Toronto, ON – The Family Day long weekend is upon us which means an extra full day of Ontario Hockey League action this coming Monday.
Here’s a look at what’s been happening around the league this week.
OHL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT INTERN:
The Ontario Hockey League is now accepting applications for the position of Hockey Development Intern. This is an eight month paid internship under the Bill Hay Future Leaders Internship Program. Full Details
U SPORTS EDUCATING OHL PLAYERS ON LIFE AS STUDENT ATHLETES:
Throughout the 2017-18 season, OHL overage players have had the opportunity participate in a number of information sessions, better familiarizing them with their options as they pursue their career and academic goals. All graduates are able to compete for U SPORTS’ 35 men’s hockey programs spread across three conferences and receive their education paid for by utilizing the leagues’ Scholarship Programs, funded by OHL member clubs. Last season, the OHL Centrally Administered Scholarship Program facilitated scholarships for 301 OHL Alumni with a total scholarship payment in excess of $3.17 million. Since the 2007-08 season, OHL Scholarship payments have totaled more than $18.8 million. Learn more about the great opportunities awaiting OHL graduates in the U SPORTS Men’s Hockey circuit over at USPORTS.ca.
OHL MOURNS THE LOSS OF EARL MONTAGANO:
The Ontario Hockey League family is deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Earl Montagano who passed away Monday after a battle with cancer at the age of 91. Montagano was a former owner of the Ottawa 67’s Hockey Club for 23 years alongside partner Howard Darwin. During his tenure in the OHL, Montagano served as Chairman of the Board and was a longtime member of the league’s Executive Council. In 1989 his contributions to the game and to the league were recognized through the presentation of the prestigious Bill Long Award for distinguished service. Read more
GREYHOUNDS, STING, RANGERS AND BULLDOGS IN CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:
The Kitchener Rangers rise two spots in the 21st edition of the weekly CHL Top 10 Rankings. The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds hold steady in top spot while the Sarnia Sting remain at four and the Hamilton Bulldogs are the ninth-ranked team in the CHL. Kitchener and Hamilton both clinched spots in the 2018 OHL Playoffs this past week. Full Rankings
KNIGHTS’ LIAM FOUDY NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Liam Foudy of the London Knights is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the week ending February 11 after scoring five goals and two assists for seven points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-9. Foudy produced a trio of multi-point performances that helped the Knights win three straight games to maintain their hold on fourth place in the Western Conference standings with a 29-20-2-2 record. Read more
WAWANESA OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:
The 20th edition of the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week for the 2017-18 season feature another collection of the league’s Top-5 goals scored in the week ending February 11. This week’s segment begins with a trio of players completing their hat-tricks in dramatic highlight reel fashion. Dmitry Sokolov of the Barrie Colts tucks one under the bar, Mathew MacDougall of the Windsor Spitfires caps off the comeback he started with the overtime winner, and Gabriel Vilardi of the Kingston Frontenacs circles the zone and rips home his third. Also featured in this week’s highlights are Riley Damiani of the Kitchener Rangers who steals one shorthanded, and Nikita Korostelev of the Peterborough Petes who lets his skill take over. Watch
VOTE NIKITA KOROSTELEV IN #CIBCSHOWDOWN:
Peterborough Petes forward Nikita Korostelev not only headlines the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week, but is also the OHL representative featured in this week’s #CIBCShowdown which showcases one great play from all three leagues allowing fans the opportunity to choose their favourite play. See all the plays and vote at chlshowdown.ca.
