Spitfires’ Gabriel Vilardi named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that 2017 NHL Draft prospect Gabriel Vilardi of the Windsor Spitfires is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 5 after leading the league with nine points in three games scoring four goals and five assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-4.

Gabriel Vilardi of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Gabriel Vilardi of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Vilardi recorded a trio of multi-point performances last week for the Spitfires who won all three of their games to keep pace in the competitive Western Conference standings where they remain in fifth place with a 39-15-5-3 record just two points behind the Owen Sound Attack.  Vilardi and the Mastercard Memorial Cup hosts took full advantage of Sportsnet’s spotlight grabbing two wins against top-five CHL ranked competition including Thursday night over the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Saturday afternoon against the London Knights both played before a national broadcast audience.  Vilardi began the week earning first star honours with a goal and an assist in the 4-3 overtime triumph against the Hounds, then earned second star recognition contributing two assists in the 4-1 victory against the Knights.  The OHL’s top ranked NHL Draft prospect elevated his play on Sunday with a career-high five points collecting his second hat-trick of the season as first star of a 7-1 win over the Sudbury Wolves.

A 17-year-old from Kingston, ON, Vilardi is playing in his second season with the Spitfires who chose him second overall in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.  He is listed third overall among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the 2017 NHL Draft and competed in January’s Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Quebec City scoring a goal for Team Cherry in their 7-5 win.  Vilardi currently has 28 goals and 31 assists for 59 points in 43 games and is the third Spitfire to earn the league’s weekly honour this season following teammates Michael DiPietro and Logan Brown.

Watch video highlights of Vilardi and the Spitfires against the Greyhounds, Knights, and Wolves.

Also considered for the award this week was fellow 2017 NHL Draft prospect Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack who scored five goals and one assist for six points in two games, and Los Angeles Kings prospect Spencer Watson of the Central Division champion Mississauga Steelheads who scored twice with five assists for seven points in three games.  In goal, rookie Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds posted a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory making 64 saves for a goals-against-average of 0.50 and save percentage of .985.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

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)

Jack Studnicka – Oshawa Generals – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’1

Weight: 172 pounds

Date of birth: February 18, 1999

Hometown: Tecumseh, Ontario

Position: Center

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 1, 21st overall, 2015 Priority Selection

During the 2014-2015 season, Oshawa Generals’ center Jack Studnicka played his midget hockey for Detroit Belle Tire Under-16. In 71 games, he scored 31 goals and added 58 assists. He also played in the OHL Cup with the Thunder Minor Midgets scoring a goal and 3 assists in 4 games, and the OHL Gold Cup with Team Alliance (winning silver) where he 4 goals and 3 assists in 5 games. The Generals would select Studnicka in the first round of the 2015 Ontario Hockey League’s Priority Selection.

At the time of the draft, Generals’ General Manager Roger Hunt had this to say about Studnicka:

“We are thrilled to have Jack committed to the Oshawa Generals, and we look forward to him being an instrumental part to the next chapter for the Oshawa Generals. You can never have too many good center men, and Jack will follow in the footsteps of Jenner, Laughton, and Cassels of first round Oshawa Generals centreman.”

 Last season, Studnicka left an early impression of things to come with the Generals. In 62 games, he scored 4 goals and 22 assists in 62 games. His 26 points were good for 22nd among rookies with many of those ahead of him drafted in the 2016 National Hockey League Draft.

Jack Studnicka of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Jack Studnicka of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

In August, Studnicka represented Canada in the precursor to the season and the opening look at draft eligible players for the NHL Draft, the Ivan Hlinka Tournament. He appeared in 4 games for Canada but did not register a point.

One season later, Studnicka sits third among Generals in points on 17 goals and 30 assists in 58 games. He’s registered 5 powerplay goals and 9 powerplay assists. But he has shown he can provide offense on the penalty kill as well with 2 goals and an assist while being down a man.

I don’t believe Studnicka is an offense first player, which I see tagged to him plenty. He puts as much attention to detail on the defensive side as he does on the offense. He plays in all situations and takes key faceoffs for the Generals. He’s quietly become the Generals’ top face off man at 53%. It’s his extremely high compete level that makes him pay attention at both ends.

Studnicka has good size – although adding bulk will be key for him. He is an excellent skater who has an explosive first step and decent top end speed who can change direction with ease. He possesses very good vision with high quality playmaking skills with an ability to set up his teammates. His shot is underrated in my opinion. His release is deceptive and accurate and he puts every shot on goal with a purpose.

Studnicka can be elusive in the offensive zone. He can break away from coverage almost undetected and put himself into scoring positions. He has very good puck skills and strong possession skills. Although he needs to add some muscle, he will not shy away from the hard areas. Once he gets stronger, it will become an area where he wins more often than he loses because of it – and his work ethic.

Studnicka was ranked 80th on NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings in January among North American skaters.

Jack Studnicka

This is the profile page of Jack Studnicka at Elite Prospects

Linus Nyman – Kingston Frontenacs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 160 pounds

Date of birth: July 11, 1999

Hometown: Helsinki, Finland

Position: Left Wing/Right wing

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 1, 53rd overall, 2016 CHL Import Draft

First off, let’s get the proper pronunciation for the Finland native and Kingston Frontenacs forward Linus Nyman: I’m told by people in the Fronts organization that it’s Noo-man. But I’ve heard a variety of pronunciations. Michael Nyman, the English composer, is usually pronounced as Nie-man. In Swedish, it’s Nee-man.  Ask a Finn and you get Neye-man. So, take your pick!

Linus Nyman of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Linus Nyman of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Last season, Nyman played for Jonkerit U-20 in Sweden’s Jr A SM-liiga where he scored 13 goals and 23 assists and was a plus 30 in 43 games. He previously represented Finland at the Under-16, the World Hockey Challenge Under-17 and was Finland’s top forward at Ivan Hlinka Tournament in August where he scored 4 goals to go along with 3 assists in 4 games.

