Steelheads’ Jacob Ingham named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that rookie goaltender Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 19 after posting a 3-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .958.

Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Ingham stopped 91 shots last week winning all three of his games for the Central Division champion Steelheads who improve their record to 34-20-6-7 with wins in nine of their last 10.  His week included a pair of first star performances against the Niagara IceDogs who were aggressively pursuing a post-season berth.  Ingham shut the door with a 43-save effort on Thursday as first star of a 4-1 road win and ending with 33 saves on Sunday claiming first star honours in the 6-1 win at home against the Dogs.  Ingham also played the final 40 minutes of Friday’s contest against the Barrie Colts making 15 saves to preserve the 4-2 win.  The Steelheads have secured second place in the OHL’s Eastern Conference however Tuesday’s final home game against the Sudbury Wolves will determine their first round playoff opponent which could be Sudbury or the Ottawa 67’s.

A 16-year-old from Barrie, Ont., Ingham was chosen by the Steelheads in the second round of the 2016 OHL Priority Selection.  Appearing in 30 games this season the January recipient of the Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month award carries a 17-5-3-3 record including two shutouts with a goals-against-average of 2.68 and save percentage of .907.  This season he’s the first rookie to earn the league’s weekly honour, the eighth goaltender to be recognized, and the third Steelhead following teammates Michael McLeod and Spencer Watson who both won in the span of three weeks during February.

Watch video highlights of Ingham and the Steelheads against the IceDogs, Colts, and IceDogs.

Also considered for the award this week was Ethan Szypula who recorded 11 points including a goal and 10 assists in four games for the Owen Sound Attack who wrapped up their best regular season finish in franchise history with 49 wins and 102 points.  In addition, 2017 NHL Draft prospect Jason Robertson of the Kingston Frontenacs scored three goals and six assists for nine points in three games helping his club secure fourth place and first round home ice advantage against the Hamilton Bulldogs in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL 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)

Alex Formenton – London Knights – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 167 pounds

Date of birth: September 13, 1999

Hometown: King City, Ontario

Position: Left Wing

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 11, 216th overall, 2015 Priority Selection

King City Ontario native Alex Formenton of the London Knights played his minor midget hockey during the 2014-2015 season for the Mississauga Rebels. In 65 games he scored 27 goals and 28 assists. The Knights would select him in the 11th round, 216th overall at the 2015 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. But don’t let that selection cloud your judgement. He was a tiny winger who had a huge growth spirt prior to breaking onto the Knights’ roster. It would not be incorrect to call him a steal in that draft.

One season ago, Formenton played in the Ontario Junior Hockey League for Aurora Tigers. He appeared in 54 games and scored 13 goals while adding 13 assists. He would add 2 more goals in 5 playoff games for the Tigers. The OJHL is Ontario’s Junior A league.

Alex Forementon of the London Knights. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Alex Formenton of the London Knights. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

In 64 games this season, Formenton has 16 goals and 18 assists. He can play in any situation and his skating makes him a threat on the penalty kill as well – he has one goal on the PK. His 16 goals have come on 138 shots, good for a 11.6 shooting percentage. He can also take faceoffs when called upon and is 53.3% on the dot.

Formenton’s 16 goals ranks him 9th among OHL rookies in goals and his 34 points is tied for 9th.

With a September 13, 1999 birth date, Formenton is one of the youngest players in the draft class and makes the 2017 National Hockey League Draft cut off by just two days.

Formenton is an excellent skater with excellent top end speed – could very well be one of the top 10 fastest skaters in the OHL. His acceleration is also top end. He finished atop the list in on-ice testing at the combine at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Formenton will not shy away from the gritty part of the game. He will battle along the walls and is willing to drive to the net both with and without the puck. He possesses soft hands and can beat defenders one-on-one. He’s also learning that he can beat defenders wide with his skating and speed and is becoming more comfortable doing so. He’s also a very good forechecker using his speed to get on top of opponents quickly.

Formenton creates space with his skating and his elusiveness. Once he learns that he can slow the game down at times, use his good playmaking abilities and vision, he will become more of an offensive threat.

As with all Dale Hunter coached teams, being able to play at both ends of the ice is a requirement. Formenton may be ahead of the curve there given his willingness to put the effort in his own zone as he does in the offensive zone.

Formenton was ranked 24th among north American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings in January.

Alex Formenton

This is the profile page of Alex Formenton at Elite Prospects

 

2017 OHL Playoff Tracker: First round schedules and scenarios

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Playoffs 2017

Toronto, ON – With 7 games remaining in the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League regular season, 15 teams have clinched berths in the OHL Playoffs and all four division titles have been claimed.

Two playoff series have been confirmed in the Western Conference including the first place Erie Otters who will face the eighth place Sarnia Sting, and the second place Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds who will take on the seventh place Flint Firebirds.  The fifth place Windsor Spitfires and sixth place Kitchener Rangers have confirmed their final playoff standing however await final outcomes for the Owen Sound Attack and London Knights to determine first round playoff matchups.

In the Eastern Conference, only the first place Peterborough Petes, second place Mississauga Steelheads, and third place Oshawa Generals have confirmed their final standing with all four first round playoff matchups still to be determined.

The season wraps up with six games on Sunday March 19, and one game on Tuesday March 21.

Here’s a closer look at the standings and playoff scenarios to date:

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

  1. Peterborough Petes – 89PTS (42-20-2-3)– 1 game remaining (at OSH)
    – Petes have clinched the East Division title and 1st overall in the Eastern Conference, will play either IceDogs or Battalion in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
  2. Mississauga Steelheads – 79PTS (33-20-6-7)– 2 games remain (NIAG, SBY)
    – Steelheads have clinched the Central Division title and 2nd overall in the Eastern Conference, will play either Wolves or 67’s in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
  3. Oshawa Generals – 83PTS (39-23-3-2)– 1 game remaining (PBO)
    – Generals have clinched 3rd place in the Eastern Conference, will play either 67’s or Wolves in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
  4. Kingston Frontenacs – 73PTS (32-26-5-4)– 1 game remaining (at NB)
    – Frontenacs will finish in either 4th or 5th place in the Eastern Conference and will play Bulldogs in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
  5. Hamilton Bulldogs – 72PTS (32-27-4-4)– 1 game remaining (at OTT)
    – Bulldogs will finish in either 5th or 4th place in the Eastern Conference and will play Frontenacs in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
  6. Ottawa 67’s – 60PTS (26-33-7-1)– 1 game remaining (HAM)
    – 67’s will finish in either 6th or 7th place in the Eastern Conference, will play either Generals or Steelheads in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
  7. Sudbury Wolves – 59PTS (26-34-7-0)– 1 game remaining (at MISS)
    – Wolves will finish in either 7th or 6th place in the Eastern Conference, will play either Steelheads or Generals in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
  8. Niagara IceDogs – 56PTS (23-34-6-4) – 1 game remaining (at MISS)
    – IceDogs need one point or a Battalion loss to clinch 8th place in the Eastern Conference where they would play the Petes (full schedule scenarios below).
  9. North Bay Battalion – 54PTS (24-37-4-2) – 1 game remaining (KGN)
    – Battalion need a win and an IceDogs regulation loss to finish in a tie for eighth place in the Eastern Conference forcing a tiebreak game which would be played Tuesday March 21 in North Bay.
  10. Barrie Colts – 41PTS (17-44-6-1)
    – Colts have been eliminated from playoff contention and will select 1st overall in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection on April 8.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

