FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
Toronto, Ont. – Halloween is behind us and a new month lies ahead! Here’s everything you need to know as the OHL schedule roars into the month of November.
OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER:
The Ontario Hockey League announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in October 2019, including Hamilton Bulldogs forward Arthur Kaliyev, Ottawa 67’s defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer and Peterborough Petes teammates Mason McTavish and Hunter Jones.
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OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER:
The Ontario Hockey League announced the OHL Academic Players of the Month for October 2019, including Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs, Pacey Schlueting of the North Bay Battalion, Zack Terry of the Guelph Storm and Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit.
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GENERALS, ATTACK AND FIREBIRDS INCLUDED IN KIA CHL TOP 10:
The Oshawa Generals, Owen Sound Attack and Flint Firebirds are in the latest edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. The Firebirds make their season debut, qualifying for the first time in franchise history while honourable mentions include the Peterborough Petes and Windsor Spitfires.
FULL RANKINGS
TEAM OHL LEADERSHIP GROUP NAMED FOR 2019 CIBC CANADA RUSSIA SERIES:
Owen Sound Attack forward Aidan Dudas will lead Team OHL, wearing the ‘C’ for both Games 3 and 4 set for Thursday November 7 in Kitchener and Monday November 11 in London. He’ll be joined by assistant captains Kevin Bahl of the Ottawa 67’s and Ty Dellandrea of the Flint Firebirds. All three players were invited to Hockey Canada’s National Junior Team Summer Showcase.
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SPIRIT’S GIROUX NAMED TO TEAM OHL ROSTER:
Saginaw Spirit forward Damien Giroux has been added to Team OHL’s roster for the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series. Giroux replaces injured Ottawa 67’s forward Graeme Clarke on the roster and will compete in Game 3 of the series on Thursday November 7 in Kitchener.
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RUSSIAN ROSTER ANNOUNCED FOR 2019 CIBC CANADA RUSSIA SERIES:
A team of 24 Russian players including three goaltenders, eight defencemen, and 13 forwards will travel across Canada as part of the 17th annual CIBC Canada Russia Series with six games against CHL competition in preparation for the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship.
FULL ROSTER
WORLD UNDER-17 HOCKEY CHALLENGE SET TO GET UNDERWAY IN MEDICINE HAT AND SWIFT CURRENT:
The 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge is set to get underway this weekend in Medicine Hat, Alta. and Swift Current, Sask., with 24 OHL players competing across Team Canada Black, Team Canada Red and Team Canada White. Stay tuned to ontariohockeyleague.com throughout the event for full coverage or visit hockeycanada.ca.
READ MORE • CANADIAN ROSTERS
STORM’S DAWS NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Guelph Storm goaltender Nico Daws is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the week of regular season action ending October 27 with a 3-0-0-0 record, 1.95 goals-against average, .949 save percentage and one shutout. Daws helped the defending OHL champion Storm win three straight as they improved to 6-4-1-2 in a highly competitive Midwest Division.
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DAWS, HOEFENMAYER AND MCMICHAEL NAMED TO VAUGHN CHL TEAM OF THE WEEK:
The Vaughn CHL Team of the Week features three OHL representatives as Ottawa’s Noel Hoefenmayer, Guelph’s Nico Daws and London’s Connor McMichael all made the cut.
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OHL WEEKEND NOTEBOOK – OCT. 29, 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 this past weekend.
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WAWANESA OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK – OCT. 30, 2019:
The latest edition of the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week for the 2019-20 season feature a collection of the league’s Top-5 plays during the week ending October 27th. This week’s highlights include Saginaw’s Cole Perfetti notching career point 100 with a nifty pass from his knees, Mississauga’s Thomas Harley going on an end-to-end rush with a little help from a teammate, Erie’s Emmett Sproule showing us his breakaway moves, Niagara’s Philip Tomasino with a soft touch off the rush and Sarnia’s Jamieson Rees turning an opposing defender inside out.
WATCH
VAUGHN SAVES OF THE WEEK – OCT. 29, 2019:
There’s no denying it, OHL goaltenders were dynamite in the latest edition of #VaughnSaves. Featured this week are a pair of breakaway saves from Owen Sound Attack goaltender Mack Guzda along with other stops out of fellow Attack netminder Nick Chenard, Sarnia’s Ethan Langevin, Ottawa’s Cedrick Andree, London’s Brett Brochu, Sarnia’s Ben Gaudreau, Hamilton’s Zach Roy, Kitchener’s Jacob Ingham and Peterborough’s Hunter Jones.
