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Former Sting forward Bax signs with Sharks’ AHL affiliate

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 20:00:52 +0000

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Former Sarnia Sting forward Jordan Bax has signed an American Hockey League contract with the San Jose Barracuda for the 2026-27 season. Bax earned his opportunity with the Sting after attending the club's 2025 training camp as a free agent invite, securing a roster spot ahead of the regular season. The Parkhill, Ont. native went on to record 15 goals, 16 assists and 31 points in 52 games during his lone OHL season, adding a physical presence with 65 penalty minutes while helping anchor the Sting's forward group. Originally taking an unconventional path to the OHL, Bax spent the 2024-25 season with the BCHL's Cowichan Valley Capitals, where he produced 41 points (15-26-41) in 54 games before making the jump to major junior. Following the signing of his Standard Player Agreement with Sarnia, Bax quickly established himself as a hard-working, physical forward capable of contributing offensively while playing an energetic two-way game. The Barracuda, the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's San Jose Sharks, announced Bax's signing on Monday as part of the club's preparations for the 2026-27 season.

Knights forward Santala named to Finland’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup roster

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:35:04 +0000

London Knights forward Luca Santala has been named to Finland's roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, set to take place Aug. 3-8 in Edmonton, AB. Santala recently signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Knights after being selected in the first round (40th overall) of the 2026 CHL Import Draft. The 6-foot-2 forward enjoyed a strong 2025-26 season with Kiekko-Espoo, recording 12 points (4-8-12) in 25 U20 games while adding 22 points (11-11-22) in 17 contests at the U18 level. He also represented Finland at the 2026 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, producing six points in five games. The Espoo, Finland native continued his strong international play during Finland's pre-tournament camp, collecting two assists in a 6-2 exhibition victory over HPK's U20 club before earning a place on the final roster. Santala enters the Hlinka Gretzky Cup as one of the top players eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft after being projected 12th overall in Daily Faceoff's early rankings. Finland opens Group B play against Germany on Aug. 4 before facing the United States on Aug. 5 and Czechia on Aug. 6. The tournament also features Canada, Sweden, Slovakia and Switzerland in Group A, with the medal games scheduled for Aug. 8.

Longtime colleagues Jeff Kyrzakos and Brendan Taylor begin new chapters

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:34:04 +0000

For more than a decade, Jeff Kyrzakos and Brendan Taylor have been climbing the Ontario Hockey League coaching ranks simultaneously, and now, after years of sharing a bench, developing players and discussing what the future might hold, their journeys have come full circle. On July 29, 2026, both longtime assistants were introduced as first-time OHL head coaches. Kyrzakos was promoted to lead the Kitchener Rangers while Taylor was named the 11th head coach in Saginaw Spirit history, marking a fitting milestone for two coaches whose careers have been intertwined since their days with the Mississauga Steelheads. “It's obviously really special,” said Taylor. “We spent a lot of time together talking about what this day would be like for us both, how our teams would play, and how we'd do things once we were head coaches. So for us to start our OHL coaching careers together and be named head coaches in the OHL on the same day is obviously really special for us and our families.” Their coaching paths first crossed during the 2016-17 season, when Kyrzakos joined the Steelheads as an Assistant Coach, and Taylor arrived as the club's video coach. The following season, both took on expanded roles, with Taylor becoming an assistant coach and Kyrzakos adding Assistant General Manager duties alongside his work behind the bench. Over six seasons together, they helped establish Mississauga as one of the league's premier development organizations, contributing to the growth of numerous future NHL players while also reaching the Eastern Conference Final in 2017. Along the way, they also built a friendship rooted in countless hours at the rink, on the road and in coaches’ offices discussing every aspect of the game. “Tayls and I have been talking over the last couple of weeks, and we've joked about how ironic it is that, after 10 years, we're both moving on at the same time and on the same day,” Kyrzakos said. "I'm incredibly happy for him. He's one of the best people in the game and in this league, and he's done tremendous work developing players over the years. I think that's only going to continue now that he's behind the bench. I'm really excited for him to get this opportunity in Saginaw, and I know he's going to do great things." While their careers eventually took different directions, both continued building on their impressive résumés. Kyrzakos joined Kitchener in 2023 as Associate Coach and Assistant General Manager, helping guide the Rangers to their fifth OHL championship and third Memorial Cup title while playing a significant role in player development and special teams. Taylor spent the past four seasons with the Soo Greyhounds, helping the club reach three consecutive playoff appearances while working with several future NHL players. His coaching résumé also includes a gold medal with Team Canada Red at the 2025 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Although they were coaching in different cities, the two remained close, often discussing the game and their shared aspirations of one day leading their own OHL bench. Their teams even met in the second round of the 2026 OHL Playoffs, with Kitchener advancing in five games. For current Brampton Steelheads Head Coach and General Manager James Richmond, who worked alongside both coaches in Mississauga, the announcements came as no surprise. “I couldn't be happier for both Tayls and Krackers,” Richmond said. "Both are great people. They have tremendous work ethic, and they love the game. Obviously we are good friends, and I'm so proud of both of them. They've put in the work, and these hirings are well-deserved and well-earned." Both have spent years helping develop players, supporting head coaches and preparing for opportunities like these. Now, after taking remarkably similar paths to the top, they'll begin writing the next chapter of their coaching careers together – just as they always imagined. And for two friends who started side by side behind the Steelheads bench, the timing couldn't have been more fitting.

