Huskies’ Chase Marchand named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Chase Marchand of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the opening week of the 2016 CHL Playoffs ending March 27 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record including two shutout victories with a goals-against-average of 0.00 and save percentage of 1.000.

Vaughn

Marchand was perfect between the pipes for the first place Huskies stopping all 40 shots he faced in the opening two games of their first round QMJHL matchup against the Drummondville Voltigeurs.  On Friday night he made 22 saves to record his first career playoff victory and shutout in the 10-0 win, then stopped 18 shots in Game 2 on Saturday as the Huskies prevailed by a 6-0 score.  The series now shifts to Drummondville for Game 3 on Tuesday and Game 4 on Wednesday night.

A 20-year-old from Upper Tantlion, NS, Marchand is playing in his third career QMJHL season and first with the Huskies.  During the 2015-16 regular season he carried a record of 29-6-0-1 including two shutout victories while maintaining the league’s lowest goals-against-average with a mark of 2.42 and the second best save percentage at .911 helping the Huskies finish first overall.

Also considered for the award this week was Mario Petit who posted a 2-0-0-0 record for the Everett Silvertips in their first round WHL series against the Portland Winterhawks winning one of the games by shutout while carrying a goals-against-average of 0.50 and save percentage of .981.  In the OHL, New York Rangers prospect Brandon Halverson backstopped the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds to a 2-0 series lead against the Sarnia Sting with a goals-against-average of 2.50 and save percentage of .935 in his two road wins.

2015-16 Vaughn CHL Post-Season Goaltenders of the Week:

Mar. 21 – Mar. 27: Chase Marchand (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)

2015-16 Vaughn CHL Regular Season Goaltenders of the Week:

Mar. 14 – Mar. 20: Reilly Pickard (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)
Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Landon Bow (Seattle Thunderbirds)
Feb. 29 – Mar. 6: Connor Ingram (Kamloops Blazers)
Feb. 22 – Feb. 28: Devin Williams (Erie Otters)
Feb. 15 – Feb. 21: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Feb. 8 – Feb. 14: Leo Lazarev (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 1 – Feb. 7: Taz Burman (Swift Current Broncos)
Jan. 25 – Jan. 31: Luke Opilka (Kitchener Rangers)
Jan. 18 – Jan. 24: Jordan Papirny (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Jan. 11 – Jan. 17: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Jan. 4 – Jan. 10: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Jan. 3: Étienne Montpetit (Val-d’Or Foreurs)
Dec. 14 – Dec. 20: Callum Booth (Quebec Remparts)
Dec. 7 – Dec. 13: Jack Flinn (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 30 – Dec. 6: Ty Edmonds (Prince George Cougars)
Nov. 23 – Nov. 29: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 16 – Nov. 22: Keven Bouchard (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)
Nov. 9 – Nov. 15: Devin Williams (Erie Otters)
Nov. 2 – Nov. 8: Etienne Montpetit (Val-d’Or Foreurs)
Oct. 26 – Nov. 1: Tyler Parsons (London Knights)
Oct. 19 – Oct. 25: Adin Hill (Portland Winterhawks)
Oct. 12 – Oct. 18: Julio Billia (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
Oct. 5 – Oct. 11: Coleman Vollrath (Victoria Royals)
Sept. 28 – Oct. 4: Louis-Philip Guindon (Rimouski Oceanic)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 27: Zack Bowman (Flint Firebirds)

CHL Leagues

Frontenacs’ Warren Foegele named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Carolina Hurricanes prospect Warren Foegele of the Kingston Frontenacs is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the opening week of the 2016 OHL Playoffs ending March 27 scoring six points in two games including five goals and one assist with a plus-minus rating of plus-4.

Foegele produced back-to-back multi-point performances last week for the first place Frontenacs who opened the post-season with a pair of victories over the defending champion Oshawa Generals.  On Friday night in Game 1 he scored the first goal of the series which held as the game-winner then added an assist in the 6-0 shutout win.  Foegele followed that effort with a four-goal outburst in Game 2on Saturday tallying the game-winner for the second straight night and earning first star honours in the 7-3 victory.  The power forward led the Fronts with 13 shots on goal in the first two games of the series more than doubling his per game average over the course of the 2015-16 campaign.  The Frontenacs and the Generals continue their Eastern Conference Quarter-Final series with Game 3 on Tuesday night in Oshawa at 7:00 pm broadcast live on Sportsnet 360.

A 19-year-old from Markham, ON, Foegele is playing in his first career OHL season with the Frontenacs and recorded 48 points including 13 goals and 35 assists in 52 regular season games.  He was selected by the Hurricanes in the third round of the 2014 NHL Draft.

Watch video highlights of Foegele and the Frontenacs against the Generals in Game 1, and Game 2.

