OHL Cup Final to feature York Simcoe Express and Toronto Marlboros

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Monday’s Championship Final at Mattamy Athletic Centre
Broadcast LIVE on Sportsnet Ontario
Free access for Media and Fans

OHL Cup

Toronto, ON – The 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament, hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League, is down to two teams as the York Simcoe Express and Toronto Marlboros emerged victorious following this morning’s Quarter-Finals and this evening’s Semi-Final contests.

The Express needed overtime to edge the top ranked Mississauga Rebels 3-2 to start their day, then pushed past the Wild Card entry Don Mills Flyers with a 4-1 victory.  The Marlboros posted a pair of shutout victories on Saturday including a 7-0 triumph over the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs, then a 6-0 win against GTHL rivals the Toronto Jr. Canadiens.

The Marlboros will make their tenth straight appearance in the OHL Cup Championship Final searching for a record third straight titleon Monday night, with the Express playing in their first final since winning the 2004 OHL Cup against the Richmond Hill Stars.

Monday March 21, 2016

Mattamy Athletic Centre
7:00 pm Championship Final – Toronto Marlboros vs. York Simcoe Express

Championship Final to be broadcast live on Sportsnet Ontario.

Here’s a quick look at today’s action:

Saturday March 19, 2016

QF #1 – Toronto Red Wings 3 vs. Don Mills Flyers 4 2OT

Red Wings MVP – Adam Trotman 1G

Flyers MVP – Tyler Weiss 2G (OTW)

Game Summary

QF #2 – Mississauga Rebels 2 vs. York Simcoe Express 3 OT

Rebels MVP – Riley Damiani

Express MVP – Carter Robertson 1G (OTW)

Game Summary

QF #3 – Toronto Marlboros 7 vs. Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs 0

Marlboros MVP – Thomas Tinmouth 1G 1A

Hamilton MVP – Bobby Harrison

Game Summary

QF #4 – Toronto Jr. Canadiens 3 vs. Quinte Red Devils 2 OT

Canadiens MVP – Kirill Nizhnikov 2G (OTW)

Quinte MVP – Joe Roy

Game Summary

SF #1 – York Simcoe Express 4 vs. Don Mills Flyers 1

Express MVP – Andrei Berezinkiy (goaltender)

Flyers MVP – Tyler Weiss

Game Summary

SF #2 – Toronto Jr. Canadiens 0 vs. Toronto Marlboros 6

Canadiens MVP – Justin Paul

Marlboros MVP – Elliot Tang (goaltender)

Game Summary

Akil Thomas of the Toronto Marlboros has taken over the tournament scoring lead with six goals and seven assists for 13 points in five games.

The OHL Cup Showcase Tournament provides fans and scouts one last opportunity to see many of the top minor midget aged players from across Ontario and parts of the United States compete for the OHL Cup performing against the best competition prior to the 2016 OHL Priority Selection.

For full tournament information please visit www.ohlcup.ca.

Jack Kopacka – Player Profile – Soo Greyhounds

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height:  6’2”

Weight:  190 pounds

Date of birth:  March 5, 1998, 1998 Metamora, MI

Position:  Left Wing

Shoots:  Left

OHL Draft:  Round 8, 157th overall, 2014 Priority Selection

Jack Kopacka describes himself as: Explosive, wicked shot, fast, good vision, hockey sense.

Kopacka has good size at 6’2”. He is an extremely good skater with some speed and has very good hands and puck handling skills at top speed. He does posses good hockey sense, vision and has an excellent shot and release.

Jack Kopacka of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Jack Kopacka of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

His play this season has been inconsistent at times. He got off to a good start but the inconsistencies reared their ugly heads in November, December and January and at times found himself lower on the depth chart.

Have to give credit to Kopacka for working through it. His hard work paid off and since mid February has been producing at a point per game clip and providing the Greyhounds with some much needed secondary scoring. He’s reached the 20 goal 40 point mark (20 goals, 22 assists) and is second in rookie scoring on the Greyhounds behind Boris Katchouk.

Kopacka has the ability to be a strong two-way player. Two things I’d like to see him improve on. First, his physicality: With his size and skating, he could be a force on the forecheck but at times has shown an unwillingness to do so. Secondly, his consistency: If Kopacka would work harder at putting the effort in and using his skills without the hesitancy he at times projects, he could be more successful.

Those are things that young players can learn over time, especially when they get a taste of NHL development camps and see what it takes to make it at the next level. Kopacka certainly has the smarts and he’ll learn.

Kopacka played his minor hockey with Detroit Compuware Under-18. In 21 games he scored 8 goals and added 10 assists. The Greyhounds selected him in the 8th round, 157th overall in the 2014 Ontario hockey League Priority Selection. He was also selected in the United States Hockey League’s Futures Draft by the Sioux Falls Stampede in the 4th round, 84th overall.

Kopacka was ranked 33rd among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings  released in January, right behind Katchouk.

Hayden Verbeek – Player Profile – Soo Greyhounds

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height:  5’ 10”

Weight:  180 pounds

Date of birth:  October 17, 1997 Kingston, Ontario

Position:  Center

Shoots:  Right

OHL Draft:  Round 4, 71st overall, 2013 Priority Selection

Lets flashback to last season’s Western Conference finals between the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds and the Erie Otters.  The Otters led the series three games to two. With the game tied at 2 in the second period, it was one of the most questionable slew footing match penalties I can recall to Hayden Verbeek when he accidentally bumped Otters goaltender Devin Williams in which the Otters would score twice to take the victory and the series.

Hayden Verbeek of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Hayden Verbeek of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

A lot of players would dwell on it for a long time and they would actually change the way they play the game, but not the nephew of former NHL’er Pat Verbeek.

A vigorous off season workout regiment had Verbeek add some much needed bulk and muscle while also growing an inch. Working hard however, is not a characteristic Verbeek is lacking in.

Verbeek is consistently one of the hardest working players on the ice on any given night. Last season, he brought energy to a Greyhounds lineup that was deep and talented and he’s carried it over to this season where he has taken on an expanded role with players graduating to the next level.

Verbeek is a very strong skater and accompanied with his work ethic and compete level is an excellent forechecker. Despite his size, he’s an excellent body checker who can hit hard. He can also play a chippy game and can get under the skin of opponents.

