Colts announce Ryan Suzuki as First Overall Pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Priority Selection takes place Saturday April 8, 2017, at 9:00 am at www.ontariohockeyleague.com

OHL Priority Logo

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League in association with the Barrie Colts Hockey Club today announced that 15-year-old forward Ryan Suzuki of the ALLIANCE’s London Jr. Knights will be the first overall pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection.

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

“The opportunity to have the first selection in the OHL Priority Selection is exciting for us,” said Colts General Manager Jason Ford. “When you have the ability to add a player of the calibre of Ryan, that makes a big difference to the team going forward. Hats off to our scouting staff. It’s always a big job to make sure you’ve seen as many players as possible and with a deep draft this year, it was lots of work. We’re very happy that Ryan chose the OHL and thrilled that he will be a Barrie Colt.”

Suzuki was named the ALLIANCE Minor Midget Player of the Year after leading the league in scoring with 19 goals and 40 assists for 59 points in 32 games helping the Jr. Knights capture their seventh straight league title qualifying for the OHL Cup as the tournament’s top ranked team.  Following his Minor Midget campaign, Suzuki joined the GOJHL’s London Nationals and helping them secure a Western Conference title.

“I really like the kind of player Ryan is,” said Colts Head Coach Dale Hawerchuk. “He leads by example and it’s great to have a player like that coming onto the team. He sees the ice exceptionally well, has skill, can score, but he’s also is a playmaker. I think he’ll be a key asset for us and make a big impact, and we really like him off the ice too. His brother is obviously doing very well in this league and I’m excited to start working with Ryan.”

The 6’0’’, 160 pound, centre born May 28, 2001, is eligible for the 2019 NHL Draft and is the younger brother of Owen Sound Attack forward Nick Suzuki who is a top prospect for the upcoming 2017 NHL Draft.

“I am extremely excited and honoured to be chosen first overall in this year’s OHL Priority Selection,” Suzuki said.  “It’s an amazing feeling.  I want to thank the Barrie Colts ownership, management team and scouting staff for having confidence in me.  I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates and being part of a championship team here in Barrie. And it will be fun playing against my brother and the Attack this year”, he added.

Suzuki is the 2017 recipient of the Jack Ferguson Award presented annually to the player selected first overall in the OHL Priority Selection. The “Fergie” recognizes the dedication and contributions made by Jack Ferguson during his 25 year association with the OHL, first as a scout with the Ottawa 67’s and followed by his appointment as head of the OHL’s Central Scouting Bureau in 1981 as its Director of Central Scouting.  Suzuki is the third member of the Colts to receive the award following Daniel Tkaczuk in 1995, and Aaron Ekblad in 2011.  The past five recipients include Ryan Merkley, David Levin, Jakob Chychrun, Travis Konecny, and current NHL scoring leader Connor McDavid.

“Ryan is one of the most skilled players in this year’s Priority Selection,” says OHL Central Scouting Director Darrell Woodley. “He is the type of player that makes everyone around him better. Ryan is an unselfish player that sees the ice better than most in this age group. He makes plays that a lot of people don’t see developing from the stands and his passes are usually tape-to-tape. He is a good skater with the ability to beat players off the rush. He is dangerous every time he is on the ice and will be an offensive force in the OHL.”

WATCH: #OHLDraft Prospect Profile – Ryan Suzuki, London Jr. Knights

Suzuki will be a feature guest on the live 2017 OHL Priority Selection Draft Show beginning at 9:00 am on Saturday April 8, 2017.  The draft show along with live results feed will be available at www.ontariohockeyleague.com.  For the tenth straight year, media and fans can watch the first three rounds live online with host Terry Doyle who will be joined on set by Darrell Woodley and Tim Cherry of OHL Central Scouting to provide analysis, interviews, and video footage of the next wave of OHL stars.