Spirit sign forward Alexander Milojevic

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:04:34 +0000

Saginaw, Mich. – Spirit GM Dave Drinkill announced that the team has signed left-shot forward Alexander Milojevic (MY-lo-JEV-ik) to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Milojevic stands at 6’, 185lbs and was originally drafted by the Spirit in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection (4th round, 73rd overall). “We are extremely excited to be able to add another elite young player to our strong group here in Saginaw,” said Drinkill. “Alexander can change the game very quickly, using game-breaking speed and skill to dictate the outcomes he wants in the offensive zone. During his draft year, he was widely regarded as one of the top U.S. players in his age group, and we can’t wait to build on his already strong foundation. Alexander is a high-end young hockey player, and I want to thank the Milojevic family for putting their trust in us when it comes to developing him during his next chapter.” The 16-year-old Milojevic spent almost all of last season with the U.S. National Team Development Program’s U17 team, recording 15 points (8G-7A) in 47 games. Milojevic also suited up for one game with the NTDP’s U18 team. From Chicago, Illinois, Milojevic spent his minor hockey with the Chicago Mission 15U AAA team. His 101 points (61A-40A) in 2024-2025 were the most in a single by a Mission 15U player. He scored a pair of goals for the Mission in four games at US 15U Nationals and 4G-1A—5P in four games at USA Hockey’s Boys National 15 Player Development Camp that summer. “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the chance to play for such an amazing coaching staff and organization,” said Milojevic. “It was truly an honor to hear my name called by Saginaw in last year’s draft, and I’m thankful for the belief they’ve shown me from the very beginning. I can’t wait to get to work, continue growing as a player and person, and become part of the Saginaw community. I’m excited to represent this organization and give everything I have each time I step on the ice.”

Attack add veteran coach LaZazzera as associate coach

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:00:49 +0000

The Owen Sound Attack have announced the hiring of Mike LaZazzera as the club's Associate Coach and Director of Player Development. LaZazzera joins the Attack after spending the past two seasons as Director of Player Development with the Quinnipiac University men's hockey program. The Springfield, Mass. native brings nearly 40 years of coaching and player development experience at the professional, junior and collegiate levels. His résumé includes roles as Video Coach with the NHL's New York Islanders, assistant coach with the AHL's Portland Pirates, the University of Maine and the Plymouth Whalers, along with head coaching and general manager duties with the USHL's Dubuque Fighting Saints. He has also been part of multiple Kelly Cup Final appearances in the ECHL. "I am incredibly grateful and honoured for the opportunity to join the Owen Sound Attack," said LaZazzera. "I would like to thank Tyler and Keenan for believing in me and entrusting me with the chance to be a part of such a respected organization. I'm excited to get to work, build strong relationships with our players and staff, contribute to a culture that our fans can be proud of, and do everything I can to help our team succeed." In addition to his coaching experience, LaZazzera holds a master's degree in athletic counselling and has completed doctoral studies (ABD) in both sport and exercise psychology and leadership. "I'm thrilled to be adding an individual with the character and pedigree that Mike possesses to our coaching staff this season," said Attack head coach Keenan Reynolds. "Mike is an incredibly experienced, passionate and hard-working coach whose values align with our own, and who will help drive our team's player development and culture building alongside fellow associate coach Brandon Shaw."

