SPITFIRES’ WYATT JOHNSTON VOTEDOHL’S MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYERPRESENTED BY KIA

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League announced today that Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires is the 2021-22 recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy, an award presented annually to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player during the regular season as voted by the writers and broadcasters that cover the League. The OHL’s Most Outstanding Player Award is presented by Kia.

Johnston led the Canadian Hockey League with 124 points (46-78–124) in 68 games and follows past greats in Ryan Ellis (2011), Ernie Godden (1981) and Glenn Hall (1951) as the fourth player in Spitfires history to have his name etched on the Red Tilson Trophy.

“As a proud partner of the CHL and presenting sponsor of the Memorial Cup, Kia is excited to congratulate Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires, winner of the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL Most Outstanding Player,” said Michael Kopke, Director of Marketing for Kia Canada. “At Kia, we believe in movement that inspires, and Wyatt exemplifies this in his play. We can’t wait to see more of him on the ice for years to come.”

Johnston led the OHL, putting up 1.82 points-per-game during the regular season to finish with a total of 124, the fifth-highest single season total in Spitfires franchise history behind Ernie Godden (153, 1980-81), Bill Bowler (135, 1994-95), Kelly Cain (133, 1987-88) and Blair Barnes (130, 1979-80). His 46 goals were the most by a Spitfire since Steve Ott scored 50 in 2000-01.

“It is an amazing honour to be receiving the Red Tilson Trophy,” said Johnston. “There are countless people who have had massive contributions to helping me in this accomplishment. It is a huge privilege based on all the great players in this league. It is definitely a pretty cool feeling.”

The 19-year-old native of Toronto, Ont. finished with 42 multi-point performances on the campaign including four different games with at least four points. He becomes the first player since Jason Allison of the 1993-94 London Knights to claim each of the Red Tilson Trophy, the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the League’s top scorer, as well as the William Hanley Trophy as the OHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player all in the same season.

“It’s obvious Wyatt is an elite talent,” said Spitfires General Manager Bill Bowler, “but he is a better teammate and person.  Speaking for the organization, we are so proud of him. He deserves this award and he will continue to get better and that is great for both the Spitfires and the Dallas Stars.”

Johnston follows current Stars forward Tyler Seguin, who claimed the honour as a member of the Plymouth Whalers during the 2009-10 season. The 6-foot-2, 181Ib. centreman who helped Canada’s National Under-18 Team win gold in 2021 has amassed 154 points (58-96–154) over 121 career regular season games since being selected by the Spitfires with the sixth overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. He was Dallas’ first round (23rd overall) choice in the 2021 NHL Draft.

The Red Tilson Trophy is the most prestigious individual award presented by the Ontario Hockey League.  First presented in 1945, the trophy is named in honour of Albert “Red” Tilson, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II. Tilson was the OHA scoring champion for the 1942-43 season after scoring 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in 22 games with the Oshawa Generals.

Accredited media were asked to select their top choice from separate ballots that featured a team-nominated representative from each of the League’s Eastern and Western Conference teams. Johnston emerged as the Western Conference frontrunner, receiving over 73 percent of the vote while North Bay Battalion forward Brandon Coe was voted as the Eastern Conference’s Most Outstanding Player. Johnston drew 80 percent of the vote on the final ballot to be named the Most Outstanding Player in the Ontario Hockey League.

The Red Tilson Trophy winner is the OHL’s nominee for Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year, an award that will be announced prior to the conclusion of the 2022 Memorial Cup presented by Kia that takes place in Saint John, New Brunswick from June 20-29.


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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COSTANTINI AND OTHMANN 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 29, 2022.

Firebirds’ Brennan Othmann Named OHL Player of the Week

New York Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann of the Flint Firebirds is the OHL Player of the Week, recording six points including a goal and five assists in four contests.

Othmann helped guide the Firebirds to a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Championship Series, scoring shorthanded while adding two assists in Sunday’s 4-3 win over the Windsor Spitfires in Game 5. Othmann assisted on both Flint goals in a 4-2 loss on Friday in Game 4, and pitched in with a helper in Wednesday’s 6-3 win over Windsor in Game 3.

A 19-year-old native of Pickering, Ont., Othmann leads the Firebirds in playoff scoring with 23 points including nine goals and 14 assists in 17 games. The 6-foot, 180Ib. left-winger led Flint with 50 goals, 47 assists and 97 points in 66 regular season games, giving him 130 points (67-63–130) through 121 career regular season games after being selected second overall by the Firebirds in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. Othmann was selected by New York with the 16th overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft and signed a three-year entry level contract with the Rangers on August 12, 2021.

Also considered for the award this week, Windsor Spitfires forward Wyatt Johnston had six points (2-4–6) in four outings, as did Spits teammate Matthew Maggio (4-2–6) as Windsor goes to Flint for Game 6 on Tuesday trailing in the series 3-2.

