CHL’s Top Prospects Perform in Sport Testing Combine

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Quebec City, QC – 40 of the CHL’s top prospects eligible for the 2017 NHL Draft were put to the test on Sunday at Centre Videotron one day before Team Cherry and Team Orr face-off at the 2017 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Players seized the opportunity to showcase their individual strengths with Sport Testing once again putting the next wave of NHL Draft talent through a series of tests to gauge fitness and skill levels for NHL management and scouts.

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Alex Formenton of the London Knights, ranked 24th by NHL Central Scouting in their Midterm Rankings, finished atop the overall standings in the on-ice portion of the tests which included forward and backward sprints, reaction, weave agility, and transition agility each performed with and without the puck.  Defenceman Antoine Crete-Belzile of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (ranked 66th by NHL CS) finished second in on-ice tests, followed by fellow rearguard Markus Phillips of the Owen Sound Attack (ranked 62nd by NHL CS) in third position, forward Nico Hischier of the Halifax Mooseheads (ranked 2nd by NHL CS) in fourth, and Michael Rasmussen of the Tri-City Americans (ranked 6th by NHL CS) finished fifth in the skating drills.

Defenceman Jacob Paquette of the Kingston Frontenacs (ranked 90th by NHL CS) led the way in off-ice tests conducted earlier in the day which included strength testing, agility runs, sprints, and various leg power evaluations.  Forward Morgan Frost of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (ranked 29th by NHL CS) finished second in off-ice tests, and Owen Tippett of the Mississauga Steelheads (ranked 4th by NHL CS) finished in third position.  Alex Formenton also finished near the top in off-ice tests landing in fourth place overall, followed by Isaac Ratcliffe of the Guelph Storm (ranked 20th by NHL CS) in fifth.

In specialized Sport Testing for goalies, Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires claimed top honours in an array of reaction, agility, and movement challenges.

2017 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game – Sport Testing Combine Top Performers:

On-Ice Tests:

30M Forward Skate:

1 – Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) 3.991

2 – Stelio Mattheos (Brandon Wheat Kings)

3 – Cody Glass (Portland Winterhawks)

30M Forward Skate with Puck:

1 – Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

2 – Stelio Mattheos (Brandon Wheat Kings)

3 – Henri Jokiharju (Portland Winterhawks)

30M Backward Skate:

1 – Michael Rasmussen (Tri-City Americans)

2 – Markus Phillips (Owen Sound Attack)

3 – Nico Hischier (Halifax Mooseheads)

 30M Backward Skate with Puck:

1 – Markus Phillips (Owen Sound Attack)

2 – Nico Hischier (Halifax Mooseheads)

3 – Antoine Crete-Belzile (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)

Transition Agility:

1 – Alex Formenton (London Knights)

2 – Antoine Crete-Belzile (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)

3 – Henri Jokiharju (Portland Winterhawks)

Transition Agility with Puck:

1 – Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads)

2 – Alex Formenton (London Knights)

3 – Markus Phillips (Owen Sound Attack)

Weave Agility:

1 – Alex Formenton (London Knights)

2 – Kailer Yamamoto (Spokane Chiefs)

3 – Antoine Morand (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)

Weave Agility with Puck:

1 – Kailer Yamamoto (Spokane Chiefs)

2 – Nico Hischier (Halifax Mooseheads)

3 – Alex Formenton (London Knights)

Reaction:

1 – Stelio Mattheos (Brandon Wheat Kings)

2 – Adam Ruzicka (Sarnia Sting)

3 – Kailer Yamamoto (Spokane Chiefs)

Reaction with Puck:

1 – Juuso Valimaki (Tri-City Americans)

2 – Alex Formenton (London Knights)

3 – Michael Rasmussen (Tri-City Americans)

Off-Ice Tests:

Pro-Agility Left:

1 – Ivan Lodnia (Erie Otters)

2 – Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)

3 – Kailer Yamamoto (Spokane Chiefs)

Pro-Agility Right:

1 – Kailer Yamamoto (Spokane Chiefs)

2 – Juuso Valimaki (Tri-City Americans)

3 – Ivan Lodnia (Erie Otters)

Vertical Jump:

1 – Alex Formenton (London Knights)

