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🏒 OHHL Mid-Season Report (2025–2026)
The first half of the OHHL season has delivered elite performances at the top, emerging stars throughout the standings, and decisive separation between contenders and strugglers. With every team now ten games deep, the stretch drive is coming into focus.
I have gone ahead and broken the teams down into 3 tiers and they go as follows:
🏆 Top Tier: Predators & Canucks (Co–League Leaders)
🔝 Predators (8-1-1) — A Juggernaut With No Signs of Slowing Down
GF 59 | GA 21 | Streak: Won 4 | Last 5: 4-1-0
The Preds are the most complete team in the league: dominant wins, elite goal scoring, and the stingiest defensive numbers. Their only loss came to St. Pats, and they tied the Canucks in their first meeting. Since then, they’ve beaten every opponent—including multiple blowouts over the Leafs, Rangers, and Red Wings. They are the team nobody wants to play.
The Predators have been the league’s most complete, well-rounded, and consistently dangerous team. Their +38 goal differential is the best in the OHHL and their defense—backed by elite goaltending—has been suffocating.
Andrew Stam has been lights-out between the pipes (league-best 2.00 GAA, 1 SO), giving the Preds a level of stability no other team can match. Offensively, they are loaded with multi-dimensional threats: Kevin Bros, Aaron Fair, Mark Pitton, Austin Lorett, Graeme Wedge, and others. They currently have eight players with 10+ points, the deepest scoring core in the league.
Kevin Bros (F/D) and Aaron Fair (F) - The Unexpected Engine Room
You wouldn’t mistake Kevin Bros or Aaron Fair for finesse players. If there were an official OHHL designation for “Certified Grinders,” these two would be at the top of the registry. And yet, despite the bruises, board battles, and blue-collar minutes, they’ve quietly become the heartbeat of their team. Well… quietly might not be the right word for Aaron Fair. Anyone who’s witnessed his post/pregame singing, dancing, and general on-stage energy knows subtlety is not part of his repertoire.
2nd-half outlook:
The Predators are the championship favorites. Their only risk is complacency. If they stay healthy and continue getting top-tier goaltending, the road to the title runs through them.
🔥 Canucks (8-1-1) — A High-Powered Offense Keeping Pace With the Predators
GF 58 | GA 36 | Streak: Won 2 | Last 5: 4-1-0
Matching the Preds stride for stride, the Canucks are explosive offensively (12 goals vs Leafs, 7 vs RW, 6 vs STP). Their lone loss came to the Predators. Otherwise, they’ve been nearly flawless, sweeping the Rangers and looking unstoppable in most games. They’re slightly more high-variance than the Preds, but still elite.
The Canucks match the Predators at the top of the standings, but they get there through pure offensive firepower. Their forward group is the most explosive in the league, led by Steve Hibrant—who is having an MVP-calibre first half with 15G, 11A, 26PTS, pacing the OHHL.
They also boast three more top-10 scorers: Alex Gulliver, Erich Hunsinger, and Bobby Chapman. Add in depth scoring from Whittam, Pekkola, and others, and the Canucks can blow open a game in a matter of shifts.
Jordan DaCosta (G)
When he shows up, he’s great. The problem? Jordan DaCosta’s biggest opponent this season has been the schedule. The Canucks need their goalie to actually be there—physically, mentally, spiritually, pick one. When he’s present, he looks like a backbone. When he’s not… the team feels spineless.
Goaltending from Jordan DaCosta (2.86 GAA) has been solid and improving.
2nd-half outlook:
The Canucks can beat anyone—Preds included—if games turn into track meets. Defense remains their biggest question: if they tighten up in their own zone, they could finish #1 overall.
🥇 Middle Tier: St. Pats (6-4)
💪 St. Pats (6-4-0) — Tough, Competitive, and Trending Up
GF 46 | GA 45 | Streak: Won 1 | Last 5: 4-1-0
The St. Pats are the only team to defeat the Predators—and they’ve beaten every team except the Canucks. They’re scrappy, opportunistic, and have a knack for wild high-scoring wins (8–7 vs Leafs, 6–3 vs Leafs).
They look like a clear third-place team with a puncher’s chance to upset a giant.
The St. Pats may not have the dominant numbers of the top two teams, but they are gritty, opportunistic, and capable of beating elite opponents—including handing the Predators their only regulation loss.
Louie Grafos (11G), Peter Grafos (15PTS), Steve Fox, John Martin, and Robin Doolittle make up a well-balanced offense that can create matchup problems for any team.