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
May 23 – May 29: Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
May 16 – May 22: Avery Hayes (Hamilton Bulldogs) 
May 9 – May 15: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
May 2 – May 8: Joseph Serpa (Kitchener Rangers)
Apr. 25 – May 1: Zayde Wisdom (Kingston Frontenacs)
Apr. 19 – Apr. 24: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Apr. 11 – Apr. 18: Robert Calisti (Soo Greyhounds)
Apr. 4 – Apr. 10: Martin Chromiak (Kingston Frontenacs)
Mar. 28 – Apr. 3: Mason McTavish (Hamilton Bulldogs) 
Mar. 21 – Mar. 27: Dalton Duhart (Saginaw Spirit)
Mar. 14 – Mar. 20: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Feb. 28 – Mar. 6: Theo Hill (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 21 – Feb. 27: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 14 – Feb. 20: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Feb. 7 – Feb. 13: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs).
Jan. 31 – Feb. 6: Luke Evangelista (London Knights)
Jan. 24 – Jan. 30: Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Riley Piercey (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
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)

Bulldogs’ Marco Costantini Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Hamilton Bulldogs netminder Marco Costantini is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for a third straight week, going 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average, .918 save percentage and one shutout.

Costantini backstopped the Bulldogs to an Eastern Conference title, making 27 saves in a 6-4 victory over the North Bay Battalion in Game 3 on Wednesday. He returned to the crease for his third shutout of the OHL Playoffs on Friday as the Bulldogs took a 12th consecutive win, blanking the Battalion 6-0.

A 19-year-old product of Hamilton, Costantini was voted the Eastern Conference’s Top Goaltender this past season with league-leading figures that include a 2.32 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and six shutouts. He played to a mark of 31-9-2-2 in 45 games, improving to 41-24-8-2 with a 3.15 goals-against average and .897 save percentage in his 79-game OHL regular season career. Costantini has played to a postseason record of 12-0 with a 1.75 goals-against average and .933 save percentage. He was Hamilton’s fifth round (95th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
May 23 – May 29: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
May 16 – May 22: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
May 9 – May 15: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
May 2 – May 8: Luke Cavallin (Flint Firebirds)
Apr. 25 – May 1: Luke Cavallin (Flint Firebirds)
Apr. 18 – Apr. 24: Tucker Tynan (Soo Greyhounds)

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Apr. 11 – Apr. 17: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Apr. 4 – Apr. 10: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Mar. 28 – Apr. 3: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 21 – Mar. 27: Joey Costanzo (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 14 – Mar. 20: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Nick Chenard (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 28 – Mar. 6: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 21 – Feb. 27: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Feb. 14 – Feb. 20: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 7 – Feb. 13: Pavel Cajan (Kitchener Rangers)
Jan. 31 – Feb. 6: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Jan. 24 – Jan. 30: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: Mitchell Weeks (Sudbury Wolves)
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.

SPITFIRES’ WYATT JOHNSTON NAMED OHL’S MOST SPORTSMANLIKE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires is the 2021-22 recipient of the William Hanley Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player.

The OHL’s Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy recipient with 124 points (46-78–124) over 68 games, Johnston recorded just 26 penalty minutes in the process, being voted the Western Conference’s Most Outstanding Player by the League’s General Managers. He becomes the first Spitfires player to earn OHL Most Sportsmanlike honours since Kyle Wellwood in 2002-03.

“It feels really good, it’s a big honour to receive this recognition,” said Johnston. “It’s a special award and it is great to win in this league with a lot of very talented and high character players.”

An 18-year-old from Toronto, Ont., Johnston finished with 42 multi-point performances on the campaign including four different games with at least four points. His 124 points are the fifth-highest total in Spitfires franchise history, trailing Ernie Godden (153 points, 1980-81), Bill Bowler (135 points, 1994-95), Kelly Cain (133 points, 1987-88) and Blair Barnes (130 points (1979-80).

“Wyatt was the best player in our league and plays the right way every shift,” said Spitfires general manager Bill Bowler. “He is ultra competitive yet respects the game, his opponent and the officials. He is a true Spitfire.”

The William Hanley Trophy is awarded each year based on a selection by the 20 General Managers of the Ontario Hockey League.  All 20 teams submit a nominee but are not permitted to vote for their own candidate. The trophy is presented by the OHL to commemorate William Hanley, former Secretary-Manager of the Ontario Hockey Association for over 25 years.

Johnston follows Wellwood as the second player in Spitfires franchise history to earn the award.  Current NHL players to have been awarded the William Hanley Trophy include Nick Robertson (Peterborough 2020), three-time winner Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound/Guelph 2017, ’18, ’19), Mike Amadio (North Bay 2016), Dylan Strome (Erie 2015), Connor McDavid (Erie 2014), Brandon Saad (Saginaw 2012) and Jeff Carter (Sault Ste. Marie 2005).

Johnston will be the OHL’s nominee for CHL Sportsman of the Year, edging out Eastern Conference finalist Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs in the final voting.


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.

COSTANTINI 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 playoff games ending Sunday, May 15, 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, leading the League with 10 points including four goals and six assists in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-8.