Verbeek found himself with limited ice time and even a healthy scratch early on this season. But he worked hard and gained more playing time under coach Drew Bannister as the season progressed. Some line juggling late in the season gave Verbeek a chance to play more offensively. He’s a player that Bannister can trust, playing a role on the penalty kill and is second only to Gabe Guertler on the team in faceoffs taken.

The most surprising stat when it comes to Verbeek is that his 14 goals on the season have come on just 77 shots, for an 18.2 shooting percentage. Compare that to Tim Gettinger and his 15 goals on 170 shots for an 8.8 shooting percentage.

Verbeek played his midget hockey for the Sun County Panthers in 2012-2013 where he scored 13 goals and 21 assists in 43 games. The following season he would play for the Chatham Maroons of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey league scoring 8 goals and 27 points in 35 games. He would get in 5 games for the Greyhounds and go pointless. Last season was his rookie season with the Greyhounds where he scored 4 goals and 6 assists in 51 games.

Verbeek was ranked 164th among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings in January.

Joseph Raaymakers – Player Profile – Soo Greyhounds

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height:  6’1”

Weight:  182 pounds

Date of birth: March 17, 1998 Chatham, Ontario

Position:  Goaltender

Catches:  Left

OHL Draft: Round 2, 37th overall, 2014 Priority Selection

Joseph Raaymakers played his midget hockey for the Chatham-Kent Cyclones where he posted 2.16 goals against average and .936 save percentage. He went on to post spectacular numbers in 11 playoff games finishing with 1.75 goals against average and .947 save percentage. The Greyhounds would select Raaymakers in the second round of the 2014 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

Joseph Raaymakers of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Joseph Raaymakers of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Last season, his rookie season in the OHL, Raaymakers appeared in 25 games finishing with a 14-7-0 record with 3.05 goals against average and .898 save percentage. This season, it was hoped that he would get more playing time. Despite number one goaltender Brandon Halverson missing time early in the season with an injury and taking part for Team USA at the World Junior Championships, Raaymakers appeared in just 28 games to date and has a 13-10-3-1 record and 3.61 save percentage and .891 save percentage.

In fairness to Raaymakers, the Greyhounds are not the Juggernaut they were last season.

Raaymakers suffered with consistency issues last season and at times it has carried over to this season. That’s typical when talking about a young goaltender at this level however.

Raaymakers is agile in his crease. He moves extremely well and is quick to move out and cut down angles. He is good at stopping second chances and when he gets better at his rebound control he will negate many of those second chances. He’s also above average with his puck handling skills.

Raaymakers biggest need is to work on his consistency. He’s prone to let in a bad goal but rebounds quickly. Next season he should take over the number one role on what promises to be a strong Greyhounds squad and it will be his time to shine. The problem with that is that this is his draft year.

NHL Central Scouting had Raaymakers ranked as the top goaltender from the Ontario Hockey League on its midterm rankings released in January. With the likes of Tyler Parsons (London Knights), Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes), Evan Cormier (Saginaw Spirit), Stephen Dhillon (Niagara Ice Dogs) and Troy Timpano (Sudbury Wolves) it promises to be a strong draft class of OHL Goaltenders. However, I’m not sure Raaymakers should top that list.

News From Around the OHL

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

League still gives shootout victory equal weight, which gives Erie an edge this year

Everyone will tell you championships are won as a team.

But along the way, you need some special people doing spectacular things. There is key individual performance rooted in collective success.

That’s why the London Knights — 4-3 winners over Erie before 9,046 Friday at Budweiser Gardens — head to Pennsylvania Saturday needing just one point to claim the OHL regular-season title.

“We needed to get this one to get to the next one,” power forward Max Jones, the two-goal hero, said. “We have to relax now, look forward and play the same game we did.

“We need to replicate it one more time.”

The Otters, who once held a huge lead in the standings over everyone else, need a regulation win on home ice to clinch top spot, by virtue of a tiebreaker, over London.

But the Knights are on a nine-game winning streak.

And when they have needed it, their big names have stepped up with memorable plays.

Take Jones, who started killing penalties as if he was on a personal mission.

He pinned the Otters behind their net on one — to appreciative cheers. Then, he stole the puck on another, roared down the ice and ripped home the go-ahead shorthanded goal, this time to a mighty roar.

Read more

OHL’s outdated playoff format needs change

KITCHENER — The Ontario Hockey League has to be licking its chops.

The London Knights and Erie Otters are tied with three games to go in the season and finish the schedule with a home-and-home series that will likely decide first overall.

It’s shaping up to be one heck of a finish, a dream ending for the league.

There’s just one problem.

The team that doesn’t end up first will be the third seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

You can thank the OHL’s outdated post-season setup for that one.

For some reason, the league still insists on giving the second seed in each conference to a division champion regardless of record.

So in the Western Conference you’ll have the West Division winner getting a better path in the playoffs over a club that has outperformed it all season.

That means the Knights or Otters could lose home ice advantage if they make it to the second round despite owning the two best records in the league. No benefit of a Game 7 in their own barn and no gate receipts either.

It just doesn’t make sense.

The OHL prides itself on its willingness to change and often lives up to the billing. But when it comes to playoff seeding, it’s stuck in the Dark Ages.

It’s time to make the bold move of seeding playoff clubs one through 16 regardless of the conference. If that means two teams from the same conference meet in the championship then so be it.

Don’t you want your two best squads in the final anyway?

Read more

Sarnia Sting brace for post-season battle with the Soo Greyhounds

Bring on the Greyhounds.

The Sarnia Sting finally discovered the identity of their first-round playoff opponent Friday night, and it’s the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. The Owen Sound Attack clinched sixth in the Western Conference with a victory over the Guelph Storm, which means the ‘Hounds are locked into the seventh seed and will take on the second-place Sting.

“We knew we were going to get the Soo or Owen Sound,” Sting defenceman Alex Black said. “We’ve played really well against (the Soo) this year so hopefully we can continue that. Hopefully it will be a good series.”

The best-of-seven series will start next Friday in Sarnia with Game 1 followed by a Game 2 matinee on Sunday, March 27.