Former winners of the Jack Ferguson Award Include:
1981 Dan Quinn, Belleville Bulls
1982 Kirk Muller, Guelph Platers
1983 Trevor Stienburg, Guelph Platers
1984 Dave Moylan, Sudbury Wolves
1985 Bryan Fogarty, Kingston Canadians
1986 Troy Mallette, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
1987 John Uniac, Sudbury Wolves
1988 Drake Berehowsky, Kingston Raiders
1989 Eric Lindros, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
1990 Pat Peake, Detroit Ambassadors
1991 Todd Harvey, Detroit Ambassadors
1992 Jeff O’Neill, Guelph Storm
1993 Alyn McCauley, Ottawa 67’s
1994 Jeff Brown, Sarnia Sting
1995 Daniel Tkaczuk, Barrie Colts
1996 Rico Fata, London Knights
1997 Charlie Stephens, Toronto St. Michael’s Majors
1998 Jay Harrison, Brampton Battalion
1999 Jason Spezza, Mississauga IceDogs
2000 Patrick Jarrett, Mississauga IceDogs
2001 Patrick O’Sullivan,Mississauga IceDogs
2002 Robbie Schremp, Mississauga IceDogs
2003 Patrick McNeill, Saginaw Spirit
2004 John Hughes, Belleville Bulls
2005 John Tavares, Oshawa Generals
2006 Steven Stamkos, Sarnia Sting
2007 Ryan O’Reilly, Erie Otters
2008 John McFarland, Sudbury Wolves
2009 Daniel Catenacci, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
2010 Alex Galchenyuk, Sarnia Sting
2011 Aaron Ekblad, Barrie Colts
2012 Connor McDavid, Erie Otters
2013 Travis Konecny, Ottawa 67’s
2014 Jakob Chychrun, Sarnia Sting
2015 David Levin, Sudbury Wolves
2016 Ryan Merkley, Guelph Storm
2017 Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts

The OHL Draft is Almost Here

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The 2017 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection takes place this Saturday April 8, 2017, beginning at 9:00 am and can be followed live online at www.ontariohockeyleague.com.

fans are encouraged to join the conversation on social media leading up to and throughout the weekend using #OHLDraft.

Click here to access the 2017 OHL Priority Selection Preview and Media Guide.

Priority Selection

Canada completes pre-tournament roster with 11 player-additions

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Hockey Canada

ETOBICOKE, Ont. – Hockey Canada has announced the addition of 11 players to its pre-tournament roster for the 2017 IIHF U18 World Championship in Poprad and Spisska Nova Ves, Slovakia, beginning later this month.

Joining the early roster announced on April 4 are goaltenders Alexis Gravel (Asbestos, Que./Halifax, QMJHL) and Jacob McGrath (Mississauga, Ont./Sudbury, OHL); defencemen Josh Brook (Roblin, Man./Moose Jaw, WHL), Jocktan Chainey (Asbestos, Que./Halifax, QMJHL), Jared McIsaac (Truro, N.S./Halifax, QMJHL) and Jett Woo (Winnipeg/Moose Jaw, WHL); and forwards MacKenzie Entwistle (Georgetown, Ont./Hamilton, OHL), Liam Hawel (Arnprior, Ont./Guelph, OHL), Kyle Olson (Calgary/Tri-City, WHL), Nate Schnarr (Waterloo, Ont./Guelph, OHL), and Matthew Strome (Mississauga, Ont./Hamilton, OHL).

Gravel, Woo, and McIsaac join the six previously-announced under-aged players who are using the pre-tournament camp and games as an opportunity to further develop and gain international experience. Hockey Canada will still have an opportunity to add players to the roster as teams are eliminated in Canadian Hockey League (CHL) playoffs.

The team departs today for Slovakia to continue its training camp and play two pre-tournament games – April 9 in Bratislava versus Russia; and April 10 in Piestany versus Switzerland.

Canada opens the 2017 IIHF U18 World Championship on April 13 against Latvia; it will also play Finland, Slovakia and Switzerland in preliminary-round action. TSN, the official broadcast partner of Hockey Canada, is broadcasting 12 games, including all of Team Canada’s match-ups at the IIHF U18 World Championship. RDS will broadcast 10 games, including Canada’s four preliminary-round games, two quarter-final games, both semifinals, and the bronze- and gold-medal games.

Canada has won seven medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship, including three gold medals (2003, 2008, 2013).

For more information on Hockey Canada and the Program of Excellence, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Twitter.com/HC_Men.