Johnston recorded three straight multi-point efforts to help the Spitfires eliminate the Kitchener Rangers in five games and reach the Western Conference Championship Series for the first time since 2011. He rallied the Spits from a pair of early deficits in Kitchener on Tuesday and Thursday, registering consecutive four point (2-2–4) showings in Games 3 and 4 on the road. He picked up a pair of helpers, setting up Andrew Perrott’s game winning goal in Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Rangers at home in Game 5, pushing him into the OHL Playoff scoring lead with 23 points (8-15–23) through 11 games.

A 19-year-old native of Toronto, Ont., Johnston claimed the Eddie Powers Trophy as the OHL’s top scorer during the regular season, recording 124 points (46-78–124) over 68 games. He was also voted the Western Conference’s Most Outstanding Player and Most Sportsmanlike Player. Selected by Dallas with the 23rd overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft, Johnston has recorded 58 goals, 96 assists and 154 points in 121 career regular season games. He was a member of Canada’s gold medal-winning National Under-18 Team in 2021. The Spitfires selected Johnston with their first round (6th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, North Bay Battalion forward Mitchell Russell put up eight points (3-5–8) in three games as the Troops advanced to the Eastern Conference Championship Series for the first time since 2015. Dallas Stars prospect Francesco Arcuri of the Kingston Frontenacs was also in the running with seven points (2-5–7) over three contests.

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
May 9 – May 15: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
May 2 – May 8: Joseph Serpa (Kitchener Rangers)
Apr. 25 – May 1: Zayde Wisdom (Kingston Frontenacs)
Apr. 19 – Apr. 24: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Apr. 11 – Apr. 18: Robert Calisti (Soo Greyhounds)
Apr. 4 – Apr. 10: Martin Chromiak (Kingston Frontenacs)
Mar. 28 – Apr. 3: Mason McTavish (Hamilton Bulldogs) 
Mar. 21 – Mar. 27: Dalton Duhart (Saginaw Spirit)
Mar. 14 – Mar. 20: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Feb. 28 – Mar. 6: Theo Hill (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 21 – Feb. 27: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 14 – Feb. 20: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Feb. 7 – Feb. 13: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs).
Jan. 31 – Feb. 6: Luke Evangelista (London Knights)
Jan. 24 – Jan. 30: Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Riley Piercey (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
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)

Bulldogs’ Marco Costantini Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Marco Costantini of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0 with a 0.99 goals-against average, .969 save percentage and one shutout to help the Bulldogs advance to the Eastern Conference Championship Series.

Costantini stopped 62 of the 64 shots that came his direction in Games 3 and 4 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Final as the Bulldogs eliminated the Mississauga Steelheads in four straight games. He stopped all 35 shots he faced in Tuesday’s 3-0 road win in Game 3, earning first star honours. Costantini returned to the crease on Friday for Game 4, turning aside 27 of 29 as the Bulldogs earned their 18th consecutive win dating back to March 27.

A 19-year-old product of Hamilton, Costantini was voted the Eastern Conference’s Top Goaltender this past season with league-leading figures that include a 2.32 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and six shutouts. He played to a mark of 31-9-2-2 in 45 games, improving to 41-24-8-2 with a 3.15 goals-against average and .897 save percentage in his 79-game OHL regular season career. Costantini has played to a postseason record of 8-0 with a 1.87 goals-against average and .931 save percentage. He was Hamilton’s fifth round (95th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, back-to-back winner Luke Cavallin was steady for the Flint Firebirds once again, going 2-1 with a 1.91 goals-against average and .939 save percentage to help his team advance to the Western Conference Championship Series. Windsor’s Matt Onuska played to a 3-0 mark with a 2.33 goals-against average and .918 save percentage as the Spitfires are into the third round for the first time since 2011.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
May 9 – May 15: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
May 2 – May 8: Luke Cavallin (Flint Firebirds)
Apr. 25 – May 1: Luke Cavallin (Flint Firebirds)
Apr. 18 – Apr. 24: Tucker Tynan (Soo Greyhounds)

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Apr. 11 – Apr. 17: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Apr. 4 – Apr. 10: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Mar. 28 – Apr. 3: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 21 – Mar. 27: Joey Costanzo (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 14 – Mar. 20: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Nick Chenard (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 28 – Mar. 6: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 21 – Feb. 27: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Feb. 14 – Feb. 20: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 7 – Feb. 13: Pavel Cajan (Kitchener Rangers)
Jan. 31 – Feb. 6: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Jan. 24 – Jan. 30: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: Mitchell Weeks (Sudbury Wolves)
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 2021-22 REGULAR SEASON AWARD WINNERS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced recipients of four of the league’s annual awards following the conclusion of the 2021-22 regular season.

Offensively, Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires captured the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the league’s leading scorer while Lucas Edmonds of the Kingston Frontenacs is the recipient of the Jim Mahon Trophy as the OHL’s top-scoring right winger. Recognizing defensive efforts, the Hamilton Bulldogs goaltending tandem of Marco Costantini and Matteo Drobac earns the Dave Pinkney Trophy, surrendering a league-low 176 goals against. North Bay Battalion rookie Dom DiVincentiis is the recipient of the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy awarded to the rookie with the lowest goals-against average.

