Owen Griffin of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Tim Cornett/OHL Images
Owen Griffin has emerged as a promising talent in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), playing for the Oshawa Generals. After a challenging rookie season, Griffin has bounced back in his sophomore year, proving his ability to adapt and thrive in high-level competition.
A Season of Growth with the Oshawa Generals
Griffin was selected sixth overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection by the Generals. His rookie season was a struggle, as he managed only six points throughout the campaign. However, his second season has been a different story. Griffin started strong, and has since maintained a steady offensive presence. He finished the season with 22 goals and 29 assists through 62 games. More importantly, he has raised his game to a new level in these playoffs with 15 goals and 11 assists through 16 games.
Griffin is known for his above average playmaking ability and hockey IQ. Despite his 5-foot-10, 170-pound frame, he is fearless in battling for pucks in tight areas. His puck handling and shooting skills could make him an offensive threat. Ranked 197th NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings, he climbed all the way to 70th on their final rankings (both among North American skaters), suggesting concerns about his size have also diminished.
One of Griffin’s standout qualities is his relentless motor. He excels in forechecking, using his speed and awareness to disrupt plays and create scoring opportunities. His defensive positioning is another strong suit, as he consistently places himself in passing lanes and supports teammates in transition.
Griffin is projected to be selected in the fourth or fifth round of the 2025 NHL Draft. While he may not have the flashiness of some top prospects, his hard-nosed playing style and ability to generate offense make him an intriguing pick for teams looking for a reliable two-way forward. If he continues his strong postseason performance, he could rise on draft boards before the big day.
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, April 7, 2025.
Generals’ Owen Griffin Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
2025 NHL Draft prospect Owen Griffin of the Oshawa Generals is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering six goals, four assists and 10 points in four contests.
Helping the Generals to a first round series win over the Brampton Steelheads, Griffin posted a career-high four-point night on Tuesday with a hat trick and an assist, earning first star honours in a 7-5 victory. He followed up with a goal and an assist on Thursday to earn third star honours in a 4-1 win. Griffin found the scoresheet again on Friday, registering an assist in a 6-3 loss. The Markham, Ont. native closed out the series with two goals and a helper on Sunday, once again earning first star honours in a 4-1 victory.
Selected sixth overall by the Generals in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the York-Simcoe Express U16 AAA program, the 5-foot-10, 160 lb. forward recorded 22 goals, 29 assists, and 51 points in 62 games this season. Now in his second OHL campaign, Griffin has totaled 57 points (23-34–57) over 123 regular season contests. Set to turn 18 on Tuesday, he competed in the 2025 OHL Top Prospects Game and was ranked 197th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft.
Also considered for the award this week, Edmonton Oilers prospect Dalyn Wakely powered the Barrie Colts to round two of the OHL Playoffs, registering 10 points (2-8-10) in four games played.
2024-25 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs: Mar. 31 – Apr. 6: Owen Griffin (Oshawa Generals) Mar. 24 – Mar. 30: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)
Rangers’ Jackson Parsons Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Jackson Parsons of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the fifth time this season, going 2-1, along with a 1.34 goals-against average, and a .951 save percentage.
Backstopping the Rangers to the second round of the OHL Playoffs, Parsons made 77 saves over three games last week. He turned aside 30 of 32 shots in a 2-0 loss to the Flint Firebirds on Tuesday. Returning to the crease on Thursday, he stopped 23 shots in a 5-1 win. Parsons closed out the series with a 24-save, first-star performance on Friday, helping the Rangers to a 2-1 victory and a berth in the Western Conference Semi-Finals where they will face-off against the Windsor Spitfires.
A 20-year-old from Embrun, Ont., Parsons played to a regular season record of 37-12-3-0, ranking second among OHL netminders with a 2.24 goals-against average and .920 save percentage, along with a league-leading five shutouts over 52 games played. The former third-round pick (53rd overall) by Kitchener in 2020 is now in his fourth OHL season, boasting a career record of 74-44-7-0 with a 2.88 goals-against average, .904 save percentage, and nine shutouts over 130 regular season games. He ranks first among all OHL goaltenders in 2025 Playoff action, playing to a 4-1 record along with a 1.58 goals-against average and .939 save percentage. Parsons is committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Clarkson University next season.
Also considered for the award this week, Charlie Schenkel of the Kingston Frontenacs was also a standout in the crease, going 2-0 along with a 2.00 goals-against average and .939 save percentage.
