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IceDogs Announce Mutual Parting of Ways with General Manager Frank Evola

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:00:42 +0000

NIAGARA, ONT – The Niagara IceDogs announced today that the club and General Manager Frank Evola have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately. The news comes following Evola’s desire to pursue other professional opportunities. Both parties agreed that stepping away was the best course of action. This transition has been made with the full awareness of the Ontario Hockey League. “We are grateful for his time with the organization. We wish him the best of luck on the next chapter of his career,” says Darren DeDobbelaer, Owner and Governor of the IceDogs. A new General Manager for the Niagara IceDogs will be announced in the near future.

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Generals add Assistant Coach, Cal O’Reilly

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:41:23 +0000

76 OHL Players Included on NHL Central Scouting’s Final 2026 NHL Draft Rankings

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:00:52 +0000

TORONTO – A total of 76 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) players have been included in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft, underscoring the league’s depth heading into June.

CANADIAN HOCKEY LEAGUE BOASTS 75.5 PER CENT OF RANKS TO LEAD ALL NORTH AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT LEAGUES

The list features 65 skaters and 11 goaltenders from across the OHL, spanning all 20 member clubs. In total, 197 players developed across the Canadian Hockey League's (CHL) three member leagues (OHL, WHL, and QMJHL) were included in the final rankings. The Western Hockey League (WHL) leads the way with 78 current players (69 skaters, 9 goaltenders), while the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) features 41 (35 skaters, 6 goaltenders). Of the 224 North American skaters ranked, 65 hail from the OHL, accounting for approximately 29% of the list. Defenceman Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds leads the way among OHL prospects, ranked second overall on the North American Skater list. He is one of four OHL players inside the top 10, joined by Caleb Malhotra of the Brantford Bulldogs (6), Nikita Klepov (8), and Ethan Belchetz of the Windsor Spitfires (9). “It was difficult to come up with this order, and there is strong consensus that all four of these defencemen are going to be franchise builders,” said Dan Marr, Vice President and Director of NHL Central Scouting, on the latest edition of the NHL Draft Class podcast. “[Chase] Reid was the new kid on the block, but at every level and in every situation he was put in, he didn’t just perform — he excelled with the puck. He also has a very strong defensive game, which I don’t think he gets enough credit for.” Malhotra, who arrived in the OHL after a season in the BCHL, quickly established himself as one of the league’s most complete forwards. The 17-year-old recorded 84 points (29-55–84) in 67 games, setting a new single-season mark for most points by a Brantford Bulldogs rookie. He also posted a plus-33 rating, added eight game-winning goals, and produced 30 points on the power play, proving he could thrive alongside older, skilled players on a deep roster. “Caleb had a more well-rounded game for us. Going into the season, he was a bit more unknown after coming from the BCHL, but right from the first game, we knew we had to move him to an A-rated prospect,” Marr said. “He has a complete game — he plays with composure and compete, and makes plays where there is no play. He’s very well respected within his team and around the league.” Klepov’s offensive instincts have also stood out among this year’s class, as he emerged as one of the most dangerous scorers in the OHL. The Saginaw Spirit forward led the league with 97 points (37-60–97) in 67 games, capturing the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the OHL’s top point producer while also being named the recipient of the Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year. In doing so, Klepov became the first player since Patrick Kane in 2007 to win both honours in the same season. He also tied a Saginaw franchise rookie record with 37 goals, adding 38 power-play points and three shorthanded markers to showcase his all-situations impact. “He reminds me of Ilya Kovalchuk — always open, always dangerous with the one-timer,” Marr said. “He’s that type of scorer, but he’s also a hard-working two-way player who understands the game very well. When he’s ready, he’s going to hit the NHL in a big way.” Belchetz, meanwhile, has taken notable strides in rounding out his game, emerging as a physically imposing presence with a growing offensive toolkit. He remained at No. 9 despite being sidelined since late February after sustaining a season-ending injury. “Ethan filled the holes in his game this past season, and any doubt people may have had, he erased,” Marr added. “He’s a power forward with good hands, strong puck skills, and high hockey sense. Sometimes it takes bigger players longer to reach their peak, but he’s already performing at a high level — and he hasn’t even reached that peak yet. He’s a huge physical presence, but also one of the more humble players you’ll meet.” In total, 10 OHL players are ranked among the top 32 North American skaters, signalling strong first-round potential across the league. By position, the OHL's contribution to the list includes 14 centres, 17 left-wingers, 11 right-wingers, and 23 defencemen, along with 11 goaltenders. All 20 OHL member teams are represented in the final rankings, led by the London Knights with seven players included – the highest total in the OHL. CHL-wide, that mark is matched by the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders, while the Medicine Hat Tigers lead all CHL clubs with nine players ranked. The 2026 NHL Draft will be held June 26–27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, marking the fourth time the Buffalo Sabres have hosted the event. The NHL will once again use a decentralized format, with prospects and their families attending in person while team executives make selections remotely from their home markets. Buffalo has also hosted the NHL’s annual Scouting Combine since 2015 and will welcome the league’s top draft-eligible prospects again this spring.

