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Summer Spotlight: Gavin Betts’ growth extends beyond the crease

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 22:15:52 +0000

Sometimes, development isn't just measured by a single save or a stat line. For Kingston Frontenacs netminder Gavin Betts, his biggest strides came after overcoming adversity. With two solid goaltenders, the 2024 OHL Priority Selection second-round selection often found himself sharing the crease with partner Matthew Minchak. Down the stretch, however, it was Betts who became Kingston's go-to. After posting a 2.81 goals-against average and .905 save percentage, Betts helped steady the Frontenacs late in the season while continuing to establish himself as one of the league's promising young goaltenders in his first full season. But it wasn't always smooth sailing for the Toronto, ON native. "I had a lot of fun this year, and I was really happy with the development I experienced throughout the season," Betts said. "In the first half, I was playing below the level that I knew I was capable of, and there was definitely frustration and adversity that came with that. But those challenges went hand in hand with the growth I experienced because I learned so much from them. "Going into the second half, I felt like I was able to apply the things I had learned, and I was really happy with the progress I made, both on and off the ice." Frontenacs General Manager Kory Cooper was able to see that maturity firsthand. "I don't know if there was one particular moment where you could point to his growth," Cooper said. "He was definitely frustrated with himself over the first half of the season because he wasn't getting the results he believed he was capable of. What impressed me was that he stayed with it. He kept working every day, continued to grind and trusted the process. As the second half of the season went on, you could really see his game evolve." As a former OHL and professional goaltender himself, Cooper understood exactly what Betts was experiencing. "We had a lot of conversations throughout the season," Cooper said. "As a goalie, you're going to go through ups and downs, and those moments help build your character and your game. Gavin is a mature player, and he stayed the course the entire time." Sharing the crease with Minchak helped foster both a close friendship and a competitive environment that helped elevate each goaltender throughout the season. "Matthew was an incredible goalie partner throughout the year," Betts said. "As the season progressed, we became really close. We were roommates on the road, spent time together off the ice and built a great friendship. "There was definitely internal competition between us, but we were able to separate that from our friendship. Off the ice, we supported each other, and on the ice, we pushed each other every day. Iron sharpens iron, and I think we brought the best out of each other." Cooper agreed that the relationship and inner competition benefited both players. "They were genuinely happy for each other when one was playing well and getting results," he said. "At the same time, they're competitors. Both of them wanted the net. I definitely believe that internal competition helped both of them improve over the course of the season." Betts' strong finish earned him an invitation to the Tampa Bay Lightning Development Camp earlier this summer, giving him a firsthand look at the professional level. "The development camp was an awesome experience," Betts said. "I learned so much, and I'm really excited to apply everything I took away to my game this upcoming season." Working closely with the Lightning's goalie department proved especially valuable. "We worked closely with the goalie staff throughout the week, and everything felt very personalized. The feedback was excellent, and the information was really accessible. We were encouraged to ask questions, and I definitely took advantage of that." One of the week's highlights came when Lightning star and starting goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy joined one of the team's video sessions. "Frantz Jean, the goalie coach in Tampa Bay, has worked with Vasilevskiy throughout his career, so being able to learn from him was incredible," Betts said. "During one of our video sessions, Vasilevskiy even joined us and sat in. It was pretty surreal to be in the same room as one of the best goaltenders in the world." Cooper believes the experience will only accelerate Betts' development. "He absolutely deserved the opportunity because of the work he puts in every single day," Cooper said. "His routines, habits, preparation and attention to detail are the intangibles that are going to help him continue climbing to higher levels." While Betts' development in goal has been impressive, his impact away from the rink may be even more meaningful. Earlier this month, he received the 2026 Dayna Brons Honorary Award in recognition of his work as a Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassador, using his platform to promote blood, stem cell, organ and tissue donation throughout the Kingston community. For Betts, that commitment began by following the example of players who came before him. "I was really inspired by the players who came before me," he said. "One player in particular was Mason Vaccari. As a 16-year-old, I looked up to him because of the impact he had off the ice through Mason's Miracles. "When the opportunity came to become Kingston's Hockey Gives Blood player ambassador, I thought it was an incredible opportunity. Working with Hockey Gives Blood has been an amazing experience. It's an incredible organization that gives players like me the chance to make a real difference in the community. Being able to use hockey to have that kind of impact has meant a lot to me." Cooper says Betts exemplifies the values the organization hopes every player will embrace. "It's part of our culture and our core values," Cooper said. "We believe that better people make better players, and Gavin is at the forefront of that. He cares deeply about Kingston and this team, and he consistently puts those things ahead of himself. He's a leader in our room." With another season in Kingston ahead, Betts enters 2026-27 carrying both greater expectations and greater confidence. "As a group, our expectations are much higher than they were last season," Betts said. "Personally, my biggest goal every summer is to improve my game and continue growing as a goaltender. I think my individual goals really align with what we're trying to accomplish as a team." For Betts, continuing to grow means more than stopping pucks. It's about becoming the kind of teammate, leader and community member that leaves a lasting impact long after the final buzzer.

