-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flint Firebirds GM Dave McParlan has been active this summer in bringing in new pieces to his blueline for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The additions continue to come with the signing of former OHL Cup champion Luka Graziano [https://chl.ca/ohl/article/firebirds-sign-former-third-round-pick-luka-graziano/]. “I am very excited to be joining the Firebirds. Flint is a great organization which grants me the opportunity to advance my game. I can’t wait for things to get started later this month,” said Graziano via Flint’s press release. Graziano, 17, played for the U16 Toronto Jr. Canadiens organization during the 2022-23 season. In his OHL draft season, he was a leader on the blueline for his team all year long and stepped up in the big moments. On top of winning the 2023 OHL Cup and being named to the event’s All-Star Team [https://chl.ca/ohlcup/2023-ohl-cup-gatorade-all-star-team/], the right-shot defenseman scored the opening goal of the Championship Final, earned Player of the Game honors, and led all defenders in tournament scoring with eight points (4 goals, 4 assists) in seven games. That JRC team featured a lot of talent. Several players from their team have progressed to become full-time players in the OHL, including Xander Velliaris, Nicolas Addy, and Chase Yanni. Additionally, two players — Jake O’Brien [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/players/seattle-kraken-sign-forward-jake-o-brien-to-three-year-entry-level-contract] and Luca Romano [https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/new-york-islanders-luca-romano-74-overall-2025-nhl-draft] — were recently drafted into the NHL this past June. Newly signed Ottawa 67’s forward Brayden Krawczyk [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/ottawa-67-s-sign-forward-committed-to-university-of-massachusetts] also played at the 2023 OHL Cup as an underage player, though he was used sparingly and only suited up for three games. Brampton Steelheads Sign Matej Stankoven, A Distant Relative To Carolina Hurricanes Star Forward [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/9b589637-5221-473f-b577-8f3f276886ef.webp] Brampton Steelheads Sign Matej Stankoven, A Distant Relative To Carolina Hurricanes Star Forward On Wednesday, the Brampton Steelheads organization <a href="https://chl.ca/ohl-steelheads/article/steelheads-sign-centreman-matej-stankoven-and-goaltender-peter-chelbowski/">announced the signing of their first-round pick</a> from the 2025 CHL Import Draft. Slovak forward Matej Stankoven has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/brampton-steelheads-sign-matej-stankoven-a-distant-relative-to-carolina-hurricanes-star-forward] “Graziano is an offensive-minded defenseman and an elite skater with very good acceleration who can cover a lot of real estate quickly. His IQ gives him the ability to find his teammates at the right moment, whether it’s a first pass zone exit or creating an offensive opportunity. His anticipation and agility allow him to clog lanes and intercept passes while on the defensive side,” said Flint Firebirds Head Scout Mike Oliverio via the organization’s press release. Graziano is committed to Harvard University, where his commitment is set to begin with the 2026-27 season. He was formerly drafted 56th overall in the third round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, but played in the OJHL due to his NCAA oath. During the 2023-24 season, the offensive defenseman recorded 23 points (7 goals, 16 assists) in 50 games for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens of the OJHL, earning Second Team All-Prospect honors. Graziano headed over to the BCHL to play for the West Kelowna Warriors to start last season. However, after recording only three assists in 22 games, he decided to return home at the beginning of the new year to finish out his 2024-25 campaign with JRC. The Toronto, Ontario native joins Dryden Allen [https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/firebirds-sign-michigan-state-commit-dryden-allen/], Zack Bleick [https://chl.ca/ohl/article/firebirds-sign-free-agent-defenceman-zack-bleick/], and George Komadoski [https://chl.ca/ohl/article/firebirds-sign-free-agent-blueliner-george-komadoski/] as defensemen who have signed with the Firebirds this off-season. Graziano has a late October 2007 birthday, making him eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. Latest OHL News: Peterborough Continues To Add Veteran Pieces; Acquiring Lucas Karmiris From Brampton [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/9660b9ca-d4f0-4854-b231-cb6be7ab6aca.webp] Peterborough Continues To Add Veteran Pieces; Acquiring Lucas Karmiris From Brampton The OHL’s summer trade freeze is officially over, and the Peterborough Petes are the first team to make a splash. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/peterborough-continues-to-add-veteran-pieces-acquiring-lucas-karmiris-from-brampton] London Knights Rene Van Bommel Commits To NCAA Lake Superior State University [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/30d00623-47bd-426b-933d-1bad82963073.webp] London Knights Rene Van Bommel Commits To NCAA Lake Superior State University London Knights forward Rene Van Bommel has committed to Lake Superior State University in the NCAA, where he will report following the completion of his junior career in the OHL. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/players/london-knights-rene-van-bommel-commits-to-ncaa-lake-superior-state-university] Dynamic Czech & Minnesota Wild Prospect Ventures To The OHL To Bolster His Development [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/e641fc37-35ef-4479-ad8b-ac4c8c2746c0.webp] Dynamic Czech & Minnesota Wild Prospect Ventures To The OHL To Bolster His Development The Brantford Bulldogs were the talk of the town at the 2025 CHL Import Draft, and it wasn’t just because they <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/ohl/article/ohls-bulldogs-select-seven-foot-defenceman-in-chl-import-draft/">drafted a seven-foot-tall, 273-pound, 17-year-old defenseman</a>. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/dynamic-czech-minnesota-wild-prospect-ventures-to-the-ohl-to-bolster-his-development]
