Knights’ Christian Dvorak named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Arizona Coyotes prospect Christian Dvorak of the London Knights is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending November 29 after scoring six goals and three assists for nine points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-3.

Dvorak had a pair of four-point performances helping the Knights win all three of their games extending the club’s winning-streak to four games and improving their third-place record to 18-4-1-1.  Dvorak opened the week by netting his second hat-trick of the season including the game-winner scoring three-straight goals to open the Friday night contest against the Owen Sound Attack and adding one assist as first star of the 6-1 victory.  On Saturday night in the second half of a home-and-home battle against Midwest Division rival Owen Sound, Dvorak scored once in the Knights’ 4-1 road win.  His week wrapped up Sunday with his sixth four-point game of the season scoring two goals including the game-winner plus two assists earning first star honours in a 5-3 road win over the Windsor Spitfires.

A 19-year-old from Frankfort, Illinois, Dvorak is playing in his third OHL season with the Knights and is currently second in league scoring with 22 goals and 27 assists for 49 points in 22 games with points in 12-straight games.  A graduate of the Chicago Mission Minor Midget program, Dvorak was a second round pick of the Coyotes in the 2014 NHL Draft.

Watch video highlights of Dvorak and the Knights against the Attack on Friday, Saturday, and against the Spitfires on Sunday.

Also considered for the award this week was Los Angeles Kings prospect Mike Amadio of the North Bay Battalion who scored three goals and five assists for eight points in three games, and Buffalo Sabres prospect Eric Cornel of the Peterborough Petes who scored five goals and one assist for six points in three games.  In goal, the Petes’ Matthew Mancina stopped 68 shots in two games winning both starts with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .971.

2015-16 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Nov. 23 – Nov. 29: Christian Dvorak (London Knights)
Nov. 16 – Nov. 22: Pavel Zacha (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 9 – Nov. 15: Devin Williams (Erie Otters)
Nov. 2 – Nov. 8: Dylan Strome (Erie Otters)
Oct. 26 – Nov. 1: Tyler Parsons (London Knights)
Oct. 19 – Oct. 25: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 12 – Oct. 18: Zach Bratina (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 5 – Oct. 11: Hunter Garlent (Peterborough Petes)
Sept. 28 – Oct. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 27: Zack Bowman (Flint Firebirds)

Sean Day: Exception to the Rule

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Even in a casual conversation, Day sounds like a young man searching hard for an upside to his decision to enter major junior a year ahead of his class. “A lot of people would say that [my rookie season] was a bad year, but I think it was good for my development,” he says. “I went into that season not knowing a lot about defence. I wanted to jump up into the rush a lot. I had to learn about playing in my own end, thinking defence before offence. Even coming in as a 16-year-old in your first season, it’s tougher [than other positions] because you’re the last line of defence and all eyes are on you. And there’s just that much more scrutiny on you as an exceptional player. They want to see something exceptional every shift.”

The scouts’ eyes will be trained on Day this winter. When quizzed by NHL Central Scouting this fall, Day was asked what aspect of his game he has to work on. Most kids cite strength or skating when the question is posed. These, however, aren’t holes in Day’s skill set. His reply was a rare one, exceptional in its own way, but honest: “Weight control,” he told them.

In its early-season rankings, NHL Central Scouting had Day as a “B prospect,” projecting him to be a second-rounder at best. Day expressed disbelief when asked about mock drafts that have him falling off the first-round grid. “I’m not going to say the clichéd answer about not looking at the draft lists,” he says. “Everybody does. I know what people have said or written about me. People forget I’m 17. I have a whole season to help my [draft] stock. When I see the draft boards and I’m not even in the first round, I just tune it out and say to myself, ‘C’mon, that’s dumb.’”

This first appeared on Sportsnet and is an excellent read for everyone. Find the complete article here.

Markus Niemelainen – Player Profile – Saginaw Spirit

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’6”

Weight: 200 pounds

Date of birth: June 8, 1998. Kuopio, Finland

Position: Defence

Catches: Left

OHL Draft: Round 1, 18th overall, 2015 CHL Import Draft

KHL Draft: Round 3, 63rd overall, 2015 KHL Draft, Dynamo Riga

Niemelainen enters his draft year as one of the most internationally experienced players available for the NHL Draft. He’s played for Finland at the U-16, U-17 and U-18 as well as the WHC U-17, WJC U-18 and the Ivan Hlinka Memorial.

