Sam Bitten – Ottawa 67’s – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 192 Pounds

Date of birth: March 21, 2000

Hometown: Gloucester, Ontario

Position: Center

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 5, 92nd overall, 2016 Priority Selection – Round 4, 40th overall CCHL Bantam Protected Draft 

NHL Central Scouting pre-season: C Prospect

NHL Central Scouting mid-term: 94th, North American Skaters

NHL Central Scouting final rank: Not available at present

Prior to joining the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League, offence came naturally to Sam Bitten. Twice he’s led his leagues in both assists and points. During the 2013-2014 season his 32 assists and 45 points were tops in Minor Bantam for the Ottawa Jr 67’s. The following season he led Bantam AAA with 26 assists and 44 points with the Jr 67’s. He scored 13 and 18 goals respectively. The Jr 67’s won championships in both seasons.

The following season Bitten played his minor midget hockey with the Mississauga Rebels. In 55 games with the Rebels Bitten scored 19 goals and added 27 assists. He would add 3 goals and 2 assists in 5 games for the Rebels at the OHL Cup.

Sam Bitten of the Ottawa 67's. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Sam Bitten of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Last season Bitten split time with the Kanata Lasers of the CCHL and the Ottawa 67’s. He played in 51 games in the CCHL scoring 13 goals and adding 17 assists and being named to the CCHL All-Rookie Team. In the OHL, he played in 14 games for the 67’s, scoring twice and adding one assist.

Bitten is the younger brother of Hamilton Bulldogs’ Will Bitten (70th overall by the Montreal Canadiens at the 2016 NHL Draft). His father Michael appeared at the 1992 Olympics (Badminton) and mother Doris Piche appeared at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics (Badminton). Cousin Sebastien Piche played hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the American Hockey League, the East Coast Hockey League and is currently playing in Europe.

Bitten is a superb skater with excellent acceleration and top end speed with an extra gear to create separation. He can get in on the forecheck quickly and isn’t afraid to lean on people. He is a smart player that reads the play and makes quick and decisive decisions. He’s very good at causing turnovers in the neutral zone.

Bitten puts forth the same effort in defensively as he does offensively. His skating allows him to come back on the backcheck quickly. But without the effort he possesses to do so, it doesn’t mean much. He uses the same anticipation in his own zone as he does in other zones to create turnovers.

It’s been a bit of a struggle for Bitten offensively this season as he scored just 7 goals and 14 assists while playing in all 68 regular season games. He also potted 3 goals in 5 playoff games as he faced his brother and the Hamilton Bull Dogs, who won the series in five games. Part of the offensive struggles could be due to playing mostly third line minutes throughout the season.

If you are looking for a comparison to Bitten, I would suggest not looking at his older brother. While their skating is superb, I would suggest the comparisons end there. The elder Bitten, while 3 inches shorter, beats you with skill and an ability to use everyone on the ice or do it on his own. Sam, if he’s going to beat you, is going to have to rely on his pure work ethic.

Only time will tell if Bitten can find the offence he possessed prior to the OHL.

Stat Page of Sam Bitten from Elite Prospects

Alec Regula – London Knights – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 200 pounds

Date of birth: August 6, 2000

Hometown: West Bloomfield, Michigan

Position: Defence

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 4, 74th overall, 2016 Priority Selection – Round 2, 22nd overall, 2016 USHL Futures Draft

NHL Central Scouting pre-season: B Prospect

NHL Central Scouting mid-term: 43rd North American Skaters

NHL Central Scouting final rank: Not available at present

When it comes to London Knights’ defenceman Alec Regula, there are two things we know for certain: 1) When you spend a lot of time on the ice with Evan Bouchard, there will be plenty of scout’s eyes on you, and 2) When you spend a lot of time on the ice with Evan Bouchard, you don’t have to be as concerned about offence.

That is by no means suggesting that Regula is riding the coattails of Bouchard. On the contrary. Regula has made a name for himself.

