OHL This Week: December 19 to 22, 2024

It’s the last OHL This Week before the Christmas break! Let’s take in the last few games to get us geared up for the holidays.

Fourteen OHL players named to Canada’s National Junior Team:
The OHL is proud to announce that 14 players will wear the Maple Leaf with Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, which is scheduled to take place from December 26 – January 5 in Ottawa, Ontario. Hockey Canada announced Thursday that Oshawa Generals forward Calum Ritchie will serve as an assistant captain with the team. Details

IceDogs’ Roobroeck named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week:
Ryan Roobroeck of the Niagara IceDogs is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering four goals, five assists and nine points over three road wins. Details

Bulldogs’ Leenders named OHL Goaltender of the Week:
Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryerson Leenders of the Brantford Bulldogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 3-0-0-0 along with a 2.27 goals-against average, and a .931 save percentage. Details

Sting’s Beamish named OHL Rookie of the Week:
Sarnia Sting forward Liam Beamish is the OHL Rookie of the Week, recording four goals, three assists and seven points over three contests. Details

OHL Plays of the Week:
In the Week 12 edition of OHL Plays of the Week, standout moments feature North Bay Battalion’s Ethan Procyszyn, Guelph Storm’s Lev Katzin, Sarnia Sting’s Liam Beamish, Soo Greyhounds’ Jordan Charron and Brampton Steelheads’ Luke Misa! Watch

Highlighting the week’s top saves presented by Enbridge:
Taking a look at the latest edition of OHL Saves of the Week! This week features standout moments from Kitchener’s Jackson Parsons, Owen Sound’s Trenten Bennett, Peterborough’s Easton Rye, Barrie’s Sam Hillebrandt and Guelph’s Zachary Jovanovski! Watch

Week 12 edition of CHL Top 10 Rankings:
The London Knights (1), Kitchener Rangers (6), Windsor Spitfires (7) and Barrie Colts (9) have been included on the week 12 edition of the CHL Top 10 Rankings. Details

Perfect weeks vault East teams up OHL Power Rankings:
Flawless performances from the Niagara IceDogs, the Brantford Bulldogs and Ottawa 67’s saw them climb the OHL Power Rankings in Week 12. Details

OHL Milestone Moments:
Get ready for the 12th edition of OHL Milestone Moments presented by Syngenta Canada and Grain Farmers of Ontario, where we revisit 13 exciting first career OHL markers from the past week! Watch

Latest Moves:

IceDogs’ He signs historic contract with Jets:
The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club announced today they have agreed to terms with Niagara IceDogs forward Kevin He on a three-year, entry-level contract. He, Winnipeg’s fourth-round pick (109th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft, is a native of Beijing, China. He becomes the first Chinese-born player to sign a contract in the NHL. Details

Battalion sign first round pick Ryder Cali:
The North Bay Battalion has signed centre Ryder Cali to an OHL education and development agreement. General manager John Winstanley acquired Cali’s OHL rights from the Soo Greyhounds on Sept. 13 for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection and three conditional choices, namely North Bay’s second- and fourth-rounders in 2028 and its seventh-rounder in 2027. Details

Steelheads sign 2023 U18 Draft pick Julian Demiglio:
The Brampton Steelheads announced that forward Julian Demiglio has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the club. Originally drafted by the Mississauga Steelheads in the third round (#45 overall) of the 2023 OHL U18 Priority Selection from the Toronto Nationals U16 AAA program, Demiglio has skated in 29 games for the Stouffville Spirit of the OJHL this season. Details

Steelheads sign forward Thomas Kuipers:
The Brampton Steelheads announced on Wednesday that forward Thomas Kuipers has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the club. Originally drafted by the Erie Otters in the thirteenth round (#245 overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Quinte Red Devils U16 AAA program, the 18-year-old Carrying Place, Ont. native has skated in two games for the Steelheads this season. Details

Storm acquire Bottineau:
The Guelph Storm and Kitchener Rangers don’t make swaps all that often, but they made a notable move together on Tuesday as 18-year-old forward Justin Bottineau was dealt east on Highway 7. Now in his third season, Bottineau joins the Storm in exchange for a fifth round pick in 2028. Details

Knights acquire Capitals prospect Allen:
The London Knights already had a solid blueline, and it just got more dynamic with the acquisition of Guelph Storm defenceman Cam Allen on Tuesday afternoon. The Knights added the 19-year-old Washington Capitals prospect in exchange for 17-year-old blueliner Noah Jenken and seven draft picks including a pair of second round picks, a pair of third round picks, a pair of fourth round picks and a fifth round choice. Details

Firebirds’ overage forward Evan Konyen commits to RIT:
Flint Firebirds overage forward Evan Konyen has committed to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for the 2025-26 season. In his first season with the Firebirds after coming over from the Sudbury Wolves in the offseason, Konyen has produced 16 points over 30 games. Originally drafted by Sudbury in the fourth round, 71st overall, of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the 6-foot, 180lb. forward from Pittsburgh, PA, has accumulated 159 points over 219 regular season games between the Wolves and Firebirds. Details

Steelheads acquire Canucks prospect Alriksson:
Steelheads head coach and GM James Richmond pulled the trigger on a deal with the Guelph Storm Monday morning that sees 6-foot-6, 234Ib. Swedish left-wing Vilmer Alriksson come to Brampton. The Vancouver Canucks fourth round pick in 2023 has 23 points (11-12–23) through 26 games and was acquired for three draft picks including a third (Ottawa’s) in 2025, second (Brantford’s) in 2026 and third (Saginaw’s) in 2027. Details

Colts sign 2023 pick Peter Legostaev:
The Barrie Colts are proud to announce the signing of 2023 draft selection Peter Legostaev to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Legostaev was selected in the 6th round 107th overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Smiths Falls Bears U18 program. The 6.02 and 194lb centre hails from Ottawa, ON and is currently playing for the Brockville Braves (CCHL). Details