2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs: 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)
Knights’ Noah Read Named OHL Rookie of the Week
NHL Draft eligible London Knights forward Noah Read is the OHL Rookie of the Week, registering three goals and an assist in a pair of victories.
Helping the Knights complete a first round sweep of the Owen Sound Attack, Read delivered a standout performance in Game 4, recording a career-high four-point night with his first OHL hat trick and an assist in an 8-4 road win to earn first star honours.
Selected by London in the 10th round (188th overall) of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Southern Tier Admirals U16 AAA program, the St. Catharines, Ont. native registered 10 goals, 16 assists, and 26 points in 45 regular season contests. He spent the 2023-24 season with the St. Catharines Falcons of the GOJHL, tallying 38 points in 48 games played.
Also considered for the award this week, Braidy Wassilyn of the Niagara IceDogs recorded a goal and two assists in four contests.
Toronto, Ont. – With the 2023 OHL Cup Championship Final underway, the Ontario Hockey League has announced the seven recipients of 2023 U16 AAA Player of the Year Awards for players representing the four Ontario Hockey Federation Member Partners including the ALLIANCE, Greater Toronto Hockey League, Northern Ontario Hockey Association, and both the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s ETA and SCTA regions, along with Hockey Eastern Ontario and Hockey Northwestern Ontario.
This year’s winners include forward Ryan Roobroeck of the London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE), forward William Moore of the Toronto Marlboros (GTHL), forward Owen Griffin of the York-Simcoe Express (OMHA – ETA), defenceman Matthew Schaefer of the Halton Hurricanes (OMHA – SCTA), forward Hudson Chitaroni of the Soo Jr. Greyhounds U18 (NOHA), forward Carter Poddubny of the Thunder Bay Kings (HNO) and blueliner Quinn Beauchesne of the Nepean Raiders U18 (HEO).
“Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s awards and thank you to the families, coaches, and teammates for their tremendous support of these remarkable players over the course of the season and throughout their minor hockey careers,” said Brodie Barrick, the OHL’s Director of Recruitment and Player Services.
“The OHL continues to recognize all the hard work, dedication, and extraordinary accomplishments from across Ontario. We thank all players for another great season and wish them the very best of luck in their hockey and academic careers.”
London Jr. Knights star Ryan Roobroeck led the ALLIANCE with 50 goals and 78 points in just 29 games to join other past Jr. Knights standouts in Bryce McConnell-Barker (2020), Ryan Suzuki (2017), Nick Suzuki (2015) and Jared McCann (2012) in claiming the annual honour. William Moore of the Toronto Marlboros posted two points-per-game for the GTHL champions, racking up 60 points (23-37–60) in 30 contests. York-Simcoe Express forward Owen Griffin is this year’s OMHA ETA award winner after leading the league with an impressive 94 points including 35 goals and 43 assists over 35 games. Griffin proceeded to amass 28 points (17-11–28) in just eight playoff games. The OMHA’s SCTA circuit sees defenceman Matthew Schaefer claim this year’s Player of the Year honour, putting up 12 goals, 20 assists and 32 points in 25 games for the Halton Hurricanes. Another defenceman earned the HEO’s top honours as Nepean Raiders rearguard Quinn Beauchesne collected 35 points (8-27–35) over 28 games playing against older competition in the U18 AAA league. Soo Jr. Greyhounds forward Hudson Chitaroni also excelled at the U18 level, recording 22 goals, 26 assists and 48 points in 28 games in the Great North Under-18 League, earning NOHA Player of the Year recognition. Lastly, Thunder Bay Kings forward Carter Poddubny picks up HNO Player of the Year honours, recording 25 points (9-16–25) in 35 games.
The awards are presented annually to honour the U16 AAA players who best exemplify outstanding ability and the qualities of sportsmanship and leadership as selected by a panel of Ontario Hockey League general managers.
