OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in October 2022, including Flint Firebirds forward Brennan Othmann, Saginaw Spirit blueliner Pavel Mintyukov, Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa and Peterborough Petes netminder Michael Simpson.

OHL Player of the Month – Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds):
New York Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann of the Flint Firebirds is the OHL Player of the Month, producing 10 goals, 13 assists and 23 points in 13 October matchups. Othmann, who also registered a plus/minus rating of plus-seven, posted multi-point outputs in eight of his 13 contests, as the Firebirds played to a record of 7-6-0-0. Othmann started the season with a bang, scoring both of the Firebirds’ goals in their home opener against the Niagara IceDogs on Oct. 1st. He registered his first of a trio of three-point outings on Oct. 7th in Guelph, scoring while adding two assists in a 5-3 win. He netted a pair of goals and an assist as the Firebirds routed the Erie Otters 8-1 on Oct. 14th. Othmann’s talents continued to shine on Saturday night as he contributed three helpers to a high scoring 8-7 victory over the Oshawa Generals. The 6-foot, 180lb. left-winger has tallied at least one point in 12 of his 13 appearances so far this season. He becomes the first Firebirds player to ever claim OHL Player of the Month honours.

A 19-year-old native of Pickering, Ont., Othmann currently sits tied atop OHL scoring with 10 goals on the season, and ranks second in points with 23 (10-13–23) in 13 games. His 67 shots on goal lead the League. Now in his third season with the Firebirds, Othmann has produced career totals that include 77 goals, 76 assists and 153 points in 134 regular season games. The veteran winger was a first round (16th overall) pick of the New York Rangers in the 2021 NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the club on Aug. 12, 2021. Othmann was Flint’s first round (2nd overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection after winning an OHL Cup title with the Don Mills Flyers U16 program.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit):
Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for October after leading OHL blueliners with 18 points including six goals and 12 assists over 13 contests. Mintyukov, who also posted a plus/minus rating of plus-7, started the season with with five points (1-4–5) in a 10-6 win over the Guelph Storm in Saginaw’s home opener. He strung together three consecutive multi-point performances from Oct. 7-9, capping it with two goals and an assist as the Spirit defeated the Sudbury Wolves 5-2 on Oct. 9th. He helped the Spirit defeat the Central Division-leading Mississauga Steelheads 4-3 in overtime, recording a goal and an assist on Oct. 29th. This marks Mintyukov’s second OHL Defenceman of the Month honour after he received League honours in March 2022.

An 18-year-old late 2003-born blueliner, the 6-foot-3, 195Ib. Mintyukov became the first defenceman to lead the Spirit in regular season scoring last season, producing 62 points (17-45–62) in 67 games to earn OHL third team all-star recognition. His 18 points (6-12–18) lead OHL defenders thus far in 2022-23. Mintyukov was selected in the first round (10th overall) by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2022 NHL Draft this past summer. The Spirit selected him with the 52nd overall pick of the 2020 CHL Import Draft.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes):
Michael Simpson of the Peterborough Petes is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for October, playing to a 6-2-0-1 record with a 2.22 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. Simpson stopped 241 of the 261 shots he faced over the course of the October, backstopping the Petes into second place in the East Division. He recorded his first shutout of the season on Oct. 8th in Barrie, making 26 saves as the Petes defeated the Colts 5-0.  He turned in a 37-save effort on Oct. 28th in Ottawa as the Petes put an end to the 67’s undefeated start to the season, denying them a 10th consecutive win. The OHL Goaltender of the Month honour is Simpson’s second in a row after he earned the distinction to close out the 2021-22 regular season in April.

A 19-year-old London, Ont. native, Simpson owns the league’s lowest goals-against average of 2.38 and sits tied for the league-lead in wins with seven. He owns a career record of 27-20-4-1 with a 3.33 goals-against average and .896 save percentage over 55 regular season games with the Petes. The 6-foot-1, 198lb. netminder was Peterborough’s 10th round (193rd overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the London Junior Knights U16 program.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit):
First overall OHL Priority Selection choice Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Rookie of the Month for October, recording 10 goals, seven assists and 17 points in 13 games. Misa had points in 10 of his 13 October contests, producing five different multi-point efforts. The sixth player in OHL history to be granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada, the 15-year-old currently sits tied atop OHL goal-scoring and leads all rookies in points with 17. Misa wasted little time getting adjusted to the OHL pace, scoring twice in his debut as the Spirit defeated the Guelph Storm 10-6 on Oct. 1st. Excelling against Guelph once again, Misa recorded a goal and three assists in Saginaw’s 6-1 road win on Oct. 14th. He put together back-to-back two-goal efforts on Oct. 21st in London and again on Oct. 22nd against the same Knights in Saginaw. He rounded-out October with a goal and an assist as the Spirit defeated the Oshawa Generals 3-2 on Oct. 30th. Misa is the first Spirit player to earn OHL Rookie of the Month honours since Cole Perfetti last did in March 2019.

