From the O to the Pros: OHL Alumni Weekly Round-Up (Dec. 18, 2025)
The Ontario Hockey League continues to produce standouts at the professional level, with alumni making headlines across the NHL and AHL. From milestone moments to first career goals, OHL grads continue to shape the hockey landscape every week. Here’s a look at the top alumni stories from the past seven days.
Feature Stories of the Week (NHL):
Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters)
Matthew Schaefer has matched Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo) and Zach Bogosian (Atlanta) for the NHL’s third-highest single‑season goal total by a defenseman aged 18 or younger, scoring his ninth of the year. This week, he has a chance to become the fastest teenage blueliner in league history to reach 10 goals.
Matthew Schaefer got the @NYIslanders on the board with his ninth goal of the season, one back of the League lead among rookies. #NHLStats
Watch now 🌎: https://t.co/dT34F4MhkC pic.twitter.com/QkHJkDD5eX
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) December 13, 2025
Jeff Skinner (Kitchener Rangers)
Jeff Skinner appeared in his 1,110th career NHL game on Dec. 16 with the San Jose Sharks. Over his career, he has suited up for four teams: the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, and now the Sharks. Remarkably, only five of his 1,110 games have come in the postseason.
If you wanted to feel old today, Jeff Skinner is playing in his 1,100th game tonight 👴 pic.twitter.com/PUNc33RCtk
— NHL (@NHL) December 17, 2025
Feature Stories of the Week (AHL):
Igor Chernyshov (Saginaw Spirit)
Igor Chernyshov made his NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks on December 16, recording his first career point with an assist and logging 12:20 of ice time. Among AHL rookies, he ranks fourth in points (23), is tied for third in goals (11), and tied for eighth in assists (12). He leads the San Jose Barracuda in both points and goals this season and sits third on the team in assists.
First game, first point! 👏
Igor Chernyshov picked up his first NHL assist on Macklin Celebrini's first goal last night. pic.twitter.com/vkU40iaIlb
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) December 17, 2025
Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nick Lardis made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks on December 13, registering 28:04 of ice time and three shots across two games. With the Rockford IceHogs, he has tallied 26 points (13‑13–26) in 24 games, leading all AHL rookies in scoring, ranking second in goals, and placing inside the league’s top ten overall in both goals and points.
welcome to the NHL, Nick Lardis‼️👏 pic.twitter.com/TKB08SmUWr
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 14, 2025
Andrew Campbell (Soo Greyhounds)
The Belleville Senators announced that they have relieved head coach David Bell of his duties and elevated assistant coach Andrew Campbell to interim head coach. Campbell is in his second season with Belleville after joining the staff in 2024-25. He previously served as an assistant with the Brantford Bulldogs, helping guide the club to an OHL championship in 2021-22.
NEWS RELEASE: Belleville Senators replace David Bell and name Andrew Campbell as interim head coach
📰 https://t.co/oh4cSFQN1V pic.twitter.com/GxRsaRbhtU
— Belleville Senators (@BellevilleSens) December 17, 2025
Additional Alumni Notes:
- Jamie Drysale (Erie Otters) – Became the third defenseman from the 2020 NHL Draft to score 20 career goals.
- Connor McDavid (Erie Otters) – Recorded his 10th career 20-goal season to tie for the most in Oilers history.
- Sam Bennett (Kingston Frontenacs) – Scored his 23rd game-winning goal with the Panthers and is now tied for the sixth most in franchise history.
- Mitch Marner (London Knights) – Tied David Perron for the second-fewest games required to reach 30 career points with the Golden Knights.
- Cam Allen (London Knights) – Scored his first AHL goal.
OHL Alumni Milestones & Notes:
| Player | Former OHL Team(s) | Current Team | Notable Stat / Milestone |
| Matthew Schaefer | Erie Otters | New York Islanders (NHL) | Scored his 9th goal of the season. |
| Jeff Skinner | Kitchener Rangers | San Jose Sharks (NHL) | Played in his 1,110th career game. |
| Igor Chernyshov | Saginaw Spirit | San Jose Barracuda (AHL) / San Jose Sharks (NHL) | Made NHL Debut and recorded first point |
| Nick Lardis | Brantford Buldogs | Rockford IceHogs (AHL) / Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) | Made NHL Debut |
| Andrew Campbell | Soo Greyhounds (Player) / Brantford Bulldogs (Coach) | Belleville Senators (AHL) | Promoted to interim Head Coach |
🔗 View the full list of OHL alumni currently playing in the NHL and AHL here.
🔗 Follow OHL alumni milestones throughout the season at OHL.ca/alumni
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