Storm’s Ryan Merkley named OHL Rookie of the Year

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Announces First and Second All-Rookie Teams

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that defenceman Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm is the 2016-17 recipient of the Emms Family Award presented to the OHL’s Rookie of the Year.

Merkley led all OHL rookies with 55 points in 62 games played scoring 12 goals and 43 assists positioning him eighth overall among all OHL defenders.  He became the first rookie in franchise history to lead the team in scoring, and is the first OHL defenceman since London’s Rick Corriveau in 1987-88 to lead all rookies in scoring.

Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

“It is an honour to be selected as the OHL Rookie of the Year,” said Merkley. “Knowing that there are so many talented first year players, makes the award extra special.  I would like to thank my teammates and the Storm organization for all their help and support.”

The 16-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., selected first overall by the Storm in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection, is just the second member of the organization to earn the award following fellow Storm first overall pick Jeff O’Neill during the 1992-93 season.  Merkley’s 55 points are the most by a Storm 16-year-old since O’Neill’s 79 during his first campaign.

“Being selected as OHL Rookie of the Year is a special honour, but one that Ryan richly deserves,” said Mike Kelly, Guelph’s departing General Manager. “Even as a 16-year-old, Ryan was a critical part of a very young Guelph Storm Hockey team, and he provided our fans, and fans throughout the OHL with some spectacular hockey memories.  As good as Ryan was this past year, he will be even more special in upcoming seasons.”

Merkley joined the OHL after earning GTHL Player of the Year honours with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens and made an immediate impact with recognition as the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for October and December and represented Team Canada Red at the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sault Ste. Marie.  He recorded 16 multi-point performances during 2016-17 and was voted third in both the Best Playmaker and Best Stickhandler categories in the Western Conference Coaches Poll.

First presented in 1973, Emms Family Award recipients include Wayne Gretzky (Sault Ste. Marie 1977-78), Joe Thornton (Sault Ste. Marie 1995-96), Rick Nash (London 2000-01), Taylor Hall (Windsor 2007-08), and most recently Alex DeBrincat (Erie 2014-15), and Alex Nylander (Mississauga 2015-16).  Merkley is the eighth player to earn the Emms Family Award after also earning the Jack Ferguson Award as the first overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection beginning with O’Neill, Patrick O’Sullivan (Mississauga 2001-02), Rob Schremp (Mississauga 2002-03), John Tavares (Oshawa 2005-06), Aaron Ekblad (Barrie 2011-12), Connor McDavid (Erie 2012-13), and Travis Konecny (Ottawa 2013-14).

The Emms Family Award was donated by Leighton “Hap” Emms, former owner of the Barrie, Niagara Falls, and St. Catharines OHL franchises.  The award is selected by all 20 member club General Managers.  Teams were asked to submit only one nominee from their own club for consideration on the ballot and were not permitted to vote for the player from their own hockey club.  Players received five points for a first vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote.

Merkley earned 75 of a possible 95 voting points ahead of forward Akil Thomas of the Niagara IceDogs who finished second with 44 voting points and forward Allan McShane of the Oshawa Generals who finished in third with 24 voting points. 

The Emms Family Award will be formally presented to Merkley at the OHL’s annual Awards Ceremony at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on Thursday June 8.  He will be the OHL’s nominee for CHL Rookie of the Year to be announced at the Mastercard Memorial Cup on Saturday May 27.

Merkley was also announced to the OHL’s First All-Rookie Team alongside NHL Draft prospect Eemeli Rasanen of the Kingston Frontenacs on defence, and goaltender Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads.  First team forwards include McShane at centre, Thomas at right wing, and Kingston’s Linus Nyman at left wing.  Second team honours went to NHL Draft prospects Adam Ruzicka of the Sarnia Sting, Alex Formenton of the London Knights, and Greg Meireles of the Kitchener Rangers at forward, while 16-year-olds Giovanni Vallati of Kitchener, and Owen Lalonde of the Sudbury Wolves comprise the defence.  Second team goaltending honours went to Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

The OHL All-Rookie Teams were also selected by the OHL’s General Managers.  Players were voted on initially by position within their conference receiving five points for a first place vote, three for a second place vote, and one for a third.  Top vote getters in each position made up the final ballot that was then circulated to all 20 teams. 