Apr18JohnstonTopScorer

Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (Top Scorer) – Wyatt Johnston, Windsor Spitfires
Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston is the recipient of the OHL Top Scorer Award presented by Kubota Canada, claiming the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy with 124 points including 46 goals and 78 assists in 68 games. Johnston boasted a plus-29 rating to go with a league-leading 1.82 point-per-game production rate. Johnston’s 124 points are the most by an OHL scoring leader since Erie’s Alex DeBrincat in 2016-17.

Johnston finished with 42 multi-point performances on the campaign including four different games with at least four points. His 124 points are the fifth-highest total in Spitfires franchise history, trailing Ernie Godden (153 points, 1980-81), Bill Bowler (135 points, 1994-95), Kelly Cain (133 points, 1987-88) and Blair Barnes (130 points (1979-80). He joins Taylor Hall (2009-10) and Peter Sarno (1997-98) as the third player in modern Spitfires franchise history to claim the honour. Earl Reibel (1949-50) and Bert Giesebrecht (1948-49) were also past Spitfires winners.

The 23rd overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft by the Dallas Stars, Johnston has collected 58 goals, 96 assists and 154 points through 121 career regular season games with the Spitfires, who selected him with the sixth overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. He’ll be making his OHL playoff debut this week when the Spitfires open up their first round series against the Sarnia Sting.

The Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy was donated by the Toronto Marlboro Athletic Club in memory of Eddie Powers and was first awarded in 1945-46 to Tod Sloan of St. Michael’s who scored 79 points in 25 games. High-scoring Stars winger Jason Robertson was the 2018-19 recipient as a member of the Niagara IceDogs while veteran Dallas centreman Tyler Seguin has his named inscribed on the trophy as a member of the Plymouth Whalers in 2009-10.

Apr18EdmondsMahon

Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy (Top Scoring Right Winger) – Lucas Edmonds, Kingston Frontenacs
Lucas Edmonds of the Kingston Frontenacs is the recipient of the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the league’s top scoring right winger. Edmonds finished third in OHL scoring with 113 points including 34 goals and a league-high 79 assists over 68 games in his first OHL season.

The 21-year-old originally from North Bay, Ont. turned heads this past season, leading the Frontenacs offensively with 30 different multi-point appearances including nine different instances with at least four points.

Edmonds joins David Ling (1994-95) as just the second Frontenacs player to ever claim the honour, finishing with the Kingston franchise’s sixth-highest assist total of 79. Edmonds’ 113 points are the most by a Frontenac since Ling put up 135 during the 1994-95 season.

Originally Kingston’s seventh round pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, Edmonds made the most of a rare first-year overage season and is eligible for the 2022 NHL Draft in July.

The Jim Mahon Trophy was first presented following the 1971-72 season by the players and management of the Peterborough Petes in memory of their right winger Jim Mahon who was accidentally killed that summer. Arthur Kaliyev of the Hamilton Bulldogs last received the honour in 2019-20 while other recent winners have included Justin Brazeau of the North Bay Battalion in 2019 and Jordan Kyrou of the Sarnia Sting in 2018.

Apr18PinkneyTrophy

Dave Pinkney Trophy (Lowest Team Goals Against) – Marco Costantini and Matteo Drobac, Hamilton Bulldogs
The Hamilton Bulldogs surrendered a league-low 176 goals over their 68-game schedule, backstopped by goaltenders Marco Costantini and Matteo Drobac who earn the Dave Pinkney Trophy in 2021-22.

Costantini and Drobac backstopped the Bulldogs to the club’s first Hamilton Spectator Trophy as OHL Regular Season champions as the club boasted an overall record of 51-12-3-2 for a franchise record 107 points.

Costantini led the league in goals-against average (2.32), save percentage (.917) and shutouts (6), establishing new Bulldogs single season records in those three categories while also playing to a mark of 31-9-2-2. Hamilton’s new career shutouts leader, Costantini ended the season with 17 consecutive wins dating back to February 16th. The 19-year-old hometown product was Hamilton’s fifth round pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

Drobac played to a record of 19-2-1-0, posting a 2.57 goals-against average and .905 save percentage with one shutout over 23 games in his first full OHL season. The Oakville, Ont. product was Hamilton’s sixth round pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

The Bulldogs also saw three appearances from rookie Tristan Malboeuf, who went 1-1, earning his first career OHL shutout on October 16th in Niagara.

This marks the first time the Bulldogs have earned the honour, but the Dave Pinkney Trophy has a prior history in Hamilton. Al Jensen of the 1977-78 Hamilton Fincups has his name inscribed on the trophy, as does the Hamilton Red Wings tandem of Jim Rutherford and Gerry Gray in 1967-68, Bud Blom in 1960-61 and Dennis Riggin of the Hamilton Tiger Cubs in 1953-54.

The Dave Pinkney Trophy is awarded annually to the goaltending tandem from the team that allows the fewest goals against during the regular season.

Apr18DiVincentiis

F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy (Best Rookie GAA): Dom DiVincentiis, North Bay Battalion
Dom DiVincentiis of the North Bay Battalion is the recipient of the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy, leading all rookie netminders with a 2.59 goals-against average.