2 – Jake Leschyshyn (Regina Pats)

3 – Jacob Paquette (Kingston Frontenacs)

Broad Jump:

1 – Eemeli Rasanen (Kingston Frontenacs)

2 – Ian Scott (Prince Albert Raiders)

2 – Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

Medicine Ball Toss:

1 – Nicolas Hague (Mississauga Steelheads)

2 – Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

3 – Markus Phillips (Owen Sound Attack)

Grip Left:

1 – Adam Ruzicka (Sarnia Sting)

2 – Nikita Popugaev (Prince George Cougars)

3 – Jacob Paquette (Kingston Frontenacs)

Grip Right:

1 – Adam Ruzicka (Sarnia Sting)

2 – Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads)

3 – Jacob Paquette (Kingston Frontenacs)

Sport Testing scores provide valuable performance benchmarks to coaches and players at all levels of hockey with data collected at the Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game shared with NHL Central Scouting and distributed to all 30 NHL teams.

For more information please visit www.sporttesting.com.

Sean Durzi – Owen Sound Attack – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 185 pounds

Date of birth: October 21, 1998

Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario

Position: Defence

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 12, 228th overall, 2014 Priority Selection

Owen Sound Attack defenceman Sean Durzi played his Midget hockey with the Mississauga Rebels during the 2015-2015 season and scored one goal and added five assists in twenty-four games. He also appeared in two games for the St. Michael’s Buzzers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League and registered an assist.

The Attack would select Durzi in the twelfth round, 228th overall in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

Sean Durzi of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Sean Durzi of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Durzi broke onto the scene with the Attack last season. He appeared in 45 games and scored ten goals while adding six assists. The ten goals surprised a lot of people. It was good enough for fourth in goals by a rookie defenceman trailing Mikhail Sergachev (17, 67 games), Nicolas Hague (14, 66 games) and Cam Dineen (13, 68 games). Sergachev and Dineen were selected in the 2016 National Hockey League Draft. Three of his goals came on the powerplay.

But the goals haven’t come easy for Durzi this season, having just one in thirty-nine games. However, he has become a very good set-up man from the blueline, having twenty-two assists to date, with seven coming on the powerplay.

At 5’11”, Durzi doesn’t have that big size on defence, but he makes up for it with his skating. He moves up and down the ice with ease but doesn’t have elite speed. He is strong on his edges with very good lateral movement and an ability to beat opponents one-on-one. He picks his spots to jump into the rush or pinching at the blueline, almost always making the right choice.

Durzi possesses a very good shot and is adept at walking the line and getting himself into position to fire it on goal. But he shoots with a purpose and usually puts it in a spot for a teammate to tip the shot or create a rebound. His ability to move also opens lanes and has good enough vision to setup his teammates.

As with many players at this level, Durzi’s defensive game needs some work although he has shown improvement year over year. Despite his size, he has no fear of a physical game and at times initiates it, he is surprisingly strong on both his feat and upper body. He has an active stick, though at times could position it better. He reads and anticipates the opposition very well.

Durzi was ranked 139 on NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings.

Sean Durzi

This is the profile page of Sean Durzi at http://www.eliteprospects.com

 

Noel Hoefenmayer – Ottawa 67’s – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 190 pounds

Date of birth: January 6, 1999

Hometown: North York, Ontario

Position: Defence

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 2, 36th overall, 2015 Priority Selection

Ottawa 67’s defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer played his minor midget hockey during the 2014-2015 season with the Don Mills Flyers. In 62 games, he scored 10 goals and 33 points. He also won an OHL Gold Cup championship registering an assist in 4 games.

Hoefenmayer also played in the OHL Cup and posted 5 assists in 7 games. The Ottawa 67’s would select Hoefenmayer in the second round of the 2015 Ontario Hockey League’s Priority Selection, 36th overall.

Last season was Hoefenmayer’s rookie campaign in the OHL where he scored twice while adding three assists in 45 games. What we saw was a young player with signs of potential and a willingness to do what he needed to do to help his squad.

Noel Hoefenmayer of the Ottawa 67's. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Noel Hoefenmayer of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

To date this season, Hoefenmayer has played in 42 games and has scored 8 goals and 26 points. What we see is a confident defenceman who has been aggressive offensively but has tamed the approach recently. He is very creative at his point position. He sees the ice well and can make slight adjustments to find seams and set up teammates.

