, stopping 33 shots through 65 minutes before turning away 14 of the 15 Ottawa shooters he faced in the shootout.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ivan Zhigalov (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Alessio Beglieri (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)


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 2021-2022 Academic Player of the Year Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the recipients of the League’s three Academic Player of the Year awards for the 2021-22 season.

Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads is the winner of the Bobby Smith Trophy as Scholastic Player of the Year presented by CIBC, Adam Varga of the Ottawa 67’s has earned the Roger Neilson Memorial Award as the Top Post-Secondary School Student for a second straight year, and Owen Sound Attack defenceman Cal Uens has been recognized as the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award recipient as OHL’s Top High School Student.

Beck will serve as the OHL’s nomination for the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award.


Bobby Smith Trophy (CIBC Scholastic Player of the Year) – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads:

Draft eligible forward Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads is the 2021-22 recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year presented by CIBC.

Beck is the latest Steelheads player to earn academic recognition from a program that has produced recent Bobby Smith Trophy winners in Thomas Harley (2019) and Nicolas Hague (2016). The 18-year-old centreman has been busy in the classroom, carrying a heavy course load that includes Advanced Functions (96%), University Chemistry (93%), Kinesiology (94%), Calculus (91%) and University Biology (93%), resulting in an overall average of over 93% in his Grade 12 studies at Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School. On the ice, Beck came in as the 10th ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings for the 2022 NHL Draft following a rookie season that yielded 21 goals, 30 assists and 51 points in 68 games for the Steelheads.

“Education has always been important to me throughout my hockey career,” said Beck. “Being able to balance two busy activities has given me life skills and characteristics that I will use for the rest of my life. On top of that, as much as every hockey player wants to make a career out of hockey, not everybody always can for reasons beyond the person’s control. I have worked very hard over the past several years to make sure I have put myself in a position where if hockey unfortunately doesn’t work out I have a solid education and many opportunities available to move forward with another career.”

A native of Port Hope, Ont., Beck emerged as one of the OHL’s premier presences in the faceoff circle, winning 60.6% of his draws. He was voted the Eastern Conference’s top face-off man in the OHL Coaches Poll. Following an impressive season that included being named the OHL’s Rookie of the Month in November, Beck helped the Steelheads reach the second round of the OHL Playoffs, recording six points (1-5–6) in 10 games. He was Mississauga’s second round (29th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

“The Mississauga Steelheads would like to congratulate Owen Beck for being named this year’s Bobby Smith Trophy recipient,” said Steelheads Head Coach and General Manager James Richmond. “The entire organization is so proud of Owen for everything we all see every game on the ice but even more so for what he does in the classroom. This is a huge accomplishment! Owen’s commitment and dedication both in the classroom and on the ice is exceptional and he’s a very deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”

Each year the Bobby Smith Trophy is presented to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence.  The trophy is in honour of Bobby Smith, a former Ottawa 67’s star who exhibited a standard of excellence in both of these areas.  Past recipients since the award was first presented in 1980 include three-time winner Dustin Brown (Guelph 2001-03), Steven Stamkos (Sarnia 2007), Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2008), Matt Duchene (Brampton 2009), Erik Gudbranson (Kingston 2010), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2011), Adam Pelech (Erie 2012), Darnell Nurse (Sault Ste. Marie 2013), back-to-back winner Connor McDavid (Erie 2014, ’15), Sasha Chmelevski (Ottawa 2017), Barrett Hayton (Sault Ste. Marie 2018), Thomas Harley (Mississauga 2019) and Cole Perfetti (Saginaw 2020).

Next in line for the award were a pair of other draft eligibles in forward Matthew Poitras of the Guelph Storm and top-ranked prospect Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs.


Roger Neilson Memorial Award (Top Post-Secondary Student) – Adam Varga (Ottawa 67’s):

For the second straight year, Ottawa 67’s forward Adam Varga is the recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award presented annually to the League’s Top Academic Post-Secondary Student.

