Boris Katchouk – Player Profile – Soo Greyhounds

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height:  6’1”

Weight:  179 pounds

Date of birth: June 18, 1998 – Waterloo, Ontario

Position:  Left Wing

Shoots:  Left

OHL Draft: Round 2, 33rd overall, 2014 OHL Priority Selection.

During the 2013-2014 season, Katchouk played his Minor Midget hockey for the Waterloo Wolves where he averaged two points per game on 25 goals and 33 assists. He added 3 goals and 9 assists in 10 playoff games and helping the Wolves to the championship.

Katchouk also played in the OHL Gold Cup Under-16 winning a bronze medal with the Team Alliance. In 5 games he registered 2 assists. He also played in the OHL Cup and had a goal and 2 assists in 4 games for the Wolves.

The following season Katchouk moved on to play in 29 games for the Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League where he would score 18 goals and 27 assists. In 11 playoff games Katchouk would score 4 goals and 11 assists helping the Thunderbirds to the Championship and Katchouk’s second league title.

Boris Katchouk of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Boris Katchouk of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Following his NOJHL season, Katchouk moved up to the Greyhounds and played in 12 regular season games registering 2 assists. He did not appear in the Greyhounds playoff run to the Western Conference Finals.

You’d be hard pressed to find many players with a higher work ethic than Katchouk. He’s very good at getting in on the forecheck, battling along the wall and a stop at no cost attitude to drive the net. He can be relentless in puck pursuit often causing turnovers and creating scoring chances on those turnovers.

Katchouk possesses size, speed and plays a gritty game. He’s very good in close and with his never quit attitude he is successful when in tight. Perhaps the most impressive asset is his consistency.

Through the first 37 games of this season, Katchouk has gone pointless in three consecutive games just once and two consecutive games without a point just twice. He has registered at least one point in 22 of his 37 games on 13 goals and 18 assists. His 13 goals come on just 67 shots which is good for a 19.4% shooting percentage.

Still an OHL rookie, Katchouk sits fourth in rookie scoring behind Alexander Nylander (Mississauga), Max Jones (London) and Cam Dineen (North Bay).

Katchouk was not on NHL Central Scouting’s pre-season players to watch. He made their updated list in November as a B prospect – second or third round prospect.

Katchouk is trending to be a solid third liner who can skate, play gritty and provide energy while contributing some offense and move up in a pinch to fill in for injury.

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OHL This Week for January 14-17, 2016

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The second half of the Ontario Hockey League schedule continues with 26 games beginning tonight through Sunday.

 OHLThisWeek

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

AT THE RINKS:

Raddysh brothers poster night, canned food donations in Erie on Thursday: Fans attending Thursday’s Otters home game against Barrie can go home with a free poster featuring brothers Darren and Taylor Raddysh! Otters fans can also get $10 off their ticket when they bring canned food donations for the Erie Food Bank.

Superheroes Night in Kingston: Ever want to dress up as your favourite super hero just for fun? Well, here’s your chance! Friday is Superheroes Night with the Kingston Frontenacs as they take on the Flint Firebirds. Dress up as your favourite character and get out to the rink!

Bulldogs host First Responders Night: This Friday the City of Hamilton and the Bulldogs pay tribute to all Hamilton First Responders (police, fire and EMS). The Bulldogs are set to face-off against the Barrie Colts at 7:30pm. Don’t miss the First Responders repel from the ceiling and a performance by the Hamilton Police Female Choir. There will also be honour guards, exhibits, Touch-a-Truck and so much more!

Coach4FoodDay in North Bay on Sunday: The top boys and girls minor hockey teams that contributed the most to this year’s Coach4Food campaign will be recognized prior to puck drop on Sunday when the Battalion host the Sudbury Wolves. These hard working teams will also receive a practice run by the Battalion coaching staff!

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Petes test out their sledge hockey skills: The Peterborough Petes tested out their sledge hockey skills on Monday, squaring off against the Kawartha Blazers sledge hockey team. Brandon Prophet, Nick Grima, Eric Cornel, C.J. Clarke, Steven Lorentz, Daniel Nikandrov, Hunter Garlent, Logan DeNoble and Dylan Wells had their hands full against the Blazers, who showed the Petes a thing or two during the game. Fans participated in a fundraising raffle that included prizes such as four tickets to a Toronto Maple Leafs game, four tickets to a Toronto Marlies game and two tickets to a Petes game.