Once you get past the fact that he is 5’10” and just 160 pounds and watch highlights of his goals, you’ll find a player with a willingness to get to the dirty area in front of the goal. Nyman is a very good skater, a speedster but lacks that elite level speed you hope a player of his stature would have. Yet, he’s just quick enough when combined with his smarts he is able to get into lanes or create lanes and be effective in the cycle game. Don’t read that as saying he’s slow. He’s not.

Nyman possesses dangerous (for the opposition) puck skills. He maintains possession while quickly surveying the ice and making split second decisions about his options. He keeps his head up and on a swivel whenever he’s in possession of the puck. He is an excellent passer and is considered in many circles as a playmaker first, but make no mistake, he can finish as well.

Nyman currently sits third in rookie scoring with 41 points, trailing only Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm (47) and Adam Ruzicka of the Sarnia Sting (43). His 22 goals trail only Ruzicka (24).

Nyman has the skill set to produce at the National Hockey League level. Adding muscle, gaining strength and hopefully having a growth spurt will go a long way into achieving success. As it stands now, he loses too many board battles and can get knocked off the puck to easily in both zones. But give him credit: He gets right back on his horse and will not shy away from the physical areas.  At times, you get the impression that the coaching staff tries to shield him from the tough matchups.

And he is versatile. Nyman can play both wings.

Nyman is the fourth ranked Kingston Frontenac on NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings in January. He was ranked 102 among North American skaters. Jason Robertson (34), Eemeli Rasanen (57), and Jacob Paquette (90) are the others.

Linus Nyman

This is the profile page of Linus Nyman at Elite Prospects

 

OHL Alumni Association Announces Details for Second Annual Golf Tournament

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press Release

OHL Alumni

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced, on behalf of the league’s Alumni Association, details for the second annual OHL Alumni Golf Tournament to be held at the Devil’s Pulpit, one of Canada’s most acclaimed private golf clubs, on Monday June 5, 2017.

The OHL Alumni Golf Tournament, hosted by the OHL Alumni Association, is the one of several networking events focused on bringing together former players from all generations.  Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Gudbranson Stem Cell Research Grant, which helps fund research for Stem Cell Treatments.

The inaugural Alumni Golf Tournament raised $3,600 with all funds pledged to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as part of the Alumni Association’s participation in October’s Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer.  Alumni participating in that event helped raised more than $16,000 for cancer research.

2017 OHL Alumni Golf Tournament:

Where:

Devil’s Pulpit Golf Club (3035 Escarpment Side Rd, Caledon Village, ON L7C 2G8).

 When:

Monday, June 5, 2017.

Itinerary:

11:00am Registration and BBQ Lunch

12:30pm Shotgun Start

Dinner & Awards to Follow

Who:

Ontario Hockey League Alumni & Sponsors.

Gudbranson Stem Cell Research Grant:

In 2004, then 6-year old Dennis Gudbranson (youngest brother of OHL Alumni Erik & Alex Gudbranson) was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Though chemotherapy forced the cancer into remission, it soon returned and he was in a battle for his life. After months of waiting and with only a one in 40,000 chance of finding a stem cell donor match, Dennis was able to find an adult match that would save his life. Dennis has been in remission for over ten years, in fact after five years in remission, he’s now considered to be cured. The Gudbranson family has been very proactive in raising money for Stem Cell Research annually, and the OHL Alumni Association couldn’t be happier to help out in their cause.

Cost:

The tournament will include the following: Round of Golf, Lunch on course, Banquet Dinner, OHL Alumni Gift, a chance numerous prizes through raffle and on-course contests.

Early Bird (Before May 1): Individual $250, Foursome $1,000.

After May 1: Individual $275, Foursome $1,000.

Registration:

To register for the tournament please click the link below, registration must be completed by no later than Friday June 3rd, 2016 (spots are limited):

Click here to register.

 The OHL Alumni Association:

The OHL Alumni Association is a member focused organization with the primary function of forming a global hockey based community directed towards strengthening and sustaining the connection and relationship between alumni, the league, and current players.

 Get Connected:

Are you an OHL graduate? Get connected with the OHL Alumni Association today! The OHL Alumni Association also has a growing online community on LinkedIn.

Jacob Paquette – Kingston Frontenacs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 202 pounds

Date of birth: May 26, 1999

Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario

Position: Defence

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: round 2, 31st overall, 2015 Priority Selection

Kingston Frontenacs’ defenceman Jacob Paquette played his minor midget hockey for the Ottawa Junior 67’s during the 2014-2015 season where he scored five goals and seven assists in twenty-six games. The Frontenacs would select him in the second round, 31st overall at the 2015 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

Breaking into the OHL, it had already been established that Paquette could be a top defensive guy with some offensive potential. He’s a big defenceman who protects his blue-line. He’s difficult to beat one-on-one off the rush using his smarts, active stick, positioning and ability to close gaps quickly, not to mention a “have no fear mentality” to the physical game. And he can eat up big minutes. He plays calm under pressure and is very good when the opposition is on the forecheck.

Those glimpses were apparent a season ago, his rookie season, with the Frontenacs where he scored three goals, ten assists and a plus-24 in fifty-six games while also representing Canada at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17.

Jacob Paquette of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Jacob Paquette of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

There is little debating Paquette could be a solid shut-down defender at the National Hockey League level. The question that is often raised is “how does he project offensively?”

Well, that is not a question that is answered easily. While attending Team Canada Under-18 camp in Calgary in August, Paquette broke his right hand and would miss almost the first three weeks of the season. While he could skate during the recovery time, his peers were already weeks into game shape when Paquette first took to the ice for a game. Still, he has just one goal and ten assists through 52 games on the season, where we had hoped he would show an offensive improvement.

Paquette is a very good skater with or without the puck. He makes a very good first pass that is usually tape-to-tape and has an ability to lead his teammates with a pass. His transition game is very good and he can join the rush. Once in the offensive zone, his greatest asset is his ability to find himself a lane to get shots through to the net and they are usually on target and with a purpose.

Paquette is very smart and makes the right play when deciding to hold the zone with an excellent pinch, or when to back off and to defend the oncoming attack. Finding an error in his game can require some searching.

