Ontario Hockey League - Feed

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:40:01 +0000

The Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL) announced this afternoon that they have recalled Soo Greyhounds netminder Carter George to serve as their emergency backup goaltender (EBUG) for the remainder of the postseason. George split time between the Owen Sound Attack and Greyhounds this season, posting a 23-17-5 record. He also appeared in 10 OHL playoff games, going 5-5-0 with a 2.36 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. Internationally, he helped Team Canada capture a bronze medal this past January at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Across 159 career OHL games, the 19-year-old has compiled a 70-63-9-11 record, eight shutouts, a 3.09 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage. This season, he also made history, becoming the first goaltender in OHL history to score two career goals. A second-round selection (57th overall) by LA in the 2024 NHL Draft, this marks the second time in his career that George has been recalled by the Kings during their postseason run with the first coming last season. https://twitter.com/LAKingsPR/status/2047369754890158432 Related Articles

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Sign Charron & Hayes to ATO Agreements

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:44:42 +0000

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL) announced today that they have signed Soo Greyhounds forwards Jordan Charron and Travis Hayes to amateur tryout agreements.

Charron, a fifth-round pick (154th overall) by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025 NHL Draft, enjoyed a breakout season with career highs across the board. The 18-year-old recorded 45 points (25-22–45), with his 25 goals ranking third on the team. Through 114 career OHL games, he has totalled 68 points (35-33–68).

Hayes, the younger brother of Penguins leading goal-scorer Avery Hayes, was selected in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft by Pittsburgh. He posted 51 points (21-30–51) with the Greyhounds in 2024-25, finishing fifth on the team in both goals and points. This season, the 18-year-old recorded 40 points (16-24–40) while tying for the team lead with a +27 rating. Hayes was also named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team in 2023-24 and has accumulated 126 points (51-75–126) in 186 career OHL games.

The Penguins are still waiting for the end of the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs before they know who and when they will be playing in the Atlantic Division Semifinals.

https://twitter.com/WBSPenguins/status/2047348685697163331

Series HQ: Kitchener Rangers vs. Windsor Spitfires

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:16:50 +0000

Series Preview:

