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SPITFIRES’ WYATT JOHNSTON VOTEDOHL’S MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYERPRESENTED BY KIA

Posted on June 7, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League announced today that Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires is the 2021-22 recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy, an award presented annually to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player during the regular season as voted by the writers and broadcasters that cover the League. The OHL’s Most Outstanding Player Award is presented by Kia.

Johnston led the Canadian Hockey League with 124 points (46-78–124) in 68 games and follows past greats in Ryan Ellis (2011), Ernie Godden (1981) and Glenn Hall (1951) as the fourth player in Spitfires history to have his name etched on the Red Tilson Trophy.

“As a proud partner of the CHL and presenting sponsor of the Memorial Cup, Kia is excited to congratulate Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires, winner of the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL Most Outstanding Player,” said Michael Kopke, Director of Marketing for Kia Canada. “At Kia, we believe in movement that inspires, and Wyatt exemplifies this in his play. We can’t wait to see more of him on the ice for years to come.”

Johnston led the OHL, putting up 1.82 points-per-game during the regular season to finish with a total of 124, the fifth-highest single season total in Spitfires franchise history behind Ernie Godden (153, 1980-81), Bill Bowler (135, 1994-95), Kelly Cain (133, 1987-88) and Blair Barnes (130, 1979-80). His 46 goals were the most by a Spitfire since Steve Ott scored 50 in 2000-01.

“It is an amazing honour to be receiving the Red Tilson Trophy,” said Johnston. “There are countless people who have had massive contributions to helping me in this accomplishment. It is a huge privilege based on all the great players in this league. It is definitely a pretty cool feeling.”

The 19-year-old native of Toronto, Ont. finished with 42 multi-point performances on the campaign including four different games with at least four points. He becomes the first player since Jason Allison of the 1993-94 London Knights to claim each of the Red Tilson Trophy, the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the League’s top scorer, as well as the William Hanley Trophy as the OHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player all in the same season.

“It’s obvious Wyatt is an elite talent,” said Spitfires General Manager Bill Bowler, “but he is a better teammate and person. Speaking for the organization, we are so proud of him. He deserves this award and he will continue to get better and that is great for both the Spitfires and the Dallas Stars.”

Johnston follows current Stars forward Tyler Seguin, who claimed the honour as a member of the Plymouth Whalers during the 2009-10 season. The 6-foot-2, 181Ib. centreman who helped Canada’s National Under-18 Team win gold in 2021 has amassed 154 points (58-96–154) over 121 career regular season games since being selected by the Spitfires with the sixth overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. He was Dallas’ first round (23rd overall) choice in the 2021 NHL Draft.

The Red Tilson Trophy is the most prestigious individual award presented by the Ontario Hockey League. First presented in 1945, the trophy is named in honour of Albert “Red” Tilson, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II. Tilson was the OHA scoring champion for the 1942-43 season after scoring 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in 22 games with the Oshawa Generals.

Accredited media were asked to select their top choice from separate ballots that featured a team-nominated representative from each of the League’s Eastern and Western Conference teams. Johnston emerged as the Western Conference frontrunner, receiving over 73 percent of the vote while North Bay Battalion forward Brandon Coe was voted as the Eastern Conference’s Most Outstanding Player. Johnston drew 80 percent of the vote on the final ballot to be named the Most Outstanding Player in the Ontario Hockey League.

The Red Tilson Trophy winner is the OHL’s nominee for Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year, an award that will be announced prior to the conclusion of the 2022 Memorial Cup presented by Kia that takes place in Saint John, New Brunswick from June 20-29.

Complete OHL Awards History

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

OHL Finals Preview and Prediction

Posted on June 2, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

The stage is set as the Ontario Hockey League’s top two teams during the regular season face off for the J. Ross Robertson Cup and the winner advancing to the Memorial Cup in Saint John New Brunswick from June 20 through June 29.

The finals begin Friday June 3 as the Windsor Spitfires face off against the Hamilton Bulldogs in the steel city at 7:00 pm. Game two will be a matinee addition on Sunday at 2:00 pm, also in Hamilton.

Before we break down how the two teams stack up, here’s a look at how the two teams got to this point along with my predictions:

CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS

EASTERN CONFERENCE	PREDICTION	OUTCOME
(1) Hamilton vs (8) Peterborough	Hamilton in 4	Hamilton wins 4-0
(2) North Bay vs (7) Ottawa	North Bay in 5	North Bay wins 4-0
(3) Kingston vs (6) Oshawa	Kingston in 6	Kingston wins 4-2
(4) Mississauga vs (5) Barrie	Mississauga in 7	Mississauga wins 4-2
WESTERN CONFERENCE	PREDICTION	OUTCOME
(1) Windsor vs (8) Sarnia	Windsor in 5	Windsor wins 4-2
(2) London vs (7) Kitchener	London in 6	Kitchener wins 4-3
(3) Flint vs (6) Owen Sound	Flint in 6	Flint wins 4-3
(4) Sault Ste Marie vs (5) Guelph	Sault Ste Marie in 7	Sault Ste Marie wins 4-1