Also considered for the award this week was fellow Frontenac Spencer Watson who scored two goals and four assists for six points in two games, and Kitchener’s Brandon Robinson who scored four goals and two assists for six points in two games helping the Rangers grab a 2-0 series lead in the Western Conference Quarter-Finals against the Windsor Spitfires.  In goal, New York Rangers prospect Brandon Halverson backstopped the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds to a 2-0 series lead against the Sarnia Sting with 72 saves in two road wins while posting a goals-against-average of 2.50 and save percentage of .935.

Pioneer

2015-16 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

 Playoffs:

Mar. 21 – Mar. 27: Warren Foegele (Kingston Frontenacs)

 Regular Season:

Mar. 14 – Mar. 20: Blake Speers (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Andrew Mangiapane (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 29 – Mar. 6: Hunter Garlent (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 22 – Feb. 28: Logan Brown (Windsor Spitfires)
Feb. 15 – Feb. 21: Mike Amadio (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 8 – Feb. 14: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 1 – Feb. 7: Spencer Watson (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 25 – Jan. 31: Jonah Gadjovich (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 18 – Jan. 24: Matthew Mancina (Peterborough Petes)
Jan. 11 – Jan. 17: Michael Giugovaz (Guelph Storm)
Jan. 4 – Jan. 10: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 28 – Jan. 3: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 14 – Dec. 20: Jake Smith (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 7 – Dec. 13: Christian Dvorak (London Knights)
Nov. 30 – Dec. 6: Mitchell Marner (London Knights)
Nov. 23 – Nov. 29: Christian Dvorak (London Knights)
Nov. 16 – Nov. 22: Pavel Zacha (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 9 – Nov. 15: Devin Williams (Erie Otters)
Nov. 2 – Nov. 8: Dylan Strome (Erie Otters)
Oct. 26 – Nov. 1: Tyler Parsons (London Knights)
Oct. 19 – Oct. 25: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 12 – Oct. 18: Zach Bratina (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 5 – Oct. 11: Hunter Garlent (Peterborough Petes)
Sept. 28 – Oct. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 27: Zack Bowman (Flint Firebirds)

Jordan Sambrook – Player Profile – Erie Otters

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height:  6’2”

Weight:  186 pounds

Date of birth: April 11, 1998 Markham, Ontario

Position:  Defence

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 10, 119th overall, 2014 Priority Selection

Ranked 90th among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings, the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to Jordan Sambrook is that he might just be a valuable find for an NHL team come June’s draft. And with plenty of NHL scouts’ eyes on teammates Alex DeBrincat and Taylor Raddysh, one would assume Sambrook has had plenty of looks.

Jordan Sambrook of the Erie Otters. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Jordan Sambrook of the Erie Otters. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Sambrook has taken every opportunity handed to him, whether its teammates away at the World Junior Championships, injuries or suspensions and made the most out of those opportunities. As a rookie defender in the Ontario Hockey League he scored 9 goals while adding 18 assists in playing all but one of the Otters’ 68 games.

What is truly surprising, especially for a rookie defender, is that Sambrook’s 9 goals came on just 69 shots for a whopping 13.0 shooting percentage and averaging just over 14 minutes of even strength ice time per game. (All of his goals came on 5 on 5 action).

At 6’2” Sambrook has good size but will need to add some bulk and of course strength – there are times he gets knocked off the puck easily. He plays it safe and simple defensively with an ability to keep opponents to the outside. He retrieves pucks fairly well and makes a good first pass out of the zone and has shown the ability to skate it out.

He is however, a two way defenceman.

Offensively, Sambrook has some things to work on. He can get caught up ice on occasion and needs to work on when to pinch and when not to pinch. He could also work on his skating speed. He’s not slow, but an extra step would make him that much more dangerous.  He is, after all, still a rookie and these are not things that can’t be worked on. He possesses decent vision and an underrated shot from the point. He can quarterback a powerplay, but most of his PP time this season has been on the second unit.

Sambrook projects to be an all around two way defender who can play in any situation and be a minute munching defender. Last season he scored 13 goals and 11 assists for the Toronto Nationals in Midget and made the direct jump to the OHL this season without missing a step.

Thanks to Prospect-stats, we can compare Sambrook to London Knights’ defender Victor Mete.

Sambrook vs Mete
Courtesy of Prospect-stats

Travis Barron – Player Profile – Ottawa 67’s

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height:  6’1”

Weight:  190 pounds

Date of birth: August 17, 1998 Belfountain, ON

Position:  Left Wing

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 1, 3rd overall, 2014 Priority Selection

Travis Barron played his Minor Midget hockey for the Toronto Jr Canadiens during the 2013/2014 season where he had good offensive production with 23 goals and 18 assists in 30 games en route to winning a Kraft Cup Championship.

Travis Barron of the Ottawa 67's. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Travis Barron of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

In 7 OHL Cup games, Barron would score 2 goals and add 5 assists and captured a silver medal with his teammates. He was also a part of Team GTHL Red at the OHL Gold Cup contributing 5 goals and an assist in 4 games. The Ottawa 67’s would make him the third overall pick in the 2014 Ontario Hockey League’s Priority Selection that April.