2026 NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings – OHL

SKATERS

RANK	PLAYER	POS.	TEAM
2	Chase Reid	D	Soo Greyhounds
6	Caleb Malhotra	C	Brantford Bulldogs
8	Nikita Klepov	RW	Saginaw Spirit
9	Ethan Belchetz	LW	Windsor Spitfires
14	Adam Novotny	LW	Peterborough Petes
21	Brooks Rogowski	C	Oshawa Generals
25	Ryder Cali	C	North Bay Battalion
27	Adam Nemec	LW	Sudbury Wolves
28	Ryan Roobroeck	LW	Niagara IceDogs
29	Jaxon Cover	RW	London Knights
35	Thomas Vandenberg	C	Ottawa 67's
40	Maksim Sokolovskii	D	London Knights
41	Alessandro Di Iorio	C	Sarnia Sting
43	Egor Barabanov	C	Saginaw Spirit
47	Vladimir Dravecky	D	Brantford Bulldogs
49	Alexander Bilecki	D	Kitchener Rangers
56	Pierce Mbuyi	LW	Owen Sound Attack
59	Cole Zurawski	RW	Owen Sound Attack
68	Eric Frossard	D	Guelph Storm
69	Beckham Edwards	C	Sarnia Sting
71	Ben Wilmott	C	Barrie Colts
73	Alex Kostov	RW	Flint Firebirds
75	Spencer Bowes	LW	Ottawa 67's
80	Wesley Royston	RW	Owen Sound Attack
82	Colin Fitzgerald	C	Soo Greyhounds
83	Parker Vaughan	RW	North Bay Battalion
85	Carter Stevens	RW	Guelph Storm
91	Lucas Ambrosio	D	Erie Otters
95	Jasper Kuhta	C	Ottawa 67's
97	Adam Levac	C	Peterborough Petes
103	Jean-Cristoph Lemieux	LW	Sudbury Wolves
105	Braidy Wassilyn	LW	London Knights
110	Callum Croskery	D	Soo Greyhounds
118	Aiden O’Donnell	LW	Oshawa Generals
119	Layne Gallacher	C	Guelph Storm
124	Brody Pepoy	RW	Saginaw Spirit
141	Brady Murnane	D	Oshawa Generals
142	Andre Mondoux	D	Kingston Frontenacs
143	Cohen Bidgood	RW	London Knights
148	Nathan Amidovski	LW	Brampton Steelheads
152	Joe Salandra	RW	Barrie Colts
157	Ondrej Ruml	D	Ottawa 67's
159	Harris Pangretitsch	D	Soo Greyhounds
169	Julian Brown	D	Owen Sound Attack
171	Dryden Allen	D	Flint Firebirds
175	Leo Laschon	D	Oshawa Generals
181	Illia Shybinskyi	LW	Guelph Storm
182	Leon Kolarik	LW	Peterborough Petes
184	Ryan Brown	LW	London Knights
186	Darian Anderson	RW	Flint Firebirds
188	Caden Harvey	C	Windsor Spitfires
190	Jacob Vandeven	D	London Knights
194	Rowan Henderson	LW	Sudbury Wolves
196	Weston Cameron	LW	Kitchener Rangers
201	Rylan Singh	LW	Guelph Storm
202	Colin Feeley	D	Oshawa Generals
205	Andrew Robinson	D	Windsor Spitfires
207	Justin Handsor	D	Barrie Colts
212	Grady Spicer	D	Windsor Spitfires
214	Alexander Karmanov	D	North Bay Battalion
217	Alex McLean	C	Kingston Frontenacs
218	Julius Saari	D	Erie Otters
219	Cody Wood	D	London Knights
220	Elliot Arnett	D	Owen Sound Attack
223	Aiden Young	LW	Peterborough Petes

