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15 OHL players included on Scott Wheeler’s 2027 NHL Draft Preseason Rankings by the Ontario Hockey League

Lisa Della Mattia — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:34:12 +0000

Following the conclusion of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, one of the first major international showcases of the 2027 NHL Draft cycle, The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler has released his preseason rankings, featuring a top 32 along with 36 honourable mentions. Six OHL players cracked Wheeler’s top 32, while nine more received honourable mentions. Here’s a look at the 15 OHL players recognized: 7. Dima Zhilkin – Saginaw Spirit

Hometown: Windsor, ON
Drafted: 1st Round, 19th Overall (2024 OHL Priority Selection)
Profile: 5-foot-10, 185lbs, left-shot winger

Leading the OHL contingent is Saginaw Spirit captain Dima Zhilkin, who has established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic and competitive forwards. The Windsor, Ont., native recorded 75 points (36-39–75) in 59 regular-season games last season and was voted the Western Conference’s second-hardest worker and second-best stickhandler in the OHL Coaches Poll. Internationally, Zhilkin recorded seven points in five games at the U18 World Championship before representing Canada as the country’s lone draft-eligible player at the World Junior Summer Showcase. “He’s the heartbeat of his lines and a play-driver who rises in big moments, wants to be in the fight, and can play on the perimeter or in the guts of the ice with his skill out wide and determination inside and around the net.” 16. Timothy Kazda – Guelph Storm

Hometown: Ilava, SVK
Drafted: 1st Round, 4th Overall (2026 CHL Import Draft)
Profile: 6-foot-1, 194lbs, right-shot forward

Selected fourth overall by the Guelph Storm in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, Timothy Kazda joins the Storm after an impressive season with the USHL’s Chicago Steel. The Ilava, Slovakia native recorded 41 points (22-19–41) in 59 games, finishing fourth among under-18 skaters in USHL scoring while leading the Steel with 22 goals. Kazda elevated his play on the international stage, leading the U18 World Championship with 12 points in seven games while earning tournament MVP honours and helping Slovakia reach the gold medal game as an alternate captain. “He makes quick decisions, can drive offence on his lines at five-on-five, manages the half wall on the power play well, has a good first touch, is a good skater, gets in and out of his stops and starts quickly, and protects the puck really well along the wall.” 19. Jaakko Wycisk – Guelph Storm

Hometown: Tecumseh, ON
Drafted: 1st Round, 2nd Overall (2025 OHL Priority Selection)
Profile: 6-foot-1, 190lbs, right-shot centreman

Selected second overall by the Guelph Storm in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Jaakko Wycisk recorded 43 points (16-27–43) in 60 games during his rookie campaign. The Tecumseh, Ont., native continued to make an impact internationally at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, finishing tied for the tournament scoring lead with 10 points while leading all players with eight assists. “He’s a good skater for how heavy he already is and plays a straight-line, energetic two-way game. He’s also strong in puck protection, good on the cycle, possesses excellent overall contact skills, wins pucks with a heavy stick, and can make plays below the goal line.” 23. Ryerson Edgar – Niagara IceDogs

Hometown: Holland Landing, ON
Drafted: 1st Round, 10th Overall (2025 OHL Priority Selection)
Profile: 5-foot-10, 165lbs, right-shot centreman

Selected 10th overall by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Ryerson Edgar emerged as one of the club’s most impactful young players over the course of his rookie season. The Michigan commit took on an increased role as the year progressed, moving back to centre in January and logging significant minutes down the stretch. Edgar also carried that momentum onto the international stage, recording five points (3-2–5) in five games at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. “He has quick hands and can make guys miss, jumping past them laterally. He’s a very good skater who can play off the rush and release from coverage to win foot races to pucks and keep plays alive with his active feet.” 26. Luca Santala – London Knights

Hometown: Espoo, FIN
Drafted: 1st Round, 40th Overall ( 2026 CHL Import Draft)
Profile: 6-foot-2, 190lbs, right-shot winger

Selected 40th overall by the London Knights in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, Luca Santala arrives in London after establishing himself as one of Finland’s top players in the 2009 age group. The Espoo, Finland native has also gained experience playing against older competition at the international level, most recently recording five points (2-3–5) in five games for Finland at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. “He’s got a good one-touch shot and release that he can strike with, taking passes into small pockets of the O-zone. He’ll slow play down and make the right decision with the puck more often than not.” 32. Kohyn Eshkawkogan – Ottawa 67’s