  1. Erie Otters – 103PTS (50-15-2-1)
    – Otters have clinched the Midwest Division title as well as the Hamilton Spectator Trophy for 1st overall in the OHL regular season standings. They will play the Sting in 1st round playoffs (full schedule below).
  2. Soo Greyhounds – 98PTS (47-16-3-1)– 1 games remaining (LDN)
    – Greyhounds have clinched the West Division title and 2nd overall in the Western Conference, will play the Firebirds in 1st round playoffs (full schedule below). 
  3. Owen Sound Attack – 100PTS (48-15-2-2)– 1 game remaining (at GUE)
    – Attack will finish in either 3rd or 4th place in the Western Conference, will play either Rangers or Spitfires in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
  4. London Knights – 99PTS (46-14-3-4)– 1 game remaining (at SSM)
    – Knights will finish in either 4th or 3rd place in the Western Conference, will play either Spitfires or Rangers in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
  5. Windsor Spitfires – 90PTS (41-19-5-3)
    – Spitfires have clinched 5th place in the Western Conference, will play either Knights or Attack in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
  6. Kitchener Rangers – 77PTS (36-27-3-2)
    – Rangers have clinched 6th place in the Western Conference, will play either Attack or Knights in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
  7. Flint Firebirds – 72PTS (32-28-3-5)
    – Firebirds have clinched 7th place in the Western Conference and will play the Greyhounds in 1st round playoffs (full schedule below).
  8. Sarnia Sting – 69PTS (31-30-6-1)
    – Sting have clinched 8th place in the Western Conference and will play the Otters in 1st round playoffs (full schedule below).
  9. Saginaw Spirit – 63PTS (27-32-7-2)
    – Spirit have been eliminated from playoff contention, will pick 4th overall in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection on April 8.
  10. Guelph Storm – 49PTS (21-39-5-2) – 1 games remaining (OS)
    – Storm have been eliminated from playoff contention, will pick 2nd overall in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection on April 8.

2017 OHL EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE SCENARIOS:

SERIES A:

Scenario 1 – Peterborough Petes (1) vs. Niagara IceDogs (8)
Game 1, Thurs, Mar 23 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.
Game 2, Sat, Mar 25 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Niagara – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Niagara – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Sat, Apr 1 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.
Game 6, Mon, Apr 3 at Niagara – 7:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.

Scenario 2 – Peterborough Petes (1) vs. North Bay Battalion (8)
Game 1, Thurs, Mar 23 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.
Game 2, Sat, Mar 25 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at North Bay – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at North Bay – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Sat, Apr 1 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at North Bay – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.

SERIES B:

Scenario 1 – Mississauga Steelheads (2) vs. Sudbury Wolves (7)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at Mississauga – 7:00 p.m.
Game 2, Sun, Mar 26 at Mississauga – 2:00 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Sudbury – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Sudbury – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Mississauga – 7:00 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Sudbury – 7:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Mississauga – 7:00 p.m.

Scenario 2 – Mississauga Steelheads (2) vs. Ottawa 67’s (7)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at Mississauga – 7:00 p.m.
Game 2, Sun, Mar 26 at Mississauga – 2:00 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Ottawa – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Ottawa – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Mississauga – 7:00 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Ottawa – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Mississauga – 7:00 p.m.

SERIES C:

Scenario 1 – Oshawa Generals (3) vs. Ottawa 67’s (6)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at Oshawa – 7:35 p.m.
Game 2, Sun, Mar 26 at Oshawa – 6:05 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Ottawa – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Ottawa – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Oshawa – 7:35 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Ottawa – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Oshawa – 7:05 p.m.

Scenario 2 – Oshawa Generals (3) vs. Sudbury Wolves (6)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at Oshawa – 7:35 p.m.
Game 2, Sun, Mar 26 at Oshawa – 6:05 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Sudbury – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Sudbury – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Oshawa – 7:35 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Sudbury – 7:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Oshawa – 7:05 p.m.

SERIES D:

Scenario 1 – Kingston Frontenacs (4) vs. Hamilton Bulldogs (5)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at Kingston – 7:00 p.m.
Game 2, Sun, Mar 26 at Kingston – 2:00 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Hamilton – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Hamilton – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Kingston – 7:00 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Hamilton – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Kingston – 7:00 p.m.

Scenario 2 – Hamilton Bulldogs (5) vs. Kingston Frontenacs (4)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at Kingston – 7:00 p.m.
Game 2, Mon, Mar 27 at Hamilton – 7:00 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Hamilton – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Kingston – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Sat, Apr 1 at Hamilton – 7:00 p.m.
Game 6, Mon, Apr 3 at Kingston – 7:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Hamilton – 7:00 p.m.

2017 OHL WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE SCENARIOS:

SERIES A:

Erie Otters (1) vs. Sarnia Sting (8)
Game 1, Thurs, Mar 23 at Erie – 7:00 p.m.
Game 2, Sat, Mar 25 at Sarnia – 7:05 p.m.
Game 3, Mon, Mar 27 at Sarnia – 7:05 p.m.
Game 4, Wed, Mar 29 at Erie – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Erie – 7:00 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Sarnia – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Erie -7:00 p.m.

SERIES B:

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (2) vs. Flint Firebirds (7)
Game 1, Thurs, Mar 23 at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07 p.m.
Game 2, Sat, Mar 25 at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07 p.m.
Game 3, Mon, Mar 27 at Flint – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Wed, Mar 29 at Flint – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at  Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Flint – 4:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07 p. m.

SERIES C:

Scenario 1 – Owen Sound Attack (3) vs. Kitchener Rangers (6)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at Owen Sound – 7:30 p.m.
Game 2, Sat, Mar 25 at Owen Sound – 7:30 p.m.
Game 3, Mon, Mar 27 at Kitchener – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Wed, Mar 29 at Kitchener – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Owen Sound – 7:30 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Kitchener – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Owen Sound – 7:00 p.m.

Scenario 2 – London Knights (3) vs. Kitchener Rangers (6)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at London – 7:30 p.m.
Game 2, Sun, Mar 26 at London – 2:00 p.m.
Game 3, Mon, Mar 27 at Kitchener – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Wed, Mar 29 at Kitchener – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at London – 7:30 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Kitchener – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at London – 7:00 p.m.