Rangers sign defenceman Jiri Gombar

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:02:48 +0000

Kitchener, Ont. – The Kitchener Rangers announced today that the club has signed 2026 second-round CHL Import Draft selection (74th overall), defenceman Jiri Gombar, to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Gombar is a six-foot-one defenceman from Czechia who spent last season with the HC Energie Karlovy Vary at the U17 and U20 levels. In 22 games with the U17 team, he produced an impressive 40 points (13G, 27A) along with 16 penalty minutes and a +38 plus/minus rating. In 24 games with the U20 team, he scored three goals and added eight helpers for 11 points. “Jiri is a mobile smooth skating two-way defender that plays a poised and smart game,” said Mike McKenzie. “He is a very well-rounded player. We are excited to welcome Jiri to the Rangers.” Gombár is the first Czech native to suit up for the Rangers since Eduard Šalé and Tomáš Hamara during the 2023-24 season. He joins a strong pipeline of Czech-born skaters to come through the Kitchener ranks like 2003 Memorial Cup champion, Petr Kanko, first-round NHL draft pick, Jakub Kindl, current NHL forward, Radek Faksa along with Šalé, Hamara, and others. "Signing with the Rangers is a huge honour and a dream come true," said Jiří Gombár. "I am incredibly excited for this new challenge and can't wait to play in front of the amazing fans in Kitchener." The Czech native has represented his host nation twice on the international stage at both the U17 and U18 level. In a combined 30 games of international play, Gombár has two goals and five assists. He is eligible for the 2028 NHL Draft.

Two OHL players named to Czechia’s roster for 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:47:48 +0000

Two OHL players have been named to Team Czechia's roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, taking place August 3-8 in Edmonton, AB.

Both players are committed to the OHL for the upcoming 2026-27 season, including forward Adam Nemec (Brantford Bulldogs) and defenceman Jiri Gombar (Kitchener Rangers), who are included on the 25-man roster.

Czechia will look to return to the podium after capturing silver medals in both 2023 and 2024. The country's most recent Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold medal came in 2016.

The Czechs will compete in Group B alongside the United States, Finland and Germany, while Group A features Canada, Sweden, Switzerland and Slovakia.

They open the tournament against the United States on Monday, Aug. 3, before facing Germany on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and Finland on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

For more information on the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, visit hockeycanada.ca.

Attack sign 2026 CHL Import pick Roderik Cernak

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:16:20 +0000

OWEN SOUND, ON – The Owen Sound Attack have announced the signing of their 2026 first-round Canadian Hockey League Import Draft pick, Roderik Cernak, to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Selected in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2026 CHL Import Draft, the 6-foot-3, 215 pound Slovakian defencemen will join the Attack after spending the majority of last season with the HC Slovan Bratislava U20 team. The two-way defenceman put up four goals and 10 assists for a total of 14 points during the regular season with a plus/minus of plus-10. “I’m super excited to join such a great organization like the Owen Sound Attack,” said Cernak. “My goal is to be an impact player right away and help my teammates in any way I can. I can’t wait to get started and wear the Attack jersey for the first time.” Team President and General Manager, Tyler Nother, believes that Cernak’s dedication to the game and his willingness to be uncompromising in his play to be of value to the Attack. "We would like to welcome Roderik Cernak and his family to the Owen Sound Attack Organization," said Nother. “Roderik was identified early on when evaluating what we were looking to add to our group in the CHL Import Draft. Roderik is a hardnosed, right shot defenseman who is willing to do what his team needs to win games, and make it hard on the opposition's forwards night in and night out. We are very excited to assist in his transition to the North American game and to help him develop into a pro prospect." The Attack's Head Coach, Keenan Reynolds, notes Cernak's physicality as a defender as one of the vital aspects of his game. “Cernak is a smooth-skating, physically imposing defender who is at his best when playing an aggressive brand of hockey and making life difficult for the opposing team’s top players,” said Reynolds. Cernak also joins Team Slovakia teammate, Lucian Bernat, as the second CHL Import Draftee signed to the Attack during the off-season.