WATCH
STING’S REES REPRESENTS OHL IN CHL SHOWDOWN:
Sarnia Sting forward Jamieson Rees is the OHL’s representative in this week’s CHL Showdown featuring one great play from all three leagues.
WATCH & VOTE
NOVEMBER IS SPECIAL OLYMPICS GAME MONTH IN THE OHL:
The Ontario Hockey League has announced that it is teaming up with The Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Ontario to raise awareness around the Special Olympics movement for a 12th straight season. November is Special Olympics Game Month in the OHL as fans will have the opportunity to learn more about Special Olympics Ontario and can help the movement by contributing funds through the annual ‘Pass the Bucket’ and other fundraising initiatives at select games across the League. New this season, the Ontario Hockey League is partnering with Ascend Fundraising Solutions to donate the proceeds of a league-wide online 50-50 raffle that runs throughout the month of November to Special Olympics Ontario.
MORE DETAILS
#PLAYERSFIRST: BEST DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE IN THE WORLD:
The Ontario Hockey League has a long-standing history of developing some of the world’s best hockey players. Did you know that, statistically, the OHL is the best development league in the world?
FACT OF THE WEEK • ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
OHL NEWS – RADIO EDITION WITH OWEN SOUND ATTACK CAPTAIN AIDAN DUDAS:
This week’s OHL News Radio segment features Owen Sound Attack captain Aidan Dudas, a fourth round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the fourth round of the 2018 NHL Draft. Dudas leads the CHL’s eighth-ranked Attack offensively with 21 points (6-15–21) through 13 games this season. The former 10th overall OHL Priority Selection choice comes off back-to-back three-point contests as the Attack enter the weekend preparing to face the Kitchener Rangers and Sarnia Sting.
LISTEN
5 QUESTIONS WITH SAGINAW’S COLE PERFETTI:
A projected early selection in the coming 2020 NHL Draft, Saginaw Spirit forward Cole Perfetti drew the attention of talent evaluators in 2018-19 when as a freshman he led all Ontario Hockey League first-years in goals and points. At year end, he then shined under the national spotlight as part of Team Canada at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, an opportunity that allowed him to put his shootout skills on display.
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OHL MOURNS THE LOSS OF JIM GREGORY:
The Ontario Hockey League family is mourning the loss of one of hockey’s great builders. Long-time NHL executive, former OHL general manager and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Jim Gregory passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 83. Gregory got his managerial start with the OHA’s St. Michael’s College School and Toronto Marlboros, guiding both teams to great success. He won both the J. Ross Robertson Cup and Memorial Cup in a managerial capacity alongside Father David Bauer at St. Michael’s in 1961, again as coach of the Marlboros in 1964 and then assumed a managerial role with the Marlboros to hoist them a third time in 1967.
READ MORE • JIM GREGORY GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD
FRONTENACS’ GILMOUR STEPS DOWN TO JOIN MAPLE LEAFS:
The Kingston Frontenacs announced on Friday that Doug Gilmour has stepped down as President of Hockey Operations to join the Toronto Maple Leafs. Gilmour, who spent more than a decade with his hometown team as Head Coach, General Manager, and President of Hockey Operations, will join the Leafs as a Community Representative.
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FOUNTAIN TIRE AND OHL LAUNCH SEARCH FOR 3 STARS IN THE COMMUNITY:
Fountain Tire has once again teamed up with the OHL to honour local difference makers. Fountain Tire 3 Stars is a collaboration that recognizes ‘stars’ in 21 cities across Canada who go above and beyond to make their community a better place. Canadians can nominate their local heroes until November 30, 2019.
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OHL, BRUCE POWER PARTNER IN SUPPORT OF BRAIN TUMOUR FOUNDATION OF CANADA AND THE PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY GROUP OF ONTARIO:
The Ontario Hockey League and Bruce Power have partnered in support of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario. Through its partnership, Bruce Power will sponsor games in 16 OHL communities during the regular season to raise awareness around Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and POGO. Both organizations will have an opportunity – through splitting the 16 games – to set up information/awareness kiosks inside the arenas on their respective game nights while the teams will promote POGO, Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and Bruce Power on its social media channels and through their in-game promotions.