SERIES D:

Scenario 1 – London Knights (4) vs. Windsor Spitfires (5)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at London – 7:30 p.m.
Game 2, Sun, Mar 26 at London – 2:00 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Windsor – 7:05 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Windsor -7:05 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at London – 7:30 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Windsor – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at London – 7:00 p.m.

Scenario 2 – Owen Sound Attack (4) vs. Windsor Spitfires (5)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at Owen Sound – 7:30 p.m.
Game 2, Sat, Mar 25 at Owen Sound – 7:30 p.m.
Game 3, Mon, Mar 27 at Windsor – 7:05 p.m.
Game 4, Wed, Mar 29 at Windsor – 7:05 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Owen Sound – 7:30 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Windsor – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Owen Sound – 7:00 p.m.

PLAYOFF STRUCTURE:

The top eight teams in each conference qualify for the OHL playoffs with the division leaders ranked one-two in each Conference.

In the first round of the playoffs, first place plays eighth, second plays seventh, third plays sixth and fourth plays fifth in each conference.

Teams are re-seeded within their conference after each round and the division winners are always ranked 1-2 within the conference as long as they progress. The champions from each conference play in the OHL Championship Series for the J. Ross Robertson Cup.

The OHL Playoffs are scheduled to begin on the Thursday following the conclusion of the regular season. The first round series must be completed within 13 days; the second round series have 14 days to finish while the Conference Championships are 13 days in length. The OHL Championship Series is 14 days in length.

TIE BREAKING SYSTEM:

If two or more teams are tied for the final OHL playoff position in either conference, sudden-death playoff games will be used to determine the team that advances, with the home team for such tie-breaker game being determined through the OHL standard tie-breaking system listed below.

For all other playoff positions, the following tie-breaking system is in place:

  1. The team with the most number of wins during the regular season shall be declared higher in the standings.
  2. If two teams are still tied, the team with the best record in head-to-head competition (based on points including overtime losses) shall be declared higher in the standings. If more than two teams are tied after the first tie-breaker, the percentage of available points earned in games among each other shall be used to determine the standing.
  3. If still tied, the team with the greater differential between goals scored for and against by clubs having equal standing after the second tie-breaker shall be declared higher in the standings.

SUDDEN-DEATH PLAYOFF FORMULA (FOR FINAL PLAYOFF POSITION):

Between Two Teams: Two teams tied for the final playoff position will play a sudden-death game to be hosted by the centre determined higher in the standings by the OHL tie-breaking system. The winner will be declared higher in the standings.

Between Three Teams for One Playoff Position:

  1. A sudden-death game will be played between the two teams having the lowest percentage as calculated by dividing the sum of goals ‘for’ plus the total goals ‘against’ into the total goals ‘for’. The home team will be determined by utilizing the OHL tie-breaking system.
  2. A second sudden-death game will be played between the winner of the preliminary sudden-death game and the remaining team. The home team will be determined by utilizing the OHL tie-breaking system. The winner will be declared higher in the standings.

REGULAR SEASON TROPHIES:

Hamilton Spectator Trophy: Erie Otters

The Otters earned their third Hamilton Spectator Trophy and second straight regular season title with a league-best record of 50-15-2-1 becoming the first CHL team to earn four consecutive 50 win seasons. The Otters also claimed first overall in 2001. The Hamilton Spectator Trophy is awarded to the team that finishes the regular season first overall in the Ontario Hockey League.  The trophy was presented to the Ontario Hockey Association by the Hamilton Spectator in the 1957-58 season.  The winner of the Hamilton Spectator Trophy has gone on to win the OHL championship 23 times and the Memorial Cup 11 times.

Emms Trophy (Central Division): Mississauga Steelheads

The Steelheads have earned their first Central Division title in the club’s five year history.  This also marks the first division banner in Mississauga since the Majors finished atop the league standings in 2011.  Past division titles in all-time franchise history were also achieved in 2004 and 2002 by the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors.

Leyden Trophy (East Division): Peterborough Petes

The Petes have earned their third East Division title following back-to-back wins in 2005-06 however this marks the 11th time in modern history they have finished atop their division.  The Petes also won back-to-back Leyden Division titles in 1979-80, 1985-86, 1988-89, and 1992-93.

The Emms and Leyden Trophies were first presented in the 1975-76 season when the OHL was split into divisions with the expansion of the league to 12 teams. The awards originated in recognition of Matt Leyden and Leighton ‘Hap’ Emms for their contributions to junior hockey in Ontario.

Bumbacco Trophy (West Division): Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

The Greyhounds have earned their third West Division title in four years following back-to-back banner seasons in 2014 and 2015. The Hounds have won a total of six West Division crowns including wins in 2008, 2005, and 1997. The Bumbacco Trophy was inaugurated in 1994-95 when the league realigned into three divisions.  The award is named after former Greyhounds’ General Manager Angelo Bumbacco.

Holody Trophy (Midwest Division): Erie Otters 

The Otters have earned their third consecutive Midwest Division title and sixth in franchise history following a previous stretch of three consecutive banner seasons from 2000-2002. The Holody Trophy, awarded in recognition of the contributions to the OHL by former Guelph and Owen Sound Platers Governor Joe Holody, was presented following the 1998-99 season for the first time with the realignment of the league into four divisions.

OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Championship Final to feature Reps and Nats

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Cup

Monday’s Championship Final at Mattamy Athletic Centre
Broadcast LIVE on Sportsnet Ontario
Free access for Media and Fans 

Toronto, ON – The 2017 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament powered by Under Armour and hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League, is down to two teams as the GTHL’s Mississauga Reps and Toronto Nationals emerged victorious following this morning’s Quarter-Finals and this evening’s Semi-Final contests.

The minor midget Reps (5-0-1) advance to the OHL Cup Final for the first time in team history after upsetting the top ranked ALLIANCE champion London Jr. Knights (5-1-0) by a 3-1 score in Saturday night’s first Semi-Final.  The Wild Card entry strung together three wins and a tie to lead the Shanahan Division through round-robin play before opening the playoff round with a 5-1 Quarter-Final win over the Toronto Jr. Canadiens (2-2-1).

The Toronto Nationals (5-1-0) played two one-goal games on Saturday including a 2-1 victory over the OMHA champion Whitby Wildcats (2-1-2) in the morning Quarter-Final, then hung on in another 2-1 thriller to beat the Vaughan Kings (3-1-2) in Saturday night’s second Semi-Final.  The Nats also qualified for round-robin play by winning a Wild Card Play-In game before finishing second in the Nash Division.

Monday’s Championship Final marks the first time in OHL Cup history where two Wild Card entries will compete for the title.  The 2010 Mississauga Rebels are currently the only Wild Card team to ever capture an OHL Cup championship.

