Ontario Hockey League - Feed

12 past and present OHL players highlight Canada’s 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase roster

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:30:50 +0000

TORONTO, ON - A dozen past and present Ontario Hockey League (OHL) players have been invited to represent Canada at the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase, running July 26 to Aug. 1 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ont.

The seven-day camp marks the first step on the road to the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, being held Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer, AB.

Eleven OHL players will take part in on-ice sessions, scrimmages and a trio of exhibition games against Sweden, Finland and the United States: goaltender Jack Ivankovic (formerly of the Brampton Steelheads); defenceman Cameron Reid (Kitchener Rangers); and forwards Ethan Czata (Guelph Storm), Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs), Tyler Hopkins (Guelph Storm), Dimian Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit), Jimmy Lombardi (Flint Firebirds), Ryan Roobroeck (Guelph Storm), Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires), Brady Martin (Soo Greyhounds) and Jack Nesbitt (Windsor Spitfires).

Brantford Bulldogs forward Jake O'Brien was also invited to attend but is unable to participate.

The player selection process was led by Alan Millar (Tottenham, ON), general manager of the National Junior Team, alongside Byron Bonora (Brooks, AB), Program of Excellence (POE) head scout, and Dave Brown (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON/Erie Otters), assistant general manager of the National Junior Team. Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), Hockey Canada’s senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations, and Benoit Roy (Sudbury, ON), director of hockey operations, also provided input.

Other OHL representatives included on this year's National Junior Team hockey operations staff include assistant coach Drew Bannister (Soo Greyhounds) while former London Knights and Ottawa 67's assistant coach Misha Donskov serves as this year's National Junior Team head coach.

The National Junior Team will practice July 27 and 28 before facing Sweden on July 29, Finland on July 30 and the United States on Aug. 1. All games will be livestreamed at HNLive.ca (subscription required).

Tickets for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase are on sale now starting at $18 plus applicable fees, with full event and team-specific packages available at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets.

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Spirit sign import forward Dmitry Savin

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:09:53 +0000

Saginaw, Mich. – Spirit GM Dave Drinkill has announced that the team has signed forward Dmitry Savin (SAVV-in), selected 31st overall in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. “Dmitry is a very talented two-way center,” said Drinkill. “We admire the attention to detail in all aspects of his game, especially given how young he is. He’ll fit right in with the rest of our skilled young players and we’re so happy to be able to sign him.” From Novosibirsk, Russia, Savin spent the 2025-2026 season with CSKA Moskva. The 17-year-old split his season between the U17 and U18 teams, dominating at both levels. Most of Savin’s season was played with the U17’s, where he recorded 59 points (29G-30A) in 32 regular season games. He was tied for the team lead in goals and points, while finishing second in assists. Savin joined defenseman Gordei Khotkov on the CSKA Moskva U17 team as his fellow would-be Spirit import draftee. With CSKA Moscow’s U18’s, Savin finished third in team scoring with 43 points (24G-19A) in just 19 games. His points per game average improved from 1.84 with his age group to 2.26 when he began to play up a year. He also appeared in one game with Krasnaya Armiya Moskva of the MHL (Junior Hockey League). Savin saw action in the Russian Finals with both the U17 and U18 teams. He had 12 points (7G-5A) in seven games with the U17’s, and 12 points (6G-6A) in eight games with the U18’s. Savin also recorded 3G-7A—10P in four games with Gold Star Hockey at the Andrews International U18 Showcase.

