Brantford to host inaugural Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game featuring 2025 NHL Draft talent

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has announced that the league’s top NHL Draft eligible prospects will play in the OHL Top Prospects Game on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at the Civic Centre in Brantford, Ontario.

Players selected as MVPs for their respective teams in the annual showcase will be recognized with the Connor McDavid 97 Award as a result of their performance.

“The OHL produced 39 players selected in the 2024 NHL Draft, the most by any league in the world,” said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. “We’ve produced more than 2,500 NHL Draft selections over the past 55 years, and this event, named after one of the league’s distinguished alumni and one of the best players to ever play the game, will only serve to build on that great tradition of development.”

Rosters are expected to be highlighted by Saginaw Spirits’ Michael Misa, Brantford Bulldogs’ Jake O’Brien, Brampton Steelheads’ Porter Martone, and Erie Otters’ Matthew Schaefer and Malcolm Spence, Barrie Colts’ Kashawn Aitcheson, and Soo Greyhounds’ Brady Martin.

Misa currently leads the OHL with 17 goals and 26 points in 13 games, but Martone, who trails by one point, is not far behind. Spence has racked up 14 points in 12 games, O’Brien has five goals and 10 points in 11 games, while Schaefer has three points in three games.

The prospect’s game highlights the legacy and impact Connor McDavid has had on hockey. The former first-overall pick will have his No. 97 retired by the Otters on Jan. 10, 2025. McDavid won the Most Outstanding Player, Rookie of the Year, Playoff MVP and two-time Academic Player of the Year in the OHL.

“We are honoured to host the Top Prospects Game and welcome the next generation of hockey stars to the City of Brantford,” said Mayor Kevin Davis. “This event is a fantastic chance to highlight our community’s passion for hockey and the Brantford Bulldogs, bringing fans together for an unforgettable showcase of talent.”