Alec Regula of the London Knights. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Alec Regula of the London Knights. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

After graduating from playing high school hockey with Cranbrook-Kingswood Upper School where he scored 6 goals and 25 assists in 54 games over two seasons, Regula jumped to the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League a season ago. In 53 USHL games, he scored once and added four assists. He would add one helper in five playoff games as the Steel captured the Clark Cup as USHL Champions.

The path to the Ontario Hockey League had its hiccups. In August of 2016, Regula had given a verbal commitment to attend the University of Michigan. To maintain his NCAA eligibility, the OHL wasn’t an option for Regula, so he chose the USHL.

At the time of his commitment, Regula told MIHockey “I picked U of M because it’s close to home and it has really always been a dream of mine. I value academics greatly and Michigan really brings the best of both worlds. After visiting I realized there’s honestly nothing like it. I can’t express how excited I am to be committed to Michigan.”

It’s a debate in the hockey world that will never end, NCAA or CHL. But when a young teenager has a change of heart, as Regula did, one can not hold it against them.

Regula obviously possesses very good size. He is a very good skater with excellent acceleration. As the season progressed, he looked more comfortable in leading the rush. He is very capable of making an excellent pass to elude the forecheck, but he is also capable of skating the puck out of danger.

Regula can more then handle the tough defensive assignments. He thinks the game very well with great anticipation and plays a positionally sound game. His skating allows him to keep gaps close. He plays with a very active stick and knows how to close lanes. He’s tough to beat one-on-one and rarely gets beat to the outside.

Regula also has some very good offensive qualities. He finished the season with 7 goals and 18 assists in 67 games, second only to Rasmus Sandin in points by a rookie defenceman. He played minimal time with the man advantage – that’s no surprise when you have a guy like Bouchard who can play the full two minutes on the powerplay.

Regula can play in any situation however. With an August 6, 2000 birthdate, he makes the cut for the 2018 National Hockey League Draft by just over a month. There’s plenty of time and room for Regula to grow as a hockey player.

You’ve got to like defencemen that come from the Dale Hunter group in London. The future is certainly looking bright for him.

Stat page for Alec Regula from Elite Prospects

Caleb Everett – Saginaw Spirit – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 185 pounds

Date of birth: January 20, 2000

Hometown: Pleasant Lake, Michigan

Position: Defence

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 6, 106 overall, 2016 Priority Selection – Round 2, 23rd overall, 2016 USHL Futures Draft

NHL Central Scouting pre-season: C Prospect

NHL Central Scouting mid-term: 86th North American Skaters

NHL Central Scouting final rank: Not available at present

Being a native of Pleasant Lake Michigan, it made sense that the Saginaw Spirit had eyes on 6’2” right shooting defenceman Caleb Everett when they were on the clock to make their sixth-round selection in 2016.

During the 2015-2016, Everett manned the blueline for the Compuware Under-16 squad where he scored twice and added four assists in seventeen games and played a key role in helping his squad win the State and National Titles. He would also get into a trio of regular season and playoff games with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League.

Caleb Everett of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Caleb Everett of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Ontario Hockey League Central Scouting report on Everett read as follows:

Caleb is one of the top American defenders this season. He isn’t a player that is going to wow you with his skills and offensive flashes, he plays a simple and safe game. He is solid defensively and makes very few mistakes during the course of a game. He takes a calculated approach in his game. He makes the simple play and moves the puck up to his skilled forwards. He is the type of defender that coaches love because you always know that you are going to get a very effective and competitive effort. 

This season Everett appeared in 58 games for the Spirit scoring 6 goals and 14 assists. The Spirit were faced with the daunting task of going up against the top ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League – the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds – in the first round of the playoffs and were eliminated in four games. While Everett didn’t register any points in the series, what you saw from him is what was expected.

