The PDA Newsletter | 2010 Class Early Look
Top Teams and Players to Keep an Eye On.
Which teams are built to dominate, and which players are already on the radar?
The 2010-born class is stepping into their U16 season, the draft year, where every game draws more eyes and every shift carries a little more weight.
The puck hasn’t dropped yet, but the foundation has already been laid.
Over the past few seasons, standings, tournament runs, and standout performances have given us a first glimpse at which teams are built to contend this season and which players are ready to seize the spotlight when it matters most.
Before diving into individual names, let’s start with the teams, broken down by league, that look poised to shape the season ahead.
Let’s dive in…
GTHL
Toronto Jr. Canadiens
U15 2024-25: 58-11-5 1st in Ontario
U14 2023-24: 48-16-4 3rd in Ontario
The Toronto Jr. Canadiens enter their U16 season as reigning OHF and GTHL champions, carrying over much of the core that powered last year’s 58-11-5 run.
They’ve bolstered the roster with standout goaltender Marko Mesich, fresh off a strong year playing up with Oakville’s 2009s, and added skilled forward Jace Voortman from the Mississauga Reps. The tandem of Mesich and Zidane Jasey will be one of the best duos in the crease this season.
Losing OHF championship scoring leader Kane Cloutier is a big hit, but JRC’s depth and talent should keep them among Ontario’s top contenders.
Early eyes are on Kash Kwajah, Brayden Grima, Alessandro Cadorin, Marko Mesich, and Shayne Deutsch.
Markham Majors
U15 2024-25: 56-18-5 3rd in Ontario
U14 2023-24: 63-10-1 1st in Ontario
The Markham Majors return as one of Ontario’s top contenders after finishing third in U15 AAA rankings with a 56-18-5 record, falling just short to JRC in the OHF finals.
This group has been dominant for years, highlighted by their 63-win U14 season that ended with a U14 OHL Cup title, and they’ll be aiming to repeat history at the U16 level.
With much of that elite core intact and the addition of Sudbury captain Dacey Dupuis, Markham has both talent and motivation to stay near the top.
Early eyes are on Ronan Quinn, Jack Samek, Ryder Nobes, Dacey Dupuis, and Kosta Housseas.
Mississauga Senators
U15 2024-25: 55-13-4 2nd in Ontario
U14 2023-24: 50-17-6 2nd in Ontario
The Mississauga Senators enter U16 as one of Ontario’s most decorated teams, coming off a 55-13-4 U15 season and back-to-back top-two finishes in the province.
Their résumé already includes a U14 Silver Stick title, a Detroit Border Battle win, and last year’s GTHL regular season crown.
With key additions like Jeremy Filips from The Hill Academy and Liam Fortune from Cambridge joining an already explosive core, the Sens are built to contend at the highest level.
Early eyes are on Arjun Nanubhai, Matthew Zilinski, Jakub Kuklinski, Liam Fortune, and Jeremy Filips.
Vaughan Kings
U15 2024-25: 54-14-2 4th in Ontario
U14 2023-24: 41-24-11 5th in Ontario
The Vaughan Kings step into their U16 season with one goal in mind: to finally break into Ontario’s #1 spot.
After posting a 54-14-2 record during the U15 season last year, this group has been knocking on the door for years, and their latest moves signal they’re ready to kick it down.
With a skilled core already in place, the Kings added firepower in Kane Cloutier, Sebastian Cabral, and Landon Roulston, giving them the depth and star power to chase all the major hardware this season.
Early eyes are on Adrian Sgro, Sebastian Cabral, Sebastien Fortin, Kane Cloutier, and Landon Roulston as Vaughan makes its push for the crown.
OMHA
Barrie Colts
U15 2024-25: 54-19-3 10th in Ontario
U14 2023-24: 48-20-8 13th in Ontario
The Barrie Colts enter U16 fresh off an OMHA championship and a VK Classic title, continuing a run of success that includes multiple OMHA crowns at younger levels.
Their 54-19-3 U15 season showcased a deep, well-balanced roster built on chemistry and strong defensive play.
While losing captain Miles Reilly to the Toronto Marlboros is a tough blow, key additions like puck-moving defenseman Massimo Vavala from Vaughan should help fill the void. Barrie boasts one of the best bluelines in Ontario.
Backstopped by the steady goaltending duo of Matteo Rinaldi and Logan Senay, Barrie looks primed to stay competitive.
Key players to watch include Dylan Biga-Wadstein, Lucas Matheson, Gavin O’Connell, John Kanyo, and Massimo Vavala.