Guelph Storm to host 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with Sherwin-Williams, the Ontario Hockey League, and the Guelph Storm Hockey Club, today announced that the 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game will be hosted by the Storm at Sleeman Centre on Thursday January 25, 2018.

The 2018 event will mark the 23rd annual showcase of the CHL’s top-40 NHL draft eligible players featuring talent from the Ontario Hockey League, the Western Hockey League, and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League competing before hundreds of NHL scouts in attendance.

top-prospects-game

“The Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is a true showcase of our league’s rising stars and the next wave of NHL talent,” said CHL President David Branch. “On behalf of the Canadian Hockey League, we are very pleased to bring this event to the City of Guelph and the Storm organization for what will surely be a special experience for the players and an exciting game for the fans.”

Guelph will become the 15th different Canadian city to host the event following the likes of Toronto (1996-98, 2000, 2011), Calgary (1999, 2001, 2014), Saskatoon (2002), Kitchener (2003), London (2004), Vancouver (2005, 2016), Ottawa (2006), Quebec City (2007, 2017), Edmonton (2008), Oshawa (2009), Windsor (2010), Kelowna (2012), Halifax (2013), and St. Catharines (2015).

“We are extremely excited to bring such a prestigious event to the city of Guelph,” said Storm Governor Rick Gaetz. “For our great fans, our partners and of course our players, we are thrilled to be the next world class host for this elite game.”

The Storm have had 18 players compete in this event including representation by forwards Isaac Ratcliffe and Nate Schnarr this season in Quebec.  Nine former Storm were chosen in the first round of the NHL Draft following event participation including Manny Malhotra (New York Rangers 1998), Daniel Paille (Buffalo 2002), Dustin Brown (Los Angeles 2003), Ryan Parent (Nashville 2005), Thomas McCollum (Detroit 2008), Drew Doughty (Los Angeles 2008), Peter Holland (Anaheim 2009), Jason Dickinson (Dallas 2013), and Robby Fabbri (St. Louis 2014).

“As the official paint sponsor of the CHL, the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is a highlight for Sherwin-Williams,” said Paul Clifford, President and General Manager, Sherwin-Williams. “We are honoured to continue our great partnership with the CHL, and we look forward to cheering on some great on-ice talent next year in Guelph.”

Since the event was first introduced in 1996 the game has featured 13 players that were selected with the first overall pick in the NHL Draft including Chris Phillips (1996), Joe Thornton (1997), Vincent Lecavalier (1998), Rick Nash (2002), Marc-Andre Fleury (2003), Patrick Kane (2007), Steven Stamkos (2008), John Tavares (2009), Taylor Hall (2010), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011), Nathan MacKinnon (2013), Aaron Ekblad (2014), and Connor McDavid (2015).  This season, 33 of the top-62 ranked North American skaters eligible for the 2017 NHL Draft competed on January 30 in Quebec City.  Top ranked Nolan Patrick of the Brandon Wheat Kings captained Team Cherry to a 7-5 victory over Team Orr, captained by number two ranked Nico Hischier of the Halifax Mooseheads who was named Player of the Game with a goal and two assists.

The 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is proudly supported by title partner Sherwin-Williams, and CHL associate sponsors CIBC, Cooper Tire, and autoTRADER.ca.  The game will be broadcast live on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

For more information please visit http://sherwin-williamstopprospects.ca.

Ask Sherwin-Williams™
For 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As North America’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident colour selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,000 neighbourhood stores. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.ca. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tumblr.

2017 OHL Playoffs – Second Round Schedule

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Playoffs 2017

Toronto, ON – The first round of the 2017 OHL Playoffs wrapped up Tuesday night with a pair of thrilling Game 7 decisions including the London Knights edging the Windsor Spitfires 3-2, and the Kingston Frontenacs defeating the Hamilton Bulldogs by a 3-2 score in overtime.

All four Conference Semi-Final matchups are set with final second round schedules confirmed.

In the Western Conference, the Knights will now face the first place Midwest Division champion Erie Otters who advanced to the second round following a 4-0 series win over the Sarnia Sting.  The other Western Conference Semi-Final matchup includes the second seed West Division champion Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds against the third place Owen Sound Attack.  The Greyhounds advanced with a 4-1 series win over the Flint Firebirds, while the Attack also defeated the Kitchener Rangers in five games.