The following season, Barron would make the 67’s roster out of camp and play in 64 games. He notched 12 goals and 9 assists in those contests and added one goal and one assist in six playoff games.  He also suited up for Canada White at the World hockey Challenge Under-17 and had a goal and an assist in 5 games.

While putting the puck in the back of the net hasn’t been an issue for Barron in the past, more was expected from him this season after a fine rookie season with the 67’s. He scored just 13 goals and added 24 assists in 60 games. More is expected from a former third overall pick.

But his game is more than just finding the back of the net.

First and foremost, Barron is tenacious on the forecheck. He continuously is looking to finish his checks – usually hard – and is very good at retrieving pucks and causing turnovers. He plays the game with a very high level of energy. He’s not afraid of the physical play and even last season showed a willingness to go after bigger, stronger and older players with his physicality.

Barron does posses a very good shot, solid and hard. But a lack of confidence is showing in his offensive game as at times he seems hesitant with the puck on his stick. He is sound defensively and plays a full 200 foot game. He also possesses excellent leadership qualities.

Barron’s lack of finish has been somewhat of a concern and if it can’t translate at the OHL level, it’s hard to imagine it could translate at the NHL level. He’ll need a strong playoff performance for the 67’s. He may just top out as a physical energy player at the next level.

Barron’s bloodlines include former NHL’er Uncle Andrew Cassels and former Oshawa General cousin Cole Cassels.

Barron was ranked 60th on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings among North American skaters.

SHAUN CLOUSTON NAMED HEAD COACH OF CANADA’S NATIONAL MEN’S UNDER-18 TEAM FOR IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada is tapping into a familiar face to lead Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at next month’s IIHF U18 World Championship.

 Hockey Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Hockey League and Hockey Canada’s policy committee, comprised of Hockey Canada president and chief executive officer Tom Renney, Hockey Canada chief operating officer Scott Smith, Hockey Canada’s vice-president of hockey operations and national teams Scott Salmond, OHL commissioner and CHL president David Branch, QMJHL commissioner Gilles Courteau, WHL commissioner Ron Robison and Hockey Canada chairman Joe Drago (Sudbury, Ont.), announced Shaun Clouston (Viking, Alta./Medicine Hat, WHL) will take the lead behind the bench as head coach of Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at the 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship, April 14-24 in Grand Forks, N.D.

Serge Lajoie (St. Albert, Alta./University of Alberta, CWUAA) and Jarrod Skalde (Niagara Falls, Ont./Guelph, OHL) will serve as assistant coaches to Clouston.

 “We’re excited about the calibre of coaching staff we have assembled to lead our under-18s into the world championship,” said Salmond. “Their hockey experience and leadership will benefit our young players as they compete against some of the world’s best on an international stage.”

 Shaun Clouston is taking the reins as head coach of Team Canada for the first time after previously serving as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in 2014 and 2015, winning gold both years. Clouston just completed his sixth season as head coach of the Medicine Hat Tigers, and has also been general manager of the hockey club since the 2012-13 season. He previously spent seven seasons as an assistant coach with Medicine Hat, was head coach of the WHL’s Tri-City Americans for the 2002-03 season, and was an assistant coach with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks in 2001-02. As a player, Clouston played three seasons with the CHL’s Tulsa Oilers, winning the CHL championship in 1993. He also served as captain during the 1991-92 season with the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones, and played two seasons with the IHL’s Milwaukee Admirals.

Serge Lajoie just completed his first season as head coach of the University of Alberta Golden Bears. He guided the perennial powerhouse to a spot in the Canada West championship series, and a fourth consecutive appearance at the CIS championship, the University Cup. Prior to joining Alberta, Lajoie spent five seasons as head coach of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology men’s hockey team, leading the Ooks to a pair of ACAC championships, and he was twice named the ACAC coach of the year. Lajoie also played four seasons of professional hockey in Germany with EC Bad Nauheim and five seasons with the Golden Bears, winning a national championship in 1992.

 Jarrod Skalde took over as head coach of the OHL’s Guelph Storm in December 2015. He was previously head coach of the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals for one season, and spent three seasons as head coach and director of hockey operations of the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones, where he was recognized as coach of the year in 2013. Skalde’s professional career spanned more than 15 years in the NHL, AHL, IHL, Switzerland, Sweden, and Japan.

 Hockey Canada’s, director of player personnel, Ryan Jankowski, will select Canada’s roster for the 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship, with support from the coaching staff. The roster will include players whose CHL teams either missed the playoffs or are no longer competing in the postseason.

Canada opens the 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship on April 15 against Denmark; it will also play the Czech Republic, Finland, and Slovakia in preliminary-round action. TSN, the official broadcast partner of Hockey Canada, is broadcasting 12 games, including all of Team Canada’s match-ups at the IIHF U18 World Championship.

