From the moment the puck dropped, Dima Zhilkin was all over Brampton, whether it was dancing around a defender in the offensive zone or running someone over with a massive hit in the neutral zone. Brampton was having a hard time getting set up at even strength, but then Saginaw took a penalty. On the ensuing power play, Keaton Ardagh slapped home a one-timer off a pass from Nathan Amidovski down low at the goal line, beating the goaltender far side to give Brampton the lead.
The second period was much of the same, with Saginaw controlling possession. Halfway through the period, Zhilkin and Braidy Wassilyn got a 2-on-1 rush and, as the duo has done so well to start the season, made no mistake. They threaded passes back and forth before Wassilyn finished the play to tie the game.
The Saginaw dynamic duo was not done there. Shortly after, on the power play, Wassilyn sent a pass through the slot to Zhilkin, who scored with a perfectly placed one-timer to give Saginaw the lead.
With the clock winding down in the third period, Brampton pulled its goaltender. With a minute remaining in the game, Geno Carcone corralled a rebound and tied it, sending the game to overtime.
Zhilkin continued creating scoring chance after scoring chance and eventually, with 30 seconds left in overtime, he scored. Once again, the goal came off a pass from Wassilyn, giving both players three points on the night. On the highlight-reel overtime winner, Zhilkin received the puck at the left faceoff dot, skated high into open ice, froze the defender with a head fake and scored from the high slot.
The Standouts
Saginaw’s Top Line
The first line of the Saginaw Spirit completely dominated the game. The chemistry between Dima Zhilkin and Braidy Wassilyn has been incredible to watch early in the season, and that continued against Brampton.
Zhilkin had a great game, affecting play in all three zones. Apart from scoring, he was very aggressive on the forecheck and relentless with his stick lifts, giving Brampton players all kinds of trouble. He also landed three or four massive hits in the neutral zone. His motor is one of the first things you notice when watching him. He is never standing still and is always attacking.
In this game in particular, his edges stood out. Multiple times, Zhilkin would be against the boards with a defender on him, and the next thing you knew, he would spin off, leave the defender behind and have open ice in front of him as he barreled toward the opposing net looking to score.
By the end of the game, Zhilkin had 12 points in six games, while Wassilyn had a staggering 13 points in six games. While the pair has received plenty of attention for their incredible start to the season, the third member of Saginaw’s top line, Dmitry Savin, deserves some recognition as well.
Dima Zhilkin | RW | Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
After posting 75 points (36 goals, 39 assists) in 59 games in his pre-draft season, slick winger Dima Zhilkin established himself as an early player to watch for the 2027 class. The Toronto, ON native hasn’t wasted any time getting to work, two weekends into the OHL season. Zhilkin has eight points (four goals, four assists) in four games to start the campaign.
The 2027-28 University of Michigan picked up three points (one goal, two assists) in a pair of games to continue his dominant start on the score sheet. In game one, Zhilkin parked himself near the front of the Niagara Ice Dogs and stripped the puck away from a defender. He proceeded to flip the puck over the outstretched goalkeeper for his fourth goal of the season.
After showing off his slick stick work in the first game, it was his vision and play-making that stood out against the Windsor Spitfires. With the game tied at one early in the second period, Zhilkin fed the puck down low and picked up a secondary assist after the rebound was shovelled in.
The projected 10th overall pick on Draft Prospect Hockey’s 2027 Draft preview added another helper later in the game. Subsequently, after a pass in the face-off circle, Zhilkin waited for a lane and fed the puck to the front for a tap-in.
Saginaw Spirit forward and 2027 NHL Draft-eligible Dima Zhilkin had high expectations coming into the 2026-27 season after recording 36 goals and 75 points in 59 games during his D-1 season in the OHL. That stat line tied him for second in points by a D-1 player over the past decade with former Saginaw Spirit Michael Misa.
Zhilkin did nothing to temper those expectations during the opening weekend of the OHL season, recording three goals, two assists and five points in two games.
Friday, Sept. 18 at Soo Greyhounds
Zhilkin’s first goal of the night came on the power play off a pass from fellow highly touted 2027 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Levi Harper. After receiving the puck near the faceoff dot, Zhilkin walked in and fired a wrist shot far side, beating the goaltender.