The biggest obstacle has been goals against: 45 allowed, nearly double the top two teams. Jeff Smith has shouldered every minute of the season so far (450 MIN), and though the workload is heavy, he keeps them in games.
Louie Grafos (F)
Last year’s scoring champ has stumbled out of the gate. Just 16 points in 10 games is hardly disastrous, but by Grafos standards it’s practically a slump. Defenses are keying in harder, the puck luck isn’t flowing, and the expectations are sky-high. Nobody doubts the bounce-back—it’s just a matter of when.
2nd-half outlook:
A playoff threat—especially if they stabilize defensively. Likely to finish 3rd, but capable of stealing games from the Preds or Canucks down the stretch.
📉 Lower Tier: Red Wings, Rangers, Leafs
📉 Red Wings (3-7-0) — A Strong Start That Hit a Wall
GF 46 | GA 62 | Streak: Lost 6 | Last 5: 0-5-0
The Wings started strong (3–1) but collapsed mid-season with a six-game losing streak. They have scoring ability, but their defensive collapses (allowing 10 to Predators, 11 to Preds earlier, 8 to STP) have buried them.
After opening the season at 3-1, the Red Wings have collapsed with six straight losses. Yet the offense remains productive. Dan Alonzi (20PTS), Brett Stevens (19PTS), Jeff Hohendorf, and Dennis Stevens all sit within the league’s higher scoring tiers.
Their downfall has been defense and goaltending. Allowing 62 goals—second-worst in the league—has buried them in most games. Dave Harris (6.25 GAA) has faced constant pressure and breakdowns.
Dave Harris (G)
There’s “veteran presence,” and then there’s whatever Dave Harris is doing this year. Clearly fighting Father Time—and losing—the long-time Red Wings goaltender hasn’t had much help from the chaos in front of him. But the bigger issue? The legendary Harris implosion. When a weak one goes in, you can feel the earth shift. The Wings trio of families might have a lot of big personalities… but Harris’s head is the biggest in the room.
The Red Wings Family Triumvirate: A Sitcom Waiting to Happen
The Alonzis, Stevens, and Hohendorfs—the proud family trio that forms the core of the Red Wings—are not clicking this season. With so many heads of the table trying to serve the meal, nothing’s getting cooked. Chemistry issues everywhere. And if that wasn’t enough, they’ve got the largest head of all—Dave Harris—guarding the net, which makes for a drama-filled season in Detroit.
2nd-half outlook:
The Red Wings can score with mid-tier teams, but unless the defensive structure improves, they are likely battling for 4th or 5th place rather than making a climb toward the top three.
🔻 Rangers (2-8-0) — Effort Is There, Results Are Not
GF 31 | GA 48 | Streak: Lost 1 | Last 5: 1-4-0
The Rangers struggle to keep pace with faster teams. Both wins came in high-energy games (8–4 vs Leafs, 8–4 vs Red Wings), but overall results show defensive issues and inconsistency.
The Rangers sit tied for last but have shown signs of life. They keep many games close and possess legitimate offensive talent: John Mastrella, Matt Michael, Dan Roberts, and Dave Skjarum have all produced.
Still, scoring only 31 goals (fewest in the league) has limited their ability to string wins together. Goaltending has been inconsistent—Chris Kimble (4.60 GAA) has shown flashes but not sustained momentum.
Chris Kimble (G)
Finally returning from his mysterious offseason getaway, Chris Kimble looks downright rejuvenated. Maybe it was rest. Maybe it was sunshine. Maybe it was fleeing the chaos of the league for a few weeks. Regardless, he’s back—and he’s sharp. The crease suddenly feels stable again.
2nd-half outlook:
A climb out of the bottom two is possible, but they need goals—and a few bounces—to turn competitive losses into points.
❗ Leafs (2-8-0) — High-Octane Offense, Struggling Defense
GF 45 | GA 72 | Streak: Lost 2 | Last 5: 2-3-0
The Leafs have shown flashes (beating Rangers and Red Wings, scoring 10 vs Canucks in a loss), but they concede too many goals to stay competitive. They average the most goals allowed in the league.
The Leafs might be the most puzzling team in the OHHL. With 45 goals, they have the firepower to stay in games, and they have multiple top scorers: Adam DiStefano (18PTS), Justin Honkawa (18PTS), Gianluca Conicella (17PTS), and supporting depth like Borsch, Panzini, and Wedge.
But the defensive collapse has been massive: an OHHL-worst 72 goals against, with Ken Kirby posting a 7.20 GAA while facing relentless pressure.
