Aidan Dudas – Owen Sound Attack – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 5’8”

Weight: 156 pounds

Date of birth: June 15, 2000

Hometown: Parry Sound, Ontario

Position: Center

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 1, 10th overall, 2016 Priority Selection

First there was the Little Engine That Could: “I think I can, I think I can.”

Then, there is Alex DeBrincat: “I know I can, I know I can.”

That was October 16, 2015 when I began my player profile on an equally small 5’7”, 160 pound Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters. And we all know by now that DeBrincat is a member of an ever-growing list of smaller players finding success at the National Hockey League level. The same “I know I can, I know I can” can be applied to Owen Sound Attack forward Aidan Dudas.

I’m not suggesting that Dudas is on the same level as DeBrincat. But I do believe his offense can translate to the NHL. Currently, he has 26 goals and 29 assists in 51 games for the Attack.

Dudas played his Minor Midget hockey with the North Central Predators during the 2014-2015 season. In 31 games for the Preds, he scored 25 goals and added 26 assists and was named the league’s player of the year. He’s played in both the OHL Gold Cup (1 goals, 5 assists in 5 games) and the OHL Cup (2 assists in 4 games).

The Attack would select Dudas with the 10th overall pick at the 2016 Priority Selection.

Dudas broke into the OHL during the 2016-2017 season. He would finish the season with 8 goals and 13 assists in 56 games. He would contribute 3 goals and an assist in 17 playoff games. He also represented Canada at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17 helping Canada Black win a silver medal. At the tournament he was named an Alternate Captain and posted a goal and 4 assists in 6 games.

This season began with Dudas representing Canada once again, this time in August of 2017 at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial. This time he won a Gold Medal and scored once in 5 games.

In November, Dudas was rated a C Prospect on NHL Central Scouting’s Players to Watch list. A C prospect is considered a fourth, fifth or sixth round pick. On their mid-term rankings, Dudas was ranked 131st among North American Skaters.

Dudas was a late addition to the NHL/CHL Sherwin Williams Top Prospects Game. With the help of Central Scouting, the top 40 Canadian Hockey League players are selected to participate and Dudas did not disappoint the scouts on hand, scoring a pair of goals and adding an assist to help Team Cherry win over Team Orr.

At the end of January, Dudas ranked in the top ten in goals, assists, points, faceoff percentage and shots on goal among the OHL’s draft eligible players.

Dudas doesn’t possess elite skating speed which would be a huge bonus for him because of his size. But his speed is above average. He is strong on his skates with good agility and excellent edge work. He ranked second at the NHL/CHL Sherwin Williams Top Prospects on ice testing in transition agility with the puck. With the extra work players are beginning to do with skating coaches, I have no concerns that Dudas cannot add an extra gear.

Dudas plays the game with an elevated level of energy and an undeniable work ethic. He puts that effort into use in all three zones. You will often see Dudas as the first player back on the back check with a never give up mentality.

Dudas is at his best with the puck on his stick. He has excellent puck handling skills with an ability to keep the puck out of reach of defenders. He possesses excellent vision and superb playmaking/passing skills. But he also possesses a very good shot and once he began to realize it is an effective weapon at this level, he began using it more often and climbing up the shots on goal list in the OHL. But it’s not just about firing the puck on goal. He’s getting into the danger zone for high quality chances. That in itself speaks volumes for a player of his stature.

Quite simply: He makes everyone around him a better player.

DeBrincat dropped to the second round in 2016 to the Chicago Blackhawks because of his size. Again, I am not suggesting Dudas is the first-round prospect DeBrincat was. But I do believe he has second round talent. There is no doubt in my mind that if he were 3 inches taller, that’s the position we’d be talking about with Dudas. The question everyone including yours truly is asking is can he translate to the NHL with his size?

Following the Top Prospects Game, Dudas gave a heart felt interview to Greg Cowen of the Owen Sound Times regarding his being left off the original group of players named to the roster and Central Scouting’s ranking. You can read that article here.

Stat page of Aidan Dudas from Elite Prospects

 

OHL This Week for Feb. 8-11, 2018

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Logo

Toronto, ON – February continues with only six more weekends left to play in the Ontario Hockey League regular season.

Here’s a look at what’s been happening around the league this week.

31 OHL GRADUATES PREPARE FOR 2018 WINTER OLYMPICS: 

31 OHL graduates from across the globe will represent their respective countries at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea when men’s hockey action gets underway on Wednesday February 14th. Team Canada leads the way with six OHL grads on the roster. Read more

GREYHOUNDS, STING, RANGERS AND BULLDOGS IN CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:  

The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds continue to hold down top spot in the 20th edition of the CHL Top 10 Rankings. The fourth-ranked Sarnia Sting, eight-ranked Kitchener Rangers and ninth-ranked Hamilton Bulldogs are also included. Full Rankings

GENERALS’ KENNY HUETHER NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Kenny Huether of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the week ending February 4 after scoring three goals and four assists for seven points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-5. Huether produced a pair of multi-point performances that helped the Generals finish the weekend with two straight victories climbing into a tie for fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 25-23-3-0 record. Read more

WAWANESA OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

The 19th edition of the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week for the 2017-18 season feature another collection of the league’s Top-5 goals scored in the week ending February 4. This week’s highlights include some slick passing by Oshawa Generals Domenico Commisso and Kenny Huether to Matt Brassard, the Mississauga Steelheads duo of Albert Michnac to Cole Carter, and a pair of Kingston Frontenacs connect with Gabriel Vilardi to Linus Nyman.  Aidan Dudas of the Owen Sound Attack makes the highlights a second straight week with another filthy toe-drag, and top NHL Draft prospect Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts drives the net and puts it under the bar to headline the list. Watch

VOTE ANDREI SVECHNIKOV IN #CIBCSHOWDOWN:

Barrie Colts forward Andrei Svechnikov not only headlines the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week, but is also the OHL representative featured in this week’s #CIBCShowdown which showcases one great play from all three leagues allowing fans the opportunity to choose their favourite play. See all the plays and vote at chlshowdown.ca.