Those assets make Hoefenmayer a suitable quarterback on the powerplay. He has a very good and accurate shot – currently firing at 12.1% shooting percentage – but he could work on getting the shot off more quickly.

Defensively, Hoefenmayer is good at reading and reacting with good anticipation skills. He doesn’t possess long arms or a long stick, but is capable of reacting and getting into lanes and taking away passes. Although he can improve his skating, he gets onto loose pucks regularly and is always willing to take the hit to make a play. He makes good, safe plays and smart passes to exit the zone.

There are no glaring weaknesses in Hoefenmayer’s game. His foot work could use some improvement and he could add some muscle. But those things will come in time.

Hoefenmayer is the classic “good at everything but doesn’t excel at any one thing”. That’s not a knock on him. He’ll be a safe pick in the National Hockey League Draft and could go on to have a steady career in the NHL.

Hoefenmayer was recently ranked 41st by NHL Central Scouting on their mid-term ranking.

Noel Hoefenmayer

This is the profile page of Noel Hoefenmayer at http://www.eliteprospects.com

 

Eemeli Rasanen – Kingston Frontenacs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205 pounds

Date of birth: March 6, 1999

Hometown: Joensuu, Finland

Position: Defence

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 2, 113th overall, 2016 CHL Import Draft

Kingston Frontenacs’ defenceman Eemeli Rasanen represented his native Finland at both the World Hockey Challenge Under-17 and at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. After watching him in the latter tournament, there was no doubt that Rasanen was a monster physically while at the same time he had to make huge strides in other areas, such as his skating- which is more awkward than anything.

The Frontenacs selected Rasanen in the second round, 113th overall in the Canadian Hockey League’s Import Draft in 2016. He was also selected in the 2015 USHL Draft by the Sioux City Musketeers in the twelfth round, 194 overall.

Eemeli Rasanen of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Eemeli Rasanen of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Rasanen made the jump to the Ontario Hockey League and it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows early on. He looked to be having a difficult time transitioning to North America, but that faded quickly. He appears to have worked hard on his skating, but still has some ways to go, especially his technique and adding even more speed. At the Hlinka, he was beaten to the outside with speed easily. Now, he’s using his long reach and a quicker step to prevent being beaten.

There’s no question Rasanen’s physical game. He uses his 6’6”, 205-pound frame effectively. In fact, he looks as if he enjoys and relishes physical contact. He has the physical strength to knock players over on the rush, pin opponents along the wall, and wins battles defending his goal. He’s improved on his transition game and makes a good first pass.

While Rasanen doesn’t lack hockey IQ, it appears average. He won’t dazzle you with puck rushes, but after making his first pass, he’s showing more willingness to jump into the play, but he does it intelligently and picks his spots.

Rasanen has showed a steady improvement offensively. He has four goals and seventeen assists through forty-four games this season but is getting more involved as of late. He has a hard-booming shot from the point but has a difficult time finding the space to get it away.

Rasanen projects to be a shut-down defenceman who can put up a little offence but patience will be required as he is a project.

On NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings, Rasanen was ranked 20th among OHL skaters and 57th among North American skaters.

Eemeli Räsänen

This is the profile page of Eemeli Räsänen at http://www.eliteprospects.com

 

Jonah Gadjovich – Owen Sound Attack – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 201 pounds

Date of birth: October 12, 1998

Hometown: Whitby, Ontario

Position: Left Wing

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 2, 39th overall, 2014 Priority Selection

Jonah Gadjovich played his minor midget AAA hockey with the Whitby Wildcats during the 2013-2014 season where he scored 15 goals and added 15 assists in 23 games. He also played in the OHL Cup and the OHL Gold cup and appeared in 5 games in each of the Championships scoring once and adding three assists in each.

The Owen Sound Attack would select Gadjovich in the second round, thirty-ninth overall in the 2014 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

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.

The Owen Sound Attack have won 12 straight games and Gadjovich has played a major role in that run. In that span he has 15 goals and 8 assists giving him 25 goals and 16 assists through 36 games on the season. His 41 points put him fourth on the Attack scoring list.

