Chicago Blackhawks prospect Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters has cemented his status as the greatest American-born goal scorer in Ontario Hockey League history.
The 2016 second-round pick scored his 53rd goals of the season against the Barrie Colts on Saturday, surpassing Rob Schremp (Mississauga/London, 2002-06) as the leading U.S.-born goal-scorer in league history with 155 goals for his three-year career.
DeBrincat, who is the league’s first player to reach 50 goals this season, increased his season total to an league-leading 53 goals and 109 points. On Monday, he became only the second player in 40 years to record three consecutive 50-goal seasons in the OHL.
The 19-year-old winger is also closing in on another American record. His 314 career points sit only 12 shy of Bobby Ryan for third place among American players.
The Hawks signed DeBrincat to a three-year entry-level contract Nov. 7, 2016. He’s eligible to be called by up the Hawks once Erie’s season is over, which would, at the latest, be mid- to late-May if the Otters win the OHL and advance to the Memorial Cup. It’s unlikely the Hawks will call him up to the main roster, but if they do want to see more from he could be sent to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League if they make the Calder Cup Playoffs. The IceHogs are currently in ninth place in the Western Conference with 53 points, just a point outside of the playoff picture.