GOALTENDERS IN FINE FORM IN FEBRUARY’S FIRST EDITION OF JANES SAVES:

OHL goaltenders in fine form featured inside February’s first edition of #JanesSaves. This week features Christian Propp of the North Bay Battalion, Leo Lazarev of the Barrie Colts, Aidan Hughes and Justin Fazio of the Sarnia Sting, Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads, Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires, Joseph Raaymakers of the London Knights, Luke Cavallin of the Flint Firebirds, Mario Culina of the Kitchener Rangers, Colton Incze of the Niagara IceDogs, and Evan Cormier of the Saginaw Spirit. Watch

CHIBRIKOV AND GOLDEN ENJOY MILESTONE MOMENTS:

Defencemen Igor Chibrikov of the Owen Sound Attack and Jacob Golden of the London Knights both scored their first career OHL goals this past weekend. Revisit those milestone moments here! Watch

OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR TOP 10 RANKINGS RELEASED:

Two more teams have clinched spots at the 2018 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour as the Mississauga Reps and Vaughan Kings advanced to the final four of the GTHL’s playoffs. The Reps rise one spot this week, taking a 4-2 series lead in points over the fifth-ranked Toronto Jr. Canadiens in their second round series. The OMHA’s Barrie Colts return to the Top-10 in the ninth spot, holding a 4-0 series lead in points on the North Central Predators in their first round playoff series. Full Rankings

The 2018 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour is a little over a month away. With playoffs underway across the province, we begin our weekly look at teams on their journey to secure their spot at the annual showcase. This week we take a look at the GTHL. Read more at ohlcup.ca.

STING CLINCHES PLAYOFF SPOT:

The Sarnia Sting became the OHL’s second team to clinch a playoff spot, doing so before a national audience on Sportsnet Saturday afternoon. The Sting defeated the London Knights 5-1 in the CHL Saturday Showcase and joined the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in punching their ticket to the 2018 OHL Playoffs. Full standings

8 OHL PLAYERS ON FEBRUARY SPORTSNET NHL DRAFT RANKINGS:

A total of eight OHL players are included in the latest NHL Draft Rankings from Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino. Included in the top 31 are Andrei Svechnikov (3, Barrie Colts), Evan Bouchard (8, London Knights), Barrett Hayton (10, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Serron Noel (20, Oshawa Generals), Ryan McLeod (23, Mississauga Steelheads), Rasmus Sandin (24, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Akil Thomas (28, Niagara IceDogs) and Ryan Merkley (30, Guelph Storm). Additionally, Allan McShane (Oshawa Generals), Kevin Bahl (Ottawa 67’s) and Sean Durzi (Owen Sound Attack) were considered honourable mentions for the list. Get the full list at sportsnet.ca.

KNIGHTS’ BOUCHARD FEATURED ON LATEST EDITION OF JUNIOR HOCKEY MAGAZINE:

Draft eligible London Knights defenceman Evan Bouchard is the featured guest on the latest edition of Mastercard Junior Hockey Magazine with Gino Reda. The MVP of the 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game sits down and shares about his season. Listen

SPORTSNET CHL SATURDAY SHOWCASE FEATURES WHL BATTLE IN ALBERTA:

The CHL Saturday Showcase heads west this weekend as the Red Deer Rebels visit the Edmonton Oil Kings on Sportsnet at 3:30pm ET/12:30 pm PT. RJ Broadhead and Sam Cosentino bring fans all of the action from coast-to-coast. Preview

2018 MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP TICKETS ON SALE TO PUBLIC:

The 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup Host Organizing Committee, together with the Canadian Hockey League, is pleased to announce that ticket packages for the 100th anniversary Mastercard Memorial Cup championship are now available to the public. For more information visit mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

OHL MOURNS THE LOSS OF DOUG ANDERSON:

Long time Rogers TV volunteer Doug Anderson, best known for calling play-by-play for the Battalion during their 15-year tenure in Brampton, sadly passed away last week.  Doug was dedicated to broadcasting and served as a mentor for many aspiring in the field and had a love and passion for the OHL.  More

COMMUNITY CORNER:

CMHA Talk Today Night in five OHL cities: The OHL, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Teachers Life are teaming up to raise awareness about the importance of mental health during games throughout the month of February. All 20 OHL teams are hosting a Talk Today awareness game with the support of their local CMHA Ontario Branch. This week, the CMHA visits  Oshawa on Wednesday, North Bay on Thursday, Barrie and Saginaw on Saturday and Sarnia on Sunday. Full details

Grain Farmers of Ontario visiting four OHL venues: Grain Farmers of Ontario are coming to four OHL rinks this week, making stops in Peterborough and Niagara on Thursday, Kitchener on Friday and Windsor on Sunday. The Good in Every Grain team has a surprise for kids in attendance. Keep an eye out for them this weekend! For more details visit goodineverygrain.ca.

Petes raise $83,578 at ninth annual Pink in the Rink Game: The Peterborough Petes, in association with the Canadian Cancer Society, are pleased to announce that the 2018 Pink in the Rink campaign raised $83,578.64, bringing the nine-year total to over $611,000. Read more

Wolves spend weekend in the community: The Sudbury Wolves enjoyed an eventful weekend in the community, lacing up the skates for some pond hockey, a Meet the Wolves autograph session, cooking demonstration and some practice time with a local minor hockey team. Get the full story at sudburywolves.com.

Battalion salute Centennials on Thursday: The North Bay Battalion will don Centennials black and gold this coming Thursday when they play host to the Flint Firebirds. The game is also CMHA Talk Today Night at the Memorial Gardens.

Fronts host Pink Shirt Day Game on Friday: The Kingston Frontenacs are teaming up with the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston. The Frontenacs are helping spread the word on bullying awareness and are encouraging everyone to #BEKINDer.

London goes green on Friday: The Spectra Venue Management team at Budweiser Gardens will launch its first ‘Green’ event when the London Knights face off against the Sudbury Wolves on Friday. A number of green initiatives will be implemented on Friday including free transit on city buses with the presentation of a game ticket as well as Knights goaltenders contributing to a ‘Saves for Trees’ program. For full details visit londonknights.com.

67’s honour fifth decade on Saturday: The Ottawa 67’s celebrate the fifth and most recent decade of franchise history this coming Saturday when they play host to the Oshawa Generals. The 67’s will welcome various alumni from 2007-17 back to TD Place and unveil the final piece of the Brian Kilrea Legacy Wall. For more details visit ottawa67s.com.