2016-17 OHL All-Rookie Teams (voting points in brackets):

First Team:
Centre – Allan McShane, Oshawa Generals (85)
Left Wing – Linus Nyman, Kingston Frontenacs (73)
Right Wing – Akil Thomas, Niagara IceDogs (93)
Defence – Ryan Merkley, Guelph Storm (91)
Defence – Eemeli Rasanen, Kingston Frontenacs (74)
Goaltender – Jacob Ingham, Mississauga Steelheads (73)

Second Team:
Centre – Adam Ruzicka, Sarnia Sting (51)
Left Wing – Alex Formenton, London Knights (38)
Right Wing – Greg Meireles, Kitchener Rangers (39)
Defence – Giovanni Vallati, Kitchener Rangers (44)
Defence – Owen Lalonde, Sudbury Wolves (39)
Goaltender – Matthew Villalta, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (70)

Rockets’ Reid Gardiner named CHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that forward Reid Gardiner of the Kelowna Rockets is the CHL Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 16 after recording 12 points including six goals and six assists in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-2.

Gardiner took over the WHL Playoff scoring lead with a trio of multi-point performances pacing the Rockets to a second round series victory over the Portland Winterhawks.  In Game 3 last Tuesday he chipped in two assists despite a 4-2 loss, then elevated his play in Wednesday’s Game 4 scoring two goals and two assists as first star of the 7-2 victory.  He wrapped up his week and the series in Friday’s Game 5 with a career-high six-point effort contributing to all six Rockets goals by netting four of his own and setting up two in the 6-2 victory.  The Rockets will now compete in the WHL’s Western Conference Championship Series against the Seattle Thunderbirds beginning Friday.

A 21-year-old from Humboldt, Sask., the fifth year WHL veteran has 22 points in 11 playoff games thus far including 12 goals and 10 assists following a regular season campaign where he produced 37 points including 18 goals and 19 assists in 28 games.  Gardiner played his first four seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders who selected him in the first round of the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft before beginning this season with the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Also considered for the award this week was Los Angeles Kings prospect Spencer Watson of the Mississauga Steelheads who scored five goals and one assist for six points in three games helping his club advance to the OHL’s Eastern Conference Final in a five-game series win over the Oshawa Generals.  In the QMJHL, Ottawa Senators prospect Filip Chlapik scored once with four assists for five points in two games helping his Charlottetown Islanders advance with a four-game series win over the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

2016-17 CHL Post-Season Players of the Week:
Apr. 10 – Apr. 16: Reid Gardiner (Kelowna Rockets)
Apr. 3 – Apr. 9: Giorgio Estephan (Lethbridge Hurricanes)
Mar. 27 – Apr. 2: Ethan Bear (Seattle Thunderbirds)
Mar. 20 – Mar. 26: Sam Steel (Regina Pats)

2016-17 CHL Regular Season Players of the Week:

Mar. 13 – Mar. 19: Brandon Hagel (Red Deer Rebels)
Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: Daniel Sprong (Charlottetown Islanders)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Gabriel Vilardi (Windsor Spitfires)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Christophe Boivin (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Mathew Barzal (Seattle Thunderbirds)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Tyler Boland (Rimouski Oceanic)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Alexis D’Aoust (Shawinigan Cataractes)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Kole Sherwood (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Brayden Burke (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Adam Brooks (Regina Pats)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Vitalii Abramov (Gatineau Olympiques)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Hayden Hodgson (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Sergey Zborovskiy (Regina Pats)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Jayden Halbgewachs (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Alexander Katerinakis (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Nico Hischier (Halifax Mooseheads)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Bobby MacIntyre (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Kale Clague (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Cameron Askew (Moncton Wildcats)
Sept. 26 – Oct. 2: Sam Steel (Regina Pats)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Kameron Kielly (Charlottetown Islanders)

CHL Leagues

Petes’ Dylan Wells named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Edmonton Oilers prospect Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the playoff week ending April 16 after posting a 2-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .957.

Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Wells made 66 saves in a pair of road victories last week backstopping the Petes to a berth in the OHL’s Eastern Conference Championship Series following a four-game series win over the Kingston Frontenacs.  He made 33 saves in both contests including last Tuesday in Game 3 where he earned first star honours in a 3-1 victory, and Thursday’s Game 4 where the Petes clinched the series with a 6-2 victory for their eight-straight win this post-season.  In that contest, Wells etched his name in team records becoming the first Petes goaltender and just the ninth OHL netminder all-time to score a goal after firing a shot from behind his own goal-line across the ice and into the empty cage.  The Petes will now face the Mississauga Steelheads in round three action beginning Thursday.