There were – and maybe still are – questions about how much offensive ability Everett possesses. Consider this however: When the calendar flipped to 2018, he trailed only the big three of Evan Bouchard, Ryan Merkley and Rasmus Sandin in points among draft eligible defencemen while playing in the second fewest games. He had 4 of his 6 goals and 12 of his 14 assists by that time (26 games). And he did that after missing the first three weeks of the season, sustaining an injury on opening night against the Windsor Spitfires. Poor offensive numbers in the second half dropped him out of the top 10.

We try not to make excuses but would rather try and find an explanation because, unlike Central Scouting’s report, Everett has shown some offensive flashes. It’s possible that the OHL schedule took a toll on Everett. He was not accustomed to playing a 68-game schedule, or 3 games in 3 days.

At 6’2” Everett has good size. He’s a good skater with very good mobility and moves well and moves extremely well laterally. Defensively, he maintains close gaps, gets into passing lanes, is using his size more effectively and becoming more physical, has an excellent work ethic and doesn’t give up in battles. He makes a good first pass to clear the zone and as he matured as the season went on, became more comfortable at skating the puck up ice. He has the ability to be an excellent shut-down defenceman.

Again, the questions with Everett arise offensively. But he has shown he can create some offence. He makes excellent reads at the offensive blue line making safe pinches at the right time. He has the mobility to walk the line and create lanes to the net or for passes. He has a decent shot from the point and finds the target. He was given the opportunity to quarterback the powerplay and has shown an ability to do so.

Don’t be fooled by the sixth-round selection. Central Scouting had him ranked much higher and the lack of commitment as to whether he would go the OHL route or the USHL/NCAA route caused him to drop. And the Saginaw Spirit made no secret about that in the press conference announcing his commitment.

Stat page of Caleb Everett from Elite Prospects

Declan Chisholm – Peterborough Petes – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 180 Pounds

Date of birth: January 12, 2000

Hometown: Bowmanville, Ontario

Position: Defense

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 2, 24th overall, 2016 Priority Selection

NHL Central Scouting pre-season: B Prospect

NHL Central Scouting mid-term: 42nd overall, North American Skaters

NHL Central Scouting final rank: Not available at this time

Peterborough Petes’ defenceman Declan Chisholm played his minor midget hockey with the Don Mills Flyers during the 2015-2016 season. As an alternate captain and leader on the blue line, he collected 10 goals and 23 assists in 63 games. He also appeared in the OHL Cup, scoring twice and adding three helpers in six games and being named to the All-Star Team.

Declan Chisholm of the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Declan Chisholm of the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

The Petes would select Chisholm in the second round of the 2016 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, twenty-fourth overall. Here is OHL Central Scouting’s report on him at the time:

Declan is one of the top defenders in this age group. He does everything very well. He’s a slick skating defenseman that has excellent mobility and very good top end speed. He logs a ton of minutes and because of his skating ability, he looks like he could play all day long. He is a very good passer, sees ice well and makes excellent simple outlet passes. He uses his mobility on the offensive blue line to his advantage, gets pucks on net and makes good shot/pass decisions. 

As a rookie during the 2016-2017 season, Chisholm would appear in 41 games for the Petes, scoring once and adding four assists. He would represent Canada at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17 and in six games would register two assists.

Entering this his National Hockey League Draft season, bigger things were expected of Chisholm. While he scored three goals and added seventeen assists, he appeared in just forty-seven games. He was off to a very good start, but then an injury – a high ankle sprain – caused him to miss fourteen games. It’s the type of injury, even though you are medically cleared, that takes a long time to fully recover.

Along with the injury, the Petes made a coaching change during Chisholm’s absence. The Petes also suffered through other injuries and were a non-playoff team. Combined, they were all contributing factors in making the right read on Chisholm. Despite that, there is enough of a sample size.

Chisholm is an excellent skater with excellent speed. He uses his edges extremely well, can change his pace in a split second and changes direction with ease. Offensively, he uses that skating ability to quickly open-up lanes and create a scoring opportunity with a shot or a perfect pass. Defensively, he uses that same skating ability to keep players close or close gaps quickly.