Knights sign forward Luca Santala

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:23:05 +0000

LONDON, ON - The London Knights have announced that forward Luca Santala has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the hockey club.

Santala was selected by the Knights in the second round, 40th overall, of the 2026 CHL Import Draft. Already generating significant attention from NHL scouts, Santala is currently projected to be selected 12th overall in the 2027 NHL Draft according to Daily Faceoff's early draft rankings.

The 6-foot-2 forward spent the 2025-26 season with Kiekko-Espoo in Finland, recording 12 points in 25 games at the U20 level while adding 22 points in 17 games with the club's U18 team. Santala also represented Finland internationally, including at the 2026 IIHF Under-18 World Championship where he recorded six points in five games.

Capable of playing both centre and wing, Santala brings a combination of size, skill and hockey sense to the Knights lineup. His offensive instincts, strong two-way game and ability to create scoring opportunities have established him as one of the premier young players in his age group, making him one of the most exciting young prospects set to arrive in the Ontario Hockey League.

The signing adds another highly skilled piece to London's roster as the club continues preparations for the 2026-27 season.

2026 OHL In The System: Tampa Bay Lightning

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:32:58 +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 Tampa Bay Lightning’s prospect pool. Stepan Shurygin (G) – Saginaw Spirit (2025-26) Selected: 6th Round, 186th Overall (2026) OHL Career Stats: 59 GP, 3.79 GAA, .888 SV%, 24-27-3-4 Age: 19 Selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the sixth round (186th overall) of the 2026 NHL Draft, Stepan Shurygin became the third OHL goaltender chosen. The 6-foot-4 Saginaw Spirit netminder faced a league-high 1,704 shots during the 2025-26 season and finished with a .888 save percentage. Ethan Czata (C) – Niagara IceDogs (2023-26), Guelph Storm (2025-26) Selected: 2nd Round, 56th Overall (2025) Signed: Jul. 23, 2025 OHL Career Stats: 193 GP, 53G, 72A, 125 PTS, -62 Age: 19 Originally selected fifth overall by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Ethan Czata enters his fourth OHL season after being acquired by the Guelph Storm this offseason. The former IceDogs captain has recorded 125 points (53-72–125) in 193 regular-season games. Grant Spada (D) – Guelph Storm (2023-26) Selected: 7th Round, 212th Overall (2025) OHL Career Stats: 126 GP, 6G, 21A, 27 PTS, -19 Age: 19 In his second full OHL season, Grant Spada established career highs offensively, recording 21 points (6-15–21) in 61 regular-season games. Marco Mignosa (RW) – Soo Greyhounds (2021-26) Selected: 7th Round, 215th Overall (2025) Signed (ATO): Apr. 21, 2026 OHL Career Stats: 303 GP, 116G, 173A, 289 PTS, +32 Age: 21 Spending his entire OHL career with the Soo Greyhounds, Marco Mignosa saved his best season for last, recording a career-high 89 points (35-54–89) in 65 regular-season games before adding 17 points (7-10–17) in 10 playoff contests. A finalist for the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as the OHL's Overager of the Year, the Vaughan, Ont., native also set a Greyhounds franchise record with 14 career shorthanded goals. Mignosa concluded his junior career by signing an amateur tryout agreement with the Syracuse Crunch and is committed to Penn State University for the 2026-27 season. Kaden Pitre (C) – Flint Firebirds (2022-26), North Bay Battalion (2025-26) Selected: 6th Round, 181st Overall (2024) OHL Career Stats: 204 GP, 57G, 81A, 138 PTS, +1 Age: 20 Acquired by the North Bay Battalion in late November, Kaden Pitre recorded 44 points (18-26–44) in 49 regular-season games split between the Battalion and Flint Firebirds. The Stouffville, Ont., native is committed to Penn State University for the 2026-27 season. Ethan Hay (C) – Flint Firebirds (2021-24), Saginaw Spirit (2023-25), Kingston Frontenacs (2024-25) Selected: 7th Round, 215th Overall (2025) OHL Career Stats: 252 GP, 50G, 52A, 102 PTS, -20 Age: 21 Beginning his collegiate career at Miami University, Ethan Hay recorded 16 points (4-12–16) in 35 games with the RedHawks. The former Memorial Cup champion earned AHCA/Krampade All-American Scholar honours while also being named an NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete. Sam O’Reilly (C) – London Knights (2022-26), Kitchener Rangers (2025-26) Acquired: July 8, 2025 OHL Career Stats: 191 GP, 77G, 121A, 198 PTS, +103 Age: 20 Sam O’Reilly was named the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player and to the CHL’s First All-Star team after making an immediate impact with the Kitchener Rangers following a mid-season move from the London Knights. The 20-year-old from Toronto recorded 43 points and a +31 rating in 28 games with Kitchener, helping the Rangers finish atop the Western Conference standings for the first time since 2008. O’Reilly also won 58% of his faceoffs and was recognized in the OHL Coaches Poll as the Western Conference’s smartest player, best faceoff man, and best defensive forward. He carried that form into the spring, earning both OHL Playoff MVP and Memorial Cup MVP honours while leading Kitchener to a Memorial Cup title. With that sweep, he became just the fourth player in CHL history to win regular-season, playoff, and Memorial Cup MVP honours in the same season. The championship also marked his second straight Memorial Cup title after winning with London a year earlier, placing him among a rare group of players to win back-to-back Memorial Cups with different teams. Originally selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, O'Reilly is expected to make his professional debut with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch in 2026-27. Jack Pridham (C) – Kitchener Rangers (2024-26) Acquired: June 1, 2026 OHL Career Stats: 113 GP, 73G, 71A, 144 PTS, +60 Age: 20 Returning to Kitchener for his overage season, Jack Pridham played a key role in the Rangers' championship campaign. He led the club with 90 points (46-44–90) in 65 regular-season games, earning the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as the OHL's Overager of the Year. Pridham then added 26 points (7-19–26) during Kitchener’s run to OHL and Memorial Cup titles and was named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team. Originally selected in the ninth round (177th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Pridham was later drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third round (92nd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft. His NHL rights were acquired by the Tampa Bay Lightning this offseason, and he is committed to the University of Denver for the 2026-27 season. Tomorrow on OHL In The System: We'll take a look at the OHL talent inside the Buffalo Sabres organization.