A native of Oakville, Ont., Misa’s exceptional status debut sat just one point shy of John Tavares’ mark through 10 games back in 2005-2006 as he outpaced both Connor McDavid and Shane Wright in that window to begin his OHL career. Entering his first season with the Spirit after setting a new OHL Cup scoring record for the championship-winning Mississauga Senators, the 5-foot-11, 160lb. forward was selected first overall by Saginaw in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. He won’t be eligible for the NHL Draft until 2025.


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.

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OHL THIS WEEK: OCTOBER 14 TO 16, 2022

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

We’re into mid-October and a few teams are starting to find their rhythm. There’s lots to cover across the League!

Firebirds and Otters clash in CHL TV Game of the Week, FREE on OHL Live:
It’s an All-American Western Conference clash in tonight’s CHL TV Game of the Week as fans can see the Flint Firebirds visit the Erie Otters for free on OHL Live. Tune in tonight at 7:00pm at ohllive.com.

Steelheads and 67’s make Week 2 edition of Kia CHL Top 10:
After Week 2 action, the Mississauga Steelheads and Ottawa 67’s find themselves in the Week 2 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. WATCH

Spirit’s Mintyukov named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week:
Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording four goals along with three assists for seven points over three games. READ

Steelheads’ Beglieri named OHL Goaltender of the Week:
 Alessio Beglieri of the Mississauga Steelheads is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories, a 0.96 goals-against average, .961 save percentage and one shutout. READ

Storm’s Zhilkin headlines OHL Plays of the Week:
A look back at the top plays from across the Ontario Hockey League during the Thanksgiving long weekend, with contributions from Saginaw’s Joey Willis, Oshawa’s Stuart Rolofs, Flint’s Riley Piercey, Sudbury’s Alex Assadourian and Guelph’s Danny Zhilkin. WATCH

Rosenzweig dazzles on OHL Saves of the Week:
A look at the League’s outstanding saves from a Thanksgiving long weekend, with contributions from Niagara’s Josh Rosenzweig, the Sault Ste. Marie duo of Samuel Ivanov and Charlie Schenkel, Saginaw’s Tristan Lennox, Sarnia’s Ben Gaudreau and Kingston’s Ivan Zhigalov. WATCH

Two shutouts and 10 first markers in OHL Milestone Moments:
This week’s run of Milestone Moments includes first career shutouts by Sault Ste. Marie’s Charlie Schenkel and Mississauga’s Alessio Beglieri along with a total of 11 first career goals. WATCH

OHL Weekend Notebook:
The OHL Weekend Notebook recaps the weekend that was with news, information and interesting facts from both on and off the ice. READ

173 OHL Graduates on NHL opening night rosters:
A total of 173 OHL graduates are on Opening Night rosters to begin the 2022-23 National Hockey League season. READ

Wyatt Johnston scores in NHL debut:
It didn’t take long for the reigning OHL Player of the Year to find the back of the net in the National Hockey League. READ

Colts’ Clarke debuts with LA Kings:
Nineteen-year-old Barrie Colts defenceman Brandt Clarke saw his first NHL action with the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night. READ

Shane Wright suits up for Seattle Kraken:
One of six players in OHL history to enter the League with exceptional rookie status, Shane Wright made his NHL debut with the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday night at the age of 18. READ

Xhekaj makes NHL debut with Canadiens:
Never drafted into the OHL or the NHL, Arber Xhekaj made his debut with the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night at the age of 21. READ

Storm hire Rob Collins as Assistant Coach:
The Guelph Storm has added Rob Collins as an Assistant Coach for the 2022-23 season. Collins is joining the Storm from the GOJHL’s Elmira Sugar Kings where he began his coaching career, being named Head Coach of the club in 2021. READ