OHL GOALTENDERS BREAK HEARTS IN LATEST EDITION OF JANES SAVES:
Valentine’s Day love is in the air but OHL goaltenders are breaking hearts in the latest edition of #JanesSaves. This week features Mario Culina of the Kitchener Rangers, Christian Propp of the North Bay Battalion, Kaden Fulcher of the Hamilton Bulldogs, Colton Incze of the Niagara IceDogs, Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads, Kyle Keyser of the Oshawa Generals, Olivier Lafreniere of the Owen Sound Attack, Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires, and Anand Oberoi of the Erie Otters. Watch
BABER, HENRY AND DUFF SCORE FIRST HIT CAREER MILESTONES:
Rookie forward Camaryn Baber of the Saginaw Spirit and Erie Otters defencemen Kurtis Henry and Jack Duff all scored their first career OHL goal this past week. Revisit those milestone moments here! Watch
OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR TOP 10 RANKINGS RELEASED:
The 13th edition of the weekly Top 10 rankings sees the OMHA’s York-Simcoe Express and Barrie Colts both on the rise after winning their respective first round playoff series. The Express eliminated the Richmond Hill Coyotes in three straight games while the Colts prevailed in a sweep of the North Central Predators. The Toronto Marlboros remain the top-ranked team in the province this week. Full Rankings
This week’s Road to the OHL Cup instalment takes a closer look at what’s happening in the ALLIANCE circuit. Read more at ohlcup.ca.
STING’S FAZIO SETS NEW FRANCHISE SINGLE-SEASON WINS RECORD:
With his 30th win of the season on Saturday, Sarnia Sting netminder Justin Fazio set a new franchise mark for most single-season victories by a goaltender. Fazio turned aside 37 shots to backstop the Sting to a 5-4 overtime win over the visiting Niagara IceDogs at Progressive Auto Sales Arena. His 30th wins surpasses the previous mark of 29 set by Dan Spence during the 2008-09 season. Read more
MITCH ELIOT COMMITS TO STING:
The Sarnia Sting have received a commitment from 20-year-old former 11th round pick Mitch Eliot. Eliot was in the midst of his sophomore season with the Michigan State Spartans and played two seasons with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL prior to that. He has also played on the International stage serving as the Team USA Captain at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Read more
GREYHOUNDS’ HAYTON FEATURED ON LATEST EDITION OF JUNIOR HOCKEY MAGAZINE:
2018 NHL Draft prospect Barrett Hayton of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds is featured on the latest edition of Mastercard Junior Hockey Magazine with Adam Scully. A solid two-way forward drawing comparisons to Patrice Bergeron, Hayton shares his experience with the CHL’s top-ranked Greyhounds this season. Listen
GREYHOUNDS, FROST, NYMAN INCLUDED IN TOP STREAKS FROM ACROSS CHL:
Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino took the opportunity to get a closer look at some of the top streaks from across the CHL this season. Included are Morgan Frost’s 20-game point streak, Linus Nyman’s 18-game road point streak and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds’ 29-game point streak. Get the full read at sportsnet.ca.
SPORTSNET CHL ACTION FEATURES MOOSE JAW AT REGINA ON SUNDAY:
The 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup host Regina Pats take on the CHL’s second-ranked Moose Jaw Warriors for a special Sunday edition of the CHL on Sportsnet. The Pats continue to hold down top spot in the Eastern Conference Wild Card race while the Warriors continue to lead the East Division on a current four-game winning streak. RJ Broadhead and Sam Cosentino provide the call at 3:00pm ET/12:00pm PT on Sportsnet.
COMMUNITY CORNER:
CMHA Talk Today Night in three OHL cities: The OHL, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Teachers Life are teaming up to raise awareness about the importance of mental health during games throughout the month of February. All 20 OHL teams are hosting a Talk Today awareness game with the support of their local CMHA Ontario Branch. This week, the CMHA visits Windsor on Thursday, Sudbury on Friday and Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday. Full details
Grain Farmers of Ontario visiting four OHL venues: Grain Farmers of Ontario are coming to four OHL rinks this week, making stops in North Bay on Thursday, Guelph and Kingston on Friday and Owen Sound on Saturday. The Good in Every Grain team has a surprise for kids in attendance. Keep an eye out for them this weekend! For more details visit goodineverygrain.ca.
Generals get a visit from Animal Guardian Society: For Valentine’s Day 2018, the Gens decided to show some love to our furry friends from Animal Guardian Society. Animal Guardian visited the Tribute Communities Centre with newly rescued puppies from a reserve in Manitoba who are all up for adoption or who will be up for adoption soon. For a closer look at the visit with Generals players, visit oshawagenerals.com.