Five OHL players named to United States roster for 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:15:45 +0000

Five OHL players have been named to the United States roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, taking place Aug. 3-8 in Edmonton, AB Windsor Spitfires forward Ty Bergeron, Kingston Frontenacs forward Nolan Snyder, Niagara IceDogs forward Michael Tang, Flint Firebirds goaltender Mason Courville and Peterborough Petes forward Gerry DiCunzolo were selected following USA Hockey’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp at TRIA Rink in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bergeron and Tang are both set to make their OHL debuts in 2026-27 after signing with Windsor and Niagara, respectively, earlier this summer. The 23-player U.S. roster includes 13 forwards, seven defencemen and three goaltenders. Fifteen members of the team previously represented the United States at the 2025 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament, where the Americans earned a second-place finish. Team USA will compete in Group B alongside Czechia, Finland and Germany, while Group A includes Canada, Sweden, Switzerland and Slovakia. The United States will also face Slovakia in a pre-tournament game on Aug. 1st. The Americans enter the tournament as defending champions after defeating Sweden 5-3 in the 2025 gold medal game. The United States has won the Hlinka Gretzky Cup twice, capturing titles in 2003 and 2025. For more information on the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, visit hockeycanada.ca.

Sting sign import forward Jonas Gulbrandsen

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:21:48 +0000

SARNIA, ON - The Sarnia Sting are pleased to announce that the club has signed forward Jonas Gulbrandsen to a Standard Player Agreement. Selected 71st overall in the second round of the 2026 CHL Import Draft, Gulbrandsen joins the Sting after spending the 2025-26 season with the Stavanger Oilers U20 program in his hometown of Stavanger, Norway. The 2008-born centerman brings an impressive combination of size and skill to the Sting lineup. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 229 pounds, Gulbrandsen recorded 18 goals and nine assists for 27 points in just 18 games with the Stavanger Oilers U20 during the 2025-26 campaign. "I'm incredibly excited to join the Sarnia Sting organization," said Gulbrandsen. "From the first conversations, I felt the team believed in me, and I can't wait to get to Sarnia, meet my teammates, and get to work. Go Sting!" Gulbrandsen becomes the latest addition to a Sting roster that continues to take shape ahead of the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season. His combination of physical presence, offensive ability, and two-way potential provides another exciting piece for the club's future.