Credit River Capitals
U15 2024-25: 48-15-2 12th in Ontario
U14 2023-25: 46-16-6 10th in Ontario
The Credit River Capitals head into U16 with one of the deepest rosters in Ontario after three straight OMHA West titles and a 2024 Ontario Winter Games championship.
Coming off a 48-15-2 U15 season, their core remains strong while key additions like Ben Hawtin (Oakville Rangers), Owen Galvin (Hamilton Steel), and Ben Legros (Burlington Eagles) make them even deeper.
With talent spread evenly across the lineup, the Caps look poised to be a serious contender for the Red Hats once again.
Early eyes are on Cameron Gout, Noah Janeiro, Evan Bannister, Owen Galvin, and Ben Legros.
Quinte Red Devils
U15 2024-25: 39-24-1 15th in Ontario
U14 2023-24: 45-19-9 8th in Ontario
The Quinte Red Devils look to climb back into Ontario’s top 10 after a strong 39-24-1 U15 season.
Their core largely stays intact heading into their U16 season, but the roster has been bolstered with six new faces, including three from Peterborough, two from Kingston, and 2011-born defenseman Austin Pettey.
The headline addition is Kingston’s Austin Ottenhof, who forms a dangerous trio with Lauchlan Whelan and Andrew Laurin, which gives Quinte the firepower to compete with anyone in the OMHA.
With depth across the lineup and renewed momentum, the Red Devils should not be overlooked.
Early eyes are on Lauchlan Whelan, Andrew Laurin, Austin Ottenhof, Andrew Dewar, and Trent Clow.
Niagara North Stars
U15 2024-25: 34-25-7 25th in Ontario
U14 2023-24: 33-26-8 27th in Ontario
The Niagara North Stars aim to take a step forward after back-to-back middle-of-the-pack finishes in Ontario rankings, posting a 34-25-7 record at the U15 level last season.
Though not among Ontario’s top-ranked squads in recent years, this group has retooled significantly with seven additions from regional rival Southern Tier Admirals, including forward Elijah Handrahan and defenseman Kohen Chrastina.
With strong goaltending from Michael Matakovic and newcomer Sam Teutenberg, plus a deeper lineup than seasons past, Niagara is positioned to set new benchmarks this year.
Early eyes are on Spencer Tomczuk, Elijah Handrahan, Caden Petrovsky, Jacob Greene, and Kohen Chrastina.
ALLIANCE
London Jr. Knights
U15 2024-25: 55-15-4 11th in Ontario
U14 2023-24: 39-27-5 15th in Ontario
The London Jr. Knights enter U16 looking every bit like a powerhouse after a 55-15-4 season that saw them capture the ALLIANCE title and claim bronze at the OHFs.
This group combines size, skill, and experience, and with key additions like Jake Readings from Elgin-Middlesex and Silas Strachan from Waterloo, their lineup is even stronger.
With a proven core and fresh talent to complement it, London has all the ingredients to dominate the ALLIANCE once again and make noise on the provincial stage.
Early eyes are on Quinn Roberts, Drew Bate, Finley Butler, Ryan Beaulieu, and Jace Luchanko.
Brantford 99ers
U15 2024-25: 38-18-8 24th in Ontario
U14 2024-24: 45-18-6 7th in Ontario
The Brantford 99ers look poised for a big step forward after a 38-18-8 U15 season, aiming to climb back into Ontario’s top 10, where they sat just a year earlier.
Already a strong ALLIANCE team, Roman Vanacker joins his age group and will provide a huge offensive boost as he led Brantford’s 2009 U16 squad in scoring as an underager. They bolstered their lineup further with key forward Calum Morgan from Hamilton.
With those additions complementing a solid core, the 99ers have the pieces to be one of the toughest outs in the region.
Early eyes are on Roman Vanacker, Carson Vukelich, and Calum Morgan.
Huron-Perth Lakers
U15 2024-25: 32-20-8 23rd in Ontario
U14 2023-24: 32-20-15 19th in Ontario
Huron Perth heads into U16 as a dangerous dark horse, one of those clubs you can never count out. After a solid 32-20-8 season, they may not be pencilled in as ALLIANCE favourites over London, but their mix of grit, depth, and rising talent makes them a team no one wants to face.
The headliner is 2011-born sensation Callum Brooks, who proved he belonged last season by skating in the OHL Cup with the Lakers’ 2009-born squad at just 13 years old as a double-underager.
Add in seven key newcomers, including steady defender Colton Van Geffen, skilled forward Evan Miller, and goalie upgrade Rylan Da Costa, and this roster looks much deeper. Expect Huron Perth to be a thorn in the side of contenders all season long.
Early eyes are on Ethan Bridges, Callum Brooks, Colton Van Geffen, and Rylan Da Costa.