GOALTENDERS

RANK	PLAYER	TEAM
11	Ryder Fetterolf	Ottawa 67's
12	Zachary Jovanovski	Guelph Storm
13	Stepan Shurygin	Saginaw Spirit
15	Matthew Minchak	Kingston Frontenacs
17	Vladislav Yermolenko	Niagara IceDogs
18	Arvin Jaswal	Barrie Colts
23	Matthew Humphries	Oshawa Generals
24	Gavin Betts	Kingston Frontenacs
31	Ben Hrebik	Barrie Colts
32	Maksim Corovic	Brantford Bulldogs
36	Jason Schaubel	Kitchener Rangers

Related Articles Learn more about some of the OHL prospects featured in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings:

Chase Reid: Seventh-Round Steal Turned One of the OHL’s Top Rookies
Brooks Rogowski: Unlikely Path from Michigan High School Hockey to the OHL
Adam Novotny and Chase Reid: Aim to Shine on World Stage Ahead of 2026 NHL Draft
Ryder Fetterolf: 67’s Rewrite Expectations with Rookie Goaltending and Depth Scoring
Caleb Malhotra and Alessandro Di Iorio: Reunite at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge
Jaxon Cover: From the Cayman Islands to OHL Ice
Beckham Edwards and Alessandro Di Iorio: The Sophomore Duo Changing the Game in Sarnia

For the full NHL Central Scouting Final Draft Rankings, visit nhl.com.

Maleek McGowan signs with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL for 2026-27 season

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:00:27 +0000

Kingston, ON – The Kingston Frontenacs are proud to announce that defenseman Maleek McGowan has signed with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL) for the 2026-27 season, including an Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO) for the remainder of this season.

McGowan’s signing is the culmination of a journey defined by hard work and perseverance. Originally selected in the 10th round of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, McGowan worked his way up through the Frontenacs organization, earning himself Team MVP honours after his overage season with the black and gold. McGowan became an undeniable presence on the ice, earning the attention of professional scouts around the hockey world.

Over his OHL career, McGowan established himself as a reliable presence on the blue line, showcasing strong defensive instincts, intense physical play, the ability to contribute in all areas of the ice, and continued growth year after year in the OHL.

“We’re extremely proud of Maleek and everything he’s accomplished during his time with our organization,” said Frontenacs General Manager Kory Cooper. “Seeing him grow into the player he is today has been special. Maleek is one of one, and he's going to continue to do great things at the next level. No question that he has earned this opportunity.”

The entire Frontenacs organization congratulates Maleek on this achievement and wishes him continued success as he begins his professional career.

To read the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton press release, click here.

