Kitchener Rangers & Guelph Storm’s Cases to Host 2027 Memorial Cup
In a press release on Thursday (Sept. 4), the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced the Kitchener Rangers and Guelph Storm as the two finalists with an opportunity to host the…
Tag Archives: OHL
Rangers Head Coach Jussi Ahokas Has NHL Teams Intrigued
Kitchener Rangers’ Jussi Ahokas became the first European head coach in OHL history when he joined the franchise in 2023. He’s entering his third season behind the bench for the blueshirts, and is coming off a 47-15-6 season where he took home the 2024-25 Matt Leyden Trophy for OHL Coach of the Year.
The Rangers exceeded expectations last season, considering the fact that they lost several key roster players from the year prior — Carson Rehkopf, Hunter Brzustewicz, and Matthew Sop, to name a few.
Many people expected Kitchener to take a step back and finish in the middle of the pack for the 2024-25 campaign. However, the team finished second overall behind the eventual OHL Champions, the London Knights, and lost in the Western Conference Finals to them.
The Strength of the Rangers last year was their depth. Only one player recorded 30 or more goals — Adrian Misaljevic with 31 — and only two players with 60 or more points — Misaljevic with 69 and Golden Knights prospect Trent Swick with 61.
Having all that depth is great, but it means nothing if the boss who puts together the lines doesn’t develop the right chemistry between his players. That’s where Ahokas comes in.
Ahokas has done a magnificent job of finding the right balance throughout his lineup with his players, and after two highly successful seasons as their head coach, the Finnish coach has NHL teams interested in his skills.
Waterloo Region-based reporter Josh Brown, who covers the Kitchener Rangers, reported that Ahokas this summer interviewed for a coaching position in the NHL. And it’s the second consecutive summer he has interviewed for a job in the NHL.
NHL teams interested in Kitchener Rangers coach Jussi Ahokas. https://t.co/zqORKIxIzx
— Josh Brown (@BrownRecord) September 4, 2025
Although he informed Brown that the interview process for an assistant coaching position with an unnamed NHL club progressed well, he ultimately did not get the job. He is now returning to Kitchener, where he has two years remaining on his contract.
The Oulu, Finland, native has an impressive coaching resume, and it’s only a matter of time before he lands in the NHL.
Internationally, as the head coach for Finland, he has won a gold medal at the IIHF Men’s U18 World Championship and a gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship. In his first year as a head coach at the top Finnish men’s league (Liiga), he was voted the Coach of the Year, after helping the KooKoo organization achieve a 37-16-6 record for fifth-best in the league, before it was forced to shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Rangers organization recently announced that they have been named a finalist, along with the OHL’s Guelph Storm, to host the 2027 Memorial Cup. What better way to showcase yourself than in the biggest junior tournament, that isn’t the World Juniors?
Who will it be? 🤔@Storm_City and @OHLRangers have been named as finalists to host the 2027 #MemorialCup presented by @KubotaCanadaLtd!
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) September 4, 2025
📰 https://t.co/5dOFKGeTdqpic.twitter.com/P2B04znLnu
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Expanded Coach's Challenge Review System Coming To The OHL; Summary Of New 2025-26 Rule Changes The OHL has implemented six rule changes for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The league has partnered up with a Swedish sports tech company named Spiideo. Their technology is deployed in over 6,000 venues, including the NHL, NBA, and top-tier soccer leagues such as the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A.
Maple Leafs Offering Prospect A Second ChanceA player selected in the NHL draft has two years to demonstrate that they deserve an NHL contract. If they cannot secure a deal during that time, the NHL team loses their rights to the player, and they re-enter the draft for one final opportunity. If no team selects them, they become a free agent and are free to sign with any NHL team.
Sebastian Dell'Elce Excited About New Chapter In Niagara, Drawing Inspiration From Older BrotherAs the Niagara IceDogs get set to open up their 2025 pre-season against the Flint Firebirds on Saturday, Aug. 30, the pack will have several new faces in their lineup. There will be eyes on 2025 first-rounder Ryerson Edgar and recently acquired Vancouver Canucks prospect Riley Patterson. However, the organization has a new member on their blueline who is ready to follow in his older brother’s footsteps. Maple Leafs Offering Prospect A Second Chance
A player selected in the NHL draft has two years to demonstrate that they deserve an NHL contract. If they cannot secure a deal during that time, the NHL team loses their rights to the player, and they re-enter the draft for one final opportunity. If no team selects them, they become a free agent and are free to sign with any NHL team.