An 18-year-old draft eligible goaltender from Bolton, Ont., DiVincentiis helped backstop the Battalion to a Central Division title, playing to a record of 14-8-0-1 with a .907 save percentage to accompany his 2.59 goals-against average. He was undefeated in regulation through his final eight starts of the season. DiVincentiis was North Bay’s sixth round pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

DiVincentiis follows Matej Machovsky (2010-11) as the second Battalion goaltender to ever earn the distinction. He’s the third North Bay goaltender to do so, joining Scott Roche (1993-94) and Sandy Allan (1991-92) of the Centennials.

The trophy is named after F.W. “Dinty” Moore of Port Colborne, Ont., who served as OHA President from 1942-45. In order to qualify for this rookie award, a goaltender must play a minimum of 900 minutes. The most recent past recipient of the award was Brett Brochu of the London Knights in 2019-20.

For a look at the history of the Ontario Hockey League’s award recipients, visit ontariohockeyleague.com.


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.

LEAVER AND MCTAVISH 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, April 3, 2022

Bulldogs’ Mason McTavish Named OHL Player of the Week

Anaheim Ducks prospect Mason McTavish of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the OHL Player of the Week, recording four goals, three assists and seven points in four Bulldogs victories.

McTavish found the back of the net in all four outings, recording a goal and an assist in his return to the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Tuesday as the Bulldogs took a 6-2 decision. He scored the third period game winner in a 3-2 triumph over the Oshawa Generals on Thursday, and tacked on an additional goal and assist a night later in Erie as Hamilton prevailed by a score of 3-0. McTavish wrapped things up with a goal and assist in Sunday’s 6-1 win over visiting Peterborough, finalizing a productive week that saw Hamilton clinch its second East Division banner.

A 19-year-old native of Carp, Ont., McTavish has registered 40 points (18-22–40) in 25 games between Hamilton and Peterborough this season, collecting 33 of those (12-21–33) since joining the Bulldogs. The 6-foot-1, 207Ib. centre recorded two goals and an assist in nine games with the Anaheim Ducks earlier this season, also appearing in three games with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls where he posted a goal and assist. Voted to the OHL’s second all-rookie team in 2019-20 before winning World Under-18 gold with Team Canada in 2021, McTavish was selected by Anaheim with the third overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft. The Peterborough Petes selected him with the fifth overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the Pembroke Lumber Kings U18 program.

Also considered for the award this week, reigning OHL Player of the Month and current scoring leader Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires recorded seven points (2-5–7) in three wins, while Guelph’s Cooper Walker had six points (4-2–6) over three outings as the Storm went 3-0.

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 28 – Apr. 3: Mason McTavish (Hamilton Bulldogs) 
Mar. 21 – Mar. 27: Dalton Duhart (Saginaw Spirit)
Mar. 14 – Mar. 20: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Feb. 28 – Mar. 6: Theo Hill (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 21 – Feb. 27: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 14 – Feb. 20: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Feb. 7 – Feb. 13: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs).
Jan. 31 – Feb. 6: Luke Evangelista (London Knights)
Jan. 24 – Jan. 30: Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Riley Piercey (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
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)



Generals’ Patrick Leaver Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Patrick Leaver of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0-0-1 with a 2.52 goals-against average and .933 save percentage as the Generals collected five of a possible six points and clinched a spot in the OHL Playoffs.

Leaver was kept busy, making 111 saves in three outings beginning with 30 in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Ottawa 67’s on Tuesday that netted him first star honours. He was first star again on Friday in Kingston, turning aside 40 of 43 before stopping three of four in a shootout as the Generals won 4-3. Leaver saved the best for last, making 41 saves in Sunday’s 3-2 overtime win over the visiting Frontenacs, backstopping the Generals to two points despite being outshot 43-22. He joins Barrie’s Mack Guzda as the second netminder to earn Goaltender of the Week honours three times this season.

An 18-year-old from Perth, Ont., Leaver has played to a mark of 22-17-1-3 this season with a 3.16 goals-against average and .909 save percentage to go with two shutouts. The 6-foot-1, 186Ib. The former eighth round (158th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection was the 29th-ranked North American goaltender on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings released in January.

Also considered for the award this week, Jacob Oster of the Guelph Storm picked up a pair of wins including a 43-save effort in Flint on Saturday as the Storm booked a trip to the OHL Playoffs. Hamilton Bulldogs goaltender Matteo Drobac earned his first career OHL shutout, going 2-0 with a 0.86 goals-against average and .957 save percentage as the Bulldogs clinched an East Division title.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 28 – Apr. 3: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 21 – Mar. 27: Joey Costanzo (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 14 – Mar. 20: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Nick Chenard (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 28 – Mar. 6: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 21 – Feb. 27: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Feb. 14 – Feb. 20: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 7 – Feb. 13: Pavel Cajan (Kitchener Rangers)
Jan. 31 – Feb. 6: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Jan. 24 – Jan. 30: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: Mitchell Weeks (Sudbury Wolves)
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 TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH

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 March 2022, including Windsor Spitfires forward Wyatt Johnston, Saginaw Spirit blueliner Pavel Mintyukov, Owen Sound Attack forward Cedrick Guindon and Hamilton Bulldogs netminder Marco Costantini.

