CANADA’S NATIONAL JUNIOR TEAM SET FOR 2016 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMIONSHIP

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

22 past and present CHL players named to final team representing the red-and-white in Helsinki

Hockey Canada

 HELSINKI, Finland – The roster is set; 23 players have earned their place on Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship in Helsinki, Finland, Dec. 26-Jan. 5.

Hockey Canada confirmed the final roster shortly after returning to Helsinki from Imatra, Finland, on Sunday evening. The team spent six days in Imatra and played pre-competition games against Belarus on Saturday, and the Czech Republic on Sunday, before narrowing down to the final roster.

 “Our goal is always to assemble the best possible team to represent Canada. We had a really good evaluation period in Toronto and Imatra, and were able to see how the players responded to different situations – from practices to games,” said Scott Salmond, vice-president of hockey operations and national teams for Hockey Canada. “These are never easy decisions, but we feel confident in the team we have and their ability to make the nation proud and give us all something to get behind this holiday season.”

 Four players from the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship-winning team are included on the roster: Lawson Crouse (Mt. Brydges, Ont./Kingston, OHL), Joe Hicketts (Kamloops, B.C./Victoria, WHL), Brayden Point (Calgary/Moose Jaw, WHL), and Jake Virtanen(Abbotsford, B.C./Calgary, WHL/Vancouver, NHL).

 They are joined by:

  • Goaltenders: Mackenzie Blackwood (Thunder Bay, Ont./Barrie, OHL), Mason McDonald (Halifax/Charlottetown, QMJHL),Samuel Montembeault (Bécancour, Que./Blainville-Boisbriand, QMJHL);
  • Defencemen: Thomas Chabot (Sainte-Marie-de-Beauce, Que./Saint John, QMJHL), Travis Dermott (Newmarket, Ont./Erie, OHL), Haydn Fleury (Carlyle, Sask./Red Deer, WHL), Brandon Hickey (Leduc, Alta./Boston University, HE), Roland McKeown(Listowel, Ont./Kingston, OHL), Travis Sanheim (Elkhorn, Man./Calgary, WHL);
  • Forwards: Mathew Barzal (Coquitlam, B.C./Seattle, WHL), Anthony Beauvillier (Sorel, Que./Shawinigan, QMJHL), Rourke Chartier (Saskatoon, Sask./Kelowna, WHL), Julien Gauthier (Pointe-aux-Trembles, Que./Val-d’Or, QMJHL), Travis Konecny(Clachan, Ont./Ottawa, OHL), Mitchell Marner (Thornhill, Ont./London, OHL), Brendan Perlini (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont./Niagara, OHL), John Quenneville (Edmonton/Brandon, WHL), Mitchell Stephens (Peterborough, Ont./Saginaw, OHL), Dylan Strome(Mississauga, Ont./Erie, OHL).

Canada won gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship on home ice in January. The team has not won in Europe since 2008 – the fourth of five consecutive gold medals for Canada’s National Junior Team from 2005-09.

Canada opens the tournament against the United States on Saturday, Dec. 26 at 2 p.m. ET. Hockey Canada’s official broadcasters, TSN and RDS, are scheduled to broadcast all tournament games, including the last of three pre-tournament games on Dec. 23; check local listings for details.

For more information on Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit hockeycanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebookand Twitter.

Max Jones – Player Profile – London Knights

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 200 pounds

Date of birth: February 17, 1998, Orion, MI

Position: Left Wing

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 1, 18th overall, 2014 Priority Selection

Last season Jones played for the USNTDP and in 24 games scored 5 goals and 5 assists. He joined the US National U-17 squad and in 38 games scored 18 times while adding 10 assists. He also put in a solid performance for the U.S. at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17. In 6 games he scored 7 goals while contributing 4 assists. He was named to the All Tournament team and finished second in scoring in leading the Americans to silver.

Max Jones of the London Knights. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Max Jones of the London Knights. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Jones father Brad is a former NHL player who played in 148 games in 4 seasons and scored 25 goals and 31 assists in his NHL career. His brother Mitch is a former OHL’er with the Plymouth Whalers and is currently playing for the Alaska Aces of the ECHL.