(1) Kitchener Rangers (47-14-5-2) vs. (2) Windsor Spitfires (44-15-6-3) Few rivalries in the OHL carry the weight of Kitchener and Windsor, and the Western Conference Final marks the thirteenth time these two franchises have met in the playoffs. Over the last six seasons alone, they have squared off four times, with the Rangers winning the last two series in what can only be described as some of the most unbelievable things the OHL postseason has seen in recent memory. Those results have left a mark on the Windsor group, most of whom were there for both of them, and that history adds another layer of intensity to an already charged rivalry. In the regular season, Kitchener took three of the four meetings before Windsor closed things out with a win, and only four points separated the two clubs in the final standings for the top seed in the Western Conference. But as both clubs know better than anyone, the regular season means very little once the calendar turns to playoff hockey. Both teams arrive at this stage having been dominant throughout the postseason, with nearly identical goal differentials and special teams numbers, suggesting this series could be decided by the finest of margins. Windsor comes in undefeated through two rounds, while Kitchener dropped one game in the second round against the Soo Greyhounds. On paper, it is as even a matchup as you will find. Windsor swept the Flint Firebirds in the second round, a result that carries more weight when you consider that Flint had just made history in the first round, outscoring the Owen Sound Attack 35-3. The Spitfires handled them well, and a big reason for that has been goaltender Joey Costanzo, who enters this series second in the league with a 2.00 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage. Offensively, Windsor has been a model of balance, with captain Liam Greentree leading the way at ten points through eight games, while both Anthony Cristoforo and Jakub Fibigr have also contributed ten points apiece, providing scoring from the blue line that opposing teams have struggled to account for. This is a team that knows it has been knocked out by Kitchener in dramatic fashion two years running, and that motivation is not something that needs to be manufactured in the locker room. Greentree spoke to the familiarity between these two clubs ahead of the series. "We've played the Rangers a lot in the last four years, seen them in the playoffs a couple of times, and it was obviously a bittersweet feeling after last year. We want to come back prepared, and I'm just focused on the room that we have this year. As long as we play our game, there's a lot we can do." Coach Greg Walters echoed the respect for what Kitchener brings, while making clear where he believes the series will be decided. "Kitchener's a different animal, and they defend extremely well, they play the right way, and it's gonna come down to who defends better and who makes big plays at big times." Walters also pointed to the depth of his own group as a key strength, singling out 16-year-old John McLaughlin as an example of a young player who has earned his place in big moments. "He competes extremely strong, he's detailed in his game, and we feel comfortable with him playing against anybody." Kitchener, meanwhile, has been a juggernaut at home, going an extraordinary 20-1 in their last 21 games at the Aud, and that kind of home ice advantage could loom large in a series this close. Coach Jussi Ahokas was clearly looking forward to opening on home ice. “I think it's pretty much already almost sold out, so the atmosphere will be great in our building, and we're all just waiting for Friday.” The Rangers are also chasing history of their own, as the club has not made it past the Western Conference Final since the 2007-08 season. After they had dramatically reverse-swept the Spitfires in Game 7, they ended up being swept in four games in the finals by the eventual Memorial Cup Champions, the London Knights. Captain Cameron Reid acknowledged the sting of that ending while keeping the focus on the future. "There are memories. This is gonna be a battle of a series, both good teams, and we remember what it was like last year to lose, so it's definitely gonna be in the back of our minds, and we don't want that again." Up front, former Knight Sam O'Reilly has been nothing short of sensational, leading the club with 14 points through nine games, including ten goals, while Dylan Edwards, who was recently named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, is right behind him with 13 points and eight goals of his own. Christian Humphreys rounds out a formidable top group with 11 points. Between the pipes, Christian Kirsch carries a 2.31 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage into the series, numbers that will need to improve against a Windsor attack that has been clicking on all cylinders. Ahokas was candid about the physical nature of what lies ahead. "You want to play physical, you want to play hard, that's always playoffs, but you have to stay out of the box. Windsor has good special teams, and on five-on-five, we're a good team. But everybody knows the playoffs get more physical, and you can take advantage of it when you play the right way." With nearly identical special teams, nearly identical goal differentials, and a rivalry that has produced some of the most memorable moments in recent OHL history, this conference final has all the makings of an instant classic. Windsor wants revenge, and Kitchener wants history. But only one of them is going to get what they came for.

Series Schedule:

* if needed Game 1 – Fri., April 24 at Kitchener, 7:00pm Game 2 – Sun., April 26 at Kitchener, 6:00pm Game 3 – Mon., April 27 at Windsor, 7:05pm Game 4 – Wed., April 29 at Windsor, 7:05pm Game 5 – Fri., May 1 at Kitchener, 7:00pm* Game 6 – Sun., May 3 at Windsor, 4:05pm* Game 7 – Mon., May 4 at Kitchener, 7:00pm*

Season Series:

KIT wins 3-1 Jan. 21 - KIT 3 at WSR 2 – OT Jan. 30 - WSR 2 at KIT 7 Feb. 20 - WSR 0 at KIT 3 Mar. 8 - KIT 2 at WSR 5

Playoff History:

This marks the 13th playoff meeting between Kitchener and Windsor. 2025 KIT def. WSR 4-3 – Second Round, 2023 KIT def. WSR 4-0 – First Round, 2022 WSR def. KIT 4-1 – Second Round, 2016 KIT def. WSR 4-1 – First Round, 2009 WSR def. KIT 4-3 – Third Round, 1999 WSR def. KIT – 8th Place Tie-Breaker, 1992 KIT def. WSR 4-3 – First Round, 1988 WSR def. KIT 4-0 – First Round, 1986 WSR def. KIT 8-2 – First Round, 1982 KIT def. WSR 8-0 – First Round, 1981 KIT def. WSR 9-1 – Second Round, 1977 WSR def. KIT 3-0 – First Round

