Colts’ Andrei Svechnikov named OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that top 2018 NHL Draft prospect Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 8 after recording four points in three games including three goals and one assist with a plus-minus rating of plus-3.

Svechnikov extended his playoff point-streak to four and helped the Colts win two of their first three games in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Kingston Frontenacs.  Last week on home ice he picked up an assist in Wednesday’s Game 1 overtime contest won 6-5 by the Colts, then scored twice in Friday’s 4-1 victory in Game 2 including a late insurance marker to earn third star honours.  He also scored once in Sunday’s Game 3 on the road despite the 4-2 loss.  Svechnikov and the Colts will look to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series when they resume play on Tuesday night in Kingston. 

Andrei Svechnikovof the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

A 17-year-old from Barnaul, Russia, Svechnikov is playing in his first OHL season after being selected first overall by the Colts in the 2017 CHL Import Draft.  He led all rookies in scoring with 40 goals and 32 assists for 72 points in 44 games and has been voted a finalist for the OHL’s Rookie of the Year award.  In just five games so far this post-season he’s tallied five goals and four assists for nine points.  Svechnikov represented Russia at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship and was ranked first by NHL Central Scouting in their Midterm list for the 2018 NHL Draft.  

Watch video highlights of Svechnikov and the Colts against the Frontenacs in Game 1, Game 2, and Game 3

Also considered for the award this week was Dallas Stars prospect Jason Robertson of the Frontenacs with two goals and three assists for five points in three games against the Colts, and Vegas Golden Knights prospect Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack with two goals and one assist for three points in two games against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.  In goal, Mario Culina of the Kitchener Rangers has one win and an overtime loss in their second round series against the Sarnia Sting making 61 saves to date for a goals-against-average of 2.30 and save percentage of .924. 

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

Apr. 2 – Apr. 8: Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Gabriel Vilardi (Kingston Frontenacs)
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)

Connor Corcoran – Windsor Spitfires – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 185 pounds

Date of birth: August 7, 2000

Hometown: Beeton, Ontario

Position: Defence

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 2, 21st overall, 2016 Priority Selection

NHL Central Scouting pre-season: C Prospect

NHL Central Scouting mid-term: 96th overall, North American Skaters

NHL Central Scouting final rank: Not available at present

Windsor Spitfires’ blueliner Connor Corcoran played his minor midget hockey during the 2015-2016 season with the Barrie Colts. In 32 games, Corcoran scored twice and added eight assists. But it was at the OHL Cup where he showed excellent offensive abilities when he scored two goals, along with three assists in four games.

The Spitfires used the first pick of the second round to select Corcoran and the 2016 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, making him the twenty-first overall pick.

OHL Central Scouting filed this report on Corcoran prior to the draft:

Connor has played both defense and forward for his team this season. He is a good skater with good mobility and puck skills which allow him to carry the puck from the back end and beat forecheckers. Connor is strong along the boards at both ends of the rink and uses his physical size to his advantage. Connor’s versatility will be a big asset for him moving forward in his hockey career. 

Corcoran made his OHL debut last season with the Spitfires. Appearing in 59 games, he scored 5 goals and added 5 assists. He also represented Canada at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17, winning a silver medal with Canada Black.

Connor Cororan of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Connor Corcoran of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Corcoran began the season playing on the bottom pair, but as the Spitfires moved out some veteran defenders, his ice time climbed, and he played a key role on the blueline. He finished the season with 3 goals and 21 assists in 63 games and added another goal and 2 assists in 6 playoff games.  He finished seventh among draft eligible defencemen in scoring.

Corcoran is a two-way defender who is a very good skater with excellent straight-line speed and very good mobility. Defensively, he closes his gaps extremely well. His speed and mobility allow him to keep players wide. He has good size and doesn’t shy away from the physical game and plays the body well to separate the opposition from the puck.

Corcoran plays calm in his zone and does not buckle under pressure. He can beat the forecheck with his skating or make a good first pass out of the zone. He makes quick, decisive decisions and shows to have a high hockey IQ.

Offensively, Corcoran uses those same smarts. Having played forward previously, he knows how a forward thinks the game. He is very good at keeping possession and with a high ability to see the ice, uses strong passing abilities to set up teammates. He can get his shot through from the point and can shoot with a purpose.

Stat page of Connor Corcoran from Elite Prospects

Peter Stratis – Sudbury Wolves – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 183 pounds

Date of birth: January 18, 2000

Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario

Position: Defence

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 1, 11th overall, 2016 Priority Selection (Ottawa 67’s)

NHL Central Scouting pre-season: C Prospect

NHL Central Scouting mid-term: 116th overall, North American Skaters

NHL Central Scouting final rank: Not available at present

The Sudbury Wolves acquired defenceman Peter Stratis from the Ottawa 67’s on January 9, 2018 in exchange for four draft picks.  Stratis was the 11th overall pick by the 67’s at the 2016 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

Stratis played his minor midget hockey for the Mississauga Rebels during the 2015-2016 season. He appeared in 70 games for the Rebels and scored 20 goals while adding 29 assists. He would add 2 goals and 2 assists in 7 OHL Cup games for the Rebels.

At the time of his draft, this was OHL Central Scouting’s scouting report:

Peter is a complete and versatile defender that does a lot of things very well. He has a good skating stride and is explosive off the mark. He uses his skating ability to beat forecheckers and join or lead the rush to create offense. Peter is a heads-up player that sees ice well from the back end. He makes the simple play most of the time and is a smart player that understands the game and its situations. He has a good hard shot from the point and has scored numerous goals from there this season. 