Justin Honkawa (F/D)
It’s not often that a forward converts to defence and increases his scoring pace, but Justin Honkawa is a one-man exception. Despite the occasional… let’s say “selective enthusiasm” when the going gets tough, Honkawa keeps piling up points. With 15 points in his last 3 games, he’s on an outright heater. If only his attitude could streak the way his stat line does.
Julian Della Vedova (D)
A scrappy defenceman who plays with bite, Julian Della Vedova has been stranded on an island. His former captain left him behind like a lost suitcase in Terminal 3, and now he’s wallowing on a Leafs team that’s rebuilding, retooling, or just… bad. He deserves better, but duty calls—and somebody has to mop up the mess.
Gaetan Boutin (D)
Another quietly solid blueliner sharing the same cruel fate as Della Vedova. Gaetan Boutin has been grinding through tough minutes on a team that offers less support than your average dollar-store office chair. Reliable, steady, and underappreciated—basically the Leafs’ emotional support defenceman. It is nice to see him consistently on the scoresheet this season.
Walker Jordan (W/G)
Walker Jordan might be listed as a winger, but he’s making a pretty strong case for dual-position eligibility. Thrown between the pipes out of necessity, he’s delivered a 2.5 GAA in his first 2 games—better than half the actual goalies in the league. Leafs fans are wondering if he’s found his true calling… or if their goaltending situation is just that bleak.
Adam DiStefano (F)
A rollercoaster in a jersey. DiStefano has exploded for 13 points in just 2 games, then become almost mortal with 5 points spread across his other 5 games. When he’s on, he’s unstoppable. When he’s not… well, at least he’s unpredictable, which is entertainment in itself.
Ken Kirby (G)
Last year, Ken Kirby posted a career-best 4.41 GAA, looking like he’d turned a corner. This year? The corner turned back. A 7.20 GAA marks the worst season of his career—pucks going in, confidence going out. If there’s a slump-buster in the OHHL rulebook, Kirby needs it immediately.
2nd-half outlook:
If they can tighten up inside their blue line even slightly, their offense gives them a chance to steal games. They’re dangerous—but only if they solve the defensive meltdown.
🏁 PROJECTED FINAL STANDINGS
|
Team |
GP |
W |
L |
T |
Pts |
|
20 |
16 |
2 |
2 |
34 |
|
|
20 |
15 |
3 |
2 |
32 |
|
|
20 |
10 |
9 |
1 |
21 |
|
|
20 |
6 |
14 |
0 |
12 |
|
|
20 |
5 |
13 |
2 |
12 |
|
|
20 |
4 |
15 |
1 |
9 |
📌 Summary
- Predators finish as the top team due to stronger defense and consistent domination.
- Canucks stay close but drop both rematches to Preds.
- St. Pats clearly secure 3rd with a solid winning record.
- Red Wings, Rangers, and Leafs remain competitive but cannot match the top teams.
🎯 Offensive Leaders Breakdown (Mid-Season)
🏆 MVP Race Leader: Steve Hibrant, Canucks (26 PTS)
Dominant scorer, elite finisher, and driving engine of the league’s top offense.
Top Playmaker: Alex Gulliver (18A)
The purest distributor in the league; makes the entire Canucks offense hum.
Most Complete Elite Scorer: Dan Alonzi (20 PTS)
Quietly top-three in the league on a struggling Red Wings squad.
Top Snipers
- Brett Stevens (13G) — pure finisher; one of the best scorers in the OHHL.
- Louie Grafos (11G) — keeps St. Pats’ offense dangerous.
- Riku Pekkola & Ryan Whittam (9G each) — elite depth scorers for the Canucks.
- Kevin Bros (9G) / Austin Lorett (9G) / Jeff Hohendorf (9G) — consistent scoring across teams.
Multi-Dimensional Power Players
Players combining goal scoring and playmaking at a high level:
- Adam DiStefano (18PTS in 7 GP)
- Justin Honkawa (18PTS)
- Bobby Chapman (18PTS)
- Erich Hunsinger (19PTS)
All four are playing at a point-per-game or better and driving their respective teams’ offenses.
Breakout Stars
- Mark Pitton (15PTS) – emerging as a critical Predators secondary scorer
- John Mastrella (16PTS) – bright spot for the Rangers
- Peter Grafos (15PTS) – high-impact St. Pats playmaker
🥅 Goaltender Leader Breakdown
🏆 Best Goaltender (Mid-Season): Andrew Stam (Predators)
- 2.00 GAA, 1 SO, 450 minutes
The clear #1. Calm, reliable, elite rebound control. The backbone of the league’s top team.
