Standing Predictions for the 2023/2024 OHL Season
What better way to kick off the new season then by making wildly inaccurate predictions on where teams will finish in the standings at the end of the regular season. Last year I thought London would just make the playoffs and be a round one exit. I was a little bit wrong as they made it to game 6 of the OHL finals before falling against the Pete’s. So, with expectations low, here are my predictions for the end of season standings for the 2023/2024 season by division.
East Division
Ottawa 67’s (East Division Champions)
Despite losing a host of top players, Ottawa has a strong returning cast, with a consistent track record in recent years of success that cannot be ignored. A strong duo on the blueline in Henry Mews and Frankie Marrelli, who are both in their draft year, who will spear head the back end of this group. In net, both overager Max Donoso and 2004 born Collin MacKenzie return after proving to be a dominant pair. The main question marks are around the forward group due to a lack of depth, Yet, expect to see another big season for guys like Luca Pinelli and Brady Stonehouse as well as Brad Gardiner as he steps into a bigger role this season.
Key Departures: Jack Beck (Traded to SOO), Tyler Boucher, Anthony Costantini, Jack Matier, Pavel Mintyukov, Logan Morrison, Vinzenz Rohrer, Cameron Tolnai
Key Additions: Josh Brady, Kaleb Dietsch, Charlie Hilton, Kimi Korbler (Import), Tuomas Uronen (Import), Nic Whitehead, Chase Yanni
Kingston Frontenacs
Although Kingston might still be a year out, this is a team that could have two strong seasons in a row starting with this year. All around still a young team, they posses a solid forward group that will have to depend on Paul Ludwinski (CHI 2022 second round pick) to do a lot of the work on the score sheet. With support from import pick Linus Hemström, Owen Outwater, Ethan Miedema, and Matthew Soto who will all have to take a very achievable step in their development for Kingston to succeed this year. Mason Vaccari will have to carry a lot of the load in net but I believe he is ready for such a role. The biggest concern is the young and unproven D core, but with a healthy bank of draft picks, expect Kingston to buy their way into threatening Ottawa for the division title by March.
Key Departures: Alec Belanger, Paul Hughs, Ian Lemieux, Ben Rodger, Ivan Zhigalov
Key Additions: Jacob Holmes (Traded from Windsor), Tyler Hopkins, JJ Salajko, Xander Velliaris, Ethan Weir
Brantford Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are the biggest wildcard going into the season. Between moving cities, losing a key piece to the successful second half in Panwar, while still being a younger team, its hard to expect this to be the Bulldogs year to return to the top. Yet, when you have Nick Lardis companied by the likes of Cole Brown and Patrick Thomas its hard to expect anything but a forward group who will produce. Topped with a solid 06 group and a cast of defensemen returning from last year, the Bulldogs will be an irritating team to play against and potentially even cost one of the top teams homes ice advantage come playoffs.
Key Departures: Ranvir Gill-Shane, Artem Grushnikov, Sahil Panwar
Key Additions: Joshua Avery, Daniel Chen, Calvin Crombie, Jake O’Brien, Ben Radley, Dylan Tsherna
Oshawa Generals
Personally one of my favourite rosters, Oshawa is packing some talent in their forward group with the likes of Calum Ritchie, Dylan Roobroeck, Rasmus Kumpulainen (Import), Beckett Sennecke, and their 2023 first round pick Owen Griffin. The biggest concern comes in their young D group and inconsistent goalie situation. If the likes of Luca Mareeli, Ben Danford, and Jacob Oster can play more consistently after the flashes seen last year Oshawa might surprise this seasons. An interesting team that will be top of the standing come 2024/2025.