CONFERENCE SEMI FINALS

EASTERN CONFERENCE	PREDICTION	OUTCOME
(1) Hamilton vs (4) Mississauga	Hamilton in 5	Hamilton wins 4-0
(2) North Bay vs (3) Kingston	North Bay in 6	North Bay wins 4-1
WESTERN CONFERENCE	PREDICTION	OUTCOME
(1) Windsor vs (7) Kitchener	Windsor in 6	Windsor wins 4-1
(3) Flint vs (4) Sault Ste Marie	Sault Ste Marie in 7	Flint wins 4-1

CONFERENCE FINALS

EASTERN CONFERENCE	PREDICTION	OUTCOME
(1) Hamilton vs (2) North Bay	Hamilton in 5	Hamilton wins 4-0
WESTERN CONFERENCE	PREDICTION	OUTCOME
(1) Windsor vs (3) Flint	Windsor in 7	Windsor wins 4-3

There were no head-to-head matches between the Bulldogs and Spitfires as all games were played within their own conference because of the concerns of the COVID-19 Pandemic. But let’s take a look at how their regular season matched up:

	HAMILTON	WINDSOR
Record	51-12-5	44-17-7
Home Record	24-4-3	25-7-2
Road Record	24-8-2	19-10-5
Goals For	300	305
Goals Against	176	248
Power Play	27.6%	26.1%
Power Play (Home)	25.0%	28.1%
Power Play (Away)	31.3%	24.5%
Penalty Kill	80.9%	82.6%
Penalty Kill (Home)	79.1%%	78.2%
Penalty Kill (Away)	83.1%	86.8%
Leading After First	34-2-4	23-5-0
Leading After Second	43-2-2	32-0-2
Trailing After First	3-6-0	7-7-2
Trailing After Second	3-9-2	6-14-3
Outshooting Opponents	36-5-2	34-12-4
Out Shot By Opponents	15-7-3	10-4-3

The Bulldogs are the favorites and I don’t think the Spitfires mind being the underdog. Statistically speaking, the two teams match up pretty well except in one category: Goals against. The Bulldogs allowed a whopping 72 fewer goals then the Spits in the 68-game regular season.

But how do they matchup in the playoffs? Let’s take a look:

	HAMILTON	WINDSOR
Games Played	12	18
Record	12-0	12-6
Home Record	6-0	6-4
Road Record	6-0	6-2
Goals For	60	68
Goals Against	21	47
Power Play	37.9%	13.9%
Power Play (Home)	37.9%	16.3%
Power Play (Away)	37.9%	10.3%
Penalty Kill	87.0%	80.3%
Penalty Kill (Home)	84.7%	93.9%
Penalty Kill (Away)	88.0%	68.4%
Leading After First	8-0	7-2
Leading After Second	10-0	10-0
Trailing After First	1-0	4-1
Trailing After Second	0-0	1-5

There is a little more separation between the playoff stats and the regular season stats and of course, one must take into consideration their opponents. Some may not agree, but I believe the Bulldogs had the tougher route to the finals. Admittedly, I tried to find a loss for the Bulldogs in the first three rounds and even said that in prior articles, but it just never happened.

But I can’t count out the Spitfires who are well coached and Marc Savard has gotten more out of his younger players then anyone could have imagined.

Coming into the season, the Bulldogs were my choice to win it all. And here we are. Can the Spitfires be the team that finally puts one in the loss column for Hamilton?

Prediction: Hamilton in 6 games

OHL ANNOUNCES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SCHEDULE SCENARIOS

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced scheduling scenarios for the 2022 OHL Championship Series for the J. Ross Robertson Cup.

The Eastern Conference champion Hamilton Bulldogs await the winner of a Western Conference Championship Series Game 7 matchup between the host Windsor Spitfires and Flint Firebirds who play for the Wayne Gretzky Trophy tonight.

The OHL Championship Series will be aired in its entirety on CHL TV, with Bulldogs home broadcasts for Games 1 and 2 carried on Cable 14 in Hamilton and across the province on the OHL Action Pak.

Games 3-through-7 of the OHL Championship Series will be broadcast on TSN, with play-by-play voice Jon Abbott joining colour commentator and analyst Craig Button in the broadcast booth.

The Hamilton Bulldogs advance to the OHL Championship Series following three consecutive series sweeps, becoming the third team in OHL history to start the postseason with a perfect 12-0 record. The Bulldogs claimed the Hamilton Spectator Trophy as regular season champions in 2021-22, playing to a record of 51-12-3-2.

The Windsor Spitfires are in the hunt for their fourth Robertson Cup title following previous OHL championships in 1988, 2009 and 2010. The 44-17-4-3 Spitfires were West Division champions this past season for the first time since 2010.

The Flint Firebirds have their sights set on appearing in their first-ever OHL Championship Series. Flint played to a club record 42-21-1-4 mark during the regular season as the Firebirds have reached the Western Conference Championship Series for the first time in their history.

The Robertson Cup is emblematic of the Ontario Hockey League’s championship series. The Cup was presented by J. Ross Robertson, who was president of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1901 to 1905. Since its inception, the Robertson Cup has been won by 29 different teams with the Oshawa Generals leading the way with 13 championships including a record seven straight from 1938-44.