Bulldogs host You Can Play Game on Saturday: The Hamilton Bulldogs host the Kitchener Rangers in a game supporting You Can Play on Saturday. $2 from every ticket purchased will be donated to the You Can Play Project, an initiative working to improve equality in sport.

100th Mastercard Memorial Cup Tour visits Sarnia: The CHL’s 100th Mastercard Memorial Cup celebrations continued this past week in Sarnia, the eleventh stop on a season long tour visiting 17 CHL communities in eight different provinces. The trophy visited some of the city’s finest at Sarnia Police and Fire Departments, and also spent time at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62, Pathways Health Centre for Children, and Bluewater Health where the cup was reunited with 1990 champion Dr Jean-Paul Davis who won as a player with the Oshawa Generals. Read more at mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

ALUMNI NOTES:

McDavid enjoys four-goal night: Erie Otters graduate Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers netted four goals and an assist on Monday, helping the Oilers defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-2. McDavid becomes the third NHL player to score four goals in a game this season, becoming the second-youngest player in Oilers history to do it after all-time great Wayne Gretzky. His five points against the Lightning now give him at least one point against all 30 NHL clubs. He becomes the first Oiler to have multiple hat-tricks in one season Ryan Smyth back in 2000-01. McDavid spent three seasons in an Otters uniform from 2012-15, earning both OHL Rookie of the Year as well as CHL  Player of the Year honours during his tenure.

Abraham sets Queen’s scoring record for defencemen: Queen’s University defenceman Spencer Abraham made history on Saturday, recording his 98th career point, the most ever by a defenceman in the history of the program. Abraham had two assists, feeding fellow OHL graduate Slater Doggett on the game-tying goal with one second left in regulation before the Gaels went on to win 4-3 in overtime. A fourth-year veteran, Abraham has 21 goals and 77 assists over 98 career games. He has represented U SPORTS against Canadian National Junior Team hopefuls and attended Development Camp with the Florida Panthers last summer. He played four seasons between Brampton and Erie from 2010-14.

Doggett named OUA and U SPORTS Male Athlete of the Week: Queen’s University forward Slater Doggett has been named the OUA and U SPORTS Male Athlete of the Week after he recorded four goals over two games. Doggett helped Queen’s defeat RMC in the Carr-Harris Cup with a pair of goals before playing the hero on Saturday in a 4-3 victory over Carleton. Doggett tied the score at three with one second left in regulation before netting the overtime winner. The Windsor Spitfires graduate has 17 goals, 15 assists and 32 points in 26 games with the Gaels this season. He played three OHL seasons with the Kingston Frontenacs and Spitfires from 2012-15.

Parsons earns first AHL win: London Knights graduate Tyler Parsons earned his first career AHL win with the Stockton Heat on Saturday, making 32 saves against the San Jose Barracuda. A 20-year-old native of Chesterfield, Mich., Parsons was a 2016 Mastercard Memorial Cup champion with the London Knights, playing three seasons in green and gold from 2014-17 while being chosen by Calgary in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft. He’s 11-9-0 with a 2.97 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage in 22 games with the ECHL’s Kansas City Mavericks this season.

Pasquale dealt to Lightning: Saginaw Spirit graduate Edward Pasquale was dealt by the Edmonton Oilers to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday and will join the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch. In 16 games with the Bakersfield Condors this season, Pasquale played to a 6-5-0 mark with a 2.60 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. The 27-year-old from Toronto, Ont. is in his seventh professional season after a four-year OHL tenure between Belleville and Saginaw from 2006-10.

Leslie traded to Golden Knights: Guelph Storm graduate Zac Leslie has been traded by the Los Angeles Kings to the Vegas Golden Knights. The 24-year-old Leslie had five points (1-4–5) in 24 games with the AHL’s Ontario Reign this season. Now in his third pro season, Leslie hoisted the J. Ross Robertson Cup as an OHL Champion with the Guelph Storm in 2014. He played four seasons in Guelph from 2011-15.

Carkner moves into coaching role: Peterborough Petes graduate Matt Carkner has moved behind the bench with the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers after retiring from the game as a member of the club in 2016. An assistant coach, Carkner is handling analytics, video prep, doing individual work with players, and is providing support on the defensive side. A 237-game NHL veteran, Carkner was an imposing presence on the Peterborough Petes blue line from 1997-2001. His pro playing career spanned 15 years. Learn more about his transition to coaching at theahl.com.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Saginaw Spirit (25-19-6-0) at Guelph Storm (25-21-1-3) Friday February 9th at Guelph

Two Western Conference teams separated by just two points meet in Guelph on Friday as the Storm and visiting Saginaw Spirit jockey for playoff positions.

The Spirit hold a two-point edge on the Storm entering weekend action. Guelph has won the prior two meetings between the two clubs, with a pair of encounters left on the schedule.

Saginaw has been without the services of injured Brady Gilmour the past few weeks, but continued production from overage blueliner Marcus Crawford, 24-goal scorer Cole Coskey and veteran forward Mason Kohn have helped keep the momentum going forward. The Spirit have won four of their last 10 but have managed at least a point in seven of those games.

The Storm will be without suspended blueliner Ryan Merkley this weekend and will look to other defencemen in Owen Lalonde and Dmitri Samorukov for increased minutes. Draft eligible forward Cam Hills has points in five of the last six games while Philadelphia Flyers prospect Isaac Ratcliffe leads the team with 28 goals.

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (43-5-2-1) at Hamilton Bulldogs (33-12-3-3) Sunday February 11th at Hamilton

It’s a best-on-best showdown as the Western Conference leading Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds visit the Eastern Conference leading Hamilton Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon.

The Hounds have shown no sign of slowing down, entering a weekend road trip as winners of six straight. Top scorer Morgan Frost enters action with points in seven straight games as the Greyhounds and their contingent of eight different 40+ point scorers continue to come at opponents from all angles.

The Bulldogs are led in scoring by 30-goal man Brandon Saigeon followed closely by Montreal Canadiens prospect Will Bitten. They’ll be without the services of suspended forward Robert Thomas this weekend.

This marks the first meeting between the two clubs this season. Regardless of the outcome there’ll be a quick turnaround as the Bulldogs head north to Sault Ste. Marie next Friday.