2026 OHL In The System: Ottawa Senators

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:30:06 +0000

This 32-part series will spotlight OHL players who are either signed to an NHL or AHL contract or are recently drafted, and are 25 years old or younger with 50 or fewer NHL games played. Join us for OHL in the System! Today, we take a closer look at the Ottawa Senators' prospect pool. Jaxon Cover (LW) – London Knights (2024-26) Selected: 1st Round, 32nd Overall (2026) OHL Career Stats: 70 GP, 20G, 34A, 54 PTS, +12 Age: 18 The Ottawa Senators selected London Knights forward Jaxon Cover with the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. After transitioning from roller hockey in the Cayman Islands just five years ago, Cover has quickly emerged as one of the OHL’s top young forwards, showcasing exceptional puck-handling ability and offensive creativity. In his rookie season with London, he led all Knights freshmen with 52 points (20-32–52) in 67 regular-season games. Adam Nemec (LW) – Sudbury Wolves (2025-26) Selected: 3rd Round, 72nd Overall (2026) OHL Career Stats: 31 GP, 14G, 21A, 35 PTS, -9 Age: 18 The Ottawa Senators selected Sudbury Wolves winger Adam Nemec early in the third round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Nemec joined the Wolves after representing Slovakia at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he produced five points (1-4–5) in as many games. The younger brother of Calgary Flames defenceman Simon Nemec, Adam recorded 35 points (14-21–35) in 31 games with Sudbury during the second half of the season. Harris Pangretitsch (D) – Soo Greyhounds (2025-26) Selected: 5th Round, 151st Overall (2026) OHL Career Stats: 67 GP, 2G, 12A, 14 PTS, +20 Age: 18 The Ottawa Senators added size to the blue line by selecting Harris Pangretitsch with the 151st overall pick. The 6-foot-4, 219-pound right-shot defenceman recorded 14 points (2-12–14) and a +20 rating in 67 games with the Greyhounds in 2025-26. Pangretitsch spent the previous season at Choate Rosemary Hall after being selected by the Greyhounds in the fourth round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros. Gabriel Eliasson (D) – Barrie Colts (2024-26) Selected: 2nd Round, 39th Overall (2024) Signed: Mar. 25, 2026 OHL Career Stats: 124 GP, 5G, 10A, 15 PTS, 0 Age: 19 Gabriel Eliasson spent the past two seasons with the Barrie Colts, emerging as one of the OHL’s most physical and difficult-to-play-against defencemen. The 6-foot-7, 213-pound blueliner recorded a career-high eight points (2-6–8) and 122 penalty minutes in 61 regular-season games. He is expected to make his professional debut with the Belleville Senators next season. Luke Ellinas (LW) – Kitchener Rangers (2023-26) Selected: 4th Round, 104th Overall (2024) Signed: May. 21, 2025 OHL Career Stats: 123 GP, 39G, 34A, 73 PTS, +21 Age: 20 After an offseason injury sidelined him until the beginning of November, Luke Ellinas returned to the Kitchener Rangers lineup for six games and scored three goals before another injury ended his regular season. The assistant captain returned for the final five games of Kitchener’s championship playoff run, contributing one goal and two assists before adding another goal at the Memorial Cup. Ellinas helped the Rangers capture both the OHL championship and Memorial Cup title and is expected to make his professional debut with Belleville next season. Blake Montgomery (LW) – London Knights (2024-25) Selected: 4th Round, 117th Overall (2024) Signed: Apr. 15, 2026 OHL Career Stats: 51 GP, 23G, 27A, 50 PTS, +29 Age: 21 After winning a Memorial Cup championship in his lone season with the London Knights, Blake Montgomery played his freshman season at the University of Wisconsin. He appeared in 38 games and led all Wisconsin freshmen with nine goals. Montgomery signed an entry-level contract with Ottawa and finished the 2025-26 season with Belleville on an amateur tryout, appearing in three games and scoring his first professional goal. Matthew Andonovski (D) – Kitchener Rangers (2021-26) Selected: 5th Round, 140th Overall (2023) Signed: Jul. 3, 2024 OHL Career Stats: 264 GP, 14G, 73A, 87 PTS, +121 Age: 21 After beginning the season with Belleville, Matthew Andonovski returned to Kitchener in January for his overage campaign and capped his five-year Rangers career by winning both the OHL championship and Memorial Cup. He recorded 14 points (1-13–14) in 24 regular-season games before adding 10 points (3-7–10) during Kitchener’s playoff run. Andonovski’s leadership was also recognized with the 2026 Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award. Tomas Hamara (D) – Kitchener Rangers (2022-24), Brantford Bulldogs (2023-25) Selected: 3rd Round, 87th Overall (2022) Signed: Jul. 15, 2022 OHL Career Stats: 158 GP, 11G, 81A, 92 PTS, +28 Age: 22 In his first season with Belleville, Tomas Hamara recorded six points (4-2–6) in 48 regular-season games from the blue line. The Prague, Czechia, native completed his first season without representing his country internationally after appearing at both the IIHF World Junior Championship and IIHF U18 World Championship during the