Stratis made his OHL debut last season with the 67’s. He played in 49 games and scored once while adding 14 assists. He would also represent Canada at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17.

Peter Stratis of the Ottawa 67's. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Former first-round pick Peter Stratis was acquired from the Ottawa 67’s on January 9, 2018 for four draft picks Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

This season, Stratis got off to a very good start with the 67’s. Through 39 games, he had 4 goals and 9 assists. He maintained his offensive production once the trade happened, finishing the year off as a member of the Wolves scoring twice and adding 10 assists.

I’m not sure if Stratis is not getting enough attention or if he’s receiving too much attention. We know the adage “Jack of all trades, master of none.” I don’t believe that fits Stratis entirely as it is believed in some circles in the hockey world.

First and foremost, Stratis is an excellent skater with a very good first couple of strides and he can reach top speed quickly. His mobility is very good including his lateral movement and his backwards skating. That, in today’s game, is an asset.

Combine that skating with the hockey sense Stratis possesses and we have a good start. He thinks the game at an above average level and he thinks it quickly. Beginning in the defensive zone, he understands gaps and closes them quickly. He has a very active stick and uses it effectively. He won’t overpower you with physicality and it is an area where he could use some improvement. He makes a good first pass to clear the zone but doesn’t skate it out with regularity. That could come as he gets more confidence.

Offensively, Stratis has shown that with his vision and passing, can quarterback a powerplay. However, he needs to work on aspects of his shot, specifically, his release, needs a heavier shot, needs to get his shot through and needs to shoot with a purpose.

Stratis possesses some interesting abilities. The question now becomes forecasting whether he can take his game up to the next level and can he improve on the things he needs to?

Stat page of Peter Stratis from Elite Prospects

OHL completes 2018 Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today conducted the 2018 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore for North American players born in 2002.

A total of 300 players were selected in the 15-round process from 98 different teams across Ontario and parts of the United States.  The selected players included 175 forwards, 92 defencemen, and 33 goaltenders.  While 292 of the players chosen were 2002-born athletes, also eligible for selection were non-overage players not carded with an Ontario based Midget AAA team from protected OHL territories.  Five players born in 2001, and three players born in 2000 were chosen under this criteria.

2018 OHL Draft Logo

“Congratulations to all 300 players chosen in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection and for the hard work that got you to this point,” said Darrell Woodley, Director of OHL Central Scouting.  “Being selected by an OHL team is an accomplishment to celebrate and share with family, friends, coaches, and teammates that helped provide support and encouragement along the way.  It’s also just the beginning of your next challenge where it doesn’t matter what number you were picked it’s what you do on the ice that really counts.  This motivation also applies to players not selected today who can still find opportunities for success in hockey with the right attitude and work ethic.  Best of luck to all players in your hockey and academic goals.”

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL RESULTS OF THE 2018 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION

The Ontario Minor Hockey Association led the way with 82 players selected from 19 different organizations including 47 picks across 11 ETA teams and 35 picks by eight SCTA teams.  The Oakville Rangers led the OMHA and the entire draft with 14 players selected, followed by the ETA’s Peterborough Petes with 10, the Barrie Jr. Colts with eight, both the SCTA’s Guelph Gryphons and Niagara North Stars with seven, and the league champion York-Simcoe Express with six.  The Greater Toronto Hockey League was represented by 76 players from 12 different teams.  Three clubs developed 13 players in this year’s draft including the league champion Toronto Marlboros, the Mississauga Reps, and the Vaughan Kings.  The OHL Cup champion Toronto Jr. Canadiens had 11 players chosen followed by the Don Mills Flyers with nine.  The ALLIANCE had a total of 37 players selected from 11 different teams led by the Cambridge Hawks with seven and the Sun County Panthers with six.  Hockey Eastern Ontario produced 25 players from 12 different Midget AAA teams led by the champion Rockland Nationals with six.  The Northern Ontario Hockey Association had 10 players chosen from three different teams including five members of the North Bay Trappers, while three players from Hockey Northwestern Ontario were picked including a pair of Thunder Bay Kings.  An additional five players were chosen from various Canadian programs with the remaining 62 players representing 34 different teams from the United States including seven players from Detroit Honeybaked 16U.

This season marked the 18th straight year the Priority Selection was conducted by way of the internet, and eleventh straight year with a live draft show of the first three rounds.

2018 OHL Priority Selection First Round Results:

Reports from OHL Central Scouting (click select names for video profiles).

1. Sudbury Wolves – Quinton Byfield (York Simcoe Express) 6.03.5 202Ib. LC “Quinton is the type of player that doesn’t come around very often. At nearly 6’4” and over 200lbs, he is an intimidating presence on the ice. He has an exceptionally high skill level and can do things with a puck that not many players his age or size can do. He is very creative with the puck on his stick and isn’t afraid to try and beat any defender. He is a very hard to handle in open ice as he is agile on his skates and uses his edges effectively. Quinton has a cannon for a shot and can shoot in mid-stride.”

2. Flint Firebirds – Evan Vierling (York Simcoe Express) 5.11.5 148Ib. LC “Evan is a smooth-skating center that has very good offensive instincts. He is one of the nicest skaters in the draft, plays a good 10-foot game, has a long, powerful stride and is very agile on his skates. He has a great skill set and can make plays at full speed. He is a smart player that understands the situations of a game and makes very few mistakes. He plays a simple but effective game. Evan was a big part of the success his team had in the second half.”