The winner of the Rogers OHL Championship Series will advance to the 2022 Memorial Cup presented by Kia which takes place June 20-29 in Saint John, New Brunswick and also features the host Saint John Sea Dogs along with the champions from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League.

OHL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SCHEDULE:

SCENARIO 1 – (1E) HAMILTON BULLDOGS (51-12-3-2) vs. (1W) WINDSOR SPITFIRES (44-17-4-3)
If Windsor wins tonight
Game 1, Fri., June 3 at Hamilton, 7:00pm
Game 2 , Sun., June 5 at Hamilton, 2:00pm
Game 3, Mon., June 6 at Windsor, 7:00pm
Game 4, Fri., June 10 at Windsor, 7:00pm
Game 5, Sun., June 12 at Hamilton, 2:00pm*
Game 6, Mon., June 13 at Windsor, 7:00pm*
Game 7, Wed., June 15 at Hamilton, 7:00pm*
*if necessary

SCENARIO 2 – (1E) HAMILTON BULLDOGS (51-12-3-2) vs. (3W) FLINT FIREBIRDS (42-21-1-4)
If Flint wins tonight
Game 1, Fri., June 3 at Hamilton, 7:00pm
Game 2, Sun., June 5 at Hamilton, 7:00pm
Game 3, Wed., June 8 at Flint, 7:00pm
Game 4, Fri., June 10 at Flint, 7:00pm
Game 5, Sun., June 12 at Hamilton, 7:00pm*
Game 6, Tues., June 14 at Flint, 7:00pm*
Game 7, Wed., June 15 at Hamilton, 7:00pm*
*if necessary

2022 OHL Playoff Brackets

Don’t miss a second of the 2022 OHL Championship Series. CHL TV packages are on sale now at watch.chl.ca.

BULLDOGS’ NATHAN STAIOS NAMEDOHL DEFENCEMAN OF THE YEAR

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Nathan Staios of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the 2021-22 recipient of the Max Kaminsky Trophy presented annually to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenceman of the Year.

Staios led OHL blueliners with 66 points including 15 goals and 51 assists in 59 games to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-40. His 32 power play points led OHL rearguards while he placed third among defenders with 200 shots on goal. Staios’ offensive totals are new single season benchmarks by a Bulldogs defenceman in the six-year history of the franchise.

“I am very honoured and privileged to receive the Max Kaminsky Trophy as Defenceman of the Year,” said Staios. “Playing in the top junior league in the world has helped me develop so much as a person and player. I would like to give credit to my teammates, coaching staff, family, billets, The Hamilton Bulldogs organization, community of Hamilton and our great fans for contributing to this award. They all played a huge role in my success this year and I can’t thank them enough.”

A 21-year-old from Oakville, Ont., Staios split four OHL seasons between Hamilton and Windsor, putting up career totals that include 33 goals, 115 assists and 148 points in 237 career regular season games. The 5-foot-10, 178Ib. blueliner has appeared in nine games during the 2022 OHL Playoffs, registering eight points (2-6–8) to help Hamilton capture the Bobby Orr Trophy as Eastern Conference champions. Staios was originally Windsor’s first round (17th overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection. He attended rookie camp with the St. Louis Blues last fall.

“Nathan’s recognition is very well deserved,” said Bulldogs head coach Jay McKee. “While being the league’s top offensive defenceman, he has also been used to help shut down our opposition’s top two lines of forwards. He has shown that his abilities on both sides of the puck are elite.”

The Max Kaminsky Trophy is awarded each year to the Most Outstanding Defenceman as selected by OHL General Managers. All 20 clubs submitted a nominee but were not permitted to vote for their own player.

The award is named in recognition of Max Kaminsky, who enjoyed a 10-year professional playing career that included four years in the NHL with Ottawa, Boston, and Montreal. After he retired from playing, Kaminsky enjoyed a 15-year coaching career that was capped by winning the Memorial Cup with the St. Catharines Teepees in 1960.

Staios is the first defenceman in the entire history of the Hamilton/Belleville franchise to win the award, following recent names in Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 2020), Evan Bouchard (London 2019), Nicolas Hague (Mississauga 2018), Darren Raddysh (Erie 2017) and Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor 2016). Other prominent winners have included Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2012), two-time recipients Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2009 & 2011) and Bryan Berard (Detroit 1995 & 1996), Drew Doughty (Guelph 2008) as well as Chris Pronger (Peterborough 1993).

Staios will be the OHL’s nominee for the CHL Defenceman of the Year Award. He edged out Western Conference finalist Ryan O’Rourke of the Soo Greyhounds in the final round of voting.

Complete OHL Awards history

COSTANTINI AND OTHMANN NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on May 30, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, May 29, 2022.

Firebirds’ Brennan Othmann Named OHL Player of the Week

New York Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann of the Flint Firebirds is the OHL Player of the Week, recording six points including a goal and five assists in four contests.

Othmann helped guide the Firebirds to a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Championship Series, scoring shorthanded while adding two assists in Sunday’s 4-3 win over the Windsor Spitfires in Game 5. Othmann assisted on both Flint goals in a 4-2 loss on Friday in Game 4, and pitched in with a helper in Wednesday’s 6-3 win over Windsor in Game 3.