“They’re a young, skilled team,” Sting defenceman Jakob Chychrun pointed out. “They play with the puck really well, they have a good breakout, they’ve played us well all year. It’s going to be a good match-up for us. Obviously you never want to look past the first round or anything, it’s going to be big for us to just focus on the game-to-game things we’re going to have to do to get past the Soo.”

The conference quarter-final will have a deeper meaning for Anthony Salinitri as the forward was traded from Sault Ste. Marie to Sarnia in January 2015 for long-time Sting blueliner Anthony DeAngelo.

Read more

Tyanulin keeps scoring, Ottawa 67’s keep winning

With the Ontario Hockey League playoffs around the corner, Artur Tyanulin has picked a good time to get hot.

Tyanulin’s output wasn’t maybe what Ottawa expected when it took him seventh overall in the 2014 CHL import draft. But with eight goals in his last five games, two of them Friday night … well, the 67’s are tickled pink.

In their second-last game of the regular season, at the TD Place arena, the 67’s beat Hamilton 5-3, knocking the Bulldogs out of the OHL playoff hunt. It was Ottawa’s fifth straight win.

“(Tyanulin is) really feeling it, he’s playing with a ton of confidence. That’s the big thing, feeling like he’s invincible,” said assistant coach Mike Eastwood, who handled head coach duties with Jeff Brown on the road scouting the OHL Cup, featuring the top 20 minor midget AAA teams in the province. “Nathan Todd and Travis Barron have a lot to do with the success he’s having. They’ve really clicked in developing a lot of chemistry. He’s flying, scoring goals, making plays and being a real force out there. But that line, as a threesome, has been outstanding.”

Hamilton goalie Connor Hicks kept his team in the game early with a series of big stops.

The Bulldogs got on the scoreboard at 11:43 on a nice move by Adam Laishram to tuck the puck into the net. The 67’s tied it with Jacob Middleton’s shot along the ice finding the five hole.

A nice backhand pass by Todd set up Tyanulin to give the 67’s a 2-1 lead early in the second period.

It was Ottawa goalie Liam Herbst’s turn to shine as he turned aside several good opportunities, including a breakaway and a sequence of shots during an Ottawa penalty midway through the period.

Read more

Resistance to elimination of fighting to be expected, says Barrie columnist

The gloves are coming off in the move to one day eliminate fighting in junior hockey.

The Canadian Hockey League, led by president and Ontario Hockey League commissioner David Branch, has already taken some big steps in curtailing fisticuffs in the junior ranks and the numbers clearly show fighting is already down significantly across the Western (WHL), Ontario (OHL) and Quebec (QMJHL) leagues.

But Branch made it clear last week when he told The Globe and Mail he wouldn’t mind seeing the rough stuff disappear from the game altogether.

“You know what. It’s crazy to say it this way, but I’ve not been afraid to express that view and opinion (that there needs to be less fighting),” Branch said regarding the controversial topic among hockey fans. “I believe that. In addition to working in the game, I love the game. I think we have the best game in the world based on its speed and its skill, and its physicality.

“But fighting, to me, detracts from our game We don’t need it. And attitudes are changing, which I feel is really a positive,” he added.

Changing long-ingrained traditions in a game they love is never easy for passionate fans. Just look at how many people burst out of their seats and cheer loudly when two players drop the gloves in a dustup.

But concerns over players safety are forcing leagues to re-evaluate fighting, especially with the increased awareness to brain injuries, specifically concussions.

Perhaps then it should be no surprise that Branch put the topic of fighting back on the agenda at the CHL’s annual meeting earlier this month.

Still, the move to further curtail fighting is certain to face resistance. Branch got a good deal of it when two years ago he added a rule in the OHL for a two-game suspension to any player that fought 10 times in a season. Another was aimed at stopping staged fights.

The goal to reduce fighting is clearly working.

Read more

 

 

2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament – Day 4 Results

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

40 Game Round-Robin Complete
Quarter-Final Matchups Set for Saturday
Livestreams available at FASTHockey.com
Free access for Media and Fans for duration of OHL Cup

OHL Cup

Friday March 18, 2016

Toronto, ON – Round-Robin action wrapped up on Friday at the 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament, hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League, with 12 games that solidified final divisional standings.

Eight teams have advanced to Saturday’s Quarter-Finals including five GTHL and three OMHA clubs.  All three OMHA clubs to advance did so on the strength of undefeated records led by the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs who were the lone team to emerge from round-robin play with a perfect 4-0-0 record.  The Bulldogs led the Lindros Division ahead of the 3-1-0 Toronto Jr. Canadiens.  The Quinte Red Devils came out on top of the Nash Division with a 3-0-1 record edging the 3-1-0 Toronto Marlboros by a single point.  The York Simcoe Express claimed the Subban Division with a 2-0-2 mark ahead of the Toronto Red Wings who went 2-2-0.  The Shanahan Division featured both the Don Mills Flyers and the Mississauga Rebels playing to equal 3-1-0 records with the Flyers gaining the edge with the head-to-head victory.

2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament Playoff Schedule:

Saturday March 19, 2016

Scotiabank Pond 1
10:30 am Quarter-Final 2 – Mississauga Rebels (2ND Place Shanahan Division) vs. York Simcoe Express (1ST Place Subban Division)
12:15 pm Quarter-Final 4 – Toronto Jr. Canadiens (2ND Place Lindros Division) vs. Quinte Red Devils (1ST Place Nash Division)

Scotiabank Pond 2

10:00 am Quarter-Final 1 – Toronto Red Wings (2ND Place Subban Division) vs. Don Mills Flyers (1ST Place Shanahan Division)
11:45 am Quarter-Final 3 – Toronto Marlboros (2ND Place Nash Division) vs. Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs (1ST Place Lindros Division)

Scotiabank Pond 1
6:00 pm Semi-Final 1 – Winner Quarter-Final 2 vs. Winner Quarter-Final 1
8:00 pm Semi-Final 2 – Winner Quarter-Final 4 vs. Winner Quarter-Final 3

Monday March 21, 2016

Mattamy Athletic Centre

7:00 pm Championship Final – Winner Semi-Final 2 vs. Winner Semi-Final 1

Monday’s Championship Final will be broadcast live on Sportsnet Ontario.  All other games of the 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament will be streamed online to FASTHockey subscribers at www.fasthockey.com.  Saturday’s Quarter-Finals on Rink 1 and both Semi-Finals will be broadcasted by Rogers TV Sports Digital 369 and Rogers TV Cable 10/63 in Toronto/Scarborough.  Visitwww.rogerstv.com for more information, or check local listings.