Varga managed to exceed his 2020-21 benchmark of a 94% average, achieving a 95.8% mark over seven courses at the University of Maryland, excelling in Human Resources Management (100%), Technology and Culture (98%), Philosophy (98%), Biology (98%), Psychology (95%), Information Systems and Organizations (94%) and Integrated Market Communications (88%).

Varga joins former Mississauga Steelheads teammate Stephen Gibson (2017 & ’18), Windsor Spitfires graduate Derek Lanoue (2010 & ’11) and past 67’s netminder Danny Battochio (2005 & ’06) as the fourth back-to-back winner in League history.

“I am honoured to receive the Roger Neilson Memorial Award for the second time,” said Varga. “At a young age, my family instilled in me the importance of continuing my education. The OHL has allowed me to do just that. I would not be able to achieve this honour without the resources provided to me by the Ottawa 67’s organization. I want to thank the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, James Boyd, Jan Egert, and Eileen Duffin for the remarkable support they have given me to succeed. Coach Dave Cameron has also had a tremendous influence on me. From day one, he preached the importance of hard work and dedication. Not just on the ice but in everything I do.”

A 20-year-old native of Bel Air, Maryland, Varga recorded four goals, 11 assists and 15 points in 40 games with the 67’s in his overage season. The 6-foot-1, 181Ib. right-winger appeared in 205 career regular season contests between Ottawa and Mississauga, recording 18 goals, 30 assists and 48 points in the process. He was originally Mississauga’s seventh round (121st overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection.

“Adam’s strong leadership skills are evident both on the ice and in his approach to academics,” said 67’s General Manager James Boyd. “He has once again proven to be a diligent student athlete with excellent time management skills. What stands out most during his time with the 67’s is Adam’s relentless work ethic and perseverance towards every task that he dedicates his time to. We congratulate Adam and are all excited to follow and support him in the next phase of his career.”

The Roger Neilson Memorial Award is named in honour of the Hall of Fame Coach who served behind the Peterborough Petes bench in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  Neilson, a former high school teacher, was a pioneer in stressing the importance of education to all of his players. Varga is the third different 67’s player to receive the honour following back-to-back recipient Danny Battochio (2005, 2006) while joining Sasha Chmelevski (2019) as the second American-born player to have his name engraved on the trophy.

Finalists for the Roger Neilson Memorial Award include defencemen Luc Brzustowski of the Soo Greyhounds and Ryan Mast of the Sarnia Sting.


Ivan Tennant Memorial Award (Top Academic High School Student) – Cal Uens (Owen Sound Attack):

Owen Sound Attack defenceman Cal Uens is the 2021-22 recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award presented annually to the League’s Top Academic High School Student.

Uens achieved a 98.7% average in studies at Owen Sound District Secondary School, excelling in Business Leadership (100%), a pair of English courses (98%, 99%) and Challenge and Change in Society (98%). His impressive work ethic has resulted in him accumulating enough credits to graduate Grade 12 a year early, enabling him to begin taking University courses next season.

“It’s an honour to win the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award,” said Uens. “I would like to thank academic advisor Sarah Rowe and the Attack organization for giving me the best opportunities to be successful both on and off the ice.”

A 17-year-old native of Napanee, Ont., Uens recorded four goals, 14 assists and 18 points over 68 games in his rookie season on the Attack blue line. The 5-foot-8, 152Ib. defender was Owen Sound’s third round (42nd overall) choice in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. He will be eligible for the NHL Draft in 2023.

“The Attack organization would like to congratulate Cal Uens on being named the recipient of this year‘s Ivan Tennant Memorial Award,” said Attack General Manager Dale DeGray. “Cal has been an incredibly dedicated individual both on and off the ice. Contributing in all 68 games this season and at the same time will finish with enough credits to graduate Grade 12 a year early. This in itself without the added commitment of playing in the OHL would be a tremendous feat. It is great to see that Cal’s drive in the classroom has been rewarded.”

The Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is given to the League’s Top Academic High School Player and is named in honour of Ivan Tennant, who spent a lifetime combining hockey and education. He was the Kitchener Rangers’ Education Consultant for 20 years and a key figure on the OHL’s Education Consultant’s Committee. Uens follows other recent Attack recipients in Logan LeSage (2020) and Mack Guzda (2018 & ’19). Hamilton Bulldogs forward Lawson Sherk claimed the award in 2021.

Finalists for the award included rookies Sam Alfano of the Peterborough Petes and Matthew Poitras of the Guelph Storm.


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.

Owen Beck – Mississauga Steelheads – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
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Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by OHL Images

Production has never been an issue for the 19th ranked North American Skater in NHL Central Scouting’s mid term rankings – Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads. And he’s providing offense at the Ontario Hockey League level as well with 15 goals and 19 assists through 38 games. It was no surprise he was named the OHL Rookie of the Month in November.

The first thing you’ll notice about Beck is his skating. Flawless mechanics, great top end speed, initial steps great and superb edgework. If he’s not the best technical skater in the OHL Draft class, I don’t know who is. In today’s game that is all about skating and speed, Beck has that covered.

But skating alone doesn’t guarantee anything at the next level. The fact is that Beck thinks the game at such a high level and processes what is happening at great speed that he can make plays while flying at top speed. Combined with his vision and playmaking capabilities, those are dangerous combinations.

But there is more to Beck than that. His work ethic is extremely strong. Beck will never give up pursuit of the puck, battles along the wall or in the slot. But he isn’t reckless. Beck knows when to attack and when to “retreat” to defence. He has incredible hockey senses and IQ.

At the dot, Beck has the third most faceoff attempts in the OHL (790) third most wins (477) and the best faceoff percentage (60.4%) of any pivot that has taken more than 200 draws. With puck possession being as important as it is these days, he gives you a chance more times than not at starting with puck possession.

Beck also possesses an NHL ready shot with the power and accuracy to beat goaltenders. He can fire off one-timers, or use a wrister or snap shot. He has the full arsenal.

Beck’s game isn’t just offence. He is sound defensively, knows and understands positioning, his skating allows him to close in on the opposition, he gets into lanes and uses an active stick. The Mississauga coaching staff uses him to kill penalties and in the last minute to protect a lead, especially when the play is in their zone with a faceoff.

If there is one area I’d like to see improved, it’s adding some bulk and muscle. But you could say that about any player at this level. Once he bulks up and adds that strength, he’ll be tougher on the forecheck and in battles along the walls and in front of the opposition net.

Beck could turn into quite a find in the latter part of the first round for an NHL team.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in November 2021, including North Bay Battalion teammates Kyle Jackson and Joe Vrbetic, Hamilton Bulldogs defenceman Nathan Staios and Mississauga Steelheads forward Owen Beck.

OHL Player of the Month – Kyle Jackson (North Bay Battalion):
North Bay Battalion forward Kyle Jackson is the OHL Player of the Month for November, recording 22 points including 11 goals and 11 assists over 11 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-7. Jackson recorded points in 10 of his 11 outings to help the Battalion ascend to the top of the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 7-2-1-1 over the course of the month. The 6-foot-2, 191Ib. centreman scored his first career hat trick on Nov. 5th in Kingston, finishing with four points (3-1–4) in a 5-4 road win. He took centre stage with a first star performance on Nov. 18th against Ottawa, scoring a pair of goals to go with an assist in a 3-0 win over the 67’s. Jackson struck for the game winner and earned second star honours a night later in Oshawa as the Battalion doubled-up the Generals 4-2. He posted his third four-point performance of the season (2-2–4) on Nov. 26th in Kingston, garnering first star recognition as the Troops skated to a 5-2 win. Jackson is the Battalion’s first OHL Player of the Month recipient since Justin Brazeau earned the distinction in October 2018.