OHL Player of the Month – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires):
For the third time this season, Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Player of the Month, producing 13 goals, 17 assists and 30 points in 15 March matchups. Johnston, who also registered a plus/minus rating of plus-11, posted multi-point outputs in 11 of his 15 contests, scoring four game winning goals as the Spits played to a record of 12-2-1-0. Johnston helped the Spitfires collect an important two points in a West Division clash at the beginning of the month, scoring and adding two assists in a 7-3 win over Sault Ste. Marie on Mar. 5th. He chipped in on a Will Cuylle OT winner, picking up three points in a 5-4 triumph over the Erie Otters on Mar. 12th. Johnston’s first career hat trick came on Mar. 19th in Flint as the Spits leapfrogged the Firebirds in the West Division standings with a 6-3 win. He’s riding a run of seven consecutive multi-point outings, with the latest contribution coming Thursday night with three points in a 5-1 win over Sarnia. Johnston earned star of the game recognition seven different times, picking up first star honours in four games.

An 18-year-old native of Toronto, Ont., Johnston leads the OHL with 115 points (42-73–115) in 61 games, also boasting a plus-30 rating. Johnston’s 115 points are the 11th-most in Windsor Spitfires history. He was a first round (23rd overall) pick of the Dallas Stars in the 2021 NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the club on Sept. 28, 2021. A former World Under-18 Hockey Championship gold medalist with Team Canada, Johnston was Windsor’s first round (6th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit):
First-year Saginaw Spirit blueliner Pavel Mintyukov is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for March, leading all rearguards with 15 points including five goals and 10 assists in 13 games. The 2022 NHL Draft prospect recently competed in the Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game and registered three different multi-point outings for the Spirit in the month of March. Mintyukov became the only OHL defenceman to record six points in a game this season on Mar. 11th, setting a Spirit record for blueliners by scoring twice while adding four assists in a 7-6 win over Owen Sound. He put up a goal and two assists in an 8-5 loss to the London Knights on Mar. 18th and did so again on Mar. 25th as the Spirit staged a big comeback to defeat the Sarnia Sting 9-8 in overtime. Mintyukov is the first Spirit defenceman to earn OHL Defenceman of the Month honours since Bode Wilde last did so in December 2018.

An 18-year-old late 2003-born defenceman, Mintyukov has 15 goals, 38 assists and 53 points in 60 games this season, and is one of six blueliners in Spirit history to eclipse the 50-point mark in a campaign. The 6-foot-2, 190Ib. defender was the fifth-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Draft Rankings. The Spirit selected Mintyukov with the 52nd overall pick of the 2020 CHL Import Draft.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs):
Marco Costantini of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for March, playing to a perfect 9-0-0-0 record with a minuscule 1.03 goals-against average, .960 save percentage and two shutouts. Costantini stopped 214 of the 223 shots he faced over the course of the month, helping the Bulldogs maintain their standing atop the Ontario Hockey League. Among his best performances included a 34-save effort on Mar. 11th in Mississauga as the Bulldogs beat the Steelheads 5-1. He posted an 18-save shutout on Mar. 14th, backstopping Hamilton to a 3-0 win over the Oshawa Generals outdoors at Tim Hortons Field. Costantini earned first star honours in an East Division showdown with Kingston on Mar. 18th, making 29 saves in a 3-1 win over the Frontenacs. He recorded his league-leading fifth shutout of the season on Mar. 27th in Oshawa, stopping 16 as the Bulldogs won 3-0. Costantini becomes the first Bulldogs netminder to earn OHL Goaltender of the Month recognition.

A 19-year-old Hamilton native, Costantini owns the league’s lowest goals-against average of 2.42, going 27-9-2-2 with a .914 save percentage and league-high matching five shutouts. Costantini has won 18 of his last 19 starts. He was Hamilton’s fifth round (95th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the OHL Cup finalist Vaughan Kings U16 program.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Cedrick Guindon (Owen Sound Attack):
Draft eligible Owen Sound Attack forward Cedrick Guindon is the OHL Rookie of the Month for March, recording 10 goals, eight assists and 18 points in 14 games with a plus/minus rating of plus-9. Guindon had points in 11 of his 14 March contests, producing five different multi-point performances. He became one of five OHL players to score four goals in a game this season on Mar. 4th, providing the Attack scoring in a 4-3 overtime road win over the Guelph Storm. He added a goal and an assist as the Attack beat the Storm once again on Mar. 7th. Guindon strung together points in six straight games from Mar. 11th to 22nd, helping the Attack ascend the Western Conference standings as they collected at least one point in each of them. He rounded-out the month of March with goals in back-to-back wins over the Sarnia Sting last weekend. Guindon is the first Attack player to win OHL Rookie of the Month honours since Artur Gavrus in October 2011.