As a late ’98 birthdate, Gadjovich is in his third season with the Attack. His rookie campaign saw him put up 4-5-9 totals in 60 games. He followed that up during the 2015-2016 season with 14-10-24 totals in 66 games. This season, he is playing in all situations and has 7 powerplay goals and a shorthanded goal.

Gadjovich plays with a shoot first mentality, being held off the shot board just once this season and all but two others have been multi-shot games, with a game high of twelve which he’s accomplished twice. And why wouldn’t he since he’s scoring on 15.7% of those shots.

Gadjovich is an average skater, but his size and strength enable him to drive the net with or without the puck, usually resulting in a scoring chance. He has a very good shot and not a stretch to say the best backhand in this draft class.

Gadjovich will battle for pucks in all the dirty areas, will take the hit to make a play and will throw a hit to separate his opponent from the puck. He is also very good at anticipating, taking away passes and causing turnovers.

Gadjovich was ranked 22nd among OHL skaters 6oth among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting mid-term ranking.

Jonah Gadjovich hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com

Statistics of Jonah Gadjovich, a hockey player from Whitby, ONT born Oct 12 1998 who was active from 2014 to 2017.

 

Ben Jones – Niagara Ice Dogs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’0”

Weight:  187 pounds

Date of birth:  February 26,1999

Hometown: Waterloo, Ontario

Position: Center

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 1, 7th overall, 2015 Priority Selection

The Niagara Ice Dogs selected Ben Jones seventh overall at the 2015 Ontario Hockey League’s Priority Selection. Jones is a graduate of the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midget AAA squad from the 2014-2015 season where he scored 27 goals and 42 assists in 74 games. His 69 points were second only to Ryan McLeod for the Marlboros, who went on to win the GTMMHL Championship.

Jones went on to add one goal and fours assists in seven OHL Cup games as the Marlboros took that championship as well. Jones also participated in the OHL Gold Cup, scoring three goals in five games.

Ben Jones of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Ben Jones of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Last season, Jones made the Ice Dogs lineup and scored five goals and four assists in sixty-one games while playing on a deep Ice Dogs squad that went to the OHL Finals and eventually lost to the London Knights.

There is no consensus when it comes to Jones, and depending on which scouting service you subscribe to, he’s liked by some and not on the radar of others. I’m in the camp that believes Jones can play in the NHL and that an NHL teams sees the same at perhaps a very late second round or early third round pick in the National Hockey League Draft.

To date this season, Jones has appeared in thirty-six games for the Ice Dogs and has ten goals and twenty-one assists making his thirty-one points rank third among Ice Dogs.

Jones projects as a two-way center who can provide some offense. He’s good on face-offs at 52.2%. He has very good speed and decent size to play an energy role for his squad. He doesn’t shy away from the physical game, but he also doesn’t go out seeking it. At the same time, he doesn’t shy away from the dirty areas and will score most of his goals directly in front of the opposition net. He does possess a hard, accurate shot with a very good release.

Jones is a good skater with good speed and very good vision. He handles the puck extremely well and uses his teammates exceptionally well.

Jones’ biggest need is to add strength and he’s aware of that, taking part in strength building. And having played most of his hockey life to date as a defenceman, he’s aware of the defensive game, which is probably why he’s such a good two-way player.

Jones was ranked 32nd among OHL skaters, 99th among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting mid-term rankings.

Ben Jones (b.1999) hockey statistics and profile at hockeydb.com

Statistics of Ben Jones, a hockey player from Waterloo, ONT born Feb 26 1999 who was active from 2014 to 2017.

Zach Gallant – Peterborough Petes – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 184 pounds

Date of birth: March 6, 1999

Hometown: Oakville, Ontario

Position: Center

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 1, 5th overall, 2015 Priority Selection

Playing his midget hockey for the Mississauga Rebels Minor Midget AAA squad, Zachary Gallant scored twenty-four goals and thirty-four assists in sixty-two games while amassing ninety-five minutes in penalties. Upon completion of his season, he got a three-game stint with the Oakville Blades of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.

Last season Gallant took the Ontario Hockey League route and appeared in fifty-one games for the Peterborough Petes. He registered just four assists on the season as it appeared he was having difficulty adjusting to the league. He also represented Canada Red at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17, and in six games for Canada, had two assists.