SCHEDULE:

Thursday February 8: Barrie 5 at Hamilton 1 – Highlights Sault Ste. Marie at Niagara – 7:00pm Flint at North Bay – 7:00pm Owen Sound at Peterborough – 7:05pm Guelph at Windsor – 7:05pm

Friday February 9: Owen Sound at Kingston – 7:00pm Barrie at Mississauga – 7:00pm Flint at Sudbury – 7:05pm Saginaw at Guelph – 7:30pm Sarnia at Kitchener – 7:30pm Erie at London – 7:30pm

Saturday February 10: Oshawa at Ottawa – 2:00pm Kitchener at Hamilton – 4:00pm Sault Ste. Marie at Erie – 7:00pm Sudbury at London – 7:00pm North Bay at Peterborough – 7:05pm Windsor at Saginaw – 7:05pm Niagara at Sarnia – 7:05pm Flint at Barrie – 7:30pm Red Deer at Edmonton – 3:30pm (Sportsnet CHL Saturday Showcase)

Sunday February 11: Mississauga at Erie – 2:00pm London at Guelph – 2:00pm Sault Ste. Marie at Hamilton – 2:00pm North Bay at Kingston – 2:00pm Owen Sound at Ottawa – 2:00pm Sudbury at Sarnia – 2:05pm Niagara at Windsor – 2:05pm Peterborough at Oshawa – 6:05pm

Be sure to catch all of this weekend’s action at ohllive.com.

CHL Announces Top 10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Top 10

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the week 20 edition of the CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2017-18 season.  The weekly rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts.

CHL Top 10 Rankings – Week 20

Rank: Team: Last Week Rank: Number of Weeks Ranked:
1 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (43-5-2-1) 1 20
2 Moose Jaw Warriors (40-9-1-2) 2 18
3 Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (36-9-3-2) 3 20
4 Sarnia Sting (36-12-4-0) 4 17
5 Swift Current Broncos (37-13-3-1) 5 17
6 Halifax Mooseheads (34-12-5-1) 6 9
7 Drummondville Voltigeurs (35-14-1-1) 8 11
8 Kitchener Rangers (35-15-2-0) 9 5
9 Hamilton Bulldogs (33-12-3-3) 7 10
10 Everett Silvertips (34-17-1-2) – 1
Honourable Mention:
Rimouski Oceanic (31-14-5-1) – 7
Kelowna Rockets (32-16-3-1) 10 6
Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (30-14-5-3) – 5

OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Minor Midget Top-10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Mississauga Reps and Vaughan Kings next to officially qualify

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the twelfth edition of the weekly minor midget rankings for the 2018 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament powered by Under Armour and hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

OHL Cup

The 2018 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour and hosted by the GTHL is scheduled for March 13-19 and will feature 20 teams from across Ontario and the United States showcasing many of the top players eligible for the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.  All games will be played at Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday March 19 where it will be broadcasted nationally on Sportsnet.

The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.

Minor Midget Rankings for the 2018 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour – Week 12

RANK TEAM LEAGUE LAST WEEK WEEKS RANKED
1 Toronto Marlboros* GTHL 1 12
2 Oakville Rangers OMHA 2 12
3 Mississauga Reps* GTHL 4 12
4 Vaughan Kings* GTHL 3 12
5 Toronto Jr. Canadiens* GTHL 5 6
6 Detroit Little Caesars U15 USA 6 12
7 Don Mills Flyers GTHL 7 12
8 York-Simcoe Express OMHA 8 10
9 Barrie Colts OMHA – 8
10 Cambridge Hawks ALLIANCE 9 9
   
  Honourable Mention:  
  Peterborough Petes OMHA – 4
  Guelph Gryphons OMHA – 1
  Niagara North Stars OMHA 10 10

Two more teams have clinched spots at the 2018 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour as the Mississauga Reps and Vaughan Kings advanced to the final four of the GTHL’s playoffs. The Reps rise one spot this week, taking a 4-0 series lead in points over the fifth-ranked Toronto Jr. Canadiens in their second round series. The OMHA’s Barrie Colts return to the Top-10 in the ninth spot, holding a 4-0 series lead in points on the North Central Predators in their first round playoff series. Tournament Structure:

16 of the 20 spots in the 2018 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour are guaranteed through league competition.  The 16 guaranteed spots continue to include all four GTHL Semi-Finalists, and the top four teams that place at the OMHA Championship.  Three teams from the ALLIANCE will still be guaranteed a spot in the tournament including the Champion and Finalist, along with the winner of a best-of-three Semi-Final Wild Card Series to be played between the losers of the two league Semi-Finals.  Also as in past years, two tournament entries are reserved for United States competition, while both an HNO and NOHA representative will also compete.  For the second straight season the final guaranteed spot will be awarded to HEO but represented by their previous year Bantam Championship team who will be reassembled for tournament competition.  This season, HEO’s entry will be members of the 2017 Bantam Champion Ottawa Jr. 67’s.

Wild Card Games:

The final four entries at the 2018 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour will be Wild Cards determined among eight teams that will play a one game ‘win and in’ scenario.  The eight competing teams aiming for the final four tournament spots will continue to include the fifth place team at the OMHA Championship, and the loser of the ALLIANCE Semi-Final Wild Card Series.  As introduced in 2016, two spots in Wild Card games will be reserved for GTHL teams.  The two competing GTHL teams will be determined through a pair of Wild Card Play-In Series matchups involving the four GTHL teams who qualified for the playoffs but lost in the first round.  As introduced in 2017, one spot in a Wild Card will also be reserved for the winner of an OMHA SCTA Consolation Game that features both teams who lost in the SCTA Tournament Semi-Final.  The OMHA teams eligible for this matchup will be determined annually based on the league not hosting the OMHA Championship.  Finally, the three remaining teams who will compete in the Wild Card matchups will be named by the Tournament Selection Committee.  The Committee will evaluate and review a team’s post-season success as the first criteria for selection, with additional criteria to include regular season play and tournament play.  All four Wild Card games will take place on Tuesday March 13 with specific matchups and times of play to be determined by random draw among the eight competing teams on Tuesday March 6.

History:

Last season the Mississauga Reps captured their first OHL Cup title, defeating the Toronto Nationals 3-2 on Dennis Golovatchev’s late game winner with nine seconds remaining in the third period.  Current Kitchener Rangers forward Mike Petizian led the showcase with 13 points (5-8—13) in seven games to earn the Tim Adams Memorial Trophy as tournament MVP.