Paquette has taken on a greater leadership role with the Frontenacs, being named an Alternate Captain.

Jacob Paquette

This is the profile page of Jacob Paquette at Elite Prospects

 

Tom Hedberg – Barrie Colts – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 161 pounds

Date of birth: August 10, 1999

Hometown: Domsjo, Sweden

Position: Defence

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 2, 104th overall, CHL Import Draft

After playing last season in what most consider to be Sweden’s second best league, Allsvenkan, against men for Leksands IF, the Barrie Colts selected Tom Hedberg in the second round of the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft. In 21 games for IF, Hedberg scored once and added 4 assists. He’s also appeared for Sweden internationally at the Under-16, Under-17, Under-18 and the Ivan Hlinka Memorial. In total, he’s played in thirteen international games with six assists in those contests.

Tom Hedberg of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Tom Hedberg of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

During the 2014-2015 season, Hedberg led all defencemen in scoring in the SM U-16 (Slutspel-Damer) with four goals and five assists in eight games.

Hedberg is undersized at 5’11” and just 161 pounds. He’s had some difficulty in the defensive zone, partially due to his lack of size and strength, and partially due to the Colts being a young and rebuilding squad. Being a shut-down defender is not his forte.

Where Hedberg is going to make his bread and butter if he is going to have any success at the National Hockey League level is offensively. Hedberg is an intelligent puck-moving defenceman with a good first pass, but also an ability to skate the puck out of danger and onto the offense. He’s shown a willingness to jump into the attack or to lead the rush. He is a tremendous skater which allows him to do both. He also has high end hockey smarts and very good vision.

It took about a month for Hedberg to get comfortable in the OHL and he started to produce with some regularity. But February went a little south for him. Still, he leads all Colts defenders with 4 goals and 19 assists through 49 games. Ten of his assists have come on the powerplay, which shows one of his strengths is quarterbacking the unit.

Hedberg sits 49th among OHL defenders in scoring. He is also third among rookie OHL defencemen behind Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm (10 goals, 37 assists) and Eemeli Rasanen of the Kingston Frontenacs (6 goals, 26 assists).

Hedberg knows all to well what his weaknesses are and readily admits his size works against him. But to his credit, he’s willing to put in all the work necessary to achieve his goal of playing in the NHL.

Hedberg was ranked 205 on NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings in January among North American skaters.  If you put any stock into that list, by the time you factor in goaltenders and Europeans, that will leave him outside the 217 players that will be selected in June.

Tom Hedberg

This is the profile page of Tom Hedberg at Elite Prospects

OHL This Week for March 2-5, 2017

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – March is underway which means just three weekends of regular season action remain before the Ontario Hockey League Playoffs.  The stretch drive continues with 26 games tonight through Sunday.

Here’s a look at what’s been happening around the league:

SPITFIRES HOST GREYHOUNDS THURSDAY ON SPORTSNET 360:

The Mastercard Memorial Cup host Windsor Spitfires host the West Division leading Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Thursday on Sportsnet 360. The Spits currently trail the Hounds by five points in the standings and sit five points out of home ice advantage in the Western Conference. The Greyhounds enter play on a three game winning streak and feature the OHL’s best road record at 23-6-0-0. Puck drop for the first of two Spitfires home games on Sportsnet 360 this weekend is set for 7:05 pm.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY:

The Ontario Hockey League Wednesday announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in February 2017, including Erie Otters teammates Alex DeBrincat and Darren Raddysh, Sarnia Sting forward Adam Ruzicka and Owen Sound Attack goaltender Michael McNiven. Read more

OTTERS, KNIGHTS, GREYHOUNDS AND ATTACK IN CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:

The Erie Otters continue to hold down top spot in the 23rd edition of the CHL Top-10 Rankings while the London Knights (4) and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (5) remain in the top five. After a successful weekend, the Owen Sound Attack climb two spots to sixth in the rankings. The weekly rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts. Read more

STEELHEADS’ MICHAEL McLEOD NAMED PIONEER ENERGY OHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK AND CHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

New Jersey Devils prospect Michael McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads is both the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week as well as the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 26 with 11 points in three games scoring five goals and six assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-8. McLeod’s trio of multi-point performances last week helped clinch a berth in the 2017 OHL Playoffs for the Steelheads who currently lead the league’s Central Division with a 27-19-6-7 record. Read more

ICEDOGS’ MANTHA SIGNS WITH OILERS:

The Edmonton Oilers have signed Niagara IceDogs overage veteran Ryan Mantha to a three-year entry level NHL contract. Originally selected by the New York Rangers in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft, Mantha went unsigned and returned to Niagara where he has recorded 51 points (14-37–51) over 58 games with the IceDogs this season. A 20-year-old native of Clarkston, Mich., Mantha’s 281 shots on goal currently lead the OHL. Read more

OTTERS’ DeBRINCAT BECOMES LEADING AMERICAN GOAL-SCORER IN OHL HISTORY:

The record-shattering antics of Erie Otters winger Alex DeBrincat continued on Saturday night in Barrie as the Chicago Blackhawks prospect had two goals and two assists in a 7-3 Otters win over the Colts. The 155th and 156th goals of DeBrincat’s OHL career placed him ahead of former Mississauga IceDogs and London Knights winger Rob Schremp (2002-06) as the leading American goal-scorer in OHL history. DeBrincat has now scored in 14 consecutive games as of Sunday, five games shy of Mike Ricci’s OHL record of 19 set during the 1988-89 season. Read more

OTTERS’ RADDYSH SETS FRANCHISE SINGLE-SEASON MARK FOR POINTS BY A DEFENCEMAN:

Overage veteran Darren Raddysh entered new territory for an Erie Otters defenceman on Sunday. Though Erie lost 4-2 in Owen Sound, the older of two Raddysh brothers on the squad came away with a pair of assists to give him 68 points on the season, a new single-season franchise mark for Otters defencemen. Raddysh’s 68 points including 16 goals and 52 assists in 53 games surpasses Chris Campoli’s existing mark of 66 points (20-46–66) accomplished during the 2003-04 season. Read more