Prior to being selected in the CHL Import Draft, Niemelainen was selected in the KHL Draft. That was followed by being selected by the Fargo Force in the USHL Entry Draft (13th round, 199th overall).

There are a few 6’6” defensemen available from the OHL in the draft class that include Niemelainen’s teammate Keaton Middleton and the Windsor Spitfires Logan Stanley. But unlike his draft cousins, he will need to add plenty of bulk to that imposing frame.

Markus Niemelainen of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Markus Niemelainen of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Niemelainen moves surprisingly well for a player of his size. Despite that skating ability, he’s a pass first defender when trying to clear the zone – a pass he completes extremely well. He also shy’s away from using that skating ability to join in the rush offensively. He’s not a risk taker and plays it extremely safe in that regard. The tools are there and I think the more he becomes accustomed to the North American game, the more they will come to the forefront.

In the offensive zone Niemelainen is not averse to taking chances. However, he’ll need to better choose when to pinch and when to back off. He sometimes shows hesitation or indecisions on when to pinch and can leave himself out of position. He has a deceptively quick release on his shot and he shoots with a purpose – whether he’s shooting to create a rebound or a shot that can easily be tipped in by a teammate. He does possess some intriguing offensive abilities and the vision to be creative.

Defensively, Niemelainen is excellent in his positioning. He knows where to be on the ice and is very adept at blocking lanes. He has a very active stick and his reach is one of his biggest assets. Despite his imposing size, he’s not as physical as he can be – he shows hesitation when the hit is there. Perhaps it’s because he worries about leaving himself out of position or perhaps it will come with the adjustment to the smaller rink and the North American game.

Niemelainen appeared on NHL Central Scouting’s list of players to watch on their preliminary list as a B prospect and remained there on the updated November list. A B prospect is a second or third round prospect.

Niemelainen could very well turn out to be a low risk high reward pick.

Nathan Bastian – Player Profile – Mississauga Steelheads

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 208 pounds

Date of birth: December 6, 1997. Kitchener, Ontario

Position: Center

Catches: Right

OHL Draft: Round 7, 127th overall, 2013 Priority Selection

When your teammates include the likes of Alexander Nylander and Michael McLeod, (not to mention exceptional status player Sean Day) you can be certain that NHL scouts will converge on the Hershey Center in Mississauga Ontario. If your name is Nathan Bastian, you are going to draw attention.

Bastian entered the season on NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary list of players to watch as a B prospect (second or third round pick) and through the first one-third of the Ontario Hockey League season, was moved up to an A prospect (first round prospect) on their November list. And it is merited.

Prior to the OHL draft, Bastian played Midget for the Kitchener Junior Rangers. He appeared in 55 games and scored 22 goals and 25 assists. The following season he split time between the Brantford 99’ers of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (Junior B) and the Steelheads. In 48 games for Brantford, Bastian scored 17 goals and 29 assists. He got the call up to Mississauga and in 19 games scored twice with one assist.

Last season was his first full OHL season and Bastian appeared in all 68 games for the Steelheads notching 17 goals and 12 assists. To date this season, he’s already surpassed his assist high in the OHL and 25 goals and 70 points on the season are not out of reach.

Nathan Bastian of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Nathan Bastian of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

At 6’4” Bastian has very good size and while he’s never been “soft” is using his size more effectively and beginning to play with an edge. His skating and speed are above average which allows him to get on top of defenders, almost always finishing his checks. His smarts, relentless pursuit and anticipation cause opposition turnovers.

Offensively, Bastian has good puck skills. He reads plays very well and has very good vision and excellent playmaking skills. He’s not afraid to drive to the net and is very good at finishing in close. He has a very good shot and is not hesitant to use it. He’s currently at 15.3 shooting percentage. He’s had the opportunity to play with both Nylander and McLeod and has shown he can “keep up”.

Defensively, Bastian does very well. He can play a complete 200 foot game. He gets into passing lanes and has a very active stick – and at 6’4”, you know he has the reach. He will not shy away from getting into the shooting lanes and blocking shots. He’s also been a steady contributor for two seasons on the Steelheads penalty kill.

One area Bastian will need to work on is his faceoffs. Just 23 games into the season he’s 47 for 105, or 44.8%. Not to worry, faceoffs are something that can be improved on. His most improved asset from last season to this season would have to be his skating. It is something he himself was aware of and he worked hard at it, and his work ethic will suggest that he will continue to improve in every aspect.

