Cleveland Monsters Sign Defensemen Ole Julian Bjorgvik-Holm and Will MacKinnon for Upcoming Season

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News Summary

The Cleveland Monsters have signed defensemen Ole Julian Bjorgvik-Holm and Will MacKinnon to one-year AHL contracts for the upcoming season. Both players are anticipated to bolster the team as they continue to develop under the Columbus Blue Jackets’ affiliate program. Bjorgvik-Holm, a solid contributor last season, recorded 7 points in 44 games. Meanwhile, MacKinnon, who has a diverse AHL background, aims to enhance the team’s performance. The Monsters are focused on player development for a promising hockey season ahead.

Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Monsters have announced the signing of defensemen Ole Julian Bjorgvik-Holm and Will MacKinnon to one-year AHL contracts for the 2025-26 season. Both players are expected to contribute to the team’s ongoing development and performance as they continue to serve as the primary developmental affiliate for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the AHL.

Ole Julian Bjorgvik-Holm, a 23-year-old from Oslo, Norway, had a solid year with the Monsters last season, registering 3 goals and 4 assists for a total of 7 points over 44 games. Additionally, he accumulated 50 penalty minutes during the regular season and added two more in six Calder Cup Playoff games. His height of 6’4″ and weight of 198 pounds make him a formidable presence on the ice. Selected by the Blue Jackets in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft (145th overall), Bjorgvik-Holm has now played in 87 career AHL appearances and has gathered a total of 14 points (4 goals and 10 assists) along with 64 penalty minutes.

On the other hand, Will MacKinnon, who stands at 5’11” and weighs 201 pounds, is a 25-year-old defenseman from Plymouth, Michigan. Last season, MacKinnon played in two games with the Cleveland Monsters, recording 0 goals and 4 assists. He logged 42 penalty minutes with a +3 rating over 42 appearances for the AHL’s Utica Comets. In addition, he also played for the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder, where he had 0 goals, 1 assist, and 2 penalty minutes across two games.

Bjorgvik-Holm’s journey through the minor leagues includes significant time in the ECHL. He played for the Kalamazoo Wings and Cincinnati Cyclones from 2022 to 2024, amassing 6 goals and 31 assists for 37 points in 76 ECHL appearances and providing an additional 61 penalty minutes. Before turning professional, he displayed solid performance in the OHL with the Mississauga Steelheads, scoring 5 goals and 27 assists in 111 games. Notably, he has also represented Norway internationally at the IIHF World Championships in 2021 and 2023.

Similarly, MacKinnon has amassed diverse experiences in the AHL and ECHL over his career. His cumulative stats include 10 points (3 goals and 7 assists) and 83 penalty minutes across 84 AHL games with the Monsters and Utica, alongside 32 points from 8 goals and 24 assists across 119 ECHL appearances for the Reading Royals and Adirondack. In the NCAA, he was a captain for the University of New Hampshire during his final season, a role which often reflects strong leadership capabilities in a player.

Underlining its mission to nurture talent, the Cleveland Monsters continue to build a roster that emphasizes player development and readiness for the NHL. Bjorgvik-Holm and MacKinnon are sportsmen who could not only enhance the Monsters’ team dynamics but also facilitate a smoother transition for potential future players to the professional level.

As the 2025-26 season approaches, the Monsters look to leverage the skills and experiences of both Bjorgvik-Holm and MacKinnon to compete effectively in the AHL, setting the stage for another exciting season of hockey in Cleveland.

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