His second came after new teammate Braidy Wassilyn, who came over from the London Knights, drove hard to the net and sent a pass Zhilkin’s way. Despite having a defender hanging off his back, Zhilkin was able to redirect the puck into the net to tie the game late in the third period.
Saturday, Sept. 19 vs. Flint Firebirds
Early in the first period, Zhilkin drew a penalty, giving Saginaw a two-man advantage. On the ensuing power play, Zhilkin unleashed a powerful one-timer from the high slot that gave the opposing goaltender all kinds of trouble, allowing Maple Leafs prospect Brody Pepoy to score on the rebound and tie the game 1-1.
Later in the first period, Zhilkin took advantage of an errant Flint pass that gave him a one-on-one opportunity from the top of the circle. He quickly settled the puck and ripped a shot five-hole before the defender could close the gap, giving Saginaw the lead.
Zhilkin’s second assist and third point of the night came on the power play. This time, instead of firing another one-timer after receiving a pass in the slot, he recognized that the Flint defenders were anticipating the shot and sent a perfect one-touch pass to Braidy Wassilyn for the goal.
While Zhilkin’s five-point opening weekend was impressive, it was not perfect. Saginaw lost both games, with Zhilkin on the ice for a number of goals against, including the overtime winner in the opening game against Soo. That is something to watch as the season progresses, particularly as he takes on a larger role with the Spirit.
Zhilkin also recorded 19 shot attempts through two games, which looks impressive on the surface, but the quality of those attempts was inconsistent. At even strength in particular, he often settled for shots from low-danger areas rather than working his way into more threatening positions. On the power play, however, Zhilkin was able to set up on the left wall or rotate up high with the defenceman to find open space, putting himself in position to unleash his dangerous one-timer and generate higher-quality scoring chances.
Overall, this was a great way for Zhilkin to start the season. He should put up some impressive offensive numbers this year and, if he continues producing at this level, hear his name called very early in the 2027 NHL Draft.
With under 2 minutes left in regulation, Saginaw tied it again on Captain Dima Zhilkin’s 2nd of the game. That would force play beyond 60. Following an early Spirit slashing call, the Greyhounds’ new addition and son of former Soo Captain Trevor Daley Jr would rifle a shot short-side over Sokolov’s blocker for the overtime winner.
Throughout the game, several players caught our eye.
Trevor Daley Jr – Daley got better each period; he struggled early with the speed of the game, including the quick decisions and play, but Junior adapted fast and improved every shift. Later in the night, he started to really showcase his abilities, showing speed, hands in tight spaces, to cap off his night with the overtime winner as his first career OHL goal.
Noah Laus – The second-year Hound was in the right spot at all times, always putting himself in a scoring position. He is a very cerebral and high hockey IQ player. That was not just evident with his natural Hat Trick in the first, but what he did to make them happen. Laus will be an underrated name to watch for this year’s draft.
Dima Zhilkin – The Spirit Captain was quiet for a majority of the first half, however, after the slow start, he was able to showcase his elite skating ability and edgework, using his speed in all ends of the ice, disrupting multiple plays in his own end, which led to breakouts. Along with his two goals, it made for a solid night for the 2027 draftee.
Levi Harper – Harper had an absolute roller coaster of a game, made multiple defensive errors, struggled to complete passes, and mishandled the puck, but was able to find ways to contribute offensively, a patient short pass to Wassilyn for the first goal, a quick pass to Zhilkin for a goal on the power play, and a long stretch pass to a wide-open Wassilyn, which created another Zhilkin goal to tie the game in the 3rd. Even with a 3-point night, this was not a game to remember on his part. If he can limit some of those lapses, the offense is there no doubt.
10 – Dima Zhilkin Relentless is a huge buzzword for Dima Zhilkin. He displays so much drive and effort into every single shift, probably the most frustrating player to play against in this draft. He is dangerous from anywhere on the ice as well, has incredible vision and sees plays before most, also has a strong shot, he is another player to watch for in the rankings this year, could easily shoot up to my top 5.