HEO
Ottawa Valley Titans
U15 2024-25: 31-26-6 16th in Ontario
U14 2023-24: 15-27-8 in 30th in Ontario
The Ottawa Valley Titans make the jump to U16, riding the momentum of a breakout U15 season that saw them ranked 16th in Ontario and crowned HEO regular-season champions.
While they fell short of the league title to HEO rival Ottawa 67’s, the Titans return every single player from last year’s roster. This rare luxury gives them continuity and chemistry that few teams can match.
With a strong foundation already in place, this group is set to build on its rise.
Early eyes are on Lukas Legault, Cole Krottner, Jake Lowrey, Jacob Tysick, and Marcus Smolcic.
Ottawa Jr. 67’s
U15 2024-25: 30-28-14 17th in Ontario
U14 2023-24: 27-17-6 22nd in Ontario
The Ottawa 67’s enter U16 looking to defend their back-to-back HEO titles, bringing back the bulk of a strong, battle-tested core.
Despite the tough loss of key forward Xavier Carroll to The Hill Academy, this tight-knit group has the depth and resilience to stay at the top of their league.
With their winning pedigree and balanced lineup, the 67’s will once again be a serious contender for the HEO crown.
Early eyes are on Alexandre Makaridze, Samuel Liang, Ashton McAlear, Innis Robinson, and Athan Stone.
Get Used to Hearing These Names…
Disclaimer: The following list is an incredibly early look at players from the 2010 class who stood out last season. This is not a ranking — simply a snapshot of names already on the radar, with plenty of room for new players to emerge as the U16 year unfolds.
Lauchlan Whelan, Forward | Quinte Red Devils
Adrian Sgro, Defence | Vaughan Kings
Cole Coristine, Forward | Vaughan Kings
Roman Vanacker, Forward | Brantford 99ers
Arjun Nanubhai, Forward | Mississauga Senators
Hannu Packalen, Forward | Peterborough Petes
Matthew Zilinski, Forward | Mississauga Senators
Austin Ottenhof, Forward | Quinte Red Devils
Kane Cloutier, Forward | Vaughan Kings
Liam Fortune, Defence | Mississauga Senators
Declan McNally, Defence | Don Mills Flyers
Max Mavrou, Defence | Toronto Marlboros
Shayne Deutsch, Defence | Toronto Jr. Canadiens
Cameron Gout, Forward | Credit River Capitals
Brayden Jaravata, Defence | The Hill Academy
Jakub Kuklinski, Forward | Mississauga Senators
Finley Butler, Forward | London Jr. Knights
Jack Samek, Forward | Markham Majors
Owen Loftus, Goalie | Don Mills Flyers
Quinn Roberts, Forward | London Jr. Knights
Kash Kwajah, Forward | Toronto Jr. Canadiens
Kosta Housseas, Defence | Markham Majors
Marko Mesich, Goalie | Toronto Jr. Canadiens
Evan Bannister, Forward | Credit River Capitals
Sebastian Cabral, Forward | Mississauga Senators
Landon Roulston, Forward | Vaughan Kings
Jaden Licastro, Defence | Toronto Marlboros
Cole Guizetti, Forward | Upper Canada College
Demetri Stokes, Goalie | Vaughan Kings
Brayden Grima, Forward | Toronto Jr. Canadiens
Dacey Dupuis, Forward | Markham Majors
Michael Warner, Forward | Toronto Marlboros
Max Fransen, Defence | Upper Canada College
Ayden Huisman, Defence | Don Mills Flyers
Spencer Tomzcuk, Forward | Niagara North Stars
Braden Reilly, Forward | Toronto Marlboros
Lucas Matheson, Defence | Barrie Colts
Ronan Quinn, Forward | Markham Majors
Concluding Thoughts
The biggest storyline heading into the 2010-class draft year is depth.
Across the province, particularly in the GTHL and OMHA, there isn’t just one powerhouse team but several groups capable of making deep runs, creating a level of parity that could make this one of the most competitive U16 seasons in recent memory.
Add in regions showing surprising depth and a handful of players already generating early OHL buzz, and the stage is set for a season packed with intrigue.
The puck hasn’t dropped yet, but the foundation has been laid, and as play begins, expect these teams and players to set the tone, while plenty of new names rise and redefine the conversation as the year unfolds. Lots of hockey to be played, we’re just getting started.
Talon Mills
Up next in the PDA Newsletter
Coming Monday in the PDA Newsletter: Stick Details. We’ll break down the quiet stick habits that don’t show up on a scoresheet but win possession, build trust with coaches, and create time on the ice. From blade angles to recovery techniques, this piece shows how the best players use their stick as more than a tool; they use it as a weapon.