A 19-year-old from St. Catharines, Ont., Wells is playing in his third OHL season with the Petes after being chosen by the club in the second round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  This season he carried a 33-15-2-2 record for the East Division champs with a goals-against-average of 3.07 and save percentage of .916.  The fifth round pick of the Oilers in the 2016 NHL Draft has an eight-game winning-streak to open the post-season where both his GAA and SV% have improved to marks of 1.94 and .944 respectively.

Also considered for the award this week was Julio Billia of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens who made 71 saves in three games of the QMJHL Quarter-Finals against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies posting a 2-1 record with a goals-against-average of 1.34 and save percentage of .947.  In the WHL, Tyler Brown of the Regina Pats made 159 saves in four games of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Swift Current Broncos posting a 2-2 record with a goals-against-average of 2.48 and save percentage of .930.

2016-17 Vaughn CHL Playoff Goaltenders of the Week:

Apr. 10 – Apr. 16: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Apr. 3 – Apr. 9: Joseph Raaymakers (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Mar. 27 – Apr. 2: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Mar. 20 – Mar. 26: Kyle Jessiman (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)

2016-17 Vaughn CHL Regular Season Goaltenders of the Week:
Mar. 13 – Mar. 19: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)
Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: Callum Booth (Saint John Sea Dogs)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)

Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Brodan Salmond (Kelowna Rockets)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Stuart Skinner (Lethbridge Hurricanes)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Matthew Welsh (Charlottetown Islanders)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Francis Leclerc (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Griffen Outhouse (Victoria Royals)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Connor Ingram (Kamloops Blazers)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Patrick Dea (Edmonton Oil Kings)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Reilly Pickard (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ryan Kubic (Vancouver Giants)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Logan Flodell (Saskatoon Blades)
Sept. 26 – Oct. 2: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Liam Herbst (Guelph Storm)

OHL Announces Western Conference Championship Series Schedule Scenarios

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Wayne Gretzky Trophy

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the two schedule scenarios for the 2017 OHL Western Conference Championship Series for the Wayne Gretzky Trophy to begin this Friday April 21, 2017.

The third round series will feature the Owen Sound Attack against the winner between the Erie Otters and London Knights who complete their Western Conference Semi-Final Series tonight with Game 7 in Erie.  Click here for a special Game 7 preview.  The Attack advanced on Sunday following a 4-2 series win over the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

During the 2016-17 regular season the Attack finished with a franchise best record of 49-15-2-2 for 102 points in the Midwest Division behind only the Otters who finished with 103 points powered by a 50-15-2-1 record and ahead of the Knights who finished with 99 points from a 46-15-3-4 record.  The Attack played both teams six times during regular season play carrying a 2-4 record against the Otters and a 4-1-0-1 record against the Knights with two of their wins by shootout.

The Western Conference Champion receives the Wayne Gretzky Trophy named in honour of the Hockey Hall of Fame member who played for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in 1977-78.  Since the two conference division in 1999, the Attack have captured the Wayne Gretzky Trophy once in franchise history back in 2011, while the Otters secured Western Conference titles in 2015 and 2002.  The Knights are the defending Wayne Gretzky Trophy winners and have won a total of six times including 2016, 2013, 2012, 2006, 2005, and 1999.

Owen Sound has never faced Erie in post-season play but have met London six different times including the first round in 2016 (4-2 LDN), first round in 2011 (4-2 OS), first round in 2007 (4-0 LDN), second round in 2006 (4-2 LDN), third round in 1999 (4-1 LDN), and first round in 1992 (4-1 LDN).

WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SCHEDULE SCENARIOS:


SCENARIO 1: SERIES “G” ERIE OTTERS (1)  vs. OWEN SOUND ATTACK (3)
Game 1, Fri., April 21 Owen Sound at Erie, 7:00
Game 2, Sat., April 22 Owen Sound at Erie, 7:00
Game 3, Mon., April 24 Erie at Owen Sound, 7:00
Game 4, Wed., April 26 Erie at Owen Sound, 7:00
Game 5, Fri., April 28 Owen Sound at Erie, 7:00*
Game 6, Sun., April 30 Erie at Owen Sound, 2:00*
Game 7, Mon., May 1 Owen Sound at Erie, 7:00*
*if necessary
#ERvsOS

SCENARIO 2: SERIES “G” OWEN SOUND ATTACK (3) vs. LONDON KNIGHTS (4)
Game 1, Fri., April 21 Owen Sound at London, 7:30
Game 2, Sun., April 23 Owen Sound at London, 2:00
Game 3, Mon., April 24 London at Owen Sound, 7:00
Game 4, Wed., April 26 London at Owen Sound, 7:00
Game 5, Fri., April 28 London at Owen Sound, 7:30*
Game 6, Sat., April 29 Owen Sound at London, 7:00*
Game 7, Mon., May 1 London at Owen Sound, 7:00*
*if necessary
#OSvsLDN

2017 OHL PLAYOFF BRACKETS

Kyle Keyser – Oshawa Generals – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 186 pounds

Date of birth: March 8, 1999

Hometown: Coral Springs, Florida

Position: Goaltender

Catches:

OHL Draft: Round 4, 74th overall, 2015 Priority Selection (Flint Firebirds)

Oshawa Generals’ goaltender and native of Coral Springs, Florida, Kyle Keyser, played Tier 1 hockey during the 2014-2015 season for the Victory Honda Under-16 of the Elite Hockey League. There he posted a 2.27 goals against average and .916 save percentage in 19 games. Even more impressively, he posted a 1.38 goals against average and .942 save percentage in the playoffs.

The Flint Firebirds would select Keyser with the 74th overall pick at the 2015 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

During his rookie season, Keyser would post a 4-10-0 record in 19 appearances with a 4.37 goals against average and .880 save percentage.

As this season approached, an unexpected trade request by Keyser caught the Firebirds off guard. General Manager George Burnett granted Keyser his wish and he was dealt to the Oshawa Generals for a second-round pick.

For Generals’ General Manager Roger Hunt however, he could say he finally got his goalkeeper. Hunt had not made it a secret that the Generals were eyeing Keyser at the draft, but the Firebirds pounced on him before Hunt could call his name.

Kyle Keyser of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Kyle Keyser of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

The acquisition was both a move for the now, and for the future. Keyser would back up incumbent number one goaltender Jeremy Brodeur for this season with an eye as the unquestioned starter for the 2017-2018 season.

Keyser would finish the season with a 7-9-2 record in 26 appearances while posting a 3.40 goals against average and .891 save percentage.

Keyser has good size for a goaltender. He is in control of his movements in his crease and his demeanor comes across as very calm although there are a few times he can over commit. He has quick movement from post to post and gets to the top of the paint in the blink of an eye. He has very good reflexes that allow him to react to second chance opportunities quickly. His athleticism is top notch. His rebound control improved at a steady pace as the season progressed as did his puck handling skills.

Off the ice, and this is a testament to his commitment and work ethic, Keyser received the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award as the top academic high school student. Keyser achieved a 95% average in high school during his rookie season.

Keyser was ranked 10th among North American goaltenders on NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings. He ended up 11th on their final rankings.

Kyle Keyser

This is the stat page of Kyle Keyser at Elite Prospects

 

Petes’ Dylan Wells named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Edmonton Oilers prospect Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 16 after posting a 2-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .957.

Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Wells made 66 saves in two road games last week helping the Petes extend their playoff winning-streak to eight by completing a four-game series victory over the Kingston Frontenacs to advance to the Eastern Conference Championship Series.  In Game 3 last Tuesday in Kingston, Wells made 33 saves and earned first star honours in a 3-1 victory.  He followed that effort with another 33-save performance in Thursday’s Game 4 and became part of OHL history in the process scoring a goal into the empty-net to clinch the 6-2 victory.  Wells became the first goaltender in Petes history to score a goal, and ninth OHL goaltender all-time to accomplish the feat.  The Petes will now compete for their first Bobby Orr Trophy since 2006 up against the Mississauga Steelheads in the East Final best-of-seven series which begins Thursday night in Peterborough.

