Zhilkin Named West Division's Academic Player of the Month for November
Published on November 29, 2025 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release
Toronto, Ont. - Saginaw Spirit forward Dimian Zhilkin is the West Division Academic Player of the Month for November, achieving a 94% average across four Grade 12 courses at Heritage High School. Zhilkin is studying Finite Mathematics, English, Economics and a Work-Based Learning Co-op.
"Dima is a hard-working student who consistently demonstrates his commitment to academics," said Spirit Academic Advisor Pamela Moretuzzo. "He's intelligent, diligent in his studies, engaged in his learning and prepared daily for his classes. He works well in a group or individual setting and adds value to class discussions He serves as a role model for his younger teammates and peers.
"Dima's leadership extends beyond the classroom and the rink," she added. "He is actively involved in community service events through the Spirit organization, regularly volunteering his time at youth hockey clinics, school outreach programs, and local charitable initiatives His willingness to give back to the community - despite his demanding schedule - speaks volumes about his character, humility and commitment to being a positive influence."
Zhilkin has been a leader for the Spirit on the ice, recording a club-leading 15 goals along with 11 assists for 26 points over 20 games. The 17-year-old from Windsor, ON, comes-off an impressive rookie season in Saginaw that included 43 points (16-27--43) over 54 games, seeing him named to the league's first all-rookie team. The 5-foot-10, 185Ib. left wing is eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft.
2025-26 OHL Academic Players of the Month
East Division
November - Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs)
October - Aiden O'Donnell (Oshawa Generals/Brantford Bulldogs)
Central Division
November - Ryder Cali (North Bay Battalion)
October - Cole Emerton (Barrie Colts)
Midwest Division
November - Eric Frossard (Guelph Storm)
October - Lucas Ambrosio (Erie Otters)
West Division
November - Dimian Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit)
October - Mason Vaccari (Flint Firebirds)
Ontario Hockey League Stories from November 29, 2025
- Barabanov, Gervais Each Score Twice in Loss to Knights - Saginaw Spirit
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- Kitchener Drop Hard Fought Battle in Brantford - Kitchener Rangers
- Perreault, Kolarik Score in Petes Loss to Otters - Peterborough Petes
- Game Day - November 30 - SBY at GUE - Guelph Storm
- Owen Sound in Close 3-2 Loss Game against Windsor Spitfires - Owen Sound Attack
- Max Delisle Named Attack Academic Player of the Month - Owen Sound Attack
- Kitchener Travel to TD Civic Centre to Square off with League Leading Bulldogs - Kitchener Rangers
- Frontenacs Set to Visit Barrie for the First Time this Season - Kingston Frontenacs
- Zhilkin Named West Division's Academic Player of the Month for November - Saginaw Spirit
- Game Preview: Saginaw Spirit vs London Knights - Saginaw Spirit
- Game Day, Game 26, Firebirds vs Greyhounds - 7 p.m. - Flint Firebirds
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Other Recent Saginaw Spirit Stories
- Barabanov, Gervais Each Score Twice in Loss to Knights
- Zhilkin Named West Division's Academic Player of the Month for November
- Game Preview: Saginaw Spirit vs London Knights
- Pepoy, Harmer, and Cloutier Line Leads Saginaw Past Knights, 4-2
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