ATTACK’S McNIVEN SETS NEW SINGLE-SEASON FRANCHISE WINS RECORD:

Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael McNiven continues to excel in what’s been a record-breaking season for the Owen Sound Attack netminder. McNiven made 31 saves on Saturday as the Attack defeated the division rival London Knights 7-3 on home ice. His 33rd win of the season sets a new Attack single-season record, surpassing the mark of 32 set by Jordan Binnington during the 2012-13 season. Read more

67’s’ KODY CLARK HEADLINES OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

The 22nd 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 February 26. This week’s highlights feature Matt Brassard of the Oshawa Generals showing great patience before burying post-in, Jonah Gadjovich of the Owen Sound Attack with a sharp angle snipe, Mississauga Steelheads Michael McLeod and Nathan Bastian connecting with an unselfish shorty, Drake Rymsha of the Sarnia Sting driving hard to the net, and Kody Clark of the Ottawa 67’s scoring like his father Wendel with a magnificent play. Watch

Clark 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.

OHL’s BEST SAVES HIGHLIGHTED IN 22ND EDITION OF JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK:

The 22nd edition of #JanesSaves brings a close to a February filled with frustration for OHL shooters. This week’s goaltenders foiling the opposition include Jordan Kooy of the London Knights, Luke Richardson of the Kitchener Rangers, Stephen Dhillon of the Niagara IceDogs, Anthony Popovich of the Guelph Storm, Kyle Keyser of the Oshawa Generals, Brent Moran and Julian Sime of the North Bay Battalion, Jeremy Helvig and Mario Peccia of the Kingston Frontenacs, Joseph Murdaca of the Erie Otters, and Connor Hicks of the Flint Firebirds. Watch

LALONDE, STEINOCHER, MacPHERSON FEATURED IN OHL MILESTONE MOMENTS:

The 22nd edition of OHL Milestone Moments features first goals from a trio of defencemen including Owen Lalonde (Sudbury Wolves), Michal Steinocher (Flint Firebirds) and Justin MacPherson (Niagara IceDogs). Watch

OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR MINOR MIDGET TOP-10 RANKINGS – WEEK 11:

One week closer to the 2017 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour, the 11th edition of the weekly rankings features the Vaughan Kings, Ajax-Pickering Raiders and Brampton 45’s on the rise as the London Jr. Knights continue to hold down top spot. Read more

With the 2017 OMHA Championships taking place in Whitby this weekend, we take a look at the best of the SCTA this season, with a focus on the Brampton 45’s and the Grey-Bruce Highlanders. Read more

CMHA TALK TODAY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN VISITS OSHAWA:

The Oshawa Generals hosted CMHA Talk Today Night on Wednesday when they took on the visiting Kingston Frontenacs. Presented by Teachers Life, Talk Today awareness games feature a CMHA kiosk where fans can get more information about Talk Today and the programs and services offered by the Branches. There will also be public address and video announcements in venue addressing the importance of positive mental health, along with mental health awareness messaging delivered through social media. Read more

GOOD IN EVERY GRAIN FARMER CARD GIVEAWAY COMING TO MISSISSAUGA AND NORTH BAY:

Good in Every Grain and the Ontario Hockey League are working together this year to share stories about Ontario’s farms and farmers during OHL games across the province. Good in Every Grain is hosting special giveaway nights at every OHL arena in the province, including this Friday in Mississauga and Sunday in North Bay. For more information, please visit goodineverygrain.ca.

OHL GRADUATE JEFF McKERCHER FEATURED ON JUNIOR HOCKEY MAGAZINE:

Peterborough Petes graduate Jeff McKercher enjoyed a three-year OHL career between Barrie, Sault Ste. Marie and Peterborough from 1996-99, appearing in 176 career regular season games and being chosen by the Dallas Stars in the 1997 NHL Draft. Today, McKercher is a police officer and recounts his journey through the OHL on the path that has taken him to where he is today. Listen

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Pevs Protects in Kitchener on Tuesday: The Kitchener Rangers hosted Pevs Protects Night on Tuesday, defeating the visiting Guelph Storm 4-3 to clinch a spot in the 2017 OHL Playoffs. Pevs Protects was developed by former National Hockey League forward Rich Peverley and his family, in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Pevs Protects aims to raise awareness and funds for AED (Automated External Defibrilator) purchases and training, as well as CPR training in collaboration with organizations such as the HSF.

Salute the Troops in Kingston Friday: The Kingston Frontenacs will bring out their camouflage threads on Friday when they play host to the Ottawa 67’s. Military Appreciation Night in Kingston is an annual celebration of the troops who tirelessly serve our country.

Special Olympics Night in Guelph on Friday: The Guelph Storm host their annual Special Olympics Night on Friday when they take on the visiting Soo Greyhounds. In partnership with the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Guelph Police Service, the event seeks to raise funds for Special Olympics in Ontario. Visit guelphstorm.com for more information.

First Responders Night, 70’s Night in Flint: There’s a unique blend on display in Flint on Saturday as the Firebirds celebrate First Responders Night and 70’s Night at the Dort Federal Event Center. Visit flintfirebirds.com for full details!

Hockey For the Homeless Night in Saginaw on Saturday: The Saginaw Spirit will be holding a Fill the Limo Food Drive during their Hockey for the Homeless Game against Sudbury on Sunday. Fans who donate five canned goods or $5 will receive a ticket to enter the draw to win a Detroit Red Wings prize package including tickets to see them take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 24th. For more details, visit saginawspirit.com.

Retro Night in Windsor on Saturday: The Windsor Spitfires are bringing out the throwbacks for Retro Night on Saturday when their old school 401 rival the London Knights come to town. The game will be broadcast on Sportsnet 360 as the two clubs revisit their Western Conference rivalry at 4:00 pm.

