Here’s a look at some of the top storylines from an action-packed Rivalry Series weekend across the league:
Brantford Stays Perfect in Regulation
The Eastern Conference–leading Brantford Bulldogs remain the lone team without a regulation loss, entering the new week with an 8–0–1–1 record. They lead the league in both special teams efficiency and total goals scored. In their Rivalry Series sweep of the Brampton Steelheads, Brantford outscored their opponent 16–6 across two games.
Adam Novotny Extends Goal Streak
Peterborough Petes forward Adam Novotny, the club’s 2024 first-round import pick, continues to shine. He’s riding a five-game goal streak – the longest active streak in the league – collecting eight points in that span. Impressively, he’s delivered the game-winner in three of Peterborough’s last five contests.
Ryder Fetterolf Earns First OHL Shutout
Ottawa 67’s rookie goaltender Ryder Fetterolf has now checked off all the rookie milestones: first start, first win, and now first shutout. In the opening game of their Rivalry Series against Kingston, Fetterolf stopped all 13 shots in a 3–0 victory. He currently ranks second in GAA (2.01) and fourth in SV% (.917) league-wide.
Three Players Hit Double-Digit Goals
Jordan Charron (Soo Greyhounds), Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs), and Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires) became the first players this season to reach the 10-goal mark, and all three are tied for the league lead.
Sarnia Upsets Windsor Despite Shot Imbalance
The Sarnia Sting snapped a three-game skid with a gutsy 5–3 win over the league-leading Windsor Spitfires. Rookie netminder Patrick Quinlan was sensational, stopping 42 of 45 shots, as Sarnia overcame a massive 45–14 shot deficit. On offense, blueliner Cameron Aucoin scored twice, while Jordan Bax chipped in three points (1G, 2A). Quinlan’s performance earned him OHL Goaltender of the Week honours.
Matthew Schaefer Making NHL History
Selected first overall in last year’s NHL Draft, Erie Otters alumnus Matthew Schaefer is already rewriting the record books. With a point Saturday in Ottawa, the 18-year-old became the first defenseman in NHL history to record a point in each of his first five games at that age (1G, 4A). He’s also the first defenseman ever taken first overall to begin his career with a five-game point streak. Among players 18 or younger in the expansion era, only eight have achieved such a streak, and until Schaefer, all were forwards.
Adam Benak Leads League Scoring
Brantford’s Adam Benak was named Cogeco Player of the Week after posting six points (1G, 5A) in two Rivalry Week wins. He now leads the OHL in scoring (19 points), plus/minus (+14), and insurance goals (2).
Rookie Ryder Cali Sparks North Bay Sweep
North Bay Battalion rookie Ryder Cali tallied four points (3G, 1A) in three games, including a Rivalry Week sweep of the Barrie Colts, earning OHL Rookie of the Week honours. Cali leads the Battalion in both goals (7) and game-winners (2).
Owen Sound Thrives on Special Teams
The Attack sit atop the Midwest Division with 18 points, thanks in large part to their special teams dominance. They rank second in power-play efficiency (32.3%) and boast an 84% penalty kill. Forwards Harry Nansi and Pierce Mbuyi are tied for the league lead in power-play goals (4), while teammates John Banks (8), Michael Dec (7), and Tristan Delisle (6) all rank among the top five in power-play assists.
