The Kingston Frontenacs have won their last four consecutive games, and now sit just four points out of first place in the Eastern Conference. More on how they have turned it around, and who has been standing out.
After a couple of disappointing seasons in Kingston, the Frontenacs have really turned the tides. Almost out of nowhere, they sit just four points out of first place in a very tight Eastern Conference.
With one more year of development under their belts, Kingston's big-time players are stepping up to the plate. They have four NHL-affiliated players on their roster, and all are producing.
At the top of the list is the Frontenacs' captain, Paul Ludwinski. The Chicago Blackhawks second round pick has been dominant offensively all-season-long. He even had a fourteen game point streak, where he picked up 20 points in that span.
Ludwinski has never been known for his offensive impact though. He is one of the best two-way centremen in the OHL. He is reliable on both ends of the ice, and a high-end playmaker. He's a great all-round support player and makes the players around him better.
This is the first season that Ludwinski has been over-a-point-per-game in his OHL career — currently with 39 points in 30 games.
Ludwinski was invited to Canada's World Junior Selection Camp earlier in December. Unfortunately he did not make the team, but the invite is an accomplishment in itself.
Buffalo Sabres 2023 fourth round pick Ethan Miedema is having a season of his own. The 6-foot-4 winger has gained a step in his stride this season, and has washed away all of the "skating concerns" in his game.
Miedema has 27 points through 35 games, including 15 goals. He has always shot the puck lots, but this season he is shooting it even more. His shot release has always been one of the biggest factors in his game.
Looking to the blue line, St. Louis Blues prospect Quinton Burns has steadily been racking up the points. He began the season injured, but hasn't skipped a beat since returning.
Burns is very reliable defensively, and uses the body a lot to force turnovers. He's a strong presence in front of his own net, but he also moves the puck incredibly well.
Looking elsewhere, draft eligible forward Jacob Battaglia has been carrying his weight offensively. He is over a point per game, and hasn't been getting enough recognition on draft boards.
The addition of Roman Schmidt on the back-end has also been huge — literally — for the Frontenacs. The Tampa Bay prospect makes their defence core a whole lot scarier and heavier. Schmidt was a great addition for a hopeful playoff run in the coming months.
Kingston has been much better on paper than they have been on the ice over the past couple of seasons. Finally, they are taking that skill and size and turning it into wins.
They have won their last four games, two of which were against the offensively-inclined Ottawa 67's. The Fronts have found a way to combat offensive powerhouses with offence of their own.
Kingston has scored six-or-more goals in each of those four games.
The Frontenacs are finally preparing for something that not many people in the league expected —a playoff run.
Expect them to make some additions ahead of the Trade Deadline on January 10th, potentially to add a "difference maker" up front.
Kingston plays their next game on Friday, January 5th versus the Mississauga Steelheads, who have been in a slump of their own.