Key Departures: Carter Bickle, Cameron Butler, Jordyn Ertel, Ryan Gagnier, Kimo Gruber, Ryan O’Dell, Nikita Parfenyuk, Ty Petrou, Joseph Serpa
Key Additions: Noah Bender, Tristan Delisle, Isaac Gravelle, Owen Griffin, Caeden Heins, Rasmus Kumpulainen (Import), Fraser McDonell, Jonathon Pylypuik, Hatden Sabourin, Nikita Tarasevich (Traded from North Bay)
Peterborough Petes
As I finished writing this, London did what they do and acquired MVP from the 2023 playoffs Michael Simpson. So that answers the question as to what the Petes are up to. Despite having a lot of returning players from last years OHL Championship run, such as Connor Lockhart, Jonathan Melee, and likely Owen Beck once he returns from Montreal, Peterborough emptied its cupboard of draft picks leaving them little choice but to sell instead of trying for another run. Expect them to be a decent team for the first few months of the season but have a rough second half as they transition into a rebuild and restock on draft picks similar to how the Bulldogs did last season but without the surprisingly successful end to the season.
Key Departures: J.R. Avon, Avery Hayes, Brennan Othmann, Tucker Robertson, Shawn Spearing, Chase Stillman, Gavin White, Brian Zanetti, Michael Simpson (Traded to London)
Key Additions: Joseph Cadorin, Carson Cameron, Brennan Faulkner, Liam Ladds, Nathan Leek, Brody Partridge, Brayden Veilliaris, Dylan Woulds, Zach Bowen (Traded from London)
Central Division
Sudbury Wolves
This is the year for the Wolves! Coming off a solid season last year, the majority of the roster is back. Top forward David Goyette, likely in the race for top scorer in the league this season, returns to spearhead the Wolves offensive. Supported with the like of Kocha Delic and Quintin Musty who likely have standout seasons as well, this roster is starting the season with more 2004 born players than any other team. On the backend, they look the same, with the core being comprised of returning players. The only question marks are in net, dependent on how Jakub Vondras transitions to North American ice, the Wolves are poised to battle for the Eastern Conference.
Key Departures: Will Bishop (Traded to Saginaw), Marc Boudreau, Kevyn Brassard, Nick Degrazia, Dylan Robinson
Key Additions: Hudson Chitaroni, Caden Taylor, Jakub Vondras (Import)
Barrie Colts
Last year I kept seeing people questioning why Barrie didn’t go all in on a run with Brandt Clark. Well, because they didn’t they can go all in this year. With their pick of overagers (carrying 8 prior to the start of the season), and key returning 04’s; Beau Jelsma, Tai York, Beau Akey, amongst others. They also carry young players with a lot of potential in Riley Patterson and Cole Beaudoin. Forward depth, veterans, a top 6 that will get you on the score sheet, and an elite puck moving defensemen, Barrie has everything they need to start hot this season. Expect them to trade some of their extra OA’s and try to acquire some 04 born defensemen to get some blueline depth.
Key Departures: Ethan Cardwell, Callum Chrisholm, Artur Cholach, Brandt Clarke, Braden Haché (Traded to Saginaw), Declan McDonnell, Evan Vierling
Key Additions: Jack Brauti, Justin Handsor, Endo Meier (Import), Shamar Moses, Jaiden Newton, Evan Passmore, Riley Patterson (Traded from Flint), Eduard Sale (Import), Olivier Savard (Traded from Saginaw), Bode Stewart (Traded from Saginaw)
Mississauga Steelheads
Likely a year or two out from their championship run, Mississauga already has the pieces they need to win, just not the experience. Coming in with a solid group of OA’s including Ryan Del Monte, looking to have his break out season after battling injury last year, and Kai Schwindt, with a cast including Angus MacDonell, Luke Misa, Jack Van Volsen, and Porter Martone. The duo of Leenders and Ivankovic in net set up the Steelheads with two starters down the line which is never a bad situation to be in, yet they have a younger D-core in front of them. Expect the Steelheads to finish similiar to the Bulldogs last year.
