Toronto, Ont. – Now that #OHLOpeningWeek is in the books and we’re all warmed up, here’s another jam-packed edition of the OHL This Week. Get the latest details on news from across the league.
67’s TAKE TOP SPOT IN KIA CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:
The Ottawa 67’s are the new number one team in the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings after a pair of road wins last weekend. They’re joined by the seventh-ranked Barrie Colts, eight-ranked Saginaw Spirit and ninth-ranked London Knights while the Kitchener Rangers earned an honourable mention.
FULL RANKINGS
KIA CHL TOP 10 SPOTLIGHT: OTTAWA 67’s:
Following a perfect 2-0 start to the season, the Ottawa 67’s shift to No. 1 in this week’s Kia CHL Top-10 Rankings. The fourth ranked team in the pre-season list pieced together back-to-back shootout victories Friday night in an OHL championship rematch against the Guelph Storm, and Saturday against the always competitive Owen Sound Attack to grab an early lead atop the OHL’s East Division just one season removed from finishing first overall with a franchise record 106 points.
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PETES’ DER-ARGUCHINTSEV NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Semyon Der-Arguchintsev of the Peterborough Petes is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week with seven assists over two games. Often referred to as ‘SDA’, the Russian-born centreman picked up three assists in Peterborough’s season-opening win in London and added another four in a 9-6 loss to the Windsor Spitfires.
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DER-ARGUCHINTSEV AND DRYSDALE NAMED TO VAUGHN CHL TEAM OF THE WEEK:
Peterborough Petes forward Semyon Der-Arguchintsev and Erie Otters defenceman Jamie Drysdale have been named to the inaugural edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week. Learn all about their solid performances along with who else led the CHL out of the gate in 2019-20.
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FIRST EDITION OF WAWANESA OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:
The first edition of the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week for the 2019-20 season feature a collection of the league’s Top-5 goals during the week ending September 22nd. Catch top plays from Barrie’s Luke Bignell, Sudbury’s Quinton Byfield, Kitchener’s Liam Hawel, Ottawa’s Cedrick Andree and Barrie’s Matej Pekar.
WATCH
SCINTILLATING DEBUT EDITION OF VAUGHN SAVES OF THE WEEK:
We start the season with a scintillating debut edition of #VaughnSaves. Featured this week are a pair of big saves from Cedrick Andree of the Ottawa 67’s and singles from Jet Greaves of the Barrie Colts, Jacob Ingham of the Kitchener Rangers, Jordan Kooy of the London Knights and Mack Guzda of the Owen Sound Attack.
WATCH
COLTS’ PEKAR REPRESENTS OHL IN FIRST EDITION OF CHL SHOWDOWN:
Barrie Colts forward Matej Pekar is the OHL’s representative in the first edition of CHL Showdown, a weekly contest that has fans from coast-to-coast vote on the best play in the Canadian Hockey League. The Buffalo Sabres prospect helped the Colts start the season with a 2-0 record, scoring five times in the opening week of the season.
VOTE FOR PEKAR
OHL NEWS – RADIO EDITION FEATURING SOO GREYHOUNDS HEAD COACH JOHN DEAN:
OHL News – Radio Edition with host Terry Doyle and presented by Bauer features Soo Greyhounds head coach John Dean. He revisits last weekend’s victories over the Flint Firebirds and North Bay Battalion on home ice. Dean discusses the Hounds’ strong start and commitment to long-term development within the organization. He sheds light on new opportunities for a number of returning Greyhounds in light of the departure of several long-time veterans.
LISTEN
OHL WEEKEND NOTEBOOK – SEPTEMBER 23, 2019:
The OHL Weekend Notebook recaps the weekend that was with news, information and interesting facts from both on and off the ice. Here are 10 of the leading stories from #OHLOpeningWeek.
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DELLANDREA RETURNING TO FIREBIRDS:
The Dallas Stars announced Wednesday that 2018 first round pick Ty Dellandrea will return to the Flint Firebirds for the 2019-20 season. Dellandrea appeared in three pre-season games with the Stars and joins the 1-1 Firebirds as they host their home opener on Saturday night against the Niagara IceDogs before taking on the Sarnia Sting on Sunday afternoon.