3. Peterborough Petes – Will Cuylle (Toronto Marlboros) 6.02 193Ib. LW “Will is your prototypical power forward that combines size, skill and skating. He is a powerful skater that gets to top speed quickly and has deceiving speed as most defenders don’t expect such a big forward to move as effortlessly as he does. His puck skills are elite and he has turned nothing into something on numerous occasions this season. He shoots the puck better than most junior players already. He has a lightning quick release with a very accurate shot.”

4. Erie Otters – Jamie Drysdale (Toronto Marlboros) 5.10.25 158Ib. RD “Jamie is one of the elite defencemen in this year’s Priority Selection. He is an elite skater that moves effortlessly around the ice and looks like he could skate all day long. He has excellent edge work, an explosive 10-foot game and has game changing speed. He is an offensive minded defender that has great puck skills and can do everything at full speed. Jamie is very dynamic on the offensive blue line and is hard to handle because of his mobility, puck skills and decision making.”

5. Saginaw Spirit – Cole Perfetti (Vaughan Kings) 5.09.25 170Ib. LC “Philip is a hard working, skilled centre that never gives up on a play. He has explosive speed with the ability to change gears in mid-stride and is always moving his feet and putting pressure on the opposition. He has very good one-on-one skills and is dangerous whenever he has the puck. Philip has a good shot with a quick release that catches some goalies by surprise. He plays a complete game and is reliable in every situation.”

6. Ottawa 67’s – Cameron Tolnai (Oakville Rangers) 6.00 167Ib. LC “Cameron is a gifted playmaking center that makes the game look easy. He makes everyone around him better as he is so good at putting pucks in areas where his teammates will get good scoring chances. He has incredible vision and makes both the simple and very creative pass. He is a very good skater and jumps in and out of holes well to receive passes. Cameron is a pass first type of player, but possesses a good shot with a quick release. He is one of the smartest players in this age group.” 7. 

Guelph Storm – Daniil Chayka (Toronto Jr. Canadiens) 6.02.25 173Ib. LD “Daniil is a big stud of a defenceman that does everything very well. He is a powerful skater that reaches top speed quickly. He has good mobility and is hard to beat off the rush because of his excellent feet. He is not afraid to jump into the rush or lead it if the opportunity is there. He is one of the best in the age group on the offensive blueline and has a knack for getting his cannon of a shot through traffic and on net. He is a strong penalty killer that gets his stick in the passing lanes.”

8. Mississauga Steelheads – James Hardie (Barrie Jr. Colts) 5.10.5 158Ib. LW “James is a goal scorer that loves to shoot the puck. He has a junior-level shot already. It has pace, accuracy and he can pull the trigger quickly. He does a good job of finding open ice or those little quiet pockets in the offensive zone. He isn’t afraid to try and beat a defender in open ice when the chance is there. He plays for a well structured team that does all the little things well and he knows his responsibilities in his own end. James was a big reason why his team had success in the playoffs and at the OHL Cup powered by Under Armour.”

9. North Bay Battalion – Pacey Schlueting (North Bay Trappers) 6.00.5 170Ib. LD “Pacey is a smooth skating defenceman that is fun to watch when he is at the top of his game. He has a very nice long stride that makes it look effortless for him when he is skating. He makes good breakout passes and when given the opportunity he is very effective at rushing the puck and creating offense off the rush. He is hard to beat due to his excellent mobility and reach. Pacey plays on the right side of the puck in his own end. He has the potential to be a very good player in the OHL.”

10. Windsor Spitfires – Jean-Luc Foudy (Toronto Titans) 5.10 153Ib. RC “Jean-Luc is a skilled, playmaking type of centre that makes everyone around him better. He has elusive speed that catches defenders off guard at times. He is quick to jump into holes for loose pucks and wins the majority of races to pucks. He is crafty with the puck and can stickhandle in very tight areas. Jean-Luc is one of the smarter players in the age group. He is always in the right spot at the right time and the puck seems to follow him around the ice.”

11. Oshawa Generals – Tyler Tullio (Vaughan Kings) 5.08.5 150Ib. RC “Tyler is a competitive player that would do almost anything to score a goal or win a hockey game. He is a good skater that can beat defenders wide and win loose puck battles all over the ice. He possesses a junior level shot already. It’s hard, accurate and he gets it on net very quickly. Tyler competes very hard each shift and isn’t shy to battle against the bigger defender and usually come out with the puck. He is a ‘gamer’ and the type of player you win with.”

12. Niagara IceDogs – Lleyton Moore (Toronto Marlboros) 5.07.25 160Ib. LD “Lleyton is a mobile defenceman that loves to have the puck on his stick and isn’t afraid to lead a rush. He is a strong skater in every direction, is explosive and has a very high top speed. His puck skills are elite as it seems like the puck is on a string at times. He sees the ice well and is very creative. Lleyton’s biggest attribute is his skating ability. It helps him defend, recover when he is up in the rush and create offence from the back end. He is one of his teams go-to players and plays in every situation.”

13. Kingston Frontenacs – Jake Murray (Oakville Rangers) 6.02.5 190Ib. RD “Jake is a versatile two-way defenceman that you notice every time he is on the ice. He is a big presence and moves extremely well. He has great edge work and is a beautiful skater in open ice. He has the ability to join or lead a rush and then still recover and defend his position. He has good puck skills and is composed when he has the puck on his stick. He has a hard shot from the point and finds the shooting lanes well. Jake uses his mobility and long reach to his advantage.”