Here’s a quick look at today’s action:

Friday March 18, 2016:

Game 29 – Mississauga Senators 1 vs. Toronto Red Wings 3

Senators MVP – Alexis Gravel (goaltender)

Red Wings MVP – Barrett Haydon 1G 1A

Game Summary

Game 30 – Toronto Marlboros 3 vs. NOHA 1

Marlboros MVP – Allan McShane 1G

NOHA MVP – Chad Denault 1G

Game Summary

Game 31 – Mississauga Rebels 8 vs. London Jr. Knights 2

Rebels MVP – Sam Bitten 1G 1A

London MVP – Brett Fisher 1G

Game Summary

Game 32 – Toronto Jr. Canadiens 5 vs. Thunder Bay Kings 0

Canadiens MVP – Matthew Falls 1G 2A

Kings MVP – Robert Tyska 1G

Game Summary

Game 33 – Elite Hockey Group 1 vs. Barrie Jr. Colts 2

Elite MVP – Sam Steele

Barrie MVP – Dennis Busby 1A

Game Summary

Game 34 – Windsor Jr. Spitfires 1 vs. York Simcoe Express 5

Windsor MVP – Owen Lalonde

Express MVP – Mathew MacDougall 1A

Game Summary

Game 35 – Quinte Red Devils 2 vs. Southern Tier Admirals 0

Quinte MVP – Nathan Dunkley

Admirals MVP – Anthony Tremonte (goaltender)

Game Summary

Game 36 – Niagara North Stars 2 vs. Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs 3

Niagara MVP – Hunter Holmes 1G

Hamilton MVP – Mario Moro 1G 1A

Game Summary

Game 37 – Toronto Red Wings 5 vs. Greater Kingston Frontenacs 6 OT

Red Wings MVP – Adam Trotman 1A

Frontenacs MVP – Jack Duff 1G 1A

Game Summary

Game 38 – TPH Hockey 3 vs. Toronto Marlboros 7

TPH MVP – Tag Bertuzzi 1G

Marlboros MVP – Michael Little 1G 2A

Game Summary

Game 39 – Don Mills Flyers 4 vs. Mississauga Rebels 2

Don Mills MVP – Wyllum Deveaux 2G 1A

Rebels MVP – Thomas Maia 1G

Game Summary

Game 40 – Toronto Jr. Canadiens 3 vs. Waterloo Wolves 2

Canadiens MVP – Kieran Molony (goaltender)

Waterloo MVP – Chris Playfair 1A

Game Summary

Hunter Holmes of the Niagara North Stars finished the Round-Robin leading the tournament scoring race with six goals and three assists for nine points in four games.

The showcase provides fans and scouts one last opportunity to see many of the top minor midget aged players from across Ontario and parts of the United States compete for the OHL Cup performing against the best competition prior to the 2016 OHL Priority Selection.

For full tournament information please visit www.ohlcup.ca.

OHL This Week for March 18-20, 2016

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHLThisWeek

Toronto, ON – It’s the final weekend in the Ontario Hockey League regular season schedule with 21 games remaining.  Keep track of all the latest post-season scenarios with the OHL Playoff Tracker.

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

 COMMUNITY CORNER:

Firebirds raise over $100,000 for local charities in first OHL season:  The Flint Firebirds were busy in the community throughout the 2015-16 season, raising over $100,000 for local charities. Full story

Petes honour Pat Casey for 60 years of service: The Peterborough Petes honoured former player and long-time Director Pat Casey on Tuesday night, recognizing his 60 years of service to the Petes organization. Full story

SuperWolves raise $10,000 for Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer: The Sudbury Wolves have raised a grand total of $10,000 for the Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer charity through their first-ever Superhero Night which took place on February 12th. Full Story

Storm raise over $41,000 for Pevs Protects: The Guelph Storm, Pevs Protects and the Heart and Stroke Foundation would like to thank the many Storm fans that participated and donated to the Pevs Protects Night on February 26th against the Kitchener Rangers. Over $41,000 was raised to go towards AED purchases and CPR training in Guelph. For more on the story visitguelphstorm.com.

Spirit host Hockey for the Homeless event: The Saginaw Spirit hosted their second annual Hockey for the Homeless game on Saturdayagainst the London Knights. Special jerseys, ticket sales, and phone bank donations benefitted Rescue Mission of Saginaw and Bay City, Merrill Lynch The Isles Group, and Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation.

OHL LAUNCHES OFFICIAL ONLINE STORE AT OHLSHOP.com:

The Ontario Hockey League announced Thursday the launch of OHLSHOP.com, the Official Licensed Online Shop of the Ontario Hockey League.

OHLSHOP.com features unique merchandise designs representing all 20 OHL member teams.  Available items include caps, t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and novelty items, as well as exclusive apparel designed for OHL special events such as the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament, Eastern and Western Conference Finals, and Rogers OHL Championship Series. Full story

COLTS’ ANDREW MANGIAPANE TAKES WEEKLY HONOURS:

Calgary Flames prospect Andrew Mangiapane of the Barrie Colts is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 13 after recording 11 points in three games scoring four goals with seven assists along with a plus-minus rating of plus-7. Mangiapane reached a pair of monumental OHL milestones last week scoring his 50th goal and 100th point of the season helping the Colts clinch their second straight Central Division title.  He was named first star in all three contests extending his personal scoring-streak to 10 games including seven-straight multi-point performances to match the Colts’ seven-game winning-streak.Full Story

TIP TOP TAILORS OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK – WEEK 24:

Erie Otters sniper Alex DeBrincat headlines the 24th edition of the Tip Top Tailors OHL Plays of the Week! Be sure to vote for Alex 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! 147 different players have accomplished the milestone this season! Click on a player’s name below to watch his first OHL goal!

