OHL Notebook: Jan. 6th, 2026

Here’s a look at some of the top storylines from the first week back following the Holiday Break:

 

Barrie Colts Top Central Division

The Colts have points in four straight contests and have benefitted from stellar goaltending by back-to-back OHL Goaltender of the Month Ben Hrebik. In December, Hrebik posted a 5-2 record, a 1.86 GAA, and a .950 save percentage. He faced 40 or more shots on four occasions, winning three of those games. Most recently, Barrie earned two points in a 3-1 victory over North Bay despite being outshot 46-16. Fittingly, Hrebik leads the OHL in both save percentage and total saves (933).

 

No Power? No Problem! 

Three goals in the final 3:55 of regulation propelled the Kitchener Rangers past the Erie Otters 5-3, with the game briefly halted late in the third period due to a power outage at The Aud. Newly acquired overage forward Dylan Edwards scored the shorthanded game-winning goal against his former club, while fellow overager Jack Pridham recorded his second hat-trick of the month.

 

Sudbury Wolves Maintain Hot Streak

After returning to the power rankings in December for the first time since late October, the Wolves have maintained their spot by winning six of their last eight games. With the trade deadline approaching later this week, Sudbury made a big splash, sending captain Nathan Villeneuve to Windsor in exchange for two players and eight draft picks.

 

Joey Costanzo Records Fourth Shutout

Overage goaltender Joey Costanzo recorded his league-leading fourth shutout of the season – and ninth of his career – on New Year’s Eve, stopping all 24 shots he faced. Sitting atop the Western Conference standings, the Windsor Spitfires are currently riding a five-game winning streak.

 

Brantford Suffers First Home Regulation Loss

The Brantford Bulldogs saw their impressive home winning streak end in regulation at 18 games late in December. Lucas Ambrosio scored the game-winning goal for the Erie Otters with 48 seconds remaining. Rookie Caleb Malhotra added an assist, extending his strong stretch to 16 points (7-9–16) in 10 games and earning Rookie of the Month honours for December.  

 

IceDogs Finding Their Stride

The Niagara IceDogs have points in six straight games. OHL Player of the Month Riley Patterson and draft-eligible forward Ryan Roobroeck have both been on offensive tears, while goaltender Vladislav Yermolenko has provided steady play, going 4-0 with 134 saves across his four starts.

 

Easton Rye Earns First OHL Shutout

Peterborough Petes hometown goaltender Easton Rye turned aside all 25 shots he faced to record his first career shutout, improving his season record to 20-8-1-1. 

 

Saginaw Spirit Return to Power Rankings

The Spirit are back in the mix, returning to the list for the first time since Dec. 1st, having won five of their last six contests. Goaltender Stepan Shurygin continues to be a workhorse in the crease, going 4-1 in his starts. He leads OHL goaltenders with 1,907 minutes played this season. Forward Nikita Klepov also earned OHL Player of the Week honours after posting seven points (3-4–7) over five games dating back to Dec. 28th.

 

Royal City Jockstraps Go Undefeated

Jockstrap hockey made its second annual return to the Royal City, with the Guelph Storm going undefeated on the weekend with wins over Peterborough and Brantford. These promotional nights honour the Guelph Elastis Stretchers – later known as the Royal City Jockstraps – celebrating their contributions both on and off the ice. The Jockstraps are recognized for their lasting impact on hockey safety, including the creation of the protective cup that is still used today.

 

18 OHL Players Win Medals at the 2026 IIHF World Juniors

A total of 18 past and present OHL players captured medals at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Silver Medal (Czechia):

Adam Benak (F, Brantford Bulldogs), Vladimir Dravecky (D, Brantford Bulldogs), Jakub Fibigr (D, Brampton Steelheads), Adam Jiricek (D, Brantford Bulldogs), Adam Novotny (F, Peterborough Petes)

Bronze Medal (Canada):

Kashawn Aitcheson (D, Barrie Colts), Cole Beaudoin (F, Barrie Colts), Ben Danford (D, Brantford Bulldogs), Carter George (G, Owen Sound Attack), Liam Greentree (F, Windsor Spitfires), Jack Ivankovic (G, Brampton Steelheads/University of Michigan), Jett Luchanko (F, Brantford Bulldogs), Brady Martin (F, Soo Greyhounds), Porter Martone (F, Brampton Steelheads/Michigan State University), Michael Misa (F, Saginaw Spirit/San Jose Sharks), Sam O’Reilly (F, London Knights), Zayne Parekh (D, Saginaw Spirit/Calgary Flames), Cameron Reid (D, Kitchener Rangers)