With one goal and two assists for Jones in his first eight games, it took him a few weeks to get accustomed to the OHL. Since then, he’s been on a bit of a tear with 14 goals and 12 assists in his last 21 games.

Jones is a straightforward north-south player who possesses aggressiveness, great speed and nastiness who is more than willing to go through defenders –successfully- rather than try and dangle around them.  He’s a prototypical power forward who can get on top of the defence and punish them. He battles along the walls and is near impossible to move off the puck.

Jones will fight for his space in front of the opposition goal. He plays on the powerplay and that is usually where you’ll find him planted.  He’s very good in tight and has some finish there.

It’s not all strength and power to Jones’ game however. There is finesse to his repertoire. He’s an excellent skater with high end top speed and an excellent first step. He possesses a pro level shot with an excellent release and accuracy. His vision is very good and has the high hockey IQ to go with it – an underrated playmaker in my opinion.

Jones’ play without the puck needs some improvement and is a work in progress. He also needs to better choose his spots to be physical – he sometimes goes out of his way chasing the hit. As he matures, those things will come to him.

London Knights coach Dale Hunter

“He’s a complete player. He’s a fast player. He’s skilled. In big games, like you see in the National Hockey League right now, he raises his game . . . That’s what we need in London. He’s going to put up lots of numbers during the year but come playoff time, he raises his game to another level and that’s what you need to win.”

Alexander Nylander – Player Profile – Mississauga Steelheads

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 172 pounds

Date of birth: March 2, 1998, Södertälje, Sweden

Position: Right Wing

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 1, 12th overall, CHL Import Draft

Toronto Maple Leafs fans are pretty excited about prospect William Nylander. As of now, they are in a prime position where they could grab younger brother Alexander in the 2016 National Hockey League draft. And if they are excited about William, then they’ll be on cloud 9 about Alexander.

Nylander last season played for AIK J20 in the SuperElit league and in 42 games scored 14 goals and added 25 assists. Not only did that experience bode well for his OHL debut, but so did his wealth of international experience.

Nylander, Alexander (2)
Alexander Nylander of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Aaron Bell OHL Images

Nylander played for Sweden at the Under-16’s – 1 goal, 1 assist in 3 games; the World Hockey Challenge Under 17’s – 2 goals, 5 assists in 6 games; the Ivan Hlinka Memorial – 2 goals, 4 assists in 5 games; and is currently vying for a spot on Team Sweden at the World Junior Championships Under-20.

I don’t often use the word elite – it’s something I save for the best of all time – but Nylander has some very elite qualities if he is not elite overall. His puck handling is elite and his hockey IQ is elite, his vision is elite. He is phenomenal in one on one situation. He is extremely elusive; defenders have to be aware of his presence constantly.

When I watched him at the Ivan Hlinka, I thought he played a soft game. But that is the furthest thing from the truth in his first OHL season. While he is more physically involved than his older brother, he’s not a basher. But he doesn’t shy away from the physical game – he’ll take what the opposition throws at him and keeps on going.

Nylander will also battle along the boards even though he needs to add some bulk. He plays it smart and has excellent puck possession skills, even in those battles. While he can improve defensively, he’s no slouch in that aspect of his game either. He works extremely hard to get back on the backcheck, and it’s helped out greatly by his skating.

Nylander currently leads all OHL rookies in goals, assists and points. Don’t take this as a knock on Nylander though – that is also a product of the OHL rookie eligibility rules.

The adjustment to North America has been smooth for Nylander. With his brother playing for the Marlies in Toronto and his father Michael – an NHL star himself – as his assistant coach in Mississauga, he’s had plenty of family around.

Mississauga head coach James Boyd to Sportsnet following the Import Draft:

“He plays the game at a fast-fast pace and he’s got a great shot and nose for the net. He’s one of the better players in his age group, in Sweden, likely in Europe. He’s going to be a key guy and someone to watch for at the NHL draft next year.”