A 19-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Jackson is enjoying a breakout season in his third tour of duty with the Battalion, sitting tied for second in OHL scoring with 35 points (14-21–35) across 22 games. Jackson’s 27.5 percent shooting percentage is currently second-best in the OHL among players with at least 50 shots on goal. He’s recorded 60 career points (24-36–60) over 96 career regular season games with North Bay since being the club’s third round (49th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Nathan Staios (Hamilton Bulldogs):
Hamilton Bulldogs blueliner Nathan Staios is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for November, posting 12 points including three goals and nine assists over 10 games with a plus/minus rating of plus-9. The overage defenceman logged big minutes, helping push the Bulldogs to the top of the East Division standings with a November record of 6-2-1-1. Staios picked up a pair of assists in a 6-3 win over the Sudbury Wolves on Nov. 6th, found the back of the net as Hamilton fell to the Barrie Colts 4-3 a night later, and collected two more helpers on Nov. 12th as the Bulldogs defeated the Peterborough Petes 4-2. Staios matched a career-high on Nov. 18th with four points (0-4–4) in a 10-6 road win over the Petes. He struck for the game winner on Nov. 25th in Niagara as the Bulldogs beat the IceDogs 6-3, crossing the 100 career point threshold in the process. Staios becomes the first rearguard in Bulldogs history to earn Defenceman of the Month honours.

A 20-year-old product of Oakville, Ont., Staios sits tied for third in scoring among OHL defencemen with 19 points (4-15–19) over 20 games this season. The fourth-year defender’s 70 shots on goal are the second-most at his position Leaguewide. The son of long-time NHL defenceman, OHL graduate and Bulldogs president and general manager Steve Staios, he’s put up 101 points (22-79–101) over 198 career OHL regular season games between Hamilton and Windsor. Staios, who made his pro debut in six games with the AHL’s Utica Comets last season, was Windsor’s first round (17th overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection. He represented the St. Louis Blues at the Traverse City Prospects Tournament this past fall.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads):
Mississauga Steelheads centreman Owen Beck has been named OHL Rookie of the Month for November, producing 11 points including five goals and six assists over 11 games to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-5. Beck found the scoresheet in nine of his 11 November contests as the Steelheads played to a record of 8-2-0-1, holding down second place in the Central Division. The 6-foot, 180Ib. Beck earned second star honours on Nov. 5th, scoring while adding an assist in a 3-0 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs. He recorded another multi-point effort on Nov. 21st, chipping in a goal and an assist as the Steelheads defeated the Sudbury Wolves 7-2. Beck was excellent in the faceoff circle with a 57.5 percent rate at the dot in November. He’s the first Steelheads player to receive Rookie of the Month honours since Alexander Nylander earned the award three times during the 2015-16 season.

A 17-year-old native of Port Hope, Ont., Beck sits third in Steelheads scoring with 16 points (7-9–16) across 19 games. His 59 percent success rate in the faceoff circle is the League’s second-highest among centremen who have attempted at least 200 draws this season. Beck was assigned a ‘B’ rating on NHL Central Scouting’s November Players to Watch List released on Nov. 19th. He was Mississauga’s second round (29th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion):
Montreal Canadiens prospect Joe Vrbetic of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for November after posting a 6-0-1-1 record, 2.09 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and two shutouts across eight games. The 6-foot-6 Vrbetic went undefeated in regulation to help the Battalion surge to the top of the Central Division standings in a month of November that saw him string together 203 minutes and four seconds of consecutive shutout hockey. Vrbetic recorded back-to-back shutouts, making 14 saves on Nov. 14th in a 4-0 win over the Sudbury Wolves and an additional 23 in a 3-0 blanking of the Ottawa 67’s on Nov. 18th. He proceeded to pickup victories with a 23-save performance on Nov. 21st, defeating the Niagara IceDogs 7-3 and 24 stops on Nov. 26th as the Troops beat the Kingston Frontenacs 5-2. Vrbetic is the first Battalion netminder to claim the monthly honour since Patrick Killeen last did so as a member of the Brampton Battalion in February 2010.