A 19-year-old native of Pickering, Ont., Othmann leads the Firebirds in playoff scoring with 23 points including nine goals and 14 assists in 17 games. The 6-foot, 180Ib. left-winger led Flint with 50 goals, 47 assists and 97 points in 66 regular season games, giving him 130 points (67-63–130) through 121 career regular season games after being selected second overall by the Firebirds in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. Othmann was selected by New York with the 16th overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft and signed a three-year entry level contract with the Rangers on August 12, 2021.

Also considered for the award this week, Windsor Spitfires forward Wyatt Johnston had six points (2-4–6) in four outings, as did Spits teammate Matthew Maggio (4-2–6) as Windsor goes to Flint for Game 6 on Tuesday trailing in the series 3-2.

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
May 23 – May 29: Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
May 16 – May 22: Avery Hayes (Hamilton Bulldogs)
May 9 – May 15: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
May 2 – May 8: Joseph Serpa (Kitchener Rangers)
Apr. 25 – May 1: Zayde Wisdom (Kingston Frontenacs)
Apr. 19 – Apr. 24: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Apr. 11 – Apr. 18: Robert Calisti (Soo Greyhounds)
Apr. 4 – Apr. 10: Martin Chromiak (Kingston Frontenacs)
Mar. 28 – Apr. 3: Mason McTavish (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Mar. 21 – Mar. 27: Dalton Duhart (Saginaw Spirit)
Mar. 14 – Mar. 20: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Feb. 28 – Mar. 6: Theo Hill (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 21 – Feb. 27: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 14 – Feb. 20: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Feb. 7 – Feb. 13: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs).
Jan. 31 – Feb. 6: Luke Evangelista (London Knights)
Jan. 24 – Jan. 30: Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Riley Piercey (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 3 – Jan 9: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Ty Tullio (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Rory Kerins (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Bulldogs’ Marco Costantini Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Hamilton Bulldogs netminder Marco Costantini is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for a third straight week, going 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average, .918 save percentage and one shutout.

Costantini backstopped the Bulldogs to an Eastern Conference title, making 27 saves in a 6-4 victory over the North Bay Battalion in Game 3 on Wednesday. He returned to the crease for his third shutout of the OHL Playoffs on Friday as the Bulldogs took a 12th consecutive win, blanking the Battalion 6-0.

A 19-year-old product of Hamilton, Costantini was voted the Eastern Conference’s Top Goaltender this past season with league-leading figures that include a 2.32 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and six shutouts. He played to a mark of 31-9-2-2 in 45 games, improving to 41-24-8-2 with a 3.15 goals-against average and .897 save percentage in his 79-game OHL regular season career. Costantini has played to a postseason record of 12-0 with a 1.75 goals-against average and .933 save percentage. He was Hamilton’s fifth round (95th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
May 23 – May 29: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
May 16 – May 22: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
May 9 – May 15: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
May 2 – May 8: Luke Cavallin (Flint Firebirds)
Apr. 25 – May 1: Luke Cavallin (Flint Firebirds)
Apr. 18 – Apr. 24: Tucker Tynan (Soo Greyhounds)

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Apr. 11 – Apr. 17: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Apr. 4 – Apr. 10: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Mar. 28 – Apr. 3: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 21 – Mar. 27: Joey Costanzo (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 14 – Mar. 20: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Nick Chenard (Owen Sound Attack)
Feb. 28 – Mar. 6: Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 21 – Feb. 27: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Feb. 14 – Feb. 20: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 7 – Feb. 13: Pavel Cajan (Kitchener Rangers)
Jan. 31 – Feb. 6: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Jan. 24 – Jan. 30: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: Mitchell Weeks (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 3 – Jan. 9: Nolan Lalonde (Erie Otters)
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: Joe Ranger (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Owen Bennett (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Roman Basran (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Jacob Oster (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Tucker Tynan (Niagara IceDogs)

OHL ANNOUNCES 2021-22 ALL-STAR AND ALL-ROOKIE VOTING FINALISTS

Posted on May 27, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the final ballot for both the OHL All-Star Team and OHL All-Rookie Team voting process, with final results to be announced on Friday, June 10.

The final all-star and all-rookie ballots were established through a voting process that saw OHL General Managers vote for players/coaches within their own conference. They weren’t allowed to vote for players/coaches on their own team.

The final all-star ballot consists of the three top vote recipients from each conference at centre, left wing, right wing, goaltender and head coach, in addition to six defencemen from both the East and West. A total of three OHL All-Star Teams will be announced following the final round of voting.

The final all-rookie ballot consists of the three top vote recipients from each conference at centre, left wing and right wing, in addition to six defenders from both the East and West. The final all-rookie goaltending ballot consists of all six rookie netminders from across the League this past season. A total of two OHL All-Rookie Teams will be announced following a final round of voting.

