OHL Power Rankings: Mar. 3, 2025
Welcome to March! The Barrie Colts, Flint Firebirds and Soo Greyhounds are all climbing multiple spots on this week’s OHL Power Rankings.
Who’s up:
Brantford Bulldogs – up one spot to #2 this week
The Bulldogs kept the wins coming, defeating both Oshawa and Peterborough on home ice last week. Nick Lardis capped Saturday’s 4-3 OT win over the Petes with his league-leading 66th goal of the season. His 66 tallies are the most the league has seen in a single season since John Tavares scored 72 in 2006-07. The Bulldogs sit atop the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 38-17-5-0.
Barrie Colts – up three spots to #4 this week
The Colts are back on the victory trail, beating Guelph, Saginaw and Kingston last week to improve to 37-18-2-2. Both goaltenders in Ben Hrebik and Sam Hillebrandt have proven themselves capable, a good problem to have if you’re head coach Marty Williamson. NHL Draft prospect Kashawn Aitcheson remains at the centre of Barrie’s success with his 22 goals on the season, one shy of trying a club record by a blueliner.
Flint Firebirds – up three spots to #10 this week
The Firebirds have found their footing, entering this week on a five-game winning streak as they narrow the gap between themselves and the fifth-place Erie Otters, trailing them by five points. Edmonton Oilers prospect Nathan Day has been excellent in the crease and Tampa Bay Lightning pick Kaden Pitre had a productive week as he leads the Birds with 52 points (22-30–52) on the season.
Soo Greyhounds – up three spots to #13 this week
The Hounds are hungry for a playoff spot, continuing a seven-game home stand with wins in two of three last week. The Greyhounds beat their northern neighbours North Bay and Sudbury by identical scores of 6-3 on Tuesday and Wednesday before dropping a 6-3 decision at home to Brampton on Friday. NHL Draft prospect Brady Martin led the way with 10 points (4-6–10) last week while veteran forward Marco Mignosa continues to be a regular source of offence, leading the club with 74 points (31-43–74). A pair of tough Eastern Conference foes head north this week as the Greyhounds host Barrie and Oshawa.
Ottawa 67’s – up one spot to #16 this week
Like the Greyhounds, the Ottawa 67’s are also bearing down in their quest for a playoff berth. The Barber Poles took a very important 5-2 win over North Bay at home on Friday before beating the West Division-leading Windsor Spitfires 5-4 at TD Place on Sunday. The 67’s trail the Battalion by one point in the Eastern Conference standings as the battle for the eighth and final spot is down to those two teams. Ottawa visits Peterborough on Thursday.
Who’s down:
London Knights – down one spot to #3 this week
The Knights started the week in dominant fashion, beating the Owen Sound Attack 9-1 on Friday before ending it in thrilling fashion, beating the Oshawa Generals 4-3 on an Easton Cowan hat-trick that was completed in overtime. Sunday’s win follows one of the bigger upsets of the season as the Knights fell to the Niagara IceDogs on Saturday night, with the Dogs putting an end to a 12-game losing skid. London has a big opportunity to re-assert themselves with a matchup against #2 Brantford on the road Wednesday night.
Windsor Spitfires – down three spots to #7 this week
The Spits had their hands full on the road last week, beating Peterborough on Thursday before losing in both Kingston and Ottawa. Offensively, Liam Greentree and Ilya Protas became the first set of Spitfires teammates to cross the 100-point threshold since 1994-95. Defensively, things weren’t so hot as Windsor surrendered four and five goals in Kingston and Ottawa. They’re on the verge of clinching their third West Division title in four seasons, preparing to face Kingston and Kitchener this week.
Erie Otters – down two spots to #12 this week
The Otters split decisions last week, beating both Niagara and Peterborough while losing twice to the Flint Firebirds, who climb ahead in this week’s power rankings. With the Saginaw Spirit playing good hockey of late, home ice advantage in a potential first round series is still seven points out of reach for Erie. They’re at home for back-to-back matchups against #11 Owen Sound on Friday and Saturday.
North Bay Battalion – down three spots to #15 this week
The Battalion went 0-4 last week, losing to Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton, Ottawa and Saginaw. Every point is precious at this point as the Troops prepare to face Central Division foes Niagara and Brampton on Thursday and Friday.
Guelph Storm – down two spots and off the list this week
The Storm went 0-4 last week, losing to Kitchener, Barrie, Flint and Sarnia. Guelph’s playoff hopes have faded a bit, but they’re not out of the race, trailing Owen Sound and Sault Ste. Marie by six points with a pair of games in hand. Friday’s game at home to Sarnia is a big one.