Hometown: Manitoulin Island, ON
Drafted: 1st Round, 21st Overall (2024 OHL Priority Selection)
Profile: 5-foot-10, 174lbs, right-shot defenceman

Named to the OHL’s First All-Rookie Team in 2024-25, Kohyn Eshkawkogan continued to take on a significant role with the Ottawa 67’s last season, regularly logging more than 20 minutes per game on the blueline. The Manitoulin Island, Ont., native was voted the Eastern Conference’s third-best skater and third-best offensive defenceman in the 2025-26 OHL Coaches Poll before representing Canada at the U18 World Championship in the spring. “He’s strong on his feet, is extremely mobile and can break down coverage laterally on the attack. He’s also a zone-exit and entry machine who transports a lot of pucks down ice and stretches the ice with crisp tape-to-tape outlets.” Honourable Mentions:

Trevor Daley Jr. (F) – Soo Greyhounds
Levi Harper (D) – Saginaw Spirit
Cooper McAslan (D) – London Knights
Kaden McGregor (C) – Brantford Bulldogs
Charlie Murata (RW) – Flint Firebirds
Adam Nemec (LW) – Brantford Bulldogs
Dmitri Savin (LW) – Saginaw Spirit
Easton Walos (C) – Sarnia Sting
Camryn Warren (RW) – North Bay Battalion

For Scott Wheeler’s full 2027 NHL Draft preseason ranking list, visit here.

Forward Finley Butler signs with Storm

Lisa Della Mattia — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 14:03:32 +0000

Guelph, ON – Guelph Storm General Manager George Burnett announced today that 2026 second-round pick Finley Butler has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the hockey club.

The 6’5, 215 lbs forward from London, Ontario was selected 29th overall in this summer’s OHL Priority Selection in Kingston.

“Finley has a unique combination of high skill and physicality along with his tremendous size,” said General Manager George Burnett. “He has worked extremely hard this summer to improve his game and we are excited to welcome Fin and his family to the Storm organization.”

The right winger had an excellent 2025-2026 season with the London Junior Knights U16 AAA squad. The 2010-born forward ranked second on his team in scoring, recording 23 goals and 37 assists for 60 points in 30 regular season games. Butler culminated his U16 campaign with four goals and three assists in six OHL Cup games and suited up in three junior hockey games for the GOHL’s Komoka Kings.

“I’m honoured and excited to be a part of such an amazing organization,” said Butler. “I can’t wait to get started, meet the guys, and have a great season.”

Stay connected with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, for future updates! Download the Guelph Storm app as part of the CHL app for breaking news and exclusive contests. The 2026-2027 Season is proudly presented by Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars.

Jaakko Wycisk and Team Canada win gold at 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Lisa Della Mattia — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:05:39 +0000

On Saturday, Team Canada, featuring Storm centremen Jaakko Wycisk, took home gold, defeating the United States 8-1 at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. Wycisk contributed to Team Canada with 10 points in 5 games (2 goals, 8 assists). The Tecumseth, Ont., native was the 2nd overall pick by the Storm in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. In his first season with the Storm, the 6’1, 190lbs forward had 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points through 60 games played. Internationally, Wycisk has represented Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, where Team White took home silver. Wycisk contributed to Team Canada White 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in 5 games.

Single Game Tickets for 2026/2027 season on sale NOW!

Lisa Della Mattia — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:56:36 +0000