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IN CONVERSATION WITH CHL PRESIDENT DAN MACKENZIE:
Dan MacKenzie joined the Canadian Hockey League tasked with expanding the league brand, growing the game, and further enhancing the player and fan experience. The longtime sports executive and first full-time president of the CHL chatted with Junior Hockey Magazine about his first few months on the job.
LISTEN
ROGERS HOMETOWN HOCKEY TOUR STOPS IN STRATHROY:
The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour comes to Ontario this weekend with a stop in Strathroy-Caradoc, a community located between London and Sarnia. Ottawa 67’s graduate Brian Campbell will be featured in this weekend’s coverage as Ron MacLean and Tara Slone share everything you need to know.
VISIT HOMETOWNHOCKEY.COM
COMMUNITY CORNER:
Rangers, Wolves and IceDogs host Special Olympics Ontario Night: The Kitchener Rangers, Sudbury Wolves and Niagara IceDogs will host Special Olympics Night in their respective facilities this coming weekend. November is Special Olympics Game Month in the OHL as fans will have the opportunity to learn more about Special Olympics Ontario and can help the movement by contributing funds through the annual ‘Pass the Bucket’ and other fundraising initiatives at select games across the League. Special Olympics games in OHL rinks may also include ceremonial puck drops with Special Olympics Ontario athletes and staff along with members of local law enforcement.
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Rangers supporting the “Jake Saves Campaign” benefitting Hockey Gives Blood: The Kitchener Rangers announced Thursday that they’ll be supporting goaltender Jacob Ingham’s “Jake Saves Campaign” with proceeds benefiting Hockey Gives Blood. The Rangers will match the Ingham family’s $5 donation for each save Jacob makes this season.
FULL DETAILS AT KITCHENERRANGERS.COM
Sting stick it to domestic violence on Friday: The Sarnia Sting are once again proud to partner with the local Women’s interval home to help raise awareness and curb domestic violence in the Sarnia-Lambton Area. Fans will notice a purple theme in the arena as the players tape up with purple tape and the coaches donning purple ties for the contest. The game will also consist of a ceremonial puck drop, public address and videoboard messaging promoting all local services available. Proceeds from the evenings Chuck-A-Puck will also go to support the local Women’s Interval Home.
READ MORE AT SARNIASTING.COM
Spirit host Trunk or Treat, Military Appreciation Night this weekend: The Saginaw Spirit host a pair of home games this weekend, with plans in line for both. The Spirit will host a ‘Trunk or Treat’ event on Friday when the Barrie Colts visit the Dow Event Center.Kids and Adults are encouraged to wear their Halloween costume to the game and trick or treat in the Budweiser Red Room beginning at 5:30 p.m.. The Spirit will honour military service members on Saturday, wearing specially-themed Military jerseys when they play host to the Guelph Storm. Current military service members and veterans will receive a complementary ticket to the game before the Spirit’s game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off for charity post-game.
Otters host Military Appreciation Night, Family Funday this weekend: The Erie Otters have big plans for back-to-back home dates this coming Saturday and Sunday when they play host to the Ottawa 67’s and Niagara IceDogs. The Otters will host Military Appreciation Night on Saturday before welcoming the IceDogs for a special Family Funday event on Sunday.
FULL DETAILS AT OTTERSHOCKEY.COM
Battalion host Redpath Shift Change Night, salute veterans this weekend: The North Bay Battalion host a pair of home games this weekend, welcoming the Sudbury Wolves for Redpath Shift Change Night on Friday before the Peterborough Petes visit for a Remembrance Day salute on Sunday. Fans at Friday’s game will receive a flashing safety light courtesy of Redpath. The Battalion honour veterans prior to Sunday’s contest.
MORE INFO AT BATTALIONHOCKEY.COM
Wolves feature special guest River Town Saints at Saturday’s game: The Sudbury Wolves battle the Peterborough Petes on Saturday and will welcome special musical guest River Town Saints who will perform prior to puck drop. River Town Saints are a Canadian country band with frequent radio play and well-known hits such as Cherry Bomb, Bonfire and Woke Up Like This. Fans are encouraged to come down early as they will take the stage pre-game from 6-6:30pm and 6:50-7:00pm.