 

U.S. National Junior Team Roster Trimmed to 24

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Team USA Travels to Finland Today; Final Roster To Be Named by Dec. 24

The roster for the 2016 U.S. National Junior Team has been trimmed to 24 players. The U.S. National Junior Team will travel to Finland tomorrow and continue its training camp in Vierumaki, Finland, Dec. 20-24.

“Head coach Ron Wilson has brought a high level of intensity to camp and as a staff we have been very pleased with the attitude shown by the players,” said Jim Johannson, general manager of the 2016 U.S. National Junior Team and also the assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. “As our players keep melding together our staff will continue evaluating which players fit best into the framework and style of play our coaching staff expects us to have for this tournament.”

US roster

Full story

OHL This Week for December 17-20, 2015

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – Ontario Hockey League action heads into the thirteenth week of the regular season schedule with 21 games beginning tonight through Sunday before pausing for the Holiday Break and returning to play on Monday December 28.

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

 AT THE RINKS:

Teddy Bear Toss in Barrie on Thursday: Teddies take flight in Barrie on Thursday as the Colts take on the Soo Greyhounds! All bears thrown on the ice will be donated to the Darling Foundation, Barrie Fire Services, and Barrie Police.

Petes Holiday Classic goes Thursday: The Peterborough Petes host the Owen Sound Attack on Thursday for their annual Holiday Classic game. This year fans have the opportunity to receive great prizes and giveaways as they enjoy the back end of a home-and-home set against Owen Sound. The Petes will be playing in support of those suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, with runner Catie Sims and Zak Mitchell, a Peterborough student who suffers from the disease, both performing the ceremonial faceoff. Fans can purchase chuck-a-puck tickets to support Catie and Zack and win over $250 worth of gifts and gift cards. For more information on the Petes Holiday Classic, please visit gopetesgo.com.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Night in Mississauga on Friday: If there was ever a time to put on an ugly Christmas sweater, this is it! The Mississauga Steelheads invite fans to wear their ugliest Christmas sweater on Friday night when they take on the Sarnia Sting.

Generals hold Food Drive on Friday: The Oshawa Generals, in partnership with Panera Bread, are requesting that all fans bring a non-perishable food item to Friday’s tilt against the Flint Firebirds.

Star Wars Night with the Spirit on Saturday: Darth Vader and his storm troopers will be in attendance in Saginaw on Saturday as the Spirit battle the Windsor Spitfires.

Toonies and Toys Night in Owen Sound on Saturday: The Attack host their Toonies and Toys Night at home to the London Knights on Saturday, joining forces with the Owen Sound Fire Department for their 2015 Holiday Toy Drive.

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Attack Hunger Night a great success: The Owen Sound Attack, with many thanks to their dedicated fan base, were able to raise 1302Ibs. of food and over $700 in cash donations toward the Attack Hunger campaign on Wednesday night at home to the Barrie Colts.

Bulldogs visit McMaster Children’s Hospital: The Hamilton Bulldogs paid a visit to McMaster Children’s Hospital on Sunday, raising the spirits of the kids there as they engaged in games and discussion. Check out video footage of the Bulldogs’ special visit!

IceDogs and Niagara Regional Police visit Niagara Health Systems St. Catharines: The Niagara IceDogs teamed up with the Niagara Regional Police on Monday morning to visit the Niagara Health Systems St. Catharines site with a teddy bear delivery for the pediatric ward. IceDogs players Anthony DiFruscia, Jordan Maletta, Aaron Haydon and Blake Siebenaler were joined by Bones, Chief Jeff McGuire and other members of the Niagara Regional Police as they delivered teddy bears collected during the November 27th Teddy Bear Toss game to children throughout the ward. For more information on the special visit, please visit niagaraicedogs.net.

Spirit collect donations for Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan: Saginaw Spirit players were out collecting donations for Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan at Tim Horton’s locations throughout the city on Tuesday. Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan and the Saginaw Spirit have teamed up to spread hope by raising funds for local homeless shelters with events such as Tuesday morning’s collection and the Annual Hockey for the Homeless Event hosted by the Saginaw Spirit on Saturday, March 12.