Friday, September 18th, marks the 35th season of Storm hockey in the Royal City. Lock in your tickets for what is set to be an unforgettable season! Run, don’t walk, all single game tickets, 7-game ticket packs, Family4Packs, Group Tickets, and Luxury Suite rentals for the 2026/2027 season presented by Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars are on sale now! 2026/2027 Single Game Tickets Secure single-game tickets for the pre-season and regular season! Click here view all games and available seats. 2026/2027 Season Tickets Experience every goal, hit, and victory firsthand at the Sleeman Centre! With exclusive Season Ticket benefits unlike any other team, be sure to secure your favourite seat today! Click here to learn more. 2026/2027 7-Game Packs Never get shut out by sell-outs, with most Storm games selling out fast, secure your seats now! No stress, no scrambling, just exciting Storm hockey. new this season, purchase both ticket packs and get any additional game FREE! Click here to learn more. Choose your pack: Friday Pack: Catch seven exciting Friday night games Afternoon Pack: Enjoy 7 thrilling afternoon match-ups 2026/2027 Family4Packs sponsored by Booster Juice Family4Packs offer a fun way to celebrate Storm hockey with the whole family! Available for every game, the package includes 2 adult tickets, 2 child tickets, a $25.00 concessions gift card, and 2 souvenir posters. Click here to learn more and purchase your Booster Juice Family4pack today! 2026/2027 Premium Seating Options Upgrade your game-day experience with premium ticket options at the Sleeman Centre. Whether you’re looking for VIP seating, exclusive hospitality, or an enhanced social atmosphere, we have the perfect option for you. Click here to learn more about all premium seating options.

Experience the ultimate premium seating with TD Zone Season Tickets.
Premium 100-Level seats with a centre ice view and in-seat service.
Full season lease suites.
New single game opportunities include the brand new party decks inside Draught Picks featuring rail seating and the ideal social space for any event!
Brand new four-seat concourse club boxes offer a premium game day experience, featuring elevated padded booth seating positioned with excellent sight lines.

Buying your seat for any Guelph Storm home game has never been easier! Purchase in-person at the Storm Box Office in the Sleeman Centre at 50 Woolwich Street., Unit B. Tickets are also available online at tickets.guelphstorm.com or by calling (519) 837-9690 or (866) STORM-GO. Ticket service charges may apply.

Storm acquire goaltender Ben Hrebik from the Colts

Lisa Della Mattia — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:20:35 +0000

General Manager George Burnett announced today that the Guelph Storm have acquired overage goaltender Ben Hrebik from the Barrie Colts in exchange for a conditional 15th-round pick (GUE) in the 2028 OHL Priority Selection.

“Ben was a part of one of the top goaltending tandems in the league last season and helped lead his team to the OHL Championship Final,” said George Burnett. “His experience and leadership will be a welcome addition to our club and we are excited to have Ben and his family join our organization.”

The Milton, ON native was originally selected in the ninth round (173^rd overall) by the Colts in the 2022 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. Hrebik was a product of the OJHL’s Burlington Cougars where he posted a 2.99 goals against average and 0.903 save percentage in 12 games in 2023-24. The 2006-born goaltender played 34 games in his first OHL season in 2024-25 with a record of 21-9-2. In his last two OHL campaigns, Hrebik posted a 0.920 save percentage in back-to-back seasons, which included 77 regular-season games for Barrie. Last season, the 6’2, 205 lbs goaltender followed up his 26-win regular season by backstopping the Colts to the J. Ross Robertson Cup finals. Hrebik posted a playoff record of 12-6-2, a 0.922 save percentage, and a 2.66 goals against average in 20 playoff games.

"I’m really excited to be joining Guelph and playing so close to home this year," said Hrebik. "It’s a great opportunity to be playing for a team that is hosting the Memorial Cup and I am looking forward to get going!

Stay connected with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, for future updates. Download the Guelph Storm app as part of the CHL app for breaking news and exclusive contests.

Jaakko Wycisk named to 2026 Hlinka Gretzky roster

Lisa Della Mattia — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:06:52 +0000

Hockey Canada announced Friday afternoon that eight OHL players have been named to the National Men’s Under-18 Team to compete in the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. The list includes 2025 2nd overall pick, Jaakko Wycisk. The Tecumseth, Ont., native was the 2nd overall pick by the Storm in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. In his first season with the Storm, the 6’1, 190lbs forward had 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points through 60 games played. Internationally, Wycisk has represented Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, where Team White took home silver. Wycisk contributed to Team Canada White 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in 5 games. The puck drops on August 3rd at 1 p.m. MT when the United States faces Czechia, while Canada will play its opening game against Switzerland at 5 p.m. MT. Canada will also take on Slovakia on August 4th and Sweden on August 5th to close out the preliminary round. The semifinals are set for August 7th, with the medal games on August 8th at noon and 5 p.m. MT, respectively. TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast all preliminary-round games, semifinals and medal games from Rogers Place.

Stay connected with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, for future updates! Download the Guelph Storm app as part of the CHL app for breaking news and exclusive contests.