FULL DETAILS AT SUDBURYWOLVES.COM
Arthur Kaliyev bobblehead giveaway in Hamilton on Sunday: Get to the Hamilton Bulldogs game on Sunday and take home an Arthur Kaliyev bobblehead! The Dogs are kicking off the Bulldogs Bobblehead Series with their highest-ever NHL draft pick. Fans should arrive early to ensure they’re one of the the first 1000 fans in attendance that will be going home with a little Artie. See if you can collect all three! Hamilton Public Works will be bringing in the artillery for a touch-a-truck event on the concourse!
ALUMNI NOTES:
Carlson named NHL’s first star of the month: London Knights graduate John Carlson of the Washington Capitals has been named the NHL’s first star of the month for October. Carlson paced NHL defencemen in goals (7), assists (16) and points (23). Only one defenceman in NHL history (Al MacInnis) has recorded more points in a single month of October. Carlson spent the 2008-09 season with the Knights, recording 76 points (16-60–76) over 59 games. He helped the Capitals hoist the Stanley Cup in 2018.
Fowler surpasses Niedermayer for most goals by a Ducks defenceman: Windsor Spitfires graduate and former Memorial Cup champion Cam Fowler surpassed legendary defenceman Scott Niedermayer for the most goals by a defenceman in Anaheim Ducks franchise history on Tuesday. Fowler’s 61st career regular season goal came in a 7-4 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Now in his 10th season on the Anaheim blue line, Fowler has seven points (3-4–7) through 14 contests in 2019-20. The 27-year-old defenceman spent the 2009-10 season in Windsor, recording 55 points (8-47–55) in as many games before being selected 12th overall by the Ducks in the 2010 NHL Draft.
Boqvist recalled by Blackhawks: After starting the season in the AHL, the Chicago Blackhawks have called up 2018 first round NHL Draft pick Adam Boqvist. The 19-year-old, who recorded 60 points (20-40–60) in 54 games with the London Knights last season, scored his first professional goal in a six-game stint with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs to start the season. Boqvist was the eighth overall pick of the 2018 NHL Draft and could potentially make his NHL debut this weekend.
Boucher named AHL Player of the Month: Sarnia Sting graduate and former OHL goal-scoring leader Reid Boucher has been named AHL Player of the Month, putting up 13 points (10-3–13) in eight games with the Utica Comets. Boucher led the way in steering the Comets to a perfect 8-0 month of October to kick-off his seventh season of pro hockey. The 26-year-old product of Grand Ledge, Mich. played two OHL seasons in Sarnia from 2011-13, graduating with 62 goals and 95 points over 68 games in 2012-13. The former fourth round pick of the New Jersey Devils in 2011 has played a total of 133 career NHL games, appearing in one last season with the Vancouver Canucks.
Prosvetov off to a hot start in Tucson: Saginaw Spirit graduate Ivan Prosvetov has drawn praise for his strong start to the AHL season, going 2-1 with a 1.64 goals-against average and .951 save percentage through his first three stars with the Tucson Roadrunners. The Arizona Coyotes prospect earned first star honours in his AHL debut and has been solid ever since after starting the season uncertain where he may land out of the gate. Prosvetov had a great deal to do with Saginaw’s West Division title last season, going with 36-11-2-1 with a 2.94 goals-against average and .910 save percentage over 53 games. Tucson.com’s Brett Fera has more on the story.
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Luukkonen nearing return to the crease: Reigning OHL MVP and Goaltender of the Year Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen looks to be nearing a return to the crease after undergoing hip surgery this past offseason. The 6-foot-5, 220Ib Sudbury Wolves graduate has been working out with Buffalo’s AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans. ‘UPL’ was Buffalo’s second round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft and helped Finland win gold at the World Juniors last January. He posted a Wolves franchise record 2.50 goals-against average last season, helping the team reach the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2013. The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle’s Leo Roth has the story.
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Quine still working to be everyday NHL-er: OHL graduate Alan Quine, a former second overall OHL Priority Selection choice who was drafted to the NHL two different times, is still working hard to stick in ‘The Show’ on a full-time basis. Quine recently played his 100th career NHL contest, doing so at 26 years of age. The Ottawa, Ont. product has been up and down between the NHL and AHL over the past five seasons and was called up by the Calgary Flames after putting up five points in four contests with AHL Stockton to start the season. Quine played four OHL seasons between Kingston, Peterborough and Belleville from 2009-13. He was a third round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 2011 before being chosen by the New York Islanders in the sixth round of the 2013 NHL Draft. The Calgary Sun’s Wes Gilbertson provides Quine’s story.
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OHL Writers 