2021-22 Final OHL All-Star Voting Finalists:

Centre:
Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Rory Kerins (Soo Greyhounds)
Sean McGurn (London Knights)
Mason McTavish (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)

Left Wing:
Martin Chromiak (Kingston Frontenacs)
Will Cuylle (Windsor Spitfires)
Danil Gushchin (Niagara IceDogs)
James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Tye Kartye (Soo Greyhounds)
Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)

Right Wing:
Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion)
Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Luke Evangelista (London Knights)
Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Sasha Pastujov (Guelph Storm)
Ty Tullio (Oshawa Generals)

Defencemen:
Daniil Chayka (Guelph Storm)
Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads)
Christian Kyrou (Erie Otters)
Kasper Larsen (Mississauga Steelheads)
Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Ty Nelson (North Bay Battalion)
Ryan O’Rourke (Soo Greyhounds)
Andrew Perrott (Windsor Spitfires)
Nathan Staios (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jack Thompson (Soo Greyhounds)
Arber Xhekaj (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Goaltender:
Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Luke Cavallin (Flint Firebirds)
Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Mitchell Weeks (Sudbury Wolves)

Coach:
Ted Dent (Flint Firebirds)
Jay McKee (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Ryan Oulahen (North Bay Battalion)
James Richmond (Mississauga Steelheads)
Marc Savard (Windsor Spitfires)
Greg Walters (Owen Sound Attack)

2021-22 Final OHL All-Rookie Voting Finalists:

Centre:
Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Cedrick Guindon (Owen Sound Attack)
Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm)
Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit)

Left Wing:
Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack)
Jake Karabela (Guelph Storm)
Ethan Miedema (Windsor Spitfires)
Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Luca Pinelli (Ottawa 67’s)
Owen Van Steensel (North Bay Battalion)

Right Wing:
Gavin Hayes (Flint Firebirds)
Nick Lardis (Peterborough Petes)
Calem Mangone (Saginaw Spirit)
Coulson Pitre (Flint Firebirds)
Vinzenz Rohrer (Ottawa 67’s)
Brady Stonehouse (Ottawa 67’s)

Defence:
Beau Akey (Barrie Colts)
Cam Allen (Guelph Storm)
Michael Buchinger (Guelph Storm)
Nolan Collins (Sudbury Wolves)
Alexis Daviault (Sarnia Sting)
Rodwin Dionicio (Niagara IceDogs)
Jorian Donovan (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Isaiah George (London Knights)
Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes)
Ty Nelson (North Bay Battalion)
Spencer Sova (Erie Otters)

Goaltender:
Joey Costanzo (Niagara IceDogs)
Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Nolan Lalonde (Erie Otters)
Andrew Oke (Saginaw Spirit)
Jacob Oster (Guelph Storm)
Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)

KNIGHTS’ BRETT BROCHU NAMED OHL GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR

Posted on May 26, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Brett Brochu of the London Knights is the 2021-22 recipient of the Jim Rutherford Trophy, given annually to the recipient of the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year Award presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

Brochu backstopped the Knights to the franchise’s third consecutive Midwest Division title, going 29-11-2-0 with a 2.75 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and two shutouts in 43 games. He stopped 15 of the 17 shootout opponents he faced, going 4-0 in shootouts on the campaign. Brochu represented Canada at the abbreviated 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta.

“It’s a huge honour receiving this award,” said Brochu. “It was a big goal of mine to achieve and I’m really grateful to have been able to play behind such a great team. I’m grateful to have been able to grow my game as much as I have throughout my season playing in the OHL.”

A 19-year-old native of Belle River, Ont., Brochu rounded out his second OHL season with an impressive career mark of 61-17-2-0, owning a 2.59 goals-against average, .915 save percentage and four shutouts over 85 regular season games. The former F.W. Dinty Moore Trophy recipient and 2019-20 OHL First All-Rookie Team member made his pro debut with the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins during the 2020-21 campaign, suiting up in one game. Brochu is the 31st-ranked North American goaltender on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings. He was originally London’s sixth round (114th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

“It’s well deserved and well earned,” said Knights Owner, Vice-President and General Manager Mark Hunter of the honour. “We are very proud of Brett and glad he is being recognized with this award.”

Announced in August 2019, the Jim Rutherford Trophy is presented by the League in honour of former OHL goaltender, General Manager, Chairman of the Board and two-time Executive of the Year Jim Rutherford. The current President of Hockey Operations of the Vancouver Canucks, Rutherford played 13 seasons as an NHL netminder and was the architect behind Stanley Cup championships for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November 2019.

The Jim Rutherford Trophy is awarded to the league’s most outstanding goaltender as selected by OHL General Managers. Teams were not permitted to vote for a goaltender from their own hockey club.

Brochu follows Michael Houser (2012), Steve Mason (2007) and Adam Dennis (2006) as the fourth Knights netminder to earn the distinction of being the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year. The award was first presented in 1988 to Rick Tabaracci (Cornwall), with other notable winners including Manny Legace (Niagara Falls 1993), Andrew Raycroft (Kingston 2000), Craig Anderson (Guelph 2001), the League’s only back-to-back winner Mike Murphy (Belleville 2008 & 2009), along with current NHL goaltenders Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound 2013), Alex Nedeljkovic (Plymouth 2014) and MacKenzie Blackwood (Barrie 2016).

Brochu is the OHL’s nominee for CHL Goaltender of the Year honours. He edged out Eastern Conference finalist Marco Costantini of the Hamilton Bulldogs in the voting process.

Complete OHL Awards history

SPITFIRES’ WYATT JOHNSTON NAMED OHL’S MOST SPORTSMANLIKE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires is the 2021-22 recipient of the William Hanley Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player.