previous four years. Jorian Donovan (D) – Hamilton/Brantford Bulldogs (2021-24), Saginaw Spirit (2023-24) Selected: 5th Round, 136th Overall (2022) Signed: Sept. 23, 2022 OHL Career Stats: 185 GP, 28G, 85A, 113 PTS, +35 Age: 22 In his second full season with Belleville, Jorian Donovan recorded a career-high 21 points (4-17–21) in 61 regular-season games. The former Memorial Cup champion made his NHL debut with Ottawa at the end of March, appearing in two games. Donovan and his father, Shean, who spent the final three seasons of his NHL career with Ottawa from 2007 to 2010, became the first father-son duo to play for the Senators. Upon returning to Belleville, the 6-foot-2 defenceman was named the club’s nominee for the AHL Man of the Year Award. Tyler Boucher (RW) – Ottawa 67’s (2021-23) Selected: 1st Round, 10th Overall (2021) Signed: Jul. 10, 2026 OHL Career Stats: 45 GP, 17G, 14A, 31 PTS, -8 Age: 23 In his third season with Belleville, Tyler Boucher recorded career highs with 12 goals, 14 assists and 26 points in 47 regular-season games. He recently signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with the Senators organization. Leevi Meriläinen (G) – Kingston Frontenacs (2021-22) Selected: 3rd Round, 48th Overall (2021) Signed: Jul. 2, 2026 OHL Career Stats: 53 GP, 3.29 GAA, .891 SV%, 31-16-4-1 Age: 23 Leevi Meriläinen split the 2025-26 season between Ottawa and Belleville. In 19 games with Belleville, he posted an 8-8-2 record, a 2.77 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. The Finnish netminder also appeared in 20 NHL games, going 8-10-1 with a 3.51 goals-against average and an .860 save percentage. He recently signed a one-year, one-way contract extension with Ottawa. Kasper Halttunen (RW) – London Knights (2023-25) Acquired: Jun. 23, 2026 OHL Career Stats: 95 GP, 53G, 49A, 102 PTS, +31 Age: 21 Acquired by the Ottawa Senators in a trade with the San Jose Sharks this offseason, Kasper Halttunen completed his rookie professional campaign with the AHL's San Jose Barracuda in 2025-26. The former London Knights standout recorded 35 points (16-19–35) in 69 regular-season games before adding a goal in two Calder Cup Playoff appearances. Jackson Parsons (G) – Kitchener Rangers (2021-25) Signed: July 02, 2025 OHL Career Stats: 130 GP, 2.88 GAA, .904 SV%, 74-44-7-0 Age: 22 After a breakout overage season with the Kitchener Rangers and signing an entry-level contract with Ottawa, Jackson Parsons split the 2025-26 campaign between Belleville and the ECHL’s Allen Americans. He posted a 6-5-1 record, a 3.22 goals-against average and an .893 save percentage in 14 games with Belleville. Parsons also went 11-9-1 with a 2.41 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage in 22 appearances with Allen. Landen Hookey (RW) – Soo Greyhounds (2021-23), Owen Sound Attack (2022-24) Signed: Aug. 5, 2025 OHL Career Stats: 243 GP, 65G, 72A, 137 PTS, -5 Age: 22 After signing with the Senators as a free agent in 2025, Landen Hookey completed his rookie professional season with Belleville in 2025-26, recording 12 points (5-7–12) in 49 regular-season games. He also appeared in five games with Allen, scoring one goal. Djibril Toure (D) – Sudbury Wolves (2022-24), Windsor Spitfires (2023-24) Signed: September 21, 2023 OHL Career Stats: 102 GP, 13G, 21A, 34 PTS, +29 Age: 22 Signed by Ottawa as a free agent in 2023, Djibril Toure split the 2025-26 season between Belleville and the ECHL’s Allen Americans. The imposing defenceman recorded four points (1-3–4) and 119 penalty minutes in 38 regular-season games with Belleville. Christian Kyrou (D) – Erie Otters (2019-23), Sarnia Sting (2022-23) Signed: Jul. 1, 2026 OHL Career Stats: 153 GP, 38G, 99A, 137 PTS, +6 Age: 22 After signing a one-year contract with the Ottawa Senators this offseason, Christian Kyrou enters the organization following the most productive professional season of his career. Originally selected by the Dallas Stars in the second round (50th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, the right-shot defenceman recorded 34 points (10-24–34) in 59 regular-season games while spending the entire 2025-26 season in the AHL. Keean Washkurak (C) – Mississauga Steelheads (2017-20) Signed: July 4, 2025 OHL Career Stats: 176 GP, 44G, 70A, 114 PTS, -9 Age: 24 In his second season with Belleville, Keean Washkurak appeared in 62 regular-season games and recorded 17 points (9-8–17). Ryan Suzuki (C) – Barrie Colts (2017-20), Saginaw Spirit (2019-20) Signed: Jul. 1, 2026 OHL Career Stats: 173 GP, 57G, 120A, 177 PTS, +30 Age: 25 After signing a one-year contract with the Ottawa Senators this offseason, Ryan Suzuki joins the organization following a standout 2025-26 campaign. The London, Ont., native led the Chicago Wolves in scoring during the Calder Cup Playoffs, recording 18 points in 21 games to help the club reach the Calder Cup Final. Originally selected 28th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2019 NHL Draft, Suzuki was also named to the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic. Tomorrow on OHL In The System: We'll take a look at the OHL talent inside the Boston Bruins organization.

