OHL Notebook: Oct. 21st, 2025
Here’s a look at some of the top storylines from an action-packed Rivalry Series weekend across the league:
Brantford Stays Perfect in Regulation
The Eastern Conference–leading Brantford Bulldogs remain the lone team without a regulation loss, entering the new week with an 8–0–1–1 record. They lead the league in both special teams efficiency and total goals scored. In their Rivalry Series sweep of the Brampton Steelheads, Brantford outscored their opponent 16–6 across two games.
Adam Novotny Extends Goal Streak
Peterborough Petes forward Adam Novotny, the club’s 2024 first-round import pick, continues to shine. He’s riding a five-game goal streak – the longest active streak in the league – collecting eight points in that span. Impressively, he’s delivered the game-winner in three of Peterborough’s last five contests.
Novotný keeps rolling😤
The 2026 #NHLDraft eligible forward has now scored in 5 straight games for the @PetesOHLhockey @flohockey | #OHLRivalryWeekpic.twitter.com/yinGSsXuO7
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) October 20, 2025
Ryder Fetterolf Earns First OHL Shutout
Ottawa 67’s rookie goaltender Ryder Fetterolf has now checked off all the rookie milestones: first start, first win, and now first shutout. In the opening game of their Rivalry Series against Kingston, Fetterolf stopped all 13 shots in a 3–0 victory. He currently ranks second in GAA (2.01) and fourth in SV% (.917) league-wide.
🗣️ 1738 GOT HIS FIRST SHUTOUT 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/O6srbLW84o
— Ottawa 67’s (@Ottawa67sHockey) October 18, 2025
Three Players Hit Double-Digit Goals
Jordan Charron (Soo Greyhounds), Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs), and Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires) became the first players this season to reach the 10-goal mark, and all three are tied for the league lead.
Sarnia Upsets Windsor Despite Shot Imbalance
The Sarnia Sting snapped a three-game skid with a gutsy 5–3 win over the league-leading Windsor Spitfires. Rookie netminder Patrick Quinlan was sensational, stopping 42 of 45 shots, as Sarnia overcame a massive 45–14 shot deficit. On offense, blueliner Cameron Aucoin scored twice, while Jordan Bax chipped in three points (1G, 2A). Quinlan’s performance earned him OHL Goaltender of the Week honours.
Patrick Quinlan had Sarnia buzzing 🐝
The @StingHockey netminder had a weekend to remember, helping the Sting grab three points and earn the @MaryBrowns #OHLGOTW honours!
DETAILS 🗞️: https://t.co/BgGHtXdexD pic.twitter.com/utIt60iRWa
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) October 20, 2025
Matthew Schaefer Making NHL History
Selected first overall in last year’s NHL Draft, Erie Otters alumnus Matthew Schaefer is already rewriting the record books. With a point Saturday in Ottawa, the 18-year-old became the first defenseman in NHL history to record a point in each of his first five games at that age (1G, 4A). He’s also the first defenseman ever taken first overall to begin his career with a five-game point streak. Among players 18 or younger in the expansion era, only eight have achieved such a streak, and until Schaefer, all were forwards.
Matthew Schaefer four games into his NHL career:
-Youngest D-man selected first overall to make his NHL debut
-Youngest D-man to record a point in his NHL debut
-Youngest D-man to score a goal in over 80 years
-Youngest player on record to score first NHL goal on the power play… pic.twitter.com/2Z9Sr73Lxk— NHL (@NHL) October 18, 2025
Adam Benak Leads League Scoring
Brantford’s Adam Benak was named Cogeco Player of the Week after posting six points (1G, 5A) in two Rivalry Week wins. He now leads the OHL in scoring (19 points), plus/minus (+14), and insurance goals (2).
Adam Benak was serving this weekend 🍽️
The @mnwild prospect and @BulldogsOHL forward tallied 6 points (1–5–6) over two games, earning the @cogeco #OHLPOTW honours!
DETAILS 🗞️: https://t.co/UEiVThEbC8 pic.twitter.com/lLxUlMzAZa
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) October 20, 2025
Rookie Ryder Cali Sparks North Bay Sweep
North Bay Battalion rookie Ryder Cali tallied four points (3G, 1A) in three games, including a Rivalry Week sweep of the Barrie Colts, earning OHL Rookie of the Week honours. Cali leads the Battalion in both goals (7) and game-winners (2).
Cali stepped up in #OHLRivalryWeek!
The 2026 #NHLDraft prospect racked up 4 points this weekend for the @OHLBattalion, earning him #OHLROTW honours!
DETAILS 🗞️: https://t.co/XLNehWIIjh pic.twitter.com/ZSZp7eAqrO
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) October 20, 2025
Owen Sound Thrives on Special Teams
The Attack sit atop the Midwest Division with 18 points, thanks in large part to their special teams dominance. They rank second in power-play efficiency (32.3%) and boast an 84% penalty kill. Forwards Harry Nansi and Pierce Mbuyi are tied for the league lead in power-play goals (4), while teammates John Banks (8), Michael Dec (7), and Tristan Delisle (6) all rank among the top five in power-play assists.
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