67’s sign 2023 selection Shaan Kingwell:
The Ottawa 67’s have signed 11th round 2023 OHL Priority Selection choice Shaan Kingwell to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. The 17-year-old forward plays for the CCHL’s Navan Grads, who he won a Bogart Cup title with last season. Details

Sting’s Doucette commits to Colgate University:
Sarnia Sting overage forward Tyson Doucette has committed to Colgate University for the 2025-26 season, joining some of the first members of the OHL club to join a NCAA team since player eligibility rules changed. The Sting signed Doucette as a free agent in the fall of the 2022-23 season. Details

Other News:

Explore the OHL – Barrie Colts:
The OHL is home to 20 teams—17 in Canada and three in the United States. Shifting the focus beyond hockey operations, the OHL aims to highlight the distinctiveness of each member club. The League will showcase how current players and future prospects embrace their junior hockey careers within their respective cities, emphasizing the unique qualities that define each team and its community. Details

OHL mourns the loss of Erie Otters Owner and Governor Jim Waters:
The Ontario Hockey League is mourning the loss of a prominent member of the OHL community, a leader who demonstrated tremendous vision paired with a kindness and generosity towards others. Erie Otters Owner and Governor Jim Waters passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on Friday morning. He was 73 years-old. Read more

2025 OHL Draft Prospect Profile – Lachlan Larmand:
A well-rounded forward with the Barrie Jr. Colts, Lachlan Larmand blends a scorer’s touch with solid instincts on the defensive side of the puck, making him a valuable option late in games. Watch

OHL Cup U16 AAA Top 10 Rankings:
The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 4 edition of the weekly U16 AAA rankings for the 2025 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League. Details

2025 OHL Draft Prospect Profile – Jake Murray:
A big two-way power centre from Meaford, Ont., Jake Murray grew up watching the Owen Sound Attack, and recently captained the Huron-Perth Lakers to a Silver Stick title in Whitby. Watch

OHL Announces Summer 2025 Internship Opportunities:
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is pleased to announce the launch of its Summer 2025 Internship Program, offering a series of dynamic, hands-on opportunities for domestic university and college students. These internships will provide students with professional experience in league operations, player services, content creation, and business development within the sports industry. Details

Community Corner:

Teddy Bear Toss season across the OHL:
The OHL’s Teddy Bear Toss tradition returns this weekend! Check out the schedule below to find out when teams will host their annual Teddy Bear Toss games throughout the months of November and December. Be a part of the holiday fun in your city as teams collect stuffed animals for charitable organizations in their communities! Details

Merry Christmas from the OHL:
It’s the most wonderful time of year! Don’t miss out on all the OHL action ahead of the Christmas break – join the Windsor Spitfires, Kitchener Rangers, Barrie Colts, Peterborough Petes and Sudbury Wolves as they host holiday themed games over the weekend! Visit team websites for more information.

Storm to host third-annual Community Backpack Project night:
Friday is the third annual Community Backpack Project Night at the Sleeman Centre as the Guelph Storm host the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. The game will feature a ceremonial puck drop to honour just a few of the many Hope House volunteers that made the Backpack Project a success again in 2024. Each year, Hope House Guelph coordinates a school supply drive to provide children with the tools they need for a successful school year. The Storm were pleased to collect 408 backpacks in support of the initiative. Details

Otters’ fourth-annual Sock Toss collects over 4300 pairs of socks for community Shelter Services:
For the fourth-consecutive season, the Erie Otters Hockey Club and its fans combined their efforts on Saturday, December 14 to assure that those in need in the Erie community would be able to put socks on their feet like everyone else during the harsh winter season. Details

67’s voice Zappia and captain Luca Pinelli introduce the Captain’s Club:
Spearheaded by Colin Zappia, the colour commentary voice you’ve become familiar with when watching 67’s home games on Rogers TV, the Barber Poles and Kids Up Front Ottawa have all come together to create something special, creating a program that hopes to have a lasting impact in the community: the Captain’s Club. Details

Alumni Notes:

U SPORTS All-Stars:
Representing the U SPORTS All-Star Team at Team Canada’s World Juniors Selection Camp last week, former OHL alumni reflected on their OHL careers and use of the League’s scholarship program to pursue post-secondary studies. Watch

CHL Alumni Spotlight – Quinton Byfield:
In the third OHL edition of the CHL Alumni Spotlight presented by Carlsberg Canada, former Sudbury Wolves forward Quinton Byfield reflects on his OHL journey (2018-20), the top-tier competition he faced, and his continued growth in the NHL after being selected second overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2020 NHL Draft. Watch

NHL Debut – Tye Felhaber:
Former Ottawa 67’s and Saginaw Spirit forward Tye Felhaber made his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche on Monday night at the age of 26. Felhaber skated for 4:34 as Colorado fell 3-1 to the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Details

13 OHL alumni named to 4 Nations Face-Off rosters:
Thirteen OHL alumni are set to suit up at the inaugural 4 Nations Face-off in a best-on-best tournament among NHL stars set to be held in February. Canada’s roster features seven former OHL stars, the USA has three, Finland includes two OHL alumni, and Sweden has one. Details

Upcoming Schedule:

Thursday, December 19th
Niagara at Barrie – 7:00pm
Guelph at Windsor – 7:05pm
Ottawa at Peterborough – 7:05pm

Friday, December 20th
Niagara at Brampton – 7:00pm
Peterborough at Kingston – 7:00pm
Ottawa at Kitchener – 7:00pm
Sarnia at London – 7:00pm
Flint at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Brantford at Oshawa – 7:05pm
North Bay at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Guelph – 7:07pm