Summer Spotlight: Hockey roots continue to guide Brock Chitaroni’s rise in Ottawa

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 22:15:33 +0000

For Brock Chitaroni, the Ontario Hockey League has never felt like unfamiliar territory. Long before the Ottawa 67's selected him third overall in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Chitaroni had already spent years learning what life in the league looked like. His father, Terry, captained the Sudbury Wolves before being selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1991 NHL Draft, while older brothers Mason (Sudbury Wolves, 2023-34) and Hudson (Sudbury Wolves, 2023-current) each followed their own junior hockey paths. By the time the winger arrived in Ottawa for his rookie season, he already had a pretty good idea of what awaited him. "It's definitely helped me out a lot," Chitaroni said. "I kind of had a cheat sheet coming into the OHL with my dad having played in the league and my brother still playing in it now. I knew what to expect and what would be expected of me, so I tried my hardest to prepare for that. I think that really helped me." The Soo native enjoyed a productive rookie campaign, recording 24 points (10-14–24) in 60 games while establishing himself as an important piece of a young Ottawa lineup that exceeded plenty of expectations and earned valuable playoff experience. "It was really fun. Our team became like a family really quickly. Everyone was involved, and I couldn't have asked for better teammates to start my OHL career with. Winning was a big part of that season. We came out hot early because we developed chemistry so quickly while other teams were still trying to figure things out. "It was a brotherhood. I'll remember those guys for life, especially the ones who have moved on. We still have a couple of guys back, and it's been nice to keep those relationships going." Before arriving in Ottawa, Chitaroni captured back-to-back NOHA championships with the Soo Greyhounds U16 AAA program, won an OMHA title while playing up a year with the Barrie Jr. Colts, earned OMHA U16 AAA Player of the Year honours in 2025, and helped Canada White capture a silver medal at the 2025 U17 World Challenge with six points in five games. Representing his country stands among the proudest moments of Chitaroni's young career. Now, after being named to Canada's National Men's Summer Under-18 Team training camp, he'll look to earn a spot on the roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. "Representing Canada was something I never thought I'd get the chance to do. It was such an honour to wear the maple leaf – you really can't describe that feeling. It was an incredible experience playing on that team." The jump to the OHL, however, quickly reminded him that every level presents new challenges. "The biggest adjustment coming to the OHL was the strength of the league. You're playing against older guys who are bigger, stronger, and smarter because they've already spent a few years developing here. This offseason, I've really focused on getting stronger so I'm ready to compete with those bigger players next season." That work has already become a major focus of his summer. Skating alongside professional players in the Soo has given Chitaroni an opportunity to test himself against older competition while refining key parts of his game. "I've been skating with pro players in Sault Ste. Marie, and going up against guys who are 10 years older than me has really helped my game. It's improved my offensive-zone play in tight areas and my one-on-one defensive game as well." With much of Ottawa's young core returning, optimism is building heading into the 2026-27 season. After gaining valuable playoff experience as one of the league's youngest and hottest teams, Chitaroni believes the lessons learned during his rookie campaign have positioned the 67's to take another step forward. "I think we're going to have a great team. One of the best things about our group last year was that we were so young, which is probably why expectations weren't that high. Our older guys taught us a lot, but our younger players also made a huge impact. A lot of those guys are coming back, and now we have playoff experience, so we're excited about what we can build this season." Armed with the perspective of a lifelong hockey family and the confidence gained from a successful rookie season, Chitaroni enters his sophomore campaign looking to build on a strong foundation – both individually and as part of one of the OHL's most promising young teams.

Knights sign goaltender Charlie Weiss

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:14:54 +0000

LONDON, ON – The London Knights have announced the signing of goaltender Charlie Weiss to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Weiss was drafted by the Knights in the fifth round (100th overall) of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection and spent the 2025-26 season with the Vaughan Kings U18 AAA. The signing marks the next step in Kesler’s development as he joins the Knights organization ahead of the upcoming season. The signing marks the next step in Weiss’ development as he continues his progression within the Knights organization. Weiss adds further depth to London’s group of young goaltenders and becomes the latest prospect to commit to the club ahead of the upcoming season.