Wolves help launch Coldest Night of the Year event: Six members of the Sudbury Wolves paid a visit to the Samaritan CentreTuesday evening to help kick-off the fourth annual “Coldest Night of the Year” winter walk event. The players helped serve dinner to the less fortunate at the Samaritan Centre, which is comprised of the Elgin Street Mission, Blue Door Soup Kitchen and Corner Clinic. For more on the story please visit sudburywolves.com.

Spitfires prepare for Outdoor Classic Series: The Windsor Spitfires are preparing for the Outdoor Classic Series at Lanspeary Park this coming Saturday that will include a team practice from 11am-12pm open to the public. There will be an exclusive season ticket holder skate with the Spitfires following the practice from 12-1pm followed by a number of minor hockey games featuring teams that have purchased or sold the most tickets to the Spitfires’ January 21st clash against the Flint Firebirds. For more information please visit windsorspitfires.com.

COLTS’ KEVIN LABANC TAKES WEEKLY HONOURS:

San Jose Sharks prospect Kevin Labanc of the Barrie Colts is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the second straight week ending January 10 after leading the league with nine points in three games scoring five goals with four assists and a plus-minus rating of plus-3. Labanc becomes the first back-to-back award recipient and first three-time winner this season after taking over the lead in the OHL’s scoring race and helping the Colts stay atop the Central Division standings with a pair of victories. His week was highlighted by a six-point performance on Thursday earning first star honours with his second hat-trick in three games while adding three assists in a 7-4 win over the second place Mississauga Steelheads. 

SPITFIRES’ DIPIETRO NAMED VAUGHN CHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK:

Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending January 10 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .969. DiPietro made 62 saves in two games backstopping the Spitfires to a pair of victories extending their lead in the OHL’s West Division where they carry a 25-11-5-0 record.  He earned his second shutout of the season on Friday night making 30 saves as first star of a 5-0 win over the Owen Sound Attack, then stopped 32 shots on Sunday helping the Spitfires grab a 4-2 win on the road against the Oshawa Generals. 

TIP TOP TAILORS OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK – WEEK 15: 

Sarnia Sting forward Travis Konecny headlines the 15th edition of the Tip Top Tailors OHL Plays of the Week with a sweet little toe-drag to complete the hat-trick! Be sure to vote for Travis as he represents the OHL in this week’s CHL Fan Choice vote!

Watch and vote at fanchoice.ca.

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

Kody Gagnon, Kyle Rhodes

ALUMNI NOTES:

Bennett buries four: Kingston Frontenacs graduate Sam Bennett became the first Calgary Flames player since Jarome Iginla in 2003 to score four goals in a game as he fueled a 6-0 win over the Florida Panthers. Bennett scored a hat-trick in the first period, becoming the youngest NHL player to do so since Washington’s Bobby Carpenter in 1982. Bennett also became the youngest player in Flames history to register a hat-trick. The fourth overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft continues to make a strong impression in his rookie NHL campaign with 10 goals, nine assists and 19 points in 41 games. Bennett accumulated 65 goals, 90 assists and 155 career points in 128 regular season games with the Frontenacs from 2012-15.

Domi nets first NHL hat-trick: Max Domi stole the show in Arizona on Tuesday, burying his first NHL hat-trick to lead the Coyotes over the visiting Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in overtime. The natural hat-trick featured a second period goal before he connected twice in a span of three minutes in the third. Domi is enjoying a sensational rookie season in the NHL, registering 13 goals, 18 assists and 31 points through his first 42 games. Arizona’s 12th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, Domi enjoyed a solid four year career with the London Knights, winning a pair of OHL titles and a World Junior gold medal while collecting 126 goals, 205 assists and 331 career points over 244 regular season games.

Anderson scores first NHL goal: London Knights graduate Josh Anderson found the back of the net for the first time in his NHL careeron Saturday, finishing on a feed from fellow OHL grad Kerby Rychel. Anderson’s first goal came in his 11th career contest and fifth of the season as the Burlington, ON, native has spent the majority of his time with the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters, putting up nine goals, nine assists and 18 points in 26 games. Columbus’ fourth round pick in 2012, Anderson won two OHL championships with the Knights after being a free agent addition at the start of the 2011-12 season. The big winger scored 62 goals, added 61 assists and had 123 points in 191 career regular season contests from 2011-14.