Bulldogs hire OHL Alumnus Bryce O’Hagan

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:13:53 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations Spencer Hyman today announced the hiring of Bryce O’Hagan as the club’s Goalie Coach. O’Hagan, of Burlington, ON, has a long history in both the Ontario Hockey League and Internationally, having been originally drafted 55^th overall in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection Draft by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Going on to play 107 games between the Greyhounds & Petes, where he formed batteries with the likes of NHLers Robin Lehner & Matt Murray, O’Hagan additionally represented Canada at the U17 World Hockey Challenge, Hlinka-Gretzky Cup & World U18 Hockey Championship, winning a gold medal at the 2007 U17’s. After his time in the OHL, O’Hagan starred for the Brantford Eagles in the GOJHL. O’Hagan posted a 2.43/.920 line across 43 games with a 34-7-2 record to put the Eagles at the top of the Midwestern Conference, eventually winning it with a 2.72/.906 across 18 playoff games sending the Eagles to the Sutherland Cup where O’Hagan again starred. A 2.18/.924 followed across 9 games competing for the Junior B Championship as the Eagles finished runner up to the St. Catharines Falcons. O’Hagan followed his playing career as the goalie coach for the Burlington Eagles U16 AAA program from the 2018-19 season through 2025-26. O’Hagan additionally founded and runs O’Hagan Goaltending in Burlington, where he’s gone on to train a bevy of Golden Horseshoe area standouts, including Bulldogs goaltenders Maksim Corovic & Marko Mesich. “Bryce brings an incredible level of passion, enthusiasm, and energy to our organization. said Hyman. “His commitment to developing goaltenders, building meaningful relationships, and helping our players reach their full potential makes him a tremendous addition to our staff. We’re excited to welcome Bryce to Brantford and know he’ll play an important role in the continued growth and success of our program.”.

Hounds sign import goaltender David Vermirovsky

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:50:18 +0000

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – Soo Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis announced today that the club's first-round selection in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, David Vermirovsky, has agreed to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Greyhounds. Vermirovsky played the 2025-26 season with HC Dynamo Pardubice in the Czech U20 league. "We're excited to welcome David to the Greyhounds organization," said Raftis. "David has all the tools to become a top-end goaltender and has already gained valuable experience playing against top competition in Czechia and on the international stage. We believe he has the work ethic, athleticism, and character to make a significant impact with our team, and we're looking forward to helping him continue his development in Sault Ste. Marie." In 27 regular season games, he posted a 13-14 record while recording a 3.23 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage. He followed that with a strong playoff performance, going 5-7 with a 2.72 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. Internationally, Vermirovsky has represented Czechia at the U18 level. Born in Córdoba, Spain, the 6-foot-5, 181-pound goaltender has spent most of his life developing in Czechia. He was also ranked as the No. 3 European goaltender on NHL Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft. "I'm very honoured to be selected by the Soo Greyhounds and I can't wait to start the season here," said Vermirovsky. "I'll do everything I can to help the team win, and I'm excited to meet the fans and be part of the Greyhounds family."