Summer Spotlight: Jaakko Wycisk ready to lead Guelph’s next generation by the Ontario Hockey League

Lisa Della Mattia — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 01:28:22 +0000

When the Guelph Storm selected Declan McNally seventh overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Jaakko Wycisk did not hesitate to reach out. Just over a year after hearing his own name called second overall by the Storm, Wycisk watched as another Windsor-area product joined Guelph’s young core. With both players having developed in the Sun County Panthers program, the connection made the moment even more meaningful. “I was really pumped when I saw his name get called,” Wycisk said. “It’s pretty cool that we’re both from the same area and get to share that experience.” With help from the Storm’s media staff, Wycisk connected with McNally through FaceTime shortly after the pick was announced. “I just congratulated him, told him to enjoy the night with his friends and family, and take it all in,” he said. “We got to play together a bit growing up, and he AP’d with our team, so it was really exciting to see him get drafted by Guelph.” Selected second overall in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Wycisk understands the significance of arriving in the league as a highly touted young player. The 6-foot-1 centre recorded 43 points (17-26–43) in 60 games during an impressive rookie season with the Storm, and along the way, he learned how important patience and support can be while adjusting to a new league, city and lifestyle. “It’s a big jump from minor hockey,” Wycisk said. “You’re playing with different players and adjusting to life away from home, so it definitely takes some time. My biggest advice would be to take it slow and lean on the people around you. “There are a lot of players going through the same experience, so don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions and keep in touch with your parents. He can always talk to me too. I think he’ll adjust just fine.” Wycisk had a similar source of familiarity when he arrived in Guelph, sharing the dressing room with fellow Windsor-area natives Charlie Paquette and Zach Jovanovski. And now, he has the chance to provide that same comfort and guidance for McNally as he begins his own OHL journey. For Wycisk, his rookie season was defined by learning what it takes to compete at the next level while also finding confidence in himself. “My first year was really about feeling out the league and learning how things work,” he said. “Guelph gave me the opportunity to play the way I like to play and fill the role that suited me. My coaches did a great job helping me adjust, and my billets have been great too. The whole experience has been unbelievable.” After recording three points (2-1–3) in five games while helping Canada White capture silver at the 2025 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, Wycisk was recently invited to Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team training camp ahead of the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. That experience will serve as another important step as he prepares for his sophomore OHL season and an especially significant period in Guelph. The Storm are building toward hosting the 2027 Memorial Cup, giving Wycisk, McNally and the rest of the club’s young core an opportunity to grow together with a clear long-term goal in mind. “It’s unbelievable,” Wycisk said. “It’s an honour for the city of Guelph, and I’m really excited to be a part of it. It’s a huge opportunity for me, especially with my draft year coming up, so I’ve been training hard to make sure I’m ready for the season. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead.” The past three Memorial Cup championships have been won by OHL clubs, adding even more motivation for a Storm team hoping to extend that run when the tournament comes to Guelph in 2027. Before then, Wycisk is focused on taking another step individually and helping the Storm establish momentum during the upcoming season. “Personally, I want to have a really strong season from start to finish, keep getting better every day and continue growing as a player,” he said. “I want to learn as much as I can from my coaches and everyone around me. “As a team, I think we’re going to be really good. Hopefully we can make a deep playoff run, build toward the Memorial Cup and put ourselves in a position to compete for a championship.” After spending his rookie season learning from those around him, Wycisk now enters Year 2 ready to take on a larger role – both as a key piece of Guelph’s future and as a familiar face helping McNally begin his own journey with the Storm.

Trio of Storm players invited to Canada’s World Junior Selection Summer Showcase

Lisa Della Mattia — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:21:53 +0000

Storm’s Ethan Czata, Tyler Hopkins, and Ryan Roobroeck have been selected to attend Canada’s National Junior Team Summer Showcase ahead of the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Throughout the showcase, four goaltenders, 10 defencemen, and 18 forwards will take part in practices, scrimmages, and a trio of exhibition games against Finland, Sweden, and the United States in preparation for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta.