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

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

Logan DeNoble – Player Profile – Peterborough Petes

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 5’10”

Weight:  190 pounds

Date of birth:  October 15. 1997 Peterborough, Ontario

Position:  Center/Left Wing

Shoots:  Left

OHL Draft: Round 13, 242nd overall, 2013 Priority Selection

Every season, a player not ranked by NHL Central Scouting catches my attention – Logan DeNoble was not ranked on Central Scouting’s midterm rankings – and this season DeNoble has caught my eye. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’ll be selected on draft day, but he just may get an invite to an NHL team’s development camp if not selected.

Logan DeNoble of the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Logan DeNoble of the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

The turning point happened just around the mid-way point of the Petes’ season. Through his first 29 games, DeNoble had just 3 goals and 4 assists and a plus-1. But in his final 34 games, he posted 17 goals and 18 assists and a plus-21.

Is 34 games a small sample size to be a point per game player?

And what about DeNoble’s consistency over that span? Well, since December 8, 2015, he has gone more than one game without a point twice, a 2 games span and a 3 game span. Twelve of his 34 games were also multi point games.

Much of his increase in production can be credited to playing with confidence and moving up in the lineup to play with quality players. He began the season playing on the fourth line and moved all the way up to the top line with Hunter Garlent and Eric Cornel.

Among draft eligible players in the Ontario Hockey League, DeNoble finished 13th in goals scored, 10th in plus/minus, 3rd in faceoff win percentage and 6th in shooting percentage.

You can find all the regular season leaders in my post.

While leading the Lindsey Muskies of the Ontario Junior Hockey league in scoring (30 goals and 27 assists in 49 games), DeNoble garnered interest from several NCAA schools including at least one solid scholarship offer. But playing for his hometown Petes where his grandfather, great uncle and uncle played their junior hockey was something he could not resist.

DeNoble signed with the Petes and played in 20 games last season scoring once and adding 4 assists.

DeNoble is an intelligent hockey player. He moves into open spaces while giving his teammates an open lane to get him the puck undetected. Once he gets himself into those opportunities, he capitalizes on his chances more often than not which reflect in his shooting percentage. He also uses that intelligence defensively and has become a solid 200 foot player.

DeNoble is also a grinder. He’s not afraid to get in on the forecheck and battle along the walls. He has no fear of driving to the net with or without the puck. You can question his size (and many will) but you cannot question his heart.

DeNoble is a hard worker and knows that continuing to work hard, remaining focused and determined is what will bring him to his long term goals. He’s also an accomplished lacrosse player – not new to hockey players these days – and golfer.

DeNoble was featured on CHEX-TV for his off season workouts.

OHL This Week: March 24-31, 2016

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Playoff Logo

Toronto, ON – The 2016 Ontario Hockey League Playoffs begin tonight with three series opening matchups including the Ottawa 67’s at Niagara IceDogs, the Mississauga Steelheads at the Barrie Colts, and the Windsor Spitfires at the Kitchener Rangers live on Sportsnet ONE.

All five other playoff matchups open on Friday with games continuing throughout the holiday weekend.  The OHL will also be featured on a special Tuesday night edition of the CHL on Sportsnet with Game 3 of the Kingston Frontenacs and Oshawa Generals series airing coast-to-coast on Sportsnet 360.

OHL Western Conference Playoff Preview

OHL Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

2016 OHL Playoff Brackets

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

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Storm to host OHL Priority Selection party and breakfast: The Guelph Storm will be hosting an OHL Priority Selection party and breakfast on Saturday April 9th at Draught Picks in the Sleeman Centre. For full details visit guelphstorm.com.

Petes and fans donate $2,800 to Courtney Druce’s GoFundMe Page: Peterborough Petes fans once again showed their generosity this past weekend, jumping at an opportunity to purchase 2016 Pink in the Rink sweaters for $200 in support of Courtney Druce. Fourteen commemorative jerseys were sold and $2800 (CDN) was raised, translating to a $2,145 (USD) donation on Courtney’s GoFundMe page. Courtney, the 2014 Pink in the Rink honourary co-chair and daughter of Petes and NHL alumnus John Druce, is in her fifth battle with cancer and is currently living under hospice care at her mother’s home in New Jersey. For the full story, visit gopetesgo.com.

Frontenacs Fort Henry jersey auction underway: The Kingston Frontenacs are holding an online jersey auction with proceeds going to the United Way. For full details on the special jerseys worn on Saturday, visit kingstonfrontenacs.com or check out the online auction that runs through Saturday at 8pm here.

Firebirds conclude inaugural season with awards banquet: The Flint Firebirds handed out the hardware at the conclusion of their inaugural OHL season, with Will Bitten earning both the leading scorer and most valuable player awards. For a full list of award winners, visit flintfirebirds.com.

Greyhounds announce year-end award winners: The Soo Greyhounds held their annual year-end awards banquet this past week, with Blake Speers and Zach Senyshyn sharing season MVP honours. Visit soogreyhounds.com for a full run-down of other winners.