2026 OHL Awards – Most Outstanding Player Finalists

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:30:30 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced finalists for the Red Tilson Trophy, presented annually to the OHL's Most Outstanding Player as voted by the League's accredited writers and broadcasters. This year's Red Tilson Trophy finalists include: Cole Beaudoin (C, Barrie Colts) - 54 GP, 33 G, 56 A, 89 PTS. A workhorse down the middle for the Barrie Colts, Utah Mammoth first round draft pick Cole Beaudoin produced at a clip of 1.65 points-per-game and won 55% of his faceoffs during the season. The Kanata, ON native finished tied for the league-lead in game-winning goals with 10, and was recently named the OHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year, earning the William Hanley Trophy for his disciplined approach. Beaudoin was a key part of Canada's National Junior Team and was voted the Eastern Conference's hardest worker, best on faceoffs, best defensive forward and best penalty killer on the OHL Coaches Poll. Jake O'Brien (C, Brantford Bulldogs) - 53 GP, 28 G, 65 A, 93 PTS. Brantford Bulldogs captain Jake O'Brien led the OHL with a 1.75 point-per-game production rate, fuelling a power play that, statistically, ended the season as the best in OHL history at 34.8%. O'Brien's 41 power play points paced the league while he remained a force at even strength, finishing the campaign with a plus-34 rating. The Seattle Kraken first round NHL Draft pick rounded-out his third season as the Bulldogs' career leader in points with 255 (73-182--255). The OHL Player of the Month for October, O'Brien's 65 assists led all players and energized the league's most potent offence. He was voted the Eastern Conference's smartest player and best playmaker in the OHL Coaches Poll. Nathan Aspinall (LW, Flint Firebirds) - 65 GP, 33 G, 61 A, 94 PTS. Flint Firebirds captain Nathan Aspinall turbocharged his offensive production with a 47-point improvement to lead the Flint Firebirds to their best season in the club's 10-year history. The 6-foot-7 Aspinall set a new club record with 61 assists while scoring 33 goals and placing fifth in OHL shots on goal with a total of 250. He was also a fast-starter, tying for the OHL lead in first goals with eight while also converting on four of six shootout attempts during the season. Aspinall was the OHL Player of the Month for November and appeared in hardest shot and best playmaker categories in the Western Conference portion of the OHL Coaches Poll. Sam O'Reilly (C, Kitchener Rangers) - 56 GP, 29 G, 42 A, 71 PTS. Perhaps the biggest splash of the OHL trade deadline, the Kitchener Rangers acquisition of Sam O'Reilly from the rival London Knights has paid big dividends for the Blueshirts. O'Reilly's arrival sparked the Rangers to a big second half that saw them finish atop the Western Conference standings for the first time since 2008. After posting 28 points (12-16--28) in as many games with London, O'Reilly stepped-up his production in Kitchener with 43 points (17-26--43) over 28 contests, all while finishing the season with a 58% success rate in the faceoff circle. A member of Canada's National Junior Team, the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect factored prominently into the OHL Coaches Poll, being voted the Western Conference's smartest player, best on faceoffs and best defensive forward. Nikita Klepov (RW, Saginaw Spirit) - 67 GP, 37 G, 60 A, 97 PTS. The first rookie to lead the OHL in scoring since Patrick Kane of the 2006-07 London Knights, Nikita Klepov enters the 2026 NHL Draft as the eighth-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings released last week. The shifty winger follows Michael Misa as the second-straight Spirit player to earn the Eddie Powers Trophy as the OHL's leading scorer, while also joining Misa in elite company as an OHL Rookie of the Year Award winner. The Deerfield Beach, Florida product piled up 38 points on the power play and went 4-for-6 in shootout attempts. He was recognized as the Western Conference's most dangerous player in the goal area and best shootout shooter in the OHL Coaches Poll.

Colts sign defenceman Aiden Mowrey

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:59:29 +0000

The Barrie Colts Hockey Club is proud to announce the signing of defenceman Aiden Mowrey to an Ontario Hockey Leauge Player Agreement.