Windsor Spitfires Assistant Coach Kris Newbury Inducted into Brampton Sports Hall of Fame

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:00:10 +0000

Kris Newbury, the current assistant coach with the Windsor Spitfires and a former OHL and NHL player, has been inducted into the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame. As a player, Newbury spent five seasons in the OHL with the Belleville Bulls and Sarnia Sting. During his time in Belleville, he captured an OHL Championship and earned OHL Second All-Star Team honours in 2001-02, followed by a Third All-Star Team selection in 2002-03. He went on to enjoy a 17-year professional career after being selected in the fifth round (139th overall) of the 2002 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks. In total, Newbury appeared in 75 NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs (2006-09), Detroit Red Wings (2009-10), New York Rangers (2010-13), and Philadelphia Flyers (2013-14). He also played 826 career games in the American Hockey League, suiting up for the St. John’s Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies (2003-09), Grand Rapids Griffins and Hartford Wolf Pack (2009-10), Connecticut Whale (2010-13), Adirondack Phantoms and Hershey Bears (2013-15), Ontario Reign (2015-16), and Bakersfield Condors and Charlotte Checkers (2016-17). Newbury spent one season overseas with Germany’s Fischtown Pinguins in 2017-18 before closing out his playing career with the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL in 2018-19. He joined the Spitfires coaching staff in 2023 following two seasons as an assistant coach with the Trenton Golden Hawks at the Junior A level, along with a year as head coach of the Greater Kingston Gaels U-15 and Quinte Red Devils U-16 programs. “Their achievements and dedication have helped shape Brampton’s proud sporting legacy and continue to inspire athletes across our community,” said Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown in a statement regarding Newbury and the two other inductees.

2026 OHL Awards – 67’s’ Cameron named OHL Coach of the Year

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:00:41 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that Dave Cameron of the Ottawa 67's is this year's recipient of the Matt Leyden Trophy, presented annually to the OHL Coach of the Year as voted by the League's General Managers. Beginning the year unranked on the preseason edition of OHL Power Rankings as voted by the League's accredited media representatives, Cameron's club played to the seventh 100-point season (47-15-3-3) in Ottawa 67's history, surrendering a franchise record 160 goals-against, the fewest in the League. “This recognition is a reflection of the group we have,” said Cameron. “Our players, staff, and management have all bought in and committed to doing things the right way. I’m grateful to be a part of it. It truly is a team award.” The 67's were impeccable defending leads, playing to a mark of 38-0 when leading after two periods during the regular season. Under Cameron's guidance alongside assistants Norm Milley and Paul Stoykewych, the Barber Poles saw several first year players emerge as frontline talents including 32-goal scorer Jasper Kuhta, 50-point producer Thomas Vandenberg and former 15th round draft pick Spencer Bowes. In the crease, Ryder Fetterolf set a new 67's franchise record with a league-best 2.07 goals-against average. “Dave’s passion and commitment for the game and his players have been central to what we’ve accomplished,” said Ottawa 67’s President Adrian Sciarra. “This level of success is a direct reflection of the leadership he and his staff bring every day. We’re very proud of the culture he’s helped build within our organization.” Marking the second time Cameron has won Coach of the Year honours after first doing so in 2022-23, he's the latest in a tradition of successful 67's coaches to have won the award, also featuring Andre Tourigny (2019, 20) and the legendary Brian Kilrea (1981, 1982, 1996, 1997, 2003). Hailing from Kinkora, PEI, Cameron became the eighth coach in OHL history to coach 1,000 games on Feb. 8, 2026. He reached the 500-win milestone on Mar. 23, 2025. His lengthy career in the game has spanned additional OHL coaching assignments in Sault Ste. Marie, Toronto and Mississauga dating back to 1997. He's also coached extensively in the professional ranks, both in the National Hockey League with the Ottawa Senators (2014-18) and Calgary Flames (2016-18) as well as other roles in both the American Hockey League and Europe. Prior to coaching, Cameron played professionally as a forward with the NHL's Colorado Rockies and New Jersey Devils over a span of 168 regular season games between 1981-84. Cameron finished as the frontrunner in award voting, trailed by a group of finalists consisting of Dylan Smoskowitz of the Barrie Colts, Paul Flache of the Flint Firebirds, Jussi Ahokas of the Kitchener Rangers and Greg Walters of the Windsor Spitfires. The Matt Leyden Trophy has been awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year as selected by his peers since 1972. The award is in recognition of the contributions of Matt Leyden, past president of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1965-67, and former manager of the Oshawa Generals who spent more than 50 years with the team. Cameron will be formally recognized as OHL Coach of the Year at the 2026 OHL Awards Ceremony at The Hockey Hall of Fame in June. For a complete OHL Awards history, click here.