MALETTA, MANGIAPANE SIGN NHL CONTRACTS:

A pair of OHL veterans signed NHL contracts this past week, with Niagara IceDogs forward Jordan Maletta inking as a free agent with the Columbus Blue Jackets while 50-goal scorer Andrew Mangiapane signed with the Calgary Flames.

YORK SIMCOE EXPRESS WIN 2016 OHL CUP:

The York Simcoe Express are 2016 OHL Cup Champions after a thrilling double overtime victory seen across the province on Sportsnet Ontario Monday evening. Rhys Forhan provided both York Simcoe goals in a 2-1 Express victory, netting the winner 7:17 into the second overtime to give them their first OHL Cup title since 2004. Full Story

GREYHOUNDS’ BLAKE SPEERS TAKES WEEKLY HONOURS:

New Jersey Devils prospect Blake Speers of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the regular season week ending March 20 scoring three goals and five assists for eight points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-2. Speers recorded a trio of multi-point performances helping the Greyhounds earn four of a possible six points at home. Full Story

TIP TOP TAILORS OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK – WEEK 24:

Kitchener Rangers rookie Joseph Garreffa headlines the 25th edition of the Tip Top Tailors OHL Plays of the Week! Be sure to vote for Joseph at fanchoice.ca!

GETTING ON THE BOARD: FIRST OHL GOALS IN 2015-16:

Check out the players who have scored their first OHL goal in the past week! 150 different players have accomplished the milestone this season! Click on a player’s name below to watch his first OHL goal!
Mads Eller, Zachary Roberts, Hudson Wilson

ALUMNI NOTES:

Brown records first NHL point: Erie Otters graduate and 2014 Red Tilson Trophy recipient Connor Brown registered his first NHL point with an assist for the Toronto Maple Leafs in their 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames on Monday. Brown has appeared in three games with the Leafs this season after being called up from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies where he recorded 24 points (9-15–24) in 28 games this season. Brown played three seasons with the Erie Otters from 2011-14, recording 250 points (98-152–250) over 199 career OHL regular season games. He led the OHL in scoring with 128 points (45-83–128) in 2013-14. He was Toronto’s sixth round (156th overall) pick in the 2012 NHL Draft.

Jensen named AHL Player of the Week: Oshawa Generals graduate Nicklas Jensen is the AHL Player of the Week after recording four goals, three assists and seven points over three games to help the Hartford Wolf Pack close in on a playoff position in the Atlantic Division. Jensen recorded the third hat trick of his AHL career on Friday night – including the tying goal in the third period and the game-winner in overtime – as the Wolf Pack rallied for a 4-3 victory over Portland. The native of Herning, Denmark has 16 goals, 15 assists and 31 points in 56 games between Utica and Hartford this season. Jensen played two OHL seasons with the Oshawa Generals from 2010-12, recording 54 goals, 62 assists and 116 points in 118 career regular season games. He was Vancouver’s first round (29th overall) pick in the 2011 NHL Draft.

Youngest Subban cites father as biggest inspiration: OHL graduate Jordan Subban is featured on this week’s edition of AHL Over The Boards, citing father Karl as his biggest inspiration. Don Laible and Mark Caswell Jr. take a closer look at Jordan’s relationship with his father, Karl Subban. Full Story at theahl.com.

Giugovaz signs with Brampton: Guelph Storm graduate Michael Giugovaz has signed a pro contract with the ECHL’s Brampton Beast following a four-year OHL career that came to an end last week. The veteran played to a 15-20-5-2 record with a 3.62 goals-against average, an .899 save percentage and one shutout over 44 games between Windsor and Guelph this season. The Brampton native played 153 career regular season contests between Peterborough, Belleville, London, Guelph and Windsor, going 57-61-8-6 with a 3.83 goals-against average and an .891 save percentage.

Shantz named ECHL Goaltender of the Week: Peterborough Petes graduate David Shantz has been named the ECHL Goaltender of the Week after the Wichita Tunder netminder went 2-0-0 with a 1.51 goals-against average and a save percentage of .962 in two appearances. The 29-year-old has played to an 11-20-3 mark with a 3.07 goals-against average and an .897 save percentage in 35 games this season. Shantz was an OHL champion with the Petes in 2006 and played to a 62-39-6-1 record with a 2.87 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage over 119 regular season appearances with Mississauga and Peterborough from 2003-06. Shantz also helped lead the IceDogs to the OHL Finals in 2004 before falling to the Guelph Storm. He was Florida’s second round (37th overall) pick in the 2004 NHL Draft.