8 – Dima Zhilkin (5’11” | 190lbs | RW | Saginaw Spirit | Canada) Dima Zhilkin has built up some serious momentum heading into his draft year. At the U18s, he put up 7 points in 5 games and, more recently, tied for the Team Canada lead with 4 points over 2 games at the World Junior Summer Showcase. He boasts a relentless motor and the speed to match it. Paired with strong playmaking and an even better scoring touch, he is a threat whenever he’s on the ice. The primary concern for Zhilkin looking to play at the next level is his size; listed at only 5’10”, he may simply struggle to sustain his aggressive style against larger competition. However, with his dog-on-a-bone mentality, he rarely lets anything slow him down, and he’ll be one to watch as the season progresses.
Minutes later, following a dominant shift that included a breakaway attempt, Cole Reschny was rewarded when his shot deflected off teammate Dima Zhilkin and in to give Canada a 2-1 lead.
Then the USA rallied back, scoring 4 unanswered goals to close out the second period. Ethan Wyttenbach potted 2 back-to-back goals in tight, one of which was on the power play. Then Sean Barnhill scored from long distance on a seeing-eye shot before Brooks Rogowski showed off his speed going end to end and blasting one blocker side to beat Lukas Beckman.
The Americans didn’t slow down in the third. Wyatt Cullen picked up the period’s opening goal when a broken-up 2-on-1 pass bounced right back onto his stick. Blake Fiddler then capped off the scoring following an extended sequence of zone pressure in the Canadian end.
Team USA closed out the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase with an emphatic 7-2 victory over Canada.
Both teams will now shift their focus to Edmonton and Red Deer, where they’ll look to carry this momentum onto the podium in search of gold.
Carter Sanderson – Brooks Rogowski – Mason West (USA)
What’s the quote again? “All for one and one for all?” In all seriousness, what a standout performance from this entire unit. Setting the tone from the opening puck drop, they were physical, skilled, and relentless, helping Team USA find its offensive groove in the second period. The trio combined for five points while wearing down the Canadian defence all night.
Mikey Berchild – Wyatt Cullen – Ethan Wyttenbach (USA)
Again. This entire line has been exceptional all tournament long. While it remains to be seen if coaching keeps them together come December, this showcase proved the Americans have a legitimate top line capable of doing serious damage. Combining for another eight points tonight, they made a compelling case to stay intact for the main event.
Cole Reschny (Canada | Calgary Flames)
One of the few highlights for Canada, Reschny flashed his high-end skill during a dominant second-period shift, one of the best of the entire tournament. He split the defenders with speed to create a prime scoring opportunity before picking up an assist 30 seconds later, shooting it off Zhilkin and in. Reschny will need to be a major presence if Canada wants to succeed in Edmonton.
Canada, championing their motto to return to the “old Canadian style,” did exactly that. They rallied back with three goals in the final five minutes of the second period, including two in the last minute alone. Dima Zhilkin led the charge with two breakaway goals, before Keaton Verhoeff buried a one-timer off a pass from Cole Reschny with just 14 seconds left.
Caleb Desnoyers kicked off the third-period scoring by jamming a puck in on the power play during a scramble in the crease. Minutes later, Jackson Smith unleashed a screened shot from the point to extend Canada’s lead to 5-3. Finland mounted a late push, but with Lacelle locked in, the comeback effort came too late to stop Canada from sealing the victory.
Extra Time:
In accordance with the Showcase format, both teams agreed to play an additional overtime period and shootout regardless of the regulation score.
It was a slow overtime period with Finland dominating all of the possession. Vertti Svensk was the OT hero, scoring one just over the left pad of Lacelle.
The shootout ended 3-1 in favour of Canada across 5 shooters. Desnoyers, Reschny, and Tynan Lawrence all scored for Canada, with Somervuori being the only goal scorer for Finland.
Both teams will enjoy a day off tomorrow before the final day of Showcase action on Saturday, where Finland takes on Sweden, and Canada will take on Team USA.
F Cole Reschny (CAN | Calgary Flames)
This was a completely different Cole Reschny than the one on display at last year’s World Juniors. Sitting out the first game against Sweden, I was interested to see what Reschny would provide for this Canadian team, but he was excellent tonight. He generated numerous high-quality chances, assisting on both Zhilkin and Verhoeff’s goals as well. His physical presence stood out as well, using strong positioning to separate body from puck and delivering several heavy hits. He had the best game of anyone on Day 4 and will be a must-watch player in Canada’s game against Team USA.