In the defensive zone, Chisholm can beat the forecheck. He makes crisp, clean outlet passes and puts the puck on his forward’s stick quickly. As his season moved along, he became more confident in his skating abilities and utilized the skill more often in skating the puck out of the zone.

At 6’1”, Chisholm has good size. Adding muscle and strength is important as he is sometimes prone to losing one-on-one battles. At 180 pounds, there is plenty of room to add however.

Chisholm is also a very intelligent player. He knows exactly when to jump into the play. He sees the ice extremely well. He is very effective at keeping possession, whether it’s on his stick or putting pucks in areas his teammates can get to first.

Stat page of Declan Chisholm from Elite Prospects

OHL Announces Disciplinary Action

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press Release

Game of Tuesday, March 27, 2018 – Kingston at North Bay 

The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of a review of an incident which took place in a game played in Sudbury on the 27th of March, 2018, involving the host North Bay Battalion and the visiting Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club. 

The incident reviewed was a cross checking infraction involving player Liam Murray of the Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club. 

Based on a review of the incident, it is the position of the League that player Liam Murray shall be suspended for two (2) games effective immediately. 

Game of Tuesday, March 27, 2018- Niagara at Oshawa 

The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of a review of an incident which took place in a game played in Oshawa on the 27th of March, 2018, involving the Generals and the visiting Niagara IceDogs Hockey Club. 

The incident reviewed was a cross checking incident involving player Renars Krastenbergs of the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club. 

Based on a review of the incident, it is the position of the League that player Renars Krastenbergs shall be suspended for three (3) games effective immediately.

Host Cities Announced for the 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Canada Russia

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with title partner CIBC, the Western Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League, and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, today announced the six Canadian host cities for the 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series to be played November 5-15.

The six-game series features regional league teams of Canadian National Junior Team candidates competing against the Russian National Junior Team and is an integral part of the identification process for Team Canada prior to the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.  The 2018 event will open with two games in the WHL, followed by two OHL matchups, and ending with a pair of contests hosted by the QMJHL.

Next season’s event begins in British Columbia with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers and Vancouver Giants hosting Game’s 1 and 2 respectively on Monday November 5 and Tuesday November 6.  When the series shifts to Ontario it will be the OHL’s Sarnia Sting hosting Game 3 on Thursday November 8 followed by the Oshawa Generals hosting Game 4 on Monday November 12.  The series wraps up in Quebec with the QMJHL’s Sherbrooke Phoenix hosting Game 5 on Tuesday November 13 and the Drummondville Voltigeurs hosting Game 6 on Thursday November 15.

“Over the past 15 years we’ve seen the Canada and Russia rivalry ignite passion in CHL communities across our great country,” said CHL President David Branch. “This is truly a special event that showcases many of our league’s best players and future Canadian National Junior Team stars who will compete to defend gold on home soil at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship in Vancouver and Victoria.”

Since the event first began in 2003, CHL teams have played to an overall record of 61-22-1-6 and have won 12 of the 15 series including three straight.  The competitiveness of the rivalry has grown in recent years with five of the last eight series decided in the final game including last season where a shootout was required to decide the overall winner for the first time in event history.  A total of 36 players from last season’s event competed in the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo including 17 CHL players who won gold for Canada.

“The Canada-Russia rivalry is legendary and Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast will be cheering on our Canadian teams as they take in the action for this iconic showdown,” said Stephen Forbes, Executive Vice President, Banking Centres, CIBC.  “We congratulate the six host cities of the 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series and we look forward to celebrating with our clients and employees in these communities, as we support the next generation of hockey talent through our partnership with the CHL.”