I believed he had first round potential. Now, everyone else does as well.

OHL This Week for November 26-29, 2015

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – Ontario Hockey League action heads into the tenth week of the regular season schedule with 27 games beginning tonight through Sunday.

 OHLThisWeek

Here’s a look at what’s going on around the league:

AT THE RINKS:

$5 student tickets, Special Olympics Night in Peterborough on Thursday: Peterborough and area elementary, high school, college, and university students can purchase tickets for just $5 to see the Petes battle the Sarnia Sting on Thursday. Thursday’s game is also the annual Special Olympics fundraiser. Before the game, Peterborough Deputy Police Chief Tim Farquharson will take part in the ceremonial puck drop along with Special Olympics athlete Jessey Campbell. There will be various activities throughout the game in support of local Special Olympics initiatives.

Battalion supports Special Olympics on Thursday: The Troops host their annual Big Ticket Night in support of Special Olympics on Thursday against Hamilton. There will be three signed NHL jerseys available for auction at the game including uniforms from Kris Letang, Scott Hartnell and a blank Nashville Predators jersey signed by James Neal. Special Olympic athletes and law enforcement officials will be in attendance, including some local athletes who will be competing in the upcoming Special Olympics Ontario Winter Games. A bucket pass will occur during the second period and the Troops hope the 7th man will donate generously to this great cause. All proceeds from the game will go to Special Olympics Ontario.

IceDogs host Teddy Bear Toss on Friday: The Niagara IceDogs host their ninth annual Teddy Bear Toss on Friday night at home to the North Bay Battalion. Stuffed animals collected will be donated to Victim Services Niagara, an organization that assists children and families involved in traumatic or tragic circumstances. Additionally, some teddy bears will be donated to Niagara Regional Police Service Sergeant Neal Orlando’s bear and a book program, where a toy is paired with a new book and given to children as a Christmas present. For more information please visit niagaraicedogs.net.

Spitfires collecting cans for a cause: The Windsor Spitfires are teaming up with AM 800 CKLW in their Cans For A Cause campaign in advance of the holiday season. Spits fans can bring canned food items to the game on Friday night as the Spitfires host the Saginaw Spirit. Donations will go towards AM 800’s 12th annual Cans For A Cause campaign.

Bears take flight in Kingston on Friday: The Kingston Frontenacs host their annual Teddy Bear Toss on Friday night at home to the Guelph Storm.

Teddy Bear Toss in Erie on Saturday: Bring your bears! When the Otters score their first goal let ’em fly! All teddy bears collected on Saturday will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Movember Night in Saginaw on Saturday: The Saginaw Spirit celebrate Movember on Saturday night at home to the Windsor Spitfires. Don’t miss out on the post-game autograph session that features a team poster giveaway!

Attack host annual Bears in Blue Night on Saturday: The Owen Sound Attack take the fight to men’s cancers on Saturday at home to the London Knights. The Attack will suit up in specially themed blue jerseys that will be auctioned off to raise funds for the fight against men’s cancers. The Attack are also selling other merchandise including toques and mitts!

Bulldogs host Country Night on Saturday: The Hamilton Bulldogs are hosting their Country Night this Saturday against the Mississauga Steelheads. Fans are encouraged to dress up and wear their country gear! There will be lots of great prizing and giveaways including a chance to win a Molson mini beer fridge. KX 94.7 will also be giving away three pairs of suite tickets to an upcoming concert at the FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton.

Wolves collecting food and toys on Saturday: The Sudbury Wolves are holding a non-perishable food donation and will also be collecting toys in front of the building when they host the Flint Firebirds on Saturday. Lucky fans who donate will have the chance to win great prizes!

Skate with the Frontenacs on Sunday: The Kingston Frontenacs will be holding a post-game skate for season ticket holders on Sundayfollowing their matchup with the Sarnia Sting. Fans will have the opportunity to meet their favourite Frontenacs! Sunday is also Girl Guides Day in Kingston.

Sparky’s Toy Drive in Windsor on Sunday: The Windsor Spitfires are collecting new, un-opened toys to be donated to Sparky’s Toy Drive on Sunday afternoon when they host the London Knights. They’re especially in search of toys for children 8-14 years old and gifts for girls 11-17 years old. For more information please visit windsorspitfires.com.