14. London Knights – Luke Evangelista (Oakville Rangers) 5.10 146Ib. RW “Luke is a dynamic winger that never stops moving his feet and putting pressure on the opposition. He is a very good skater that is quick to jump to open holes and pounce on loose pucks. He is creative offensively and uses his high skill level to produce with the best in his league. He competes hard each and every shift and you always know what you are getting with this player. He shoots the puck well and is extremely accurate. He is used in every situation and thrives on the power play.

15. Owen Sound Attack – Nolan Seed (Smiths Falls Bears U18) 5.11.5 152Ib. LD “Nolan is an offensive-minded defenceman that is always looking to join the rush and help contribute on offence. He is one of the smoothest skating defencemen in this age group and considering he hasn’t played defence for long he has great mobility which makes him hard to beat off the rush. He loves to have the puck on his stick and makes good distribution decisions as he isn’t always trying to go end-to-end with it. He sees the ice very well and runs the power play very efficiently.”

16. Barrie Colts – Riley Piercey (Toronto Marlboros) 6.02.5 186Ib. RW “Riley is a big power forward that is very hard to play against as he is constantly moving and takes the body every chance that he can. He is a powerful skater that, when at full speed, is very quick. He is a player that makes the simple, effective play the majority of the time. He has a good shot which he gets off quickly. Riley plays hard in all three zones and rarely takes any short cuts. He is the type of player that coaches like to have on the bench because he can play up and down a lineup.”

17. Kitchener Rangers – Reid Valade (Toronto Marlboros) 5.10 160Ib. RW “Reid is a speedy winger that is constantly moving and putting pressure on the other team. He has electric speed and is always challenging defencemen wide or jumping quickly in and out of holes for scoring chances. He has a good skill set which allows him to beat players one-on-one as well as finish off scoring chances when they arrive. He shoots the puck well and has a quick release. Reid is a smart player that can play any type of game or role on his team.”

18. Hamilton Bulldogs – Logan Morrison (Guelph Gryphons) 5.09.5 142Ib. RC “Logan is one of the smartest offensive players in this year’s Priority Selection. He has a great understanding of the game and each situation. He is creative offensively but also makes the simple safe play which is usually the right one. He is a good skater and once he is in full stride he is deceivingly quick. He has great vision with the puck and scored numerous big goals for his team this season. Logan is one of those players that makes players around him better and he should continue to do so in the OHL.”

19. Sarnia Sting – Jacob Perreault (Chicago Mission 16U) 5.10 195Ib. RC “The son of former NHL forward Yanic Perreault, Jacob hails from Hinsdale, Ill. and plays the game with intelligence and poise. A dynamic offensive talent, he led the HPHL’s 16U circuit in scoring this past season with 25 points over 20 games coming against players a year older than him. He is a player that makes a difference when he is on the ice and comes with the pro pedigree to further develop as he continues to grow.”

20. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds – Ryan O’Rourke (Vaughan Kings) 6.00 175Ib. LD “Ryan is a tough to play against two-way defenceman. He has good mobility and is a powerful skater which allows him to close gaps and take away time and space. He has a good skill set that allows him to move the puck out of his zone. He can rush the puck when the opportunity is there and he is good on the offensive blue line at getting pucks on net or distributing it. Ryan is hard to beat defensively. He takes the body well and he has a good understanding of his position and what he has to do.

2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup Schedule and Game Times

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup Host Committee today announced the schedule and start times for the league’s historic centennial celebration which takes place May 17-27 in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Memorial Cup Logo

The action begins on Friday May 18 when the host Regina Pats take on the Ontario Hockey League champions at 8:00 pm, followed by the Western Hockey League’s best against the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s winners on Saturday May 19 at 2:00 pm.  Round-Robin competition continues through Wednesday May 23 with start-times of 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 8:00 pm, with a Tie-Breaker Game slated for Thursday May 24 at 6:00 pm if needed.  The Semi-Finals will be played on Friday May 25 at 8:00 pm followed by the Championship Final set for Sunday May 27 at 5:00 pm when the prestigious Memorial Cup will be won for the 100th time.  Start times for all nine games are represented in local Central Standard Time.

2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup Schedule:

Round-Robin Game 1 – OHL vs. Regina on Friday May 18 at 8:00 pm

Round-Robin Game 2 – WHL vs. QMJHL on Saturday May 19 at 2:00 pm

Round-Robin Game 3 – Regina vs. QMJHL on Sunday May 20 at 5:00 pm

Round-Robin Game 4 – WHL vs. OHL on Monday May 21 at 6:00 pm

Round-Robin Game 5 – QMJHL vs. OHL on Tuesday May 22 at 8:00 pm

Round-Robin Game 6 – Regina vs. WHL on Wednesday May 23 at 8:00 pm

Tie-Breaker (if necessary) – Thursday May 24 at 6:00 pm

Semi-Final – Friday May 25 at 8:00 pm

Championship Final – Sunday May 27 at 5:00pm

Tickets for the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup are available with the recent release of four exciting two-game package options providing fans a variety of opportunities to be part of the action.

Since the round-robin format of the event was introduced in 1972, the WHL has won a total of 19 Mastercard Memorial Cup championships beginning with the 1974 Regina Pats and most recently the 2014 Edmonton Oil Kings.  OHL teams have won 17 times under the current model including last season’s Windsor Spitfires, while QMJHL clubs have celebrated 10 titles with their latest victory from the 2013 Halifax Mooseheads.