In the Eastern Conference, the Frontenacs will now face the first place East Division champion Peterborough Petes who advanced to the second round with a 4-0 series win over the Niagara IceDogs.  The other Eastern Conference Semi-Final matchup will feature the second place Central Division champion Mississauga Steelheads against the third place Oshawa Generals.  Both clubs advanced with 4-2 series wins on Sunday including the Steelheads over the Ottawa 67’s and the Generals over the Sudbury Wolves.

The puck drops on second round action beginning Wednesday night, April 5.

2017 #OHLPLAYOFFS BRACKETS

2017 OHL EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE:

Series “E” – Peterborough Petes (1) vs. Kingston Frontenacs (4)
Game 1, Thurs, Apr 6, at Peterborough – 7:05 pm
Game 2, Sun, Apr 9, at Peterborough – 7:05 pm
Game 3, Tues, Apr 11, at Kingston – 7:00 pm
Game 4, Thurs, Apr 13, at Kingston – 7:00 pm
Game 5, Sat, Apr 15, at Peterborough – 7:05 pm*
Game 6, Mon, Apr 17, at Kingston – 7:00 pm*
Game 7, Tues, Apr 18, at Peterborough – 7:05 pm*
#PBOvsKGN

Series “F” – Mississauga Steelheads (2) vs. Oshawa Generals (3)
Game 1, Fri, Apr 7, at Mississauga – 7:00 pm
Game 2, Sun, Apr 9, at Mississauga – 2:00 pm
Game 3, Tues, Apr 11, at Oshawa – 7:05 pm
Game 4, Thurs, Apr 13, at Oshawa – 7:05 pm
Game 5, Sat, Apr 15, at Oshawa – 2:05 pm*
Game 6, Sun, Apr 16, at Mississauga – 2:00 pm*
Game 7,Tues, Apr 18, at Mississauga – 7:00 pm*
#MISSvsOSH

*if necessary

2017 OHL WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE:

Series “E” – Erie Otters (1) vs. London Knights (4)
Game 1, Thurs, Apr 6, at Erie – 7:00 pm
Game 2, Fri, Apr 7, at Erie – 7:00 pm
Game 3, Tues, Apr 11, at London – 7:00 pm
Game 4, Thurs, Apr 13, at London – 7:00 pm
Game 5, Sat, Apr 15, at Erie – 7:00 pm*
Game 6, Sun, Apr 16, at London – 6:00 pm*
Game 7, Tues, Apr 18, at Erie – 7:00 pm*
#ERvsLDN

Series “F” – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (2) vs. Owen Sound Attack (3)
Game 1, Wed, Apr 5, at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07 pm
Game 2, Fri, Apr 7, at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07 pm
Game 3, Sun, Apr 9, at Owen Sound – 6:00 pm
Game 4, Tues, Apr 11, at Owen Sound – 7:00 pm
Game 5, Fri, Apr 14, at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07 pm*
Game 6, Sun, Apr 16, at Owen Sound – 6:00 pm*
Game 7, Tues, Apr 18, at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07 pm*
#SSMvsOS

*if necessary

Play #CHLPredictor and choose playoff winners from across the Canadian Hockey League! Register through the new #CHLFanbase module, earn points for correct picks, and have the chance to win great prizes including a trip to the Mastercard Memorial Cup.

OHL Playoff Preview: Round Two

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Well, it wasn’t a bad round for my predictions as I went 7 correct winners of the possible 8. Five of the seven correct came in the number of games I predicted. In fact, the one I did get incorrect: I had Hamilton defeating Kingston in 7 games, but in the end, it was Kingston that prevailed in seven games, and in overtime to boot.

Good luck to everyone trying to predict the second round. It’s a tough one. But I’ll give it a shot.

