The NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft include a number of names familiar to fans of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.
Over a dozen players who once played for GOJHL teams now find themselves on the radar of NHL scouts after impressive seasons in the OHL and beyond, a spotlight on the GOJHL’s role as a stepping stone for future stars.
Among the most notable is Aleksei Medvedev, a goaltender for the London Knights, who is ranked 6th among North American goalies. Medvedev, who was the Knights’ 2nd round draft pick in 2023, appeared in 28 games for the St. Thomas Stars in 2023-24. He has enjoyed a breakout season for the Knights, posting a .912 save percentage and 22 wins in 34 games for one of the CHL’s most dominant teams. His calm presence and athletic ability have made him a trusted starter in London and a high-priority name for NHL scouts heading into draft day.
Another former GOJHL standout making waves is Sarnia Sting forward Liam Beamish. In 46 games for the Fort Erie Meteors in 2023-24, Beamish was 3rd among GOJHL rookies in scoring with 56 points, helping the Meteors to a Golden Horseshoe championship. He transitioned seamlessly to the OHL, putting up 14 goals and 29 points in 40 games. His ability to score goals but also play responsibly defensively has made him one of the more productive two-way forwards in his class and earned him the 171st spot among North American skaters.
Three members from the Saginaw Spirit also made the list. Forwards Carson Harmer (107th) and Jacob Cloutier (108th) each scored 23 goals for a high-powered Spirit offence. Harmer led all GOJHL rookies with 65 points in 46 games with the Stratford Warriors and was a 3rd round pick by the Spirit in 2023. Cloutier, the Spirit’s 2nd round pick in 2023, scored 31 points in 29 games for the Chatham Maroons in 2023-24. Both have taken massive steps in their development this past season. Their GOJHL roots gave them the foundation to thrive in the high-tempo OHL.
Defenceman Hayden Barch (170th), played in 24 games as a rookie for the St. Marys Lincolns this season before being called up by the Spirit in January. A 13th round pick by Saginaw in 2023, he scored 5 points in 27 games and appeared in all 5 playoff games for the Spirit. His steady presence and ability to play in all situations have made him a valuable piece of the Spirit’s defensive core.
GOJHL alumni earning recognition on the Central Scouting List include:
Skaters:
● 106: Jordan Charron (Ayr Centennials → Soo Greyhounds)
● 107: Carson Harmer (Stratford → Saginaw Spirit)
● 108: Jacob Cloutier (Chatham Maroons → Saginaw Spirit)
● 153: Noah Jenken (Strathroy Rockets → Guelph Storm)
● 157: Noah Read (St. Catharines Falcons → London Knights)
● 160: Gabriel Chiarot (Welland Canadians → Brampton Steelheads)
● 168: Joshua Avery (Hamilton Kilty B’s → Brantford Bulldogs)
● 170: Hayden Barch (St. Marys Lincolns → Saginaw Spirit)
● 171: Liam Beamish (Fort Erie Meteors → Sarnia Sting)
● 193: Evan Van Gorp (Strathroy Rockets → London Knights)
● 198: Joshua Glavin (Sarnia Legionnaires → Saginaw Spirit)
● 215: Grant Spada (Ayr Centennials → Guelph Storm)
● 223: Zachary Houben (Komoka Kings → Ottawa 67’s)
Goalies:
● 6: Aleksei Medvedev (St. Thomas Stars → London Knights)
● 9: Matthew Koprowski (Komoka Kings → Owen Sound Attack)
● 17: Trenten Bennett (Stratford Warriors → Owen Sound Attack)
The GOJHL’s growing presence on NHL Central Scouting’s radar is a testament to the league’s ability to develop talent and prepare players for the next level. With more eyes on the league than ever, the path from the GOJHL to the big leagues continues to gain momentum.