Steelheads name leadership group:
The Mississauga Steelheads have announced that defenceman Ethan Del Mastro will be returning as captain for his second term in the role. Assistant captains will include James Hardie, Charlie Callaghan, Luca Del Bel Belluz, and Owen Beck. READ

Battalion leadership group unveiled:
Returning captain Liam Arnsby is joined by six other players assigned letters for the North Bay Battalion in 2022-23. READ

Storm name Walker captain:
The Guelph Storm announced that overage centreman Cooper Walker has been named captain of the club for the 2022-23 season, making him the 31st captain in franchise history. READ

Bishop Kearney Selects win 2022 Wendy Dufton Memorial Tournament:
The Bishop Kearney Selects took home the Gold at the 2022 Wendy Dufton memorial tournament in London over the weekend. The event’s U16 division featured 28 teams all competing for a championship and the perfect way to kickstart the 2022-23 season. READ

OHL This Week Podcast:
Take a listen to last week’s edition of the OHL This Week Podcast, featuring Peterborough Petes centre Tucker Robertson and Erie Otters netminder Nolan Lalonde! LISTEN

Bulldogs raise 2021-2022 banners:
The Hamilton Bulldogs celebrated the tremendous accomplishments of their 2021-22 season ahead of their home opener at FirstOntario Centre on Saturday. WATCH

Bulldogs announce affiliation with Hamilton Kilty B’s:
The Hamilton Bulldogs have announced an affiliation agreement with the Hamilton Kilty B’s of the GOJHL. READ

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Frontenacs set to host Hockey Is For The Dogs night on Friday:
The Kingston Frontenacs are partnering with the Kingston Humane Society and Country 93.5 to host their annual Hockey is for the Dogs Night. This event will showcase pets that are available for adoption in the main concourse and it will include plenty more pet themed fun throughout the evening. More at kingstonfrontenacs.com

Storm set to host annual Pink the Rink night on Friday:
The Guelph Storm encourage fans to wear pink in support of cancer research and awareness on Friday for their annual Pink the Rink night. A limited number of Pink the Rink shirts will be available where ten dollars from every shirt will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society Waterloo Wellington. Storm players will also wear a Pink the Rink jersey to be auctioned off at a later date with all proceeds supporting the Canadian Cancer Society-WW. More at guelphstorm.com

Frontenacs set to host Hockey Fights Cancer game on Saturday:
The Kingston Frontenacs are set to host their annual Hockey Fights Cancer game on Saturday in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Rangers set to host 1960’s Retro game on Sunday:
As the Kitchener Rangers continue to celebrate 60 years of Rangers Hockey in Kitchener, the team will be throwing it back to a 1960’s-style theme game. Additionally, the Rangers, in support of Hockey Helps the Homeless, will be collecting new men’s toques, mittens and gloves at the game. READ

Wolves set to host Jersey Day on Sunday:
Kids 12 years old and under will receive a free Sudbury Wolves practice jersey with their valid game ticket as the Wolves host Jersey Day on Sunday. Kids under 10 years old and under can get into the arena for Sunday’s game for just $10. It will be the first Junior Wolves Sunday this season so fans can join select members from the Pack to skate following the game. More at sudburywolves.com

ALUMNI NOTES:

OHL mourns the loss of Joe Crozier:
The Ontario Hockey League is mourning the loss of former Kitchener Rangers head coach Joe Crozier, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 93. READ

OHL mourns the loss of Dave Dryden:
The OHL is mourning the loss of an alumnus and former head coach in Dave Dryden, who passed away on Friday at the age of 81. READ

Luka Profaca signs with AHL’s San Diego Gulls:
The San Diego Gulls announced that the American Hockey League club has signed former Guelph Storm defenseman Luka Profaca to a one-year standard player contract. READ

Frontenacs pay tribute to former Assistant Trainer Len Coyle:
The Kingston Frontenacs honoured a sports icon in the City of Kingston. Len Coyle joined the Kingston Canadians on day one in 1973, and he remained a part of our team until 2020. WATCH

Dale Hawerchuk honoured in Barrie:
The Barrie Colts honoured late head coach and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Dale Hawerchuk ahead of puck drop at Sadlon Arena on Saturday night. WATCH