Frontenacs raise over $73,000 for Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research: The Kingston Frontenacs have raised over $73,000 toward the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research through their The Tragically Hip game worn jersey auction. The money donated will give Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto the tools to help beat brain cancers that are currently unbeatable. Winning bidders came from across Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia as well as one from Hong Kong. Read more

Petes hiring full-time business operations staff: The Peterborough Petes are seeking creative, energetic, forward-thinking staff to join their business operations team. The maroon and white are currently in search of a Manager of Sales and Marketing, a Coordinator of Season Ticket Sales & Service, a Coordinator of Game Operations and Community Events, a Sales & Marketing Intern and a Community Events Volunteer. Visit gopetesgo.com for more details.

ALUMNI NOTES:

OHL talent on the move at NHL Trade Deadline: Erie Otters defenceman Erik Cernak is one of a few current and recent OHL players to be moved at the NHL’s trade deadline. Cernak was involved in a deal that sent goaltender Ben Bishop to the Los Angeles Kings as the Slovakian defenceman had his rights dealt to Tampa Bay where he joins Otters teammates Taylor Raddysh and Anthony Cirelli in the Lightning organization. Other recent OHL players moved include Guelph Storm graduate Taylor Beck headed to the New York Rangers from the Edmonton Oilers, former first overall OHL Priority Selection pick Daniel Catenacci also headed to the Rangers from the Buffalo Sabres as well as former Kitchener Rangers standout Jeremy Morin on the move to the Arizona Coyotes.

Subban awarded Meritorious Service Decoration from Governor General: OHL graduate P.K. Subban of the Nashville Predators makes his return to Montreal this week to face his former club. Subban received the Meritorious Service Award from Governor General David Johnson, rewarding his charitable efforts in raising more than $1.4 million for the Montreal Children’s Hospital since 2015. Subban was one of 13 volunteers recognized with an award on Wednesday. The native of Rexdale, Ont. has 30 points (8-22–30) in 47 games with Nashville in this, his seventh NHL season. The 2013 Norris Trophy winner as NHL Defenceman of the Year played for the Belleville Bulls from 2005-09, recording 190 points (42-148–190) over 234 career regular season games.

Ho-Sang named AHL Rookie of the Month, recalled by Islanders: Niagara IceDogs graduate Josh Ho-Sang has been named the AHL’s Rookie of the Month for February. Ho-Sang had five goals, 10 assists and 15 points in 12 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and is tied for sixth among AHL rookies in scoring with 36 points (10-26–36) in 48 contests. Ho-Sang has been called up by the Islanders and could potentially see his first NHL action this week. The 21-year-old played four seasons between Windsor and Niagara from 2012-16, recording 82 goals, 210 assists and 292 points over 256 regular season games. He was the Islanders’ first round (28th overall) pick in 2014.

Terry named AHL Player of the Month: OHL graduate Chris Terry has been named the AHL Player of the Month for February after recording nine goals, nine assists and 18 points with the St. John’s IceCaps. The 2017 AHL All-Star currently ranks second in AHL scoring with 50 points (21-29–50) in 38 games for St. John’s, the AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. Terry played four seasons with the Plymouth Whalers from 2005-09, winning an OHL title in 2007. A native of Brampton, Ont., he recorded 114 goals, 175 assists and 289 points over 253 regular season games. Terry was Carolina’s fifth round pick in 2007.

DeBoer earns 300th NHL coaching win: OHL graduate and former long-time OHL head coach and GM Peter DeBoer earned his 300th career NHL coaching victory on Tuesday. DeBoer’s San Jose Sharks defeated the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 as he won his 300th career regular season game, improving to an overall regular season record of 300-248-90. The native of Dunnville, Ont. played with the Windsor Compuware Spitfires from 1985-89, helping the Spits reach the Mastercard Memorial Cup Final in 1988 before losing to the Medicine Hat Tigers. Behind the bench, DeBoer has coached to an OHL record of 539-279-60 over 13 seasons between Plymouth and Kitchener, winning back-to-back OHL Coach of the Year honours in 1999 and 2000. DeBoer coached the Kitchener Rangers to a Mastercard Memorial Cup title in 2003.

Martin plays in 500th NHL game: Sarnia Sting graduate Matt Martin played in his 500th career NHL game on Tuesday as the Toronto Maple Leafs lost in San Jose 3-1. A 27-year-old native of Windsor, Ont., Martin is in his seventh NHL season after spending the past six with the New York Islanders. He has four goals, three assists and seven points in 62 games with the Leafs this season. Martin played three seasons in Sarnia from 2006-09, recording 63 goals, 46 assists and 109 points in 166 regular season games. He was the Islanders’ fifth round pick in the 2008 NHL Draft.

McGinn scores 100th career goal: Ottawa 67’s graduate Jamie McGinn scored his 100th career NHL goal on Sunday as the Arizona Coyotes defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2. McGinn has nine goals, six assists and 15 points in 55 games this season and recently played in his 500th career game. The oldest of three brothers to have played in the NHL, McGinn has played with San Jose, Colorado, Buffalo, Anaheim and now Arizona in his ninth NHL season. The Fergus, Ont. native played four seasons with Ottawa from 2004-08, recording 111 goals, 115 assists and 226 points over 243 career OHL contests. He was San Jose’s second round pick in the 2006 NHL Draft.  

Garlent, Schemitsch and Locke receive AUS awards:  Three OHL graduates have been named AUS Men’s Hockey major award winners following the conclusion of the 2016-17 regular season. Hunter Garlent (Peterborough Petes), Geoff Schemitsch (Oshawa Generals) and Eric Locke (Saginaw Spirit) have been recognized by Atlantic University Sport for their outstanding efforts this past season. Read more

Greenfield, Campbell named Canada West all-stars: OHL graduates Tim Campbell (Guelph Storm) and Matthew Greenfield (Kitchener Rangers) have both been named to Canada West University Athletics Men’s Hockey all-star teams. A fifth-year defenceman with the University of Lethbridge, Campbell has been named a first team all-star while Greenfield has been named an all-rookie team member with the University of Calgary. Read more

Bailie named OUA Male Athlete of the Week: London Knights graduate Kevin Bailie has been named the OUA’s Male Athlete of the Week. The fourth year Queen’s University netminder has helped the Gaels advance to the third round of the OUA playoffs for the first time since 1999-00, making 121 saves in three games against the Concordia Stingers. Through two rounds of the OUA playoffs, Bailie has posted a 0.99 GAA and 0.971 SV% with an OUA leading 234 saves. The Belleville, Ont. native played five OHL seasons between Oshawa and London, going 60-41-5-6 with a 3.44 goals-against average and an .896 save percentage over 136 regular season games.  

