October 24, 2025 – Brantford 3, Sarnia 1 (OHL)

Marek Vanacker Brantford Bulldogs CHI Rd 1 2024
Vanacker plays top line with Jake O’Brien (SEA Rd. 1 2025) and Adam Benak (MIN Rd. 4 2025). The line had a slow start as Sarnia played a tight game to try to slow down a loaded Brantford team. The line got going later and had a number of good scoring chances, including several by Vanacker. Vanacker nearly scored on a wraparound chance. He controlled the puck well in the offensive zone, lost the puck after a good rush, and had the assist on the empty net goal. Pretty good all-around play in a tight, low-scoring game. Now 9-10-5-15 this season.

Parker Holmes Brantford Bulldogs CHI Rd 4 2025
Did not see that much of Holmes during the game. Not sure how much ice time he had. Had one steal and carry in, followed by a good offensive shift. 8-1-2-3 so far this season.

Caleb Malhotra Brantford Bulldogs 2-Jun-08 6-0 170 LC (2026 Eligible, Wiz #36, CSA A)
Good all-around game for this player rated highly for the 2026 draft. Had an assist on the power play, showed good passing in the offensive zone. Had a good opportunity on the rush. Able to find space in the offensive zone for scoring opportunities and passes. Got a first-round rating from Central Scouting last week. Has had a fast start with 11-5-12-17. Is average size but looks and plays a little bigger on the ice. 5/13 on faceoffs this game. New to the league after playing in the BCHL (44-8-18-26) last year; headed to Boston U in the fall of 2026.

Aiden O’Donnell Brantford Bulldogs 3-Jan-08 6-1 182 LW (2026 Eligible, CSA C)
Quiet game for this 2026 draft hopeful that got a C rating from Central Scouting. Seems to always be active and in the play. 10-3-4-7 so far this year; 58-7-10-17 last year for Brantford.

Vladimír Dravecký Brantford Bulldogs 19-Dec-07 6-0 187 RD (2026 Eligible, Wiz #49, CSA B)
Dravecky was very involved in the play all game, showed well on both offense and defense. Played penalty kill and power play, seems to always be well-positioned. Was able to carry in on the power play and operate at the point. Well positioned on defense and able to break up plays. Not a large player but energetic and always in the mix; could be a very reliable player at higher levels. 11-4-8-12 this year; 37-6-10-16 for Rogle J20 last year.

Liam Beamish Sarnia Sting 4-Jan-07 5-11 178 LC (Undrafted 2025)
Beamish was excellent on offense all game, carrying in, shooting, passing and finding scoring opportunities. Early on worked behind net to free the puck. Had a number of steals and breakups and was dangerous throughout the game, particularly in the third period as Sarnia attempted to tie the game. Had two shots but did not score. Started last year in the BCHL and then had 40-14-15-29 for Sarnia; this year 11-2-3-5. If he continues tonight’s play through the season should get some consideration for the 2026 draft. Heads to Penn State in the fall of 2026.

Alessandro DiIorio Sarnia Sting 17-May-08 6-1 176 RW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #19, CSA A)
DiIorio has yet to play this season for Sarnia due to an upper body injury. Skilled forward 58-11-27-38 for Sarnia last year. First round ranking for the 2026 draft.

Beckham Edwards Sarnia Sting 6-Jan-08 6-1 170 LC (2026 Eligible, Wiz #23, CSA B)
Fast and skilled forward with decent size; had several scoring opportunities on the rush including one shorthanded. Passed for a shot and followed up to get a chance. Scored 62-25-20-45 for Sarnia last year, and 11-5-7-12 so far. Scoring and all-around game will determine 2026 draft slot. Will play at Notre Dame starting in 2027.

Ryan Brown Sarnia Sting 26-Oct-07 5-11 172 LW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #110, CSA C)
Brown was active during the game and had one scoring chance, and made some nice passes. Is able to handle and pass on the power play. Seems to have good speed and positioning. Could fit into the mid-rounds in the 2026 draft. 11-2-6-8 this year after 68-16-25-41 last year for Sarnia.

Cameron Aucoin Sarnia Sting 20-Mar-07 6-1 190 LD (Undrafted 2025)
Aucoin is the son of former NHLer Adrian Aucoin as is his younger brother Kaden (see below). Defenseman with good size who engages along the boards and can break up plays. Showed good play on both ends, breaking up plays on defense and passing well to trigger the offense. Had an assist and drew a penalty. Played last year in the USHL with Fargo and Muskegon, but dropped through the 2025 draft. Is 11-3-3-6 this year for Sarnia and will go to Notre Dame fall of 2026.