A 19-year-old from St. Catharines, Ont., Wells is playing in his third OHL season with the Petes after being chosen by the club in the second round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  This season he carried a 33-15-2-2 record for the East Division champs with a goals-against-average of 3.07 and save percentage of .916.  During his eight-game winning-streak to open the post-season both his GAA and SV% have improved to marks of 1.94 and .944 respectively.  The fifth round pick of the Oilers in the 2016 NHL Draft claims the OHL’s weekly honour for the second time this season.

Watch video highlights of Wells and the Petes against the Frontenacs in Game 3 and Game 4.

Also considered for the award this week was another goaltender, Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael McNiven of the Owen Sound Attack, who backstopped his club to a berth in the Western Conference Championship Series with three wins last week including a shutout victory posting a goals-against-average of 1.67 and save percentage of .944 against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.  Offensively, Los Angeles Kings prospect Spencer Watson of the Mississauga Steelheads scored five goals and one assist for six points in three games against the Oshawa Generals, and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Janne Kuokkanen of the London Knights scored five goals in four games against the Erie Otters.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Playoff Players of the Week:

Apr. 10 – Apr. 16: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Apr. 3 – Apr. 9: Joseph Raaymakers (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Mar. 27 – Apr. 2: Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads)
Mar. 20 – Mar. 26: Anthony Cirelli (Erie Otters)

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Regular Season Players of the Week:

Mar. 13 – Mar. 19: Jacob Ingham (Mississauga Steelheads)
Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: Petrus Palmu (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Gabriel Vilardi (Windsor Spitfires)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Joseph Murdaca (Erie Otters)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Spencer Watson (Mississauga Steelheads)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Hayden Hodgson (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Kole Sherwood (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Santino Centorame (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Max Jones (London Knights)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Logan Brown (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 26 – Oct. 2: Joseph Raaymakers (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Matt Luff (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Flint Firebirds Hockey Operations Staff Announcement

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce the appointment of Barclay Branch as Vice-President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Flint Firebirds.

The announcement comes one year following the league’s appointment of George Burnett as Firebirds General Manager, hired to work closely with the players, parents, and hockey operations staff to re-establish the team both on and off the ice.  Having done that, Mr. Burnett will be leaving the Firebirds to take on another role within the league.

“Over the last year George Burnett has provided the Flint Firebirds with a strong foundation on which to develop the team, the players, and continued success within the community of Flint and Genesee County,” said Joe Birch, OHL Senior Director of Hockey Development & Special Events. “On behalf of the OHL, I want to thank George for his commitment to the Firebirds and his hard work over the last year.  I’d also like to welcome Barclay Branch who we as the League feel will help continue strengthening this foundation backed by a strong team in the hockey operations department including assistant general manager Joe Stefan and head coach Ryan Oulahen.”

The 2016-17 campaign saw the Firebirds achieve success both on and off the ice during their second OHL season including the club’s first playoff appearance, and being embraced throughout Flint and Genesee County as the players and team actively expanded their presence with various charitable and community event initiatives.

“It has been an honour to work with the players, families, billets and staff of the Flint Firebirds,” said George Burnett, outgoing General Manager. “In a short time we have pulled together, worked hard and shown everyone in hockey what we are made of. I am very proud to be associated with the Firebirds’ players who show nothing but strength and determination.”

Branch has spent his 17-year career in Major Junior Hockey in both management and scouting capacities, most recently as the General Manager of the Sudbury Wolves.  He spent 11 years with the Belleville Bulls as Assistant GM and Director of Player Personnel where he reported to Burnett, and directed the Bulls’ OHL Priority Selection, drafting players such as P.K., Malcolm, and Jordan Subban, Brendan Gaunce, Eric Tangradi, and Brandon Saigeon.  During that time the Bulls played in four Eastern Conference Finals highlighted by an appearance in the Mastercard Memorial Cup in 2008.  Branch started his career with the Oshawa Generals, and also served as Assistant GM and Director of Player Personnel with the Hamilton Bulldogs prior to joining the Wolves.  He is entering his fourth season as a regional Under-17 scout for Hockey Canada.

“I am excited to join the Flint Firebirds organization and work with the staff and the league to continue the team’s development and carry on the successes of this past season,” said Barclay Branch, incoming General Manager. “There is a real future for OHL hockey in Flint and I look forward to being part of it.”

The Firebirds will host a media availability on Tuesday April 18 beginning at 10:00 am at the Dort Federal Event Center.  Burnett and Branch will both be in attendance alongside other members of the club’s hockey operations department and OHL personnel.