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SUZUKI RETURNING TO COLTS:
The Carolina Hurricanes have returned 2019 first round pick Ryan Suzuki to the Barrie Colts for the 2019-20 season. The 18-year-old London, Ont. native comes off a 75-point (25-50–75) season in 2018-19 and now enters his third OHL campaign. The former first overall pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection has represented Canada at a number of international events, winning gold at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and silver at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
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STORM RAISE 2019 OHL CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER:
The Guelph Storm celebrated their historic playoff run last spring, raising a 2019 OHL Championship banner to the rafters at the Sleeman Centre. Storm governor Rick Gaetz was on hand prior to puckdrop to introduce a championship montage shown on the Sleeman Centre’s video board, thanking players, coaches and fans for their contributions to the franchise’s fourth OHL title.
WATCH
NHL TRAINING CAMP TRACKER:
Of the 144 OHL players to attend NHL Training Camps this past month, several big names have remained with NHL clubs into the pre-season including Mississauga’s Thomas Harley (Dallas), Soo’s Barrett Hayton (Arizona) and Saginaw’s Bode Wilde (NY Islanders) among others.
FULL LIST
16 OHL NEWCOMERS SCORE FIRST CAREER GOALS:
As we do every year, ontariohockeyleague.com documents every player’s first goal and #OHLOpeningWeek is always full of them. A total of 16 OHL newcomers lit the lamp for the first time. Watch those milestone markers!
WATCH
STEELHEADS’ HARLEY SIGNS WITH STARS:
Mississauga Steelheads defenceman Thomas Harley has signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with the Dallas Stars. The 18-year-old from Syracuse, NY was a first round pick by the club this past summer after recording 58 points (11-47–58) in 68 games with the Steelheads last season. The 6-foot-3, 180Ib blueliner has remained with the Stars throughout the NHL pre-season.
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CANUCKS PROSPECT ARTURS SILOVS COMMITS TO COLTS:
The Barrie Colts have received a commitment from Vancouver Canucks prospect Arturs Silovs who they selected with the 11th overall pick of the 2019 CHL Import Draft. The Latvian netminder was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft and recently attended Training Camp with the NHL club. The 18-year-old had a solid OHL debut on Saturday night, turning aside 37 of the 39 shots he faced to earn second star honours in a 6-2 win over the London Knights in Barrie’s home opener.
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RYAN HUMPHREY COMMITS TO BULLDOGS:
The Hamilton Bulldogs have received an OHL commitment from 2019 eighth round selection Ryan Humphrey. The 16-year-old from Northville, Mich. competed in the 2019 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour, leading TPH Hockey in scoring with seven points (4-3–7) over four contests. He spent the 2018-19 season with the Honeybaked U16 program, registering 24 goals, 40 assists and 66 points across 75 games playing at both the Midget and HPHL U16 levels.
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ATTACK NAME AIDAN DUDAS CAPTAIN:
The Owen Sound Attack have named Los Angeles Kings prospect Aidan Dudas captain. The fourth-year forward and former first round pick by the club is the 24th captain in Attack franchise history, being joined by alternates Brady Lyle, Mark Woolley, Carter Robertson and Matthew Philip. Dudas led the Attack with 62 points (26-36–62) over 68 games in 2018-19.
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CHENIER TO CAPTAIN BATTALION:
Fourth-year forward Brad Chenier has been named captain of the North Bay Battalion. Joining him as alternates are forwards Matthew Struthers, Mason Primeau and Luke Moncada. The 20-year-old Hanmer, Ont. native comes off a 30-goal, 65-point campaign in 2018-19. He was North Bay’s fourth round pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.
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FRONTENACS APPOINT JAKOB BRAHANEY CAPTAIN:
Overage defenceman Jakob Brahaney has been named captain of the 2019-20 Kingston Frontenacs. The 20-year-old Campbellford, Ont. native enters his fifth OHL season with the Fronts after registering 23 points (5-18–23) over 66 games in 2018-19. The 6-foot-1, 192Ib. defenceman has appeared in 202 career regular season games, recording 58 points (11-47–58) after being a second round pick by the Fronts in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.