Key Departures: Alessio Beglieri, Quinn Binnie, Charlie Callaghan, Brice Cook (Traded to North Bay), James Hardie, Kasper Larsen, Ryan Struthers (Traded to Windsor)
Key Additions: Gabriel Chiarot, Ryan Del Monte (Traded from Londond), Luke Dragusica, Jakub Fibigr (Import), Jack Ivankovic, Kieran Witkowski
North Bay Battalion
This is a North Bay team that looks exactly like a junior team coming off of a couple years on top. Still having some star talent with the likes of Justin Ertel, Pasquale Zito, Ty Nelson, and 2022/2023 goalie of the year Dom DiVincentiis. Despite the difference Nelson and DiVincentiis can make at this level, the Battalions don’t have the assets to buy the depth required for another run for the third straight season. Expect some big moves by the trade deadline if not sooner, as they start their rebuild. That being said, I expect them to finish in the 7th/8th position in the conference.
Key Departures: Josh Bloom, Luc Brzustowski, Brayden Hislop (Traded to Guelph), Kyle Jackson, Alexander Lukin, Kyle McDonald, Matvey Petrov, Nikita Tarsevich (Traded to Oshawa), Avery Winslow
Key Additions: Lirim Amidovski, Alex Cajkovic (Import), Brice Cooke (Traded from Mississauga), Declan Gallivan, Carter Kostuch, Nolan Laird, Chase MacQueen-Spence, Mike McIvor, Iggy Pazii, Dylan Richter, Tyson Rismond, Zach Wilson
Niagara Icedogs
Its the Icedogs, what more needs to be said. They are a mess, they are rebuilding, they will suck. That being said I am happy with their pickup of Gavin Bryant to add some healthy leadership to the locker room and they have Kevin He who is really talented. I was also impressed by both first round picks of 2023 in Ryan Roobroeck and Ethan Czata in the two games I saw in the preseason. But lets be real, best to set the bar low for them and just give them the opportunity to surprise us for positive reasons this year. Just stop making trades on a weekly basis pretty please. Still confused on why they picked up Ryan Humphry though.
Key Departures: Anthony Agostinelli, Valdemar William Hull, David Jesus, Gerard Keane, Andrew LeBlanc (Traded to Sarnia), Jacob LeBlanc (Traded to Sarnia), Daniel Michaud, Nathan Ribau, Gabriel Runco (Traded to Kitchener), Declan Waddick (Traded to Owen Sound)
Key Additions: Gavin Bryant (Traded from Owen Sound), Ethan Czata, Connor Federkow (Traded from London), Artem Frolov, Ivan Galiyanov, Mike Levin (Traded from London), Urban Podrekar (Import), Ryan Roobroeck, Daniil Sobolev (Traded from Windsor), Marcus Vandenberg (Traded from Kitchener)
Midwest Division
London Knights
Originally I had London at the 2nd position until the Michael Simpson trade. Knowing who their number one goalie is and that its Simpson saddens me to say London is doing what London does and will probably win the Western Conference. With a deep and talented blueline containing the likes of Isaiah George, Oliver Bonk, Sam Dickinson and Ethan MacKinnon, they will shutdown and frustrate opponents. Up front, Easton Cowan and Denver Barkey are set for a huge year and will likely deliver. With a lot of prospects, particularly defensemen and some third round picks London has the assets required to bolster their forward depth.
Key Departures: Brett Brochu, George Diaco, Connor Federkow (Traded to Niagara), Logan Mailloux, Sean McGurn, Ryan Winterton
Key Additions: Blake Arrowsmith, Ryder Boulton, Henry Brzustewicz (Traded from Ottawa), PJ Fagan II, Kasper Halttunen (Import), Kaeden Johnston, Alexey Medvedev, William Nicholl, Sam O’Reilly, Evan Van Gorp, Jared Wooley
Guelph Storm
Full disclosure, this is the team I know the best being a Guelph native. After a rollercoaster of a season Guelph has continued its identity of being one of the most tenacious teams in the league, combined with their speed make them a very irritating team to play against. With a forward group of Matthew Poitras, overager Braeden Bowman, and Max Namestnikov, this line has already proven itself as one of the best offensive units going into the season. On the backend, Michael Buchinger will likely find himself in the running for defensemen of the year, with strong support from Chandler Romeo, and Brayden Hislop. However, with Cam Allen out of the line up until the new year and some unexperienced goalies, Guelph will have to rely heavy on their offensive capabilities to get off to a hot start. Expect Guelph to make some moves to add depth on the backend and possibility size to round out the forward group.