Jacob Ball, Samuel Duchesne

ALUMNI NOTES:

Ritchie scores first NHL goal: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds graduate Nick Ritchie scored his first career NHL goal against the New Jersey Devils on Monday. The Anaheim Ducks winger has played in 26 NHL contests this season while spending the other part of the year with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls where he has collected 15 goals, 13 assists and 28 points in 33 games. Ritchie played four OHL seasons between Peterborough and Sault Ste. Marie from 2011-15. He scored a career-high 39 goals with the Petes in 2014, finishing his career with 102 goals, 108 assists and 210 points in 212 regular season games. He was Anaheim’s first round (10th overall) pick in 2014.

Brown makes NHL debut: Erie Otters graduate and 2014 Eddie Powers Trophy recipient Connor Brown made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. Brown has 24 points (9-15–24) in 25 games with the Toronto Marlies this season after a solid rookie campaign that included 61 points (21-40–61) in 76 games last season. Brown played three seasons with the Otters from 2011-14, recording 98 goals, 152 assists and 250 career points in 199 regular season games. He was Toronto’s sixth round (156th overall) pick in the 2012 NHL Draft.

Carrick makes NHL debut: Sudbury Wolves graduate Trevor Carrick made his NHL debut on Tuesday, suiting up for the Carolina Hurricanes in their 2-1 loss to Washington. The Stouffville, ON, native has played in 58 games with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers this season, scoring nine goals, while recording 28 assists and 37 points. Carrick spent three years in the OHL with the Mississauga Steelheads and Sudbury Wolves from 2011-14, suiting up in 194 regular season games to record 38 goals, 63 assists and 101 points. He was Carolina’s fourth round (115th overall) pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

48 OHL grads competing in CIS University Cup Championship: Canada’s top eight University men’s hockey teams clash for national supremacy in Halifax this week as a total of 167 CHL graduates, 48 from the OHL, suit up to battle for the University Cup. For more information on the CIS University Cup visit cis-sic.ca.

KEY WEEKEND MATCHUP:

Erie Otters (50-14-1-0) vs. London Knights (50-13-2-1)
Friday March 18 at London (Sportsnet Friday Night Hockey), Saturday March 19 at Erie

The London Knights and Erie Otters have taken their season series down to the wire this weekend, wrapping up the 2015-16 season with a home-and-home set that will determine who comes away as Midwest Division champion. The two clubs have split their four encounters with two wins apiece, but the Knights carry an eight game winning streak into the back-to-back clashes, recently overtaking the Otters for top spot in the Western Conference.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE: 

Friday, March 18
Hamilton at Ottawa – 7:00pm
North Bay at Sudbury – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Kingston – 7:00pm
Windsor at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Flint at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Erie at London – 7:30pm – Sportsnet Friday Night Hockey
Owen Sound at Guelph – 7:30pm
Peterborough at Mississauga – 7:30pm
Sarnia at Kitchener – 7:30pm

Saturday, March 19
Hamilton at Kingston – 7:00pm
London at Erie – 7:00pm
Peterborough at Niagara – 7:00pm
Sarnia at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Guelph at Flint – 7:30pm
Kitchener at Owen Sound – 7:30pm
Sudbury at Barrie – 7:30pm

Sunday, March 20
Barrie at North Bay – 2:00pm
Niagara at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Guelph at Sault Ste. Marie – 2:07pm
Ottawa at Oshawa – 6:05pm
Windsor at Sarnia – 7:05pm

CATCH ALL OF THE ACTION ON OHL LIVE

2015-16 Minor Midget Player of the Year Awards presented at OHL Cup

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the seven recipients of Minor Hockey Player of the Year Awards for players representing the four Ontario Hockey Federation Member Partners including the ALLIANCE, Greater Toronto Hockey League, Northern Ontario Hockey Association, and both the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s ETA and SCTA regions, along with Hockey Eastern Ontario, and Hockey Northwestern Ontario.

Five of the seven award winners are currently competing at the 2016 OHL Cup and include Owen Lalonde of the Windsor Jr. Spitfires named ALLIANCE Player of the Year, Ryan Merkley of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens named GTHL Player of the Year, Quintin Loon-Stewardson of the Thunder Bay Kings named HNO Player of the Year, Damien Giroux of the Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves named NOHA Player of the Year, and Adam McMaster of the Niagara North Stars named OMHA SCTA Player of the Year.  Additional award recipients include Paul Larabie of the Nepean Raiders named HEO Player of the Year, and Aidan Dudas of the North Central Predators named OMHA ETA Player of the Year.

“The Ontario Hockey League is proud to recognize the achievements of these great players,” said Adam Dennis, the OHL’s Director of Recruitment, who presented the awards on Thursday night.  “Congratulations to all seven award winners and to their families, coaches, and teammates for a tremendous hockey season, and best of luck to all players as they prepare for the next step in their hockey and academic careers.”

Lalonde and Merkley represent the lone defencemen to claim Player of the year Awards producing more than a point-per-game from the blueline this season leading their clubs in scoring.  Lalonde tallied 37 points including 13 goals in 33 games, with Merkley collecting 44 points including seven goals in 33 games.  Merkley represented Canada and earned a silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games playing alongside Dudas who scored 51 points including 25 goals in 31 games for the Predators.  Other stat lines among the forwards include McMaster who led his club with 53 points including 27 goals in 36 games, Giroux with 36 points and 15 goals in 23 games, Larabie picked up 34 points in 45 games with 15 goals for his Midget AAA club, while Loon-Stewardson led the Kings with 62 points including 32 goals in 55 games.

The awards were presented at the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament Banquet for the sixth straight year recognizing the achievements of the top minor midget aged players from across Ontario.  The awards are presented annually to honour the minor midget players who best exemplify outstanding ability and the qualities of sportsmanship and leadership as voted by the minor hockey coaches, managers and organizations of each respective league.

The 2015-16 Minor Midget Player of the Year Awards were proudly sponsored by Graduor.