Here’s a quick look at Saturday’s Quarter-Final and Semi-Final action:

2017 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour Quarter-Final Results:

Saturday March 18, 2017:

Quarter-Final #1: London Jr. Knights 3 vs. Toronto Marlboros 1
Jr. Knights MVP: Owen Say (30 SV)
Marlboros MVP: Daniel D’Amico (1G)
Recap – Stats

Quarter-Final #2: Mississauga Reps 5 vs. Toronto Jr. Canadiens 1
Reps MVP: Zachery Wright
Jr. Canadiens MVP: Brodie McDougall (1A)
Recap – Stats

Quarter-Final #3: Vaughan Kings 2 vs. Mississauga Rebels 1
Kings MVP: Christian Sbaraglia (36 SV)
Rebels MVP: Michael Vukojevic
Recap – Stats

Quarter-Final #4: Toronto Nationals 2 vs. Whitby Wildcats 1
Nationals MVP: Brendan Bowie (1G, 1A)
Wildcats MVP: Blake Murray (1G)
Recap – Stats

2017 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour Semi-Final Results:

Semi-Final #1: Mississauga Reps 3 vs. London Jr. Knights 1
Reps MVP: Jamieson Rees (2G)
Jr. Knights MVP: Liam Van Loon (1G)
Recap – Stats

Semi-Final #2: Toronto Nationals 2 vs. Vaughan Kings 1
Nationals MVP: Bradley Somers (2G)
Kings MVP: Ty Gilberds
Recap – Stats

All tournament games feature live scoring complete with the OHL’s Game Centre module that includes individual shots on goal and face-off results.

The Reps’ Mike Petizian is now the tournament’s scoring leader with 11 points including four goals and seven assists in six games ahead of teammate Jamieson Rees who has five goals and four assists for nine points in six games.

2017 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Championship Final:

Monday March 20, 2017

Mattamy Athletic Centre

6:30 pm Championship Final – Toronto Nationals vs. Mississauga Reps

Monday’s Championship Final will be broadcast live on Sportsnet Ontario.

The showcase provides fans and scouts one last opportunity to see many of the top minor midget aged players from across Ontario and parts of the United States compete for the OHL Cup performing against the best competition prior to the 2017 OHL Priority Selection.

For more information, please visit ohlcup.ca.

 

Kaden Fulcher – Hamilton Bulldogs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 182 pounds

Date of birth: September 23, 1998

Hometown: Brigden, Ontario

Position: Goaltender

Catches: Left

OHL Draft: Round 13, 241st overall, 2014 Priority Selection by Sarnia Sting

Hamilton Bulldogs goaltender Kaden Fulcher played his 16 year old year with The Hill Academy Under-16 Prep. The Academy is an independent high school dedicated to student-athletes and is an excellent program. You can read more about the Academy here.

The Sarnia Sting selected Fulcher at the 2014 Ontario Hockey League’s Priority Selection in the 13th round, 241st overall. The Bulldogs would acquire Fulcher on January 7, 2016 with an eye to the future as they traded veteran starter to the Sting in exchange.

Kaden Fulcher of the Hamilton Bulldogs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Kaden Fulcher of the Hamilton Bulldogs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Last season, Fulcher appeared in 3 games for the Sting prior to the trade that brought him to Hamilton. He would appear in 14 contests with Hamilton and finished the season with a 6-10-1-0 record, 3.89 goals against average and .878 save percentage.

Fulcher would come into this season and earn the starter’s job until the Bulldogs brought in veteran Dawson Carty at the trade deadline. In 42 appearances this season, he posted an 18-17-3-3 record with a 3.27 goals against average, an .891 save percentage and 2 shutouts.

Fulcher has the size NHL scouts covet in a goaltender. He is also quick with excellent reflexes. His post-to-post movement is elite level. Like most goaltenders at this level, continued coaching is required to continue to work on his skill set.

Fulcher has been prone to let in the odd soft goal, but he doesn’t appear to let it faze him. He can make spectacular saves and recovers quickly. His rebound control is just good, but at times he sends the puck right back out to scoring areas. He’s also good at absorbing pucks and holding on to force a faceoff. If you could see behind the mask, you’d see a guy who remains focused no matter what happens.

Fulcher is good at recovering and getting set for second chance opportunities. He’s very good at challenging shooters and gets out to the top of the paint quickly. He tracks the puck well through traffic and makes positional saves look easy.

The key for Fulcher is to put all those things together on a consistent basis, which at times has haunted him this season. Fine tuning his technique and continued coaching on areas he needs to be stronger will certainly help him at the next level. The tools are there and he’s willing to put in the effort required of him.

Windsor Spitfires’ goaltender Michael DiPietro is sure to be the first OHL goaltender taken at the 2017 NHL Draft. Fulcher will be in a dog fight for that second selection.

Fulcher was ranked 12th among North American goaltenders on NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings in January.

Fulcher has been a regular on the OHL Janes saves of the week

Week of Oct 16

Week of Oct 23

Week of Jan 1

Week of Feb 5

Kaden Fulcher

This is the profile page of Kaden Fulcher at Elite Prospects

 

Dmitri Samorukov – Guelph Storm – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 180 pounds

Date of birth: June 16, 1999

Hometown: Volgograd, Russia

Position: Defence

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 1, 2nd overall, 2016 CHL Import Draft

The Guelph Storm selected Dmitri Samorukov with the second overall pick at the 2016 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft after appearing in 28 games for CSKA Moskva In the Russian Under-17 league where he scored 4 goals and 16 points. But it was probably an excellent performance at the World Junior Championships Under-18 that caught most people’s attention. There, he scored a goal to go along with 4 assists in 5 games while also being a dominant defensive presence.

Samorukov has also represented his native Russia at the Under-16, Under-17 and the Ivan Hlinka Memorial.

Dmitri Samorukov of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Dmitri Samorukov of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Having watched plenty of video of Samorukov leading up to this Ontario Hockey League season, it was easy to see why he was being considered in the second tier of defenders eligible for the National Hockey League draft.

Defensively, Samorukov was above average. He could read plays extremely well and consistently be in position. He was tough to beat one-on-one with an ability to force the opposition wide and then take them out along the boards. Despite needing to add some bulk and muscle, physicality was a big part of his game. Once he had possession in the d-zone, he could make a very good first pass and showed ability to be able to skate the puck up ice.

Offensively, Samorukov has a bomb for a shot. He showed a knack for being able to get it through and on target. He would never ignore his defensive responsibilities and seemed to always make the right decision on when to pinch or when to go on the defense at the opposition blue line.  He has shown to have good hockey IQ, vision and decision making along with an ability to create time and space in order to make the right play.

With that said, the transition to North America and the OHL has not been a smooth one for Samorukov, nor as expected. He has 4 goals and 16 assists in 65 games on the season, not bad numbers for a rookie defender. Two goals and four assists have come with the man advantage, so he’s shown an ability to lead the powerplay from the back end.