F Caleb Desnoyers (CAN | Utah Mammoth)
Desnoyers was a standout in all three periods as a hard-nosed forechecker who forced turnovers all game long. On one sequence, his relentless pressure forced a giveaway that drew a hooking penalty, which he later capitalized on himself. As a returning player, he’ll be relied upon to log heavy minutes and anchor the penalty kill for Team Canada come December.
F Dima Zhilkin (CAN | 2027 Draft Eligible)
One of the most intriguing prospects for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft, Zhilkin showed exactly why he’ll hear his name called early next June. While his speed jumps off the highlight reel, scoring both of his goals on breakaways, his game offers much more. He brought noticeable physicality and a drive to get to the dirty areas of the ice, generating several quality chances in tight. If Zhilkin maintains this level of play, he’ll make a compelling case to be a top five pick.
#71 F, Dimian ZhilkinTeam: Saginaw Spirit, OHLHeight/Weight: 5’10”, 185 lbsShoots: RightDOB: October 21st, 2008 Overview: Dimian Zhilkin is a dynamic playmaking forward who brings a high level of creativity and offensive awareness. His ability to spin out of tight situations with quick, fluid movement makes him a unique offensive presence. His shot is adequate, featuring a reliable toe-drag release, though greater hip rotation would add power. Zhilkin’s offense is driven by his playmaking, as he consistently keeps defenders off balance by reading teammates faster than the opposition. His elite puck skills and soft hands allow him to execute at high speed. To become more unpredictable, he would benefit from balancing his shot and pass selection. Defensively, improvement is needed; while he has an accurate poke check and generally sound positioning, he must increase his backchecking effort, improve faceoff timing, and engage more physically, especially by getting involved in puck battles along the boards.
These four high draft picks from the 2020 OHL Priority Selection Draft will be players to really keep an eye on during the upcoming OHL season. Another two prospects to watch for are a couple of players who were both born in Moscow, Russia. Guelph Storm center, Danny Zhilkin, and Saginaw Spirit defenseman, Pavel Mintyukov. Zhilkin (6-2, 185), “is an offensive center that plays with an edge,” says Morrison. Zhilkin was drafted 14th overall in 2019 by the Guelph Storm in the OHL Priority Selection Draft. He was the youngest born 2003 rookie in the OHL in the 2019-20 season where he contributed with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 60 games for the Storm. Originally born in Russia, he and his family immigrated to Canada when he was six years old, making him eligible to play for Team Canada at the 2020-21 U18 IIHF World Junior Championships. He recorded two points (two assists) over seven games in the tournament and won a gold medal. Morrison went on to add, “He is certainly a prospect I have some love for because of his battle level and motor. When you can take a kid with the offensive flair and talent he has and add that annoying grit that a Tkachuk provides, it makes a dangerous package. He is not afraid to take over a game with his individual skill and can score from in tight or distance with a quick release. Look for Zhilkin to be a player that rises in the draft once the OHL season starts.”
Zhilkin is a skilled left shot center that has literally was all over the lineup in this tournament. He started as a depth forward and after just a few shifts in the first game was moved to center on the third line for a couple games. It worked well when they were missing Shane Wright. He is a strong skater and has an excellent first step. He gets going in a hurry and builds most of his speed off his edges and cross overs. He can skate side to side so quick that he becomes hard to hit. Will eat a big hit but still make the play and kept it moving. He brings a certain edge to his game and is chirpy after the whistle. He has such fast hands to make passes under pressure. He also has some creative thoughts with the puck and tries some high risk dekes. When it works it is pretty when it does not, he turns it over at the wrong time. He has a heavy wrist shot and can pick corners from distance, but he can also go stretches where he struggles offensively. Still shows a high motor and compete to each shift that helps his game overall. Defensively he is aware and has a high IQ but gets caught cheating for offense at times. He played a lot better here defensively than he does in Guelph. He can be a handful in the faceoff circle and bring a lot of power to his game. Projects as a skilled two-way center with size and skating ability. He could be just a few years away as he has the drive and skill level to compete it will be fine tuning the risk factor.
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CAN
