Part 4 of this series: almost half way through the OHL regular season, here is the top rookie for each team in the West Division thus far, and a deeper look into their early contributions.

In the days of mid-December, we are almost half way through the OHL regular season.

Here is a look at each Midwest Division team's rookie standout thus far:

Flint Firebirds: Jeremy Martin

Jeremy Martin has been all goals early in his OHL career, totalling eight goals and just one assist through 28 games. The 2023 first round pick has been able to step in and finish when it matters.

He's played a more physical game from a young age, and that has translated to the OHL and allowed him to effectively fill a bottom-six role. He's got a scoring touch that we have seen this season so far, and that production will only continue to grow. He has played a big part in Flint's offensive depth, as it is significantly bleak up-front. 

Martin played his minor hockey for the Toronto Marlboros, playing with several other highly-touted players like Lev Katzin, Will Moore, and Matheas Stark. 

Saginaw Spirit: Aiden Young

A heavily-deep team in Saginaw, the Spirit don't have many rookies playing actively in their lineup. 2023 first rounder Aiden Young is the only one that has jumped in and played a significant amount of games. Young has been playing on the fourth line, and he has been good enough in a role that he likely won't be playing in next year. 

Young has 8 points this season, and the speedy, smart winger has been able to generate when he has the ability on the bottom line. 

Young has a bright future in the OHL — and similarly to many other OHL first-year players — he will have to find ways he can develop without getting as many opportunities as he would like. Young can be a top-six player, and his play style compliments that of a top-six player.

Sarnia Sting: James Barr

Without the injury to Ryan Brown, this award would likely be a tie. But because Brown has only played 13 games this season — and Barr has consistently been in the lineup — Barr has been Sarnia's top rookie.

The highly skilled, smooth-skating, offensive defenceman had an adjustment period to the OHL, but he has found his groove. Barr has been able to generate and create from the point, just as Sarnia expected when they drafted him. 

On this incredibly young defence core with three other rookie defencemen, Barr has been impressive early on in his major junior career. Though the Sting are struggling in the standings, their rookie defenders have been able to handle the pressure.

Soo Greyhounds: Travis Hayes

The third Hayes brother to crack the OHL, Travis Hayes has been able to enter the league and produce almost immediately. He had five points through his first two OHL outings, and has cemented himself as a significant part of the Soo's offence. 

Hayes has shades of both of his brothers in his game. The one constant in the Hayes genes; the lethal shot release. Hayes is no different when it comes to scoring goals, and he loves to let his quick release fly.

He has 20 points through 33 OHL games this season, and the 2007-born winger is tied for third in rookie scoring.

Also tied for third in OHL rookie scoring, is Windsor Spitfires winger Cole Davis. The Spitfires have been lead by their younger talent this season, as they have moved on from a majority of their lineup last year. 

Davis has 10 goals and 10 assists on the season, and has been generating loads of offence alongside 2006-born forward Liam Greentree. Davis has a variety of offensive tools, and the young winger has proven that he can produce at this level.

Last season, Davis only played 5 games with Windsor and he played the majority of his time with the GOJHL's Lasalle Vipers.

His performance this season has put himself before the eyes of NHL scouts, and on several draft boards along with Greentree.