The 2017 OHL Priority Selection featured 15 players chosen in the first round who competed for the OHL Cup including Ryan Suzuki (London Jr. Knights – 1st overall Barrie Colts), Tag Bertuzzi (TPH Hockey – 2nd overall Guelph Storm), Brandon Coe (Toronto Nationals – 3rd overall North Bay Battalion), Nicholas Porco (Vaughan Kings – 4th overall Saginaw Spirit), Philip Tomasino (Mississauga Rebels – 5th overall Niagara IceDogs), Graeme Clarke (Toronto Marlboros – 6th overall Ottawa 67’s), Blake Murray (Whitby Wildcats – 7th overall Sudbury Wolves), Jack Hughes (Toronto Marlboros – 8th overall Mississauga Steelheads), Jamieson Rees (Mississauga Reps – 9th overall Sarnia Sting), Ethan Keppen (Toronto Nationals – 10th overall Flint Firebirds), Connor McMichael (Ajax-Pickering Raiders – 11th overall Hamilton Bulldogs), Cody Morgan (Toronto Jr. Canadiens – 12th overall Kingston Frontenacs), Thomas Harley (Vaughan Kings – 14th overall Mississauga Steelheads), Nathan Staios (Vaughan Kings – 17th overall Windsor Spitfires) and Lucas Rowe (Mississauga Reps – 18th overall London Knights).

Notable OHL Cup graduates currently playing in the NHL include Travis Konecny (Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs/Philadelphia Flyers), Mitch Marner (Vaughan Kings/Toronto Maple Leafs), Connor McDavid (Toronto Marlboros/Edmonton Oilers), Max Domi (Don Mills Flyers/Arizona Coyotes), Sean Monahan (Mississauga Rebels/Calgary Flames), Taylor Hall (Greater Kingston Frontenacs/New Jersey Devils), Tyler Seguin (Toronto Nationals/Dallas Stars), John Tavares (Toronto Marlboros/New York Islanders), P.K Subban (Markham Islanders/Nashville Predators), and Steven Stamkos (Markham Waxers/Tampa Bay Lightning).

2018 marks the second season of a three-year partnership between the OHL and GTHL with Under Armour that includes title sponsorship of the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament.  The OHL and GTHL are also in the second season of a five-year partnership extension announced in 2017 that ensures the event will continue to be hosted by the GTHL through 2021.

For more information, please visit ohlcup.ca.

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Ronning and Bouthillier best in the CHL to start February  

Giants’ Ty Ronning named CHL Player of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that New York Rangers prospect Ty Ronning of the Vancouver Giants is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 4 scoring five goals and two assists for seven points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-3. 

Ronning delivered a trio of multi-point performances last week helping the Giants win all three games to improve their record to 28-16-5-3 in the WHL’s B.C. Division standings.  Opening the week with two home games against the Calgary Hitmen, Ronning scored twice with an assist in Wednesday’s 4-1 victory then scored another two goals including the game-winner on Friday earning first star honours in the 4-2 win.  On Saturday he produced another first star effort scoring once and assisting on the game-winner to reach the 200-point milestone for his career in a 5-4 triumph over the Medicine Hat Tigers.  The Giants sit just four points back of the Kelowna Rockets and Victoria Royals who are tied for the division lead. 

A 20-year-old from Burnaby, BC, Ronning is playing in his fifth season with the Giants who chose him in the first round of the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.  He currently ranks second in the WHL with 47 goals and his 66 points through 52 games are a new career high.  Ronning is just one goal shy of Evander Kane’s single season record of 48 goals and ranks third on the club’s all-time list with 113 in 267 games played.  He was a seventh round pick of the Rangers in the 2016 NHL Draft. 

Also considered for the award this week was 2018 NHL Draft prospect Joe Veleno of the Drummondville Voltigeurs with one goal and six assists for seven points in three games, and Kenny Huether of the Oshawa Generals who scored three goals with four assists for seven points in three games. 

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week:

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)  

Sagueneens’ Zachary Bouthillier named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Zachary Bouthillier of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending February 4 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.88 and save percentage of .948. 

Bouthillier turned aside 73 shots and earned first star honours twice last week backstopping the Sags to a pair of victories over top QMJHL competition.  On Tuesday night against the first place Blainville-Boisbriand Armada he made 30 saves in a 3-2 overtime win, then made 43 saves on Friday against the East Division’s first place Rimouski Oceanic as part of a 4-3 win.  The Sagueneens have now won four straight games and stand 15th in the league’s overall standings with a 21-24-4-0 record. 

An 18-year-old from Chambly, QC, Bouthillier is playing in his second QMJHL season and first in Chicoutimi after being selected by the Shawinigan Cataractes in the second round of the 2015 QMJHL Entry Draft.  In 25 games this season he carries a 7-10-2-0 record including one shutout with a goals-against-average of 3.22 and save percentage of .900. 

Also considered for the award this week was Los Angeles Kings prospect Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds who posted a 3-0-0-0 record including one shutout making 69 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.64 and save percentage of .932.  In the WHL, Riley Lamb of the Red Deer Rebels went 2-0-0-0 stopping 57 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.96 and save percentage of .934. 

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

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)

Generals’ Kenny Huether named OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that forward Kenny Huether of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the week ending February 4 after scoring three goals and four assists for seven points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-5. 

Huether produced a pair of multi-point performances that helped the Generals finish the weekend with two straight victories climbing into a tie for fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 25-23-3-0 record.  Following a 7-1 loss to the Kingston Frontenacs on Friday, Huether put together a first star effort on Saturday in Peterborough scoring one of five first period goals for the Generals and assisting on two which led to an 8-2 road win over their rival Petes.  His week wrapped up Sunday with a season-high four points including two goals and two assists earning second star honours in a 6-3 win over the Windsor Spitfires. 

Kenny Huether of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Kenny Huether of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

A 20-year-old from Londesborough, Ont., Huether is playing in his fourth season in Oshawa after being chosen by the club in the ninth round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.  The overage forward is currently the longest serving General with his tenure dating back to the 2014-15 season which included an OHL and Mastercard Memorial Cup title.  In 236 career games he’s compiled 145 points including 39 points in 51 games this season with a team-high 24 goals. 

Watch video highlights of Huether and the Generals against the Petes and Spitfires. 