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

– All games streaming on OHL Live
– Radio and TV broadcast information

Friday October 7th
Hamilton at Kingston – 7:00pm
Flint at Erie – 7:00pm (CHL TV Game of the Week – FREE)
Mississauga at London – 7:00pm
Barrie at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Windsor at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Peterborough at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Saginaw at Guelph – 7:30pm
Owen Sound at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Ottawa at Oshawa – 7:35pm

Saturday October 8th
Oshawa at Mississauga– 4:00pm
Guelph at Kingston – 7:00pm
Flint at Niagara – 7:00pm
Saginaw at Erie – 7:00pm
Barrie at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Windsor at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday October 9th
London at Hamilton – 2:00pm
Guelph at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Sarnia at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Flint at Kitchener – 2:00pm
Peterborough at Sudbury – 2:05pm

OHL THIS WEEK: OCTOBER 6 TO 10, 2022

Posted on by Dominic Tiano


Opening Week is under our belt as we embark on the Thanksgiving long weekend! Here’s what’s happening across the League.

Storm, Attack and Firebirds make Week 1 edition of Kia CHL Top 10:
After Week 1 action, the Guelph Storm, Owen Sound Attack and Flint Firebirds find themselves in the Week 1 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. WATCH

Petes’ Robertson named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week:
Seattle Kraken prospect Tucker Robertson of the Peterborough Petes is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording one goal, four assists and five points in a pair of victories. READ

Sting’s Gaudreau named OHL Goaltender of the Week:
San Jose Sharks prospect Ben Gaudreau of the Sarnia Sting is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories, a 1.99 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. READ

OHL Plays of the Week:
Rolling out an OHL Opening Week edition of the OHL Plays of the Week! Guelph’s Matthew Poitras, Erie’s Carey Terrance, Sudbury’s David Goyette and Hamilton Bulldogs teammates Florian Xhekaj and Logan Morrison make the final cut. WATCH

OHL Saves of the Week:
See stops from Oshawa’s Patrick Leaver, Owen Sound’s Nick Chenard, Sudbury’s Joe Ranger, Flint’s Will Cranley, Peterborough’s Michael Simpson and Kingston’s Ivan Zhigalov in this season’s first edition of Saves of the Week. WATCH

15 first goals in OHL Milestone Moments:
Syngenta and Grain Farmers of Ontario present a total of 15 first career OHL goals from Opening Week action. WATCH

OHL Weekend Notebook:
The OHL Weekend Notebook recaps the weekend that was with news, information and interesting facts from both on and off the ice. READ

Wiseman steps into lead coaching role for the Storm:
Associate Coach Chad Wiseman is being promoted to Head Coach of the Storm after the team announced that Head Coach Scott Walker will be stepping away from his coaching duties to address health concerns. READ

Bulldogs’ Staios joins Oilers in player development role:
The Edmonton Oilers have hired Hamilton Bulldogs president and general manager Steve Staios in a player development role. READ

Bulldogs name Matt Turek interim General Manager:
With Steve Staios taking a position with the Edmonton Oilers, the Hamilton Bulldogs have named Matt Turek their interim General Manager. READ

Otters’ Lalonde signs with Blue Jackets:
The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Nolan Lalonde to a three-year entry level contract. Lalonde attended training camp as a free agent invitee. READ

Steelheads’ Beck signs with Canadiens:
The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Owen Beck to a three-year entry level contract. Beck was selected 33rd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. READ

Knights’ Mailloux signs with Canadiens:
The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenseman Logan Mailloux to a three-year entry level contract. Mailloux was selected 31st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. READ

Steelheads’ Schwindt signs with Panthers:
Mississauga Steelheads Forward Kai Schwindt has signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with the Florida Panthers Undrafted, Schwindt attended Florida’s 2022-2023 Training Camp. READ

Spirit name Bloom captain:
The Saginaw Spirit are pleased to announce that Buffalo Sabres prospect Josh Bloom has been named the 22nd captain in the history of the team. READ

Wolves name Holmes captain:
The Sudbury Wolves are pleased to announce that they have named Dallas Stars prospect Jacob Holmes as the team’s captain for the Wolves’ 50th anniversary season. READ