6 OHL graduates win CIS University Cup with UNB: Six OHL graduates including Rob Mignardi (Owen Sound Attack), Tyler Carroll (Guelph Storm), Cameron Brace (Belleville Bulls), Matt Petgrave (Oshawa Generals), Colin Suellentrop (Oshawa Generals) and Marcus McIvor (North Bay Battalion) have won a CIS University Cup title with UNB in Halifax. Full Story

PLAYOFF SCHEDULE: 

Thursday, March 24
Windsor at Kitchener – 7:00pm (Game 1) – LIVE on Sportsnet ONE
Ottawa at Niagara – 7:00pm (Game 1)
Mississauga at Barrie – 7:30pm (Game 1)

Friday, March 25
Oshawa at Kingston – 7:00pm (Game 1)
Saginaw at Erie – 7:00pm (Game 1)
Peterborough at North Bay – 7:00pm (Game 1)
Sault Ste. Marie at Sarnia – 7:05pm (Game 1)
Owen Sound at London – 7:30pm (Game 1)

Saturday, March 26
Oshawa at Kingston – 7:00pm (Game 2)
Windsor at Kitchener – 7:00pm (Game 2)
Owen Sound at London – 7:00pm (Game 2)
Ottawa at Niagara – 7:00pm (Game 2)
Mississauga at Barrie – 7:30pm (Game 2)

Sunday, March 27
Peterborough at North Bay – 2:00pm (Game 2)
Sault Ste. Marie at Sarnia – 4:05pm (Game 2)
Saginaw at Erie – 7:00pm (Game 2)

Monday, March 28th
Niagara at Ottawa – 3:00pm (Game 3)
London at Owen Sound – 7:00pm (Game 3)
Kitchener at Windsor – 7:05pm (Game 3)

Tuesday, March 29th
Barrie at Mississauga – 7:00pm (Game 3)
Kingston at Oshawa – 7:05pm (Game 3) – LIVE on Sportsnet 360
Erie at Saginaw – 7:05pm (Game 3)
North Bay at Peterborough – 7:05pm (Game 3)
Sarnia at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm (Game 3)

Wednesday March 30th
London at Owen Sound – 7:00pm (Game 4)
Niagara at Ottawa – 7:00pm (Game 4)
Kitchener at Windsor – 7:05pm (Game 4)

Thursday March 31st
Barrie at Mississauga – 7:00pm (Game 4)
Kingston at Oshawa – 7:05pm (Game 4)
Erie at Saginaw – 7:05pm (Game 4)
North Bay at Peterborough – 7:05pm (Game 4)
Sarnia at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm (Game 4)

CATCH ALL OF THE ACTION ON OHL LIVE WITH NEW PLAYOFF PACKAGES AVAILABLE INCLUDING ALL ACCESS PASSES FOR $129.99 AND 1ST ROUND TEAM PASSES FOR $25.99.

OHL Playoff Preview

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Eastern Conference

Kingston FrontenacsKingston Frontenacs (1)  VS   GensOshawa Generals (8)

Regular season head to head: Kingston 7-1-0-0 Oshawa 1-5-2-0

Goals for: Kingston 252 Oshawa 197

Goals against: Kingston 189 Oshawa 235

Powerplay: Kingston 21.5% Oshawa: 19.9%

Penalty kill: Kingston 83.5% Oshawa 76.6%

Draft eligible players to watch: Kingston: Konstantin Chernyuk Oshawa: Domenic Commisso, Riley Stillman

Prediction: Kingston in four

Result: Kingston in five

Barrie_ColtsBarrie Colts (2)  VS  Mississauga SteelheadsMississauga Steelheads (7)

Regular season head to head: Barrie 5-1-0-0 Mississauga 1-5-0-0

Goals for: Barrie 295 Mississauga 215

Goals against: Barrie 207 Mississauga 229

Powerplay: Barrie 21.7% Mississauga 19.2%

Penalty kill: Barrie 83.4% Mississauga 79.4%

Draft eligible players to watch: Barrie: Ben Hawerchuk Mississauga: Sean Day, Michael McLeod, Nathan Bastian, Alexander Nylander, Austin Osmanski

Prediction: Barrie in six

Result: Barrie in seven 

North Bay BattalionNorth Bay Battalion (3)  VS  Peterborough_PetesPeterborough Petes (6)

Regular season head to head: North Bay 2-2-0-0 Peterborough 2-2-0-0

Goals for: North Bay 240 Peterborough 240

Goals against: North Bay 227 Peterborough 250

Powerplay: North Bay 18.8% Peterborough 14.8%

Penalty kill: North Bay 81.5% Peterborough 75.3%

Draft eligible players to watch: North Bay: Cam Dineen, Zack Poirier, Justin Brazeau, Max Kislinger Peterborough: Jonathan Ang, Logan DeNoble, Dylan Wells.

Prediction: North Bay in six

Result: North Bay in seven

ICEDOGLogo.epsNiagara Ice Dogs (4)  VS   Ottawa_67'sOttawa 67’s (5)

Regular season head to head:  Niagara 3-1-0-0 Ottawa 1-3-0-0

Goals for: Niagara 213 Ottawa 234

Goals against: Niagara 198 Ottawa 219

Powerplay: Niagara 19.1% Ottawa 19.6%

Penalty kill: Niagara 84.2% Ottawa 79.7%

Draft eligible players to watch: Niagara Christopher Paquette, Stephen Dhillon.