Mowrey, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound right-shot blueliner, joins the Colts from the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 18U AAA program. Born July 2, 2009, in Wexford, Pennsylvania, the 16-year-old brings a strong physical presence and high-end defensive upside to Barrie’s back end.

Mowrey is a player the organization is excited to add to its group. He possesses great size, skates well for a defenceman of his stature, and competes hard in all three zones. His game is expected to continue to develop within the Colts’ environment, with the tools to make an immediate impact.

He has developed within one of the top Tier I programs in the United States, consistently facing elite competition at the 18U level. His combination of height, mobility, and right-handed shot adds valuable depth to the Colts’ defensive core.

The Barrie Colts continue to build toward the future with the addition of Mowrey, further strengthening their roster with size, skill, and compete level on the back end.

Welcome to Barrie, Aiden!

O to Pros: AHL Season in Review

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:06:45 +0000

The 2025-26 AHL regular season was another successful year for Ontario Hockey League (OHL) alumni, with graduates continuing to make a significant impact across the league. From elite scoring performances to standout goaltending and leadership behind the bench, OHL-developed talent was once again front and centre at the professional level. In total, 25 alumni made their NHL debuts, several more climbed into franchise record books, and OHL-developed talent once again led the way at nearly every position. Here's a look back at how the "O" made its mark throughout the AHL this season. Scoring Leaders Forward Goal Leader – Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs/Belleville Senators) Former Hamilton Bulldogs champion Arthur Kaliyev enjoyed a dominant campaign with the Belleville Senators, leading the league with 40 goals while also topping the AHL in shots (266). He finished third in overall scoring with 68 points (40-28–68), showcasing his elite finishing ability throughout the season. Kaliyev also made his Ottawa Senators debut early in the year, recording his first NHL point with an assist in just his second game. Rookie Scoring Leader – Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires/Hershey Bears) In his first professional season, Ilya Protas made an immediate impact, recording 66 points (29-37–66) in 69 games. He led all rookies in scoring while finishing second in both goals and assists among first-year players. Protas carried that momentum to the NHL level as well, making his debut with the Washington Capitals and recording four points (1-3–4) over his first two games. Goaltending Leaders Minimum 25 games played Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires/Ottawa 67’s) delivered a standout season between the pipes, leading all AHL goaltenders with a 34-8-1 record. He also posted a league-best 1.91 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage, backstopping the Providence Bruins to the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy as the AHL’s top regular-season team. OHL Alumni Leading AHL Clubs Several OHL graduates finished the season as top performers on their respective AHL teams: Point Leaders

Bakersfield Condors: Seth Griffith (London Knights) – 67
Belleville Senators: Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs) – 68
Cleveland Monsters: Luca Del Bel Belluz (Mississauga Steelheads/Sarnia Sting) – 58
Coachella Valley Firebirds: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs/Ottawa 67’s) – 61
Hershey Bears: Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires) – 66
Ontario Reign: Martin Chromiak (Kingston Frontenacs) – 56
San Diego Gulls: Sasha Pastujov (Guelph Storm/Sarnia Sting) – 57

Goals Leaders

Belleville Senators: Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs) – 40
Cleveland Monsters: Luca Del Bel Belluz (Mississauga Steelheads/Sarnia Sting) – 22
Coachella Valley Firebirds: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs/Ottawa 67’s) – 29
Hershey Bears: Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires) – 29
Ontario Reign: Martin Chromiak (Kingston Frontenacs) – 28
San Diego Gulls: Justin Bailey (Kitchener Rangers/Soo Greyhounds) – 25
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: Avery Hayes (Hamilton Bulldogs/Peterborough Petes) – 24

Trophy Winners & Honours Willie Marshall – Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs/Belleville Senators) Kaliyev’s league-leading 40 goals earned him the Willie Marshall Award as the AHL’s top goal scorer. He also ranked second with 16 power-play goals and recorded a seven-game goal-scoring streak from Nov. 8 to Nov. 21, tied for the longest run in the league this season. Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award – Ryan Mougenel (Owen Sound Platers/Kitchener Rangers) In his eighth season with the Providence Bruins, including five as head coach, Ryan Mougenel guided the club to a remarkable 54-16-2 record, finishing with 110 points and capturing the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy as AHL regular-season champions. A native of Scarborough, Ont., Mougenel played his junior hockey with the Owen Sound Platers and Kitchener Rangers. Man of the Year – OHL Alumni Individual Team Winners Selected by their respective clubs for their outstanding contributions to the local community and charitable organizations during the season.