2026 OHL In The System: Dallas Stars

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:29:17 +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 Dallas Stars’ prospect pool. Ryan Brown (LW) – Sarnia Sting (2023-26), London Knights (2025-26) Selected: 5th Round, 155th Overall (2026) OHL Career Stats: 184 GP, 49G, 75A, 124 PTS, -15 Age: 18 A late 2007-born forward, Ryan Brown was originally selected in the first round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection before finding his stride with the London Knights following a mid-season trade. Brown recorded 40 points (16-24–40) in 33 regular-season games with London. Jasper Kuhta (C) – Ottawa 67’s (2025-26) Selected: 7th Round, 197th Overall (2026) OHL Career Stats: 62 GP, 32G, 31A, 63 PTS, +25 Age: 19 The Finnish forward joined the Ottawa 67's through the CHL Import Draft and quickly emerged as one of the OHL's top offensive players in his age group. Kuhta led the 67's with 63 points (32-31–63) in 62 regular-season games and also represented Finland at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Charlie Paquette (RW) – Guelph Storm (2021-25), Brantford Bulldogs (2025-26) Selected: 7th Round, 222nd Overall (2025) Signed: May 21, 2026 OHL Career Stats: 323 GP, 100G, 92A, 192 PTS, -53 Age: 20 Charlie Paquette concluded his OHL career after five seasons split between the Guelph Storm and Brantford Bulldogs. Serving as Guelph's captain to begin the 2025-26 season, Paquette recorded 36 points (17-19–36) in 36 games before being traded to Brantford on Jan. 4. He added 27 points (12-15–27) in 29 regular-season games with the Bulldogs before contributing 11 points (3-8–11) in 15 playoff contests. The 6-foot-2 winger recently signed an AHL contract with the Texas Stars. Emil Hemming (C) – Barrie Colts (2024-26) Selected: 1st Round, 29th Overall (2024) Signed: Jul. 15, 2024 OHL Career Stats: 106 GP, 44G, 67A, 111 PTS, +38 Age: 20 In his second OHL season, Emil Hemming established career highs with 63 points (26-37–63), helping Barrie capture a second straight Central Division title. The Finnish forward also appeared in five games with the Texas Stars before returning to the Colts and represented Finland at the 2024, 2025 and 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships. Tristan Bertucci (D) – Flint Firebirds (2021-24), Barrie Colts (2024-25) Selected: 2nd Round, 61st Overall (2023) Signed: Mar. 15, 2024 OHL Career Stats: 238 GP, 29G, 115A, 144 PTS, +74 Age: 21 During his first full professional season with the Texas Stars, Tristan Bertucci recorded 24 points (5-19–24) in 63 regular-season games, finishing fourth among the club's rookie scorers. Angus MacDonell (C) – Sarnia Sting (2021-23), Mississauga/Brampton Steelheads (2022-25) Selected: 6th Round, 189th Overall (2023) Signed: Mar. 11, 2025 OHL Career Stats: 227 GP, 98G, 80A, 178 PTS, +28 Age: 21 In his rookie professional season, Angus MacDonell recorded 22 points (8-14–22) in 43 regular-season games with the ECHL's Idaho Steelheads. Justin Ertel (LW) – North Bay Battalion (2022-24) Selected: 3rd Round, 79th Overall (2021) Signed: Mar. 11, 2024 OHL Career Stats: 110 GP, 39G, 66A, 105 PTS, +38 Age: 23 After splitting the previous season between Texas and Idaho, Justin Ertel earned a full-time role with the Stars in 2025-26. The former North Bay Battalion forward recorded seven points (2-5–7) in 44 regular-season games. Connor Punnett (D) – Saginaw Spirit (2019-20), Barrie Colts (2019-24), Oshawa Generals (2023-24) Signed: March 7, 2024 OHL Career Stats: 247 GP, 32G, 88A, 120 PTS, -1 Age: 23 After signing a three-year entry-level contract with Dallas as a free agent in 2024, Connor Punnett spent most of the 2025-26 season with the Idaho Steelheads. The 6-foot-2 defenceman recorded a career-high 22 points (4-18–22) and 99 penalty minutes in 46 regular-season games before adding two assists in 18 appearances with Texas. Tomorrow on OHL In The System: We'll take a look at the OHL talent inside the Colorado Avalanche organization.

Niagara IceDogs hire Rosa Mandatori as Head Athletic Therapist

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:18:54 +0000

NIAGARA, ONT. – The Niagara IceDogs have announced the hiring of Rosa Mandatori, CAT(c), as the club's new Head Athletic Therapist. Mandatori joins the IceDogs after spending the past two seasons with the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts, where she served as an Assistant Athletic Therapist. During her time with the organization, she was a member of the Argonauts' medical staff that captured the 111th Grey Cup championship. A 2023 graduate of York University's Athletic Therapy program, Mandatori also earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. While completing her studies, she gained valuable hands-on experience working with the York University Lions women's hockey team and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Mandatori also brings an extensive hockey background to Niagara, having worked with programs at both the university and junior levels, including the Toronto Aeros of the Ontario Women's Hockey Association, the King Rebellion of the Ontario Junior Hockey League and the Caledon Admirals of the OJHL. In addition to her work in sport, Mandatori currently serves as the Athletic Therapy Lead at ALPHA Health Services in Toronto. "After speaking with members of the team, I'm excited to get started here in Dog Country," said Mandatori. "I'm beyond excited to join a young team at an exciting time and work alongside Dale, the rest of the staff and our players."

Barrie Colts sign import forward Maxim Shirochenkov

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:26:55 +0000

The Barrie Colts are proud to announce that forward Maxim Shirochenkov has signed an Ontario Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement with the club. Shirochenkov joins the Colts after being selected by Barrie in the third round (171st overall) of the 2026 CHL Import Draft.

A native of Moscow, Russia, the six-foot, 165-pound left winger spent this past season with Dynamo Moscow's U17 squad, posting 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points in 33 games.

General Manager Marty Williamson said the pick reflects the club's focus on building around young talent as it works through a rebuild following its run to the 2026 OHL championship series "Maxim fits our development path and I am looking forward to seeing how he develops," Williamson said.

Shirochenkov is expected to join the Colts at training camp when it opens in late August.