A 17-year-old from Rockland, Ont., Guindon’s 54 points are the second-most among OHL rookies while his 27 goals place him third, one back of teammate Colby Barlow. He sits fourth among OHL rookies with 184 shots on goal. Guindon is having among the best seasons of any 16 or 17-year-old rookie in Attack franchise history with his 54 points standing as the most in that category. Guindon is the 76th-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Draft Rankings. He was the club’s first round (10th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

2021-22 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
March – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
February – Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs)
January – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
December – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
November – Kyle Jackson (North Bay Battalion)
October – Sasha Pastujov (Guelph Storm)

Defenceman of the Month:
March – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
February – Michael Buchinger (Guelph Storm)
January – Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
December – Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads)
November – Nathan Staios (Hamilton Bulldogs)
October – Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Rookie of the Month:
March – Cedrick Guindon (Owen Sound Attack)
February – Michael Buchinger (Guelph Storm)
January – David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
December – Coulson Pitre (Flint Firebirds)
November – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
October – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)

Goaltender of the Month:
March – Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
February – Luke Cavallin (Flint Firebirds)
January – Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
December – Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
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.

DUHART AND COSTANZO 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, March 27, 2022

Spirit’s Dalton Duhart Named OHL Player of the Week

Saginaw Spirit forward Dalton Duhart is the OHL Player of the Week, recording six goals, four assists and 10 points in three games.

Duhart helped the Spirit win two of three last week, recording his 100th career OHL point in the process. He scored twice and added an assist in an 8-5 road loss against the Windsor Spitfires on Thursday. Duhart turned in a career-best six point performance in Sarnia on Friday, helping the Spirit complete a remarkable comeback with four goals in the final 3:11 of regulation to overcome an 8-4 deficit. Duhart scored three third period goals before netting his fourth of the night with 10 seconds remaining in overtime as the Spirit defeated the Sting 9-8. He picked up an assist in Saturday’s 5-4 road win over the Flint Firebirds to give him points in eight of his last nine games. Duhart is the first Spirit player to earn OHL Player of the Week honours since Cole Perfetti last did so in February 2020.

A 21-year-old native of Grand Blanc, Mich., Duhart sits third in Spirit scoring with 49 points including 18 goals and 31 assists in 59 games this season. The overage winger is in the midst of his fourth OHL season in a career spent between London, Barrie and Saginaw that has yielded 46 goals, 60 assists and 106 points over 217 contests. Duhart was London’s third round (47th overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Windsor Spitfires forward Wyatt Johnston added to his OHL scoring lead with 10 points (5-5–10) in four victories. Spirit teammate Mitchell Smith was also in the running with seven points (3-4–7) in three games from the back end for Saginaw.

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 21 – Mar. 27: Dalton Duhart (Saginaw Spirit)
Mar. 14 – Mar. 20: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Feb. 28 – Mar. 6: Theo Hill (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 21 – Feb. 27: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 14 – Feb. 20: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Feb. 7 – Feb. 13: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs).
Jan. 31 – Feb. 6: Luke Evangelista (London Knights)
Jan. 24 – Jan. 30: Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Riley Piercey (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
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)

IceDogs’ Joey Costanzo Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Joey Costanzo of the Niagara IceDogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week after posting a 1.00 goals-against average and .973 save percentage, backstopping the IceDogs to wins over Peterborough and Erie.

Costanzo turned away 71 of the 73 shots that came his way as the IceDogs continued their strong play, coming away with six of a possible eight points last week. He earned first star honours in Tuesday’s 2-1 overtime win over visiting Peterborough, stopping 32 of 33 as the Dogs were victorious on a Dakota Betts overtime tally. Costanzo was first star again on Sunday, picking up an assist while making 39 saves as the IceDogs defeated the Erie Otters 3-1 on the road.

A 17-year-old native of Toronto, Ont., Costanzo owns a 5-8-0-0 record with a 4.79 goals-against average and .880 save percentage in his first OHL season. The 6-foot, 161Ib. netminder was the first goalie selected in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, going in the second round (23rd overall) to Niagara from the Toronto Marlboros U16 program.

Also considered for the award this week, Kingston Frontenacs netminder Aidan Spooner played to a 1-1 mark with a 1.99 goals-against average and .934 save percentage, making 30 saves in an overtime win over Mississauga on Friday. London Knights rookie Owen Flores recorded his first career shutout on Sunday, making 31 saves as the Knights blanked the Guelph Storm.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 21 – Mar. 27: Joey Costanzo (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 14 – Mar. 20: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Nick Chenard (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 28 – Mar. 6: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 21 – Feb. 27: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Feb. 14 – Feb. 20: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 7 – Feb. 13: Pavel Cajan (Kitchener Rangers)
Jan. 31 – Feb. 6: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Jan. 24 – Jan. 30: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: Mitchell Weeks (Sudbury Wolves)
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 TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

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 January 2022, including Windsor Spitfires forward Wyatt Johnston, Barrie Colts defenceman Brandt Clarke, Barrie Colts goaltender Mack Guzda and Sudbury Wolves forward David Goyette.