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Jeff O’Neill warmup jersey auction underway: Warmup jerseys worn by Storm players prior to recognizing Jeff O’Neill as one of the franchise’s all-time greats on Saturday are now up for auction. The vintage O’Neill warmup jerseys are all signed by Jeff and the Storm player who wore them, with proceeds from the sale all being donated to Special Olympics Canada. The jersey auction will run throughMonday November 30th at 6:00pm. For more information please visit guelphstorm.com.

Steelheads partner with Enersource to deliver educational programs: Enersource and the Mississauga Steelheads are pleased to announce the launch of a new educational program, designed for elementary school children. The ‘Enersource More than Energy Tour’ has been created to help educate children on important issues that face today’s youth. Program organizers will work with school staff to create presentations that meet curriculum needs, while educating children on behavioural and social matters. The presentations will then be delivered by hockey players from the Mississauga Steelheads roster, who will speak to students on a variety of topics, including: teamwork; inclusiveness; responsibility; nutrition; and the importance of academic/athletic balance. For more information please visit mississaugasteelheads.com.

Spirit busy in the community: On Monday November 23rd Spirit Players David Ovsjanniov, Will Petschenig, Michael Holmes, and Evan Cormier joined volunteers from the Great Lakes Bay Region to pack over 900 care packages to send to the brave men and women who are currently fighting overseas during the holidays. On Tuesday November 24th Spirit Players Mike Davies, Kris Bennett, and Dylan Sadowy paid a visit to Arthur Eddy Elementary School in Saginaw. During the visit players read stories to kindergarten classrooms, demonstrated how to put on hockey equipment and shared the importance of working hard in school to accomplish your goals.

Rangers’ Henderson and Franzen put on Captain’s Clinic: Kitchener Rangers forwards Jake Henderson and Gustaf Franzen paid a visit to Our Lady of Fatimah School on Tuesday as part of the Rangers’ Captain’s Clinics Program. These clinics focus on the importance of health and physical activity while teaching fundamental hockey skills. Students were able to practice their newly learned skills and utilize them in a short game with Jake and Gustaf before a Q&A session with the two Rangers.

Petes fans can support Canadian Cancer Society until Friday: Donations for the Peterborough Petes Pink in the Rink fundraising campaign are being accepted through Friday November 27. For a donation of $20 to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Petes will print the name of someone who has or continues to battle cancer, or who lost a fight to cancer on each commemorative jersey to be worn by the Petes on Saturday February 6, 2016 in their Pink In the Rink Night against the Ottawa 67’s. For more information please visitgopetesgo.com.

STING’S PAVEL ZACHA RECEIVES WEEKLY HONOURS:

New Jersey Devils prospect Pavel Zacha of the Sarnia Sting is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending November 22 after scoring three goals and three assists for six points in two games with a plus-minus rating of plus-2.  Zacha helped the Sting win both games last week extending the club’s winning-streak to three and improving their record to 13-7-2-0 where they stand second place in the West Division standings with 28 points.  His week was highlighted by a career-high five-point performanceon Saturday night scoring his first career hat-trick and adding two assists as first star of a 6-2 win over the Niagara IceDogs.

TIP TOP TAILORS OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK – WEEK 9:

The Ottawa 67’s headline the ninth edition of the Tip Top Tailors OHL Plays of the Week with magic at both ends of the ice!

GETTING ON THE BOARD: FIRST OHL GOALS IN 2015-16:

Check out the players who have scored their first OHL goal in the past week! 100 different players have accomplished the milestone this season! Click on a player’s name below to watch his first OHL goal!

Nick Deakin-Poot, Jakob Mayenschein, Ryan McLeod, Joseph Mizzi, Jacob Paquette

62 OHL PLAYERS ON NHL DRAFT RADAR:

62 players from the Ontario Hockey League were listed among NHL Central Scouting’s November ‘Players to Watch’ list for the 2016 NHL Draft which takes place June 24–25 in Buffalo, New York.

11 OHL skaters received an ‘A rating’ indicating a first round candidate with a group that includes 2014 OHL Priority Selection first overall pick Jakob Chychrun of the Sarnia Sting, OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters, the London Knights’ trio of Max Jones, Olli Juolevi, and Matthew Tkachuk, and the Mississauga Steelheads threesome of Michael McLeod, Alexander Nylander and Nathan Bastian. Full Rankings

OHL GAME SUMMARIES FEATURE NEW LOOK:

Ontario Hockey League game summaries have a new look this weekend with the addition of faceoff statistics joining the recent implementation of individual shots on goal tracking.  Game Summary

ALUMNI NOTES:

Kane enjoying career-high 16-game point streak: London Knights graduate Patrick Kane continues to lead the NHL in scoring and is in the midst of a career-high 17-game point streak. Kane has amassed 10 goals, 18 assists and 28 points throughout his run and becomes the first player in Blackhawks franchise history to record points in 17 straight games since Denis Savard in 1987-88. He is currently tied with Dallas’ Jamie Benn for the NHL scoring lead. Kane spent the 2006-07 season in London, earning CHL Rookie of the Year honours with 62 goals, 83 assists and 145 points in 58 games before being selected first overall by Chicago in the 2007 NHL Draft.