Round one predictions and results:

Series Prediction Results
(1) Peterborough vs (8) Niagara Peterborough in 6 Peterborough 4-0
(2) Mississauga vs (7) Ottawa Mississauga in 5 Mississauga 4-2
(3) Oshawa vs (6) Sudbury Oshawa in 6 Oshawa 4-2
(4) Kingston vs (5) Hamilton Hamilton in 7 Kingston 4-3
(1) Erie vs (8) Sarnia Erie in 4 Erie 4-0
(2) SSM vs (7) Flint SSM in 5 SSM 4-1
(3) Owen Sound vs (6) Kitchener Owen Sound in 5 Owen Sound 4-1
(4) London vs (5) Windsor London in 7 London 4-3

 

Round Two Preview

*Note: When it comes to goals for, goals against, powerplay and penalty kill percentages. I list both the regular season and the playoffs.

Eastern Conference

(1) Peterborough vs (4) Kingston

  Peterborough Kingston
Overall Record 42-21-2-3 33-26-5-4
Head-to-Head 6-2-0-0 2-3-2-1
Home Record 24-7-2-1 20-9-3-2
Away Record 18-14-0-2 13-17-2-2
Goals For 239 – 21 179 – 22
Goals Against 221 – 10 200 – 19
Powerplay 20.7% – 26.7% 22.1% – 11.1%
Penalty Kill 80.7% – 75.0% 78.1% – 64.3%
Draft Eligible Players to Watch Cole Fraser (D) Jacob Paquette (D)
  Zach Gallant (C) Eemeli Rasanen (D)
  Nick Isaacson (LW) Jason Robertson (LW)
  Matyas Svoboda (LW) Linus Nyman (RW)

 

The Petes are very well rested after taking care of Niagara in for games while Kingston is coming off that 7 game nail-biter with Hamilton. Special teams could be huge in this series with the Petes holding a decided advantage in both the powerplay and the penalty kill.

Prediction: Peterborough in 6 games

(2) Mississauga vs (3) Oshawa

  Mississauga Oshawa
Overall Record 34-21-6-7 40-23-3-2
Head-to-Head 0-2-1-1 4-0-0-0
Home Record 16-11-4-3 25-9-0-0
Away Record 18-10-2-4 15-14-3-2
Goals For 240 – 22 228 – 20
Goals Against 219 – 17 215 – 13
Powerplay 19.7% – 14.3% 18.8% – 8.6%
Penalty Kill 80.6% – 78.3% 83.1% – 84.6%
Draft Eligible Players to Watch Nicolas Hague (D) Jack Studnicka (C)
  Owen Tippett (RW) Kyle Keyser (G)
  Shaw Boomhower (C)  

 

Both teams are coming off series victories in 6 games with Mississauga taking care of Ottawa and Oshawa beating Sudbury. The two teams are pretty evenly matched, but Oshawa is going to have to improve on their powerplay. If they can do that, they can take this series. With that said…..

Prediction: Mississauga in 7 games

Western Conference

(1) Erie vs (4) London

  Erie London
Overall Record 50-15-2-1 46-15-3-4
Head-to-Head 4-2-0-0 2-4-0-0
Home Record 30-2-1-1 25-5-1-3
Away Record 20-13-1-0 21-10-2-1
Goals For 319 – 29 289 – 21
Goals Against 182 – 12 194 – 18
Powerplay 27.2% – 34.8% 26.4% – 25.9%
Penalty Kill 83.4% – 64.3% 81.0% – 79.3%
Draft Eligible Players to Watch Ivan Lodnia (C) Robert Thomas (C)
    Alex Forementon (LW)

 

Another well rested team in Erie after trouncing Sarnia in 4 games going up against London who went the distance with Memorial Cup Hosts Windsor. For London, it will come down to how many games can Tyler Parsons steal and for Erie, can they get to Tyler Parsons.

Prediction: Erie in 6 games

(2) Sault Ste Marie vs (3) Owen Sound

Both teams won their opening round series in five games with the Greyhounds eliminating the Flint Firebirds and the Attack dispatching the Kitchener Rangers. These are two high powered offences (Greyhounds were 4th and the Attack 2nd in goals for) going head-to-head. However, this may come down to defence where the Attack allowed the fewest goals and goaltending. The Attack have the decided advantage in goal with Michael McNiven going up against Joseph Raaymakers or Matthew Villalta.