Sting auctioning off ugly Christmas jerseys: The specially themed ugly Christmas sweater jerseys worn by the Sting on Friday December 11th are now up for auction. Proceeds will be donated to the Inn of the Good Shepherd. Jerseys are up for auction untilWednesday December 23. Bid here!

KNIGHTS’ CHRISTIAN DVORAK NAMED CHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Arizona Coyotes prospect Christian Dvorak of the London Knights is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending December 13 after scoring three goals and four assists for seven points in two games with a plus-minus rating of plus-5.  Dvorak took over the lead in the OHL’s scoring race with a pair of multi-point performances that also extended the Knights’ winning-streak to nine games.  He was named first star in both contests last week including Thursday night with a goal and two assists in a 6-3 road win over the Barrie Colts, and Friday night in Sudbury with two goals and two assists in an 8-1 win over the Wolves extending his personal point-streak to 17 games.

STEELHEADS’ JACK FLINN NAMED VAUGHN CHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK:

Jack Flinn of the Mississauga Steelheads is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending December 13 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 1.47 and save percentage of .958.  Flinn made 68 saves in a pair of road victories for the Steelheads who extend their winning-streak to three games and climb to first place in the OHL’s Central Division with 38 points.

TIP TOP TAILORS OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK – WEEK 12:

The Barrie Colts headline the 12th edition of the Tip Top Tailors OHL Plays of the Week, with San Jose Sharks prospect Kevin Labanc putting the finishing touches on a smooth passing play. 

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! 112 different players have accomplished the milestone this season! Click on a player’s name below to watch his first OHL goal!

Macauley Carson, Liam Hawel, Brock Philips, Markus Phillips, Stephan Seeger, Chase Stewart, Jack Studnicka

ROGERS HOMETOWN HOCKEY TOUR STOPS IN SARNIA THIS WEEKEND:

The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour stops in Sarnia this weekend as the crew explores Sarnia’s contributions to the world of hockey, from Hockey Hall of Famer Dino Ciccarelli to Sarnia Sting alumni Steven Stamkos and Alex Galchenyuk to up-and-comer Jakob Chychrun. The show will also feature a one-on-one interview with Canadian icon and Sarnia native, astronaut Chris Hadfield. For more information please visit hometownhockey.com.

ALUMNI NOTES:

Brandon Mashinter scores first NHL goal: OHL graduate Brandon Mashinter scored his first career NHL goal with the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday as they defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-0. Mashinter scored with 10 seconds remaining in the third period for his first goal in 36 career NHL games. A graduate of the Belleville Bulls, Mashinter played in the OHL from 2004-09 between Sarnia, Kitchener and Belleville, appearing in 242 games while scoring 57 goals along with 43 assists for 100 points. He played in 41 career playoff contests, scoring 10 goals, seven assists and 17 points. He won an OHL title with the Kitchener Rangers in 2008.

Joseph Blandisi makes NHL debut: Barrie Colts graduate Joseph Blandisi made his NHL debut with the New Jersey Devils on Friday. The 2015 OHL Overage Player of the Year signed with the Devils as a free agent last season and has already made his ascent to the NHL ranks after recording seven goals, nine assists and 16 points in 18 games with New Jersey’s AHL affiliate in Albany. A former Colts captain, Blandisi played four OHL seasons from 2011-15 between Owen Sound, Ottawa and Barrie.

Brock McGinn named AHL Player of the Week: Guelph Storm grad Brock McGinn has been named the AHL Player of the Week. McGinn notched three goals and two assists for five points in two games last week, helping the Checkers to a pair of road wins over Western Conference foes. A second round choice by Carolina in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, McGinn has tallied 10 goals and three assists for 13 points in 13 AHL games with Charlotte this season. He made his NHL debut with the Hurricanes on Oct. 16 and has notched two goals and an assist in 14 NHL contests as well. McGinn won an OHL title with the Storm in 2013 and appeared in 227 career games over four seasons, recording 93 goals, 79 assists and 172 regular season points.