Mrazek NHL’s second star of the week: Ottawa 67’s graduate Petr Mrazek is making his mark in the NHL and has been named the league’s second star of the week after going 3-0-0 with a 0.67 goals-against average, a .978 save percentage and one shutout. The 23-year-old Ostrava, Czech Republic, native owns a 15-8-3 record in 28 appearances this season. He ranks sixth in the NHL in save percentage (.930) and places 10th in goals-against average (2.16). Mrazek spent three seasons in Ottawa from 2009-12, going 75-37-5-5 with a 2.87 goals-against average, .916 save percentage and 10 shutouts in 132 career regular season games. He was a Calder Cup Champion with the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2013.

Kuhnhackl makes NHL debut: Niagara IceDogs graduate Tom Kuhnhackl made his NHL debut on Saturday as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated Montreal 3-1. Kuhnhackl’s debut comes at the age of 23 after he has spent the last three seasons in the minors, largely with the AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The Landshut, Germany native had seven goals, eight assists and 15 points in 23 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton so far this season. Kuhnhackl reached the OHL Finals with the IceDogs in 2012 after spending much of his OHL career in Windsor. He skated in 97 regular season games, collecting 47 goals, 50 assists and 97 points over two seasons from 2010-12.

Binnington recalled by Blues: With an injury to starting goaltender Jake Allen, the St. Louis Blues have called up Owen Sound Attack graduate Jordan Binnington from the AHL’s Chicago Wolves. Binnington is currently 8-6-2-0 with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage through 17 games in his sophomore AHL season. An OHL champion with Owen Sound in 2011, Binnington was the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year in 2013, also receiving the Dave Pinkney Trophy for being on the team with the league’s lowest goals-against average. The Gravenhurst, ON, native went 86-61-3-11 with a 2.90 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage in 157 career regular season OHL contests all spent with Owen Sound from 2009-13. He was St. Louis’ third round pick in 2011.

Bigras recalled by Avalanche: Owen Sound Attack graduate Chris Bigras has been called up by the Colorado Avalanche. The 20 year-old is in the midst of an impressive rookie campaign with the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage, netting six goals, 13 assists and 19 points in 37 games. Colorado’s second round pick in 2013, Bigras played four seasons in Owen Sound from 2011-15, recording 35 goals, 120 assists and 155 points in 234 regular season games. Bigras was an OHL First Team All-Star last season and also won gold medals at both the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and the World Under-18 Hockey Championship during his OHL career. 

19 OHL grads named to AHL All-Star Rosters: Nineteen OHL graduates will compete in the AHL All-Star Classic in Syracuse, NY, onJanuary 31st and February 1st. Graduates named to rosters include Mike Angelidis, Andre Benoit, Peter Budaj, Connor Carrick, Trevor Carrick, Nick Cousins, Barclay Goodrow, Seth Griffith, Ryan Hartman, Dustin Jeffrey, Michael Leighton, Josh Leivo, Michael McCarron, Matt Murray, Cal O’Reilly, Nick Ritchie, Kerby Rychel, Rob Schremp and Anthony Stolarz. Former OHL coaches Sheldon Keefe and Mike Stothers were also named to rosters. For more information visit TheAHL.com.

Combs finds a home with Wolf Pack: OHL graduate Jack Combs has played in a total of 17 cities since his OHL days with the Kitchener Rangers and Saginaw Spirit ended back in 2009. The former 100-point OHL scorer has settled in with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack after beginning the season with the ECHL’s Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Combs is skating alongside fellow OHL grads Nicklas Jensen, Tyler Brown and Tommy Hughes in Hartford. TheAHL.com has a great feature on the well-traveled Combs, documenting a few of his hockey adventures.

KEY WEEKEND MATCHUPS:

Barrie Colts (24-14-0-1) vs. Erie Otters (34-5-1-0)
Thursday January 14th at Erie

The high-powered Barrie Colts featuring new additions Dylan Sadowy and Greg DiTomaso will face an immediate test up against the league-leading Erie Otters. The Colts, whose 154 goals lead the Eastern Conference, are trying to settle back into a groove with Canadian World Junior goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood back in the fold. OHL leading scorer Kevin Labanc is in the midst of a 10-game point streak and has goals in each of his last seven outings. The Otters have won eight of their last 10 contests and defeated the Colts in their only other meeting this season back on October 29th as Dylan Strome had two goals and an assist in a 4-3 victory.