Key Departures: Isaac Enright, Jesse Fishman, Patrick Leaver, Ben McFarlane, Jake Murray, Payton Robinson, Cooper Walker, Valentin Zhugin (Saginaw Import)
Key Additions: Quinn Beauchesne, Vilmer Alriksson (Import), Brayden Hislop (Traded from North Bay), Wil McFadden, Leo Serlin, Rylan Singh, Damian Slavik, Parker Snelgrove
Owen Sound Attack
Its hard to argue that the Midwest wont be the most stacked division this season, however, I think the Attack should have invested more in their run last year. Owen Sound starts off the season with a strong group of OA’s (though they will likely move one as they currently have 4). With the likes of Servac Petrovsky and OHL superstar Colby Barlow, there will be no shortage of offence from the Attack. With good size on the backend they will need to deepen the blueline with more experience if they want to go on a deep run. In net they have a solid duo in Corbin Votary and Carter george who both impressed last season. I expect Owen Sound to finish in the fourth seed just behind Guelph, but it will be close.
Key Departures: Gavin Bryant (Traded to Niagara), Nick Chenard, Matthew Papais, Teddy Sawyer, Nolan Seed
Key Additions: Nico Addy, Jake Crawford, Sam Ethier, Martin Matejicek (Import), Harry Nansi, Gabriel Smith, Declan Waddick (Traded to Niagara)
Erie Otters
After years of sitting out of the playoffs this is Erie’s year to experience the post season. With some talented 04’s in Pano Fimis, Martin Misiak, and Spencer Sova and an impressive group of 05’s, Erie isn’t set for a run but has the skill to win some games. If Malcolm Spence and Carey Terrance can succeed in their bigger roles on the team Erie might be a fun group to watch this year. However, a blueline filled with youth will likely hold them back. In net holds the most uncertainty as Lalonde and Downey lacked signs of consistency last year but goalies tend to blossom in their last couple years of eligibility in the league.
Key Departures: Elias Cohen, Liam Gilmartin, Artyom Kulakov, Cameron Morton, Colby Saganiuk, Noah Sedore
Key Additions: Brett Hammond, Nicholas Holomego, Martin Misiak (Import), Wesley Royston, Matthew Schaefer, Georgy Toroptsev
Kitchener Rangers
After a weird season, Kitchener now has to rebuild. Going into the season they have potential, with Mitchell Martin and Matthew Sop as OA’s they have reliable veterans to lead their offensive. Beyond them, the Rangers will have to rely on Carson Rehkopf to get them on the score sheet. With a stronger D-core with Hamara, Brzustewicz, Motew, and Andonovski returning and Jackson Parsons in net they likely wont be completely out of a playoff position before Christmas. Still, I expect them to sell some of their veteran pieces to gain pieces for the future and open up more ice time
Key Departures: Francesco Arcuri, Marco Constantini, Ty Hollett, Filip Mesar, Lleyton Moore, Francesco Pinelli, Roman Schmidt, Reid Valade, Marcus Vandenberg (Traded to Niagara), Danny Zhilkin
Key Additions: Luca DiFelice, Luke Ellinas (Traded from Barrie), Tanner Lam, Cameron Reid, Luca Romano, Gabriel Runco (Traded from Niagara), Matheas Stark
West Division
Saginaw Spirit
One of a handful of American teams to host the memorial Cup, Saginaw has positioned themselves for the tournament in the spring. While still a young team they have the likes of Hunter Haight, Matyas Sapovaliv, Calem Mangone, and Valentin Zhugin to lead the offensive. Alongside the young talent in Michael Misa and Luke McNamara they posses a lot of offensive skill. With the veteran presence of the backend in Braden Haché and Roberto Mancini to lead a player like Zayne Parekh in his draft year, Saginaw will be a tough team to face. If Andrew Oke can step up in the crease they will be set to start the year. On top of the roster they have they have stockpiled draft picks that they will surely use to add some heavy hitters up front and round out their depth for the Memorial Cup. This will not be a team who relies on their hosting privilege for success.