Veterans Blunden, O’Reilly back in NHL: OHL graduates and minor league veterans Mike Blunden and Cal O’Reilly are back in the NHL. Blunden scored his first goal since January 7, 2012 in Tampa Bay’s 5-4 overtime win over Toronto on Tuesday. O’Reilly, who is the older brother of Sabres star and Erie Otters grad Ryan O’Reilly, appeared in his first NHL game since February 15, 2012 in Buffalo’s 2-0 loss to New Jersey on Tuesday. A graduate of the Erie Otters, Blunden played four seasons in Erie from 2002-06, recording 100 goals, 81 assists and 181 points in 236 career regular season games. The elder O’Reilly is a graduate of the Windsor Spitfires and played three OHL seasons in Windsor from 2003-06, recording 45 goals, 149 assists and 194 points in 197 career regular season games. Both players are 29 years-old.

Matt Murray recalled by Penguins: With veteran goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury sidelined with a concussion, Soo Greyhounds graduate Matt Murray has been summoned by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Thunder Bay, ON, native was the AHL’s Goaltender of the Year in 2015, going 25-10-3-1 with a 1.58 goals-against average and a .941 save percentage. The 6-foot-4 Murray set a new AHL benchmark last season with 304:11 of consecutive shutout minutes spanning six games. Murray has continued his stellar play this season, with a 12-4-0-0 record, a 1.84 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage in 17 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. A third round pick by Pittsburgh in 2012, Murray played four seasons with the Greyhounds from 2010-14, going 79-60-4-10 with a 3.42 goals-against average and an .898 save percentage.

Mathieu Schneider to be inducted into U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame: Cornwall Royals graduate Mathieu Schneider will join Chris Drury, Angela Ruggiero and Ron DeGregorio in being inducted to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame on Thursday. Schneider played three seasons in Cornwall from 1986-89 where he was a point-per-game player scoring 44 goals and 126 assists for 170 points in exactly 170 career regular season games. The New York native and veteran of 21 professional seasons was selected by Montreal in the third round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft and would capture a Stanley Cup title with the Canadiens in 1993.  He also helped the U.S earn their inaugural World Cup of Hockey title in 1996 and is among the top five American defencemen all-time in the NHL in nearly every statistical category. Recent OHL alumni to also receive the honour include Peter Karmanos Jr. in 2013, along with Kevin and Derian Hatcher in 2010.

Peca and Walker named honourary captains for AHL All-Star Classic: OHL graduates Michael Peca and Scott Walker have been named honourary captains for the 2016 AHL All-Star Classic held January 31 and February 1 in Syracuse, NY. Each year, the All-Star Classic honorary captains join the participating teams in the locker room and on the benches during the event, and are recognized for their careers at the annual AHL Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony. Peca, who played four seasons between Sudbury and Ottawa from 1990-94, went on to play over 800 career NHL contests. Walker played two seasons in Owen Sound from 1991-93 and also played over 800 career NHL games before serving as head coach of the Guelph Storm from 2010-15. For more information please visit theahl.com.

KEY WEEKEND MATCHUPS:

Mississauga Steelheads (18-13-0-2) vs. North Bay Battalion (14-12-1-2)
Thursday December 17 at North Bay

The North Bay Battalion will be out to settle the score with the Mississauga Steelheads on Thursday after suffering a 7-0 defeat against them back on November 20th. The two clubs square off in a Central Division showdown as the Steelheads look to continue their three game winning streak.  The division leading Steelheads are finding success of late, with strong contributions from reigning Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week Jack Flinn who leads the league with 1888 minutes played this season. Though they’ll be without Swedish winger Alexander Nylander, the Steelheads have had consistent production from draft eligible forwards Michael McLeod and Nathan Bastian this season.  The Battalion are led by captain Mike Amadio who enters play on an eight game point streak. The Troops knocked off the London Knights on Sunday and sit fourth in the Central Division with a record of 14-12-1-2.