Mississauga Steelheads (21-17-1-3) vs. Kitchener Rangers (28-6-4-0)
Friday January 15th at Kitchener

Two clubs jostling for position in their respective divisions meet up in Kitchener on Saturday as the Rangers host the up and coming Mississauga Steelheads. Mississauga enters the weekend three points out of first place in the Central Division after having lost a pair of recent games against divisional opponents in North Bay and Barrie. A tough three-in-three weekend features visits to Kitchener and London before returning home on Sunday to face the East Division leading Kingston Frontenacs. The trout will continue to lean on rookie phenom Alex Nylander who has points in his last six games. The Rangers, who lost to Mississauga in overtime back on October 11th, have won their last two contests and feature two players on lengthy point streaks. Arizona Coyotes prospect Ryan MacInnis enters the weekend on a 15-game trend while draft eligible forward Adam Mascherin has points in his last 13 contests.

Niagara IceDogs (21-13-3-2) vs. Kingston Frontenacs (25-12-2-1)
Saturday January 16th at Kingston

A clash of two Eastern Conference powers sees the Niagara IceDogs visit the Kingston Frontenacs on Saturday. The IceDogs trail Barrie by two points in the Central Division, and hope to continue nipping at their heels as they ride a four game winning streak into the weekend. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic has been at the top of his game since joining Niagara, going 4-1-0-0 with a 1.59 goals-against average and a .939 save percentage. The Frontenacs hope to have injured winger Lawson Crouse back in the lineup sooner rather than later but they haven’t allowed that to slow them down, having taken wins in four of their last five games. New acquisition Michael Dal Colle has made an immediate impact in black and gold, scoring five goals and five assists through his first four games with the club.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE: 

Thursday, January 14
Barrie at Erie – 7:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at North Bay – 7:00pm
Flint at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Oshawa at Windsor – 7:05pm

Friday, January 15
Flint at Kingston – 7:00pm
Niagara at Ottawa – 7:00pm – CHL on Sportsnet
Sault Ste. Marie at Sudbury – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Owen Sound at Guelph – 7:30pm
Barrie at Hamilton – 7:30pm
Mississauga at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Saginaw at London – 7:30pm

Saturday, January 16
Sarnia at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Niagara at Kingston – 7:00pm
Mississauga at London – 7:00pm
Ottawa at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Kitchener at Saginaw – 7:05pm
North Bay at Barrie – 7:30pm
Erie at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday, January 17
Sudbury at North Bay – 2:00pm
Erie at Owen Sound – 2:00pm
Peterborough at Guelph – 3:00pm
Kingston at Mississauga – 3:00pm – CHL on Sportsnet
Flint at Ottawa – 3:00pm
Windsor at Saginaw – 4:00pm
Sarnia at Oshawa – 6:05pm

CATCH ALL OF THE ACTION ON OHL LIVE

Connor Bunnaman – Player Profile – Kitchener Rangers

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height:  6’3”

Weight:  211 pounds

Date of birth: April 16, 1998, Guelph Ontario

Position:  Center

Shoots:  Left

OHL Draft: Round 2, 31st overall, 2014 OHL Priority Selection

Bunnaman played his Minor Midget hockey for the Guelph Jr Gryphons during the 2013/14 season and in 27 games scored 18 goals and 17 assists. He added 3 goals and 4 assists in 9 playoff games. He also played in the OHL Cup compiling 3 goals and 3 assists in 5 games.

Bunnaman also appeared in the OHL Gold Cup and helped Team OMHA win gold with 3 goals and an assist in 5 games.

Last season was Bunnaman’s OHL rookie season. He appeared in all but one game for the Rangers and notched 10 goals and 5 assists in those contests. What we saw in his rookie season was a player who grew in confidence as the season progressed. He played a complete game in all three zones and earned the trust of the coaching staff and received time on the penalty kill.