Consistency from game to game is the biggest component that has been lacking from Samorukov’s game this season. He can go stretches where his decision making is questionable and can cost his team. What is most disappointing to these eyes is that he seems to have lost his ability to get his shot through and on target. With just 118 shots on goal in just shy of 200 attempts, the accuracy has taken a major dip. And with his shot, he needs to find the target.

The Guelph Storm will miss the playoffs this season and finish 19th in the 20-team league and with one game remaining, his season is over with no opportunities remaining for him to showcase himself. Now NHL teams will need to figure out whether it was the transition to North American hockey and he’s more than he’s shown this season or is he a what you see is what you get? I’m willing to bet on the former.

Samorukov was ranked 122nd on NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings among North American skaters in January.

Dmitri Samorukov

This is the profile page of Dmitri Samorukov at Elite Prospects

 

2017 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament Powered by Under Armour – Day 4 Summary

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Cup

40 Game Round-Robin Complete
Quarter-Final Matchups set for Saturday
Livestreams available at https://ohlcup.gameonstream.com.
Free access for Media and Fans for duration of OHL Cup

Toronto, ON – Round-Robin action wrapped up on Friday at the 2017 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament powered by Under Armour, hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League, with 12 games that solidified final divisional standings.

Eight teams have advanced to Saturday’s Quarter-Finals including six GTHL, one ALLIANCE, and one OMHA club.  The top ranked ALLIANCE champion London Jr. Knights advance atop the Subban Division with a perfect 4-0 record, while the pre-tournament’s third ranked GTHL champion Mississauga Rebels also completed round-robin action with a perfect 4-0 record in the Nash Division.  Other first place finishers include the Mississauga Reps atop the Shanahan Division with an undefeated 3-0-1 record after qualifying as a Wild Card entry, and the OMHA champion Whitby Wildcats who top the Lindros Division standings with a 2-0-2 record edging the Vaughan Kings through the Tiebreak formula.

Vaughan (GTHL Semi-Finalist), ranked fifth pre-tournament, advances as the second place team in the Lindros Division along with second place finishers the Toronto Nationals (Wild Card entry) with a 3-1-0 record in the Nash Division, the Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL Semi-Finalist ranked 10th pre-tournament) with a 2-1-1 record in the Subban Division, and the Toronto Marlboros (GTHL Finalist ranked fourth pre-tournament) with a 3-1-0 record in the Shanahan Division.

Here’s a quick look at today’s action:

2017 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour Round-Robin Results:

Friday March 17, 2017:

Game 29: Whitby Wildcats 3 vs. Toronto Titans 1
Wildcats MVP – Brett Benham (1G)
Titans MVP – Xavier Henry
Recap – Stats

Game 30: TPH Thunder 5 vs. Mississauga Senators 1
TPH MVP: Max Klanow (1G, 2A)
Senators MVP: Nicholas Wong (1G)
Recap – Stats

Game 31: Toronto Marlboros 4 vs. Thunder Bay Kings 2
Marlboros MVP: Jack Hughes (2A)
Kings MVP: Jonathon Kilby (1G, 1A)
Recap – Stats

Game 32: Vaughan Kings 4 vs. Waterloo Wolves 0
Kings MVP: Christian Sbaraglia (13 SV)
Wolves MVP: Kurtis Goodwin
Recap – Stats

Game 33: Mississauga Rebels 3 vs. Elite Hockey Group 1
Rebels MVP: Dylan Jackson (2G, 1A)
Elite Hockey Group MVP: Elijah Devereaux
Recap – Stats

Game 34: Brampton 45’s 2 vs. Toronto Jr. Canadiens 2
45’s MVP: Brayden Guy (1G)
Jr. Canadiens MVP: Justin Randhawa (2G)
Recap – Stats

Game 35: Toronto Nationals 4 vs. Quinte Red Devils 0
Nationals MVP: Zach Roy (28 SV)
Red Devils MVP: Michael Andrews
Recap – Stats

Game 36: Mississauga Reps 5 vs. Eastern Ontario Wild 3
Reps MVP: Mike Petizian
Wild MVP: Danyk Drouin (1G)
Recap – Stats

Game 37: Team NOHA 3 vs. Toronto Titans 1
NOHA MVP: Jake McGuire (22 SV)
Titans MVP: Eli Shiller (25 SV)
Recap – Stats

Game 38: Ajax-Pickering 3 vs. Thunder Bay Kings 2
Raiders MVP: Ian Martin (2G)
Kings MVP: Owen Belisle (1G,1A)
Recap – Stats

Game 39: London Jr. Knights 4 vs. TPH Thunder 1
Jr. Knights MVP: Bryce Lewis (1A)
Thunder MVP: Brendan Kischnick (1G)
Recap – Stats

Game 40: Mississauga Rebels 8 vs. Cambridge Hawks 1
Rebels MVP: Austin Brimmer (2G, 1A)
Hawks MVP: Robert Colton
Recap – Stats

All tournament games feature live scoring complete with the OHL’s Game Centre module that includes individual shots on goal and face-off results.

Cole Perfetti of the Whitby Wildcats and Dylan Wendt of TPH Thunder finished the round-robin leading the tournament scoring race each with three goals and five assists for eight points in four games.

2017 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour Playoff Schedule:


Saturday March 18, 2017

Scotiabank Pond 1
10:30 am Quarter-Final 2 – Toronto Jr. Canadiens (2ND Place Subban Division) vs. Mississauga Reps (1ST Place Shanahan Division)
12:15 pm Quarter-Final 4 – Toronto Nationals (2ND Place Nash Division) vs. Whitby Wildcats (1ST Place Lindros Division)

Scotiabank Pond 2
10:00 am Quarter-Final 1 – Toronto Marlboros (2ND Place Shanahan Division) vs. London Jr. Knights (1ST Place Subban Division)
11:45 am Quarter-Final 3 – Vaughan Kings (2ND Place Lindros Division) vs. Mississauga Rebels (1ST Place Nash Division)

Scotiabank Pond 1
6:00 pm Semi-Final 1 – Winner Quarter-Final 2 vs. Winner Quarter-Final 1
8:00 pm Semi-Final 2 – Winner Quarter-Final 4 vs. Winner Quarter-Final 3

Monday March 20, 2017

Mattamy Athletic Centre

6:30 pm Championship Final – Winner Semi-Final 2 vs. Winner Semi-Final 1

Monday’s Championship Final will be broadcast live on Sportsnet Ontario.

All other games of the 2017 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament powered by Under Armour will be streamed online athttps://ohlcup.gameonstream.com.

The showcase provides fans and scouts one last opportunity to see many of the top minor midget aged players from across Ontario and parts of the United States compete for the OHL Cup performing against the best competition prior to the 2017 OHL Priority Selection.

For more information, please visit ohlcup.ca.