KEY MATCHUPS:

Owen Sound Attack (41-15-1-2, 3rd Midwest) vs. Peterborough Petes (36-18-2-3, 1st East)
Thursday March 2nd at Peterborough

Fresh off a big win over division rival Oshawa, the surging Peterborough Petes host the red hot Owen Sound Attack in a showdown of contending teams. The matchup could feature quite a goaltending duel as OHL Goaltender of the Month for February Michael McNiven and the Attack will go up against Edmonton Oilers prospect Dylan Wells in the Peterborough crease. The Attack enter play as winners of three straight. The Petes won the only other matchup between the two clubs this season by a score of 5-2 back on October 16th.

London Knights (40-12-3-4, 2nd Midwest) vs. Windsor Spitfires (36-15-5-3, 2nd West)
Saturday March 4th at Windsor on Sportsnet 360

An age-old Western Conference rivalry is renewed on Sportsnet 360 as the London Knights visit the Windsor Spitfires on Retro Night at the WFCU Centre. The fourth-ranked team in this week’s CHL Top-10, the Knights currently trail first place Erie by four points to start the weekend. The Spitfires try and shake off a two-game slide and stay within striking distance of first place Sault Ste. Marie in the West Division. The Knights have won three of the five meetings between the two clubs this season as the season series comes to a close on Saturday.

SCHEDULE:

Thursday March 2:
Kitchener at Niagara – 7:00pm
Barrie at North Bay – 7:00pm
Owen Sound at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Windsor – 7:05 pm (CHL on Sportsnet – Sportsnet 360)

Friday March 3:
Niagara at Erie – 7:00pm
Sudbury at Flint – 7:00pm
Ottawa at Kingston – 7:00pm
North Bay at Mississauga – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Guelph – 7:30pm
Peterborough at Hamilton – 7:30pm
London at Kitchener – 7:30pm

Saturday March 4:
Kingston at Ottawa – 2:00pm
London at Windsor – 4:00pm (CHL on Sportsnet – Sportsnet 360)
Sarnia at Erie – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Flint – 7:00pm
Mississauga at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Barrie at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Sudbury at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Guelph at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday March 5:
Sault Ste. Marie at Kitchener – 2:00pm
Sarnia at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Erie at Niagara – 2:00pm
Hamilton at North Bay – 2:00pm
Barrie at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Sudbury at Windsor – 2:05pm

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

OHL Announces Academic Players of the Month for February

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the OHL Academic Players of the Month for February 2017, including Sasha Chmelevski of the Ottawa 67’s, Reagan O’Grady of the Sudbury Wolves, Evan Bouchard of the London Knights and Barrett Hayton of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

OHL

East Division: For the second time in his OHL career, Ottawa 67’s forward Sasha Chmelevski has earned Academic Player of the Month honours, claiming East Division recognition for the month of February. A native of Northville, Mich., Chmelevski holds a 96% average in Grade 12 Statistics and Probability, British Literature, Anatomy and Physiology, Marketing and Psychology courses. “Sasha approaches his studies as a mature, disciplined, and self-motivated student, who works hard to balance the demands of school and hockey,” said 67’s Academic Advisor Eileen Duffin. The 2017 NHL Draft prospect sits fourth in OHL scoring with 19 goals, 21 assists and 40 points over 49 games. He represented Team Orr in the 2017 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, scoring a goal in Quebec City and also represented the United States at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament this past summer, recording four goals and five assists in four contests. Chmelevski was Sarnia’s first round (10th overall) pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.

Central Division: Third-year defenceman Reagan O’Grady of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for February. The 18-year-old Lindsay, Ont. native holds an 81% average in Grade 12 University level courses at Lasalle Secondary School and is set to begin University in September. In 56 games this season, the draft eligible blueliner has four goals, 10 assists and 14 points. O’Grady was originally Kingston’s first round (15th overall) pick in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midgets.

Midwest Division: Sophomore defenceman Evan Bouchard of the London Knights is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for February. The Oakville, Ont. native is maintaining a 93% average in Grade 12 University level studies at Blyth Academy. “Evan’s success this year can be credited to his positive attitude and work ethic,” said Knights Academic Advisor Trish Hurley. “He exemplifies the OHL policy of ‘providing the best of both worlds’ with regard to academics and hockey.” Bouchard is the Sports Representative on Blyth Academy’s Student Council and is involved with clubs within the school community. He has helped organize multiple fundraisers since the start of the school year including an initiative for Sick Kids Hospital. Bouchard has nine goals, 25 assists and 34 points to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-29 in 59 contests this season. He was London’s first round (17th overall) pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection and won’t be eligible for the NHL Draft until 2018.

West Division: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds rookie Barrett Hayton is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month. The Peterborough, Ont. native has an overall average of 85% in Grade 11 University level Mathematics, English, Science and Physical Education programs at Superior Heights Secondary School. “Barrett is a great example of how a student-athlete with the Greyhounds can achieve success both on the ice and in the classroom,” said Greyhounds general manager Kyle Raftis. Hayton has seven goals, 13 assists and 20 points in 54 games with the Hounds this season and represented Team Canada White at the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, recording a goal and an assist in six games. He was Sault Ste. Marie’s first round (9th overall) pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Red Wings Minor Midgets.