Connor Bunnaman of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Connor Bunnaman of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Bunnaman is an excellent forechecker. He likes to play physical and completes his checks. He’s very good at protecting the puck and with his size is very good at one on one battle. He’ll also take the puck to the net, but also makes good decisions with it. He also has a heavy shot.

But Bunnaman’s skating abilities needed some improvement and it’s been a work in progress.

This season, Bunnaman has carried on from where he left off. He’s been playing more wing than center this season, but he does excellent on the dot and currently has a 58.8 winning percentage. He works as hard away from the puck, on the backcheck or in his own zone as he does in his pursuit of the puck.

While his skating has improved, it still needs some work. How much he can improve on it will determine whether he makes the NHL as a winger or a center. It could go a long way in helping him become a productive and effective two-way center. While he has some limited offensive skill and has that heavy shot, I don’t project him to be a goal scoring winger in the NHL – more of an energy guy who can score occasionally.

I had the opportunity to speak to Mike Farwell the Rangers play by play voice and host of post game show on Rogers TV.

OHLW: Do you think Connor’s game is better suited for wing or center at the next level?

Farwell: I think Connor’s game is best suited to the wing. He’ll make his living in the corners and he’s going to be downright dangerous when he figures out how big he really is.

OHLW: Connor is an excellent two-way player and works as hard in his own zone as the offensive zone. Do you see him more as a defensive player first who can provide some offense or is there another level offensively that’s still to come?

Farwell:  I’m not sure there’s another offensive level for Connor – what you see is what you get. He’s not blessed with a wicked shot or the deftest hands. His game is defined by hard work and he’ll be the guy that can get those goals for you in the “dirty areas.” If he’s scoring goals from more than ten feet out, something is wrong. I can see him developing into a premier penalty killer.

OHLW: Skating was an area Connor needed to work on in the offseason, at least in my opinion, and he’s shown some improvement. Would you say it’s the biggest issue he needs to work on going forward?

Farwell: I couldn’t agree more. When I say he could develop into a premier penalty killer, that’s the area I’m thinking of that needs to develop. If and when it does, look out.

OHLW: At 6’3” and 210 pounds he has excellent size and not afraid to use it. He’s strong on the forecheck, finishes his checks, excellent on the cycle, very good puck possession player and hard to beat in battles along the wall. Can you agree with that?

Farewell: I can agree with everything you’ve said. But I honestly still believe there’s more. A little bit more nastiness, like I said above – figuring out how big he really is – is the next step.

OHLW: Can you give us some insight into Connor the person and not the player:

Farwell: Connor is a tremendous kid. Well-spoken, friendly, with a great sense of humour.

You can follow Mike on Twitter here.

CHL Announces BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the sixteenth 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 CHL Top 10 Rankings – Week 16

 

Rank: Team: Last Week Rank: Number of Weeks Ranked:
1 Erie Otters (34-5-1-0) 1 16
2 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (31-6-3-1) 2 15
3 London Knights (29-6-2-1) 3 16
4 Kitchener Rangers (28-6-4-0) 6 12
5 Val-d’Or Foreurs (31-9-2-1) 4 7
6 Kelowna Rockets (29-10-3-0) 5 10
7 Lethbridge Hurricanes (30-12-0-0) 7 6
8 Moncton Wildcats (28-10-5-1) 8 4
9 Gatineau Olympiques (28-12-1-1) 10 7
10 Red Deer Rebels (28-13-1-1) 9 11
Honourable Mention:
Shawinigan Cataractes (27-11-3-0) – 13
Brandon Wheat Kings (26-12-2-2) – 7
Windsor Spitfires (25-11-5-0) – 4

 

CHL Large

Benson and Tkachuk named BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Captains

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with BMO Financial Group today announced the captains and alternate captains for the 2016 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game to be played on Thursday January 28 in Vancouver, BC, hosted by the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants.