Past Award Winners:

ALLIANCE Player of the Year:

2016 – Owen Lalonde, Windsor Jr. Spitfires
2015 – Nick Suzuki, London Jr. Knights

2014 – Anthony Salinitri, Windsor Jr. Spitfires

2013 – Travis Konecny, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs

2012 – Jared McCann, London Jr. Knights Gold

2011 – Bo Horvat, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs

GTHL Player of the Year:

2016 – Ryan Merkley, Toronto Jr. Canadiens
2015 – Ryan McLeod, Toronto Marlboros

2014 – Adam Mascherin, Vaughan Kings

2013 – Dylan Strome, Toronto Marlboros

2012 – Connor McDavid, Toronto Marlboros

2011 – Nick Ritchie, Toronto Marlboros

HEO Player of the Year:

2016 – Paul Larabie, Nepean Raiders
2015 – Gabriel Vilardi, CIH Academy

2014 – William Bitten, Ottawa Jr. 67’s

2013 – Andrew Peski, Ottawa Jr. 67’s

2012 – Andrew Abou-Assaly, Ottawa Jr. 67’s

2011 – Nicholas Baptiste, Ottawa Senators

HNO Player of the Year:

2016 – Quintin Loon-Stewardson, Thunder Bay Kings
2015 – Kyle Auger, Thunder Bay Kings

2014 – Brad Belisle, Thunder Bay Kings

2013 – Zach Grzelewski, Thunder Bay Kings

2012 – Bryce Martyn, Thunder Bay Kings

2011 – Nolan Nicholas, Thunder Bay Kings

NOHA Player of the Year:

2016 – Damien Giroux, Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves
2015 – Cayse Ton, New Liskeard Cubs

2014 – Zach Dorval, Soo Thunder

2013 – Blake Speers, Soo Thunder

2012 – Michael Amadio, Sault Ste. Marie North Stars

2011 – Ryan Kujawinski, Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves

OMHA ETA Player of the Year:

2016 – Aidan Dudas, North Central Predators
2015 – Brady Gilmour, Quinte Red Devils

2014 – Chris Paquette, Greater Kingston Jr Frontenacs

OMHA SCTA Player of the Year:

2016 – Adam McMaster, Niagara North Stars
2015 – Liam Stevens, Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs

2014 – Rylee St Onge, Niagara North Stars

*prior to 2014 there was a single OMHA Player of the Year award recipient

Past OMHA Players of the Year:

2013 – Matt Spencer, Oakville Rangers*

2012 – Nik Coric, York Simcoe Express*

2011 – Alex Yuill, Quinte Red Devils*

For more information please visit www.ohlcup.ca.

2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament – Day 3 Results

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs clinch Quarter-Final berth, 16 other teams still alive
Round-Robin finishes Friday with 12 games
Livestreams available at FASTHockey.com
Free access for Media and Fans for duration of OHL Cup

OHL Cup

Toronto, ON – Round-Robin action continued today with eight games at the 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament, hosted by the Greater Toronto hockey League.

The Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs are the only team with a 3-0 record following Day 3 action and have secured a berth in Saturday’s Quarter-Finals.  16 of the other 19 teams can still qualify for playoff action pending Friday’s results as the Round-Robin wraps up with 12 games on tomorrow’s schedule.

Hunter Holmes of the Niagara North Stars continues to lead the tournament scoring race with five goals and three assists for eight points in three games.

Full scores, stats, and tournament news is available at www.ohlcup.ca.

Here’s a quick look at today’s action:

Thursday March 17, 2016:

Game 21 – Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs 6 vs. Thunder Bay Kings 0

Hamilton MVP – Tanner Sheppard (goaltender)

Kings MVP – Matthew Bevilacqua

Game Summary

Game 22 – Barrie Colts 4 vs. Don Mills Flyers 0

Barrie MVP – Matt Nastasiuk 3G

Don Mills MVP – Declan Chisholm

Game Summary

Game 23 – Waterloo Wolves 5 vs. Niagara North Stars 3

Waterloo MVP – Mitchell Hoelscher 2G 2A

Niagara MVP – Hunter Holmes 1G 1A

Game Summary

Game 24 – Windsor Jr. Spitfires 1 vs. Greater Kingston Jr. Frontenacs 1

Windsor MVP – Owen Lalonde 1G

Frontenacs MVP – Eric Tessier (goaltender)

Game Summary

Game 25 – York Simcoe Express 2 vs. Mississauga Senators 2

Express MVP – Cameron Hillis

Senators MVP – Max Golod 1G

Game Summary

Game 26 – NOHA 4 vs. Southern Tier Admirals 0

NOHA MVP – Damien Giroux

Admirals MVP – Tyler Ange

Game Summary

Game 27 – Quinte Red Devils 4 vs. TPH Hockey 4

Quinte MVP – Makoda Suzuki 2G

TPH MVP – Hunter Nofs 1G 1A

Game Summary

Game 28 – London Jr. Knights 2 vs. Elite Hockey Group 6

London MVP – Eric Guest 2G

Elite MVP – Ryan Colwell 1G

Game Summary

2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament Upcoming Schedule:

Friday March 18, 2016

Scotiabank Pond 1
8:00 am Mississauga Senators vs. Toronto Red Wings
9:45 am Mississauga Rebels vs. London Jr. Knights
11:30 am Elite Hockey Group vs. Barrie Jr. Colts
1:15 pm Quinte Red Devils vs. Southern Tier Admirals
3:00 pm Toronto Red Wings vs. Kingston Jr. Frontenacs
4:45 pm Don Mills Flyers vs. Mississauga Rebels

Scotiabank Pond 2
8:30 am Toronto Marlboros vs. Team NOHA
10:15 am Toronto Jr. Canadiens vs. Thunder Bay Kings
12:00 pm Windsor Jr. Spitfires vs. York Simcoe Express
1:45 pm Niagara North Stars vs. Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs
3:30 pm TPH Thunder vs. Toronto Marlboros
5:15 pm Toronto Jr. Canadiens vs. Waterloo Wolves

Saturday March 19, 2016

Playoff Round:
Scotiabank Pond 1
10:30 am Quarter-Final 2 – 2ND Place Shanahan Division vs. 1ST Place Subban Division
12:15 pm Quarter-Final 4 – 2ND Place Lindros Division vs. 1ST Place Nash Division

6:00 pm Semi-Final 1 – Winner Quarter-Final 2 vs. Winner Quarter-Final 1
8:00 pm Semi-Final 2 – Winner Quarter-Final 4 vs. Winner Quarter-Final 3

Scotiabank Pond 2
10:00 am Quarter-Final 1 – 2ND Place Subban Division vs. 1ST Place Shanahan Division
11:45 am Quarter-Final 3 – 2ND Place Nash Division vs. 1ST Place Lindros Division

Monday March 21, 2016

Mattamy Athletic Centre

7:00 pm Championship Final – Winner Semi-Final 2 vs. Winner Semi-Final 1

Monday’s Championship Final will be broadcast live on Sportsnet Ontario.  All other games of the 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament will be streamed online to FASTHockey subscribers at www.fasthockey.com.  Saturday’s Quarter-Finals on Rink 1 and both Semi-Finals will be broadcasted by Rogers TV Sports Digital 369 and Rogers TV Cable 10/63 in Toronto/Scarborough.  Visitwww.rogerstv.com for more information, or check local listings.