All six cities selected for games in 2018 have previously hosted this event including Kamloops, Sarnia, and Drummondville who will tie Sudbury’s CHL record with their fourth game.  Kamloops first hosted in 2006 with Team WHL skating to an 8-1 win, then in 2010 with Russia earning a 7-6 shootout win, and most recently in 2015 with Team WHL winning Game 2 of the series by a 4-2 score.  Sarnia hosted a 4-0 win for Team OHL in 2003, a 5-0 OHL win in 2006, and a 2-1 OHL victory in 2012.  Drummondville’s past three games include 2005 where Team QMJHL defeated Russia 7-4, 2009 where the QMJHL won 3-1, and most recently in 2010 won 4-3 by Russia.  Oshawa has hosted twice before including 2006 where Team OHL won by a 4-3 score, and in 2013 with Team Russia skating to a 5-2 win.  The other two clubs have hosted once with Vancouver’s game resulting in a 1-0 shootout win for Team WHL in 2012, and Sherbrooke’s event featuring a 4-3 win for Team QMJHL in 2013.

The 2018 CIBC Canada Russia series is supported by CHL associate sponsors Cooper Tires and Sherwin-Williams.  All games will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series Schedule:

Game 1 – Monday November 5 at Kamloops, BC

Game 2 – Tuesday November 6 at Vancouver, BC

Game 3 – Thursday November 8 at Sarnia, ON

Game 4 – Monday November 12 at Oshawa, ON

Game 5 – Tuesday November 13 at Sherbrooke, QC

Game 6 – Thursday November 15 at Drummondville, QC

For event information please visit http://chlcanadarussia.ca.

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

WHL’s Eastern Conference Playoffs produce Top Performers

Hurricanes’ Brad Morrison named CHL Player of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Brad Morrison of the Lethbridge Hurricanes is the CHL Player of the Week for the first week of playoff action ending March 25 after recording eight points in two games including three goals and five assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-4. 

Morrison delivered back-to-back multi-point performances for the Hurricanes who opened the WHL Playoffs with a pair of victories against their Central Division opponent the Red Deer Rebels.  In Game 1 on Friday night he scored once with an assist in a 6-0 shutout, then tallied a career-high six points in Game 2 on Saturday with two goals including the game-winner plus four assists as first star of the 8-3 win.  The series resumes Tuesday night in Red Deer. 

A 21-year-old from Prince George, B.C., Morrison is finishing his five-year WHL career in Lethbridge and was acquired by the Hurricanes from the Vancouver Giants midway through the 2017-18 campaign.  He also spent four full seasons with his hometown Cougars who chose him seventh overall in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.  This season Morrison produced a career-high 75 points in 74 games which included 40 points in 32 games with the Canes. 

Also considered for the award this week was Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Vitalii Abramov of the Victoriaville Tigres who scored three goals and three assists for six points in two wins against the Gatineau Olympiques in first round QMJHL Playoffs action, and Arizona Coyotes prospect Noel Hoefenmayer of the Ottawa 67’s who scored twice with four assists for six points in a two-game split against the Hamilton Bulldogs to open the Eastern Conference OHL Playoffs. 

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Mar. 19 – Mar. 25: Brad Morrison (Lethbridge Hurricanes)

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Mar. 12 – Mar. 18: Dillon Dube (Kelowna Rockets)
Mar. 5 – Mar. 11: Jayden Halbgewachs (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Maxime Comtois (Victoriaville Tigres)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Maxime Comtois (Victoriaville Tigres)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Ty Ronning (Vancouver Giants)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Peter Abbandonato (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Taylor Raddysh (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 25 – Dec. 31: Ivan Kosorenkov (Victoriaville Tigres)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Stelio Mattheos (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Alex Barré-Boulet (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Cody Glass (Portland Winterhawks)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Cliff Pu (London Knights)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Aleksi Heponiemi (Swift Current Broncos)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Albert Michnac (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Aaron Luchuk (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Drake Batherson (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Tyler Soy (Victoria Royals)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Kale Clague (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Tyler Steenbergen (Swift Current Broncos)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Kole Lind (Kelowna Rockets) 

Broncos’ Stuart Skinner named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Edmonton Oilers prospect Stuart Skinner of the Swift Current Broncos is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the first week of playoff action ending March 25 after posting a 1-1 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 1.01 and save percentage of .970. 