2016-17 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
February – Sasha Chmelevski (Ottawa 67’s)
January – William Ennis (Oshawa Generals)
December – Nathan Dunkley (Kingston Frontenacs)
November – Matthew Strome (Hamilton Bulldogs)
October – Zach Gallant (Peterborough Petes)

Central Division:
February – Reagan O’Grady (Sudbury Wolves)
January – Ben Jones (Niagara IceDogs)
December – Adam McMaster (North Bay Battalion)
November – Kyle Heitzner (Barrie Colts)
October – Jacob Ingham (Mississauga Steelheads)

Midwest Division:
February – Evan Bouchard (London Knights)
January – Luke Richardson (Kitchener Rangers)
December – Nick Deakin-Poot (Guelph Storm)
November – Cade Robinson (Erie Otters)
October – Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)

 West Division:
February – Barrett Hayton (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
January – Ryan McGregor (Sarnia Sting)
December – Damien Giroux (Saginaw Spirit)
November – Hunter Holmes (Flint Firebirds)
October – Cole Purboo (Windsor Spitfires)

During the 2015-16 season, the OHL centrally administered Scholarship Program facilitated scholarships for 315 OHL graduates attending 57 different academic institutions with a total scholarship payment in excess of $2.9 million.  Click here for more information about ‘OHL Players First’ programs.

OHL’s Draft Eligible Statistical Leaders for February

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

As February comes to an end, it’s almost safe to say that as Nick Suzuki and Jonah Gadjovich go, so do the Owen Sound Attack. Well, not quite, but almost.

The young Attack forwards find themselves all over the leader board among the Ontario Hockey League players eligible for the National Hockey League Draft in June.

Suzuki leads the way with 79 points while Gadjovich places third with 65. Sandwiched in between them is Owen Tippett of the Mississauga Steelheads with 69 points. Gadjovich leads the way in goals with 40 while Suzuki comes in third with 34, and once again, Tippett sits in between the pair with 39 goals.

Jonah Gadjovich of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Jonah Gadjovich of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Suzuki and Gadjovich sit second and fifth in plus/minus, second and fourth in longest goal scoring streaks, fourth and third in shot attempts and second and first in shots on goal respectively.

Defenceman Conor Timmins of the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds has opened up a comfortable lead in scoring among blue-liners. Timmins has 54 points in 58 games, a 14-point bulge over Nicolas Hague of the Mississauga Steelheads. At the end of January, just 5 points separated the two.

Windsor Spitfires netminder Michael DiPietro continues to dominate the goaltending stats leading in goals against average, save percentage, wins and shutouts. Matthew Villalta of the Greyhounds follows right behind and is continuing to impress.

Note that the list includes players eligible for the NHL Draft for the first time. Always refer to the OHL website for official stats.