Shane Prince scores first NHL goal: Ottawa 67’s graduate Shane Prince scored his first two NHL goals in Wednesday’s 5-3 Ottawa Senators victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Prince scored the first two goals of the game in his 15th career NHL contest, giving him two goals, four assists and six points in 13 games this season. Prince was a second round pick of the Senators in the 2011 NHL Draft. He played in 244 career OHL games from 2008-12 between Kitchener and Ottawa, amassing 86 goals, 134 assists and 220 points.

Canucks recall Andrey Pedan: Guelph Storm graduate Andrey Pedan has been called up by the Vancouver Canucks. The 22 year-old Russian rearguard has appeared in 15 games with the AHL’s Utica Comets this season, recording a goal, six assists and seven points. Pedan was traded to Vancouver last November after spending two full seasons in the New York Islanders system. Pedan played three seasons in Guelph from 2010-2013, appearing in 174 games while recording 26 goals, 70 assists and 96 points.

Ducks recall John Gibson: While it’s not his first NHL call-up, John Gibson has been recalled by the Anaheim Ducks after spending the first portion of the season with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls. The Kitchener Rangers graduate was Anaheim’s second round pick in 2011 and has appeared in 27 career NHL games since 2013. The Pittsburgh, PA, native spent two seasons in Kitchener from 2011-13, going 38-19-0-1 with a 2.60 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage.

Altshuller leads ECHL goaltenders: Oshawa Generals graduate Daniel Altshuller leads all ECHL goaltenders with a 1.50 goals-against average through eight games this season. Altshuller is currently playing with the Florida Everblades, the ECHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes. His sparkling goals-against average is accompanied by a 7-1-0-0 record, a .942 save percentage and two shutouts. Altshuller played with the Oshawa Generals from 2011-2014, appearing in 140 games while recording a 2.80 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage and a record of 78-47-3-5.

Camp, Gibson named coaches of CIS Selects squad: Former OHL head coach Shawn Camp and OHL graduate Brett Gibson have been named to the coaching staff of the CIS Selects squad that will square off with Canadian World Junior hopefuls on December 12th and 13th at the MasterCard Centre in Toronto. Camp is currently in his ninth season behind the bench at the University of Guelph following almost a decade of CHL coaching experience in Hull and Guelph. Camp led the Guelph Storm to an OHL title in 2004. Brett Gibson is currently in his 10th season behind the bench at Queen’s University, having been named the OUA East and CIS coach of the year in 2014. Gibson played four seasons in the OHL from 1996-2000 with Erie, North Bay and London.

Brace, Locke tied for AUS scoring lead: OHL graduates Cameron Brace and Eric Locke are currently tied for the AUS lead in scoring. The two 22 year-olds both have 22 points in 13 games on the season with Brace (11-11–22) suiting up for UNB and Locke (10-12–22) representing St. Fx. Brace spent five seasons in the OHL from 2009-14, recording 106 goals, 100 assists and 206 points in 265 games between Owen Sound and Belleville. The Markham, ON, native won an OHL title with Owen Sound in 2011. Locke was a seventh round pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2013 who appeared in 223 games over five seasons with Windsor, Barrie and Saginaw. Locke recorded 116 goals, 135 assists and 251 career points.

KEY WEEKEND MATCHUPS:

Kitchener Rangers (18-2-3-0) vs. Erie Otters (19-3-1-0)
Thursday November 26 at Erie

The Kitchener Rangers will be out to settle the score with the Erie on Thursday after dropping a 5-2 loss to the Otters on home ice last week. The top two teams in the CHL this have both won eight of their last 10 contests. They’ll square off in a big matchup to kick-off a busy weekend around the league.