Alexander Karmanov Brantford Titans (GOJHL) 22-Mar-08 7-0 273 LD (2026 Eligible)
Karmanov is the 7 foot tall defenseman from Moldova/Russia that some expected to play in the OHL this year, but he is playing at a lower level in the GOJHL. Has scored 7-1-3-4 for the Brantford Titans and already has 34 PIM. May play OHL next year before he heads to Penn State in 2027. This will be his draft year so it will be interesting to see if an NHL teams takes a chance on him and in what round.

2027 Eligibles:

Brenner Lammens Sarnia Sting 13-Sep-09 6-0 190 LC Did not play tonight but was Sarnia’s #4 overall pick in the 2025 OHL draft. 9-1-1-2 this year.

David Buchman Brantford Bulldogs 1-Jul-09 5-11 182 LD Also did not play, was selected by Brantford #20 overall in 2025. 5-0-1-1 this year.

Kaden Aucoin Sarnia Sting 14-Aug-09 6-2 185 RD
Kaden is the younger brother of Cameron Aucoin and is the son of former Blackhawks captain Adrian Aucoin. He was drafted by Sarnia in the second round of the 2025 OHL draft. Showed focus early in the game on defense, using his good size to break up plays and engage physically. Willing to join the rush and got a couple of opportunities. Has no points yet in 11 games this season. Plenty of time to develop for the 2027 draft. No college commitment yet.

October 18, 2025 – Niagara 4, Erie 3 (OT)

Alex Misiak Erie Otters 22-Jun-07 5-11 173 LHRW (Undrafted 2025)
Alex Misiak is the younger brother of CHI draft pick Martin Misiak; he is considerably smaller than his brother at 5-11 173 and is new to the OHL this year. He split last season between Czechia and Waterloo in the USHL where he had 28-7-11-18 before falling through the 2025 draft. Alex is mobile and moves well in the offensive zone, cutting to the net for chances and passing well. Is able to control the puck, and played both inside and outside on the wing during the power play. On rushes he has good mobility, but sometimes in this game he lost the puck and once was guided out of the middle of the ice by a bigger player. Is able to find open areas in the offensive zone to receive passes and get shots on net. Good anticipation and can disrupt some plays on defense. Played 4 games for Czechia in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup but did not score. 11-1-3-4 so far this year. Probably needs to show good scoring and an all-around game to be drafted his second time through.

Wesley Royston Erie Otters 22-Nov-07 6-3 174 RW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #128) 
Royston looks big on the ice and will use his size. Took a roughing penalty in a scrum at the end of the 2nd period. Has some speed and is able to get up into rushes where he can pass or shoot. Pushed the play to get the puck deep including on the power play. Willing to shoot when he has the opportunity. Should be able to add some weight and strength as he develops. Had 63-14-13-27 for Erie las year and is 9-0-1-1 so far this year. Size should get him into the draft and scoring and overall play will determine his draft slot.

Ryan Roobroeck Niagara IceDogs 25-Sep-07 6-4 190 LC (2026 Eligible, Wiz #4)
Roobroeck has all the attributes you look for in a top ten pick; size, speed, puck control and agility. Carries well at high speed to create offensive zone chances. Showed good reach to hold puck in the zone, and is able to operate well in tight spaces. Good passer and executed a slick backhand pass for a scoring opportunity. Had a penalty for a check to the head; does not look for the big hit but plays sound defense. Could add to his physical game but is counted on as a scorer right now. Listed as a center but played LW in this game. May remind you of Roger McQueen but without any injury concerns so far. 64-41-46-87 last year in Niagara, 11-5-3-8 so far this year showing balanced scoring.

Ivan Galiyanov Niagara IceDogs 16-Oct-07 5-10 174 LW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #153)
Galiyanov is a speedy winger that looks for offensive chances. A willing forechecker and gets to the net for scoring chances. Able to control the puck in the offensive zone. Bumped the goalie on a rush and drew a penalty, but it was offset with a diving call. Is generally around the puck and able to break up plays and create chances. Was 68-11-10-21 for Niagara last year and 11-1-1-2 so far this year. High energy may ensure a spot in the 2026 draft.