Robert Thomas – London Knights – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 188 pounds

Date of birth: July 2, 1999

Hometown: Aurora, Ontario

Position: Center

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 2, 26th overall, 2015 Priority Selection

London Knights’ center Robert Thomas played his minor midget hockey for the York Simcoe Express during the 2014-2015 season where he scored 18 goals to go along with 27 assists in 34 games as an Alternate Captain. He would also score 3 goals and 2 assists for the Express’ 4 games at the OHL Cup. Thomas would also represent Team OMHA White at the OHL Gold Cup. In 5 games, he would score 4 goals and two assists. The Knights would select Thomas in the second round of the 2015 OHL Priority Selection, 26th overall.

Robert Thomas of the London Knights. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Robert Thomas of the London Knights. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Thomas would make the Knights roster a season ago, but on a very deep squad – and usually the case with Coach Dale Hunter – he spent many nights watching from above or playing limited minutes mostly with fourth line duties. Yet, the then rookie still managed to score 3 goals and 15 points in 40 games. Thomas also represented Canada at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17, registering an assist in 6 games.

It was an ill-timed – and deserving – suspension to Max Jones that allowed Thomas to get quality minutes during the 2016 playoffs scoring once along with 4 assists in 15 games. The Knights would advance to the Memorial Cup where he would add another assist in 4 games.

Being on winning teams is nothing new for Thomas. He has a WHC Under-17 gold medal, an OHL Championship and a Memorial Cup under his belt. And his Knights are legitimate contenders for another OHL Championship and Memorial Cup.

Thomas has an intriguing assortment of assets. First and foremost is his hockey smarts. There are few players that think the game better and he can process things at an elite level. When he has possession of the puck, he can dissect the opposition in his offensive zone with his superb passing abilities.

Secondly, Thomas is an exceptional skater with high end acceleration and top end speed, not only going north-south but can swing east-west, maintain possession while surveying the ice and set teammates up for scoring opportunities. He has an ability to slow the game down as well, buying time for his teammates to move into prime scoring position and then feeding them with slick, tape-to-tape passes.

Finally, he is one of the Knights hardest workers – if not the hardest. He puts the effort required to be successful game to game, shift to shift. He puts that same effort in the defensive zone as he does in the o-zone. He has become a key member of the league’s sixth best penalty kill for Coach Hunter and is an offensive threat with a man down with three shorthanded points on the season.

Thomas is known as a playmaker first – and rightfully so. His shot is underrated with a surprisingly quick release that can catch goaltenders off guard. With 16 goals on just 125 shots, he’s scoring at a 12.8% clip. If he could add shooting more to his repertoire, he could set defences back even more with the uncertainty of what he will do. He currently ranks ninth on the Knights in shots on goal, but tops in assists.

In a sentence, this is the best way I can describe Thomas: If you don’t keep him close and in your vision, you’re going to get burned.

Thomas was ranked 28th among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings.

Robert Thomas

This is the profile page of Robert Thomas at Elite Prospects

2016-17 Minor Midget Player of the Year Awards presented at OHL Cup Banquet

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Cup

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the seven recipients of Minor Hockey Player of the Year Awards for players representing the four Ontario Hockey Federation Member Partners including the ALLIANCE, Greater Toronto Hockey League, Northern Ontario Hockey Association, and both the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s ETA and SCTA regions, along with Hockey Eastern Ontario, and Hockey Northwestern Ontario.

Five of the seven Player of the Year award winners are currently competing at the 2017 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament powered by Under Armour including Ryan Suzuki of the London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE), Nick Porco of the Vaughan Kings (GTHL), Alexandre Hogue of the Cumberland Grads U18 (HEO), Christian Cicigoi of the Thunder Bay Kings (HNO), and Camaryn Baber of the Soo Midget Greyhounds (NOHA).  Additional award recipients include Alex Newhook of the York Simcoe Express (OMHA ETA), and Matthew Dunsmoor of the Guelph Jr. Gryphons (OMHA SCTA).

“The Ontario Hockey League is proud to support minor midget hockey and help recognize the achievements of great players from across Ontario,” said Daniel Broussard, the OHL’s Director of Recruitment, who presented the awards on Thursday night alongside OHL Cup graduates and banquet guest speakers Alex Basso, Adam Mascherin, and Riley Damiani. “Congratulations to all seven award winners and to their families, coaches, and teammates for a tremendous hockey season, and best of luck to all players as they prepare for the next step in their hockey and academic careers.”

The award recipients consist of five forwards, one defenceman, and two goaltenders.  Up front, Newhook led all winners and the OMHA’s ETA division in points with 82 including 44 goals and 38 assists in 40 games, followed by Baber who scored a goal-per-game with 32 along with 30 assists for 62 points in 32 contests leading all 2001-born GNML players and finishing fifth overall in league scoring.  Suzuki follows in the footsteps of his older brother, Nick Suzuki, of the Owen Sound Attack who earned the award in 2015.  The younger Suzuki led the ALLIANCE with 59 points in 32 games including 19 goals and 40 assists.  Porco led the Kings in scoring with 41 points in 33 games including 22 goals and 19 assists and becomes the first Vaughan player to win since award presenter and current Kitchener Ranger Adam Mascherin in 2014.  On the back end, Hogue led all defencemen in scoring playing in HEO’s Midget U18 league recording 47 points including 14 goals and 33 assists in 44 games.  This marks the first time that two goaltenders were recognized in an awards season with Cicigoi and Dunsmoor recording goals-against-averages of 2.63 and 1.80 respectively.

The awards were presented at the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament Banquet for the seventh straight year recognizing the achievements of the top minor midget aged players from across Ontario.  The awards are presented annually to honour the minor midget players who best exemplify outstanding ability and the qualities of sportsmanship and leadership as voted by the minor hockey coaches, managers and organizations of each respective league.

Past Award Winners:

ALLIANCE Player of the Year:
2017 – Ryan Suzuki, London Jr. Knights
2016 – Owen Lalonde, Windsor Jr. Spitfires
2015 – Nick Suzuki, London Jr. Knights
2014 – Anthony Salinitri, Windsor Jr. Spitfires
2013 – Travis Konecny, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs
2012 – Jared McCann, London Jr. Knights Gold
2011 – Bo Horvat, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs

GTHL Player of the Year:
2017 – Nick Porco, Vaughan Kings
2016 – Ryan Merkley, Toronto Jr. Canadiens
2015 – Ryan McLeod, Toronto Marlboros
2014 – Adam Mascherin, Vaughan Kings
2013 – Dylan Strome, Toronto Marlboros
2012 – Connor McDavid, Toronto Marlboros
2011 – Nick Ritchie, Toronto Marlboros

HEO Player of the Year:
2017 – Alexandre Hogue, Cumberland Grads U18
2016 – Paul Larabie, Nepean Raiders
2015 – Gabriel Vilardi, CIH Academy
2014 – William Bitten, Ottawa Jr. 67’s
2013 – Andrew Peski, Ottawa Jr. 67’s
2012 – Andrew Abou-Assaly, Ottawa Jr. 67’s
2011 – Nicholas Baptiste, Ottawa Senators