The Memorial Cup has a rich tradition that has shaped the way junior hockey is played in North America.  The trophy was original known as the OHA Memorial Cup and was donated by the Ontario Hockey Association in March, 1919, in remembrance of the many soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice for Canada in the First Wold War.  In 2010 the Memorial Cup was rededicated to the memory of all fallen Canadian Military Personnel.

The 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup is supported by Mastercard and associate sponsors which include CIBC, Cooper Tires, and Real Canadian Superstore.

For more information please visit mastercardmemorialcup.ca or join the conversation on social media using #MMC100.

Wolves announce Quinton Byfield as First Overall Pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

2018 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore takes place on Saturday April 7, 2018, at 9:00 am at www.ontariohockeyleague.com

 

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League in association with the Sudbury Wolves Hockey Club today announced that 15-year-old forward Quinton Byfield of the OMHA champion York Simcoe Express will be the first overall pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

The announcement was made at a news conference held today in Sudbury where Byfield was introduced to local media.

2018 OHL Draft Logo

“I am thrilled to be selected first overall and honoured to be the recipient of the Jack Ferguson award,” said Byfield, a native of Newmarket, Ont. “I have to thank my family for all of their support in getting me to this position today. I would also like to thank all my past coaches and my teammates for all the help they have given me. Finally, I would like to thank the Sudbury Wolves for the honour of selecting me with the first pick of this year’s OHL Draft. I’m very excited to join the Wolves and can’t wait to get started.”

The Wolves are pleased to confirm that Byfield has committed to join the Wolves and the OHL to develop in pursuit of his dream of playing in the NHL.  He will join the other 2018 Wolves Priority Selection picks as well as 2017 selections including standout rookies Blake Murray, Anthony Tabak, and Liam Ross at the Wolves Orientation Camp April 14-15 at Sudbury Arena.

“We are very excited to have Quinton join the Sudbury Wolves,” said VP of Hockey Operations and GM, Rob Papineau. “He is an exceptional player with a great future and his potential is amazing and our coaching staff is eager to work with him. Our scouting staff has been unanimous on Quinton as the best player in the draft all season and we know that the fans and the people of Greater Sudbury are going to love the opportunity to watch such a special player in a Wolves uniform.”

Byfield earned OMHA ETA Minor Midget Player of the Year honours with a league-high 92 points in 34 games scoring 48 goals and 44 assists captaining the Express to gold at the OMHA championship.  He also added four goals and three assists for seven points in six games at the OHL Cup powered by Under Armour helping York-Simcoe reach the tournament’s Semi-Finals.  His regular season points-per-game mark in the OMHA ranks third all-time behind current NHL stars Steven Stamkos and Taylor Hall.  A left shot centre that is 6’4” tall and 202 lbs, Byfield was born August 19, 2002, making him eligible for the NHL Draft in 2020.

“As the Owner and Governor of the Wolves, I am so proud to see that the program we are developing has players that want to play and develop here in the north,” said Dario Zulich.  “We put in place a goal to be a Memorial Cup contender with our mission being to develop 15-year-old boys into professional gentlemen of character when they leave our program. This is happening with the continued development and support our players are receiving. I am confident that our community will share the excitement the team is working so hard at achieving. Quinton represents a significant step forward.”

Byfield is the 2018 recipient of the Jack Ferguson Award presented annually to the player selected first overall in the OHL Priority Selection. The “Fergie” recognizes the dedication and contributions made by Jack Ferguson during his 25 year association with the OHL, first as a scout with the Ottawa 67’s and followed by his appointment as head of the OHL’s Central Scouting Bureau in 1981 as its Director of Central Scouting.  Byfield is the fifth member of the Wolves to receive the award following Dave Moylan in 1984, John Uniac in 1987, John McFarland in 2008, and David Levin in 2015.

“Quinton is the type of player that doesn’t come around very often,” said OHL Director of Central Scouting, Darrell Woodley. “At nearly 6’4” and over 200lbs, he is an intimidating presence on the ice with an exceptionally high skill level and can do things with a puck that not many players his age or size can do. He has a cannon for a shot and is very creative with the puck on his stick and isn’t afraid to try and beat any defender. He is very hard to handle in open ice as he is agile on his skates and uses his edges effectively.”

WATCH: #OHLDraft Prospect Profile – Quinton Byfield, York-Simcoe Express

Byfield will be a feature guest on the live 2018 OHL Priority Selection Draft Show presented by Real Canadian Superstore beginning at 9:00 am on Saturday April 7, 2018.  The draft show along with live results feed will be available at www.ontariohockeyleague.com.

For the eleventh straight year, media and fans can watch the first three rounds live online with host Terry Doyle who will be joined on set by Darrell Woodley and Tim Cherry of OHL Central Scouting to provide analysis, interviews, and video footage of the next wave of OHL stars.