Zach Gallant of the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Zach Gallant of the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

The Petes have been one of the OHL’s hottest teams of late going 16-3-0 and Gallant has been a large part of that run scoring nine goals and adding ten assists raising his season totals to fourteen goals and nineteen assists in forty-one games.

At 6’1” and 184 pounds, Gallant has good size. He’s not afraid of the physical game and does not hesitate to initiate the physicality. He lacks an explosive first step to his skating and doesn’t possess a separation gear which in turn reflects on his offense. I’m a firm believer that skating can be improved through hard work and commitment and have no doubt Gallant has the will to do just that.

Gallant’s strength however, is his ability to play an excellent two-way game while providing some offense. How his skating improves will dictate how his offensive abilities translate to the NHL. He’s excellent in the face-off circle, winning 59.9% of his draws. Defensively, Gallant can read and react instantly and has a strong ability to create turnovers. He has a willingness to block shots and is adept at it. His work ethic and commitment to the defensive zone will be his ticket to the NHL.

Offensively, Gallant is not afraid of the dirty areas. He’s hard to knock off the puck and is excellent at keeping possession. He cycles with confidence and sometimes with ease. He has an average shot, firing at a rate of 12.8% while an average playmaker.

There are no statistics to measure heart and determination to win. But Gallant is all heart with a willingness to do whatever it takes to win, and with him, the team always comes first.

Gallant was ranked 24th among OHL players , 71st among North American skaters on the NHL Central Scouting mid-term rankings.

68 OHL Players NHL Central Scouting’s Mid-Term Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

National Hockey League Central Scouting released it’s mid-term rankings for the 2017 draft, and 60 Ontario Hockey League players made the list. That list is comprised of 51 skaters and 9 goaltenders.

As is always the case with any such list, there will be questions and head scratching. Yours truly has never  been shy of this in the past. So here is my take on the good, the bad and the ugly from the list.

The Good

Conor Timmins continues to open eyes and its good to see that he has grabbed the attention of Central Scouting. After a somewhat unimpressive rookie season a year ago, he has emerged as the Greyhounds number one defenceman on the first place team.

The Bad

It’s hard to argue against Kaden Fulcher or Kyle Keyser, but Matthew Villalta should be ahead. He’s the backup to Joseph Raaymakers (undrafted and re-enters the draft and is unranked), but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Villalta get more and more starts as he has shown he can lead the Greyhounds to victory as much, if not more than Raaymakers.

Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

The Ugly

Goaltender Michael DiPietro as the number seven ranked goaltender from North America is simply mind boggling. His two seasons in the OHL have been outstanding. This is definitely a knock on his size – you know, big goaltenders are the way to go in the NHL these days. But if he goes where Central has him ranked, someone is going to get the steal of the draft.

Here is the full Central Scouting rankings of OHL players with their over-all rankings shown.