  Soo Greyhounds Owen Sound
Overall Record 48-16-3-1 49-15-2-2
Last 10 games 8-1-1-0 9-0-1-0
Head-to-Head 0-2-0-0 2-0-0-0
Home Record 22-9-2-1 27-4-1-2
Away Record 26-7-1-0 22-11-1-0
Goals For 287 – 22 297 – 27
Goals Against 208 – 12 177 – 9
Powerplay 18.4% – 13.8% 28.6% – 33.3%
Penalty Kill 84.2% – 84.0% 83.4% – 87.5%
Draft Eligible Players to Watch Matthew Villalta (G) Sean Durzi (D)
  Conor Timmins (D) Markus Phillips (D)
  Anthony DeMeo (D) Zachary Roberts (LW)
  Morgan Frost (C) Jonah Gadjovich (LW)
    Maksim Sushko (RW)
    Nick Suzuki (C)

 

Prediction: Owen Sound in 6 games

On a side note, I’m rooting for Oshawa, London and Sault Ste Marie, so I wouldn’t mind being wrong.

Thunderbirds’ Ethan Bear named CHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Edmonton Oilers prospect Ethan Bear of the Seattle Thunderbirds is the CHL Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 2 after scoring twice with five assists for seven points in two games with a plus-minus rating of plus-4.

Bear finished the first round of the 2017 WHL Playoffs with a pair of multi-point performances in two victories for the Thunderbirds who eliminated the Tri-City Americans in four straight games.  In Game 3 last Wednesday night he delivered a career-high five points including two goals and three assists as first star of a 9-2 win, then chipped in two assists on Friday in Game 4’s 5-2 victory.  The Thunderbirds will now face the Everett Silvertips in the WHL’s Western Conference Semi-Finals beginning Friday night.

A 19-year-old from Ochapowace, SK, Bear is playing in his fourth season in Seattle after being chosen by the club in the second round of the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.  The fifth round pick of the Oilers in the 2015 NHL Draft signed an entry-level contract with the club last summer before finishing third in scoring among defencemen with 70 points in 67 games including 28 goals and 42 assists during the 2016-17 regular season campaign.

Also considered for the award this week was New Jersey Devils prospect Michael McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads who scored five goals and four assists for nine points in four games as part of a first round series win over the Ottawa 67’s, and Mathieu Nadeau of the Val-d’Or Foreurs who scored four goals and four assists for eight points in four games as part of a first round series upset over the Shawinigan Cataractes.

2016-17 CHL Post-Season Players of the Week:
Mar. 27 – Apr. 2: Ethan Bear (Seattle Thunderbirds)
Mar. 20 – Mar. 26: Sam Steel (Regina Pats)

2016-17 CHL Regular Season Players of the Week:

Mar. 13 – Mar. 19: Brandon Hagel (Red Deer Rebels)
Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: Daniel Sprong (Charlottetown Islanders)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Gabriel Vilardi (Windsor Spitfires)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Christophe Boivin (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Mathew Barzal (Seattle Thunderbirds)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Tyler Boland (Rimouski Oceanic)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Alexis D’Aoust (Shawinigan Cataractes)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Kole Sherwood (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Brayden Burke (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Adam Brooks (Regina Pats)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Vitalii Abramov (Gatineau Olympiques)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Hayden Hodgson (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Sergey Zborovskiy (Regina Pats)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Jayden Halbgewachs (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Alexander Katerinakis (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Nico Hischier (Halifax Mooseheads)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Bobby MacIntyre (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Kale Clague (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Cameron Askew (Moncton Wildcats)
Sept. 26 – Oct. 2: Sam Steel (Regina Pats)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Kameron Kielly (Charlottetown Islanders)

CHL Leagues

Silvertips’ Carter Hart named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Vaughn

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Philadelphia Flyers prospect Carter Hart of the Everett Silvertips is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the playoff week ending April 2 after posting a 3-1 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 1.07 and save percentage of .954.