OHL Announces Eastern Conference Championship Series Schedule

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Bobby Orr Trophy

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the schedule for the 2017 OHL Eastern Conference Championship Series for the Bobby Orr Trophy between the Peterborough Petes and the Mississauga Steelheads beginning next Thursday night, April 20, in Peterborough.

The third round series features the top two seeds in the OHL’s Eastern Conference standings during the 2016-17 regular season.  The first place Petes captured their 11th Leyden Trophy since 1979 and third East Division crown following back-to-back wins in 2005-06 with a 42-21-2-3 record for 89 points.  The Steelheads finished the season with a 34-21-6-7 record for 81 points earning the first Central Division title in the club’s five-year history.

The Petes have advanced to the Eastern Conference Championship Series on the strength of eight straight playoff victories including 4-0 series wins over the Niagara IceDogs and the Kingston Frontenacs which ended Thursday night.  The Steelheads began their playoff run with a 4-2 series win over the Ottawa 67’s before eliminating the Oshawa Generals 4-1 on Saturday afternoon.

The Petes won three of the four head-to-head regular season matchups during the 2016-17 campaign including both games of a first half home-and-home series by 4-2 and 5-3 scores December 1st and 2nd.  The Petes also took a 3-2 shootout decision on January 19 however the season series ended with a 10-1 Steelheads victory on February 24.

This marks the first ever playoff encounter between the Petes and Steelheads however the all-time franchise playoff history includes three previous matchups.  The Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors defeated the Petes 4-0 in the first round back in 2010, the Petes beat the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors 4-1 in the second round in 2005, and Toronto beat Peterborough 4-3 in the first round in 2001.

The Eastern Conference Champion receives the Bobby Orr Trophy named in honour of the Hockey Hall of Fame member who played four OHL seasons with the Oshawa Generals from 1962-66.  Since the two conference division in 1999, the Petes have celebrated one Bobby Orr Trophy winning in 2006.  The Steelheads are looking for their first Eastern Conference championship since the Majors won in 2011.

EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Series “G” PETERBOROUGH PETES (1)  vs. MISSISSAUGA STEELHEADS (2):

Game 1, Thurs., April 20 Mississauga at Peterborough, 7:05
Game 2, Sat., April 22 Mississauga at Peterborough, 7:05
Game 3, Mon., April 24 Peterborough at Mississauga, 7:00
Game 4, Wed., April 26 Peterborough at Mississauga, 7:00
Game 5, Thurs., April 27 Mississauga at Peterborough, 7:05*
Game 6, Sun., April 30 Peterborough at Mississauga, 2:00*
Game 7, Mon., May 1 Mississauga at Peterborough, 7:05*
*if necessary

#PBOvsMISS

2017 OHL PLAYOFF BRACKETS

Jake McGrath – Sudbury Wolves – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 158 pounds

Date of birth: January 7, 1999

Hometown: Mississauga Ontario

Position: Goaltender

Catches: Left

OHL Draft: Round 8, 142nd overall, 2015 Priority Selection

Ranked 23rd among North American goaltenders on the National Hockey League Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings in January, Sudbury Wolves’ goaltender Jake McGrath came in at number 19 on their final rankings this month.

Jake McGrath of the Sudbury Wolves. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Jake McGrath of the Sudbury Wolves. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

McGrath played his minor midget AAA hockey for the Toronto Marlboros during the 2014-2015 season where he posted a 1.34 goals against average in 37 games and leading the way to a GTMMHL championship. He also led the way for the Marlboros in capturing the OHL Cup with a 1.43 goals against average in 4 games. However, the championships didn’t end there as Team GTHL Blue won the OHL Gold Cup Championship where McGrath posted a 2.33 goals against average in 3 games.

The Wolves would select McGrath 142nd overall at the 2015 Ontario Hockey League’s Priority Selection. Despite an impressive camp with the Wolves, he was assigned to the St Michael’s Buzzers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. He appeared in 30 games for the Buzzers and posted a goals against average of 3.37 and a save percentage of .908. He would be named to the OJHL Second Team All-Prospects.

McGrath was invited to participate in the Hockey Canada Program of Excellence Goaltending Camp as an Under-17. He also took part in Hockey Canada’s Development camp for the World Hockey Challenge Under-17. He played in 3 games for Canada Black and posted a 4.36 goals against average and .851 save percentage.