Bakersfield Condors: Seth Griffith (London Knights)
Belleville Senators: Jorian Donovan (Hamilton/Brantford Bulldogs/Saginaw Spirit)
Bridgeport Islanders: Matthew Maggio (Ottawa 67’s/Windsor Spitfires)
Grand Rapids Griffins: Amadeus Lombardi (Flint Firebirds)
Providence Bruins: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires/Ottawa 67’s)
Syracuse Crunch: Brandon Halverson (Soo Greyhounds)
Tucson Roadrunners: Andrew Agozzino (Niagara IceDogs)

OHL Alumni Named to AHL All-Star Teams First All-Star Team

Goaltender – Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires/Ottawa 67’s/Providence Bruins)
Forward – Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs/Belleville Senators)

All-Rookie Team

Forward – Ilya Protas (Windsor Spitfires/Hershey Bears)

As the American Hockey League regular season comes to a close, the Ontario Hockey League continues to reinforce its reputation as one of the premier development leagues in the world. With alumni excelling at every position and continuing to make the jump to the NHL, the OHL pipeline remains a driving force in shaping the next generation of professional hockey talent. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Tickets are officially on public sale for the 2026 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore, taking place June 12-13 at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston, Ont. Marking the first in-person OHL Draft since the year 2000, this is your chance to be in the building for a historic weekend as the next generation of OHL talent takes centre stage.