Former winners of the Jack Ferguson Award Include:

1981 Dan Quinn, Belleville Bulls

1982 Kirk Muller, Guelph Platers

1983 Trevor Stienburg, Guelph Platers

1984 Dave Moylan, Sudbury Wolves

1985 Bryan Fogarty, Kingston Canadians

1986 Troy Mallette, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

1987 John Uniac, Sudbury Wolves

1988 Drake Berehowsky, Kingston Raiders

1989 Eric Lindros, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

1990 Pat Peake, Detroit Ambassadors

1991 Todd Harvey, Detroit Ambassadors

1992 Jeff O’Neill, Guelph Storm

1993 Alyn McCauley, Ottawa 67’s

1994 Jeff Brown, Sarnia Sting

1995 Daniel Tkaczuk, Barrie Colts

1996 Rico Fata, London Knights

1997 Charlie Stephens, Toronto St. Michael’s Majors

1998 Jay Harrison, Brampton Battalion

1999 Jason Spezza, Mississauga IceDogs

2000 Patrick Jarrett, Mississauga IceDogs

2001 Patrick O’Sullivan,Mississauga IceDogs

2002 Robbie Schremp, Mississauga IceDogs

2003 Patrick McNeill, Saginaw Spirit

2004 John Hughes, Belleville Bulls

2005 John Tavares, Oshawa Generals

2006 Steven Stamkos, Sarnia Sting

2007 Ryan O’Reilly, Erie Otters

2008 John McFarland, Sudbury Wolves

2009 Daniel Catenacci, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

2010 Alex Galchenyuk, Sarnia Sting

2011 Aaron Ekblad, Barrie Colts

2012 Connor McDavid, Erie Otters

2013 Travis Konecny, Ottawa 67’s

2014 Jakob Chychrun, Sarnia Sting

2015 David Levin, Sudbury Wolves

2016 Ryan Merkley, Guelph Storm

2017 Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts

2018 Quinton Byfield, Sudbury Wolves

 

Halifax Mooseheads to host 2019 Memorial Cup

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Brossard, Québec – The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League today announced, on behalf of the 2019 Memorial Cup Site Selection Committee, that the Halifax Mooseheads will host the 2019 Memorial Cup.

The Mooseheads were considered following a formal bid presentation made on March 2nd, 2018, to the Site Selection Committee which was comprised of Scott Smith (President and COO of Hockey Canada), Glenn Stanford (President of Stanford Communications), Nancy K. Orr (Chief Provincial Judge of PEI Provincial Court) and Tom Cullen (President of Purity Dairy LTD).

“The organizing committee did an outstanding job in their bid presentation and proved that they are able to meet the expectations to host this prestigious event,” said QMJHL Commissioner Gilles Courteau. “We are extremely excited to have the Memorial Cup tournament back in the QMJHL. The City of Halifax has proven in the past that they have all the resources to host world-class events and we are looking forward to seeing some of the best CHL teams and players go head-to-head next year.”

The 101st edition of the Memorial Cup will take place from May 16 to 26, 2019, and includes the host Mooseheads along with the champions of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League, and the Western Hockey League.

“We’re very pleased for our hockey team, for our players and for our fans. Everyone is extremely excited. The city is ready, the downtown has become a beautiful place, the province has been behind us the whole way and it is going to be a great Memorial Cup in Halifax”, said the Governor and President of the Mooseheads, Bobby Smith.

The prestigious national championship returns to the City of Halifax for the first time since 2000, which also included the champion Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL), the Barrie Colts (OHL), and the Kootenay Ice (WHL).

“Nineteen years ago has been a long time, but the people still talk about the Memorial Cup. I guarantee it’ll be a Memorial Cup that fans enjoy. The story will be a full arena and a great experience for the players”, added Mr. Smith.

Since the round-robin format was introduced in 1972, QMJHL teams have won a total of 10 Memorial Cup Championships, including the 2013 Halifax Mooseheads. During the event, Mooseheads forward Jonathan Drouin set a Memorial Cup record by collecting five assists in a single game.

The Regina Pats will play host to the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup. It will be the 100th edition of the event. From May 17th to 27th, the best teams from throughout the CHL will compete in Regina, SK, for a shot at hockey’s most difficult trophy to win.

Information regarding ticket packages and other local initiatives for the 2019 Memorial Cup will be announced by the Host Committee in the upcoming weeks. The best opportunity to secure priority access event tickets is to become a Halifax Mooseheads season ticket holder. For details, please visit http://halifaxmooseheads.ca.

For more information, visit http://mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

CHL Leagues

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Vilardi and Hart star in first round action 

Frontenacs’ Gabriel Vilardi named CHL Player of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Los Angeles Kings prospect Gabriel Vilardi of the Kingston Frontenacs is the CHL Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 1 after recording 10 points in three games scoring five goals and five assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-4. 

Vilardi’s trio of multi-point performances helped the Frontenacs win the final three games of their first round playoff series against the North Bay Battalion to advance to the OHL Eastern Conference Semi-Finals for the second straight year.  Vilardi scored the series clinching goal in triple overtime of Game 5 on Saturday ending the third longest game in OHL playoff history at 114:05.  The goal was part of a four-point effort that also included the game’s first goal on the power play earning him first star honours in the 6-5 triumph.  His week also included two goals and one assist as second star of a 4-1 win in Game 3 on Tuesday, then one goal and two assists as third star of a 6-3 victory in Game 4 on Thursday.  The Frontenacs will now face the Barrie Colts in second round action beginning Wednesday. 

An 18-year-old from Kingston, Ont., Vilardi is playing in his third OHL season and first with his hometown Frontenacs after being acquired from the Mastercard Memorial Cup champion Windsor Spitfires in January.  The second overall pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection and 11th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft is currently second in OHL playoff scoring with 12 points through five games after producing at an impressive 1.81 points-per-game rate during the regular season with 22 goals and 36 assists for 58 points in just 32 games after returning from injury. 