Points Leaders
Player Team GP G A Pts
Nick Suzuki Owen Sound Attack 56 34 45 79
Owen Tippett Mississauga Steelheads 52 39 30 69
Jonah Gadjovich Owen Sound Attack 53 40 25 65
Jason Robertson Kingston Frontenacs 59 33 30 63
Matthew Strome Hamilton Bulldogs 57 33 23 56
Robert Thomas London Knights 57 16 39 55
Joseph Garreffa Kitchener Rangers 60 23 32 55
Conor Timmins Soo Greyhounds 58 6 48 54
Austen Keating Ottawa 67’s 58 18 35 53
Morgan Frost Soo Greyhounds 58 16 36 52
Goal Scoring Leaders
Player Team GP G GPG
Jonah Gadjovich Owen Sound Attack 53 40 0.75
Owen Tippett Mississauga Steelheads 52 39 0.75
Nick Suzuki Owen Sound Attack 56 34 0.61
Jason Robertson Kingston Frontenacs 59 33 0.56
Matthew Strome Hamilton Bulldogs 57 33 0.58
Macauley Carson Sudbury Wolves 58 25 0.43
Gabriel Vilardi Windsor Spitfires 40 24 0.60
Brady Gilmour Saginaw Spirit 57 24 0.42
Joseph Garreffa Kitchener Rangers 60 23 0.38
Ivan Lodnia Erie Otters 57 23 0.40
Assist Leaders
Player Team GP A APG
Conor Timmins Soo Greyhounds 58 48 0.83
Nick Suzuki Owen Sound Attack 56 45 0.80
Robert Thomas London Knights 57 39 0.68
Morgan Frost Soo Greyhounds 58 36 0.62
Austen Keating Ottawa 67’s 58 35 0.60
Joseph Garreffa Kitchener Rangers 60 32 0.53
Owen Tippett Mississauga Steelheads 52 30 0.58
Jason Robertson Kingston Frontenacs 59 30 0.51
Ben Jones Niagara Ice Dogs 54 29 0.54
Sean Durzi Owen Sound Attack 51 27 0.53
Defencemen Point Leaders
Player Team GP G A Pts
Conor Timmins Soo Greyhounds 58 6 48 54
Nicolas Hague Mississauga Steelheads 56 16 24 40
Noel Hoefenmayer Ottawa 67’s 53 12 24 36
Markus Phillips Owen Sound Attack 57 10 22 32
Adam Thilander North Bay Battalion 55 5 27 32
Eemeli Rasanen Kingston Frontenacs 57 6 25 31
Sean Durzi Owen Sound Attack 51 1 27 28
Tom Hedberg Barrie Colts 48 4 19 23
Plus/Minus Leaders
Player Team GP +/-
Conor Timmins Soo Greyhounds 58 +43
Nick Suzuki Owen Sound Attack 56 +42
Robert Thomas London Knights 57 +35
Markus Phillips Owen Sound Attack 57 +34
Jonah Gadjovich Owen Sound Attack 53 +33
Owen Tippett Mississauga Steelheads 52 +21
Mac Hollowell Soo Greyhounds 54 +19
Ivan Lodnia Erie Otters 57 +19
Gabriel Vilardi Windsor Spitfires 40 +14
Nicolas Hague Mississauga Steelheads 56 +13
Penalty Minutes Leaders
Player Team GP PIM M/G
Shaw Boomhower Mississauga Steelheads 54 94 1.74
Darian Pilon Sudbury Wolves 58 91 1.57
Nicolas Hague Mississauga Steelheads 56 88 1.57
Drake Pilon Sudbury Wolves 49 81 1.65
Cole Fraser Peterborough Petes 56 77 1.38
Zach Gallant Peterborough Petes 51 72 1.41
Hayden Davis Saginaw Spirit 59 70 1.19
Faceoff Leaders  (wins)
Player Team GP FOA FOW %
Robert Thomas London Knights 57 972 557 57.3
Zach Gallant Peterborough Petes 51 913 550 60.2
Ben Jones Niagara Ice Dogs 54 1063 547 51.5
Jason Willms Barrie Colts 59 872 455 52.2
Nate Schnarr Guelph Storm 45 883 438 49.6
Jack Studnicka Oshawa Generals 55 802 419 52.2
Morgan Frost Soo Greyhounds 58 753 390 51.8
Greg Meireles Kitchener Rangers 58 815 380 46.6
Sasha Chmelevski Ottawa 67’s 49 660 366 55.5
Nick Suzuki Owen Sound Attack 56 694 363 52.3
Macauley Carson Sudbury Wolves 58 765 354 46.3
Longest Goal Scoring Streak
Player Team From To Gms Goals
Owen Tippett Mississauga Steelheads 10/12 10/23 6 11
Nick Suzuki Owen Sound Attack 11/18 11/26 5 6
Isaac Ratcliffe Guelph Storm 11/27 12/9 5 6
Jonah Gadjovich Owen Sound Attack 12/11 12/30 4 7
Macauley Carson Sudbury Wolves 2/19 – 4 6
Longest Assist Streak
Player Team From To Gms Assts
Austen Keating Ottawa 67’s 2/12 – 7 8
Owen Tippett Mississauga Steelheads 1/17 1/29 6 8
Zach Gallant Peterborough Petes 12/3 12/16 5 5
Austen Keating Ottawa 67’s 10/23 11/5 5 5
Austen Keating Ottawa 67’s 9/25 10/6 5 9
Longest Point Streak
Player Team From To Gms Pts
Owen Tippett Mississauga Steelheads 12/16 1/19 12 21
Nicolas Hague Mississauga Steelheads 12/4 12/28 8 12
Lucas Chiodo Barrie Colts 1/1 1/19 8 10
Jonah Gadjovich Owen Sound Attack 12/11 1/7 7 14
Austen Keating Ottawa 67’s 12/18 – 7 12
Shot Attempt Leaders
Player Team GP S/A
Jason Robertson Kingston Frontenacs 59 257
Owen Tippett Mississauga Steelheads 52 248
Jonah Gadjovich Owen Sound Attack 53 245
Nick Suzuki Owen Sound Attack 56 223
Nicolas Hague Mississauga Steelheads 56 170
Shots On Goal Leaders
Player Team GP SOG
Jonah Gadjovich Owen Sound Attack 53 182
Nick Suzuki Owen Sound Attack 56 166
Jason Robertson Kingston Frontenacs 59 147
Owen Tippett Mississauga Steelheads 52 129
Sasha Chmelevski Ottawa 67’s 49 98
Goaltenders Leaders – Goals Against Average (Min 10 games)
Player Team GP Min GA Avg
Michael DiPietro Windsor Spitfires 46 2691 99 2.21
Matthew Villalta Soo Greyhounds 27 1436 64 2.67
Kaden Fulcher Hamilton Bulldogs 38 2123 116 3.28
Luke Richardson Kitchener Rangers 11 601 33 3.29
Kyle Keyser Oshawa Generals 22 1094 64 3.51
Goaltending Leaders – Save Percentage (Min 10 games)
Player Team GP SH SVS SV%
Michael DiPietro Windsor Spitfires 46 1271 1172 0.922
Luke Richardson Kitchener Rangers 11 357 324 0.908
Matthew Villalta Soo Greyhounds 27 686 622 0.907
Jake McGrath Sudbury Wolves 36 1146 1025 0.894
Kaden Fulcher Hamilton Bulldogs 38 1061 945 0.891
Goaltending Leaders – Wins
Player Team GP W L OL
Michael DiPietro Windsor Spitfires 46 28 10 6
Matthew Villalta Soo Greyhounds 27 20 2 0
Kaden Fulcher Hamilton Bulldogs 38 16 16 5
Jake McGrath Sudbury Wolves 36 14 12 6
Luke Richardson Kitchener Rangers 11 8 2 0
Goaltending Leaders – Shutouts
Player Team GP SO
Michael DiPietro Windsor Spitfires 49 6
Kaden Fulcher Hamilton Bulldogs 38 2
Jake McGrath Sudbury Wolves 36 1

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Player of the Month for February

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Owen Sound Attack have been on a tear during the second half of the Ontario Hockey League’s season and a big part of their success has been the performance of Nick Suzuki.

In 11 February games, Suzuki scored 11 goals and 11 assists and finished with a plus-15. He now has 34 goals and 45 assists in 56 games to lead the Owen Sound Attack with 79 points. Suzuki leads all draft eligible players in points, is third in goals, second in assists, and second in plus-minus.

Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Suzuki was named third star on February 4 with a two goal performance in a 4-1 victory over the Windsor Spitfires, first star on February 12 with three goals in the Attack’s 5-0 win over the Kingston Frontenacs, second star on February 17 when he notched a goal and five assists in a 6-1 win over the London Knights, first star on February 23 in a 5-0 win over the Kitchener Rangers with two goals and an assist and second star on February 25 with two goals and two assists in a 7-3 win over the London Knights.

Also considered was Suzuki’s teammate Jonah Gadjovich. In 12 games in February, Gadjovich had 13 goals and six assists. He now has 40 goals on the season, tops on the Attack as well as among all draft eligible players. His 65 points on the season is good for third among draft eligible players.

Previously

January – Owen Tippett – Mississauga Steelheads

December – Michael DiPietro, Windsor Spitfires

November – Nick Suzuki, Owen Sound Attack

October – Gabriel Vilardi – Windsor Spitfires

September – Greg Meireles – Kitchener Rangers