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DAMIANI, MEIRELES NAMED RANGERS CO-CAPTAINS:
The Kitchener Rangers have identified two veteran leaders to wear the ‘C’ in 2019-20, naming Riley Damiani and Greg Meireles co-captains. Damiani heads into his fourth season as a Ranger, coming off career-highs in goals (30), assists (55) and points (85) in 2018-19. The Dallas Stars prospect is joined by Florida Panthers 2019 NHL Draft pick Greg Meireles who came just three points shy of the 100-point mark last season.
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OTTERS NAME JACK DUFF CAPTAIN:
The Erie Otters have appointed third-year defenceman Jack Duff as the 13th full-time captain in franchise history. The 6-foot-2, 221Ib blueliner served as an alternate captain last season, recording 21 points (4-17–21) over 66 games. He’ll be accompanied by alternate captains Chad Yetman, Hayden Fowler and Jamie Drysdale. Duff was Erie’s third round pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection.
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EYE ON #OHLU18DRAFT: NATIONALS WIN 7TH ANNUAL TITANS MIDGET AAA TOURNAMENT:
The Toronto Nationals have done it again. After their Minor Midget team won the Titans Prospect Tournament two weeks ago, the Major Midget squad followed suit, defeating the Mississauga Rebels 4-3 on an overtime winner from London Knights prospect Owen Forester.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – MARKETING AND SERVICING COORDINATOR:
The Ontario Hockey League is seeking to hire an enthusiastic team player to contribute in the role of Marketing & Servicing Coordinator.
• FULL JOB DESCRIPTION
OHL LIVE PACKAGES NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2019-20:
OHL Live packages for the 2019-20 season are now available at reduced prices, including a brand-new monthly subscription option for fans. Don’t miss a game! Learn more about new savings today.
• FULL DETAILS
COMMUNITY CORNER:
Erie Events and Otters announce ten-year lease agreement: The Erie County Convention Center Authority and Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters jointly announced last week that both parties have agreed to and signed a ten-year lease extension that will keep the Erie Otters in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
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Troops hand out magnet schedules Thursday: The North Bay Battalion will be handing out magnet schedules to fans at the Memorial Gardens on Thursday when they take on the Kitchener Rangers. On-air personalities will be handing out the schedules to fans as they depart from the game.
Firebirds plan fun-filled weekend at home: The Flint Firebirds open the home portion of their 2019-20 schedule on Saturday against the Niagara IceDogs and they have big things in store. In addition to handing out magnet schedules and having bounce houses for the kids, the Firebirds will be hosting their inaugural cornhole tournament before the game. The tournament will consist of two divisions, social and competitive, and teams consist of two players each. The grand prize winner for the competitive division wins $500. On Sunday, the Firebirds will hold a Hockey & Hot Rods Car Show prior to the team’s game against the Sarnia Sting at 2:00pm.
FIREBIRDS HOME OPENING WEEKEND DETAILS
Spirit host Opioid Awareness Night, United Way Night this weekend: Saturday and Sunday with special plans for each. The Spirit will host Opioid Awareness Night on Saturday against the Soo Greyhounds, raising awareness about a crucial issue that impacts families across the region. The Spirit will hold a ‘Medication Take Back’ Event where fans who turn in medications at the Dow Event Center will received a game voucher. The Spirit will host a post-game skate with fans following their Sunday contest against the Niagara IceDogs at 5:30pm. Sunday is United Way Night at the Dow Event Center.
Fronts host Fort Fright Night on Friday: The Kingston Frontenacs take on the division rival Ottawa 67’s Friday night in their annual Fort Fright Night event. Enjoy some spooky fun with the Fronts as they team up with Fort Henry to foreshadow what’s in store for this Halloween.
Attack launch Sticks for Soldiers initiative: The Owen Sound Attack are proud to announce a new program called Sticks for Soldiers. At two home games this season the Attack will ask those in attendance to bring a new or gently used hockey stick to donate to soldiers stationed overseas. The Attack will work with the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre’s Family Resource Centre in Meaford to collect the sticks at the games and have them packaged up to be sent overseas for the troops to use. This year’s collection games are this coming Saturday September 28th against the Guelph Storm and Saturday March 21st also against Guelph.