3 Vilardi, Gabriel Center Windsor
4 Tippett, Owen Right Wing Mississauga
11 Hague, Nicolas Defenseman Mississauga
16 Suzuki, Nick Center Owen Sound
19 Strome, Matthew Left Wing Hamilton
20 Ratcliffe, Isaac Left Wing Guelph
24 Formenton, Alex Left Wing London
26 Timmins, Conor Defenseman Sault Marie
27 Ruzicka, Adam Center Sarnia
28 Thomas, Robert Center London
29 Frost, Morgan Center Sault Marie
32 Schnarr, Nate Center Guelph
34 Robertson, Jason Left Wing Kingston
35 Entwistle, Mackenzie Right Wing Hamilton
37 Lodnia, Ivan Right Wing Erie
38 Chmelevski, Alexander Center Ottawa
39 Meireles, Greg Center Kitchener
41 Hoefenmayer, Noel Defenseman Ottawa
53 Lyle, Brady Defenseman North Bay
57 Rasanen, Eemeli Defenseman Kingston
59 Thilander, Adam Defenseman North Bay
60 Gadjovich, Jonah Left Wing Owen Sound
62 Phillips, Markus Defenseman Owen Sound
71 Gallant, Zach Center Peterborough
73 Sushko, Maksim Right Wing Owen Sound
79 McGregor, Ryan Center Sarnia
80 Studnicka, Jack Center Oshawa
86 Studenic, Marian Right Wing Hamilton
90 Paquette, Jacob Defenseman Kingston
92 Keating, Austen Left Wing Ottawa
96 Coskey, Cole Right Wing Saginaw
99 Jones, Ben Center Niagara
100 Seitz, Dylan Center Kitchener
102 Nyman, Linus Right Wing Kingston
122 Samorukov, Dmitri Defenseman Guelph
123 Boomhower, Shaw Left Wing Mississauga
135 Deakin-Poot, Nick Center Guelph
139 Durzi, Sean Defenseman Owen Sound
143 Golden, Jacob Defenseman London
147 Machala, Ondrej Left Wing Niagara
148 Hancock, Kevin Left Wing Owen Sound
161 Demeo, Anthony Defenseman Sault Marie
162 Michnac, Albert Left Wing Guelph
166 Svoboda, Matyas Left Wing Peterborough
168 Isaacson, Nick Left Wing Peterborough
173 Philip, Matthew Center Niagara
176 McHugh, Nicholas Left Wing Kitchener
180 Roberts, Zachary Left Wing Owen Sound
183 Carson, Macauley Left Wing Sudbury
185 Maksimov, Kirill Right Wing Niagara
188 Gordeev, Fedor Defenseman Flint
189 Castleman, Oliver Left Wing Niagara
191 Garreffa, Joseph Left Wing Kitchener
194 Purboo, Cole Right Wing Windsor
205 Hedberg, Tom Defenseman Barrie
206 Fraser, Cole Defenseman Peterborough
208 Roberts, Elijah Defenseman Kitchener
209 Grima, Nicholas Defenseman Sarnia
211 Boka, Lucas Right Wing Windsor
7 Dipietro, Michael Goalie Windsor
10 Keyser, Kyle Goalie Oshawa
12 Fulcher, Kaden Goalie Hamilton
14 Villalta, Matt Goalie Sault Marie
19 Dhillon, Stephen Goalie Niagara
23 McGrath, Jake Goalie Sudbury
25 Propp, Christian Goalie Barrie
27 Lafreniere, Olivier Goalie Ottawa
28 Hughes, Aidan Goalie Sarnia

Patrick and Hischier named Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Captains

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with Sherwin-Williams today announced the captains and alternate captains for the 2017 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game to be played on Monday January 30 in Quebec City, hosted by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Quebec Remparts.

Nolan Patrick of the Brandon Wheat Kings and Nico Hischier of the Halifax Mooseheads have both been named captains for the 22nd annual showcase of the CHL’s top-40 NHL Draft eligible players.  Patrick will lead Team Cherry along with alternate captains Maxime Comtois of the Victoriaville Tigres, and Owen Tippett of the Mississauga Steelheads.  Hischier will lead Team Orr with alternates Nicolas Hague of the Steelheads, and Michael Rasmussen of the Tri-City Americans.

“I’m excited about the event, to be named as a team captain is an honour,” said Patrick. “I’m just looking forward to getting to Quebec City and playing with some great players, it should be an entertaining game with that much talent on the ice together.”

unnamedAn 18-year-old from Winnipeg, MB, Patrick also serves as captain for the Wheat Kings playing in his third full WHL season after being selected by the club fourth overall in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.  Last season he was named WHL Playoff MVP helping the club secure their third league title contributing 30 points in 21 post-season games.  Patrick has been limited to just eight games this season but has recorded six goals and seven assists for 13 points including a four-point performance Friday night in his return from injury.

“It feels really good (to be named captain) because it’s an honour for me and I’m really excited about it,” said Hischier. “It’s a good experience and a chance to meet new friends so it should be fun.”

An 18-year-old from Naters, Switzerland, Hischier is playing in his first full QMJHL season after being selected by the Mooseheads sixth overall in the 2016 CHL Import Draft.  He currently leads all QMJHL rookies in scoring with 30 goals and 30 assists for 60 points in 36 games which ranks sixth among all players.  Hischier was one of 55 CHL players to compete at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship leading his country in scoring and named one of Switzerland’s Top-3 Players with four goals and three assists for seven points in five games including an appearance in the Quarter-Finals.