Also considered for the award this week was Arizona Coyotes prospect Brayden Burke of the Moose Jaw Warriors who scored five goals and five assists for 10 points in four games against the Prince Albert Raiders, and Peter Abbandonato of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies who scored four goals and five assists for nine points in four games against the Sherbrooke Phoenix. 

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Gabriel Vilardi (Kingston Frontenacs)
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) 

Silvertips’ Carter Hart named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Philadelphia Flyers prospect Carter Hart of the Everett Silvertips is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the playoff week ending April 1 after posting a 3-0 record including one shutout with a goals-against-average of 1.33 and save percentage of .960. 

Hart made 97 saves last week backstopping the Silvertips to three-straight wins and a first round series victory over the defending champion Seattle Thunderbirds.  With the series tied 1-1, the three-time regular season award winner turned aside 33 shots in Tuesday’s Game 3 earning first star honours in the 3-1 win.  In Game 4 on Friday he made 28 saves in the 7-3 win, then closed out the series in style with a 36-save performance in Saturday’s Game 5 finale earning first star honours in the 4-0 decision.  The U.S. Division champion Silvertips will now face the winner between the Portland Winterhawks and Spokane Chiefs in second round action. 

A 19-year-old from Sherwood Park, Alta., Hart is playing in his fourth full WHL season with Everett after being chosen by the club in the eighth round of the 2013 Bantam Draft.  Recently named 2017-18 WHL Western Conference Player of the Year, Goaltender of the Year, and First Team All-Star, Hart carries a 1.97 goals-against-average and .938 save percentage through five playoff games after maintaining marks of 1.60 and .947 during 41 regular season appearances.  He was chosen in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft by the Flyers. 

Also considered for the award this week was Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jeremy Helvig who went 3-0 for the Kingston Frontenacs who eliminated the North Bay Battalion in five games making 105 saves for a goals-against-average of 2.32 and save percentage of .921.  In the QMJHL, Samuel Harvey of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies posted a 2-1-1 record including one shutout making a total of 139 saves for a goals-against-average of 2.00 and save percentage of .946 in first round action against the Sherbrooke Phoenix. 

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
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

Playoff Preview and Predictions: Round Two

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Playoffs

Over the years, the one thing I have been most proud of is my record on predictions. Despite getting six of eight correct, and four of those six in the correct number of games, picking London to defeat Owen Sound and Oshawa to defeat Niagara in seven games and having them end the way they did is, well, embarrassing.

Pick whichever cliché fits. I’ll go with “you can’t win ‘em all.” Here is a look back at the first-round predictions and results:

OHL Playoffs

Round two promises to provide some interesting and competitive series which, statistically, look as though they could go in any which way. Below, we look at each series and my pick to come out on top as well as key draft eligible players to watch for.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Hamilton (1) vs Niagara (4)

  Hamilton Niagara
Season Series 1-3-1-1 5-0-1-0
Home record 22-9-0-3 21-10-2-1
Road record 21-9-4-0 13-18-2-1
Goals for 252 240
Goals against 207 235
Powerplay (regular season) 24.6% 19.5%
Powerplay (playoffs) 47.6% 30.4%
Penalty kill (regular season) 77.1% 80.1%
Penalty kill (playoffs) 76.5% 89.3%
PP vs opponent 33.3% 39.1%
PK vs Opponent 60.9% 66.7%
Leading scorer Thomas (24-51-75) Miletic (36-56-92)
Leading after 2nd 33-2-0-2 27-0-1-2
Trailing after 2nd 6-15-2-0 4-18-2-1
Last 10 games 4-1 4-1

Some of you may be surprised to find that Niagara dominated the regular season between these two clubs. But as they say. “it’s a new season.” Hamilton holds an edge in special team’s stats, but Niagara owns the head to head specialty team battles. Both teams are very good at home, but Hamilton holds a decided advantage on the road. In fact, Hamilton’s only victory over Niagara in the regular season came on the road. Three of the six games went into overtime or a shootout, so this series could be very close.

Draft eligible players to watch: Barring injury, backup goaltender Nick Donofrio likely won’t see any starts and is the only first-time draft eligible player to earn a ranking from NHL Central Scouting. Brandon Saigeon however, re-enters the draft and is a player to watch.

For Niagara, Akil Thomas is projected to go in the first round at the draft in June and will be key for Niagara. Justin MacPherson could be a late round pick.

Prediction: Hamilton in 6 games

Barrie (2) vs Kingston (3)

  Barrie Kingston
Season Series 1-3-0-0 3-1-0-0
Home record 22-9-2-1 22-6-5-1
Road record 20-12-2-0 14-17-1-2
Goals for 297 243
Goals against 229 202
Powerplay (regular season) 22.8% 25.7%
Powerplay (playoffs) 31.8% 33.3%
Penalty kill (regular season) 79.3% 84.7%
Penalty kill (playoffs) 84.7% 66.7%
PP vs opponent 23.1% 35.3%
PK vs Opponent 64.7% 76.9%
Leading scorer Luchuk (50-65-115) Robertson (41-46-87)
Leading after 2nd 31-2-2-0 25-3-2-2
Trailing after 2nd 4-17-1-0 5-17-2-0
Last 10 games 4-2 4-1

 Just like the Hamilton/Niagara matchup, this is a series in which the lower seed held the advantage during the regular season. Again, both teams are strong at home, but Barrie held a decided advantage on the road. But both teams won in the other’s barn.