Windsor Spitfires (18-9-5-0) at Saginaw Spirit (13-16-1-1)
Thursday December 17 at Windsor, Saturday December 19 at Saginaw

After a slow start and streaky stretches throughout the first half, the Saginaw Spirit are finding their groove. With wins in both of their last two games, the Spirit try and keep things rolling this weekend with a home-and-home set against Windsor on Thursday andSaturday. The Spitfires have taken two of three from the Spirit this season, but Saginaw got the better of Windsor in their last meeting on November 28th.  Saginaw goaltender Evan Cormier has wins in five of his last six starts, boasting a 1.97 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage so far this month. The Spirit have benefitted from the addition of Mike Davies who has four goals, four assists and eight points in his first 13 games with the club.  The Spitfires have an exciting recent addition of their own as Winnipeg Jets prospect Brendan Lemieux has four goals, two assists and six points in his first three games with Windsor.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE: 

Thursday, December 17
Sudbury at Niagara – 7:00pm
Mississauga at North Bay – 7:00pm
Owen Sound at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Saginaw at Windsor – 7:05pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Barrie – 7:30pm

Friday, December 18
Sudbury at Erie – 7:00pm
Hamilton at Kingston – 7:00pm
Niagara at North Bay – 7:00pm
Peterborough at Ottawa – 7:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Guelph at London – 7:30pm
Sarnia at Mississauga – 7:30pm
Flint at Oshawa – 7:35pm

Saturday, December 19
Kingston at Ottawa – 1:00pm
Mississauga at Guelph – 2:00pm
Sarnia at Erie – 7:00pm
Flint at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Windsor at Saginaw – 7:05pm
North Bay at Barrie – 7:30pm
London at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday, December 20
Sudbury at Oshawa – 6:05pm

CATCH ALL OF THE ACTION ON OHL LIVE

OHL, WHL, and QMJHL proudly present Fan Choice

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the launch of the Fan Choice Program which showcases one great play from all three leagues and allows fans to vote on the top play.

Open now through the end of the 2016 regular season, all three leagues will nominate one play each week and invite fans to watch and vote for their favourite on the Fan Choice website at www.fanchoice.ca.

The weekly voting period will commence on Tuesday and close on Sunday evenings.  The play that receives the most votes will be declared the winner and announced each Monday.  The player from each League with the most votes at the end of the regular season will be crowned winner of the Fan Choice Play of the Year and the League will recognize the top play at their annual Awards Ceremony.

This week’s debut Fan Choice features Kevin Labanc of the OHL’s Barrie Colts up against Adam Marsh of the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs, and Coleman Vollrath of the WHL’s Victoria Royals.

Fan Choice is a partnership with Choice Hotels Canada helping celebrate the best plays in major junior hockey by connecting guests across Canada with their favourite pastime – hockey.

Check out all the action at www.fanchoice.ca and follow the conversation on social media using #fanchoice.

About Choice Hotels:

Choice Hotels Canada® is the nation’s largest hotel franchisor with 325 properties currently open or under development. We are affiliated with Choice Hotels International, Inc®, which franchises more than 6,300 hotels in 35 countries and territories,representing more than 500,000 rooms around the globe. Our company’s Ascend Hotel Collection®, Cambria® hotels & suites, Comfort™, Comfort Suites®, Sleep Inn®, Quality®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge®and Rodeway Inn® brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests’ needs. With more than 24 million members and counting, check out our Choice Privileges® rewards program to see how you can reap the benefits of being a member of the Choice Hotels family. Visit us at www.choicehotels.ca for more information.