OHL Helping Hands: Meet the Barrie Colts’ Equipment Assistant

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:09:52 +0000

Around the Barrie Colts' dressing room, there is one person who never fails to brighten the mood. Whether he's lending a hand around the rink, sharing a laugh with players and staff, or greeting everyone with a smile, Kyle Collins has become an integral part of the Colts organization. Since joining the club during the 2021-22 season, his enthusiasm and positivity have made him much more than a game-day helper. Creating a strong culture has always been a priority for the team and Collins has become one of the biggest reasons that culture continues to thrive. "Kyle has been in Barrie since the 2021-22 season, and since day one he has proven to be such an important part of the team," said former Head Equipment Manager Morgan Payne. "He comes in and works hard on any task given. He always comes to the rink in a good mood and can put smiles on everyone's faces regardless of whether we win the game or not." "In Barrie, our team culture is a large part of our identity, and it extends so much further than just the players – it extends to the organization as a whole, and Kyle is an extremely large part of the family," Payne said. One tradition, in particular, perfectly captures what Collins means to the Colts. His birthday falls during the OHL Playoffs each spring, and for the past two years the team has made sure to celebrate with him. After telling Collins they couldn't make it to his birthday party this year, the players surprised him by showing up together, solidifying a memory that has become an annual tradition. "My favourite memories of the years in Barrie are how Kyle is able to bring everyone around him together," Payne said. "One example is his birthday. It is always during the playoffs, and he invited the entire team to his birthday party. The players all said they couldn't come because they wanted to surprise him, and the whole team showed up for him." For Collins, it was a moment he'll never forget. "My favourite memory was either winning Game 6 against Brantford on my birthday and putting the puck in the puck case, or when everyone on the team surprised me at my birthday party this year," he said. https://twitter.com/OHLBarrieColts/status/1918680814260273237 Those moments speak to the relationships Collins has built throughout the organization. "It means everything to be a member of the Barrie Colts," Collins said. "Everyone has been so nice to me, and I'm so excited for another year." While many fans have a favourite player, Collins sees things a little differently. "I haven't had a favourite player," he said. "I have loved everyone that's played on our team since I joined." And that appreciation goes both ways. "Kyle has a really special ability to bring everyone around him together," Payne said. "It's built our culture in Barrie, and the success on the ice has followed. Kyle will always have a home with the Barrie Colts. The Barrie Colts are so lucky to have someone who works so hard, cares so much, and loves the Barrie Colts as much as Kyle does." https://twitter.com/OHLBarrieColts/status/1909266678224929218 As the Colts prepare for another season, Collins will once again be there with a smile, ready to help wherever he's needed. And while his contributions may happen behind the scenes, his impact is impossible to miss. Through his kindness, dedication, and ability to bring people together, Kyle Collins has become an important part of what makes the Barrie Colts feel like family.

Spitfires sign first round import Bogdan Yakushevsky

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 19:46:04 +0000

WINDSOR, ON - The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce the signing of forward Bogdan Yakushevsky to the Red, White and Navy for the 2026-27 season. Yakushevsky was selected 46^th overall by the Spitfires in the 2026 CHL Import Draft. Bogdan hails from Chita, Russia. He stands at 6’0 and weighs 180lbs. Yakushevsky spent the 2025-26 season with the CSKA Moskova U17 and U18 Teams as well as Krasnaya Armiya Moskva in the MHL. Over the 3 competitions Bogdan played in 63 games and recorded 78 points (36 goals and 42 assists). He is eligible for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft. Bogdan has also suited up for Team Russia, in 2024-25 he played for both the U16 and U17 teams and appeared in 12 games and collected 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists). The Russian native is excited to be joining the club. “It is an honour for me to join such a great organization with so much history with their NHL alumni.” Bogdan said. “I can really sense the professionalism. I’ve already met the people working here, and the atmosphere is very friendly. I am very excited to get started.” Bill Bowler spoke on Yakushevsky putting pen to paper. “Bogdan is a high energy elite prospect” GM Bill Bowler said. “He is a tenacious competitor that brings intensity every shift. We welcome Bogdan and his family to Windsor.”