Both teams loaded up for a playoff run and are split in head-to-head matchups since doing so.

Draft eligible players to watch: For Barrie, obviously it’s Andrei Svechnikov, who will be the first player taken from the OHL in June. But also keep an eye on menacing defenceman Tyler Tucker, who is coming off a very good performance in the opening round.

For Kingston, there is Linus Nyman who re-enters the draft and is a possible late round pick.

Prediction: Barrie in 6 games

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Sault Ste. Marie (1) vs Owen Sound (4)

  Sault Ste. Marie Owen Sound
Season Series 1-0-0-1 1-1-0-0
Home record 31-1-2 21-8-0-5
Road record 24-6-1-3 17-14-3-0
Goals for 317 289
Goals against 186 247
Powerplay (regular season) 24.8% 21.8%
Powerplay (playoffs) 52.6% 33.3%
Penalty kill (regular season) 82.0% 80.1%
Penalty kill (playoffs) 91.7% 61.5%
PP vs opponent 66.7% 25.7%
PK vs Opponent 75.0% 33.7%
Leading scorer Frost (42-70-112) Suzuki (42-58-100)
Leading after 2nd 39-0-0-0 33-2-3-1
Trailing after 2nd 5-6-1-3 3-13-0-2
Last 10 games 4-0 4-0

Wow. If only Owen Sound had done something to upgrade their goaltending at trade deadline, this would have been the series to watch. But even so, every advantage goes to the Greyhounds. Luckily for the Attack, the games are played on the ice.

Draft eligible players to watch: The Greyhounds have two potential first rounders in Barrett Hayton and Rasmus Sandin. They also have Mac Hollowell who re-enters the draft.

The Attack have two players who re-enter the draft and should garner a lot of attention. Sean Durzi and Brady Lyle man the blueline. Aidan Dudas is a little fireplug who is eligible for the first time and a must watch.

Prediction: Sault Ste. Marie in 5 games

Kitchener (2) vs Sarnia (3)

  Kitchener Sarnia
Season Series 3-0-0-1 1-3-0-0
Home record 22-11-1-0 21-9-3-1
Road record 21-10-2-1 21-9-3-1
Goals for 246 299
Goals against 218 213
Powerplay (regular season) 20.7% 24.2%
Powerplay (playoffs) 31.6% 0%
Penalty kill (regular season) 82.9% 88.5%
Penalty kill (playoffs) 73.9% 90.9%
PP vs opponent 0% 20.0%
PK vs Opponent 80.0% 100.0%
Leading scorer Mascherin (40-46-86) Kyrou (39-70-109)
Leading after 2nd 30-2-1-0 35-1-2-0
Trailing after 2nd 6-14-2-0 1-13-1-1
Last 10 games 4-2 4-2

Flip a coin. About as even a matchup as you will find, though Sarnia holds the advantage on offence. This will come down to home ice. Two of Kitchener’s victories over Sarnia were decisive, but in Sarnia’s lone win went to a shootout.

Draft eligible players to watch: Sarnia’s lone player to watch re-enters the draft, Hugo Leufvenius. There is a trio of Rangers to keep an eye on in Giovanni Vallati, Riley Damiani and Adam Liska. Also, Rickard Hugg re-enters the draft.

Prediction: Kitchener in 7 games

Frontenacs’ Gabriel Vilardi named OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Los Angeles Kings prospect Gabriel Vilardi of the Kingston Frontenacs is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 1 scoring 10 points in three games including five goals and five assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-4. 

Vilardi recorded a trio of multi-point performances last week featuring an historic triple overtime goal to lead the Frontenacs to a 4-1 first round series victory over the North Bay Battalion.  With the series tied 1-1 heading into Tuesday’s Game 3 in North Bay, Vilardi scored twice including the game-winner and added an assist for second star honours in the 4-1 win.  He continued his strong play in Thursday’s Game 4 triumph scoring once with two assists as third star of the 6-3 decision.  The hometown hero saved his best for last in Saturday’s Game 5 finale delivering four points including the game’s first goal at 1:44 and last goal at 114:05 ending the third longest battle in OHL playoff history where he was awarded first star praise in the 6-5 home ice celebration. 

An 18-year-old from Kingston, Ont., Vilardi is playing in his third OHL season and first with the Frontenacs after being acquired from the Mastercard Memorial Cup champion Windsor Spitfires in January.  The second overall pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection and 11th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft is currently second in playoff scoring with 12 points through five games.  In 32 regular season games this season he tallied 22 goals and 36 assists for 58 points giving him the second highest points-per-game mark in the league at 1.81.   The Frontenacs will open their Eastern Conference Semi-Final series on Wednesday night on the road against the Barrie Colts. 

Watch video highlights of Vilardi and the Frontenacs against the Battalion in Game 3, Game 4, and Game 5. 

Also considered for the award this week were Ottawa Senators prospects Logan Brown of the Kitchener Rangers and Aaron Luchuk of the Barrie Colts who both scored 10 points including two goals and eight assists.  Brown’s points came in the final four games of Kitchener’s first round series win over the Guelph Storm, while Luchuk spread his production across five games in Barrie’s first round series win against the Mississauga Steelheads.  In goal, newly signed Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jeremy Helvig went 3-0 for the Fronts with 105 saves for a goals-against-average of 2.32 and save percentage of .921.

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

Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Gabriel Vilardi (Kingston Frontenacs)
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)