Adam Novotny makes statement return with four-point night in OHL

Adam Novotny wasted no time making an impact in his return to junior hockey. The Vancouver Canucks first-round pick put up two goals and two assists on Thursday night as the Peterborough Petes skated to a 7-4 win over the visiting Sarnia Sting in Ontario Hockey League action.

Novotny was playing his first OHL game of the season after being reassigned to Peterborough earlier in the week. The Czech forward set the tone in the opening period, scoring twice just 25 seconds apart to spark the Petes’ offence and help them pull away in a high-scoring contest.

Canucks first-rounder already a centerpiece in Peterborough

Drafted 24th overall by Vancouver this year, Novotny arrived in Peterborough last season with big expectations and quickly became a key offensive piece. Head coach Rob Wilson described him to a local outlet as one of the players who can dominate the league, noting that his quick pair of goals helped get the Petes going in their home opener.

The six-foot-one winger first joined the Petes after being selected eighth overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. In his debut OHL season, he produced 34 goals and 31 assists for 65 points in 58 games, numbers that cemented his status as a top prospect and led to his first-round selection by the Canucks.

Top-line duties and growing international profile

To start the new campaign, Novotny is skating on a line with Detroit Red Wings prospect Adam Levac and University of Michigan commit Cooper Dennis, who arrived in Peterborough in a significant off-season trade with the Brantford Bulldogs. After the game, Novotny said he sees the trio as a group that can be "really, really strong" and that he is excited about what they can accomplish together.

Novotny’s strong showing comes as he is projected to be a cornerstone for Czechia at the 2027 world junior championship, which will be held in Alberta over the holiday period. He recorded three assists at the 2026 tournament, helping his country earn a silver medal.

This season, Novotny is also expected to be the only NHL first-round pick skating in the OHL’s Eastern Conference, underscoring both his profile and the responsibility he carries for the Petes. With a four-point performance in his season debut, he has reinforced his reputation as one of the most intriguing junior players to watch in the CHL.