Hart made 124 saves in four games last week wrapping up first round action in the 2017 WHL Playoffs with three wins backstopping the Silvertips to a 4-2 series triumph over the Victoria Royals.  His week was highlighted by a first star performance on Sunday in Victoria making 64 saves in the longest game in CHL history that extended into a fifth overtime period ending at 151:36 with the Silvertips emerging victorious by a 3-2 score courtesy of Cal Babych’s winner.  Hart also posted a Game 3 shutout on Tuesday stopping all 25 shots he faced as third star in a 2-0 road win, followed by an 18-save effort in a 2-1 road loss in Wednesday’s Game 4, then earned a 17-save win in Friday’s 3-2 overtime decision in Game 5.  The Silvertips will now face the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL’s Western Conference Semi-Finals beginning Friday night.

An 18-year-old from Sherwood Park, AB, Hart is playing in his third season in Everett after being selected by the club in the eighth round of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.  The second round pick of the Flyers in the 2016 NHL Draft signed his entry-level contract in October and finished the 2016-17 campaign with a 32-11-6-2 record including nine shutouts along with a goals-against-average of 1.99 and save percentage of .927.  The reigning CHL Goaltender of the Year also helped Canada earn silver at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Also considered for the award this week was Etienne Montpetit of the Val-d’Or Foreurs who went 3-1 making 147 saves while posting a goals-against-average of 2.26 and save percentage of .942 completing the first round playoff upset over the Shawinigan Cataractes.  In the OHL, Joseph Raaymakers of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds made 82 saves in three straight victories posting a goals-against-average of 1.33 and save percentage of .953 closing out a first round playoff series win over the Flint Firebirds.

2016-17 Vaughn CHL Playoff Goaltenders of the Week:

Mar. 27 – Apr. 2: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Mar. 20 – Mar. 26: Kyle Jessiman (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)

2016-17 Vaughn CHL Regular Season Goaltenders of the Week:
Mar. 13 – Mar. 19: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)
Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: Callum Booth (Saint John Sea Dogs)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)

Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Brodan Salmond (Kelowna Rockets)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Stuart Skinner (Lethbridge Hurricanes)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Matthew Welsh (Charlottetown Islanders)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Francis Leclerc (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Griffen Outhouse (Victoria Royals)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Connor Ingram (Kamloops Blazers)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Patrick Dea (Edmonton Oil Kings)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Reilly Pickard (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ryan Kubic (Vancouver Giants)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Logan Flodell (Saskatoon Blades)
Sept. 26 – Oct. 2: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Liam Herbst (Guelph Storm)

CANADA’S ROAD TO U18 WORLDS MAKES STOP IN ONTARIO

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Players to hit the ice in Etobicoke before moving on to two pre-tournament games in Slovakia 

Hockey Canada

ETOBICOKE, Ont. – Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team will begin to assemble in Etobicoke, Ont., this week before flying to Slovakia for two pre-competition games in preparation for the 2017 IIHF U18 World Championship, April 13-23, in Poprad and Spisska Nova Ves, Slovakia.

Hockey Canada has announced that Jaret Anderson-Dolan (Calgary/Spokane, WHL), Maxime Comtois (Longueuil, Que./Victoriaville, QMJHL), Stelio Mattheos (Winnipeg/Brandon, WHL), Ian Mitchell (Calahoo, Alta./Spruce Grove, AJHL), Isaac Ratcliffe (London, Ont./Guelph, OHL), and Ian Scott (Calgary/Prince Albert, WHL) are the first six players to join the team roster.

Joining them for the pre-competition training camp are six under-aged players who’ve been invited to take part in order to gain more international experience: Ty Dellandrea (Port Perry, Ont./Flint, OHL), Anderson MacDonald (Quispamsis, N.B./Sherbrooke, QMJHL);Jack McBain (Toronto/Toronto Jr. Canadiens, OJHL); Ryan Merkley (Mississauga, Ont./Guelph, OHL); Ty Smith (Lloydminster, Alta./Spokane, WHL); and Akil Thomas (Toronto/Niagara, OHL).

Hockey Canada is grateful for the support of its junior hockey partners, led by the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), in helping provide this development opportunity and international experience for these young players.

“We felt it was important to start putting the pieces together and having the players on the ice as we assemble and start building a strong base for the group that will eventually be the one to wear the red-and-white at this year’s U18 world championship,” said Ryan Jankowski, Hockey Canada’s director of player personnel. Jankowski is responsible for leading the player selection process, with input from head coach Darren Rumble (Barrie, Ont./Moncton, QMJHL), assistant coaches Steve Hamilton (Edmonton/Edmonton, WHL) and Stéphane Julien (Shawinigan, Que./Sherbrooke, QMJHL), and goaltending consultant Fred Brathwaite (Ottawa/Hockey Canada).