CHL Announces BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the thirteenth 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 13

Rank: Team: Last Week Rank: Number of Weeks Ranked:
1 Erie Otters (27-3-1-0) 1 13
2 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (26-3-3-1) 2 12
3 Kitchener Rangers (23-3-4-0) 3 9
4 Kelowna Rockets (24-7-1-0) 4 7
5 London Knights (23-5-1-1) 5 13
6 Val-d’Or Foreurs (24-7-2-1) 6 4
7 Gatineau Olympiques (21-10-1-1) 7 4
8 Shawinigan Cataractes (21-9-3-0) 8 13
9 Lethbridge Hurricanes (21-11-0-0) 10 3
10 Calgary Hitmen (21-12-1-1) – 4
Honourable Mention:
Red Deer Rebels (22-11-0-0) – 8
Kingston Frontenacs (20-9-2-1) – 1
Prince George Cougars (20-10-1-1) – 0

OHL Announces 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 fourth 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 4

RANK TEAM LEAGUE LAST WEEK WEEKS RANKED
1 York Simcoe Express OMHA 1 4
2 Mississauga Rebels GTHL 2 4
3 Toronto Jr. Canadiens GTHL 3 4
4 Toronto Marlies GTHL 4 4
5 Barrie Jr. Colts OMHA 5 3
6 Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs OMHA 7 4
7 Toronto Red Wings GTHL 6 4
8 Markham Majors GTHL 9 4
9 Don Mills Flyers GTHL 10 2
10 Waterloo Wolves ALLIANCE – 2
         
  Honourable Mention      
  Clarington Toros OMHA – –
  Kingston Frontenacs OMHA – 1
  Sudbury Wolves GNML 8 3

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.

Knights’ Christian Dvorak named CHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Arizona Coyotes prospect Christian Dvorak of the London Knights is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending December 13 after scoring three goals and four assists for seven points in two games with a plus-minus rating of plus-5.

Dvorak took over the lead in the OHL’s scoring race with a pair of multi-point performances that also extended the Knights’ winning-streak to nine games.  He was named first star in both contests last week including Thursday night with a goal and two assists in a 6-3 road win over the Barrie Colts, and Friday night in Sudbury with two goals and two assists in an 8-1 win over the Wolves extending his personal point-streak to 17 games.

A 19-year-old from Frankfort, Illinois, Dvorak is playing in his third OHL season with the Knights and leads the league with 65 points in 27 games including 28 goals and 37 assists.  He was chosen by the Coyotes in the second round of the 2014 NHL Draft and is one of 11 CHL players invited to attend the U.S. National Junior Team Selection Camp.

Also considered for the award this week was San Jose Sharks prospect Timo Meier of the Halifax Mooseheads who scored two goals and four assists for six points in one game, and Rihards Bukarts of the Portland Winterhawks who scored six goals and one assist for seven points in three games.

2015-16 CHL Regular Season Players of the Week:

Dec. 7 – Dec. 13: Christian Dvorak (London Knights)
Nov. 30 – Dec. 6: Mitchell Marner (London Knights)
Nov. 23 – Nov. 29: Conor Garland (Moncton Wildcats)
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)

Steelheads’ Jack Flinn named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Jack Flinn of the Mississauga Steelheads is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending December 13 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 1.47 and save percentage of .958.

Flinn made 68 saves in a pair of road victories for the Steelheads who extend their winning-streak to three games and climb to first place in the OHL’s Central Division with 38 points.  On Thursday night he made 37 saves to hold on to a 4-3 overtime victory over the Windsor Spitfires, then made 31 saves on Friday earning first star honours with his league-best fifth shutout of the season helping the Steelheads emerge with a 3-0 victory over the Flint Firebirds.

Flinn, a 20-year-old from Halifax, NS, is playing in his third OHL season and first with the Steelheads where he carries an 18-12-0-1 record.  He leads the league with 32 games played and 910 saves while posting a steady 2.64 goals-against-average and .916 save percentage in 2015-16.

Also considered for the award this week was Reilly Pickard of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan who posted a 2-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.50 and a save percentage of .939, and Connor Ingram of the Kamloops Blazers who went 2-0-0-0 with a goals-against-average of 2.00 and save percentage of .938.

2015-16 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

Dec. 7 – Dec. 13: Jack Flinn (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 30 – Dec. 6: Ty Edmonds (Prince George Cougars)
Nov. 23 – Nov. 29: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
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)

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