Past Award Winners:
ALLIANCE Player of the Year: 2023 – Ryan Roobroeck, London Jr. Knights 2022 – Lucas Karmiris, Brantford 99ers 2020 – Bryce McConnell-Barker, London Jr. Knights 2019 – Deni Goure, Chatham-Kent Cyclones 2018 – Matthew Maggio, Sun County Panthers 2017 – Ryan Suzuki, London Jr. Knights 2016 – Owen Lalonde, Windsor Jr. Spitfires 2015 – Nick Suzuki, London Jr. Knights 2014 – Anthony Salinitri, Windsor Jr. Spitfires 2013 – Travis Konecny, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs 2012 – Jared McCann, London Jr. Knights Gold 2011 – Bo Horvat, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs
GTHL Player of the Year: 2023 – William Moore, Toronto Marlboros 2022 – Malcolm Spence, Mississauga Senators 2020 – Pano Fimis, Toronto Jr. Canadiens 2019 – Shane Wright, Don Mills Flyers 2018 – Jamie Drysdale, Toronto Marlboros 2017 – Nick Porco, Vaughan Kings 2016 – Ryan Merkley, Toronto Jr. Canadiens 2015 – Ryan McLeod, Toronto Marlboros 2014 – Adam Mascherin, Vaughan Kings 2013 – Dylan Strome, Toronto Marlboros 2012 – Connor McDavid, Toronto Marlboros 2011 – Nick Ritchie, Toronto Marlboros
NOHA Player of the Year: 2023 – Hudson Chitaroni, Soo Jr. Greyhounds 2022 – Nolan Newton, Sudbury Nickel Capitals 2020 – Connor Toms, Soo Jr. Greyhounds 2019 – Chase Stillman, Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves 2018 – Pacey Schlueting, North Bay Trappers 2017 – Camaryn Baber, Soo Midget Greyhounds 2016 – Damien Giroux, Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves 2015 – Cayse Ton, New Liskeard Cubs 2014 – Zach Dorval, Soo Thunder 2013 – Blake Speers, Soo Thunder 2012 – Michael Amadio, Sault Ste. Marie North Stars 2011 – Ryan Kujawinski, Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves
OMHA ETA Player of the Year: 2023 – Owen Griffin, York-Simcoe Express 2022 – Ethan Procyszyn, North Central Predators 2020 – Donovan McCoy, Quinte Red Devils 2019 – Brenden Sirizzotti, Whitby Wildcats 2018 – Quinton Byfield, York Simcoe Express 2017 – Alex Newhook, York Simcoe Express 2016 – Aidan Dudas, North Central Predators 2015 – Brady Gilmour, Quinte Red Devils 2014 – Chris Paquette, Greater Kingston Jr Frontenacs
OMHA SCTA Player of the Year: 2023 – Matthew Schaefer, Halton Hurricanes 2022 – Luca Testa, Niagara North Stars 2020 – Sam Alfano, Southern Tier Admirals 2019 – Lawson Sherk, Halton Hurricanes 2018 – Cameron Tolnai, Oakville Rangers 2017 – Matthew Dunsmoor, Guelph Jr. Gryphons 2016 – Adam McMaster, Niagara North Stars 2015 – Liam Stevens, Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs 2014 – Rylee St. Onge, Niagara North Stars
*prior to 2014 there was a single OMHA Player of the Year award recipient
Past OMHA Players of the Year: 2013 – Matt Spencer, Oakville Rangers* 2012 – Nik Coric, York Simcoe Express* 2011 – Alex Yuill, Quinte Red Devils*
HEO Player of the Year: 2023 – Quinn Beauchesne, Nepean Raiders 2022 – Cole Beaudoin, Nepean Raiders 2020 – Cedrick Guindon, Rockland Nationals 2019 – Mason McTavish, Pembroke Lumber Kings 2018 – Josh Barnes, Cornwall Colts 2017 – Alexandre Hogue, Cumberland Grads 2016 – Paul Larabie, Nepean Raiders 2015 – Gabriel Vilardi, CIH Academy 2014 – William Bitten, Ottawa Jr. 67’s 2013 – Andrew Peski, Ottawa Jr. 67’s 2012 – Andrew Abou-Assaly, Ottawa Jr. 67’s 2011 – Nicholas Baptiste, Ottawa Senators
HNO Player of the Year: 2023 – Carter Poddubny, Thunder Bay Kings 2020 – Brodie McLeod, Thunder Bay Kings 2019 – Jack Michaelis, Thunder Bay Kings 2018 – Michael Stubbs, Thunder Bay Kings 2017 – Christian Cicigoi, Thunder Bay Kings 2016 – Quintin Loon-Stewardson, Thunder Bay Kings 2015 – Kyle Auger, Thunder Bay Kings 2014 – Brad Belisle, Thunder Bay Kings 2013 – Zach Grzelewski, Thunder Bay Kings 2012 – Bryce Martyn, Thunder Bay Kings 2011 – Nolan Nicholas, Thunder Bay Kings
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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