OHL Player of the Month – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires):
For the second straight month, Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Player of the Month. Johnston equalled his December output of 19 points in eight games, recording five goals, 14 assists as the Spitfires played to a 6-2-0-0 record. Johnston strung together four consecutive performances of at least three points to begin the month, finding the scoresheet in seven of his eight outings. He posted eight points across back-to-back games in Sault Ste. Marie on Jan. 8th and 9th before consecutive three-assist efforts on Jan. 14th in Sarnia and Jan. 16th against Flint. Johnston closed out the month by lighting the lamp twice in Windsor’s 3-2 win over the Guelph Storm on Jan. 28th. He earned Three Star honours on four separate occasions, contributing to his League-leading total of 16 for the 2021-22 season. Johnston is the first OHL player to earn back-to-back Player of the Month honours since Sarnia’s Jordan Kyrou last did so in October and November 2017.

An 18-year-old native of Toronto, Ont., Johnston sits third in OHL scoring with 65 points (23-42–65) in 35 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-19. He was a first round (23rd overall) pick of the Dallas Stars in the 2021 NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the club on Sept. 28, 2021. A former World Under-18 Hockey Championship gold medalist with Team Canada, Johnston was Windsor’s first round (6th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts):
Los Angeles Kings prospect Brandt Clarke of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for January, leading all blueliners with 17 points including three goals and 14 assists over 11 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-10. Clarke strung together six different multi-point performances for the Colts, who played to a January record of 6-3-2-0. He put up three assists in Barrie’s 7-3 road win over Owen Sound on Jan. 9th before a season-high four point performance (1-3–4) on Jan. 16th as Barrie defeated North Bay 8-2. Clarke ended the month on a five-game point streak, notably scoring the last second game-tying goal in Sault Ste. Marie on Jan. 29th as the Colts earned a point in an overtime loss. He racked up three assists on Sunday in Sudbury, securing OHL Player of the Week honours with nine points (2-7–9) over four contests last week. Clarke is the first Colts defender to earn Defenceman of the Month recognition since Rasmus Andersson in January 2016.

An 18-year-old product of Nepean, Ont., Clarke leads OHL defenders with 42 points including eight goals, 34 assists and a plus-19 rating across 32 games. The 6-foot-2 rearguard leads the Colts in scoring this season and is riding a current five-game point streak. Clarke was a first round (8th overall) pick of the Los Angeles Kings last summer, and signed an entry-level NHL contract with the club in August. Clarke won a gold medal as a member of Canada’s National Under-18 Team in May 2021 and is a former 2019 OHL Cup champion as a member of the Don Mills Flyers. The Colts selected Clarke fourth overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts):
For the second straight month, overage netminder Mack Guzda of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Goaltender of the Month. Guzda played to a 5-1-1-0 record with a 1.86 goals-against average, .939 save percentage and one shutout over seven contests, helping the Colts climb to within two points of North Bay for second place in the Central Division with seven games in hand. His top performances included a 31-save effort on Jan. 18th as the Colts defeated the Sudbury Wolves 4-1. He followed that up with 34 saves on Jan. 22nd as Barrie toppled North Bay 3-2 in overtime. He registered his second shutout of the season on Jan. 27th, making 24 saves as the Colts bested Owen Sound 8-0. Guzda joins London’s Brett Brochu (January & February 2020) as an active netminder to have earned back-to-back OHL Goaltender of the Month honours.

A 21-year-old native of Knoxville, Tenn., Guzda’s .924 save percentage is the second-highest in the OHL as he’s played to an overall record of 16-6-1-1 with a 2.50 goals-against average over 24 games between Barrie and Owen Sound. Now 11-2-1-0 since joining the Colts in mid-November, Guzda was originally Owen Sound’s second round (31st overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, and has played to career mark of 74-51-11-7.

OHL Rookie of the Month – David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves):
Draft eligible Sudbury Wolves forward David Goyette is the OHL Rookie of the Month for January, registering 16 points including a League-leading 10 goals and six assists over 15 games. Goyette joined rookie linemate Kocha Delic with 16 points in January as the Wolves played to a record of 5-8-1-1 to find themselves in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Goyette recorded points in 10 of his 15 contests, scoring in three consecutive matchups on Jan. 7th against Mississauga, Jan. 8th in Niagara and Jan. 9th in Oshawa. He produced the OHL’s first four-goal performance of the season before a national audience on TSN on Jan. 14th in Kingston as the Wolves won 8-4. Goyette put up three points (1-2–3) on Jan. 23rd in North Bay, going 16-for-21 in the faceoff circle as the Wolves defeated the Battalion 6-4. He’s the first Wolves player to earn OHL Rookie of the Month honours since John McFarland back in October 2008.

A 17-year-old from Hawkesbury, Ont., Goyette sits second in OHL rookie scoring with 34 points including 14 goals and 20 assists over 38 games. The 5-foot-11, 174Ib. centreman was Sudbury’s first round (11th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He was listed as the 35th-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings for the 2022 NHL Draft.

2021-22 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
January – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
December – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
November – Kyle Jackson (North Bay Battalion)
October – Sasha Pastujov (Guelph Storm)

Defenceman of the Month:
January – Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
December – Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads)
November – Nathan Staios (Hamilton Bulldogs)
October – Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Rookie of the Month:
January – David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
December – Coulson Pitre (Flint Firebirds)
November – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
October – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)

Goaltender of the Month:
January – Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
December – Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
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.

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.