Peterborough Petes (11-9-2-2) vs. Oshawa Generals (10-12-2-1)
Friday November 27 at Oshawa / Saturday November 28 at Peterborough

The Peterborough Petes have turned heads of late with a balanced attack and strong goaltending. They’ll face their age old rival, the Oshawa Generals in a home-and-home set this weekend. The Generals sit three points behind Peterborough in the East Division and will try and close that gap with a pair of wins this weekend.

London Knights (15-4-1-1) vs. Windsor Spitfires (15-6-3-0)
Sunday November 29 at Windsor

The Knights and Spitfires lock horns for the fourth time this season, with Windsor having taken two out of the three past encounters. The two sides swapped 6-3 verdicts in late October and prepare to meet twice in two weeks with a follow-up meeting on Friday December 4th in London.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE: 

Thursday, November 26
Kitchener at Erie – 7:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Niagara – 7:00pm
Hamilton at North Bay – 7:00pm
Sarnia at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Owen Sound at Barrie – 7:30pm

Friday, November 27
Guelph at Kingston – 7:00pm
North Bay at Niagara – 7:00pm
Sarnia at Ottawa – 7:00pm
Hamilton at Sudbury – 7:00pm
Saginaw at Windsor – 7:05pm
Barrie at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Owen Sound at London – 7:30pm
Erie at Mississauga – 7:30pm
Peterborough at Oshawa – 7:35pm

Saturday, November 28
Guelph at Ottawa – 1:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Erie – 7:00pm
Mississauga at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Flint at Sudbury – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Windsor at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Niagara at Barrie – 7:30pm
London at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday, November 29
Sarnia at Kingston – 2:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Kitchener – 2:00pm
Flint at North Bay – 2:00pm
Mississauga at Oshawa – 2:05pm
London at Windsor – 2:05pm

CATCH ALL OF THE ACTION ON OHL LIVE

CHL Announces BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the tenth edition of the BMO CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2015-16 season.  The weekly rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts.

BMO

BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings – Week 10

Rank: Team: Last Week Rank: # Weeks Ranked:
1 Erie Otters (19-3-1-0) 1 10
2 Kitchener Rangers (18-2-3-0) 3 6
3 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (19-3-3-1) 2 9
4 Kelowna Rockets (17-5-1-0) 6 4
5 Shawinigan Cataractes (19-6-1-0) 4 10
6 Seattle Thunderbirds (15-6-1-0) 8 6
7 London Knights (15-4-1-1) 7 10
8 Red Deer Rebels (16-8-0-0) 5 7
9 Val-d’Or Foreurs (17-7-2-1) – 1
10 Prince Albert Raiders (15-6-2-1) 10 5
Honourable Mention:
Windsor Spitfires (15-6-3-0) 9 4
Barrie Colts (15-7-0-0) – 2
Victoria Royals (16-7-1-1) – 2

OHL Announces First Edition of Minor Midget Top-10 Rankings for 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the first edition of the weekly minor midget rankings for the 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting Staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament which takes place March 15-21, 2016.  All games will be played at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday March 21.

Minor Midget Rankings for the 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament – Week 1

  1. Toronto Red Wings (GTHL)
  2. York-Simcoe Express (OMHA)
  3. Toronto Marlies (GTHL)
  4. Mississauga Rebels (GTHL)
  5. Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs (OMHA)
  6. Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
  7. Sudbury Wolves (GNML)
  8. London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)
  9. Markham Majors (GTHL)
  10. Waterloo Wolves (ALLIANCE)

Honourable Mentions:
Kingston Frontenacs (OMHA)
Barrie Jr. Colts (OMHA)
Don Mills Flyers (GTHL)

The OHL Cup continues to showcase 20 participating teams from across Ontario and the United States with 16 of the 20 spots in 2016 guaranteed through league competition.  The 16 guaranteed spots continue to include all four GTHL Semi-Finalists, and the top four teams that place at the OMHA Championship.  Three teams from the ALLIANCE will still be guaranteed a spot in the tournament including the Champion and Finalist, along with the winner of a best-of-three Semi-Final Wild Card Series to be played between the losers of the two league Semi-Finals.  Also as in past years, two tournament entries are reserved for United States competition, while both an HNO and NOHA representative will also compete.  New in 2016, the final guaranteed spot is awarded to the highest finishing minor midget team in the HEO Midget League which in 2015-16 belongs to CIHA White.