The showcase provides fans and scouts one last opportunity to see many of the top minor midget aged players from across Ontario and parts of the United States compete for the OHL Cup performing against the best competition prior to the 2016 OHL Priority Selection.

For more information, please visit ohlcup.ca.

OHL Announces 2015-16 Coaches Poll Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of the Eastern and Western Conference Coaches Polls for the 2015-16 OHL regular season.

OHL

 The OHL Coaches Poll provides member club coaches with the opportunity to recognize the top three players in 20 different skill categories within their own conference.

 In the Eastern Conference, the Central Division champion Barrie Colts lead the way with eight players represented across 16 of the 20 different categories highlighted by Calgary Flames prospect Andrew Mangiapane who was named Most Underrated, Best Skater, and Best Shootout Shooter.  Fellow Colt and OHL top scorer Kevin Labanc, a San Jose Sharks prospect, appeared in five categories finishing first in Best Playmaker, and Best Penalty Killer.  The East Division champion Kingston Frontenacs finished second in team voting with six different players appearing in 12 different categories including Jeremy Helvig (Most Improved),  Spencer Watson (Most Dangerous in the Goal Area), Lawson Crouse (Best Body Checker), and Roland McKeown (Best Defensive Defenceman) finishing first.

 North Bay Battalion captain Mike Amadio was the top individual winner by appearing in the Top-3 in seven different categories.  The Los Angeles Kings prospect finished first in four different categories including Smartest Player, Hardest Worker, Best Shot, Best Defensive Forward.  Other multiple category winners in the Eastern Conference include Niagara IceDogs goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic who tied for first in the Best Puck Handling Goalie vote, and Best Shootout Goalie category.  Fellow IceDog Josh Ho-Sang was named Best Stickhandler for the second straight season.

 In the Western Conference, the Erie Otters lead the way with seven players represented in 12 of the 20 categories including a league-high nine first place votes.  Arizona Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome is the Conference’s top individual winner leading the way in three different areas including Smartest Player, Best on Face-Offs, and Best Shootout Shooter.  2016 NHL Draft prospect Alex DeBrincat was also one of seven Otters to earn first place recognition earning Most Dangerous in the Goal Area accolades for the second straight season.  The Midwest Division’s Kitchener Rangers and London Knights also factored heavily into Western Conference voting.  Seven different Rangers appeared in 11 different categories, while six different Knights were spread across nine different categories.  Most notably, the Rangers’ Adam Mascherin was listed in four categories receiving first place in Best Shot, while Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Mitch Marner headlined the Knights’ representation winning Best Playmaker and Best Stickhandler after appearing among the Top-3 in both categories last season.

 New York Rangers prospect Brandon Halverson of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds is the league’s only three-time winner earning Best Puck Handling Goalie recognition for the third consecutive season.

 The Coaches Poll is tabulated when each team submits one nominee per category, and coaches then vote for the top three players for each category within their conference.  Players receive five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote.  Clubs are not permitted to vote for players from their own team allowing for a maximum of 45 possible points for each winner.  This season all 20 OHL clubs are represented in at least one category.

All 20 categories are listed below with Eastern Conference and Western Conference winners including their final point totals in brackets.

Most Underrated Player:

Eastern Conference:
1. Andrew Mangiapane, Barrie Colts (28)
2. Jordan Maletta, Niagara IceDogs (16)
3. Juho Lammikko, Kingston Frontenacs (15)

Western Conference:
1. Aaron Berisha, London Knights (22)
2. Jeff King, Sarnia Sting (14)
3. Jalen Chatfield, Windsor Spitfires (12)

 Most Improved Player:
Eastern Conference:

1.Jeremy Helvig, Kingston Frontenacs (30)
2. Mathew Santos, North Bay Battalion (18)
3. Nic Hague, Mississauga Steelheads tied Riley Stillman, Oshawa Generals (10)

Western Conference:
1. Kyle Maksimovich, Erie Otters tied Logan Stanley, Windsor Spitfires (25)
3. Adam Mascherin, Kitchener Rangers (10)

Smartest Player:

Eastern Conference:
1. Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (32)
2. Kevin Labanc, Barrie Colts (25)
3. Hunter Garlent, Peterborough Petes (8)

Western Conference:
1. Dylan Strome, Erie Otters (41) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. Matthew Tkachuk, London Knights (18)
3. Petrus Palmu, Owen Sound Attack (7)

Hardest Worker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Michael McLeod, Mississauga Steelheads tied Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (24) – McLeod finished third in voting in 2014-15
3. Lawson Crouse, Kingston Frontenacs (21) – finished first in voting in 2014-15

Western Conference:
1. Hayden Verbeek, Soo Greyhounds (32)
2. Jonah Gadjovich, Owen Sound Attack tied Josh Jacobs, Sarnia Sting (13)

Best Playmaker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Kevin Labanc, Barrie Colts (31)
2. Josh Ho-Sang, Niagara IceDogs (26) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
3. Michael Dal Colle, Kingston Frontenacs (12)

Western Conference:
1. Mitch Marner, London Knights (35) – finished second in voting in 2014-15
2. Dylan Strome, Erie Otters (27)
3. Jeremy Bracco, Kitchener Rangers (12)

Most Dangerous in Goal Area:

Eastern Conference:
1. Spencer Watson, Kingston Frontenacs (35) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. Kevin Labanc, Barrie Colts tied Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (24)

Western Conference:
1. Alex DeBrincat, Erie Otters (37) – finished first in voting in 2014-15
2. Christian Dvorak, London Knights (32)
3. Zach Senyshyn, Soo Greyhounds (9)

Best Skater:

Eastern Conference:

