OHL Prospect Pipeline: January 2025

By Raine Hernandez January 6, 2025

Junior hockey is entering a transformative phase, particularly in major junior hockey and the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

With a recent rule change allowing major junior hockey players to maintain NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) eligibility, a fresh wave of talent has entered the league and achieved immediate success. Additionally, the rapid increase in prospects from Tier II leagues signing OHL Scholarships and Development Agreements has further bolstered the player pool.

The return of the Prospect Pipeline series will spotlight many OHL-affiliated prospects excelling with their Tier II junior teams.

OJHL

The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) has become a proving ground for several OHL-affiliated prospects. With a number of prospects jumping off the page as the season enters 2025. A couple of notables include:

Simon Wang (Oshawa Generals): Towering 6’6” defenceman for the King Rebellion has been a dominant force in the OJHL, catching the attention of NHL Central Scouting with a ‘B’ rating in early-season rankings. The North York Rangers alumnus recorded 22 points (four goals, 18 assists) in 38 games and has already appeared in three games with the Generals.
Wyatt Jinman (Brampton Steelheads): Another standout is Brampton Steelheads prospect Wyatt Jinman. The 14th-round pick in 2023 is currently shining for the Mississauga Chargers, amassing 42 points (15 goals, 27 assists) in 34 games. A member of the 2023 OHL Cup-winning team, Jinman has also made one appearance with the Steelheads this season.

GOJHL

The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) continues to establish itself as a key pipeline for OHL talent, producing an impressive crop of affiliated prospects.

The Chatham Maroons, known for their success in developing players for the OHL, are benefiting from their recent affiliation with the Saginaw Spirit.

Saginaw prospects Liam Campbell and goaltender Sammy DiBlasi are leading the charge for the Maroons this season.

Liam Campbell (Saginaw Spirit): The Quinte Red Devils alumnus ranks second among rookies with 30 points (16 goals, 14 assists) in 24 games. He signed his OHL Scholarship at the start of the season and has appeared in five games for the Spirit.
Sammy DiBlasi (Saginaw Spirit): The Little Caesars graduate has been outstanding in his first junior season, posting a 7-2-2 record with a 2.76 GAA and a .917 save percentage.

NOJHL

The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) has long been a developmental tool for the Sudbury Wolves, and this season is no exception.

Two recent draft picks are making significant strides with their NOJHL teams:

Cole Wreggitt (Sudbury Wolves): Selected in the 4th round of the 2024 draft, Wreggitt has been logging significant minutes for the Soo Eagles. The Sault Ste. Marie native and Soo Jr. Greyhounds alumnus has recorded one goal and 17 assists in 26 games.
Mason Walker (Sudbury Wolves): A 9th-round pick in 2024, Walker is excelling with the Sudbury Greater Cubs, tallying 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 26 games. The Sudbury native and reigning NOHA Player of the Year signed his OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement and has appeared in one game with the Wolves.

CCHL

The Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) remains a vital development platform for junior hockey players in the Ottawa Valley region. This season, several OHL-affiliated prospects have made notable contributions.

Shaan Kingwell (Ottawa 67’s): Recently signing his OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, Kingwell made his debut with the Ottawa 67’s on December 19. The 11th-round pick in 2023 is one of the CCHL’s top scorers, with 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) in 25 games.
Peter Legostaev (Barrie Colts): A fourth-round pick in the 2023 Priority Selection, Legostaev is thriving with the Brockville Braves, registering 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 31 games. A member of Team Ontario’s gold-medal-winning squad at the 2023 Canada Winter Games, the Ottawa native is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft.

This new era in junior hockey is characterized by unprecedented opportunities and success for players at all levels. With leagues like the OJHL, GOJHL, NOJHL, and CCHL fostering development, the future of the OHL—and hockey as a whole—looks brighter than ever.