Ben Reisnecker Niagara IceDogs 21-Feb-08 6-3 192 RD (2026 Eligible)
This is a sizable right defenseman that has come over from Czechia for his draft year. Was 31-5-21-26 last year, and 11-1-3-4 so far this year in Niagara. Plays a solid defensive game and is used on penalty kill and power play. Has a good point shot that he is eager to use and is able to get to the net. Had 1A on the night. Could get on the radar for the 2026 draft with a good season.

Alexander Hage Niagara Ice Dogs 5-Feb-08 5-8 163 RC  (2026 Eligible, Wiz #144) 
This is the younger brother of Michael Hage who was a first round pick for MTL. Alexander is new to the OHL after 37-6-5-11 last year with the Chicago Steel, and will go to Michigan in the fall of 2026. Smaller forward who had a quiet game but did show a low, hard power play shot. Good speed and usually around the puck. Will see how he does as the season goes on; currently 7-1-2-3 this year.

Braidy Wassilyn Niagara Ice Dogs 28-May-08 5-11 194 LW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #39)
Wassilyn is a highly ranked forward that decided to return to the OHL this year before moving to Boston U in the fall of 2026. Had 62-8-31-39 Niagara last year and has just returned and is 3-1-1-2 so far this season. Good size and agile with a hard shot. Made an excellent pass to set up the game winner in overtime. Had a breakaway early but shot was stopped. Another good year should get him into the top 2 rounds of the 2026 draft.

Vladislav Yermolenko G Niagara Ice Dogs 16-Dec-07 6-1 176 LG (2026 eligible)
Goalie import from Belarus who had a line of 30-2.32-0.916 last year for Team Belarus U18 and is 6-3.35-0.913 this year. Left a small gap on the short side for an over-the-shoulder goal and also had a deflection on his third goal allowed. Otherwise seemed calm, stayed square and showed good agility. Save 41 of 44 shots with many good saves in the third period of a close game. New to NA so not sure how he is rated for the draft.

2027 prospects:

Ryerson Edgar Niagara Ice Dogs 30-Jul-09 5-10 165 RC (2027)
Very active and showed excellent skills in passing, puck control, and scoring opportunities. Had 1G 1A on the night.

Jake Murray Erie Otters 26-Feb-09 6-2 184 LW (2027)
Had a go-ahead goal in the 3rd and was around the puck most of the night. Good size and reach.

October 11, 2025 – Spokane 2, Seattle 0 (WHL)

Matej Pekar Seattle Thunderbirds 8-Sep-07 5-10 165 LHRW (Undrafted 2025)
Pekar continued to show his offensive skill but was unable to score on the night. This was a chippy game, and there were a lot of bigger players on the ice, so there was less space for the smaller players to operate. Pekaj had several chances, but fanned on one shot and the goalie made a good save on another. Ability to operate in tight spaces will be a key point for his ability to get a 2026 draft slot. 9 points in 8 games so far this year.

Cameron Kuzma Seattle Thunderbirds 17-Jul-08 6-3 198 LC (2026 Eligible)
Kuzma is a big, solid player who is always around the action and he played well in a physical game. Twice got around the corner on the rush and got a shot on goal. Goes right on these types of rushes even though he shoots left. 8 of 17 on faceoffs for the night. 4 pts, 16 PIM in 8 games, took 1 roughing penalty in this game. Will need to score as well as playing the physical game to get consideration for a 2026 draft spot.

Mathis Preston Spokane Chiefs 21-Jul-08 5-11 168 RW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #7)
This is another of the small, speedy, highly skilled forwards that Spokane always seems to have. Had a few steals in this game that he carried into the offensive zone. Had 5 shots on the night using his speed to get chances in close. In 4×4, went to the net front and buried a nice pass from a teammate for a goal. Controls puck well on the power play. Bumped and lost balance a few times (not sure the ice was in great shape, there were falls and whiffs on passes and shots by several players throughout the game). Will need to add strength going forward but skills put him in top half of the 2026 first round. Plays wing and not center so could possibly drop him a little in the draft. 54-23-22-45 last year and 7-6-4-10 to start the WHL season.

Chase Harrington Spokane Chiefs 30-Oct-07 6-0 201 LW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #29)
Harrington is not tall but is thick and plays the physical game. Goes to the corners and the front of the net. Had several shots but did not score. Took 3 penalties; tripping, slashing, and roughing – game had a lot of physical play and scrums. Has scoring ability, 68-19-31-50 last year and 7-2-2-4 so far this year for Spokane.