The OHL’s Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy recipient with 124 points (46-78–124) over 68 games, Johnston recorded just 26 penalty minutes in the process, being voted the Western Conference’s Most Outstanding Player by the League’s General Managers. He becomes the first Spitfires player to earn OHL Most Sportsmanlike honours since Kyle Wellwood in 2002-03.

“It feels really good, it’s a big honour to receive this recognition,” said Johnston. “It’s a special award and it is great to win in this league with a lot of very talented and high character players.”

An 18-year-old from Toronto, Ont., Johnston finished with 42 multi-point performances on the campaign including four different games with at least four points. His 124 points are the fifth-highest total in Spitfires franchise history, trailing Ernie Godden (153 points, 1980-81), Bill Bowler (135 points, 1994-95), Kelly Cain (133 points, 1987-88) and Blair Barnes (130 points (1979-80).

“Wyatt was the best player in our league and plays the right way every shift,” said Spitfires general manager Bill Bowler. “He is ultra competitive yet respects the game, his opponent and the officials. He is a true Spitfire.”

The William Hanley Trophy is awarded each year based on a selection by the 20 General Managers of the Ontario Hockey League. All 20 teams submit a nominee but are not permitted to vote for their own candidate. The trophy is presented by the OHL to commemorate William Hanley, former Secretary-Manager of the Ontario Hockey Association for over 25 years.

Johnston follows Wellwood as the second player in Spitfires franchise history to earn the award. Current NHL players to have been awarded the William Hanley Trophy include Nick Robertson (Peterborough 2020), three-time winner Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound/Guelph 2017, ’18, ’19), Mike Amadio (North Bay 2016), Dylan Strome (Erie 2015), Connor McDavid (Erie 2014), Brandon Saad (Saginaw 2012) and Jeff Carter (Sault Ste. Marie 2005).

Johnston will be the OHL’s nominee for CHL Sportsman of the Year, edging out Eastern Conference finalist Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs in the final voting.

Complete OHL Awards History

Playoff Preview and Predictions Round Three

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Let’s start by looking back at my first two rounds of predictions:

CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS

EASTERN CONFERENCE	PREDICTION	OUTCOME
(1) Hamilton vs (8) Peterborough	Hamilton in 4	Hamilton wins 4-0
(2) North Bay vs (7) Ottawa	North Bay in 5	North Bay wins 4-0
(3) Kingston vs (6) Oshawa	Kingston in 6	Kingston wins 4-2
(4) Mississauga vs (5) Barrie	Mississauga in 7	Mississauga wins 4-2
WESTERN CONFERENCE	PREDICTION	OUTCOME
(1) Windsor vs (8) Sarnia	Windsor in 5	Windsor wins 4-2
(2) London vs (7) Kitchener	London in 6	Kitchener wins 4-3
(3) Flint vs (6) Owen Sound	Flint in 6	Flint wins 4-3
(4) Sault Ste Marie vs (5) Guelph	Sault Ste Marie in 7	Sault Ste Marie wins 4-1

CONFERENCE SEMI FINALS

EASTERN CONFERENCE	PREDICTION	OUTCOME
(1) Hamilton vs (4) Mississauga	Hamilton in 5	Hamilton wins 4-0
(2) North Bay vs (3) Kingston	North Bay in 6	North Bay wins 4-1
WESTERN CONFERENCE	PREDICTION	OUTCOME
(1) Windsor vs (7) Kitchener	Windsor in 6	Windsor wins 4-1
(3) Flint vs (4) Sault Ste Marie	Sault Ste Marie in 7	Flint wins 4-1

As you can probably guess, not happy about my results when getting two incorrect winners in 12 series and only two correct in the right number of games. I really did try to find a loss for the Hamilton Bulldogs in the Conference Semi Finals, but it just didn’t materialize. So, I’ll try again for the Conference Finals!

	Hamilton	North Bay
Season series	2-2-0	2-2-0
Last 10 games	10-0-0	8-1-1
Powerplay	27.6%	25.9%
PP vs opponent	0.0%	15.4%
PP Playoffs	37.0%	36.7%
Penalty Kill	80.9%	80.6%
PK vs Opponent	84.6%	100.0%
PK Playoffs	87.9%	87.5%
Goals for RS	300	267
Goals for Playoffs	38	43
Goals against RS	176	198
Goals against Playoffs	15	31
Team PIM / Game RS	11.3/game	9.1/game
Team PIM / Game Playoffs	14.9/game	7.0/game
Leading after 1^st period	34-2-4	22-2-3
Leading after 2nd period	43-2-1	27-0-2
Trailing after 1^st period	5-9-1	3-6-0
Trailing after 2^nd period	3-9-2	7-14-2
Outshooting opponents	36-5-2	26-5-4
Outshot by opponents	15-7-3	17-12-2

Not too much to say here. In many ways, Hamilton and North Bay were close in the regular season. And North Bay dominated specialty teams against Hamilton through the season. They even split the season series versus each other. But this is the Hamilton Bulldogs we’re talking about and they were built just for these playoffs. Somehow, my head is saying to find one loss for them and it likely won’t come until the next round. But….

Prediction: Hamilton in 5 games.