2026 OHL Awards – Humanitarian of the Year Finalists

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:30:18 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced five finalists for the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the OHL Humanitarian of the Year. The Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy honours the enduring legacy of the former Owen Sound Platers captain, who championed community initiatives during his time in the OHL from 1995-99 before his tragic passing in October 2003. In determining this group of finalists, the selection committee sought players who transcend standard team-mandated appearances to become true humanitarian forces. Each of these individuals demonstrated exceptional initiative by independently founding charitable programs, dedicating consistent personal time, and generating tangible impacts. Ultimately, the award recognizes those who embody Snyder’s authentic, unwavering commitment to leaving a profound mark on the communities they call home. Here is more information on this year's Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy finalists: David Egorov (G, Brantford Bulldogs) Brantford Bulldogs netminder David Egorov was a force for good in the Brantford community, being recognized for his above-and-beyond advocacy for mental health by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk branch earlier this month. The third-year netminder spearheaded fundraising initiatives for the CMHA through a raffle initiative he organized that led to a $9,000 donation toward mental health services. Ahead of the holiday season, Egorov joined forces with Brantford Police Services to help underprivileged children shop for Christmas gifts through their "Shop with a Cop" program. He also stepped up as a player ambassador for Hockey Gives Blood, and led the Bulldogs' efforts on Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen, creating his very own "Egorov Blizzard" to be sold with proceeds benefitting McMaster Children's Hospital throughout the season. Egorov also acted out of sheer instinct to save the life of an individual outside the TD Civic Centre early in the season, performing first aid and chest compressions on the unresponsive person, acting as a good samaritan until first responders arrived on the scene. On the ice, Egorov was a dependable last line of defence, going 21-4-3-0 with a 2.49 goals-against average, .920 save percentage and four shutouts over 29 games. Tristen Trevino (D, Erie Otters) Erie Otters captain Tristen Trevino invested regular personal time to a cause near and dear to his heart. The 19-year-old defenceman was a weekly fixture at the Gliding Stars Program, a skating initiative in Erie that provides children and people with special needs the opportunity to learn how to skate. The Otters made a team appearance at the program early in the season, at such time Trevino stated a desire to continue attending, and brought a teammate or two along every Monday throughout the balance of the season. Trevino's seven-year-old brother, Bernie, is autistic. The close bond with his brother allowed Tristen to form connections and friendships with those attending the weekly program at Mercyhurst Ice Centre, an impact felt by those who oversee the program that has been in operation for 26 years. Trevino was also a leader for the Otters in other community initiatives such as cooking and serving food at the Erie City Mission, as well as numerous school visits throughout the season. On the ice, Trevino, who is from Franklin Park, Pennsylvania, earned the captain's 'C' in his first OHL season, recording 26 points (4-22--26) over 67 games on the Erie blueline. Thanasi Marentette (D, Peterborough Petes) Hard-hitting Peterborough Petes defenceman Thanasi Marentette proved to be a caring community advocate in the Liftlock City. Beginning in November, Marentette launched "Marentette's Mission" with the goal of making a meaningful and lasting difference for those in need within the Peterborough community. His first initiative, the "Warm Hands, Warm Hearts Winter Clothing Drive" ran from November 13 through December 11 and was carried out in partnership with Street Level Advocacy and the Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation. The clothing drive resulted in a wide range of winter wear including gloves, warm socks, winter boots, jackets, sweaters and scarves, along with over $1,500 in montary donations. Marentette built-off that success by forming a partnership with local business MILK + TEA. During February, a portion of proceeds from MILK + TEA's baked goods was donated to Marentette's Mission. These funds were in-turn used to provide nutritious, homemade meals to individuals in need, resulting in more than 120 meals being distributed in the community. In addition to taking a great deal of personal time to organize community efforts, Marentette become a Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassador in January, using the opportunity to experience blood donation for the first time while encouraging his teammates to do likewise. He was awarded the Gary Dalliday Award for Peterborough Petes Community Service, and his teammates took note of his passion for the community, donating $4,000 to the cause through the OHL Overtime Heroes program come playoff-time. The 6-foot, 216Ib. blueliner from Windsor, ON suited up in 42 games with the Petes in 2025-26. Beckham Edwards (C, Sarnia Sting) NHL Draft eligible Sarnia Sting forward Beckham Edwards was a familiar face in classrooms across the Sarnia-Lambton region this past season. Edwards founded the BE Kind initiative, a program dedicated to promoting kindness and empathy in local classrooms. He went above-and-beyond the Sting's regular schedule of community visits, appearing in 10 different classrooms to impact more than 200 students at local schools, connecting with children in Kindergarten through Grade 2 in meaningful and lasting ways. Through the BE Kind initiative, Edwards would read books centred on kindness to the students before leading an open conversation, encouraging students to reflect on what it means to be kind and to share simple, everyday ways they can show kindness to others. After the discussion, each student received a BE Kind challenge card, which included six different acts of kindness such as lending a helping hand, giving a compliment, or writing a thank-you note. Students were encouraged to complete the card and return it to their teacher, who would then select two names to receive a prize. In addition to the visit, every classroom received a Sarnia Sting stick and a BE Kind t-shirt to be used as prizing for the Kindness Challenge Card, provided by Edwards. In addition to classroom visits, Edwards was a regular at minor hockey practices, serving as a mentor and role model for young players. The 18-year-old from Komoka, ON posted a second-straight 45-point season (19-26--45) for the Sting, and enters the summer looking ahead to the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo. Carson Woodall (D, Windsor Spitfires) Continuing the tremendous work he started in March 2024, Carson Woodall's "Woody's Hoodies" initiative crossed the $175,000 donation threshold in support of cancer research last month, marking two years of consistent support for a cause close to his heart. Inspired by both of his grandmothers who have battled cancer in the late Nana O'Brien and supporting Nana Woodall, the Spits blueliner launched the program with the intention of including a specialized custom ribbon emblazoned on each hoody combining symbols for breast and ovarian cancer. The ribbon also includes the initials "D.O." and C.W." as a tribute to his loved ones who have braved the fight with cancer. Most recently, Woodall presented Play for a Cure with a donation of $24,000 in March, with funds raised from the sale of hoodies that have become a recognizable symbol across arenas, schools, workplaces and streets throughout Windsor-Essex County and beyond. Other donations from Woodall have benefitted causes such as Hospice of Erie Shores, while his creativity in carrying-out fundraising initiatives has extended into feats such as stair-climbs and rappelling 170 feet down from the CIBC building in downtown Windsor. The initiative also supports local causes such as hockey tournaments and road hockey events throughout the summer. Woodall's creativity knows no bounds, with the brand extending beyond hoodies and onto pucks, stickers and drink koozies, with new looks and designs being rolled-out as recently as this past week. The former 10th round OHL Draft pick from nearby Belle River developed into a go-to option for Spitfires coach Greg Walters this past season as Woodall was the OHL's Defenceman of the Month for October, and is a finalist for the Max Kaminsky Trophy as OHL Defenceman of the Year, producing 63 points (12-51--63) over 68 games for the West Division champions.