Ethan, the 2007-born forward, was originally selected in the first round (5th overall) by the IceDogs in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. In three seasons in the OHL, the 6-foot-2, 190 lbs forward has recorded 125 points (53 goals, 72 assists) in 193 regular season games. Czata served as the IceDogs captain for the 2025-26 season. Czata represented his country on three occasions – once during the 2023 U17 World Hockey Challenge, once at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and again during the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championships – winning a gold medal at all three events. Czata and Storm Head Coach Cory Stillman won gold with Team Canada at the 2025 U18 World Championships, where the Brampton, ON native finished the tournament with five points (one goal and four assists), including a goal in the gold medal game. Hopkins was acquired by the Storm at the 2025/2026 trade deadlines and originally selected in the first round, 4th overall by the Frontenacs in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. In three seasons in the OHL, the 6-foot-1, 185 lbs forward has recorded 89 points (38 goals, 51 assists) in 155 regular season games. Tyler has appeared in 27 games eith the Storm, adding 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points. The Campbellville, Ontario native was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round (86^thoverall) in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Hopkins has represented Canada three times on the international stage – winning a gold medal on all three occasions – the 2023 U17 World Hockey Challenge, 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and with Storm head coach Cory Stillman at the 2025 U18 World Championships. Roobroeck, the newly acquired Storm forward, was originally selected in the first round (2nd overall) by the IceDogs in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. In three seasons in the OHL, the 6-foot-4, 215 lbs forward has recorded 99 goals and 97 assists for 196 points in 176 regular season games. Roobroeck has added another 6 points (3 goals and 3 assists) in 5 career OHL playoff games. Roobroeck’s 99 career OHL goals lead all 2007-born players over the last three seasons. The London, ON native represented his country twice on the world stage – once at the 2023 U17 World Hockey Challenge and again at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championships. At the 2025 U18 tournament, Roobroeck won gold with current Storm players Tyler Hopkins, Ethan Czata, and Head Coach Cory Stillman recording four goals and five assists for nine points in seven games.

The team will practice July 27 and 28 before taking on Sweden on July 29, Finland on July 30 and the United States on Aug. 1.Every game at the World Junior Summer Showcase will be livestreamed at HNLive.ca (subscription required).

Stay connected with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram for future updates! Download the Guelph Storm app as part of the CHL app for breaking news and exclusive contests.

Jaakko Wycisk named to 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Camp roster

Lisa Della Mattia — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:43:58 +0000

Hockey Canada announced today that nine OHL players have been named to the National Men’s Under-18 Team Camp ahead of the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. The list includes Storm centremen Jaakko Wycisk. The Tecumseth, Ont., native was the 2nd overall pick by the Storm in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. In his first season with the Storm, the 6'1, 190lbs forward had 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points through 60 games played. Internationally, Wycisk has represented Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, where Team White took home silver. Wycisk contributed to Team Canada White 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in 5 games.

Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team training camp, set for July 27 to August 1 at NAIT Arena and Rogers Place in Edmonton, will include practices and a game against Sweden on July 30. Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team will also take on Czechia on Aug. 1 as part of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup pre-tournament schedule before the roster is finalized ahead of the start of the tournament.

Click here to read the full release by Hockey Canada.

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Garrett McFadden celebrates 10 years of mental health initiative McFadden’s Movement by Ryan Drury

Lisa Della Mattia — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:18:05 +0000

Kincardine native Garrett McFadden started a movement for mental health advocacy in 2016 that has now hit a decade of making an impact. McFadden's Movement was launched when Garrett was captain of the Guelph Storm of the OHL, and what started as an advocacy initiative through speaking engagements for young people and athletes quickly grew into so much more. McFadden's Movement celebrated Thursday night at a gala in Guelph for a decade of money being raised for mental health programming, with nearly $200,000 raised so far. McFadden says reflecting on a decade of work is incredibly fulfilling. "Thinking back to those early years, the amount of people that were reaching out, trying to help us with whatever we needed. It's been a really cool experience with it all and on top of that, we've made a pretty big difference for mental health in our community and getting people that need it the most the help they need. I'm very fulfilled tonight thinking about that," Garrett said proudly. Over the last decade, McFadden's Movement has donated money to help support organizations like WesForYouth Online, CMHA Waterloo-Wellington and mental health supports in communities like Mount Forest, Guelph, Arthur and many more. The organization has held road hockey tournaments, golf tournaments and raffle fundraisers to raise money for a great cause. Garrett says the support he continues to see from not only the community, but former teammates and even current NHLers, has been very rewarding. Click here to access full article.

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