Prediction: Niagara in six

Result: Niagara in five

Western Conference

Erie_OttersErie Otters (1)  VS    Saginaw_SpiritSaginaw Spirit (8)

Regular season head to head: Erie 2-2-0-0 Saginaw 2-2-0-0

Goals for: Erie 269 Saginaw 209

Goals against: Erie 183 Saginaw 282

Powerplay: Erie 25.3% Saginaw 16.3%

Penalty kill: Erie 82.6% Saginaw 81.1%

Draft eligible players to watch: Erie: Jordan Sambrook, Kyle Maksimovich, Alex DeBrincat, Taylor Raddysh. Saginaw: Keaton Middleton, Markus Niemelainen, Tye Falhaber, Evan Cormier.

Prediction: Erie in four

Result: Erie in four games

Sarnia_Sting.jpgSarnia Sting (2)  VS   Soo_GreyhoundsSault Ste Marie Greyhounds (7)

Regular season head to head: Sarnia 5-1-0-0 Sault Ste Marie 1-4-1-0

Goals for: Sarnia 254 Sault Ste Marie 243

Goals against: Sarnia 192 Sault Ste Marie 233

Powerplay: Sarnia 19.3% Sault Ste Marie 19.4%

Penalty kill: Sarnia 84.4% Sault Ste Marie 79.0%

Draft eligible players to watch: Sarnia: Jakob Chychrun, Anthony Salinitri, Jordan Kyrou. Sault Ste Marie: Boris Katchouk, Tim Gettinger, Hayden Verbeek, Jack Kopacka, Joseph Raaymakers.

Prediction: Sarnia in six

Result: Sault Ste Marie in seven

London_KnightsLondon Knights (3)  VS Attack Bear on whiteOwen Sound Attack (6)

Regular season head to head: London 4-1-1-0 Owen Sound 2-4-0-0

Goals for: London 319 Owen Sound 209

Goals against: London 182 Owen Sound 222

Powerplay: London 29.2% Owen Sound 19.4%

Penalty kill: London 82.3% Owen Sound 82.0%

Draft eligible players to watch: Olli Juolevi, Matthew Tkachuk, Max Jones, Cliff Pu, Victor Mete, Tyler Parsons, Nicolas Mattinen.

Prediction: London in five

Result: London in six

Rangers_PMSKitchener Rangers (4)  VS Windsor_SpitfiresWindsor Spitfires (5)

Regular season head to head: Kitchener 1-1-2-0 Windsor 3-1-0-0

Goals for: Kitchener 256 Windsor 253

Goals against: Kitchener 197 Windsor 200

Powerplay: Kitchener 22.2% Windsor 23.6%

Penalty kill: Kitchener 80.1% Windsor 79.4%

Draft eligible players to watch: Adam Mascherin, Connor Bunnaman. Windsor: Logan Stanley, Logan Brown, Mikhail Sergachev.

Prediction: Windsor in seven

Result: Kitchener in five

OHL Announces Top Performers of the Month for March

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in March 2016, including Barrie Colts forward Andrew Mangiapane, Windsor Spitfires defenceman Mikhail Sergachev, Hamilton Bulldogs rookie Matthew Strome, and London Knights goaltender Tyler Parsons.

OHL Player of the Month – Andrew Mangiapane (Barrie Colts):

Calgary Flames prospect Andrew Mangiapane has been named the OHL Player of the Month for March, leading all players with 22 points, including seven goals and 15 assists in nine contests. Signed to an NHL contract by the Flames on Wednesday, Mangiapane’s magnificent March was headlined by a run of seven straight multi-point performances, including back-to-back four point nights. The speedy winger had a goal and three assists in an 8-1 win over the Owen Sound Attack on March 9th before duplicating that stat line two nights later in a 7-3 win over the Sudbury Wolves on March 11th. Mangiapane closed out the season with a goal and three assists in an 11-4 triumph over Sudbury on March 19th. In total, Mangiapane received star of the game recognition four times, being honoured as first star on three occasions for the Central Division champs.

A native of Bolton, ON, Mangiapane became the fourth player in Colts history to record back-to-back 100 point seasons this past month, also scoring his 50th of the campaign in a win over the Peterborough Petes on March 12th. Formerly signed by the Colts as a free agent at the start of the 2013 season, Mangiapane has points in 30 of his 33 games since January 1st. He was Calgary’s sixth round (166th overall) pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor Spitfires):

Draft eligible Windsor Spitfires blueliner Mikhail Sergachev is the OHL’s Defenceman of the Month for March after recording three goals, seven assists and 10 points in eight contests along with a plus/minus rating of plus-6. The 17-year-old finished the regular season on a seven game point streak, one that includes a pair of multi-point efforts in wins on March 17th and 18th. Sergachev recorded a goal and two assists in a 6-4 win over the Kitchener Rangers on the 17th before following that up with a pair of helpers in a 6-1 win over the Saginaw Spirit on the 18th. Two of the 6’3″, 206Ib. blueliner’s three goals on the month came on the powerplay as the Spitfires wrapped up the season with a record of 40-21-6-1, collecting points in their final four contests.