Over the past 21 years, 18 Wheat Kings and 18 Mooseheads have competed in this event.  Patrick is the first from his club to be named captain, while Hischier follows Nathan MacKinnon who captained Team Cherry on home ice in 2013.

Team Cherry leaders also include a pair of forwards who excelled at the 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series.  Comtois, an 18-year-old from Longueuil, QC, has 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points in 42 games playing in his second QMJHL season after being selected third overall by the Tigres in the 2015 QMJHL Entry Draft.  He scored twice while representing Team QMJHL against the Russians on November 17 in Baie-Comeau.  Tippett, an 18-year-old from Peterborough, ON, is tied for the OHL lead with 34 goals and ranks fifth overall in league scoring with 57 points in 41 games.  Playing in his second career season after being chosen fourth overall by the Steelheads in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection, he also competed against Team Russia and was named Player of the Game for Team OHL November 10 in North Bay recording two assists.

 Team Orr leaders include a pair of towering figures on the blue line and up front.  Hague, an 18-year-old defenceman from Kitchener, ON, is playing in his second career season with the Steelheads who chose him in the second round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  The 2016 OHL Scholastic Player of the Year stands 6’5’’ and currently has 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points in 41 games.  Rasmussen, a 17-year-old from Surrey, BC, also stands 6’5’’ and currently ranks fifth in the WHL with 30 goals while adding 21 assists for 51 points through 46 games.  Playing in his second career season, the former seventh overall pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft opened the season in style for the Americans with a career-high four goals September 24 against the Spokane Chiefs.

 Since 2010, Team Cherry captains have included Jakob Chychrun, Anthony Beauvillier, Sam Reinhart, Nathan MacKinnon, Ryan Murray, Sean Couturier, and Taylor Hall, while recent Team Orr captains include Matthew Tkachuk, Connor McDavid, Aaron Ekblad, Seth Jones, Colton Sissons, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Tyler Seguin.

Click here to see full Team Cherry and Team Orr rosters for the 2017 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

 Team Cherry and Team Orr coaching staffs will be announced later this week.

The 2017 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is proudly supported by title partner Sherwin-Williams, and CHL associate sponsors CIBC, Cooper Tire, and autoTRADER.ca.  The game will be broadcast live on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

Tickets are still available through the box office at 1-855-790-1245 or visit Ticketmaster to purchase online.

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Spitfires’ Michael DiPietro named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that 2017 NHL Draft prospect Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending January 15 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.44 and save percentage of .954.

DiPietro becomes the first two-time award recipient of the 2016-17 campaign after turning aside 62 shots in a pair of victories for the Spitfires who improve their record to 27-8-5-1 holding onto fourth place in the OHL’s Western Conference standings.  DiPietro was spectacular in the national spotlight during Thursday’s CHL on Sportsnet broadcast earning first star honours in a 3-2 shootout triumph over the Kitchener Rangers making 36 saves including seven during the three-on-three extra frame before denying all four shootout attempts.  He followed that effort with a 26-save performance on Sunday in a 5-1 victory over the Saginaw Spirit.

Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

A 17-year-old from Amherstburg, ON, DiPietro is playing in his second career season with the Spitfires who chose him in the second round of the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.  So far this season he carries a record of 20-6-4-0 including four shutouts ranking second among OHL netminders in both goals-against-average and save percentage with marks of 2.20 and .921 respectively.  On January 30 he will represent Team Orr in Quebec City at the Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Also considered for the award this week was rookie Olivier Rodrigue of the Drummondville Voltigeurs who posted a 1-0-0-1 record making 52 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.40 and save percentage of .945, and Philadelphia Flyers prospect Carter Hart of the Everett Silvertips who went 1-0-1-0 including a shutout victory stopping 56 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.92 and save percentage of .933.

 2016-17 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Francis Leclerc (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Griffen Outhouse (Victoria Royals)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Connor Ingram (Kamloops Blazers)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Patrick Dea (Edmonton Oil Kings)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Reilly Pickard (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ryan Kubic (Vancouver Giants)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Logan Flodell (Saskatoon Blades)
Sept. 26 – Oct. 2: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Liam Herbst (Guelph Storm)