This story applies to Sudbury Wolves’ forward Alex Pharand.
Pharand was picked in the fourth round, 99th overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft. After recording 39 points in 67 games during his draft year, his production took a step back the following year, putting up only 30 points in 68 games, which isn't something we usually see from an NHL-affiliated prospect.
Alas, he had one final season to prove to the Blackhawks organization that he deserved an entry-level contract during the 2024-25 season.
With an increase in ice time and opportunities on the powerplay, Pharand’s production hit career-highs in assists (42) and points (59), all while continuing to play a strong defensive game last season.
Unfortunately, the Sudbury, Ontario, native didn’t receive an NHL contract from Chicago, and wasn’t taken in the June draft.
Pharand is focused on his upcoming overage season in the OHL with his hometown Sudbury Wolves, who haven’t won two playoff rounds in the same year since the 2006-07 season.
However, for his NHL aspirations, a second opportunity is opening up for him with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Sebastian Dell'Elce Excited About New Chapter In Niagara, Drawing Inspiration From Older BrotherAs the Niagara IceDogs get set to open up their 2025 pre-season against the Flint Firebirds on Saturday, Aug. 30, the pack will have several new faces in their lineup. There will be eyes on 2025 first-rounder Ryerson Edgar and recently acquired Vancouver Canucks prospect Riley Patterson. However, the organization has a new member on their blueline who is ready to follow in his older brother’s footsteps.
The 6-foot-3 forward was invited to Toronto’s development camp earlier in the summer alongside teammate Hudson Chitaroni. According to Radio-Canada, Pharand left a strong enough impression with Toronto’s brass and has been invited to their rookie showcase event in September.
In due respect to Pharand, his production doesn’t resonate with a player who will be able to contribute at the higher levels. Good thing for him that his game isn’t built on points. He’s the type of player who can play a heavy, physical game without the puck, using his frame to punish his opponents along the boards and force them into turning over the puck.
Since Brad Treliving has taken over as GM in Toronto, size has been a major talking point. It’s clear he wants a big team and players who will play a physical game. That’s exactly what forward Pharand brings to the table.
The Maple Leafs have 45/50 standard contracts. There’s space in the organization to give Pharand an entry-level contract, but he’s going to have to showcase at the upcoming prospect tournament in September why he merits one.
Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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Vancouver Canucks Prospect Riley Patterson Dealt From Barrie To Niagara Following Trade Request As the Barrie Colts opened up their training camp on Monday, the organization had someone missing, and it was a significant name on the roster who decided to stay home.
Ex-NHL Player's Son & Washington Capitals Prospect Joins The OHL The London Knights and Kitchener Rangers are two OHL organizations that are regarded as having the most “pull” in player recruitment. However, there is another team in the Western Conference that is putting its name into that ring: the Saginaw Spirit.
London Knights Using Their Status In Signing Frenzy; Ex-NCAA Forward Leaves School To Play In The OHLThe London Knights arguably are the most coveted and highly sought-after organization in not just the OHL but the entire CHL. Young players hope to hear their name called every draft by the organization that has recently won back-to-back OHL Championships and the 2025 Memorial Cup. And now with the new NCAA rules in play, Americans are beginning to flock to the London powerhouse. What the LA Kings Need From Ján Chovan Over the Next 3 Years
Los Angeles used a sixth-round pick on 19-year-old Ján Chovan, a 6-foot-2 left shot who split last season with Tappara U20 and Slovakia’s national teams. With a move to the…
Sebastian Dell'Elce Excited About New Chapter In Niagara, Drawing Inspiration From Older Brother
As the Niagara IceDogs get set to open up their 2025 pre-season against the Flint Firebirds on Saturday, Aug. 30, the pack will have several new faces in their lineup. There will be eyes on 2025 first-rounder Ryerson Edgar and recently acquired Vancouver Canucks prospect Riley Patterson. However, the organization has a new member on their blueline who is ready to follow in his older brother’s footsteps.
On June 30, the organization traded away forward Blake Arrowsmith and a conditional 2028 seventh-round draft pick to the Soo Greyhounds in exchange for the player rights to defenseman Sebastian Dell’Elce. A couple of weeks after the move, Niagara announced the signing of the Nobleton, Ontario, native, further strengthening their blueline ahead of the 2025-26 season, an area the team needed to improve upon from last season.