 The Giants’ Tyler Benson and Matthew Tkachuk of the London Knights have both been named captains for the 21st annual showcase of the CHL’s top-40 NHL Draft eligible players.  Benson will lead Team Cherry along with alternate captains Jakob Chychrun of the Sarnia Sting, and Julien Gauthier of the Val-d’Or Foreurs.  Tkachuk will lead Team Orr with alternates Jake Bean of the Calgary Hitmen, and Pierre-Luc Dubois of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

 Benson, a 17-year-old from Edmonton, AB, is also a captain for the host Giants playing in just his second full season after being the first overall pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.  The forward has 26 points in 28 games so far this season including eight goals and 18 assists.  Another former top pick, Chychrun was chosen by the Sting first overall in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  The 17-year-old defenceman from Boca Raton, Florida, has five goals and 19 assists for 24 points in 36 games.  Gauthier, an 18-year-old from Pointe-aux-Trembles, QC, was a member of Canada’s National Junior Team.  The forward has 37 points in 30 games playing in his third season with the Foreurs and is tied for third in the QMJHL with 29 goals.

 Tkachuk, an 18-year-old from St. Louis, Missouri, is currently tied for third in OHL scoring with 61 points including 15 goals and 46 assists in 30 games so far this season.  The Knights’ first-year forward captured bronze with the U.S. National Junior Team at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship.  Bean currently ranks third in WHL scoring among defencemen with 15 goals and 24 assists for 39 points in 42 games.  The 17-year-old from Calgary, AB, is playing in his second season as a member of his hometown Hitmen.  Dubois ranks eighth in QMJHL scoring with 61 points in 41 games netting 26 goals and 35 assists.  The 17-year-old is from Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, QC, and was a fifth overall pick of the Screaming Eagles in the 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft.

 Benson and Tkachuk follow in the footsteps of past Giants and Knights to serve as captains in this event, most notably in 2009 when Evander Kane led Team Cherry and John Tavares captained Team Orr in Oshawa.  Former Giant Gilbert Brule also captained Team Cherry in 2005 when the event was last held in Vancouver.  Past Knights to serve as captains include Sam Gagner in 2007 for a team coached by Pat Burns and Michel Bergeron, and Rick Nash who captained a team coached by Kelly Hrudey in 2002.

 Since 2010, Team Cherry captains have included Anthony Beauvillier, Sam Reinhart, Nathan MacKinnon, Ryan Murray, Sean Couturier, and Taylor Hall, while recent Team Orr captains include Connor McDavid, Aaron Ekblad, Seth Jones, Colton Sissons, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Tyler Seguin.

 Click here to see full Team Cherry and Team Orr rosters for the 2016 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

 The 2016 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is proudly supported by title partner BMO Bank of Montreal, and CHL associate sponsors Cooper Tire, autoTRADER.ca and Sherwin-Williams.  The game will be broadcast live on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

 For more information please visit www.bmotopprospects.ca.

Super series

Uneducated Hot Take – Jr A Trade Deadline: OJHL

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

By Brandon Sudeyko

Another trade deadline has come and gone and it is time for some quick takes on what the team’s achieved or tried to achieve. Some succeeded and others didn’t. So let’s go back to the beginning of January so we can chat about most teams.

Aurora – The Tigers made two transactions. They sent defenceman Alex Boudreau to Whitby, presumably for cash and they upgraded the blue line by resigning former Tiger Noah Delmas. The two year OJHL veteran can add a boost to the blue line while Aurora tries to figure out how to keep shots from the net and pucks out of the back of it.

Buffalo – The Jr Sabres released Christian Zimmerman… But they are still a favourite in the SW Conference. Moving on…

Burlington – The Cougars made Cougar type moves. Assigned a player to Jr B, released a defenceman and traded for a probably better defenceman who played in the BCHL. Plus side to the addition of Griffin James is he is 6’4″ and almost 200lbs. As long as he can stop the opposition, it is a plus.

Cobourg – The other Cougars made three moves, adding three forwards. Austin Kozluk from the Q. Justin Bennett from Pickering & Zach Viminitz from Whitby. Not bad forward moves, but Cobourg is sitting 7th in the conference and are 7th in goals against… Probably could have used a D upgrade. How much fun can you have playing pond hockey against Trenton.

Georgetown – They added Ryan Takamatsu who can put pucks in the net. But there is still one puck for 5 guys on the ice… On the other hand, Andrew Masters knows how to stop the puck… So there is that.

Kingston – They did nothing. Sit second in the league behind Trenton. 4th in goals for, 7th in goals against and Anthony Rinaldi is 2nd in League scoring… Full steam ahead.

Lindsay – The Muskies downward spiral continues as they release Adam McPhail who they added at the end of December and trade Stuart Fierheller to the CCHL. They needed scoring and they didn’t add. They need defence and they didn’t add… next year is almost here.