READ MORE AT ATTACKHOCKEY.COM
Bulldogs hand out trading cards on Saturday: The first 1000 fans into the building on Saturday to see the Hamilton Bulldogs take on the London Knights will get free Tim Horton’s Bulldogs trading cards. Great giveaways will be ongoing throughout the night including some exciting intermission activities.
Generals excited about Street Fest prior to home opener: The Oshawa Generals have big plans for Sunday afternoon, hosting a Street Fest prior to their home opener against the Kingston Frontenacs at 6:05pm. The Street Fest begins at 1:00pm and will host live entertainment and a beer garden. Guests will be able to have a tailgate-like experience before the big game. The Street Fest will include different activities like a hockey shoot-out game, a rock climbing wall and much more!
GENERALS STREET FEST DETAILS
ALUMNI NOTES:
Girardi announces retirement: London Knights graduate and former Memorial Cup champion Daniel Girardi has called it a career after 13 NHL seasons. The 35-year-old from Welland, Ont. made the announcement last week. He recorded 16 points (4-12–16) over 62 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning last season, capping an NHL career where he earned a reputation as a reliable two-way defenceman and capable shot blocker. Girardi spent 11 of his 13 campaigns with the New York Rangers after never being drafted to the NHL. He won a Memorial Cup with the Knights in 2005, putting the cherry on top of an OHL career that also included stops in Barrie and Guelph from 2000-05.
READ MORE AT SPORTSNET.CA
Knights graduate Hancock signs AHL contract with Tucson: London Knights graduate and former long-time Owen Sound Attack forward Kevin Hancock has signed a one-year AHL contract with the Tucson Roadrunners. The 21-year-old Hancock recorded a career-high 52 goals and 55 assists, totaling 107 points in 70 combined games with Owen Sound Attack and London last season. Hancock wrapped up an OHL career that spanned parts of five seasons with 120 goals, 171 assists and 291 points over 266 career regular season contests. The Roadrunners are the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes.
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Sandin sticking around with Leafs: Soo Greyhounds graduate Rasmus Sandin remains with the Toronto Maple Leafs as the 2019-20 season draws closer. The 19-year-old from Uppsala, Sweden played 44 games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies in 2018-19, recording 28 points (6-22–28) in the process before notching 10 assists over 13 postseason appearances. Toronto’s first round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, Sandin spent the 2017-18 season with the Soo Greyhounds, helping guide them to a Western Conference title with 45 points (12-33–45) over 51 games. Chris Johnston has the full story.
READ MORE AT SPORTSNET.CA
Rieder looking for fresh start with Flames: Kitchener Rangers graduate Tobias Rieder is currently looking to make the most of a professional tryout offer with the Calgary Flames. The 26-year-old German winger recorded 11 assists over 67 games with the Edmonton Oilers last season and is looking for a new opportunity in southern Alberta. The former fourth round pick in the 2011 NHL Draft played three OHL seasons in Kitchener from 2010-13, registering 190 points (92-98–190) over 177 regular season contests. Postmedia’s Kristen Anderson has more on his story.
READ MORE AT CALGARYSUN.COM
McClement joins Penguins as pro scout: The Pittsburgh Penguins have named OHL graduate and long-time NHL forward Jay McClement as a pro scout in the organization. McClement, who hails from Kingston, Ont., retired following the end of the 2017-18 season after spending it playing in Switzerland. The 36-year-old played 12 NHL seasons between 2005-17, recording 244 points over 906 regular season contests. He played four seasons with the Brampton Battalion from 1999-2003, registering 182 points over 235 regular season contests.
Goodwin named to Seattle’s scouting staff: The NHL’s Seattle expansion franchise has named former OHL scoring great John Goodwin to its scouting staff. Goodwin, who racked up 389 points over three seasons with the Soo Greyhounds from 1978-81 and is also a past OHL head coach and assistant coach in Oshawa, North Bay and Kingston, will work under Seattle general manager and former Greyhounds teammate Ron Francis. Goodwin never played in the NHL, but enjoyed a six-year pro career in the AHL and IHL.
OHL Writers 