Huether wasn’t the only General to have a strong week as Domenico Commisso tallied three goals and four assists for seven points in three games.  A pair of Barrie Colts were also considered for the award after each recording seven points in three games including top NHL Draft prospect Andrei Svechnikov with six goals and one assist, and Ottawa Senators prospect Aaron Luchuk with two goals and five assists.  In goal, Los Angeles Kings prospect Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds posted a 3-0-0-0 record including one shutout making 69 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.64 and save percentage of .932.

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

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)

Barrett Hayton – Soo Greyhounds – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 190 pounds

Date of birth: June 9, 2000

Hometown: Peterborough, Ontario

Position: Center

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 1, 9th overall, 2016 OHL Priority Selection

He played his minor midget hockey with the Toronto Red Wings and scored 36 goals and 37 assists in 59 games. He came off an OHL Gold Cup Championship scoring 3 goals in 5 games. And in the OHL Cup, he scored 4 goals and added 2 assists in 5 games.

When Barrett Hayton was still available at the ninth spot of the 2016 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, it was a no hesitation pick by Kyle Raftis and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Hayton had already won a championship with the Eastern Triple A Minor Midget’s Peterborough Petes. Coming into this season, he won gold with Team Canada at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial where he had 3 goals and 3 assists in 5 games.

Barrett Hayton of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terrry Wilson / OHL Images.
Barrett Hayton of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

To put it simply, Hayton has won and contributed to that winning at every level. And with his Greyhounds being the top dog (no pun intended) in Canadian Major Junior, a run at an OHL and Memorial Cup championship is certainly not out of the question. That can only improve his draft stock as his performance will certainly be fresh in scout’s minds come June in Dallas for the National Hockey League Draft.

His rookie season saw Hayton score 9 goals and add 18 assists on a very deep Greyhounds roster. He also represented Canada at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17 (1 goal and 1 assist in 6 games).

But this season, Hayton is playing a more prominent offensive role with the Greyhounds. He’s posted 17 goals and 28 assists in 48 games. Among the OHL’s draft eligible players, he sits 6th in assists, 7th in points, and 8th in goals.

Coming into the season, Hayton was ranked as an A prospect on NHL Central Scouting’s Players to Watch List.  On their mid-term rankings, Hayton was ranked sixth among North American skaters. On Bob McKenzie’s ever popular mid-season rankings, Hayton was ranked 12th among all skaters. McKenzie’s rankings are done by polling NHL scouts so if you’re looking at what NHL scouts may be leaning towards, there is no better source.

When talking about Hayton, the thing that most people will say about him from the get go is “soft and incredible hands.” And that is an understatement. Along with it, he brings an above average – NHL ready – shot. He releases that shot quickly, sometimes deceptively and with a purpose.

Hayton does not lack in the hockey sense department, which means he can play any role and lineup with and against anyone. At 6’1”, he has some size and plays heavy on the puck with a relentless work ethic and forecheck. His vision is very good which allows him to make plays, and when he’s on the receiving end, as mentioned, his shot makes him a threat to score. He has a willingness to drive the net with or without the puck.

Playing in the middle is relatively new for Hayton. While he has good technique, has some agility and is strong on his skates, he needs to add some speed to his game. He plays a very good three-zone game, but I believe to play pivot at the next level, adding speed will be necessary. I agree with others who maintain that the rest of his game means he’s better suited to play the wing in the NHL. Faceoffs are not a strong suit, winning just 48.2% of his draws.

The possession game is a thriving area of Hayton’s game. His vision and passing abilities allows him to find mates and keep possession, while he is so elusive and puts himself in position for teammates to feed him and keeping possession.

Everyone you talk to speak of Hayton’s excellent leadership qualities both on and off the ice. It’s difficult to find others that work harder, and he leads by example – when you watch him work on his game, you just want to follow his lead.

Barrett Hayton

Stat page of Barrett Hayton, from Elite Prospects

OHL’s Draft Eligible Statistical Leaders: January

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

January 31 brings us within a hair of the three-quarter mark of the Ontario Hockey League season and there are many interesting individual races in a variety of statistical categories. As always, we look at players eligible for the National Hockey League Draft in June in Dallas Texas, for the first time. That is not meant to take away from players re-entering the draft. While I believe some of them will get drafted the second time around, history has shown that they are usually passed over the second time.

It’s hard to imagine, or maybe it is not, where Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts would be had he not missed almost two months with a wrist injury. Despite missing seven weeks and playing in twenty fewer games, Svechnikov leads all draft eligible players with 23 goals in 27 games. That’s two more then Aidan Dudas of the Owen Sound Attack and three more then Ty Dellandria of the Flint Firebirds, who both have played 47 games.

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

Thanks in part to Svechnikov’s absence, a pair of highly touted defensemen lead all players in points. Evan Bouchard of the London Knights leads the pack with 60 points in 47 games. He is followed closely by Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm who has 57 points in 47 games. Akil Thomas of the Niagara IceDogs comes in third with 56 points in 47 games.

Of course, it goes without saying that Bouchard and Merkley lead all defensemen in the point scoring race. Rasmus Sandin of the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds sits in the next tier by himself with 30 points in 34 games. Yours truly has made it no secret that Sandin would be my choice as the second defenseman taken from the OHL. Giovanni Vallati of the Kitchener Rangers comes in fourth with 20 points in 47 games.

Over the years, there has been a great debate over the value of the plus-minus stat. Whether you agree or not, there is some value to the stat. And Sandin leads the way with a plus-28. That’s a comfortable plus-10 more than teammate Barrett Hayton and Nathan Dunkley of the London Knights.

Serron Noel of the Oshawa Generals led the entire OHL for most of the season in shooting percentage. As of January 31, he drops to second, but still leads all draft eligible players at 25%. Svechnikov comes in second, scoring on 22.3% of his shots, while Cam Hillis of the Guelph Storm comes in third at 21.8%.

Bouchard leads all shooters in shots on goal with 211, which is good enough for second overall in the OHL. He has a comfortable lead over Dellandria (173) and Dudas (172).

While we take great care in compiling stats, always refer to the OHL website for official stats.

