The final week before the holiday break didn’t disappoint in the Ontario Hockey League.

Take a look at our analysis of the major stories from week 12 as many teams face missing players as they prepare for World Junior duty.

Guelph Storm

Securing a 3-0 record in Week 12, the Guelph Storm continued their consistent performance.

Victories over Owen Sound, Peterborough, and Sault Ste. Marie reflected their strong form throughout the season.

Draft-eligible centreman Jett Luchanko stood out in Friday’s 7-5 win over Peterborough, amassing four assists.

Additionally, contributions from drafted prospects Jake Karabela and Michael Buchinger highlighted Guelph’s depth, emphasizing the team’s success in net minding and scoring beyond the top lines.

London Knights

Despite missing key players, the Knights secured wins over Windsor, Owen Sound, and Sudbury.

Overage forward Max McCue extended his scoring streak to seven games, while Ruslan Gazizov contributed to a dramatic overtime goal in Sunday’s victory over Sudbury.

The Knights will look for influential performances from draft-eligible players Sam O’Reilly and Sam Dickinson in the coming weeks.

Erie Otters

Breaking away from the middle of the pack, the Erie Otters emerged as a competitive force in week 12.

Overcoming a challenging start to the season, they showcased resilience and benefitted from strong goaltending.

A notable victory against the North Bay Battalion on Friday demonstrated their competitive edge.

However, with key players Carey Terrance and Martin Misiak preparing for World Junior duty, Pano Fimis and Malcolm Spence will need to raise their game, highlighting the team’s adaptability and depth.

Kingston Frontenacs

The Kingston Frontenacs secured a notable victory against Brantford. The week’s pivotal moment occurred in Sunday’s home game, where the Fronts, holding a 5-3 lead after two periods, faced a determined comeback from Brantford, resulting in a 5-5 tie.

In a crucial turn of events, draft-eligible centre man Gabriel Frasca showcased his knack for clutch performances by scoring his second overtime winner in eight games this season.

This victory not only highlighted the team’s ability to respond to challenges but also solidified Kingston’s position heading into the holiday break.

Additionally, Kingston welcomed new defenseman Roman Schmidt, who made an immediate impact with three assists in his inaugural weekend with the team.

Sarnia Sting

Facing the second-ranked Saginaw Spirit at home on Friday, the Sting engaged in a closely contested battle that extended into overtime, demonstrating their ability to compete against top-tier teams.

Although they narrowly lost in the last seconds, the Sting rebounded with determination. On Saturday night, Sarnia secured a decisive victory against the Flint Firebirds.

The standout performance included notable contributions from Zach Filak, who notched a goal and two assists, contributing significantly to the team’s success

Additionally, defenseman Jacob Leblanc emerged as a consistent offensive presence from the back end, leading the team with an impressive 33 points in 32 games.

Leblanc’s contributions further underscored the Sting’s depth and effectiveness on both ends of the ice.

OHL Power Rankings – Week 12

Guelph Storm move to 4th overall with a 3-0 week.

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