HNO Player of the Year:
2017 – Christian Cicigoi, Thunder Bay Kings
2016 – Quintin Loon-Stewardson, Thunder Bay Kings
2015 – Kyle Auger, Thunder Bay Kings
2014 – Brad Belisle, Thunder Bay Kings
2013 – Zach Grzelewski, Thunder Bay Kings
2012 – Bryce Martyn, Thunder Bay Kings
2011 – Nolan Nicholas, Thunder Bay Kings

NOHA Player of the Year:
2017 – Camaryn Baber, Soo Midget Greyhounds
2016 – Damien Giroux, Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves
2015 – Cayse Ton, New Liskeard Cubs
2014 – Zach Dorval, Soo Thunder
2013 – Blake Speers, Soo Thunder
2012 – Michael Amadio, Sault Ste. Marie North Stars
2011 – Ryan Kujawinski, Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves

OMHA ETA Player of the Year:
2017 – Alex Newhook, York Simcoe Express
2016 – Aidan Dudas, North Central Predators
2015 – Brady Gilmour, Quinte Red Devils
2014 – Chris Paquette, Greater Kingston Jr Frontenacs

OMHA SCTA Player of the Year:
2017 – Matthew Dunsmoor, Guelph Jr. Gryphons
2016 – Adam McMaster, Niagara North Stars
2015 – Liam Stevens, Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs
2014 – Rylee St Onge, Niagara North Stars

*prior to 2014 there was a single OMHA Player of the Year award recipient

Past OMHA Players of the Year:
2013 – Matt Spencer, Oakville Rangers*
2012 – Nik Coric, York Simcoe Express*
2011 – Alex Yuill, Quinte Red Devils*

For more information please visit www.ohlcup.ca.

OHL This Week for March 16-19, 2017

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – It’s the final week of the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League regular season!

Here’s a look at what’s going on around the league:

FOLLOW THE RACES WITH THE 2017 OHL PLAYOFF TRACKER:

With the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League regular season winding down, 13 teams have clinched berths in the OHL Playoffs and two division titles have been claimed. Follow along with all the races through the final weekend of the regular season with the OHL Playoff Tracker. Read more

OHL Logo

CATCH THE FINAL WEEKEND OF THE SEASON ON OHL LIVE:

This weekend only, get an All Access Pass to OHL Live from Friday March 17th to Sunday March 19th for the discounted price of $19.99. That’s access to all 20 games this weekend for the price of under $1 a game! Don’t miss out on the stretch drive toward the 2017 OHL Playoffs! Visit OHLLIVE.com to take advantage.

2017 OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR UNDERWAY IN TORONTO:

The 2017 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour is underway at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto. 20 teams from across Ontario and the United States are battling for OHL Cup supremacy, playing in some highly competitive matchups so far this week. There are 250 OHL Cup graduates currently on Ontario Hockey League rosters as of March 11, 2017. This figure represents roughly 50% of the entire OHL. Fans can get full updates on the 2017 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour through game recaps, standings and statistics at OHLCUP.ca.

OTTERS, KNIGHTS, GREYHOUNDS, ATTACK IN CHL TOP-10:

The Erie Otters (3), London Knights (4), Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (5) and Owen Sound Attack (6) are all included in the 25th edition of the weekly CHL Top 10 Rankings. The Attack climbed from eighth and sixth on the list while the Windsor Spitfires received an honourable mention. The weekly rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts. Read more

ATTACK’S PALMU NAMED PIONEER ENERGY OHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Petrus Palmu of the Owen Sound Attack is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 12 after leading the league with eight points in three games scoring four goals and four assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-3. Palmu recorded a pair of multi-point performances for the Attack who picked up a trio of victories last week moving up to third place in the Western Conference standings with a 45-15-2-2 record. Read more

GREYHOUNDS’ GETTINGER SIGNS WITH RANGERS:

The New York Rangers have signed Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds winger Tim Gettinger to a three-year entry-level NHL contract. Gettinger, who has 30 goals, 22 assists and 52 points over 60 games this season, was the Rangers’ fifth round (141st overall) pick last summer. Gettinger ranks third on the Greyhounds in goals and shots on goal, and ranks fourth on the team in plus/minus rating this season. He has registered four multi-goal games in 2016-17, including his first two career hat tricks in the OHL, and he has also posted 13 multi-point games. Read more

SPITFIRES’ CHATFIELD SIGNS WITH CANUCKS:

The Vancouver Canucks have signed Windsor Spitfires overage defenceman Jalen Chatfield to a three-year entry-level NHL contract. In 60 games with the Spitfires this season, Chatfield ranks third among defenceman in points (28) and goals (8), and second in assists (20). His three power-play goals and two overtime goals lead Windsor defenceman. Chatfield joined Windsor as a free agent in June 2014 and has suited up for 188 regular season games over three seasons, registering 86 points (19-67-86) and 136 penalty minutes. Read more

TIPPETT, VILARDI ATOP SPORTSNET’S LATEST NHL DRAFT RANKINGS:

OHL standouts Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads) and Gabriel Vilardi (Windsor Spitfires) are both ranked highly on the latest edition of Sportsnet’s NHL Draft Rankings compiled by analyst Jeff Marek. Nicolas Hague (Mississauga Steelheads), Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack), Robert Thomas (London Knights) and Matthew Strome (Hamilton Bulldogs) all factor into the top-30. Visit sportsnet.ca for the full list.

BULLDOGS’ MARIAN STUDENIC HEADLINES OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

The 24th edition of the OHL Plays of the Week for the 2016-17 season feature another exciting countdown of the league’s Top-5 goals scored during the week ending March 12. This week’s highlights feature a Nikita Korostelev dangle before setting up his Peterborough Petes teammate Steven Lorentz, Dawson Carty of the Hamilton Bulldogs makes an OT save then launches a stretch pass to Matt Luff who buries the winner, Artur Tyanulin of the Ottawa 67’s comes out of the penalty box and grabs a turnover and scores, Ryan Mantha of the Niagara IceDogs shows some hands in the offensive zone before dishing to Johnny Corneil, and the Bulldogs’ Marian Studenic goes end-to-end. Watch

Studenic 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.