Points Leaders
Player Team GP G A Pts
Evan Bouchard London Knights 47 16 44 60
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 47 12 45 57
Akil Thomas Niagara Ice Dogs 47 13 43 56
Ryan McLeod Mississauga Steelheads 47 17 36 53
Aidan Dudas Owen Sound Attack 47 21 25 46
Cam Hillis Guelph Storm 47 18 28 46
Barrett Hayton Soo Greyhounds 47 17 27 44
Ty Dellandrea Flint Firebirds 47 20 21 41
Nathan Dunkley London Knights 40 15 24 39
Andrei Svechnikov Barrie Colts 27 23 15 38
Goal Scoring Leaders
Player Team GP G GPG
Andrei Svechnikov Barrie Colts 27 23 0.85
Aidan Dudas Owen Sound Attack 47 21 0.45
Ty Dellandrea Flint Firebirds 47 20 0.43
Cam Hillis Guelph Storm 47 18 0.38
Serron Noel Oshawa Generals 42 18 0.43
Pavel Gogolev Peterborough Petes 43 18 0.42
Ryan McLeod Mississauga Steelheads 47 17 0.36
Barrett Hayton Soo Greyhounds 47 17 0.36
Evan Bouchard London Knights 47 16 0.34
Kody Clark Ottawa 67’s 38 16 0.42
Assist Leaders
Player Team GP A APG
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 47 45 0.96
Evan Bouchard London Knights 47 44 0.94
Akil Thomas Niagara Ice Dogs 47 43 0.91
Ryan McLeod Mississauga Steelheads 47 36 0.77
Cam Hillis Guelph Storm 47 28 0.60
Barrett Hayton Soo Greyhounds 47 27 0.57
Allan McShane Oshawa Generals 47 27 0.57
Aidan Dudas Owen Sound Attack 47 25 0.53
Rasmus Sandin Soo Greyhounds 34 24 0.71
Nathan Dunkley London Knights 40 24 0.60
Defencemen Point Leaders
Player Team GP G A Pts
Evan Bouchard London Knights 47 16 44 60
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 47 12 45 57
Rasmus Sandin Soo Greyhounds 34 6 24 30
Giovanni Vallati Kitchener Rangers 46 3 17 20
Merrick Rippon Ottawa 67’s 48 2 16 18
Peter Stratis Sudbury Wolves 49 5 12 17
Caleb Everett Saginaw Spirit 39 4 13 17
Kevin Bahl Ottawa 67’s 48 1 16 17
Plus/Minus Leaders
Player Team GP +/-
Rasmus Sandin Soo Greyhounds 34 +28
Nathan Dunkley London Knights 40 +18
Barrett Hayton Soo Greyhounds 47 +18
Evan Bouchard London Knights 47 +17
Tyler Tucker Barrie Colts 40 +16
Adam Liska Kitchener Rangers 44 +12
Andrei Svechnikov Barrie Colts 27 +11
Alec Regula London Knights 47 +11
William Sirman Windsor Spitfires 46 +10
Ryan Roth Soo Greyhounds 49 +10
Penalty Minutes Leaders
Player Team GP PIM M/G
Tyler Tucker Barrie Colts 40 67 1.68
Kevin Bahl Ottawa 67’s 48 67 1.40
Daylon Groulx Owen Sound Attack 39 60 1.54
Merrick Rippon Ottawa 67’s 48 57 1.19
Curtis Douglas Windsor Spitfires 46 55 1.20
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 47 50 1.06
Max Grondin Saginaw Spirit 46 47 1.02
Faceoff Leaders  (Minimum 200 faceoffs)
Player Team GP FOA FOW %
Billy Moskal London Knights 46 445 266 59.8
Allan McShane Oshawa Generals 47 695 382 55.0
Nathan Dunkley London Knights 40 484 263 54.3
David Levin Sudbury Wolves 32 232 125 53.9
Ryan McLeod Mississauga Steelheads 48 1043 556 53.3
Akil Thomas Niagara Ice Dogs 47 761 405 53.2
Ty Dellandrea Flint Firebirds 47 985 500 50.8
Aidan Dudas Owen Sound Attack 47 662 326 49.2
Barret Kirwin Guelph Storm 48 659 324 49.2
Cam Hillis Guelph Storm 48 776 379 48.8
Longest Goal Scoring Streak
Player Team From To Gms Goals
Brady Hinz Sarnia Sting 10/9 10/19 5 7
Kody Clark Ottawa 67’s 10/12 10/21 5 6
Nathan Dunkley Kingston Frontenacs 11/26 12/3 4 5
Blade Jenkins Saginaw Spirit 10/29 11/4 4 6
Ryan McLeod Mississauga Steelheads 1/19 1/26 3 6
Longest Assist Streak
Player Team From To Gms Assts
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 10/22 11/16 9 13
Akil Thomas Niagara Ice Dogs 9/30 10/19 8 10
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 1/11 1/28 8 10
Ryan McLeod Mississauga Steelheads 10/27 11/9 6 9
Akil Thomas Niagara Ice Dogs 12/7 12/31 6 6
Longest Point Streak
Player Team From To Gms Pts
Ryan McLeod Mississauga Steelheads 10/6 11/10 14 20
Akil Thomas Niagara Ice Dogs 12/9 1/13 12 18
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 11/19 12/15 10 16
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 10/22 11/16 9 17
Akil Thomas Niagara Ice Dogs 9/29 10/19 9 15
Shooting Percentage
Player Team GP G S %
Serron Noel Oshawa Generals 42 18 72 25.0
Andrei Svechnikov Barrie Colts 27 23 103 22.3
Cam Hillis Guelph Storm 48 19 87 21.8
Nathan Dunkley London Knights 40 15 74 20.3
Brady Hinz Peterborough Petes 49 14 73 19.2
Shots On Goal Leaders
Player Team GP SOG
Evan Bouchard London Knights 47 211
Ty Dellandrea Flint Firebirds 47 173
Aidan Dudas Owen Sound Attack 47 172
Riley Damiani Kitchener Rangers 49 133
Barrett Hayton Soo Greyhounds 47 131
Goaltenders Leaders – Goals Against Average (Min 10 games)
Player Team GP Min GA Avg
Jordon Kooy London Knights 17 827 40 2.90
Nick Donofrio Hamilton Bulldogs 11 581 30 3.10
Kai Edmonds Barrie Colts 12 569 32 3.37
Jacob Ingham Mississauga Steelheads 33 1865 117 3.76
Cameron Lamour Saginaw Spirit 12 522 37 4.25
Goaltending Leaders – Save Percentage (Min 10 games)
Player Team GP SH  SVS SV%
Jordon Kooy London Knights 17 442 402 0.910
Nick Donofrio Hamilton Bulldogs 11 270 240 0.889
Kai Edmonds Barrie Colts 12 278 246 0.885
Jacob Ingham Mississauga Steelheads 33 959 842 0.878
Marshall Frappier Sudbury Wolves 13 376 329 0.875
Goaltending Leaders – Wins
Player Team GP W L OL
Jacob Ingham Mississauga Steelheads 17 13 16 1
Nick Donofrio Hamilton Bulldogs 11 7 1 1
Jordon Kooy London Knights 17 6 6 1
Kai Edmonds Barrie Colts 12 5 4 0
Cameron Lamour Saginaw Spirit 12 5 4 0
Goaltending Leaders – Shutouts
Player Team GP SO
Nick Donofrio Hamilton Bulldogs 11 1
Mario Peccia Oshawa Generals 8 1