Skinner turned aside 64 shots last week for the Broncos who opened the WHL Playoffs at home by splitting games with their East Division opponent the Regina Pats.  On Friday night in Game 1 of the series he recorded his first career WHL playoff shutout with a 34-save performance that earned him first star honours in the 3-0 win.  In Game 2 on Saturday, Skinner made 30 saves but the Broncos fell short by a 2-1 score knotting the series at one win apiece.  Skinner’s strong play continued into this week earning first star honours in Game 3 on Monday night with a 39-save effort in a 4-1 victory.  The series resumes Wednesday night in Regina. 

A 19-year-old from Edmonton, Alta., Skinner is playing in his fourth WHL season and first with the Broncos when acquired in January from the Lethbridge Hurricanes where he played since his first round selection in the 2013 Bantam Draft.  In 25 appearances down the stretch for the Broncos he carried a 16-6-1-1 record with two shutouts for a goals-against-average of 2.68 and save percentage of .914.  Skinner was a third round pick by the Oilers in the 2017 NHL Draft. 

Also considered for the award this week was Zachary Bouthillier of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens who split the first two road games of the QMJHL Playoffs against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan but did earn a shutout victory making a total of 77 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.53 and save percentage of .963.  In the OHL Playoffs, Mario Culina of the Kitchener Rangers posted a 2-0 record against the Guelph Storm stopping 77 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .963. 

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Mar. 19 – Mar. 25: Stuart Skinner (Swift Current Broncos)

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:

Mar. 12 – Mar. 18: Patrick Dea (Tri-City Americans)
Mar. 5 – Mar. 11: Etienne Montpetit (Victoriaville Tigres)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Shane Farkas (Portland Winterhawks)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Emanuel Vella (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Riley Lamb (Red Deer Rebels)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Brody Willms (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Zachary Bouthillier (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Mario Culina (Kitchener Rangers)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Stuart Skinner (Swift Current Broncos)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Dec. 25 – Dec. 31: James Porter (Kelowna Rockets)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: Tristan Bérubé (Gatineau Olympiques)
 Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Anthony Morrone (Victoriaville Tigres)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Justin Fazio (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranada Huskies)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Logan Flodell (Swift Current Broncos)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Dereck Baribeau (Quebec Remparts)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

CHL Leagues

OHL Announces Disciplinary Action

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Game of Friday, March 23rd, 2018 – Oshawa at Niagara

The  Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of a review of an incident which took place in a playoff game played in Niagara on the 23rd of March, 2018, involving the IceDogs and the visiting Oshawa Generals Hockey Club. 

The incident reviewed was a blindsiding penalty assessed to player Kyle Langdon of the Niagara IceDogs Hockey Club. 

Based on a review of the incident, it is the position of the League that player Kyle Langdon shall be suspended for six (6) games dating from but not including the game of Friday, March 23rd.

67’s Noel Hoefenmayer named OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Arizona Coyotes prospect Noel Hoefenmayer of the Ottawa 67’s is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the first week of playoff action ending March 25 scoring twice with four assists for six points in two games. 

Noel Hoefenmayer of the Ottawa 67's. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Noel Hoefenmayer of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Hoefenmayer recorded back-to-back three-point performances for the Eastern Conference’s eighth place 67’s who opened the 2018 OHL Playoffs with a split on the road against the first place Hamilton Bulldogs.  The defenceman played a role in 75% of the 67’s scoring last week tying for the league lead in points through two post-season games.  In Game 1 on Thursday he scored twice and added an assist receiving second star honours despite a 6-3 loss, then recorded three assists in Game 2 on Sunday including a helper on Sam Bitten’s game-winner as the 67’s grinded out a 5-4 victory.  The series shifts to the nation’s capital for Game’s 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

A 19-year-old from North York, Ont., Hoefenmayer is playing in his third OHL season with the 67’s since chosen by the club in the second round of the 2015 Priority Selection.  He led the 67’s blue line in scoring for the second straight season producing seven goals and 26 assists for 33 points in 65 games.  Hoefenmayer was a fourth round pick by the Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Draft. 