Markham – With all their in season trades, how do they still have cards? Add a former Red Wing in Laine McKay to add more scoring. They added Scott Smith who bounced around the OJHL, OHL and found stability in Jr C for the future and traded D Shawn Tessier to North York because you can score more than the other team. Where is the team going? Probably in a lengthy playoff battle against Aurora.

Milton – They may have already turned over the entire roster once this year. Sit at the bottom, no real prospect of moving up this season and they assign a player to Jr B.

Mississauga – see above…. Didn’t add guys, didn’t move guys. Will make it through the season, and cheers to 2016/17.

Newmarket – The Hurricanes have been rebuilding since their run a few seasons ago. They are poised to breakout next season with 16 players being a 1996 or 1997. But they need a goalie. So at the deadline they released Connor Ryckman… that is the opposite of what they need for next season.

North York – Earlier you read that the Rangers got rid of Ryan Takamatsu to conference opponent Georgetown. But at least they replaced the 97 with 1996 F Chris Sekelyk. 35 goals in 91 games for Pickering with 73 total points. The Rangers need the scoring to help our their goaltender who is having his best statistical season but sits with a 10-17-1 record. Rangers have 9 one goal losses.

Oakville – They sit on top of the South division, and made no moves. Here comes the division title.

Orangeville – The team that was poised to make a big splash this year is wading in the shallow end. Did nothing at the deadline, may do the same in the second season.

Pickering – The black cats ushered out 4 players and brought in one since the beginning of 2016. They have the worst Goals Against in the conference. Sit second last in the Northeast. Traded away 29 goals and 66 points. But with 8 1997’s and 2 1998’s they are hoping to prepare for next season.

St. Michaels – 7 1997 players, 7 1998 players, and 4 1999 players make up this roster. The Buzzers made no moves, sit 8th in the conference and are trying to hold on. Look for an upset in the playoffs and a lot of noise next season.

Stouffville – I don’t know what Stouffville is. They made no moves, near the bottom of the conference, and have no OA players… There out come is the answer to a magic 8 ball question. Next year is almost here.

Toronto Jr Canadiens – TJC Fleeced the Patriots in their deadline deal. Getting 3 Patriots players for two… middle of the pack forwards. Ursitti has 2 OJHL titles, Beck has one, and Siddall came from Trenton prior to playing this season with the Patriots. 15 games to go, 30 points at stake and 5 points behind Oakville for the division lead. Watch them take over the Blades top spot. But the question remains… how the heck did they pull off this deal? Pay attention to the off season and who does what between these two teams.

Toronto Patriots – The Patriots looked like they were turning a corner before trading away 3 key pieces and getting 2 pieces back. They also added Rudi Ying who played in two WJC U18 Division 2 tournaments for China scoring 11 goals in 10 games. Who knows what the Patriots are trying to do. Winning doesn’t seem to be one of the things they are trying to do. Not with that trade to get back a 97 and 98 forward for three players.

Trenton – arguably the best team in the league did nothing at the deadline. Do they really need to improve? Did the rest of the league do enough to close the gap? Remember 2012/2013 when Trenton won the league and bowed out in 4 straight to Cobourg in the first round? The Cougars are currently sitting in 6th place right now…..

Wellington – The Dukes upgraded their net with Sam Tanguay, bolstered their forward depth with Matt Adams and the return of Greg Smith. A few points back of 3rd in the conference and hot on the heels of Kingston. Time for an East Division show down at the top, look out Kingston and Trenton.

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 seventh edition of the weekly minor midget rankings for the 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

OHL Cup

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 7

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

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.

Spitfires’ Michael DiPietro named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that rookie Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending January 10 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .969.

Vaughn

DiPietro made 62 saves in two games backstopping the Spitfires to a pair of victories extending their lead in the OHL’s West Division where they carry a 25-11-5-0 record.  He earned his second shutout of the season on Friday night making 30 saves as first star of a 5-0 win over the Owen Sound Attack, then stopped 32 shots on Sunday helping the Spitfires grab a 4-2 win on the road against the Oshawa Generals.