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Player of the Month for January

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Barrie Colts’ Andrei Svechnikov is our draft eligible player of the month for January.

Svechnikov had a dominant offensive performance for the Colts posting 9 goals and 8 assists in 11 games in January. He was held off the score sheet just once, on January 13 versus the North Bay Battalion. Seven of his remaining ten games were multi-point games. He was named the OHL Rookie of the Month for January.

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

Heading into the season, Svechnikov was a consensus top-two pick for the 2018 National Hockey League draft. More recently, it’s almost assured that Sweden’s Rasmus Dahlin will be the first player selected, while Filip Zadina (Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL) is challenging Svechnikov to go second.

Svechnikov missed almost two months with a wrist injury. Prior to his injury, he was second in the Ontario Hockey League with 10 goals in 10 games. Despite playing in 20 fewer games, he still leads all draft eligible players in goals with 23 at the end of January (27 games played) and is among the top 10 in points. He sits second next to fellow draft eligible Serron Noel of the Oshawa Generals in shooting percentage at 22.3% on 23 goals on 103 shots.

Also considered was Mississauga Steelheads’ Ryan McLeod who had 7 goals and 8 assists in 10 games. Evan Bouchard of the London Knights was also given consideration after posting 3 goals and 11 assists in 11 OHL games and tying the NHL/CHL Top Prospects Game record with 4 assists and being named player of the game. Akil Thomas was also considered after posting 3 goals and 14 assists in 12 games.

Player of the Month

Andrei Svechnikov – Barrie Colts (January)

Evan Bouchard – London Knights (December)

Evan Bouchard – London Knights (November)

Brady Hinz – Sarnia Sting (October)

Matthew Struthers – Owen Sound Attack (September)

OHL Academic Players of the Month for January

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the OHL Academic Players of the Month for January 2018, including Jakob Brahaney of the Kingston Frontenacs, Travis Mailhot of the North Bay Battalion, Tag Bertuzzi of the Guelph Storm, and Damien Giroux of the Saginaw Spirit.

East Division: Kingston Frontenacs blueliner Jakob Brahaney is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for January. The 18-year-old native of Campbellford, Ont. has maintained high academic standing in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at St. Lawrence College. “Jakob’s dedication to academics mirrors his success on the ice,” said Frontenacs academic advisor Mike Hamilton. “He has a reputation with coaches and teachers as being a committed, hard-working individual on and off the ice.” Kingston’s second round pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection, Brahaney leads the Frontenacs with a plus-minus rating of plus-30 this season, collecting 20 points (4-16–20) in 47 games.


 Central Division: North Bay Battalion defenceman Travis Mailhot is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for January. The 18-year-old native of Caledon East, Ont. holds an 86% average in Grade 12 university-level Law, International Business and Co-op courses at Chippewa Secondary School. “Travis is a very consciencious student who is a hard worker and good role model in class,” noted Battalion academic advisor Colleen Point. The 6-foot-5, 210Ib. former fifth round pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection has appeared in 15 games with the Troops this season. 


 Midwest Division: Guelph Storm rookie forward Tag Bertuzzi is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for January. The 16-year-old native of Vancouver, BC has maintained an 80% average in Grade 11 university-level English and Accounting courses at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School. “Tag’s respectful and positive attitude make him a pleasure to teach,” said Storm academic advisor Colleen Driscoll. “His ability to balance his academic and hockey commitments is a direct result of his work ethic and determination.” The second overall pick of the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, Bertuzzi has eight points (3-5–8) in 33 games this season. He represented Team Canada Black at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.


 West Division: Saginaw Spirit sophomore forward Damien Giroux is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for January. The 17-year-old native of Hanmer, Ont. holds a 96% average in Grade 12 Mathematics, Chemistry, English and French courses at Heritage High School. “Damien is an exceptional young man and a pleasure to know,” said Spirit academic advisor Pam Moretuzzo. “He is polite, responsible, honest, hard-working and a role model for others.” Saginaw’s third round pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection, Giroux has 33 points (15-18–33) in 48 games this season.


 2017-18 OHL Academic Players of the Month:


 East Division:
January – Jakob Brahaney (Kingston Frontenacs)
December – Jake Murray (Hamilton Bulldogs)
November – Chad Denault (Peterborough Petes)
October – Kevin Bahl (Ottawa 67’s)


 Central Division:
January – Travis Mailhot (North Bay Battalion)
December – Kai Edmonds (Barrie Colts)
November – Isaac Walker (Mississauga Steelheads)
October – Blake McConville (Sudbury Wolves)


 Midwest Division:
January – Tag Bertuzzi (Guelph Storm)
December – Alex Gritz (Erie Otters)
November – Aidan Dudas (Owen Sound Attack)
October – Billy Moskal (London Knights)


 West Division:
January – Damien Giroux (Saginaw Spirit)
December – Ty Dellandrea (Flint Firebirds)
November – Chris Playfair (Windsor Spitfires)
October – Brett Jacklin (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)


 Last season, the OHL Centrally Administered Scholarship Program facilitated scholarships for 301 OHL Alumni with a total scholarship payment in excess of $3.17 million.  Since the 2007-08 season, OHL Scholarship payments have totaled more than $18.8 million.

Click here for more information about ‘OHL Players First’ programs.