Firebirds host Flint Tropics Night on Saturday: It’s Flint Tropics Night on Saturday. Inspired by the movie “Semi-Pro” starring Will Ferrell, the Firebirds will be wearing special themed jerseys, pants and socks throughout the game that are sure to impress everyone in attendance. Immediately following the game, there will be a live jersey auction, giving fans an opportunity to take home the game-worn Flint Tropics jersey of their choice. Proceeds will be donated to the Firebirds Charitable Foundation which benefits local youth organizations throughout Flint, Genesee County and Mid-Michigan. Read more at flintfirebirds.com.
Wolves host Superhero Night on Saturday: The Sudbury Wolves will don special Superhero themed jerseys for the third season in a row in support of local children’s charities. Saturday February 17th when the Wolves host the Hamilton Bulldogs at 7:05pm, the Wolves will wear Incredible Hulk themed jerseys which will be auctioned off throughout the game with proceeds going to Camp Quality Northern Ontario. Visit sudburywolves.com for more details.
Spitfires host Mickey Renaud Night on Sunday: The Windsor Spitfires salute former captain Mickey Renaud on Sunday afternoon against the Flint Firebirds. The game marks the 10th anniversary of Renaud’s sudden passing on February 18, 2008. The Spitfires will be donating $5 from each ticket sold to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Skate with the Storm on Family Day: The Guelph Storm host their annual Family Day tradition, inviting fans to skate with the team following Monday’s matinee against the Erie Otters. For full details visit guelphstorm.com.
Steelheads host ‘Family Day for United Way’: The Mississauga Steelheads are raising money for United Way of Peel at their Family Day Game on Monday. For just $15, fans will receive a ticket to the Family Day game on Monday February 19, and a limited-edition Steelheads t-shirt! Thanks to the generosity of our partners, the entire $15 will benefit United Way of Peel Region. Get more info at mississaugasteelheads.com.
Frontenacs fight cancer on Family Day: The Kingston Frontenac are teaming up with the Canadian Cancer Society on Family Day to host a Hockey Fights Cancer Game at home to the Barrie Colts.
ALUMNI NOTES:
31 OHL grads in action at 2018 Winter Olympics: A total of 31 OHL graduates are representing their respective countries at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. Eleven of the twelve nations competing include at least one OHL graduate on their roster with Canada leading the way with six. Read more
Tavares records 600th NHL point: Scoring the lone goal in Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, OHL graduate John Tavares recorded his 600th career NHL point. The 27-year-old has 29 goals, 34 assists and 63 points in 58 games with the New York Islanders this season and a total of 264 goals and 336 assists over 645 career regular season contests. The first overall pick of the 2009 NHL Draft, Tavares is currently in his ninth NHL season after a standout four-year OHL career between the Oshawa Generals and London Knights from 2005-09.
Chappell, Ling, Peroff, Van Laren featured as OHL Alumni of the Month: The OHL Alumni Association is pleased to continue the OHL Alumni of the Month program again this season. This five part web series is designed to recognize former players from all 20 member clubs achieving success in the corporate, business, or professional world. The first edition for the 2017-18 season includes Chris Chappell (Saginaw Spirit), Chris Van Laren (Guelph Storm), David Ling (Kingston Frontenacs), and Ken Peroff (Brampton Battalion). Read more
Peterborough products Swift and Young representing South Korea at Olympics: OHL graduates Michael Swift (Mississauga IceDogs), Bryan Young (Peterborough Petes) and Eric Regan (Oshawa Generals) are representing South Korea at the 2018 Winter Olympics now underway in PyeongChang. The two second cousins played minor hockey together throughout childhood. Visit gopetesgo.com for a closer look at the two liftlock lads.