1. Andrew Mangiapane, Barrie Colts (18)

2. Sean Day, Mississauga Steelheads tied Mitchell Vande Sompel, Oshawa Generals, and Jonathan Ang, Peterborough Petes (17) – Day finished second in voting in both 2013-14 and 2014-15

Western Conference:

1. Zach Senyshyn, Soo Greyhounds (33) – finished third in voting in 2014-15

2. Victor Mete, London Knights (27)

3. Vili Saarijarvi, Flint Firebirds tied Jordan Kyrou, Sarnia Sting (7)

Best Shot:

Eastern Conference:
1. Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (35)
2. Spencer Watson, Kingston Frontenacs (30)
3. Alex Nylander, Mississauga Steelheads tied Greg Betzold, Peterborough Petes (7)

Western Conference:

1. Adam Mascherin, Kitchener Rangers (28)
2. Travis Konecny, Sarnia Sting (25)
3. Alex DeBrincat, Erie Otters (16)

Hardest Shot:

Eastern Conference:

1. Kyle Wood, North Bay Battalion (41) – finished second in voting in 2014-15
2. Lawson Crouse, Kingston Frontenacs (23)
3. Rasmus Andersson, Barrie Colts (10)

Western Conference:

1. Mikhail Sergachev, Windsor Spitfires (30)
2. Pavel Zacha, Sarnia Sting (20)
3. Adam Mascherin, Kitchener Rangers (13)

Best Stickhandler:

Eastern Conference:
1. Josh Ho-Sang, Niagara IceDogs (35) – finished first in voting in 2014-15
2. Alex Nylander, Mississauga Steelheads (16)
3. Kevin Labanc, Barrie Colts (15)

Western Conference:

1. Mitch Marner, London Knights (43) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. William Bitten, Flint Firebirds (13)
3. Jeremy Bracco, Kitchener Rangers tied Blake Speers, Soo Greyhounds (11)

Best on Face-Offs:

Eastern Conference:
1. Jordan Maletta, Niagara IceDogs (38)
2. Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (24)
3. Juho Lammikko, Kingston Frontenacs (10)

Western Conference:
1. Dylan Strome, Erie Otters (30)
2. Gustaf Franzen, Kitchener Rangers (21)
3. Christian Dvorak, London Knights (20)

Best Body Checker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Lawson Crouse, Kingston Frontenacs (39)
2. Jacob Middleton, Ottawa 67’s (13)
3. Cameron Lizotte, Barrie Colts (11) – finished second in voting in 2014-15

Western Conference:

1. Givani Smith, Guelph Storm (34)
2. Connor Hall, Kitchener Rangers tied Jacob Friend, Owen Sound Attack (12)

Best Shot Blocker:

Eastern Conference:

1. Jacob Middleton, Ottawa 67’s (25)
2. Roland McKeown, Kingston Frontenacs (15)
3. Dylan Sadowy, Barrie Colts (14)

Western Conference:
1. Damir Sharipzyanov, Owen Sound Attack (24)
2. Darren Raddysh, Erie Otters (18)
3. Will Petschenig, Saginaw Spirit tied Patrick Sanvido, Windsor Spitfires (11)

Best Defensive Forward:

Eastern Conference:
1. Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (32)
2. Juho Lammikko, Kingston Frontenacs (29) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
3. Cordell James, Barrie Colts tied Anthony Cirelli, Oshawa Generals (9)

Western Conference:
1. Kyle Pettit, Erie Otters (31) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. Ryan MacInnis, Kitchener Rangers (22)
3. Kris Bennett, Saginaw Spirit (14)

Best Penalty Killer:

Eastern Conference:

1. Kevin Labanc, Barrie Colts (26)
2. Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (25)
3. Jordan Maletta, Niagara IceDogs (17)

Western Conference:
1. Pavel Zacha, Sarnia Sting (26)
2. Kyle Pettit, Erie Otters (19)
3. Darby Llewellyn, Kitchener Rangers (16)

Best Offensive Defenceman:

Eastern Conference:
1. Rasmus Andersson, Barrie Colts (31) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. Mitchell Vande Sompel, Oshawa Generals (23) – finished second in voting in 2014-15
3. Cam Dineen, North Bay Battalion (17)

Western Conference:
1. Travis Dermott, Erie Otters (28)
2. Vili Saarijarvi, Flint Firebirds (21)
3. Mikhail Sergachev, Windsor Spitfires (20)

Best Defensive Defenceman:

Eastern Conference:

1. Roland McKeown, Kingston Frontenacs (30) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. Jacob Middleton, Ottawa 67’s (29)
3. Michael Webster, Barrie Colts (19)

Western Conference:
1. Darren Raddysh, Erie Otters (37)
2. Frank Hora, Kitchener Rangers (13)
3. Chris Martenet, London Knights tied Colton White, Soo Greyhounds (9)

Best Puck-Handling Goalie:

Eastern Conference:

1. Mackenzie Blackwood, Barrie Colts tied Alex Nedeljkovic, Niagara IceDogs (21) – Nedeljkovic finished third in 2014-15 West vote
2. Jake Smith, North Bay Battalion (18) – finished second in voting in 2013-14 and 2014-15

Western Conference:

1. Brandon Halverson, Soo Greyhounds (28) – finished first in 2013-14 and 2014-15
2. Michael Giugovaz, Guelph Storm (12)
3. Michael McNiven, Owen Sound Attack (11)

Best Shootout Shooter:

Eastern Conference:

1. Andrew Mangiapane, Barrie Colts (29) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. Alex Nylander, Mississauga Steelheads (20)
3. Josh Ho-Sang, Niagara IceDogs (16)

Western Conference:
1. Dylan Strome, Erie Otters (23)
2. Christian Dvorak, London Knights (22)
3. William Bitten, Flint Firebirds tied Petrus Palmu, Owen Sound Attack (16)

Best Shootout Goalie:

Eastern Conference:

1. Alex Nedeljkovic, Niagara IceDogs (24) – finished second in 2013-14 and 2014-15 West voting
2. Mackenzie Blackwood, Barrie Colts (18) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
3. Jack Flinn, Mississauga Steelheads (16)

Western Conference:
1. Devin Williams, Erie Otters (36)
2. Michael McNiven, Owen Sound Attack (16)
3. Charlie Graham, Sarnia Sting (11)