A 19-year-old from Dunvegan, Ont., Vrbetic owns a record of 11-2-1-1 on the season with a 2.59 goals-against average, .907 save percentage and two shutouts over 15 games. Now in his second full season with the Battalion, he’s compiled an overall record of 25-27-2-1 with a 3.78 goals-against average and .887 save percentage in 58 regular season games since being a second round (31st overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. The Montreal Canadiens selected Vrbetic with their seventh round (214th overall) pick this past summer.

2021-22 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
November – Kyle Jackson (North Bay Battalion)
October – Sasha Pastujov (Guelph Storm)

Defenceman of the Month:
November – Nathan Staios (Hamilton Bulldogs)
October – Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Rookie of the Month:
November – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
October – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)

Goaltender of the Month:
November – Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion)
October – Brett Brochu (London Knights)

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 OCTOBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Sam Alfano of the Peterborough Petes, Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads, Cal Uens of the Owen Sound Attack and Bronson Ride of the Windsor Spitfires have been named the OHL Academic Players of the Month for October.

East Division: Sam Alfano of the Peterborough Petes is being recognized as October’s East Division Academic Player of the Month.

Alfano currently holds a 96% average in five Grade 12 U/M level courses at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School and posted the highest grade in the class with a perfect 100% on his Grade 12 University Data Management midterm. He is described by his teacher as a hard worker, well-mannered and very interactive with the students while balancing a busy hockey schedule.

The 17-year-old forward was drafted by the Petes 23rd overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection out of the Southern Tier Admirals U16 program and has scored one goal over his first eight OHL games. The Cayuga, Ont. native was named OMHA-SCTA Player of the Year in 2019-20 season with 63 points over 32 games with the Admirals.

Central Division: Mississauga’s Owen Beck is October’s Central Division Academic Player of the Month. In his studies at Philip Pocock CSS, he’s achieved a 95% in Advanced Functions and a 90% in University Chemistry.

“Owen exemplifies responsibility. He is always on time, his work is extremely organized, thoughtfully executed and he is a joy to teach,” said Genevieve Wong, Philip Pocock CSS Guidance Counsellor. “We are very proud of his accomplishments and congratulate him on being a role model student-athlete.”

The second round 2020 OHL Priority Selection choice currently holds two goals and two assists for four points in his first six games with the Steelheads. The 17-year-old forward from Port Hope, Ont. is a product of the Quinte Red Devils U16 program.

Midwest Division: Cal Uens of the Owen Sound Attack has been named the Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

At Owen Sound District Secondary School, Uens earned a 98% in Grade 12 University English, an 87% in his Ontario Literacy Course, an 80% in Grade 11 University Math, a 99% through two periods of Co-op, an 87% in Grade 12 University/College Business and a 99% in his Grade 12 University Leadership course.

“Cal has a tremendous work ethic and unparalleled initiative. His teachers all point to the fact that he can focus on a given task until completion,” wrote Attack academic advisor, Sarah Rowe. “He is never distracted. He is always the first to finish his assignments and is more than happy to help others. As a result, he is an amazing asset in the classroom.”

The rookie defender from Napanee, Ont. was drafted in the third round of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection and has one assist over his first eight OHL appearances. Prior to joining the Attack, Uens suited up for the Quinte Red Devils U16 program.

West Division: Windsor Spitfires defenceman Bronson Ride is the West Division Academic Player of the Month for October. Ride has had an excellent start to his studies at St. Anne High School and is currently taking Grade 11 University Math, Grade 11 University English, High Performance Co-op and Phys-ed Leadership. Several of his teachers have commented on his excellent writing and perspective.

Drafted 20th overall by the Spitfires in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection out of the Oakville Rangers U16 program, the 16-year-old defenceman has two assists through seven OHL contests this season.

2021-22 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
October – Sam Alfano (Peterborough Petes)

Central Division:
October – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)

Midwest Division:
October – Cal Uens (Owen Sound Attack)

West Division:
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 ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that rookies Sam Alfano of the Peterborough Petes, Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads, Gavin Bryant of the Owen Sound Attack and Nicholas De Angelis of the Windsor Spitfires have been named OHL Academic Players of the Month for March.