McGrath finished this season with the Wolves appearing in 45 games with a 17-18-6 record, 3.77 goals against average and an .896 save percentage. He went 2-4 in 6 playoff games as the Wolves were eliminated by the Oshawa Generals. He posted a 3.00 goals against average and .902 save percentage.

McGrath is currently with Team Canada at the World Junior Championships Under-18.

What McGrath doesn’t have is the big size NHL scouts seem to covet with goaltenders and he is one of the smaller goaltenders in his draft class. But what he does “lack in size”, he makes up with other assets. Don’t misinterpret that, there are holes in his game but nothing that can’t be correct with further coaching and development.

Finding consistency in his game is at the top of that list – from game to game or shot to shot. He can go from being spectacular to average from game-to-game, but it’s something that I think he can improve on in time. But you should be impressed by his ability to have a bounce back game following a sub-par performance. It’s a strength he possesses.

McGrath does well at making the first save, challenging the shooter and remaining square and tall, but he needs to improve on his second-chance opportunities and chances in close. His puck handling skills also continue to be a work in progress and should improve in that department as he gains more experience.

McGrath certainly has the tools to be a solid goaltender. Now, it’s up to NHL scouts to determine whether the few issues he has are correctable. I wouldn’t bet against him and he could certainly end up being a good value pick for whoever chooses him in June.

Jacob McGrath

Stat page of Jacob McGrath at Elite Prospects

 

Kirill Maksimov – Niagara IceDogs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 192 pounds

Date of birth: June 1, 1999

Hometown: Concord, Ontario

Position: Right Wing

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 2, 38th overall 2015 Priority Selection by Saginaw Spirit

Niagara IceDogs’ right winger Kirill Maksimov has been on the rise in draft rankings as he should be. He was ranked 185th by National Hockey League Central Scouting among North American skaters in their mid-term rankings. That was only good for fourth among the five IceDogs ranked, just four spots from last.

What a difference five months can make. Not only is Maksimov now the top ranked IceDog on Central Scouting’s final ranking, but he’s jumped all the way to 66th among North American skaters, easily making him the highest riser from the mid-term to final rankings.

Born in Concord Ontario, Maksimov (or Maximov) has the dual citizenship of Canada and Russia. Having already participated for Russia at International Ice Hockey Federation sanctioned tournaments, for international hockey, he is considered Russian going forward.

Maksimov played Minor Midget AAA hockey in Ontario for the Toronto Junior Canadiens during the 2014-2015 season. He played in 28 games for the Canadiens, scoring 16 goals and adding 17 assists. He would score 2 goals to go along with 2 assists in 6 games at the OHL Cup for the Canadiens.

The Saginaw Spirit would select Maksimov with the 38th overall pick at the 2015 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. He would make his OHL debut the following season. In 54 games with the Spirit, he would score 6 goals and 15 assists. He would add another goal and 3 points in 4 playoff games.

Following his season, he would represent Russia at the World Junior Championship Under-18.

Kirill Maksimov of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Niagara IceDogs acquire Kirill Maksimov from the Saginaw Spirit at trade deadline. Photo by Aaron Bell – OHL Images

This season, Maksimov appeared in 37 games for the Spirit before a trade deadline deal sent him to Niagara. He posted 6 goals and 10 assists for the Spirit. He added 15 goals and 7 assists to those totals in the 27 games he played for the IceDogs. He followed the season up with 4 goals in 4 playoff games as the Peterborough Petes swept the IceDogs in the opening round of the playoffs.

Maksimov has good size but, of course, he will need to add some bulk and is still learning to use his size. His skating is good and speed is sufficient – he can challenge defenders one-on-one and can win a lot of those races. He can beat a goaltender with a variety of shots including the backhand. His release can be hard to pick up as he can get it off quickly.

Maksimov is not just a goal scorer. In my opinion, his playmaking skills are underrated in some circles. His vision is very good and he reads things quickly and can find teammates in open space or under coverage with tape-to-tape passes.

Defensively, Maksimov must put in some work even if it’s just putting in more effort. Offensively, if he can add another gear to his step and pick up the physicality, there’s no telling what his limits will be.

Kirill Maximov

Stat page of Kirill Maximov at Elite Prospects