NINE GOALTENDERS FEATURED IN JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK:

The OHL season may be winding down but March’s masked men are heating up.  The 24th edition of #JanesSaves features nine goaltenders including Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads, Leo Lazarev of the Ottawa 67’s, Liam Herbst of the Guelph Storm, Christian Propp of the Barrie Colts, Troy Timpano of the Erie Otters, Jeremy Brodeur of the Oshawa Generals, Stephen Dhillon of the Niagara IceDogs, Luke Richardson of the Kitchener Rangers, and Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes. Watch

TWO FIRST GOALS AND A SHUTOUT IN OHL MILESTONE MOMENTS:

The 24th week of the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League season ending March 12 featured a trio of players celebrating milestone moments including two first career OHL goals, plus a first career shutout. Joey Keane (Barrie Colts) and Josh Supryka (Kingston Frontenacs) both scored their first OHL goals while goaltender Christian Propp (Barrie Colts) earned his first OHL shutout. Watch

ROGERS HOMETOWN HOCKEY TOUR COMES TO OTTAWA:

The Rogers Hometown Hockey tour stops in the nation’s capital this weekend. Hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone broadcast live from Ottawa, celebrating Canada’s game throughout the weekend. Follow along with the great stories highlighting Ottawa’s love for hockey at hometownhockey.com.

67’s’ OWNER & GOVERNOR JEFF HUNT TO BE INDUCTED INTO OTTAWA SPORT HALL OF FAME:

Ottawa 67’s Owner & Governor Jeff Hunt along with four other founding members of the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group will be inducted into the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame on June 2nd. The ceremony will take place at the Horticultural Building at Landsdowne Park. The Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization, which documents, curates and celebrates outstanding achievement in local sport heritage.

OHL PLAY-BY-PLAY VOICES FEATURED IN ‘HOCKEY TALK: STORIES BEHIND THE VOICE’:

Author Gordon Hunter has penned a new work highlighting play-by-play voices from across Canadian Major Junior Hockey including several play-by-play personalities from right here in the OHL. ‘Hockey Talk: Stories Behind the Voice’ features voices such as Mike Stubbs of the London Knights, Larry Mellott of the Guelph Storm, Dominic Hennig of the Flint Firebirds, Callum Ng of the Oshawa Generals, Leigh Cunningham of the Sarnia Sting, A.J. Jakubec of the Ottawa 67’s, Matt Sookram of the North Bay Battalion, Mike Miller of the Windsor Spitfires and Rob Snoek of the Peterborough Petes. The book can be purchased through the University of Lethbridge bookstore.

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Spitfires host Fan Appreciation Night on Thursday: The Windsor Spitfires will thank their fans on Thursday when they play host to the Owen Sound Attack. Visit windsorspitfires.com for a full list of prizes and giveaways!


Colts host St. Patrick’s Day Game: The Barrie Colts are encouraging their fans to wear green on Saturday when they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at home to the Kingston Frontenacs. For more information visit barriecolts.com.


Fan Appreciation Night in Kitchener: The first 2,000 fans into the Aud on Friday will receive a commemorative poster featuring Adam Mascherin, Joseph Garreffa and Connor Bunnaman as part of Fan Appreciation Night festivities in Kitchener. The Rangers play host to the Erie Otters and hundreds of prizes will be handed out throughout the night.


Spirit salute the fans: The first 1,000 fans into the Dow Event Centre on Saturday will receive a free Saginaw Spirit 2016-17 team poster. Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to win prizes throughout the night.


Battalion host Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday: The North Bay Battalion close out their regular season schedule with Fan Appreciation Day at the Gardens on Sunday. There’s fun planned for everyone, visit battalionhockey.com for full details.


67’s host Fan Appreciation Game: The Ottawa 67’s will say thank you to their fans on Sunday as the first 3,000 fans into the building will receive a free pair of 67’s sunglasses and a free hot dog. The first 2,500 fans will also receive a free 67’s rally towel. For full details visit ottawa67s.com.

ALUMNI NOTES:

Elie scores first NHL goal: Erie Otters graduate Remi Elie scored his first career NHL goal with the Dallas Stars on Sunday in a 5-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks. The 21-year-old Elie has spent much of this season with the AHL’s Texas Stars, recording eight goals, 17 assists and 25 points in 50 games. The Green Valley, Ont. native was an OHL Champion with the London Knights in 2013 and played three OHL seasons between London, Belleville and Erie, recording 161 points (66-95–161) over 195 regular season contests. He was Dallas’ second round (40th overall) pick in the 2013 NHL Draft.

7 OHL grads win OUA Championship with York: Seven OHL graduates are 2017 OUA Men’s Hockey Champions with the York Lions following a 4-3 win over the visiting Queen’s Gaels at Canlan Ice Sports Arena. Former Ottawa 67’s, Owen Sound Attack and Windsor Spitfires power forward Steven Janes scored the deciding goal with 4:34 remaining in the third period to give the Lions their first OUA Championship since 2004. Read more

Birch shares on the benefits of CHL Scholarship Program: OHL graduate and OHL Senior Director of Hockey Development and Special Events Joe Birch sat down with U SPORTS to discuss the benefits of the CHL Scholarship Program. OHL graduate Geoff Schemitsch, now playing at Acadia University, has made the most of his education package and shares his experience of life after the OHL in the video. Watch the interview at USPORTS.ca.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Sudbury Wolves (24-33-7-0, 3rd Central) vs. North Bay Battalion (23-36-4-2, 4th Central)
Thursday in North Bay, Friday in Sudbury

The 2016-17 season is down to its final weekend and two northern rivals will clash in a home-and-home set with playoff implications. The Battalion enter action three games back of the Wolves with Sudbury holding a game in hand, meaning the stakes are high for both teams should they hope to qualify for the OHL Playoffs. The Battalion have won four of the six meetings between the two clubs this season. Both teams are looking to turn things around having won just two of their past 10 games.

Hamilton Bulldogs (32-25-4-4, 3rd East) vs. Kingston Frontenacs (30-26-5-4, 4th East)
Friday in Kingston

The Hamilton Bulldogs and Kingston Frontenacs have been waging a battle for home ice advantage in the first round of the OHL Playoffs for some time now. The two first round opponents will square off on Friday in Kingston as the Bulldogs look to pull ahead for good as they currently hold a three point edge on fourth. Hamilton has won three of the five meetings between the two clubs this season and enter the weekend having collected at least a point in five straight contests. Kingston is on the heels of two straight losses as they close out the season against Hamilton, Barrie and North Bay.


SCHEDULE:


Thursday March 16:
Mississauga at Niagara – 7:00pm
Sudbury at North Bay – 7:00pm
Hamilton at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Owen Sound at Windsor – 7:05pm


Friday March 17:
Hamilton at Kingston – 7:00pm
Barrie at Mississauga – 7:00pm
North Bay at Sudbury – 7:00pm
Saginaw at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Sarnia at Guelph – 7:30pm
Erie at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Flint at London – 7:30pm


Saturday March 18:
Oshawa at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Guelph at Erie – 7:00pm
London at Flint – 7:00pm
Sudbury at Niagara – 7:00pm
Windsor at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Kingston at Barrie – 7:30pm
Kitchener at Owen Sound – 7:30pm


Sunday March 19:
Niagara at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Kingston at North Bay – 2:00pm
Hamilton at Ottawa – 2:00pm
London at Sault Ste. Marie – 2:07pm
Peterborough at Oshawa – 6:05pm
Owen Sound at Guelph – 6:30pm

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