Michael Misa is emerging as a prominent hockey talent, having broken Connor McDavid’s OHL Cup record in 2022. Despite facing setbacks in rankings and a challenging season, he has demonstrated resilience and growth, returning to his preferred center position. With impressive stats this season and a determination to overcome challenges, including a suspension for a teddy bear toss incident, Misa remains focused on his goal of excelling in the sport while maintaining his passion for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Michael Misa: A Rising Star in Hockey
Michael Misa is undoubtedly a remarkable talent in the world of hockey. This was confirmed by Hockey Canada in 2022 when he shattered Connor McDavid’s record during the OHL Cup, a prestigious tournament showcasing the top 20 under-16 teams from Ontario and the United States.
Without delay, Misa demonstrated his worth, achieving an impressive average of 1.24 points per game at just 15 years old in the Ontario Junior League—outperforming McDavid at the same age.
However, after a solid but not extraordinary second season in Ontario’s major junior league, the spotlight began to fade. In the preliminary lists for the 2025 draft released last summer, Misa often found himself at the tail end of the top five or even omitted altogether.
Determined to reclaim his status, Misa kicked off this crucial season with a strong message to scouts: don’t overlook me so easily. Saginaw Spirit’s general manager, Dave Drinkill, has been vocal about his belief in Misa’s exceptional abilities.
Proving His Worth
“We believe he is the first overall pick,” Drinkill asserts confidently. “He deserves recognition for how he reacted to those early rankings. Now, he’s back in the running for the top spot, which he should have been from the start, in my opinion.”
For those who have closely followed Misa’s journey, it was no surprise to witness his return to exceptional form. This season, he has finally returned to his natural position at center, allowing him to maximize his skills and make impactful plays across the ice.
“Last year, our focus was on winning the Memorial Cup,” Drinkill explains. “With experienced centers like Owen Beck, Matyas Sapovaliv, and Hunter Haight, Misa didn’t get as many opportunities.”
Misa echoes this sentiment, stating, “My role was significantly different last year. I was on the third line and didn’t receive as much ice time. Team success came first, and that mindset helped us clinch the championship.”
Recognizing Misa’s potential, Drinkill was impressed by the young player’s growth during a summer celebration of their Memorial Cup victory. “I hadn’t seen him in months, and he had clearly grown, now standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 185 pounds,” he recalls.
With newfound strength and speed, Misa has captivated the OHL. He credits much of his improvement to renowned figure skater Barbara Underhill, who specializes in power skating. “I worked with Barbara, and she significantly enhanced my initial speed on the ice,” Misa shares.
His statistics this season are telling, with 55 points, including 27 goals, in just 27 games. The pressure of living up to the expectations of being an exceptional player has been palpable, but Misa remains focused and determined.
“I’ve been aware of the pressure since I was 15. No one wants to be seen as the next failure of Hockey Canada,” he admits. “From a young age, people have been eager to take pictures with me, and I’ve managed that attention well.”
Overcoming Challenges
Despite his success, Misa faced a challenging week recently. First, he was overlooked by Team Canada junior, who did not invite him to their selection camp, while his competitor Porter Martone received an invitation.
“It’s okay,” he reassures, though it’s evident that the news stings. “It was a tough week, but I just need to focus on improving my game.”
His troubles didn’t end there. Misa found himself in the midst of an unusual situation when he was suspended by the OHL—not for fighting or misconduct, but for a teddy bear toss incident during a game in Sarnia. Frustrated by a goal that triggered an avalanche of bears onto the ice, Misa used his stick to send a few back into the stands.
Feeling remorseful, he quickly clarified, “I didn’t know it was a rule. It was a heat-of-the-moment decision. I regret it and will learn from this experience.”
Misa’s competitive spirit shines through as he states, “The team that drafts me will get a player who hates losing even more than he loves winning. I’ll do everything to achieve victory.”
A Leaf Fan at Heart
Growing up in Oakville, Ontario, it’s no surprise that Misa has a soft spot for the Toronto Maple Leafs. “I’m still a Leafs fan,” he says, citing Mitch Marner, Nikita Kucherov, and Kirill Kaprizov as his inspirations. “I really hope they make a deep playoff run this year.”
However, he refrains from criticizing the Montreal Canadiens, acknowledging the dynamics of the league. He has also taken note of Patrik Laine’s return to the Canadiens, believing they are building a solid team. “They have a good foundation and are continuing to add valuable pieces,” he concludes.