Greyhounds name McConnell-Barker captain:
The Soo Greyhounds are pleased to announce New York Rangers prospect Bryce McConnell-Barker as captain for the 2022-2023 season. READ

Bulldogs name Morrison captain:
The Hamilton Bulldogs are pleased to announce 2022 OHL Playoff MVP Logan Morrison the sixth captain in franchise history. READ

OHL This Week Podcast:
The OHL This Week Podcast returns to the airwaves to kick-off the 2022-23 season! LISTEN

Will Haley commits to Steelheads:
The Mississauga Steelheads have received a commitment from defenceman Will Haley. Haley was selected in the first round (13th overall) of the 2022 U18 Draft. READ

Caleb Van De Ven commits to Greyhounds:
The Soo Greyhounds have received a commitment from 13th round 2020 OHL Priority Selection choice Caleb Van De Ven who joins the team’s blueline. READ

Jakub Chromiak commits to Wolves:
The Sudbury Wolves have received a commitment from 7th overall pick in the 2022 CHL Import Draft Slovakia’s Jakub Chromiak. READ

Dustin Good commits to Greyhounds:
The Kitchener Rangers have received a commitment from 1st round 2022 U18 Priority Selection choice Dustin Good to a standard player agreement with the Hounds. READ

Sights & Sounds: Entering a new era on opening night in Niagara:
Sights and sounds from a thrilling opening night in Niagara as Zakary Lavoie came up big with his first career OHL hat trick in a Mississauga Steelheads overtime win. WATCH

COMMUNITY CORNER:

OHL partners with Syngenta Canada and Grain Farmers of Ontario to present CMHA Ontario’s Talk Today Program:
The OHL has joined together with Syngenta Canada and Grain Farmers of Ontario, who will serve as presenting sponsors of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division’s Talk Today program, now entering its ninth season. READ

OHL partners with Their Opportunity for National Truth & Reconciliation Day:
This National Truth & Reconciliation Day, the OHL partnered with Their Opportunity to highlight the work done by Randy Gill, Graham McWaters and countless volunteers and donors to make the Indigenous Hockey Equipment Drive possible. WATCH

Colts set to honour the late Dale Hawerchuk:
The Barrie Colts will be honouring former Head Coach, Dale Hawerchuk at home on Saturday, October 8th. There will be a special pre-game ceremony honouring Dale, as well as guest speakers, video presentations, and a special presentation revealing an honourary Dale Hawerchuk banner. Tickets are on sale now. More at barriecolts.com

Spitfires set to host Champions Night on Thursday:
The Western Conference Champion Windsor Spitfires will be raising their championship banner at home on Thursday night where fans will also receive limited edition calendars with all of the greatest moments from last years Wayne Gretzky Trophy Cup run.

Fronts set to host 1970s night on Friday:
The Kingston Frontenacs are set to host a 1970s theme night at home on Friday that will feature hits from the past and highlight the 1970s Kingston Canadians era. There will also be a special ceremony held before the game for Len Coyle.

ALUMNI NOTES:

OHL mourns the loss of Andre Payette:
The Ontario Hockey League is saddened by news of the loss of former Soo Greyhounds and Kingston Frontenacs forward Andre Payette. READ

Generals’ Foster joins Coyotes as Development Coach:
The Arizona Coyotes have named Kurtis Foster as a development coach. Foster most recently served on the OHL’s Oshawa Generals coaching staff in 2021-22 and was promoted to interim co-head coach in March, helping the club secure a playoff berth. READ

Rychel joins Oilers as pro scout:
Former Windsor Spitfires general manager and Barrie Colts head coach Warren Rychel is back in the game after joining the Edmonton Oilers as a pro scout. Rychel, who architected back-to-back Memorial Cup championship teams in 2009 and 2010, served as a scout for the Arizona Coyotes prior to his tenure in Windsor. READ

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

– All games streaming on OHL Live
– Radio and TV broadcast information

Thursday October 6th
Sudbury at Windsor – 7:05pm
North Bay at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Niagara at Barrie – 7:30pm