	Windsor	Flint
Season series	7-0-1	1-5-2
Last 10 games	8-1-1	7-3-0
Powerplay	26.1%	19.7%
PP vs opponent	26.5%	10.0%
PP Playoffs	13.3%	20.0%
Penalty Kill	82.6%	84.3%
PK vs Opponent	90.0%	73.5%
PK Playoffs	78.0%	83.3%
Goals for RS	305	286
Goals for Playoffs	41	44
Goals against RS	248	238
Goals against Playoffs	27	32
Team PIM / Game RS	10.3/game	10.4/game
Team PIM / Game Playoffs	12.6/game	9.5/game
Leading after 1^st period	23-5-0	22-4-1
Leading after 2nd period	32-0-2	31-1-3
Trailing after 1^st period	7-7-2	8-12-3
Trailing after 2^nd period	6-14-3	3-14-2
Outshooting opponents	34-12-4	20-8-1
Outshot by opponents	10-4-3	20-13-4

You know what they say about the playoffs and special teams: Win the special teams battle and you stand a better chance of winning the series. The Spitfires had a far superior powerplay during the regular season. And head-to-head the Spitfires powerplay was two and a half times better than the Firebirds. But to date in the playoffs? The Firebirds have doubled their regular season proficiency while the Spitfires was cut in half.

On the penalty kill, the Firebirds were less than 2 percentage points better than the Spits during the regular season. Through the playoffs, the Firebirds were still above the Spits.

But head-to-head, the Spitfires hold a decisive advantage in both powerplay efficiency and penalty kill. It’s only reasonable to assume that the Spitfires hold a big advantage when it comes to specialty teams in this series.

The Spitfires like to come at you and produce a lot of shots having outshot their opponent’s 70 percent of the time. On the flip side, the Firebirds are outshot more times than not and rely more on their goaltending. And that was slightly better than the Spitfires during the regular season.

Both squads are great at protecting the lead, but the advantage goes to the Spitfires when it comes to coming from behind. I think this series will be tight and the difference will be specialty teams.

Prediction: Windsor in 7 games.

OHL Announces 2021-2022 Academic Player of the Year Winners

Posted on May 17, 2022 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the recipients of the League’s three Academic Player of the Year awards for the 2021-22 season.

Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads is the winner of the Bobby Smith Trophy as Scholastic Player of the Year presented by CIBC, Adam Varga of the Ottawa 67’s has earned the Roger Neilson Memorial Award as the Top Post-Secondary School Student for a second straight year, and Owen Sound Attack defenceman Cal Uens has been recognized as the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award recipient as OHL’s Top High School Student.

Beck will serve as the OHL’s nomination for the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award.

Bobby Smith Trophy (CIBC Scholastic Player of the Year) – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads:

Draft eligible forward Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads is the 2021-22 recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year presented by CIBC.

Beck is the latest Steelheads player to earn academic recognition from a program that has produced recent Bobby Smith Trophy winners in Thomas Harley (2019) and Nicolas Hague (2016). The 18-year-old centreman has been busy in the classroom, carrying a heavy course load that includes Advanced Functions (96%), University Chemistry (93%), Kinesiology (94%), Calculus (91%) and University Biology (93%), resulting in an overall average of over 93% in his Grade 12 studies at Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School. On the ice, Beck came in as the 10th ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings for the 2022 NHL Draft following a rookie season that yielded 21 goals, 30 assists and 51 points in 68 games for the Steelheads.

“Education has always been important to me throughout my hockey career,” said Beck. “Being able to balance two busy activities has given me life skills and characteristics that I will use for the rest of my life. On top of that, as much as every hockey player wants to make a career out of hockey, not everybody always can for reasons beyond the person’s control. I have worked very hard over the past several years to make sure I have put myself in a position where if hockey unfortunately doesn’t work out I have a solid education and many opportunities available to move forward with another career.”

A native of Port Hope, Ont., Beck emerged as one of the OHL’s premier presences in the faceoff circle, winning 60.6% of his draws. He was voted the Eastern Conference’s top face-off man in the OHL Coaches Poll. Following an impressive season that included being named the OHL’s Rookie of the Month in November, Beck helped the Steelheads reach the second round of the OHL Playoffs, recording six points (1-5–6) in 10 games. He was Mississauga’s second round (29th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

“The Mississauga Steelheads would like to congratulate Owen Beck for being named this year’s Bobby Smith Trophy recipient,” said Steelheads Head Coach and General Manager James Richmond. “The entire organization is so proud of Owen for everything we all see every game on the ice but even more so for what he does in the classroom. This is a huge accomplishment! Owen’s commitment and dedication both in the classroom and on the ice is exceptional and he’s a very deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”

Each year the Bobby Smith Trophy is presented to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence. The trophy is in honour of Bobby Smith, a former Ottawa 67’s star who exhibited a standard of excellence in both of these areas. Past recipients since the award was first presented in 1980 include three-time winner Dustin Brown (Guelph 2001-03), Steven Stamkos (Sarnia 2007), Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2008), Matt Duchene (Brampton 2009), Erik Gudbranson (Kingston 2010), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2011), Adam Pelech (Erie 2012), Darnell Nurse (Sault Ste. Marie 2013), back-to-back winner Connor McDavid (Erie 2014, ’15), Sasha Chmelevski (Ottawa 2017), Barrett Hayton (Sault Ste. Marie 2018), Thomas Harley (Mississauga 2019) and Cole Perfetti (Saginaw 2020).