This season the final four entries at the 2016 OHL Cup will be Wild Cards determined among eight teams that will play a one game ‘win and in’ scenario.  The eight competing teams aiming for the final four tournament spots will continue to include the fifth place team at the OMHA Championship, and the loser of the ALLIANCE Semi-Final Wild Card Series.  New in 2016, two spots in Wild Card games will be reserved for GTHL teams.  The two competing GTHL teams will be determined through a pair of Wild Card Play-In Series matchups involving the four GTHL teams who qualified for the playoffs but lost in the first round.  Also new in 2016, one spot in a Wild Card will be reserved for the winner of an OMHA SCTA Consolation Game that features both teams who lost in the SCTA Tournament Semi-Final.  The OMHA teams eligible for this matchup will be determined annually based on the league not hosting the OMHA Championship.  Finally, the three remaining teams who will compete in the Wild Card matchups will be named by the Tournament Selection Committee based on regular season, playoff, and tournament play. All four Wild Card games will take place onTuesday March 15 with specific matchups and times of play to be determined by random draw among the eight competing teams onMonday March 14.

Last season the Toronto Marlboros captured their fifth OHL Cup title in 11 years with a 3-2 overtime win over the Don Mills Flyers. Marlies forward and OHL Cup MVP Ryan McLeod followed up older brother Michael McLeod’s MVP effort in 2014 with three goals and four assists in the tournament.

McLeod was one of 12 first round draft selections from 2015 OHL Cup teams, including six of the top ten picks. Those names include David Levin (Don Mills Flyers – 1st overall to the Sudbury Wolves), Ryan McLeod (Toronto Marlboros – 3rd overall to the Flint Firebirds), Brady Gilmour (Quinte Red Devils – 6th overall to the Saginaw Spirit), Ben Jones (Toronto Marlboros – 7th overall to the Niagara IceDogs), Matthew Strome (Toronto Marlboros – 8th overall to the Hamilton Bulldogs) and Markus Phillips (Toronto Titans – 9th overall to the Owen Sound Attack).

Five first round selections in the 2015 NHL Draft are also OHL Cup graduates including Connor McDavid (Toronto Marlboros/Edmonton Oilers), Dylan Strome (Toronto Marlboros/Arizona Coyotes), Mitch Marner (Don Mills Flyers/Toronto Maple Leafs), Lawson Crouse (Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs/Florida Panthers) and Travis Konecny (Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs/Philadelphia Flyers).

Notable OHL Cup graduates currently playing in the NHL include Taylor Hall (Greater Kingston Frontenacs/Edmonton Oilers), John Tavares (Toronto Marlboros/New York Islanders), Steven Stamkos (Markham Waxers/Tampa Bay Lightning), Tyler Seguin (Toronto Nationals/Dallas Stars), 2013 Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban (Markham Islanders/Montreal Canadiens) and 2010 OHL Cup MVP Sean Monahan (Mississauga Rebels/Calgary Flames).

For more information, please visit ohlcup.ca.

OHL Cup

Screaming Eagles’ Pierre-Luc Dubois named CHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that 2016 NHL Draft prospect Pierre-Luc Dubois of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending November 22 after recording eight points in two games including a goal and seven assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-5.

Dubois helped the Screaming Eagles earn a pair of home victories over Maritimes Division rivals the Charlottetown Islanders boosting the club’s record to the winning-side at a mark of 13-11-3-0.  Both of his games were four-point performances including Friday night before a nationwide audience on Sportsnet where he scored a goal and three assists in the 6-3 victory claiming second star honours.  On Saturday night he recorded a career-high four assists helping set-up all four Screaming Eagles’ goals in the 4-2 win earning second star honours in back-to-back games.

An 18-year-old from Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec, Dubois is playing in his second career season with the Screaming Eagles after being selected by the club fifth overall in the 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft.  Dubois represented Team QMJHL in the 2015 CHL Canada Russia Series and is currently ninth in league scoring with 16 goals and 22 assists for 38 points in 27 games.  Eligible for the 2016 NHL Draft, Dubois is one of three QMJHL players projected as a first round candidate by NHL Central Scouting in their November ‘Players to Watch’ list.

Also considered for the award this week was New Jersey Devils prospect Pavel Zacha of the Sarnia Sting who scored three goals and three assists for six points in two games, and Tyson Baillie of the Kelowna Rockets who scored three goals and four assists for seven points in three games.