Dell’Elce has been developing under the St. Andrew’s College academy in Aurora, Ontario, for the past two seasons.
“It was awesome (playing for SAC). The development is first there and is treated like a college program. We were skating and working out every day after school. I think it was a great two years of development for myself, and I am super grateful for St. Andrew’s,” said Dell’Elce.
After leading his prep hockey squad in scoring amongst defenseman with 38 points (4 goals, 34 assists) in 55 games, the 6-foot-1 left-shot rearguard is ready to take that next step in his development, and is eager to get that first official OHL game under his belt.
“I think the OHL is the best junior league there is in terms of development and preparing you for the next level. I’ve always wanted to play in the OHL. I just didn’t think I was ready to make that jump as a 16-year-old, and decided to take some time to play at St. Andrew’s. But with the rule opening up (NCAA commitment rule change with CHL leagues), I think I’m ready to make the jump, and I’m super excited and grateful for Niagara on this opportunity.”
Vancouver Canucks Prospect Riley Patterson Dealt From Barrie To Niagara Following Trade Request As the Barrie Colts opened up their training camp on Monday, the organization had someone missing, and it was a significant name on the roster who decided to stay home.
During the 2024-25 season at St. Andrew’s, Dell’Elce played with a couple of high-end forwards, who ended up hearing their names called at the 2025 NHL Draft. Aidan Lane — Calgary Flames sixth-rounder — and Kieren Dervin — Vancouver Canucks third-rounder — both had brief stints in the OHL last season with Brampton and Kingston, though they spent the brunt of the year playing at the prep level alongside Dell'Elce.
Like his St. Andrew’s teammates, Dell’Elce was entering his first year of NHL draft eligibility. Unfortunately, the young man went undrafted. Good thing he has an older brother who knows what it’s like to go through the draft without getting that exciting phone call from an NHL GM.
Sebastian’s older brother is fellow blueliner Francesco Dell’Elce. Francesco wasn’t just passed up once in the NHL draft; he went through two drafts without hearing his name called. The word perseverance must be written somewhere in the Dell’Elce household, as Francesco finally had his name called at the 2025 NHL Draft, with the Colorado Avalanche drafting him 77th overall in the third round.
“We were at home watching the draft with my family, hoping for the best, and when we saw his name pop up on the screen, it was just super exciting. It was awesome and just super happy for my brother.”
It can’t be easy to watch your older brother working so hard and striving to reach his goal of playing in the NHL one day, and having to suffer the disappointment of going undrafted in consecutive drafts.
“It was hard for my entire family. But the way he picked himself back up after that was inspiring for me and my family. We were all just super happy for him on his last go around of the draft to get it done and hear his name called.”
Niagara IceDogs Sign Exciting & Talented Top-10 Pick Ryerson EdgarThe Niagara IceDogs are loaded with high-end talent at the forward position, and they just announced another significant commitment to their lineup for the 2025-26 season.
Older brother Francesco shared some words of wisdom with his younger brother Sebastian after he had to experience going undrafted this past June.
“Just like myself and him not going in our first year, he said it’s not the end of the world, because there are many different ways that you can make it. Being drafted is obviously one of them, but it’s not the only way to make it.”
Dell’Elce recognizes that the OHL has tons of players who get drafted into the NHL every year, and he will gain more attention from scouts playing for the IceDogs.
The OHL had 41 of its players selected at the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles. Of course, it was highlighted by Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa going first and second overall, but it was also the most OHL players selected in the NHL draft since 2017.
The new Niagara blueliner is a smooth-skating defenseman who can be relied upon in all situations and consistently makes a smart first pass on his zone exits. As voted on by St. Andrew's players and staff, Sebastian received the Top Defensive Player Award last season. The IceDogs were a potent offensive team last season. Alas, their struggles came on the defensive side of the puck, and those holes were exposed in the second half of the year.
Sebastian grew up a Patrick Kane and Chicago Blackhawks fan. He is also a supporter of his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs and likes to watch Morgan Rielly.
Dell’Elce committed to Quinnipiac University in the spring of 2024. Older brother Francesco played for UMass this past year. Sebastian will look to follow in his footsteps. However, it is not set in stone yet when he will head to the NCAA. The IceDogs have him for this season and may get him for another.
For now, he is focused on building a winning culture in Niagara for the 2025-26 season and getting better with every passing game, hoping by the end of June 2026, he will have his name called at the draft.
Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
Latest OHL News:
Ex-NHL Player's Son & Washington Capitals Prospect Joins The OHL The London Knights and Kitchener Rangers are two OHL organizations that are regarded as having the most “pull” in player recruitment. However, there is another team in the Western Conference that is putting its name into that ring: the Saginaw Spirit.
London Knights Using Their Status In Signing Frenzy; Ex-NCAA Forward Leaves School To Play In The OHLThe London Knights arguably are the most coveted and highly sought-after organization in not just the OHL but the entire CHL. Young players hope to hear their name called every draft by the organization that has recently won back-to-back OHL Championships and the 2025 Memorial Cup. And now with the new NCAA rules in play, Americans are beginning to flock to the London powerhouse.
Why Brady Martin's Decision To Avoid The NCAA Is Justified For His DevelopmentBrady Martin’s choice to sign his entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators, foregoing his eligibility to play in the NCAA, is a decision that was maybe a bit unexpected, considering the evolving landscape. While other 2025 first-round draft picks, like Porter Martone and Roger McQueen, have opted to continue their development in the NCAA, leaving the CHL, Martin's decision to stay put in the OHL for the 2025-26 season is justified and the right call for his growth. Ex-NHL Player's Son & Washington Capitals Prospect Joins The OHL
The London Knights and Kitchener Rangers are two OHL organizations that are regarded as having the most “pull” in player recruitment. However, there is another team in the Western Conference that is putting its name into that ring: the Saginaw Spirit.
Saginaw has recently been able to pull high-end junior players from other leagues to wear their uniform. Examples: former USNTDP forward Kristian Epperson, who was a dynamic forward for them last season. San Jose Sharks top prospect Igor Chernyshov. Although he was only around for a quarter of the season last year, his 55 points in 23 games gave the Spirit fans lots of excitement down the stretch. Lastly, for the upcoming season, the organization was able to secure a couple of talented forwards from the USHL: Egor Barabanov and Nikita Klepov.
Now, another USHL forward is leaving America’s top junior league to play in the OHL, and his bloodlines run deep in Slovak hockey.
Miroslav Satan Jr. has signed a Standard Player Agreement with the Saginaw Spirit. The organization secured his rights via the league entry waivers back on Aug. 21. He had spent the 2024-25 season playing in the USHL for the Sioux Falls Stampede and Omaha Lancers. Satan Jr. struggled in his first season playing in a different country — played his minor hockey in Slovakia — recording only four points (3 goals, 1 assist) in 45 games. He did get the opportunity to play at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Junior Championship for his country and should be a shoo-in to return to the 2026 event later this year.
We have signed Miroslav Šatan, to an OHL Standard Player Agreement.
— Saginaw Spirit (@SpiritHockey) August 27, 2025
DETAILS: https://t.co/8NUTg0OOVHpic.twitter.com/cUoDdIIBuy
The new 6-foot-7 Spirit forward towers over his father, who had an incredible playing career both in the NHL and internationally. His dad is none other than Miroslav Satan, the current President of the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation.
Satan was inducted into the IIHF Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019, following an international career which saw him win gold at the World Championship and MVP in 2002, two WC silver medals, and one WC bronze. Additionally, he was named to the World Championship’s All-Star Team twice (2000 and 2002), after finishing the tournament as its leading scorer. Satan is Slovakia’s all-time leader in games played, goals, assists, and points at the World Championship.
Vancouver Canucks Prospect Riley Patterson Dealt From Barrie To Niagara Following Trade Request As the Barrie Colts opened up their training camp on Monday, the organization had someone missing, and it was a significant name on the roster who decided to stay home.
The great Slovak forward won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009. Satan is one of the greatest stories of a player who went late in the NHL draft. He was picked 111th overall in the fifth round in 1993 by the Edmonton Oilers. He played in the NHL for 14 seasons, stringing together 735 points (363 goals, 372 assists) in 1,050 games.
His son, just like his dad, was a late pick, selected near the end of the 2024 NHL Draft, 212th overall by the Washington Capitals. Washington saw one of their prospects leave the USHL for the OHL last season, Ilya Protas, who was a dominant presence on a nightly basis for the Windsor Spitfires.
Aliaksei Protas Excited To See What Brother Ilya Can Do This Season With Capitals OrganizationAs Washington Capitals winger Aliaksei Protas prepares to return to D.C. and prove last year wasn't a one-off, he's also looking forward to seeing what his younger brother, Ilya, can do in his second year with the organization.
Saginaw plays its first pre-season game on Friday, Aug. 29, against the Oshawa Generals. Fans may get the chance to see their new towering forward, who will be wearing the #43 for the upcoming season.
Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
Latest OHL News:
London Knights Using Their Status In Signing Frenzy; Ex-NCAA Forward Leaves School To Play In The OHLThe London Knights arguably are the most coveted and highly sought-after organization in not just the OHL but the entire CHL. Young players hope to hear their name called every draft by the organization that has recently won back-to-back OHL Championships and the 2025 Memorial Cup. And now with the new NCAA rules in play, Americans are beginning to flock to the London powerhouse.
Why Brady Martin's Decision To Avoid The NCAA Is Justified For His DevelopmentBrady Martin’s choice to sign his entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators, foregoing his eligibility to play in the NCAA, is a decision that was maybe a bit unexpected, considering the evolving landscape. While other 2025 first-round draft picks, like Porter Martone and Roger McQueen, have opted to continue their development in the NCAA, leaving the CHL, Martin's decision to stay put in the OHL for the 2025-26 season is justified and the right call for his growth.
Brampton Add Depth In Former Toronto Marlboros ForwardThe Brampton Steelheads open up their training camp on Monday, Aug. 25. Unfortunately, the organization has lost several players due to them either aging out of the league, graduating to the professional ranks, or leaving for the NCAA. Reacting to Day 2 of Kitchener Rangers Training Camp
On Tuesday morning, the Kitchener Rangers were back at it after opening their training camp with a scrimmage on Monday evening. The first of the two scrimmages the Rangers had…
6 Questions to Ask at Windsor Spitfires’ 2025-26 Training Camp
It’s been a long summer but the Windsor Spitfires are ready for the next chapter. The club hits the ice on Thursday for their 2025-26 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) training…
Reacting to Day 1 of Kitchener Rangers Training Camp
On Monday night, the Kitchener Rangers kicked off their training camp. They divided their 43-man training camp roster into two teams and opened up camp with a scrimmage at the…
London Knights Using Their Status In Signing Frenzy; Ex-NCAA Forward Leaves School To Play In The OHL
The London Knights arguably are the most coveted and highly sought-after organization in not just the OHL but the entire CHL. Young players hope to hear their name called every draft by the organization that has recently won back-to-back OHL Championships and the 2025 Memorial Cup. And now with the new NCAA rules in play, Americans are beginning to flock to the London powerhouse.
The Knights’ training camp is officially underway, and there are a ton of new faces. The new members aren’t just the young buds from the 2025 draft class, like first-rounder Alex Campeau. The Hunter brothers have been active in recruiting players who bring experience playing at the junior level. They are successfully leveraging their organization's reputation as one of the best teams for player development in junior hockey.
London has made four notable signings of late, which include a couple of towering Russians and two older American forwards.
Colorado Avalanche Prospect Signs With London KnightsThe retooling of the London Knights roster has been in full throttle throughout August. GM Mark Hunter has been actively signing free agents with valuable junior-level experience. Additionally, through the import draft, the team has acquired a large right-shot defenseman who was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in this past June's draft.
As camp opened up, the Knights organization announced the signing of American forward Braiden Clark to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. He is another overage free agent signing, just like Kaeden Hawkins was. They both played and developed in the USHL, but one difference between the two, Clark is coming from the NCAA.
We've signed Braiden Clark to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement.
— London Knights (@LondonKnights) August 25, 2025
DETAILS: https://t.co/ZrPTzbjOuApic.twitter.com/JQzhQJMohz
Clark, 20, played at Providence College last season. It wasn’t the freshman campaign he would’ve hoped for, playing only 16 games and registering three points (1 goal, 2 assists). The forward from Ohio was slated to return to Providence, but has made the tough decision to leave the NCAA in hopes that playing as an overage forward in London will be more beneficial for his development.
London’s overage core for the 2025-26 season now consists of three forwards: Braiden Clark, Kaeden Hawkins, and returnee Noah Aboflan.
The additional American free agent signing came just under a week ago. The Knights recruited forward Ben Wilmott away from the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede to join their brigade for the upcoming season before he leaves for Ohio State University.
We've signed free agent Ben Wilmott to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement.