Key Departures: Theo Hill, Tristan Lennox, Ian Philips, Olivier Savard (Traded to Barrie), Mitchel Smith, Bode Stewart (Traded to Barrie)
Key Additions: Will Bishop (Traded from Sudbury), Jacob Cloutier, Braden Haché (Traded from Barrie), Graydon Jones, Kaleb Papineau, Aiden Young, Valentin Zhugin (Import)
Soo Greyhounds
In a nutshell this team is made up of a forward group of mostly 05’s and notable players Jack Beck and Bryce McConnell-Barker. While on the blueline they have solid experience and depth. With returning Charlie Schenkel setup in the crease, this will be a hard team to score against. On top of 2007 first round pick Brady Martin, this is a young and skilled team who has been and likely will continue to be underestimated. Expect them to add some big names up front if they have a good start to the season.
Key Departures: Mark Duarte, Samuel Ivanov, Ryan Thompson, Kalvyn Watson
Key Additions: Travis Hayes, Arttu Karki (Import), Brady Martin
Flint Firebirds
Losing a lot of key players from last year, Flint will be taking a step back this season. Notable forwards are OA’s Zacharie Giroux and Nolan Dann, 2004 born Gavin Hayes and Coulson Pitre round out the top group. This team is comprised mostly of younger players, requiring Kaden Pitre and Tristan Bertucci to take on key roles this season. Flint might have some success depending on if the OA’s have bounce back seasons and if Nathan Day is ready to take over the crease. I expect them to sell a couple players and set up for next year.
Key Departures: Will Cranley, Tyler Deline, Artem Guryev, Braeden Kressler, Dmitry Kuzmin, Amadeus Lombardi, Riley Piercey
Key Additions: Max Anderson, Jacob Brown, Jack D’Arcy, Rylan Fellinger, Jimmy Lombardi, Jeremy Martin, Markas Samenas (Import), Grayden Strohack, Patrick Sutherland, Mason Taylor, Matthew Wang
Windsor Spitfires
After two years of being a strong team and leading the division, Windsor is coming to a turn around in the cycle of junior hockey. With a number of returning 04’s including the likes of Aidan Castle, Ryan Abraham, and Rodwin Dionicio, along with Anothony Cristoforo and Liam Greentree who will likely have a strong showing the Spitfires will likely compete for a playoff spot. However, their novice netminders will require them to use their offensive to win games.
Key Departures: Brett Harrison, Jacob Holmes, Matthew Maggio, Matt Onuska, Michael Renwick, Daniil Sobolev (Traded to Niagara), Shane Wright
Key Additions: Cole Davis, Josef Eichler (Import), Carter Froggett, Jack Greenwell, Evan Hjelholt, Michael Lavigne, Adrian Manzo, Jack Nesbitt, Trevor O’Dell, Ryan Struthers (Traded from Mississauga), Tanner Winegard
Sarnia Sting
There is no team that looks more different from this time last year. With Marko Sikic, Sandis Vilamis, and Ben Gaudreau being the key returnees there is a lot of young players looking for ice time this year. That being said the addition of the LeBlanc twins rounds out the leadership group and should help bolster the Stings play on both ends of the ice. I suspect Gaudreau to be dealt by December for picks which will cause the Sting to fall further away from a playoff position. I wouldnt be surprised to seem them finish bottom of the conference.
Key Departures: Brenden Anderson, Nolan Burke, Carson Cambell (Traded to Kitchener), Luca Del Bel Belluz, Ethan Del Mastro, Nolan Dillingham, Christian Kyrou, Marcus Limpar-Lantz, Ryan Mast, Sasha Pastujov, Ethan Ritchie, Ty Voit
Key Additions: James Barr, Casey Bridgewater, Ryan Brown, Karsen Chartier, Dylan Luecke, Carson Hall, Hughston Hurt, Roman Kukumberg (Import), Andrew LeBlanc (Traded from Niagara), Jacob LeBlanc (Traded from Niagara), Dennis Lominac, Daylen Moses (traded from the SOO), Nathan Omeri, Lane Sim