Brody Gillespie Spokane Chiefs 16-Feb-08 6-1 194 C (2026 Eligible, Wiz #161)
Gillespie has good size and is aggressive in the offensive zone. Agile and can keep the puck in, will go into corners but likes to go to the net front for scoring opportunities. Could develop into a good bottom 6 player. Was only 3 of 14 on faceoffs in this game. Scoring improvement would help his draft chances; was 59-8-3-11 last year and 7-0-4-4 so far this year.

Ashton Cumby (CHI, Rd. 6, 2025) had a short stopover in Rockford but has returned to Seattle and played the last two games. His physical presence is felt on the ice, but he also is decent at carrying the puck and making smart outlet passes. Playing on both the penalty kill and the power play for Seattle. Had a nice keep in and got a shot. He will never have much speed but has pretty decent mobility. Of course was in the physical play and took a penalty but it was offsetting and didn’t cost a power play. Must play smart; he is older and figures to be in Rockford next year as he is already 20 yo. 4 shots but no points so far this year; 13 PIM in 2 games.

October 3, 2025 - Seattle 7, Kamloops 4 (WHL)

 Matej Pekar Seattle Thunderbirds 8-Sep-07 5-10 165 LHRW (Undrafted 2025)
Pekar had 2 goals and an assist, and played well as he did two weeks ago when he had 4 assists in the Tri-City game (see September 20 entry). Speedy and skilled, was dangerous all night. Lifts puck easily, picked top corner on both of his goals. Retrieved puck in corner and got it out front, setting up his first goal. Several excellent passes in the offensive zone, including a behind the back pass that was nearly an assist. Offensive skill and energy will get him draft consideration, but the question is size and if he can get the space to operate at higher levels. 7 points in 4 games this season.

Marek Sklenicka Seattle Thunderbirds 27-Aug-08 6-4 170 G (2026 Eligible)
Skleicka had a better game tonight than last week against Tri-City (see September 20 entry). Was under pressure several times and showed good concentration, had several impressive stops. Will get plenty of playing time this year and must show consistency to get into the 2026 draft. 2-1 with a 0.884 save percentage so far this year.

Cameron Kuzma Seattle Thunderbirds 17-Jul-08 6-3 198 LC (2026 Eligible)
Kuzma is a big, solid player who is always around the action. Had a goal and assist on the night, and won 10 of 15 faceoffs. 4 points in 4 games so far. Will need to score as well as playing the physical game to get consideration for a 2026 draft spot.

Nathan Behm - Kamloops Blazers 6-2 208, RW/LW Drafted 2025 Round 3 by CHI
Behm showed his offensive skill several times during the game. Had two assists, one a cross-ice pass for a tap-in on the back door, another he shot the puck off a teammate's skate. On one power play, repeatedly attacked the net and had several chances, but missed the net high a few times; on later power plays he stayed in the center and showed good distributon. Had a pass on the power play to an open teammate who hit the post. Handled and passed well in power play, 5x5, 4x4, and penalty kill. Started a rush off the initial 3rd period faceoff, and later intercepted a pass, skated in and drew a penalty. 2 assists give him 3-3-3-6 with 13 shots in 3 WHL games.

JP Hurlbert Kamloops Blazers 11-Apr-08 6-0 182 RW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #44)
Highly skilled winger with decent size and good speed. Had a nice end-to-end carry in 4x4, some nice passes, and nearly had a breakaway. Got possession in his own zone, shot and scored on his own rebound. Played on left side on 4x4 and power play, moved puck and shot well. Had goal and several nice passes. Only 4 of 13 on faceoffs. Skill have him ranked high for the 2026 draft; he has 10 points in 4 games so far this season. Heading to NCAA Michigan in fall of 2026. CHI scouts will see a lot of him while watching Behm, so should get a good evaluation.

Ty Bonkowski Kamloops Blazers 9-Jul-08 5-10 170 RC (2026 Eligible)
Bonkowski is not large but is very active and has good speed and agility. Always in the play and is often able to break up opposition plays as well as move the puck forward. Energy and smart play can help him and he will need to also show some scoring to get 2026 draft consideration. 3 points in 4 games so far.

