After battling through an inconsistent first half, the Niagara IceDogs were able to find their footing down the stretch and secure a return to the postseason before ultimately being eliminated in the opening round. Despite the early playoff exit, the club showed signs of progress late in the year behind a veteran group that helped guide one of the league’s younger rosters. Since the conclusion of the season, the organization has also undergone changes off the ice, parting ways with members of its hockey operations staff.
Now, the IceDogs prepare to say goodbye to members of their graduating class as Jakub Chromiak, Grayson Tiller and Charlie Robertson move on from the Ontario Hockey League.
Jakub Chromiak (Niagara IceDogs, Kitchener Rangers, Kingston Frontenacs, Sudbury Wolves – 2022-26)
Acquired from the Kitchener Rangers at the January trade deadline, Jakub Chromiak arrived in Niagara after spending a season and a half with the Rangers organization. Between the two clubs during his overage season, Chromiak recorded a career-high 47 points (12-35–47). He also spent time with the Sudbury Wolves and Kingston Frontenacs during his OHL career.
The Slovakian blueliner closes out his OHL career with 117 points (25-92–117) across 237 regular-season games. Originally selected by the Wolves eighth overall in the 2022 CHL Import Draft, Chromiak has returned to Europe and is expected to play with HC Plzeň.
Grayson Tiller (Niagara IceDogs, Barrie Colts – 2021-26)
Acquired by the IceDogs during the offseason, Grayson Tiller joined his hometown team in Niagara after spending the majority of his OHL career with the Barrie Colts. In 2024-25, he played an important role in Barrie’s run to the Eastern Conference Final, recording 10 points (2-8–10) in 16 playoff games. Between the two clubs during his overage season, Tiller recorded a career-high 39 points (12-27–39).
The St. Catharines native wraps up his OHL career with 71 points (16-55–71) across 277 regular-season games. Originally selected by the Colts in the third round (44th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Tiller is committed to Brock University for next season.
Charlie Robertson (Niagara IceDogs, North Bay Battalion – 2022-26)
After being acquired from the North Bay Battalion in 2023, Charlie Robertson spent the majority of his junior career in Niagara, splitting time in the crease and appearing in a career-high 31 games during his overage season.
The 6-foot-4 netminder wraps up his OHL career with a 37-29-6-4 record, along with a 3.89 goals-against average, .885 save percentage and six shutouts. Originally selected in the seventh round (130th overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Robertson is committed to Toronto Metropolitan University for next season.
2006-born players:
* denotes players who are committed to the NCAA/USports for next season
Currently, the Niagara IceDogs boast six 2006-born players in Riley Patterson (Vancouver Canucks), Callum Cheynowski, Liam Spencer, Hayden Reid*, Sean Doherty* and Blake Barnes*.