A native of Nizhnekamsk, Russia, Sergachev led OHL defencemen with 17 goals on the season, adding 40 assists for 57 points, good for third amongst OHL rearguards. Sergachev scored eight powerplay goals, helping Windsor finish the season with the league’s third-best man advantage at 23.6%. He was the 10th ranked skater in NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Draft Rankings released in mid-January before competing in the 2016 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Vancouver.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Matthew Strome (Hamilton Bulldogs):

Rookie Hamilton Bulldogs winger Matthew Strome is the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for March after he recorded four goals, four assists and eight points in seven games. Strome’s month was headlined by a two goal, one assist performance in a 5-3 win over the Guelph Storm on March 5th. The 6’3″, 187Ib. left-winger had points in six of his seven March contests, including goals on March 3rd against Peterborough and March 19th against Kingston.

A native of Mississauga, ON, Strome led Bulldogs rookies in scoring with 16 goals, 22 assists and 38 points in 61 games. His 38 points are the most by a 16-year-old rookie in Bulldogs all-time franchise history since Mike Roelefsen’s 40 in 2003-04. Strome will be eligible for the 2017 NHL Draft and was Hamilton’s first round (8th overall) pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.

Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month – Tyler Parsons (London Knights):

Draft eligible London Knights goaltender Tyler Parsons has been named the OHL’s Goaltender of the Month for March, going 6-1-0-0 with a 1.69 goals-against average and a .941 save percentage over seven appearances. The 18-year-old strung together six straight wins to start the month as part of an 11-game trend dating back to February 15th. Parsons scored three straight wins over Midwest Division opponents in Erie and Kitchener (twice) from March 3-8, turning aside 77 of the 81 shots he faced over those contests. He has played to a record of 13-3-0-0 since February 1st, helping the Knights finish the season with a record of 51-14-2-1 for second in the division.

A native of Chesterfield, MI, Parsons led all OHL goaltenders with a 2.33 goals-against average and helped earn the club the Dave Pinkney Trophy as the Knights allowed the league’s fewest goals against with 182.  Parsons played to a 37-9-2-1 record with four shutouts and finished tied for first with a .921 save percentage to help the Knights record at least 50 wins for the third time in the last 10 years. Eligible for the 2016 NHL Draft, Parsons was signed by the Knights as a free agent at the beginning of the 2014 season.

2015-16 OHL Top Performers of the Month:

 Player of the Month:
March – Andrew Mangiapane (Barrie Colts)
February – Mitchell Marner (London Knights)
January – Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
December – Brendan Lemieux (Windsor Spitfires)
November – Dylan Strome (Erie Otters)
October – Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)

 Defenceman of the Month:

March – Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor Spitfires)
February – Jakob Chychrun (Sarnia Sting)
January – Rasmus Andersson (Barrie Colts)
December – Cam Dineen (North Bay Battalion)
November – Travis Dermott (Erie Otters)
October – Vili Saarijarvi (Flint Firebirds)

Rookie of the Month:

March – Matthew Strome (Hamilton Bulldogs)
February – Alexander Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads)
January – Cam Dineen (North Bay Battalion)
December – Cam Dineen (North Bay Battalion)
November – Alexander Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads)
October – Alexander Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads)

Vaughn

Vaughn Goaltender of the Month:
March – Tyler Parsons (London Knights)
February – Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
January – Michael Giugovaz (Guelph Storm)
December – Devin Williams (Erie Otters)
November – Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie Colts)
October – Lucas Peressini (Kingston Frontenacs)

CHL Announces BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the twenty-sixth and final edition of the BMO CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2015-16 season.  The weekly rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts.

BMO

BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings – Week 26

Rank: Team: Last Week Rank: Number of Weeks Ranked:
1 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (54-9-3-2) 1 25
2 Erie Otters (52-15-1-0) 2 26
3 London Knights (51-14-2-1) 3 26
4 Victoria Royals (50-16-3-3) 5 10
5 Val-d’Or Foreurs (49-15-3-1) 4 17
6 Kingston Frontenacs (46-17-3-2) 8 6
7 Brandon Wheat Kings (48-18-4-2) 9 13
8 Kitchener Rangers (44-17-5-2) 6 22
9 Gatineau Olympiques (46-19-2-1) 7 15
10 Seattle Thunderbirds (45-23-4-0) – 8
Honourable Mention:
Kelowna Rockets (48-20-4-0) 10 19
Shawinigan Cataractes (44-19-4-1) – 17
Saint John Sea Dogs (42-20-6-0) – 2