IceDogs sign forward Will Mullins

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:35:17 +0000

By: Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ONT. – The Niagara IceDogs have signed 2009-born forward Will Mullins to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Mullins was selected by the IceDogs in the seventh round (132nd overall) of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. The 17-year-old spent the 2025-26 season with the Kemptville 73's of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), where he recorded 16 goals and 36 assists for 52 points in 52 games. Mullins also received his first taste of OHL action last season, appearing in five games with the IceDogs after earning a late-season call-up. "Will is a shooter by nature who should be able to help in the offensive department, but also has no problem playing a solid 200-foot game," said IceDogs General Manager Dale DeGray. DeGray continues, "We would like to officially welcome Will and the Mullins family to the IceDogs organization.... we're excited to see his ability to play a full season with us." Welcome, Will, to Dog Country, and we look forward to seeing him wear the Bones Crest when the puck drops on the 2026-27 OHL season.

Attack sign forward Matthew Zilinski

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:25:06 +0000

OWEN SOUND, ON – The Owen Sound Attack are proud to announce the signing of 2026 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection second-round pick, Matthew Zilinski, to a Standard Player Scholarship and Development Agreement. Selected by the Attack in the second round (21st overall) of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Zilinski joins the organization as one of the club's top prospects. Known for his combination of skill, hockey IQ, and competitiveness, the talented forward has established himself as a player capable of making an impact at both ends of the ice. The centreman, who spent the 2025/26 season with the Mississauga Senators U16 team, had 14 goals and a total of 35 points in just 25 regular season games. The Attack are excited to welcome Zilinski and his family to the organization as he begins the next chapter of his hockey career. “Signing with the Attack is a huge step in my hockey career. This is an organization where I can grow as both a player and a person,” said Zilinski. “I’m grateful to my family, coaches, and teammates who have helped me get to this point, and I’m excited to get to Owen Sound, work hard every day, and do everything I can to help the Attack succeed. I can’t wait to meet the fans and officially begin this next chapter.” Attack President and General Manager Tyler Nother credits Zilinski as a player that possesses the work ethic and understanding of the game that the organization values. "We would like to welcome Matthew Zilinski and his family to the Owen Sound Attack Organization," said Nother. "Matt is a premier forward in the 2010 birth year, and a player that Attack fans will enjoy watching for years to come due to his competitiveness, pace, and ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. We feel that he was a steal in this year's OHL Draft, and we are excited to assist in his development on and off the ice moving forward." Head Coach Keenan Reynolds believes Zilinski has all the tools to continue developing into an impact player at the OHL level. “Matt is a dynamic 200ft playmaking pivot that possesses blazing speed, an elite hockey IQ, and a relentless competitive motor that he uses to drive his playmaking on both sides of the puck,” said Reynolds. “We look forward to seeing Zilinski for training camp ahead of the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season.” Zilinski is the second member of the Attack’s 2026 Priority Selection class to commit to the organization and will attend the club’s upcoming development and training camps in preparation for the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season and will wear the number 15. Fans are reminded that season tickets are on sale now through July 31st for the 2026-27 season. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.attackhockey.com, in person at the MacVicar & McComb Sutton Realty Attack Box Office or over the phone at 519-371-7452.

Storm sign import forward Adrien Bartovic

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:12:12 +0000

Guelph, ON – General Manager George Burnett announced that import forward Adrien Bartovic has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the hockey club.

The 6’1, 185 lbs forward was originally selected in the first round (42^nd overall) by the Brantford Bulldogs in last year’s CHL Import Draft. Bartovic’s rights were acquired by the Storm earlier this summer along with fellow countryman Vladimir Dravecky.

Last season, the forward from Pardubice, Czechia, recorded 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points in 29 games with the Bili Tygri Liberec U20 squad, which ranked him second on his club in points. The 2007-born forward also suited up in 17 games in the Slovakian men’s league, where he notched three goals and an assist.

"I'm super excited to join the Guelph Storm for the upcoming season," said Bartovic. "I can't wait to put on the Storm jersey and meet my teammates."

Stay connected with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram for future updates! Download the Guelph Storm app as part of the CHL app for breaking news and exclusive contests.

2026 OHL In The System: Pittsburgh Penguins

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:22:11 +0000

Steelheads sign forward Stepan Kuryachenkov

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:32:04 +0000

BRAMPTON, ON – The Brampton Steelheads have announced the signing of forward Stepan Kuryachenkov, the club's 68th overall selection in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. The 2008-born forward was originally selected 59th overall by the Swift Current Broncos (WHL) in the first round of the 2025 CHL Import Draft. Kuryachenkov, a 6-foot, 176-pound forward from Ufa, Russia, recorded 28 points (12-16–28) as a 16-year-old with the Swift Current Broncos last season. He has also represented Russia internationally at the U16 and U17 levels. Head Coach and General Manager James Richmond commented after Kuryachenkov’s signing. "We are excited to see Stepan in the Steelheads jersey this season. He is a very skilled player that can really push the offence. He’s hard to play against and will compete for all 200 feet of the ice."