Ruml named to Team Czechia’s roster ahead of 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:48:25 +0000

Czechia has announced its roster for the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, which includes Ondrej Ruml of the Ottawa 67’s. Ruml has also been named to the team’s leadership group and will serve as an assistant captain. https://twitter.com/HZoufal/status/2046610847632351689 The tournament will take place in Bratislava and Trenčín, Slovakia, from April 22 to May 2, as the Czechs look to capture their first medal at the event since 2014. Czechia is set to face the United States, Sweden, Germany, and Denmark in the preliminary round. The tournament will conclude with the medal games on May 2, with all games available to stream on IIHF.tv (subscription required). _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For more information on the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, please visit the official tournament website at IIHF.com

Di Iorio and Zhilkin named to Team Canada’s leadership group ahead of 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:57:24 +0000

Hockey Canada announced this morning that Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting) and Dima Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit) will be part of the leadership group for the upcoming 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, each serving as assistant captains. Both players served as captains for their respective Ontario Hockey League clubs this past season, while Di Iorio also represented the leadership group with Hockey Canada at last summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The tournament kicks off on April 22, with Canada taking on Slovakia, Latvia, Norway and Finland in the preliminary round before concluding with the medal games on May 2. TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast 16 tournament games, including all Team Canada preliminary-round games, as well as the quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal games. _________________________________________________ For more information on the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, please visit the official tournament website at IIHF.com For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Ducks sign Battalion captain Ethan Procyszyn to entry-level contract

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:30:32 +0000

The Anaheim Ducks have signed North Bay Battalion captain Ethan Procyszyn to a three-year NHL entry-level contract, the club announced Tuesday. Selected by Anaheim in the third round, 68th overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft, Procyszyn led the Battalion in scoring during the 2025-26 season with 59 points (31-28–59) in 65 games. The 6-foot-3 centre also paced the club in goals, plus/minus and faceoff wins, while co-leading in power-play goals and ranking among team leaders across multiple categories. A native of Wasaga Beach, Ont., Procyszyn served as Battalion captain over the past two seasons, establishing himself as a consistent presence in all situations. He helped guide North Bay to the second round of the OHL Playoffs this spring, recording five points in 10 games. “Ethan gave everything to this team for the past four years through his hard work, dedication and leadership,” said Battalion director of hockey operations Adam Dennis. “We’re thrilled that he has earned his first professional contract with the Ducks and have no doubt there’s a long career ahead for this young man. “As much as he’ll be missed, we look forward to watching him take this next step in his career.” Over four OHL seasons, Procyszyn totalled 177 points (85-92–177) along with 261 penalty minutes in 257 regular season games. He added 15 points (9-6–15) in 43 career playoff contests. Originally selected by North Bay in the first round, 20th overall, of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Procyszyn made an immediate impact as a rookie and was later named team captain midway through the 2024-25 season. He set career highs that year with 64 points before following it up with another strong campaign in 2025-26. On the international stage, Procyszyn represented Canada at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, earning a silver medal while recording four points in seven games. He is expected to begin his professional career in the 2026-27 season.