East Division: The Peterborough Petes’ Sam Alfano has been named the East Division Academic Player of the Month for March. He holds a 90% in Grade 12 Advanced Functions and an 85% in Grade 11 English at Brantford Collegiate Institute. “Sam has worked hard all year to maintain a high academic standard while planning personal workouts and ice time with the uncertainty of when the season will begin,” wrote Petes academic advisor, Shannon Fife.

The 17-year-old Cayuga, Ont. native was a second round pick of the Petes in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection out of the Southern Tier Admirals, where he notched 63 points in 32 games and was recognized as the OMHA- SCTA Player of the Year.

Central Division: Mississauga’s Owen Beck is March’s Central Division Academic Player of the Month. He has maintained an overall average of 92% at Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School.

“Owen is described by his teachers as being a lovely student. He is high achieving, asks questions to clarify his understanding, is very diligent and hardworking,” wrote Genevieve Wong, guidance councellor at Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School. “In addition to his academic strengths, he is polite, respectful, and conscientious.  Overall, Owen is a pleasure to have in class and as part of the Pocock community.”

The 17-year-old product of Port Hope, Ont. was drafted 29th overall by the Steelheads in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection following a 39-point season with OMHA gold medalist Quinte Red Devils.

Midwest Division: Gavin Bryant of the Owen Sound Attack has been named the Midwest Division’s Academic Player of the Month for March. The centreman is on track to complete 12 credits this year at Owen Sound District Secondary School and Blyth Academy. He scored an 80% in Grade 12 University English this past summer, earned an 82% in Grade 12 University Sociology and 94% in Grade 11 University Math during Quadmester 1. Bryant also maintained a 95% in his Ontario Literacy Course as well as a 94% over three periods of Co-op. He is awaiting final scores for Grade 11 Biology and three more periods of Co-op.

“While some students have found online learning difficult and have had trouble motivating themselves, Gavin Bryant has seen this as an opportunity to focus on schooling while his hockey schedule is lighter,” wrote Attack academic advisor Sarah Rowe. “His maturity is off the charts. As a 16-year-old he is already taking the lead to assist other students in their studies. His teachers are also impressed with his maturity, commenting that his insights and attention to detail are well beyond those of his peers. We can’t wait to see this young man in an Owen Sound Attack uniform.”

The Ingersoll, Ont. native was a second round pick of the Attack at the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He impressed with 40 points in 31 games with the Brantford 99ers during the 2019-20 season.

West Division: Windsor Spitfires defenceman Nicholas De Angelis is the West Division Academic Player of the Month for March. A Grade 11 student at St. Anne Catholic High School, he is currently enrolled in Grade 12 University Biology and Grade 12 University English and carries at least a 90% average in all of his courses.

The 16-year-old King City, Ont. native was chosen 36th overall at the 2020 OHL Priority Selection following an impressive 16-point season from the blue line with the Mississauga Senators.

2020-21 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
March – Sam Alfano (Peterborough Petes)
February – Lawson Sherk (Hamilton Bulldogs)
January – Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
December – Cameron Tolnai (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Lleyton Moore (Oshawa Generals)
October – Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)

Central Division:
March – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
February – Ethan Cardwell (Barrie Colts)
January – Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads)
December – Giordano Biondi (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Jonah De Simone (Niagara IceDogs)
October – Pacey Schlueting (North Bay Battalion)

Midwest Division:
March – Gavin Bryant (Owen Sound Attack)
February – Aidan Campbell (Erie Otters)
January – Logan LaSage (Owen Sound Attack)
December – Stuart Rolofs (London Knights)
November – Michael Vukojevic (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Zack Terry (Guelph Storm)

West Division:
March – Nicholas De Angelis (Windsor Spitfires)
February – Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
January – Will Cuylle (Windsor Spitfires)
December – Jacob Holmes (Soo Greyhounds)
November – Ryan Mast (Sarnia Sting)
October – Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit)

A total of 334 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2019-20 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3 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.