Next in line for the award were a pair of other draft eligibles in forward Matthew Poitras of the Guelph Storm and top-ranked prospect Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs.

Roger Neilson Memorial Award (Top Post-Secondary Student) – Adam Varga (Ottawa 67’s):

For the second straight year, Ottawa 67’s forward Adam Varga is the recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award presented annually to the League’s Top Academic Post-Secondary Student.

Varga managed to exceed his 2020-21 benchmark of a 94% average, achieving a 95.8% mark over seven courses at the University of Maryland, excelling in Human Resources Management (100%), Technology and Culture (98%), Philosophy (98%), Biology (98%), Psychology (95%), Information Systems and Organizations (94%) and Integrated Market Communications (88%).

Varga joins former Mississauga Steelheads teammate Stephen Gibson (2017 & ’18), Windsor Spitfires graduate Derek Lanoue (2010 & ’11) and past 67’s netminder Danny Battochio (2005 & ’06) as the fourth back-to-back winner in League history.

“I am honoured to receive the Roger Neilson Memorial Award for the second time,” said Varga. “At a young age, my family instilled in me the importance of continuing my education. The OHL has allowed me to do just that. I would not be able to achieve this honour without the resources provided to me by the Ottawa 67’s organization. I want to thank the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, James Boyd, Jan Egert, and Eileen Duffin for the remarkable support they have given me to succeed. Coach Dave Cameron has also had a tremendous influence on me. From day one, he preached the importance of hard work and dedication. Not just on the ice but in everything I do.”

A 20-year-old native of Bel Air, Maryland, Varga recorded four goals, 11 assists and 15 points in 40 games with the 67’s in his overage season. The 6-foot-1, 181Ib. right-winger appeared in 205 career regular season contests between Ottawa and Mississauga, recording 18 goals, 30 assists and 48 points in the process. He was originally Mississauga’s seventh round (121st overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection.

“Adam’s strong leadership skills are evident both on the ice and in his approach to academics,” said 67’s General Manager James Boyd. “He has once again proven to be a diligent student athlete with excellent time management skills. What stands out most during his time with the 67’s is Adam’s relentless work ethic and perseverance towards every task that he dedicates his time to. We congratulate Adam and are all excited to follow and support him in the next phase of his career.”

The Roger Neilson Memorial Award is named in honour of the Hall of Fame Coach who served behind the Peterborough Petes bench in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Neilson, a former high school teacher, was a pioneer in stressing the importance of education to all of his players. Varga is the third different 67’s player to receive the honour following back-to-back recipient Danny Battochio (2005, 2006) while joining Sasha Chmelevski (2019) as the second American-born player to have his name engraved on the trophy.

Finalists for the Roger Neilson Memorial Award include defencemen Luc Brzustowski of the Soo Greyhounds and Ryan Mast of the Sarnia Sting.

Ivan Tennant Memorial Award (Top Academic High School Student) – Cal Uens (Owen Sound Attack):

Owen Sound Attack defenceman Cal Uens is the 2021-22 recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award presented annually to the League’s Top Academic High School Student.

Uens achieved a 98.7% average in studies at Owen Sound District Secondary School, excelling in Business Leadership (100%), a pair of English courses (98%, 99%) and Challenge and Change in Society (98%). His impressive work ethic has resulted in him accumulating enough credits to graduate Grade 12 a year early, enabling him to begin taking University courses next season.

“It’s an honour to win the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award,” said Uens. “I would like to thank academic advisor Sarah Rowe and the Attack organization for giving me the best opportunities to be successful both on and off the ice.”

A 17-year-old native of Napanee, Ont., Uens recorded four goals, 14 assists and 18 points over 68 games in his rookie season on the Attack blue line. The 5-foot-8, 152Ib. defender was Owen Sound’s third round (42nd overall) choice in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. He will be eligible for the NHL Draft in 2023.

“The Attack organization would like to congratulate Cal Uens on being named the recipient of this year‘s Ivan Tennant Memorial Award,” said Attack General Manager Dale DeGray. “Cal has been an incredibly dedicated individual both on and off the ice. Contributing in all 68 games this season and at the same time will finish with enough credits to graduate Grade 12 a year early. This in itself without the added commitment of playing in the OHL would be a tremendous feat. It is great to see that Cal’s drive in the classroom has been rewarded.”

The Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is given to the League’s Top Academic High School Player and is named in honour of Ivan Tennant, who spent a lifetime combining hockey and education. He was the Kitchener Rangers’ Education Consultant for 20 years and a key figure on the OHL’s Education Consultant’s Committee. Uens follows other recent Attack recipients in Logan LeSage (2020) and Mack Guzda (2018 & ’19). Hamilton Bulldogs forward Lawson Sherk claimed the award in 2021.

Finalists for the award included rookies Sam Alfano of the Peterborough Petes and Matthew Poitras of the Guelph Storm.

Complete OHL Awards History

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