OHL Announces Schedule Changes for Playoff Series Between Brantford and North Bay

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:58:23 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that, as a result of Tuesday's North Bay flooding-inspired postponement of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Final Series between the Brantford Bulldogs and host North Bay Battalion, the two teams have agreed to an amended series schedule that will proceed as follows: Game 4 - Wednesday, April 15 at North Bay, 6:00pm (Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens) Game 5 - Friday, April 17 at Brantford, 7:00pm (TD Civic Centre)* Game 6 - Sunday, April 19 at North Bay, 2:00pm (Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens)* Game 7 - Tuesday, April 21 at Brantford, 7:00pm (TD Civic Centre)* *- if necessary The amended series schedule removes a scenario where the Battalion and Bulldogs would be required to play on back-to-back nights in the event of a potential Game 5 in Brantford, that is now scheduled for Friday. Potential Game 6 and 7 dates have been also been adjusted accordingly. The Bulldogs carry a 3-0 series lead into tonight's Game 4 matchup, beginning at 6:00pm.

Senators sign former London Knights forward Blake Montgomery to entry-level contract

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:45:46 +0000

The Ottawa Senators have signed former London Knights forward Blake Montgomery to a three-year NHL entry-level contract beginning with the 2026-27 season.

Montgomery, 20, was selected by Ottawa in the fourth round, 117th overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft.

The 6-foot-4 winger spent the 2024-25 season in the Ontario Hockey League with the London Knights, making an immediate impact during his lone campaign in the league. He recorded 50 points (23 goals, 27 assists) in 51 regular season games.

Montgomery added 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 17 playoff games, helping the Knights capture the OHL championship before going on to win the Memorial Cup. He also contributed two points in five games at the Memorial Cup.

A product of the USHL’s Lincoln Stars prior to his time in London, Montgomery transitioned quickly to the OHL, using his size, reach, and offensive instincts to become a key contributor on a championship team.

Montgomery is also part of a strong hockey background, following in the footsteps of his brother Bryce, a former London Knights blueliner.

After his OHL season, Montgomery moved on to the NCAA, and will now begin the next step in his career within the Senators organization.

NHL Debut: Oliver Bonk (Apr. 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:45:41 +0000

Former London Knights defenceman Oliver Bonk is set to make his NHL debut tonight with the Philadelphia Flyers as they close out their regular season. Selected 22nd overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Bonk capped off his OHL career in style last season, helping the Knights capture the Memorial Cup after reaching the final for a second consecutive year. The 21-year-old Ottawa, Ont., native spent four seasons in London as part of the club’s core group, recording 150 points (45-105–150) across 189 career games. Internationally, he represented Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship in both 2024 and 2025. In his first AHL campaign with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Bonk has registered 19 points (6-13–19) in 44 games, leading all rookie defencemen on the team in scoring. Related Article: How the Knights’ 2021 COVID-19 draft class became a dynasty core

OHL Announces Postponed Game Between North Bay and Brantford

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:11:50 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that, following the City of North Bay's recommendation, tonight’s playoff game between the Brantford Bulldogs and host North Bay Battalion has been postponed due to flooding from the Chippewa Creek in the vicinity of Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens. The current conditions present potential safety concerns, including limited access for emergency vehicles and challenges related to the safe entry and exit of those participating and attending the game in the event of an emergency. Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Final Series between the Battalion and visiting Brantford Bulldogs has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 15 at 6:00pm at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens.