With the 2026 NHL Draft on the horizon, a new wave of talent is emerging across international play. Latvian winger Bruno Osmanis continues to impress in Sweden’s Allsvenskan, Marcus Nordmark is lighting up the scoresheet for Djurgårdens IF, and Mikey Berchild is proving his top billing with the USNTDP. Each has showcased skill, poise, and scoring touch against elite competition—and they’re quickly becoming names to watch for 2026.

Bruno Osmanis | RW | IF Björklöven

Latvian winger Bruno Osmanis first made headlines last year in the World Junior Championship with a pair of assists as the underdog upset Team Canada in a shootout 3-2. The 18-year-old is splitting his time between IF Björklöven’s pro team in Sweden’s second division and its U20 outfit. The intelligent playmaker has six points (two goals and four assists) in 13 games of play in Allsvenskan and seven points (two goals and five assists) in six games.

Osmanis suited up for Latvia’s junior team for three contests last week and was the most productive prospective member of the 2026 draft class. He opened up the week with a trio of assists in a 6-2 win over Austria. He followed it up with a two-goal, one-assist performance, with six shots on goal in a 5-0 rout of Denmark. He polished it all off with a goal and an assist and four shots in a 5-4 shootout loss to Norway.

Marcus Nordmark | RW | Djurgärdens IF

After tearing up Sweden’s U18 circuit with 46 points (22 goals, 24) in 27 games last season, winger Marcus Nordmark is building a case as a top prospect eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft. After potting 18 points (nine goals, nine assists) in 17 U20 games in 2024-25, the Stockholm native has 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) through 14 games this season.

After an incredibly productive international junior season in 2024-25, with 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists) in 20 games, Nordmark has continued to dominate the scoresheet against his international peers in 2025-26. Nordmark registered a goal and an assist in wins over Czechia and Switzerland and scored in the third period to tie the game at five against the United States in the final game of the U18 Five Nations tournament.

Mikey Berchild | C | USNTDP Juniors

Crafty center Mikey Berchild is the top-ranked USNTDP player on the Draft Prospects Hockey board, and he’s proving why he deserves that billing. The 5-foot-10, 181 pound pivot has 10 points (six goals and four assists) through 16 games played this season.

The Shattuck St. Mary’s product was incredibly productive for the US at the U18 Five Nations tournament that wrapped up on Sunday. Berchild picked up an assist in a 5-2 win over Switzerland to start the week. He fired five shots on goal and converted once on a one-timer into a nearly empty net after the Finnish goalie was scrambling to get back into position. Berchild added a goal and an assist in a 10-2 demolishing of Czechia. He added a pair of assists as the US erased a 4-1 second-period deficit and took a 5-4 lead in the third. The Americans couldn’t hold on as the Swedes scored a pair of goals late in the third to steal the game 6-5.

#46– Albert Smits, Latvia

Live Scouting:  Germany 4 vs Latvia 1

By Jocke Andersson, Head Scout Sweden

Name: Albert Smits
Position: Defenseman (Left Shot)
Date of Birth: December 2, 2007
Height/Weight: 6’3” / 205 lbs (191 cm / 93 kg)
Nationality: Latvia
Current Team: Jukurit (Liiga, Finland)
Tournament: Deutschland Cup 2025 – Representing Team Latvia

Albert Smits is a 17-year-old left-shot defenseman who represented Latvia at the 2025 Deutschland Cup, marking his first appearance at the senior international level. Currently playing professionally with Jukurit in Finland’s Liiga, Smits is viewed as one of Latvia’s most promising young defense prospects and a potential early-round selection for the 2026 NHL Draft. His mature decision-making, steady defensive play, and composure under pressure make him stand out among peers his age.

Smits is a fluid and efficient skater with impressive stride mechanics for a player of his size. His long, powerful strides allow him to cover ice efficiently, maintaining strong gap control in transition. Mobility and edge control are well above average, though his initial acceleration and first-step quickness can continue to improve with added lower-body explosiveness. He demonstrates smooth pivots and can recover positioning effectively when defending rush chances.

He shows notable calmness on retrievals and strong awareness of pressure. Smits consistently surveys his surroundings, making smart, efficient breakout passes that initiate clean exits. He favors the high-percentage play over risk, but can skate pucks out of danger when lanes close. His passes are crisp and accurate, showing confidence in short and medium-range outlets. Offensively, he keeps pucks low and on target from the point, displaying a growing ability to find shooting lanes through traffic.

Smits’ defensive instincts are advanced for his age. He maintains tight defensive gaps and uses an active stick to disrupt passing lanes. His reach and body positioning allow him to steer attackers away from dangerous areas, and he rarely overextends in pursuit of contact. Shows poise in one-on-one situations and communicates effectively with his partner. Smits’ strength and leverage allow him to control net-front play, though continued physical development will further enhance his effectiveness against stronger professional forwards.

Smits exhibits a high level of hockey intelligence and composure. He reads developing plays early, supports teammates effectively, and makes mature decisions under forecheck pressure. Rarely caught out of position, he displays good spatial awareness and a professional approach to game management. His calm demeanor translates into consistent, mistake-free shifts that inspire confidence from coaches.

While not a punishing hitter, Smits competes hard and uses his frame effectively to separate opponents from the puck. He finishes checks when needed, wins most board battles through leverage and body positioning, and plays with quiet toughness. His compete level is steady — he brings the same effort and attention to detail every shift. As he continues to add strength, his physical impact will become a larger part of his game.

At the Deutschland Cup, Smits was utilized primarily in a third pairing and penalty-kill role, gaining valuable experience against veteran European competition. His poise under pressure stood out, as did his ability to read plays and make safe outlet passes under an aggressive forecheck. Despite limited minutes, he showed flashes of confidence carrying the puck and displayed reliability beyond his years. Latvia’s coaching staff clearly viewed his inclusion as an investment in long-term development — a sign of trust in his maturity and upside.

Smits projects as a top four, two-way defenseman capable of logging significant five-on-five and penalty-kill minutes. His combination of size, hockey sense, and composure fits the profile of a modern stay-at-home defender with puck-moving efficiency. If he continues to improve his first-step acceleration and adds more confidence in offensive zone play, Smits could become a reliable, all-situations NHL blueliner.

Its important that hecontinue improving lower-body strength and first-step acceleration to match pace at higher levels.

Smits should go on with making his Offensive Confidence expand blue-line movement and deception to become more dangerous on the point.

He is already good but can still improve his physical Consistency and maintain assertiveness in board battles and net-front coverage against larger opponents.

I can see him as a late 1st rounder or a high 2nd rounder of the draft 2026.

After a banner draft year for the OHL in 2025 that saw nine players drafted in the first
round, including five inside the top 10, 2026 could be another strong year with several
players flashing first-round potential at times throughout the last two seasons. Here’s
how some of the OHL’s top prospects are faring to start the 2025-26 season.

BECKHAM EDWARDS, SARNIA STING
Beckham Edwards is a speedy, versatile centre who plays at a high pace with and
without the puck. He was very effective for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in a depth
role and has carried that strong play over into a great start with Sarnia in the OHL. He’s
a very good skater who displays some good finishing ability and has a strong work ethic
on his own side of the puck, showcasing two-way potential and some special teams
upside at the NHL level.

While he drives strong results for his team on the ice thanks to his high shooting and
work rate, Edwards struggles with making plays under pressure to capitalize on good
scoring chances at times and could develop into more of a complementary forward at
the next level who needs a playmaker to maximize his skillset. Edwards must become
more consistent with his decision making and patience with the puck to prove he has
top six centre potential and cement himself as a prospect worthy of a top 20 pick.

RYAN ROOBROECK, NIAGARA ICEDOGS
Ryan Roobroeck is a physically imposing forward who’s playing a leading role on an
IceDogs team that could challenge for an OHL title this season. He’s got nimble feet for
a forward with such a large frame, escaping traffic and accelerating well thanks to his
agility and stride power. He’s very slippery in the offensive end, finding pockets of space
to release his shot and creating scoring chances consistently by driving to the middle
lane and making strong puck decisions under pressure. His shot and playmaking ability
are both strong suits, making him a dangerous player to give time and space and
someone who can impose his will in high-traffic areas like the low slot thanks to his size
and awareness.

While one of the bigger forwards eligible for the 2026 Draft, Roobroeck doesn’t show a
consistent mean streak or physical edge, instead utilizing his frame to protect the puck
well and get to the net. His engagement away from the puck can also vary from shift to
shift, making him more effective on the wing at this stage of his development. A slow
start to the season has allowed others to challenge his status as the top prospect in the
Ontario region, but Roobroeck’s high-end release and offensive skillset combined with his projectable frame should keep him in the conversation to be a top 10 draft pick in 2026.

BROOKS ROGOWSKI, OSHAWA GENERALS
Brooks Rogowski was a standout for USA at the Hlinka Gretzky tournament, playing an
impressive two-way game after being buried in a depth role for Oshawa last season.
He’s carried over that strong play to the OHL early in the year, making a larger scoring
impact for a rebuilding Generals team. He’s a great skater, with long, powerful strides
and the ability to beat defenders on the rush with his top-end speed and long wingspan.
His size and reach allow him to protect the puck very well, with room to add more
strength and make him tougher to knock off the puck or play through physical contact.
His vision is solid, making good reads on quick decisions and setting up scoring
chances with nice passes through traffic to the middle lane.

His finesse and puck control hinder his finishing and ability to cut through traffic to
access the middle of the ice. Improvements in this area are critical to his long-term
scoring upside, as his hulking size and vision would make him a deadly net-front option
as pro, both on the PP and at even strength. As it stands, Rogowski’s unique combo of
size, speed, athleticism, and dexterity make him a strong candidate for a top two round
selection, with first-round upside if he can continue to make gains in his production and
puck handling ability.

25 D, Chase Reid Soo Greyhounds (OHL) 6’2”, 187 lbs, DOB: 30/12/2007

Overall Scouting Report:
Chase has quickly become a leader on the ice with the Soo Greyhounds. Chase has the intelligence,
confidence, and ability to adapt his skills to make smart decisions on the ice. Using these skills he
creates a calm approach to the game, limiting mistakes, and creating more scoring chances. Chase’s
high hockey IQ, exceptional vision, hockey sense, and ability to generate offence. He is a skilled skater, and his ability to switch from defensive to offensive play sets him apart. His edge work, north-
south skating, and stick work pose challenges for the opponent. His confidence and skills ensure that he is calm and prepared on the ice. I feel that Chase will be a top 10 pick in the 2026 draft.

Skater Category Summary:
Skating: 8
Puck Skill: 8
Play-making ability: 8
Hockey IQ: 8
Physically: 8
Defensive Play: 8

Game Reports:

Soo Greyhounds vs Sudbury Wolves Oct, 30/2025:
Chase had a very strong game on the ice. Right from the start of the game Chase was playing a hard
two way game. Using his size, strong skating, and a calm confidence to help set the tone for the
Greyhounds. In the defensive zone Chase was using his size, and strength to keep the net front clear.
He also used that strong skating, and stick work to create havoc for the Wolves. Offensively, chase was
running the power-play, and creating offensive opportunities for the Greyhounds.
G: 0 A: 1 +4 PIM: 0 SOG: 2

Soo Greyhounds vs North Bay Battalion Oct. 31/2025:
Another strong game for Chase. All game Chase was setting the tone with his size, throwing some
quality hits in the neutral and defensive zone. He had positive presence on special teams, using his
hockey IQ and confidence to remain calm in all situations. Strong stick work in the defensive zone,
along with his size and strength made it easy for his goaltender to see the puck. Chase’s ability to
move from defensive to offensive rushes makes him an excellent overall defenseman.
G: 1 A: 0 +2 PIM: 2 SOG: 4

BCHL Okotoks Oilers (3) @ Sherwood Park Crusaders (7) October 31, 2025 @ 19:00

Joseph Sinclair, #91 Sherwood Park Crusaders – October 6, 2007. Right shot centre. 5.10 /176. 2-way Centre

Strength: Smooth skater with strong edge control. Drives to the front of the net to create traffic and generate scoring opportunities, contributing to a goal. Displays a clear team-first mentality, playing an unselfish, pass-first style.
Opportunity: His team-oriented approach can sometimes hold him back from showcasing his individual skill and offensive presence.

Forecast: Probably a career ‘AHL’ candidate, but could sneak into the later rounds for a team willing to take a chance. 

Skating: 6

Shooting: 6

Passing: 5

Puck Handling: 6

Hockey IQ: 6

Physicality: 4

Offensive upside: 6

Defensive upside: 5

Gleb Semenko, #29 Sherwood Park Crusaders – March 21, 2008. Left shot right wing. 5.09/137. 2-way forward

Strength: Solid skater with good edge control. Willing to engage physically and mix it up when needed. Moves the puck well, showing strong awareness and vision. Has a nice shot and competes hard every shift. Effective in the bumper role and contributes in multiple areas of the game.
Opportunity: None noted

Forecast: Probably a career ‘AHL’ candidate, but could sneak into the later rounds for a team willing to take a chance. 

Skating: 6

Shooting: 4

Passing: 6

Puck Handling: 6

Hockey IQ: 6

Physicality: 6

Offensive upside: 4

Defensive upside: 5

Danick St. Pierre, #10 Sherwood Park Crusaders – May 13, 2008 Left shot right wing. 6.02/185. 2-way forward

Strength: Strong edge work and a high compete level. Battles hard and stays engaged throughout the play.
Opportunity: Needs improvement on the defensive side of the puck. Has limited puck touches, and when he does have possession, decision-making can lead to unforced turnovers.

Forecast: Unlikely to get drafted. 

Skating: 7

Shooting: 4

Passing: 5

Puck Handling: 4

Hockey IQ: 6

Physicality: 4

Offensive upside: 4

Defensive upside: 5

BCHL Sherwood Park Crusaders (1) @ Spruce Grove Saints (2) November 1, 2025 @ 19:00

Gabriel O’Brien, #8 Sherwood Park Crusaders – April 3, 2008, Left shot left wing. 6.03/198. 2-way forward

Strength: Strong skater with good tenacity. Shows impressive compete level — drew two penalties on one shift and stayed focused, getting right back into the play instead of engaging the ref. Willing to go to the net and battle for position.
Opportunity: Needs to play heavier on the body. When he does engage physically, he tends to get in too tight, leading to holding penalties instead of clean checks. Can be knocked off his feet too easily.

Forecast: Unlikely to get drafted. 

Skating: 7

Shooting: 4

Passing: 4

Puck Handling: 4

Hockey IQ: 4

Physicality: 4

Offensive upside: 4

Defensive upside: 4

Gage Brandon, #82 Sherwood Park Crusaders – June 10, 2008, Left shot left wing. 5.10/148. 

Strength: Limited sample size to evaluate.
Opportunity: Skating needs improvement. Didn’t see much ice time — only about three shifts over two periods — making it difficult to assess overall impact.

Forecast: Unlikely to get drafted. 

Skating: 4

Shooting: 4

Passing: 5

Puck Handling: 4

Hockey IQ: 4

Physicality: 4

Offensive upside: 4

Defensive upside: 5

WHL Prince George Cougars (1) @ Vancouver Giants (2) November 2, 2025 @ 17:00

Arseni Anisimov, #8 Prince George Cougars – November 25, 2007 – Left shot defenseman. 5.11 / 174

Strength: Anisimov is a Uses an active stick effectively. Strong skater who closes gaps quickly and holds the blue line with confidence.
Opportunity: Could improve his overall quickness to better match elite forwards with high-end foot speed. Needs to sharpen situational awareness, particularly in tracking opponents behind him when he shades toward one side of the ice. Adding more strength would help him win a higher percentage of board battles.

Currently not listed and I feel it is unlikely he will get drafted. 

Skating: 4

Shooting: 4

Passing: 5

Puck Handling: 4

Hockey IQ: 4

Physicality: 5

Offensive upside: 6

Defensive upside:6

Kayden Lemire, #28 Prince George Cougars – January 27, 2008 – Right shot right wing. 6.04 / 194

Strength: Shows decent agility for a big player. Willingly blocks shots and uses his size effectively to play a physical game. Extremely strong and capable of overpowering opposing defensemen in front of the net.

Opportunity: Needs to play with more assertiveness in the defensive zone. Could benefit from improving his speed. Tends to favor a dump-and-chase approach rather than carrying the puck over the blue line and driving to the net. Took an undisciplined penalty behind the play in the neutral zone during this viewing.

Currently not listed and I feel it is unlikely he will get drafted.

Skating: 4

Shooting: 4

Passing: 4

Puck Handling: 5

Hockey IQ: 4

Physicality: 6

Offensive upside: 5

Defensive upside: 4

Ivar Stenberg is a highly skilled, offensively driven forward who plays with pace,
creativity, and strong hockey sense. He displays poise and confidence with the
puck, consistently making smart reads and controlled plays under pressure.
Stenberg excels at creating offense through movement — he’s quick in
transition, supports the puck well, and has the skill to beat defenders one-on-
one.

His shot is a growing strength: accurate, deceptive, and capable of beating
goaltenders cleanly when given space. Stenberg’s playmaking is equally
impressive, showing the ability to anticipate passing lanes and execute with
precision. He’s effective both as a primary puck carrier and a complementary
offensive piece who reads the ice well off teammates.

Skating is a major part of his game. Stenberg has a quick first step, smooth
edges, and the agility to separate from coverage. His stride is efficient, allowing
him to maintain pace through the neutral zone and apply consistent pressure on
the forecheck.

Like many young offensive players, Stenberg will need to continue refining his
play away from the puck. At times, he can drift high in the defensive zone or lose
structure on coverage. Strength and physical maturity will also be key as he
progresses — adding muscle to better handle contact and sustain pressure along
the boards. Improving consistency in defensive positioning and puck support will help him
evolve into a more complete player.

He can for sure reach a offensively intelligent top-six forward with play-driving
ability and scoring instincts. Projects as a versatile winger or center capable of
impacting games through skill, vision, and pace.

He is already now a forward with top power and game-breaking skill.
Stenberg is a Power-play contributor — effective as a half-wall distributor or
shooter. Potential to develop penalty-kill utility with improved defensive
structure.

Expected to be a top offensive producer for Frölunda’s U18 and U20 programs
as he matures physically. Has the tools to become one of Sweden’s premier
2009-born forwards with continued refinement in all-around play.

61#— | F | Viggo Björck
Team: Djurgårdens IF (Sweden)
Videoscouting: Leksand 1:3 Djurgarden
By Jocke Andersson, Head Scout Sweden
Height/Weight:
177 cm / 5’10”, 78 kg / 172 lbs
Shoots: Left
DOB: 2008
Draft Eligible: 2026

Viggo Björck is a skilled and competitive forward who blends high-end hockey
sense with an advanced understanding of offensive spacing and timing. He plays
a fast, intelligent game, consistently creating plays through pace, anticipation,
and quick execution. Björck’s ability to process the ice makes him an effective
dual threat, capable of finishing with precision or setting up teammates with
sharp, on-time passes.

His skating is a major asset: smooth stride mechanics, strong edge control, and
quick acceleration allow him to attack off the rush or change direction fluidly in
tight spaces. He plays with tempo, constantly in motion, and is effective at
sustaining possession through balance and agility. Björck’s shot features a
clean, deceptive release that can beat goaltenders from mid-range.

Away from the puck, he competes with discipline and effort. He tracks back
responsibly, applies pressure on the forecheck, and shows a willingness to battle
in contested areas, all traits that enhance his projection as a reliable, modern
forward.

Björck would benefit from adding more muscle to better absorb contact and hold
his ground in board battles. While his offensive instincts are strong, developing
more patience with the puck and improving his small area play under pressure
will elevate his effectiveness against elite defenders.

Björck continued improvement in his consistency shift-to-shift and physical
engagement will help round out his game as he transitions to higher competition
levels.

He is Intelligent, high tempo forward with legitimate top six upside. Projects as
a creative play-driver who can contribute to multiple offensive situations while
maintaining strong effort and structure.

In the future he has top six offensive upside with strong transition
play and power-play potential. At the moment, he is now middle-six forward who contributes secondary offense and energy while maintaining responsible two-way habits.

He is a projected power-play contributor with potential to play on the flank or
net-front. Could earn penalty-kill minutes long-term due to compete level and
skating ability.

Björck has been a steady offensive performer in Djurgården’s junior system, and
his skating and hockey sense suggest strong translation to U20 and international play. Expected to maintain solid point production and continue upward development as one of Sweden’s 2008-born forwards to watch for 2026.

1 Slovakian Center and 2 OHL Wingers Shine

Another week of hockey is in the books, and more young stars are making their cases to be top prospects in the 2026 NHL draft. Slovakian center Tomas Chrenko continued his dominance this season against competition that is much older than him. Pierce Mbuyi showed off his playmaking ability in three wins for his club, and Nikita Klepov maintained his lead atop the OHL scoring for draft eligibles.

Tomas Chrenko | C | HK Nitra (Slovakia)

After dominating in U20 Slovakia competition to the tune of 61 points (30 goals, 31 assists) in 28 games in his predraft year, Chrenko began to get some recognition as a potential late first-round pick entering the season. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound center has played in 17 games so far already this year with HK Nitra’s pro team after getting into 26 games with the club last year.

With more weeks like this past one, Chrenko is sure to catch the eyes of NHL scouts. He opened the week with a two-goal outing in U20 play, helping his team secure a 6-4 victory. Called up to the big club for his second game of the week, the Slovak played just over 17 minutes and registered two assists in a 5-2 loss. He closed out the week with a goal and two assists in 15 minutes of ice time in a 5-0 win. After his team got the zone entry, Chrenko charged the net. The puck went back to the point, and defender Matej Baca fired it on goal. Chrenko quickly fired the rebound past the goalie to give his squad a 3-0 lead.

Pierce Mbuyi | LW | Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

Mbuyi, who won the OHL Rookie of the Year award in his first season with Owen Sound (52 points in 63 games) last season, has started the 2025-26 campaign with a scorching 24 points through 18 games. After registering 38 points in 33 games after January 1st last year, the highly skilled winger seems to have figured out how to rack up points in the OHL.

Mbuyi picked up an assist in wins on Wednesday and Saturday for the Attack and then exploded with a goal and four assists in an 8-3 victory over the Erie Otters on Sunday. After Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Harry Nansi took a big hit to get the puck into the Otters’ zone, Mbuyi snatched it up and skated it in. He then fired a perfectly placed wrist shot past the Otters’ goalkeeper to break the 2-2 tie with 3:12 left to go in the 2nd period.

Nikita Klepov | RW | Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Nikita Klepov has started the 2025-26 campaign on a heater with 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 17 games. The Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold medalist with the United States in August, where he picked up six points in five games, is garnering plenty of attention for his accolades so far.

The 6-foot, 181 pound winger put up six points (four goals, two assists) in three games this past week. His biggest game came in a 6-3 win over the Windsor Spitfires, where he registered a pair of goals and added a helper. Klepov got his first of the contest by being in the right place in the offensive zone to pick off a clearing attempt and then had a nearly wide-open wrist shot that beat Windsor goalie Joey Costanzo cleanly over the blocker. He added the daily double while 4-on-4 in the second period. Using the Spitfires defender as a screen, Kelpov fired a wrist shot that caught a peice of Costanzo’s shoulder and trickled across the goal line.

September 20, 2025
Windsor Spitfires v. London Knights
WFCU Centre
Ethan Belchetz #61, F
Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
6’5”, 227 lbs, DOB 2008-03-30
Belchetz gave a strong performance in the home opener against London, earning
himself a 2-point game (1G, 1A), with the game winning goal. Going into the home
opener as a high-profile pick and delivering the points under the spotlight showed his
composure and that he does not disappear or play tentatively. His one-timer was from a
dangerous area (right circle) and was well-executed with his quick release and
precision. Recognizing the 5-on-3, he set himself up in that scoring position, speaking to
his IQ and situational awareness, especially against a disciplined and talented team like
London. While his stats were offensive, in a game where Windsor limited opportunities
and maintained control, Belchetz was not drifting defensively and was part of a
successful system to shut London down. Where Belchetz can improve is his awareness
to his size. As a tall forward, his skating will need continued refinement. Accelerations,
edgework, and transitions will be critical to keep pace as competition stiffens. He could
improve his speed by lengthening his stride. Standing at six foot five, he can lean into
his stride and length of his legs to do the work for him and keep his endurance. Big
forwards often absorb more physical play and hits. As the season progresses and
opponents target him, he’ll need to maintain physical resilience. Belchetz projects as a
power winger with the potential to be a middle to top 6 forward at the NHL level, with
value in net-front presence, physicality and scoring.
Skater Category Summarization:
Skating: 6
Puck Skill: 7
Scoring Ability: 8
Hockey IQ: 7
Character: 8
Physicality: 6
Defensive Play: 6

September 20, 2025

Windsor Spitfires v. London Knights
WFCU Centre
Logan Hawery #26, F
London Knights (OHL)
5’10”, 170 lbs, DOB 2008-03-15
Hawery was the only Knight player to get on the board tonight. In a game where London
struggled, being the source of offense gives value. Even in a loss, Hawery had
something to show for his offensive efforts. He was able to capitalize on the man
advantage, finding a scoring lane from the slot to wrist one home, showcasing his
powerplay awareness. He has a dangerous wrist shot and will snipe it when given the
smallest amount of time and space. Where he lacked was his defensive game.
Throughout Windsor’s continued pressure, nothing stood out about his defensive
awareness, speaking to the – 3 he had tonight. As a centre, he needs to be more
aggressive in the defensive zone and on the backchecks. His size may limit him, but
tonight’s game was not a fair judgement of that as the Knights struggled as a whole. If
he can improve his consistency in his 2-way game and continue offensive pressure, he
can push himself toward the higher levels and become a key depth player in the NHL.
Skater Category Summarization:
Skating: 6
Puck Skill: 6
Scoring Ability: 7
Hockey IQ: 7
Character: 7
Physicality: 4
Defensive Play: 5

September 20, 2025
Windsor Spitfires v. London Knights
WFCU Centre

Caleb Mitchell #77, D
London Knights (OHL)
5’11”, 180 lbs, DOB 2008-03-17
Mitchell is one of the go-to defencemen for the Knights, being used regularly and
earning top minutes on the blue line. He displayed responsible gap control and
situational awareness throughout the game, being a constant support in the transition
game. He had a momentary lapse in decision-making under pressure when he was
called on a delay of game penalty, one that is easy to avoid. He was positionally smart
on the regroups and he looked comfortable with the puck, made outlet passes and
skated pucks out under pressure rather than a routine dump. Offensively, Mitchell was
visible jumping into the play to keep pucks alive in the zone and used his mobility and
edgework, which allowed him to join those offensive rushes. There were a couple
instances where Mitchell got caught on a risky pinch and the Spitfires were able to
quickly counter the pressure, this exposure wasn’t costly to him today but being mindful
of when to pinch and being aware of the support (or lack thereof) is crucial for a young
defenceman to learn. Although he does not have an overly large frame, he competes
physically, engaging in board battles and being dominate in his positioning in front of the
Knights’ goaltender. However, he did get out-muscled at times, showing a gap in
strength development. Overall, it was a promising but imperfect performance – a lot to
like from an offensive transition standpoint and with clear, fixable developmental points.
If he cleans up his situational reads and adds strength without losing his mobility,
performances like this fit the profile of a middle-pairing, puck-moving defence who can
play power-play minutes and drive transition.

Skater Category Summarization:
Skating: 6
Puck Skill: 6
Scoring Ability: 4
Hockey IQ: 6
Character: 7
Physicality: 6
Defensive Play: 7