2015-16 CHL Regular Season Players of the Week:

Nov. 16 – Nov. 22: Pierre-Luc Dubois (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)
Nov. 9 – Nov. 15: Dylan Strome (Erie Otters)
Nov. 2 – Nov. 8: Nikolas Brouillard (Quebec Remparts)
Oct. 26 – Nov. 1: Mathew Barzal (Seattle Thunderbirds)
Oct. 19 – Oct. 25: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 12 – Oct. 18: Zach Bratina (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 5 – Oct. 11: Dennis Yan (Shawinigan Cataractes)
Sept. 28 – Oct. 4: Conor Garland (Moncton Wildcats)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 27: Alex Forsberg (Victoria Royals)

CHL Leagues

Drakkar’s Keven Bouchard named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Edmonton Oilers prospect Keven Bouchard of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending November 22 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record with a shutout victory along with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .971.

Bouchard turned aside 64 shots last week backstopping the Drakkar to a pair of victories putting an end to the club’s 10-game losing-streak.  On Friday night he earned second star honours with a 25-save performance between the pipes in a 3-2 win over the Saint John Sea Dogs, then picked up his first shutout of the season on Saturday with a career-high 41 saves as first star of a 4-0 win over the Halifax Mooseheads.

A 19-year-old from Métabetchouan, QC , Bouchard is playing in his third QMJHL season and first with the Drakkar after playing his first two seasons with the Val-d’Or Foreurs where he helped the team win a President Cup title in 2014.  Bouchard was selected by the Oilers in the seventh round of the 2014 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week was rookie Declan Hobbs of the Kootenay Ice with a 1-1-0-0 record earning his first career WHL victory while posting a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .957, and Justin Fazio of the Sarnia Sting who went 2-0-0-0 including one shutout with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .966.

2015-16 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

Nov. 16 – Nov. 22: Keven Bouchard (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)
Nov. 9 – Nov. 15: Devin Williams (Erie Otters)
Nov. 2 – Nov. 8: Etienne Montpetit (Val-d’Or Foreurs)
Oct. 26 – Nov. 1: Tyler Parsons (London Knights)
Oct. 19 – Oct. 25: Adin Hill (Portland Winterhawks)
Oct. 12 – Oct. 18: Julio Billia (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
Oct. 5 – Oct. 11: Coleman Vollrath (Victoria Royals)
Sept. 28 – Oct. 4: Louis-Philip Guindon (Rimouski Oceanic)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 27: Zack Bowman (Flint Firebirds)

CHL Leagues

Sting’s Pavel Zacha named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that New Jersey Devils prospect Pavel Zacha of the Sarnia Sting is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending November 22 after scoring three goals and three assists for six points in two games with a plus-minus rating of plus-2.

Zacha helped the Sting win both games last week extending the club’s winning-streak to three and improving their record to 13-7-2-0 where they stand second place in the West Division standings with 28 points.  His week was highlighted by a career-high five-point performance on Saturday night scoring his first career hat-trick and adding two assists as first star of a 6-2 win over the Niagara IceDogs.  On Friday night Zacha picked up an assist on the Sting’s lone goal scored by Jeff King in the club’s 1-0 triumph over the Owen Sound Attack.

An 18-year-old from Brno, Czech Republic, Zacha is playing in his second OHL season with the Sting after being chosen first overall by the club in the 2014 CHL Import Draft.  The sixth overall pick of the Devils in the 2015 NHL Draft has already signed his entry-level contract with the club and currently leads the Sting in scoring with 12 goals and eight assists for 20 points in 17 games.

Watch video highlights of Zacha and the Sting against the Attack and IceDogs.

Also considered for the award this week was San Jose Sharks prospect Kevin Labanc of the Barrie Colts who scored four goals and five assists for nine points in three games, and 2016 NHL Draft prospect Matthew Tkachuk of the London Knights who scored three goals and five assists for eight points in three games.  In goal, Sting netminder Justin Fazio continued his strong play between the pipes making 57 saves in a pair of victories including one shutout posting a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .966.  The shutout was his second straight following a 24-save effort against the Guelph Storm on November 14.

2015-16 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Nov. 16 – Nov. 22: Pavel Zacha (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 9 – Nov. 15: Devin Williams (Erie Otters)
Nov. 2 – Nov. 8: Dylan Strome (Erie Otters)
Oct. 26 – Nov. 1: Tyler Parsons (London Knights)
Oct. 19 – Oct. 25: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 12 – Oct. 18: Zach Bratina (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 5 – Oct. 11: Hunter Garlent (Peterborough Petes)
Sept. 28 – Oct. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 27: Zack Bowman (Flint Firebirds)