“As players progress through the CHL playoffs, we will be making additions to our roster with the goal of playing for gold at worlds.”

Players will hit the ice for three practices at the MasterCard Centre’s Rink 1 during their time in Etobicoke – all practices are open to the public and free of charge:

  • Monday, April 3: 5 p.m. – 6:20 p.m. ET
  • Tuesday, April 4: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET
  • Wednesday, April 5: 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ET

On April 5, the team departs for Slovakia to continue its training camp and play two pre-tournament games – April 9 in Bratislava versus Russia; and April 10 in Piestany versus Switzerland.

Canada opens the 2017 IIHF U18 World Championship on April 13 against Latvia; it will also play Finland, Slovakia and Switzerland in preliminary-round action. TSN, the official broadcast partner of Hockey Canada, is broadcasting 12 games, including all of Team Canada’s match-ups at the IIHF U18 World Championship. RDS will broadcast 10 games, including Canada’s four preliminary-round games, two quarter-final games, both semifinals, and the bronze- and gold-medal games.

Canada has won seven medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship, including three gold medals (2003, 2008, 2013).

For more information on Hockey Canada and the Program of Excellence, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Twitter.com/HC_Men.

Steelheads’ Michael McLeod named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that New Jersey Devils prospect Michael McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 2 recording nine points in four games including five goals and four assists along with a plus-minus rating of plus-6.

Michael McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Michael McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

McLeod helped the Steelheads advance to the second round of the Eastern Conference OHL Playoffs with a six game series win over the Ottawa 67’s.  The series wrapped up on Sunday with McLeod delivering a team playoff record five-point performance scoring twice including the game-winner plus three assists as first star of the 5-1 road win.  The captain also had points in last week’s three other games including Game 3 on Tuesday with a goal in the 2-1 win, Game 4 on Thursday scoring the game-winner plus an assist in the 6-4 victory, and in Game 5 on Friday with a goal despite the 5-3 loss.  Central Division champion Mississauga will play in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals for the first time since their Steelheads rebrand in 2012-13 facing off against the third place Oshawa Generals.

A 19-year-old from Mississauga, ON, McLeod is playing in his third season with the hometown Steelheads after being chosen fifth overall by the club in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  His first round playoff series included 11 points following a 2016-17 regular season campaign of 73 points in 57 games.  The first round pick of the Devils in the 2016 NHL Draft also earned Player of the Week honours in February and along with teammates Spencer Watson and Jacob Ingham have claimed the award for the Trout in four of the last eight weeks.

Watch video highlights of McLeod and the Steelheads against the 67’s in Game 3, Game 4, Game 5, Game 6.

Also considered for the award this week was Arizona Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome who scored four goals and three assists for seven points in two games for the Erie Otters who eliminated the Sarnia Sting in four straight first round games.  Petrus Palmu of the Owen Sound Attack also scored four goals and three assists for a total of seven points in three games last week helping his club move past the Kitchener Rangers in their five game series.  In goal, Joseph Raaymakers of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds stopped 82 shots in the final three games of their first round matchup against the Flint Firebirds posting a goals-against-average of 1.33 and save percentage of .953 earning three straight wins to close the series in five games.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Playoff Players of the Week:

Mar. 27 – Apr. 2: Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads)
Mar. 20 – Mar. 26: Anthony Cirelli (Erie Otters)

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Regular Season Players of the Week:

Mar. 13 – Mar. 19: Jacob Ingham (Mississauga Steelheads)
Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: Petrus Palmu (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Gabriel Vilardi (Windsor Spitfires)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Joseph Murdaca (Erie Otters)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Spencer Watson (Mississauga Steelheads)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Hayden Hodgson (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Kole Sherwood (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Santino Centorame (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Max Jones (London Knights)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Logan Brown (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 26 – Oct. 2: Joseph Raaymakers (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Matt Luff (Hamilton Bulldogs)