Cramarossa dealt to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: OHL graduate Joseph Cramarossa is on the move after the AHL’s Stockton Heat dealt him the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Wednesday. A fifth-year pro, Cramarossa has 10 points (3-7–10) in 37 games with Stockton this season and is a 201-game AHL veteran. The 25-year-old Toronto native played in 59 NHL games with Anaheim and Vancouver last season. He played four OHL seasons between Mississauga and Belleville from 2009-13, recording 138 points (51-87–138) over 235 regular season games.
U SPORTS Men’s Hockey Playoffs get underway: OHL grads in both the OUA and AUS Men’s Hockey ranks are embarking on postseason play this week. In the OUA, Cody Thompson (Mississauga Steelheads) and Scott Simmonds (Belleville Bulls) helped guide the Guelph Gryphons to a first place finish in the West Division while Michael Cramarossa (Hamilton Bulldogs) and Nathan Chiarlitti (Owen Sound Attack) guided the McGill Redmen to the top of the East Division. Moving eastward, Niagara IceDogs graduate Stephen Harper led the AUS in scoring with 46 points (14-32–46). Kris Bennett (Saginaw Spirit) and the UNB Varsity Reds finished in first place with a record of 24-2-4.
KEY MATCHUPS:
Mississauga Steelheads (24-27-0-2) vs. Peterborough Petes (19-29-3-3) Thursday February 15th at Peterborough
The battle for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference heats up on Thursday in Peterborough as the Petes look to make good on a golden opportunity to bring themselves closer to contention.
Entering action six points back of eighth place Mississauga, the Petes have an opportunity to go head-to-head with the Steelheads and reverse a run of recent struggles.
Leading scorer Nikita Korostelev has produced steadily for Peterborough while Logan DeNoble and Pavel Gogolev join him in the 20+ goal category.
The Steelheads have received an offensive boost from Mathieu Foget, who has 22 points in 16 games since joining Mississauga. Blueliner Nicolas Hague leads the team in scoring with 28 goals, 31 assists and 59 points in 58 games.
Niagara IceDogs (26-19-5-3) vs. Barrie Colts (32-19-2-1) Saturday February 17th at Barrie
The Barrie Colts are widening the gap on their Central Division lead, but the Niagara IceDogs have a chance to trim that down on Saturday in Barrie.
The Colts have won seven of their last 10 with Aaron Luchuk and Andrei Svechnikov both on lengthy point streaks. The Eastern Conference’s leading offence has benefitted from the addition of Russian shooter Dmitry Sokolov who has 15 goals in 15 games as a Colt.
Niagara has cooled off of late, losing seven straight games entering the weekend. Overage addition Sam Miletic leads the team in scoring and has 22 points (12-10–22) in 15 games since being acquired from the London Knights. Edmonton Oilers prospect Kirill Maksimov has points in nine of his last 10 games.
SCHEDULE:
Thursday February 15: Oshawa at North Bay – 7:00pm
Mississauga at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Barrie at Windsor – 7:05pm
Friday February 16:
Peterborough at Kingston – 7:00pm
Owen Sound at Niagara – 7:00pm
Sarnia at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Oshawa at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Hamilton at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Ottawa at Guelph – 7:30pm
Kitchener at London – 7:30pm
Saturday February 17:
London at Erie – 7:00pm Saginaw at Flint – 7:00pm
Hamilton at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Sarnia at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Niagara at Barrie – 7:30pm
Ottawa at Owen Sound – 7:30pm
Sunday February 18:
Kitchener at Kingston – 2:00pm
Mississauga at North Bay – 2:00pm
Flint at Windsor – 2:05pm
Guelph at Erie – 5:00pm
Moose Jaw at Regina – 3:00pm (CHL on Sportsnet)
Monday February 19:
Erie at Guelph – 2:00pm
Owen Sound at Hamilton – 2:00pm
Barrie at Kingston – 2:00pm
Windsor at London – 2:00pm
Flint at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Kitchener at Ottawa – 2:00pm
North Bay at Oshawa – 2:05pm
Niagara at Peterborough – 2:05pm
Saginaw at Sarnia – 2:05pm
Be sure to catch all of this weekend’s action at ohllive.com.
OHL Writers 