OHL Notebook: Sept. 30, 2025
Here’s a look at some of the top storylines from an action-packed weekend across the league:
Spitfires sit atop the OHL standings early
The Windsor Spitfires have jumped out to an early 5–0 start, sitting atop the OHL standings. Through five games, they’ve scored 23 goals while surrendering just four against. Leading the way offensively with seven points each are 2025 second-round import pick Beksultan Makysh (5G, 2A), sophomore winger Ethan Garden (2G, 5A), and veteran blueliner Carson Woodall (7A). Backstopping the Spitfires’ perfect start are Michael Newlove and Mary Brown’s Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week, Joey Costanzo. Costanzo went 2–0 on the weekend with a 0.50 GAA, .980 SV%, and one shutout, while Newlove isn’t far behind with a 1.00 GAA and a .966 SV% over two games.
Joey Costanzo has been a brick wall for the @SpitsHockey 🧱
The overage goaltender has been a key reason for the Spitfires' success; his weekend performance earns him the @MaryBrowns #OHLGOTW honours!
DETAILS 🗞️: https://t.co/yDYlCNiYEP pic.twitter.com/gjDnrA8Gp9
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) September 29, 2025
Ottawa 67’s continue bounce-back season
After missing the playoffs last year, the Ottawa 67’s have started strong with a 3–0 record. Rookie standout Thomas Vandenberg kept his hot start rolling with another two-point performance (1G, 1A). On Sunday, Ottawa spread the offence around, with all seven goals coming from different scorers on just 26 shots.
Living his childhood dreams ✨
Thomas Vandenberg scores his fourth goal of the season in his hometown just 4 minutes and 13 seconds into the first period.#2026NHLDraft | @OHLHockey pic.twitter.com/uekQG5eOeh
— Ottawa 67’s (@Ottawa67sHockey) September 28, 2025
Owen Sound’s special teams shine
The Owen Sound Attack went 4-for-7 on the power play Saturday in a win over the Kitchener Rangers, with four different players striking on the man advantage. On Thursday, offseason acquisition Jacob Therrien scored in the fourth round of the shootout, marking back-to-back game-winners after netting the OT goal in London last week. Thanks to their gritty play, the Attack remain one of only three undefeated teams in the league.
Jacob Therrien Calls Game in the Shootout for the @attackohl pic.twitter.com/PLqm0araEF
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) September 26, 2025
Caleb Malhotra earns Rookie of the Week
Brantford Bulldogs rookie forward Caleb Malhotra has been named OHL Rookie of the Week after a five-point night (2G, 3A, +4) against the Sudbury Wolves on Saturday. His performance extended his point streak to eight points in three games. Malhotra was one of five Bulldogs with multi-point efforts, joining Adam Benak (1G, 3A), Cooper Dennis (2G, 1A), Aiden O’Donnell (2A), and Edison Engle (2A).
Caleb Malhotra is turning heads in Brantford!
Leading the @BulldogsOHL in points and scoring Saturday’s game-winner, he earns #OHLROTW honours!
DETAILS 🗞️: https://t.co/EEdVZVbLJX pic.twitter.com/fgnZQLpPP0
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) September 29, 2025
Matthew Minchak shines in OHL debut
Goaltender Matthew Minchak impressed in his OHL debut Sunday, making 42 saves to backstop the Kingston Frontenacs to a road win over the North Bay Battalion, earning first-star honours. Minchak, a free-agent signing over the offseason, stood tall as North Bay outshot Kingston 43–24.
Minchak Shines in his Debut🤩
The @KingstonFronts rookie netminder made 42 saves in his first career #OHL start, helping the Frontenacs win 2-1 on the road!@FloHockey pic.twitter.com/1igoO6rTBw
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) September 28, 2025
Niagara IceDogs perfect on the road
The Niagara IceDogs improved to 3–1 with a pair of road wins this past weekend, collecting both a shutout and a shootout victory. Leading the way was Tampa Bay prospect Ethan Czata, who returned from NHL camp and posted five points (3G, 2A), earning Cogeco OHL Player of the Week honours. Fellow standout Ryan Roobroeck, recently named to Team CHL for the Prospects Challenge, chipped in three points (1G, 2A). Overager Charlie Robertson returned from injury to man the crease in both games, finishing with a 1.92 GAA, a .943 SV%, and one shutout.
Ethan Czata lit it up in Michigan!
The @OHLIceDogs forward and @TBLightning prospect tallied 5 points on the road to earn the @cogeco #OHLPOTW honours.
DETAILS 🗞️: https://t.co/k6C2SNOWac pic.twitter.com/w7swdpDLbt
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) September 29, 2025
Egor Barabanov leads early scoring race
Saginaw Spirit forward Egor Barabanov tops the OHL scoring race with nine points (3G, 6A) in four games. The left-shot forward joined Saginaw as a free agent this offseason after three years in the USHL. His rookie linemate, Nikita Klepov, isn’t far behind with six points (4G, 2A), as both players carry four-game point streaks.
Your Monday reminder: Egor Barabanov is on top of the #OHL with 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 4 games 😉 pic.twitter.com/UBoJVpYcon
— Saginaw Spirit (@SpiritHockey) September 29, 2025
Sarnia Sting’s offence erupts
After dropping their first two games of the season, the Sarnia Sting bounced back in a big way, scoring 13 goals across two weekend wins to even their record at .500. Fifteen different players registered points for Sarnia, with Beckham Edwards leading the way (2G, 2A). Newly acquired Ben Pickell also scored his first goal in the yellow and gold, going end-to-end and securing Delta Bingo’s Play of the Night on Sunday. Goaltender Patrick Quinlan also earned his first OHL victory, stopping 27 shots on Friday.
Pickell Goes Coast➡️Coast
The OA forward dances through everyone for his first goal with the @StingHockey, and the @deltabingo_ Play of the Night!@FloHockey pic.twitter.com/nLz2eTSBdo
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) September 29, 2025
Key Players returning from NHL Camps
The OHL season has opened without several stars as NHL teams have held preseason and prospect events. With camp rosters beginning to be significantly trimmed down, many key players have been reassigned back to their clubs. For the whole training camp tracker, click here.
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