— London Knights (@LondonKnights) August 19, 2025
DETAILS: https://t.co/amWLcdM1Bjpic.twitter.com/SnmL9Hajz8
Wilmott, 18, is one year younger than Clark and brings 101 games of USHL experience. He started with the Chicago Steel organization in the 2023-24 season and was traded to the Stampede at the onset of last year. In Sioux Falls, he recorded 33 points (16 goals, 17 assists) in 50 games during the 2024-25 season.
It was reported earlier in the month by Puck Preps writer Ryan Sikes that Wilmott was expected to sign with London. The depth the Knights have brought in to their forward corps will mask a bit of the blow of losing their all-stars — Easton Cowan, Denver Barkey, and Kasper Halttunen — from the past two seasons.
Fun fact, Wilmott and Knights defenseman Henry Brzustewicz were minor hockey teammates with the North Jersey Avalanche.
London Knights Bolster Lineup With Latest Two SigningsThere’s one thing that the London Knights don’t do: rebuild. Fresh off back-to-back OHL Championships, and several of their star players leaving the team due to graduating to the professional level or aging out of the league, don’t expect the Hunter brothers to stay quiet.
Another massive, pun intended, signing the Knights recently made was of 6-foot-8 defenseman Maksim Sokolovskii. The Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan, native signed his OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement back on Aug. 20. He is committed to the University of Maine.
We've signed Maksim Sokolovskii to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement.
— London Knights (@LondonKnights) August 20, 2025
DETAILS: https://t.co/nlEJNpnMSspic.twitter.com/t9gypTFGFH
Sokolovskii, 17, was drafted 119th overall in the second round of the 2025 CHL import Draft. He came over from Russia last season to play for the Atlantic Coast Academy 16U AAA team, where he excelled, scoring 84 points (34 goals, 50 assists) in 65 games. The towering blueliner led all defensemen in points in the entire 16U AAA circuit in the USA.
Several other top European performers from that circuit have also signed with OHL clubs this summer: Andrei Gudin (Barrie), Vladimir Provorov (Sudbury), and Beksultan Makysh (Windsor).
Sokolovskii is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, and seeing the trend of how NHL teams are coveting size on the blueline again, scouts will be following the mammoth rearguard, whether he suits up primarily in London for the 2025-26 season or not.
London Knights Rene Van Bommel Commits To NCAA Lake Superior State University London Knights forward Rene Van Bommel has committed to Lake Superior State University in the NCAA, where he will report following the completion of his junior career in the OHL.
Lastly, the Knights organization signed Russian forward Mikhail Zakharov to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. The Tomsk, Russia, native grew up playing minor hockey in Russia, but has been playing hockey in Ontario since the 2023-24 season, when he suited up for the Toronto Red Wings U18 AAA team.
We've signed Mike Zakharov to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement.
— London Knights (@LondonKnights) August 21, 2025
DETAILS: https://t.co/tNk7J9y4zypic.twitter.com/0pl4g5QfKv
Zakharov, 18, is another player who brings size to the lineup. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 176 pounds, his presence down the middle of the ice provides London depth that they need. He played in the OJHL for the King Rebellion last season, recording 38 points (12 goals, 26 assists), and added five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in five playoff games.
Although he was just recently drafted 103rd overall in the fifth round of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Zakharov is two years older than the majority of his 2009-born class.
London understands they have an advantage in player recruitment, being who they are. Specifically, with the Americans they have signed this summer, an easy pitch is this: you will have more NHL scouts' eyes on you playing for our organization than you would anywhere else, even in the NCAA for a school like Providence.
Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
Latest OHL News:
Why Brady Martin's Decision To Avoid The NCAA Is Justified For His DevelopmentBrady Martin’s choice to sign his entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators, foregoing his eligibility to play in the NCAA, is a decision that was maybe a bit unexpected, considering the evolving landscape. While other 2025 first-round draft picks, like Porter Martone and Roger McQueen, have opted to continue their development in the NCAA, leaving the CHL, Martin's decision to stay put in the OHL for the 2025-26 season is justified and the right call for his growth.
Top NHL Draft Prospect Adam Valentini Not To Honor OHL Commitment With KitchenerSour news hit the Kitchener Rangers organization, losing a high-end player just before training camp starts.
Brantford Bulldogs Ink Several Blueliners, Including 2025 First-Round Draft Pick David BuchmanThursday, August 21, 2025, the day of signings: that’s what we’re going to call it.