Futures Watch: Niagara IceDogs
As the 2025–26 OHL season approaches this September, the Niagara IceDogs are looking to build on their (29–31–4–4) record from last year. We spoke with GM Frank Evola about the new faces fans should be keeping an eye on as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign.
Class Quote
“Ultimately, it’s a lot of new faces, young blood and fresh energy. They all bring different elements and skills to the table – we’re looking forward to seeing how this incoming class of players mesh with our returning group.”
– Frank Evola
Player Spotlights:
Ryerson Edgar – C
Selected in the first round (10th overall) in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Ryerson Edgar is known for his high motor and two-way awareness. He spent last season with the York-Simcoe Express U16 AAA program, where he wore the ‘C’ for the club. He recorded 60 points (33-27–60) in 32 games between the regular season and playoffs.
“We’re excited to add a first-round selection like Ryerson to our group. He brings a true OHL-style game built on speed, skill, and scoring ability, and we know he’s a player our fans are going to love watching develop.”
Alex Hage – C
Acquired via a trade with the Peterborough Petes, Alex Hage was originally selected in the sixth round (105th overall) in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection by Peterborough. Last season, Hage played for the Chicago Steel of the USHL, recording 11 points (6-5–11) in 37 games. Before going to America, he played for the Vaughan Kings U16 AAA program. He is committed to play for the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 NCAA season.
“Alex is a highly touted player coming from the Vaughan Kings, and we’re thrilled he’ll be joining us in his draft year. He has tremendous talent, and we’re eager to watch his growth and development as part of our organization.”
Jacob Monks – C
Acquired via a trade with the London Knights, Jacob Monks was originally selected in the fifth round (83rd overall) in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection by London. Last season, the Wyandotte, Michigan native played 66 games with the Detroit Little Caesars U16 AAA where he recorded 77 points (39-38–70) and 144 penalty minutes in 61 games. He got into one game with the USHL’s Fargo Force in 2024-25 while also appearing briefly with the U.S. National Development Program. He is committed to play for Merrimack College for the 2027-28 NCAA season.
“Jacob is a strong player who adds important depth to our lineup. He’s a reliable two-way centre with an edge to his game, and that bite makes him a valuable asset for our team.”
2025-26 Niagara IceDogs Signings:
Includes players signed to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement who have played fewer than 10 games in the OHL.
| PLAYER | POSITION | HOMETOWN | DOB | 2024-25 TEAM | ACQUIRED |
| Sebastian Dell’Elce | LD | Nobleton, ON | 03/09/2007 | St. Andrew’s College | June 30, 2025 |
| Ryerson Edgar | C | Holland Landing, ON | 07/30/2009 | York Simcoe Express U16 AAA | 1st Rd. 2025 |
| Alex Hage | C | Mississauga, ON | 02/05/2008 | Chicago Steel | Aug 7, 2025 |
| Hayden Jeffery | G | Grimsby, ON | 05/08/2006 | St. Catharines Falcons | 1st Rd. 2023 (U18) |
| Judd Knauft | LW | Fenton, MI | 03/18/2008 | Little Caesars 16U AAA | July 29, 2025 (FA) |
| Finn Moffett | G | St. Catharines, ON | 02/06/2007 | Fort Erie Meteors | 10th Rd. 2023 |
| Jacob Monks | C | Wyandotte, MI | 05/19/2008 | Little Caesars 16U AAA | June 19, 2025 |
| Ben Reisnecker | RD | Plzen, CZE | 02/21/2008 | HC Sparta Praha U17/U20 | 1st Rd. 2025 (Import) |
| Mateu Späth | C | Ostfildern, GER | 02/20/2007 | Kölner Junghaie U20 | 3rd Rd. 2025 (Import) |
| Vladislav Yermolenko | G | Minsk, BLR | 12/16/2007 | Team Belarus U18 | 2nd Rd. 2025 (Import) |
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