Solid #2: Jordan DaCosta (Canucks)
- 2.86 GAA, 5-1-1
Helps turn Canucks games into track meets the team usually wins. Keeps them competitive every night.
Workhorse: Jeff Smith (St. Pats)
- 450 minutes, all 10 starts, 6 wins
Faces a huge shot volume. Without him, St. Pats aren't third in the standings.
Struggling Under Pressure
- Chris Kimble (Rangers) — 4.60 GAA
- Dave Harris (Red Wings) — 6.25 GAA
- Ken Kirby (Leafs) — 7.20 GAA
All three are capable, but inconsistent team defense around them has inflated their numbers.
🏆 OHHL 2025–26 Mid-Season Award Predictions
MOST POINTS
Steve Hibrant (Canucks) – 26 pts (On Pace for 52 pts)
OHHL Point Scoring Record - Dan Alonzi (89)
MOST GOALS
Steve Hibrant (Canucks) – 15 goals (On Pace for 30 Goals)
OHHL Goal Scoring Record - Will Keith & Bobby Chapman (47)
MOST ASSISTS
Alex Gulliver (Canucks) – 18 assists
OHHL Assists Record - Dan Alonzi (52)
COLLABORATOR AWARD
Alex Gulliver (Canucks)
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 18
- Gap: +16
OHHL Collaborator Record - Joanna McVicars (+23)
MOST GOALTENDER WINS
Andrew Stam (Predators) – 8 wins (On Pace for 16 Wins)
OHHL Goaltender Wins Record - Dave Harris (16)
BEST GOALS AGAINST AVERAGE
Andrew Stam (Predators) – 2.00 GAA
OHHL Goals Against Average (GAA) Record - Greg Hawco (2.25)
MOST GOALTENDER LOSSES
Ken Kirby (Leafs) – 8 losses (On Pace for 16 Losses)
OHHL Goaltender Losses Record - Ken Kirby (14)
WORST GOALTENDER GAA
Ken Kirby (Leafs) – 7.20 GAA
OHHL Goals Against Average (GAA) Record High - Vic DaRosa (6.92)
⭐ MAJOR AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Steve Hibrant (Canucks)
- Leads league in points and goals
- Drives a top-2 offense
- Canucks are 8-1-1 with elite scoring depth, but he’s the engine
Runner-up: Kevin Bros (Predators) / Brett Stevens (Red Wings)
IRON MAN
Mark Pitton (Predators)
- Plays all 10 GP
- 15 pts from a depth position
- Positive in every game situation
- Key contributor to 8-1-1 league-leading Predators
Could also go to: Aaron Fair (Preds), John Mastrella (Rangers), Louie Grafos (St. Pats)
🤕 FUN AWARDS
BROKEN STICK AWARD
Adam DiStefano (Leafs)
- 18 pts on a 2-8-0 team
- Nearly single-handedly keeping the Leafs competitive
- One of the league’s most efficient scorers (18 pts in 7 GP)
Honorable mention: Justin Honkawa, Gianluca Conicella
HANDS OF STONE
Dunstan Chan (Canucks)
- 10 GP
- 0 G, 6 A
- Lowest points per game on an elite Canucks roster
- Plays lots of minutes but minimal scoring impact
Runner-up: Greg Czuppon (Rangers) – 1 goal in 7 GP
🌟 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Rookies listed:
Erich Hunsinger, Frank Piacentini, Riku Pekkola, Jason Priest, Dave Matus, Andrew Santaguida, Paul Bortolussi, Nick Camilleri, Tim Brown
Erich Hunsinger (Canucks)
- 19 pts (8 G, 11 A)
- Top-5 scorer
- On pace for a point-per-game rookie season
- Major impact on a championship contender
Runner-ups:
- Frank Piacentini (Preds) – 13 pts, full-time contributor
- Riku Pekkola (Canucks) – 11 pts, clutch goal scorer
- Jason Priest (Preds) – 10 pts in only 6 GP
- Dave Matus (Leafs) – 6 goals in 8 GP (high goal rate)
📌 Final Mid-Season Summary
- Predators & Canucks are on a collision course for 1st place.
- St. Pats are a dangerous dark horse and could upset anyone.
- Red Wings, Rangers, Leafs each have talent—but major defensive issues have them fighting for the final two seeds.
- Offensively, the league is led by a stacked Canucks forward core and a breakout campaign from Steve Hibrant.
- In net, Andrew Stam is the runaway leader for Goalie of the Year, keeping the Preds atop the league.