A 16-year-old from Amherstburg, ON, DiPietro was chosen by the Spitfires in the second round of the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.  The 2017 NHL Draft prospect competed as a member of Team Canada Red at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and carries an 11-3-1-0 record with a goals-against-average of 2.29 and save percentage of .924 so far this season in Windsor.

 Also considered for the award this week was fellow rookie Xavier Potvin of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens who posted a 1-0-0-1 record with a goals-against-average of 0.96 and save percentage of .964, while Landon Bow of the Seattle Thunderbirds won both of his first two starts with his new team posting a goals-against-average of 1.49 and save percentage of .946.

 2015-16 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:
Jan. 4 – Jan. 10: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Jan. 3: Étienne Montpetit (Val-d’Or Foreurs)
Dec. 14 – Dec. 20: Callum Booth (Quebec Remparts)
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)

CHL Leagues

Tigres’ Maxime Comtois named CHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that rookie Maxime Comtois of the Victoriaville Tigres is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending January 10 after scoring six goals in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-6.

Comtois extended his goal-scoring streak to four games finding the back of the net in all three contests for the Tigres who earned a pair of victories last week to hold onto fourth place in the QMJHL’s East Division standings.  Comtois tied a rookie franchise record with a four-goal game Friday night against the Quebec Remparts scoring a second period natural hat-trick and adding a third period insurance marker as first star of the 5-3 win.  He also scored on Tuesday night claiming second star honours despite a 3-2 loss to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, then scored his 24th goal of the season Sunday contributing to a 2-1 victory over the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.

The 17-year-old from Ste-Martine, QC, was selected by the Tigres with the third overall pick in the 2015 QMJHL Entry Draft.  The 2017 NHL Draft prospect is currently second in QMJHL rookie scoring with 45 points in 36 games played, and was named to the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge All-Star Team at forward representing Team Canada Red.

Also considered for the award was last week’s recipient San Jose Sharks prospect Kevin Labanc of the Barrie Colts who scored five goals and four assists for nine points in three games, and Adam Helewka of the Red Deer Rebels who scored six goals and two assists for eight points in four games.

2015-16 CHL Regular Season Players of the Week:
Jan. 4 – Jan. 10: Maxime Comtois (Victoriaville Tigres)
Dec. 28 – Jan. 3: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 14 – Dec. 20: Brendan Lemieux (Windsor Spitfires)
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)

CHL Leagues

Colts’ Kevin Labanc named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that San Jose Sharks prospect Kevin Labanc of the Barrie Colts is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the second straight week ending January 10 after leading the league with nine points in three games scoring five goals with four assists and a plus-minus rating of plus-3.

Labanc, Kevin (2)
Kevin Labanc – Barrie Colts. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Labanc becomes the first back-to-back award recipient and first three-time winner this season after taking over the lead in the OHL’s scoring race and helping the Colts stay atop the Central Division standings with a pair of victories.   His week was highlighted by a six-point performance on Thursday earning first star honours with his second hat-trick in three games while adding three assists in a 7-4 win over the second place Mississauga Steelheads.  On Friday night he scored a goal despite the Colts’ 5-2 loss to the Guelph Storm, then finished his week Saturday with a goal and an assist in a 3-1 triumph over the Windsor Spitfires extending his goal-scoring streak to a league-best seven games.

A 20-year-old from Staten Island, New York, Labanc is playing in his third OHL season with the Colts.  He now leads the OHL with 72 points in 37 games netting 26 goals and 46 assists after finishing sixth in league scoring last season with 107 points (31 goals and 76 assists) in 68 games.  The former New Jersey Rocket was selected by the Sharks in the sixth round of the 2014 NHL Draft.

Watch video highlights of Labanc and the Colts against the Steelheads, Storm, and Spitfires.

Also considered for the award this week was Arizona Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome of the Erie Otters who scored three goals and five assists for eight points in three games, and New York Islanders prospect Michael Dal Colle of the Kingston Frontenacs who scored three goals and four assists for seven points in three games.  In goal, Windsor Spitfires rookie Michael DiPietro posted a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory making 62 saves in two games with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .969.

2015-16 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Jan. 4 – Jan. 10: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 28 – Jan. 3: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 14 – Dec. 20: Jake Smith (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 7 – Dec. 13: Christian Dvorak (London Knights)
Nov. 30 – Dec. 6: Mitchell Marner (London Knights)
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)