IceDogs add local defenceman in deal with Knights (updated)

The Niagara IceDogs added St. Cathrines native Connor Federkow from the London Knights in a trade Tuesday. Photo by: OHL IMAGES.

The Niagara IceDogs beefed up their blueline and forward depth Tuesday, sending a pair of draft picks to the London Knights for defenceman Connor Federkow and forward Mike Levin.

London receives a third-round pick in 2025 (Sarnia) and a fifth-round pick in 2025 (Owen Sound).

Federkow, a 20-year-old St. Catharines, native played his minor hockey career with the Niagara North Stars. He was drafted 53rd overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection by the Knights and spent his first season in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, splitting time between the Komoka Kings and St. Thomas Stars. Federkow would not play in the 2020 season due to the pandemic before joining the Knights where he spent two seasons playing in a 108 games across the regular season and playoffs.

Federkow, who has amassed 16 points and 115 penalty minutes in his OHL career, joins fellow defenceman Daniil Sobolev as an over-ager.

“Connor possesses leadership that will circulate through our organization on and off the ice. He understands what is required to win hockey games. Connor’s versatility will play a key part in our lineup,” IceDogs interim general manager Wes Consorti said.

Federkow said he will miss London but is thrilled to be coming home.

“I would first like to thank the Hunters, Rob Simpson and the London Knights for everything they have done for me during my years with them,” he said. “I am excited to bring my game to Niagara for a great season.”

Levin, a 2005-born forward from Israel, is the younger brother of former OHL first overall pick, David Levin. 

Mike Levin played the majority of his minor hockey career in Canada. He was a late pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, going in the 10th round, 180th overall to the Knights. He spent his rookie season in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League with the Powassan Voodoos, recording 19 goals and 28 points in 26 games. He then played the 2022-2023 season in the GOJHL with the St. Thomas Stars recording 42 goals and 19 assists for 61 points in only 33 games played. His 42 goals led the GOJHL. Levin also got the opportunity to join the Knights for eight games and also represented Israel at the U20 World Junior Championship (D3) where he recorded 12 goals and 19 points in six games.

“Mike brings in high level offensive instincts that we feel will leave a positive mark on our roster throughout the year. He has the ability to create plays at a high rate of speed which is hard to find,” Consorti said. 

The IceDogs open up the regular season Friday, Sept. 29 at London before hosting the Knights Saturday, Sept. 30 in their home opener.