Quinn Beauchesne of the Guelph Storm. Photo by OHL Images.
The NHL draft is a pivotal moment for young hockey players, and this year, Quinn Beauchesne is a name that has been at the least, drawing attention. As a first-year eligible player for the 2025 NHL Draft, Beauchesne has caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike with his impressive performances and potential.
Career to Date
Born on March 1, 2007, in Ottawa, Ontario, Beauchesne has been interesting as a defenseman for the Guelph Storm despite missing some time with an injury. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 187 pounds, he has the physical attributes to compete at the highest level. Over the 2024-25 season, Beauchesne’s game has shown significant growth, particularly in his ability to contribute offensively from the blue line. While his point totals may not fully reflect his involvement in the offensive zone, his impact on the ice is noticeable.
Scouting Report
Quinn Beauchesne is a well-rounded defenseman whose game is built on mobility and hockey IQ. Here are some key aspects of his play:
Skating and Mobility: Beauchesne’s speed and quickness are standout features. His ability to join the rush and recover defensively makes him a dynamic presence on the ice. His skating also allows him to take away time and space from opponents effectively.
Defensive Prowess: In his own zone, Beauchesne excels at using his frame to absorb contact and protect the puck. He is also an excellent shot blocker, consistently getting into lanes without compromising his positioning.
Offensive Contributions: While not a prolific scorer, Beauchesne is heavily involved in the offensive zone. He activates from the point to create opportunities and has shown improvement in making smart, calculated plays with the puck.
Areas for Improvement: Early in the season, Beauchesne had a tendency to rush plays, leading to turnovers. However, he has made strides in slowing the game down and making better decisions, which could unlock more offensive potential in the future.
Draft Projections
Ranked 75th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Beauchesne is projected to be a second- or third-round pick. While he may not have a single standout skill, his well-rounded game and potential for growth make him an intriguing prospect for NHL teams.
Final Thoughts
Quinn Beauchesne’s journey is just beginning, but his skill set and work ethic suggest a bright future. As the draft approaches, teams looking for a mobile, intelligent defenseman with room to grow will undoubtedly have him on their radar.
Forward of the Month – Michael Misa – Saginaw Spirit
Misa continues to charge towards his goal-a-game and assist-a-game pace and January was no different as he notched 9 goals and 13 helpers in just 10 games. Misa was held without a goal in just 3 of those 10 games and without an assist in just 1 game. He now has 39 goals and 45 assists in 42 games played on the season.
Also considered was Misa’s teammate Kristian Epperson. He posted 5 goals and 9 assists in just 7 games. Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs had 5 goals and 11 assists in 13 games in January.
Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
Defenceman of the Month – Anthony Cristoforo – Windsor Spitfires
Cristoforo appeared in 11 games for the Spitfires in January and scored 5 goals while adding 5 assists in what was his best offensive output on the season. On January 16 at home to Sudbury, he put up 7 shots on goal for a season high and still managed a 27.7 shooting percentage in the month.
Also considered was Guelph Storm defenceman Quinn Beauchesne. He scored once and added 9 assists in 11 games during the month of January which was also easily the best offensive production of the season for him.
Anthony Cristoforo of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
Goaltender of the Month – Aleksei Medvedev – London Knights
Medvedev is our selection for goaltender of the month for the second time this season. The London Knights netminder appeared in 6 games and boasted a 4-1-1-0 record. He had a 32 save shutout on January 17 against the Guelph Storm. For the month, he stopped 177 of 189 shots he faced for a save percentage of .937 and a goals-against-average of 2.00. Medvedev was listed as the top goaltender available for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft from the OHL and 2nd among North American netminders by NHL Central Scouting.
Also considered was Barrie Colts netminder Sam Hillebrandt. He went 3-3-0-0 in six games in January and stopped 184 of 199 shots faced for a .925 save percentage and 2.50 goals-against-average.
Alexei Medvedev of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
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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