Logan Edmonstone Kamloops Blazers 3-Oct-08 5-11 172 LG (2026 Eligible)
Edmonstone is more of a compact goalie and had a good game last week against Seattle. In this game he allowed 6 goals and may have lost focus on a couple of them. He is steady and square to the shooter, and even after a bit of a rough night has a 0.907 save percentage. Got some early draft interest but will need to show consistently good play to get a draft slot.

October 1, 2025 – Edmonton 4, Regina 3 (WHL)

Lukas Sawchyn Edmonton Oil Kings 27-Feb-07 5-10 174 RHLW (Undrafted 2025)
Active forward who is always in the play similar to older brother Gracyn who is now in the FLA organization. Uses speed and agility to get the puck and carry it in on offense. Excellent passer as shown by 66-15-40-55 line in Edmonton last year. Had one assist on the night. Had a breakaway on 4×4 but missed the net. Willing to go into the corners to contest the puck against larger players. Always on the move; lost the puck in the offensive zone but recovered it before it was moved out. Undrafted last year and will need to score more to get some 2026 draft consideration, and will have to add some bulk for higher leagues.

Ethan Mackenzie Edmonton Oil Kings 2-Sep-06 6-1 189 LD (Undrafted 2025)
Good sized defenseman who can make some good defensive plays. Was 54-5-27-32 Edmonton last year and dropped through the draft. Took penalties for charging, check to head, and embellishment. Has some skill carrying in the offensive zone. From this game it appears that he will need to play more under control and add some scoring to get draft consideration.

Poul Andersen Edmonton Oil Kings 1-Jun-07 6-1 186 RW (Undrafted 2025)
Winger with good size and speed who is new to the WHL after 51-29-30-59 in BCHL last year, and was not drafted. Goes to the front of the net looking for scoring chances. Heading to U. of Maine in the fall of 2026. Will need to gain playing time in Edmonton and then do weil in the NCAA to gain some interest from NHL teams.

Andrew O’Neill Edmonton Oil Kings 7-Feb-07 6-2 194 RC (Undrafted 2025)
Another player new to the WHL; had 59-5-10-15 in NTDP U18 last year, and is going to North Dakota in 2027-28. Big center who uses his size to control the puck and move it into the offensive zone. Surprised the goalie with a shot from the corner and scored. Had an opportunity close in on the power play. A big year in the WHL could help him to be noticed.

Joe Iginla Edmonton Oil Kings 13-Aug-08 5-10 174 RW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #79)
Son of Jarome and brother of Tij, Joe Iginla is finding his way in the WHL. Was 61-9-7-16 in Edmonton last year, and is expected to be drafted in the mid rounds in 2026. Smaller player but speedy and agile, can carry on the rush, passes well, and is willing to contest for the puck. Expect improvement all year generating interest for the 2026 draft.

Alofa Tunoa (Noa) Ta’amu Edmonton Oil Kings 28-May-08 6-2 237 LD (2026 Eligible, Wiz #162)
Tall and heavy defenseman who as expected uses the body well and looks for the big hit. However, he is agile and has decent speed for his size. Carried the puck well, and pinched on occasion. Some real upside is possible as he learns to adjust at higher levels. 43-1-5-6 Edmonton last year, currently ranked later in 2026 draft, could make a jump is constant improvement is shown.

Parker Snell Edmonton Oil Kings 21-Apr-08 6-2 176 LG (2026 Eligible, Wiz #207)
Solid and good technical goalie that stays calm and square to the shooter. Had a number of good saves as Edmonton was pressing in the 2nd period. Gave up 3 goals but all were close in and difficult to stop. New to WHL and record was 20-3.19-0.922 in U18 prep (CSSHL) last year. Steady performance could earn him a draft slot in 2026.

Julien Maze Regina Pats 7-Dec-07 5-10 170 LW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #177)
Slick and evasive smaller forward who is fast and able to control the puck. Had a partial breakaway and hit the crossbar on the shot. Had a goal in front on pass from behind net; passing is good also, always looking for the cross-ice pass to put the goalie out of position. Took a 10 minute misconduct for a mouth guard violation. Needs to add some bulk without losing speed and agility; offensive skills alone should convince a team to draft him in 2026. 64-12-32-44 between Everett and Regina last year, 6 points in 4 games this season.

Miroslav Holinka had to goals and looks like a good 5th round pick for TOR.
2028 eligible Maddox Schultz played a fast and skilled game, and had one assist and several chances.