Watch video highlights of Hoefenmayer and the 67’s against the Bulldogs in Game 1 and Game 2. 

Also considered for the award this week was St. Louis Blues prospect Robert Thomas of the Hamilton Bulldogs who equaled Hoefenmayer’s six points in two games by also scoring twice with four assists.  Ottawa Senators prospect Alex Formenton of the London Knights scored five goals in two games against the Owen Sound Attack, and goaltender Mario Culina of the Kitchener Rangers posted a 2-0 record against the Guelph Storm stopping 77 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .963.

 2017-18 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Playoffs:

Mar. 19 – Mar. 25: Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)

2017-18 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Mar. 12 – Mar. 18: Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)
Mar. 5 – Mar. 11: Dmitry Sokolov (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Robert Thomas (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Liam Foudy (London Knights)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Kenny Huether (Oshawa Generals)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Taylor Raddysh (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 25 – Dec. 31: Ben Jones (Niagara IceDogs)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Joseph Garreffa (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Serron Noel (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Cliff Pu (London Knights)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Ryan Merkley (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Albert Michnac (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Aaron Luchuk (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Brady Hinz (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

2018 NHL Draft: Where’s the Offence From the OHL?

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

If it sounds like we’re beating a dead horse, it’s because we are. If Barrie Colts’ superstar Andrei Svechnikov had not missed two months of the season, things would look different. Despite that, it is in the end, a legitimate question to ask.

The 2017 National Hockey League Draft was a very good draft and there were some pretty good offensive players selected from the Ontario Hockey League. But when comparing 2018 to 2017 we must ask, where’s the offense? So, let’s compare the two.

A season ago, Nick Suzuki led all draft eligible players with 96 points. This season, London Knights’ defenceman Evan Bouchard led the way with 87 points. Svechnikov placed third with 72 points behind Akil Thomas of the Niagara Ice Dogs with 81 points. It’s reasonable to assume had he not missed 24 games, Svechnikov would have surpassed Suzuki’s total.

Akil Thomas of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Akil Thomas of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

A deeper look tells us that Gabriel Vilardi missed almost as much time as Svechnikov, missing 19 games yet putting up 61 points. But when we compare the top ten producers from the 2017 draft to those that will be selected in June, some may be surprised by the comparisons.

The top ten from 2017 registered a combined 701 points in 635 games. The 2018 class played an equal number of 635 games and contributed a combined 685 points. If we were to project Svechnikov and Vilardi over a full season, then we’d find the difference at just 4 points.

Last season we saw Jonah Gadjovich (46), Suzuki (45), Owen Tippett (44) and Jason Robertson (42) all score 40 or more goals. This season saw only Svechnikov hit the mark with 40. In fact, only Aidan Dudas (31) and Pavel Gogolev (30) hit the 30-goal mark. All the top ten in 2017 scored 25 or more while 7 of the top ten hit the total this season.

Playmaking however seems to be up this year, at least according to the numbers. Last season the top ten provided teammates with 419 helpers, but this season the top ten assisted on 451 goals. Both years were led by a blueliner. Bouchard assisted on 62 goals while Conor Timmins assisted on 54. The difference though, was top heavy with the bottom five virtually equal from year to year.

Points by blueliners was also extremely top heavy. Bouchard (87) and Ryan Merkley (67) combined for 154 points this season. In 2017, Timmins (61) and Nicolas Hague (46) combined for just 107 points. Rasmus Sandin (45) and Markus Phillips (43) were virtually equal, but Sandin played in 15 fewer games. The rest of the class however is more favorable to 2017 with the next five point-getters finishing with 35 points or more, but none of the rest of the 2018 class finished with more than 26 points.

With Bouchard and Merkley out-performing their cousins from a year ago, how much does the 47-point difference skew the numbers among the forwards? Timmins was the only defenseman to place in the top 10 a year ago. If we are concentrating solely on forwards, 2017 wins hands down.

So where is the offense?