Friday October 7th
North Bay at Kingston – 7:00pm
Kitchener at Ottawa – 7:00pm
Erie at Mississauga – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Niagara – 7:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at London – 7:00pm
Saginaw at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Flint at Guelph – 7:30pm
Hamilton at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Saturday October 8th
Oshawa at Hamilton – 7:00pm
North Bay at Ottawa – 7:00pm
Guelph at Niagara – 7:00pm
Sudbury at Flint– 7:00pm
London at Erie – 7:00pm
Windsor at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Peterborough at Barrie – 7:30pm
Mississauga at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday October 9th
Kitchener at Kingston – 2:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Sarnia – 2:05pm (Free for TSN subscribers)
Sudbury at Saginaw – 5:30pm

Monday October 10th
Sault Ste. Marie at Windsor – 2:05pm

OHL ANNOUNCES2022-23 OFFICIATING TEAM

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – Ontario Hockey League Director of Officiating Conrad Haché today announced the League’s 97-member officiating team for the 2022-23 season.

Consisting of 38 referees and 59 linespeople, this year’s roster of officials includes a total of 22 first-year staff including four referees and 18 linespeople. Three former linesmen have transitioned into refereeing roles.

Notably, a total of four women are included on this year’s OHL officiating team, including referees Hillary Brennan of London, Ont. and Lacey Senuk, originally from St. Albert, Alta. Linespeople include Justine Todd of Woodville, Ont. and returning second-year official Kirsten Welsh, originally of Blackstock, Ont. but now working out of Freedom, Pennsylvania. Welsh became the first woman to officiate a game in OHL history last season, working the lines in a contest between the Owen Sound Attack and host Kitchener Rangers on November 12, 2021.

The 2022-23 OHL Regular Season gets underway tonight with three games on the schedule. 


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.

WOMEN BREAKING OHL OFFICIATING BARRIERS ON OPENING WEEKEND OF PRE-SEASON PLAY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – In advance of the opening weekend of the Ontario Hockey League’s 2022 Pre-Season schedule of games, the League has announced three groundbreaking officiating assignments.

Friday night’s exhibition matchup between the Mississauga Steelheads and the visiting Guelph Storm will feature a woman referee for the first time in League history. Lacey Senuk, originally from St. Albert, Alta. will work alongside fellow referee Michael Cairns while Justin Noble and Adam Burnett patrol the lines.

The 37-year-old Senuk worked as a women’s hockey referee at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China. She also has past experience working international tournaments through the IIHF, Tier II Jr. A hockey in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, as well as the U SPORTS ranks.

“Lacey made a strong impression at the League’s recent Pre-Season Officiating Camp,” said Conrad Haché, the OHL’s Director of Officiating. “She has demonstrated an ability to officiate the best women’s hockey in the world, being selected to work at the Olympics. Lacey brings poise and a mature presence to the ice and she has earned this opportunity.”

Saturday night’s back-end of a home-and-home between the Storm and visiting Steelheads will mark the first time in OHL history that two women have worked on the same officiating team. Referee Hillary Brennan of London, Ont. will skate alongside linesperson Marlowe Schott of Elmira, Ont.

A 23-year-old with prior officiating experience in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Brennan has also refereed in the men’s U18 AAA ranks. She played in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) on defence with the London Devilettes program.

Schott, 25, has officiated in the PWHL as well as the men’s Junior C and Juvenile hockey circuits.

“Hillary and Marlowe are both officiating prospects with a lot of promise,” said Haché. “The pre-season affords our OHL Officiating Department an opportunity to provide younger officials assignments where they will work alongside more experienced referees and linespersons as a means of development. We’re looking forward to this opportunity for both of these officials as they’ve demonstrated tremendous potential in their showings thus far.”

The news is the second groundbreaking step for women in the OHL this week after the Hamilton Bulldogs announced the hiring of local product Laura Fortino on Monday. She becomes the first woman hired as an Assistant Coach in the League, also serving in the capacity of Director of Player Development.

Kirsten Welsh of Blackstock, Ont. became the first woman to officiate an OHL game on September 30, 2021, working the lines in a pre-season matchup between Guelph and Mississauga. She made her regular season officiating debut as a linesperson on November 12, 2021 in a game between the Owen Sound Attack and host Kitchener Rangers.

Including Friday’s two matchups, Labour Day weekend features a total of 14 exhibition games across the OHL. Follow along with all of the action with scores, statistics, recaps and more at ontariohockeyleague.com.

ATTACK’S MARK WOOLLEY NAMED MICKEY RENAUD CAPTAIN’S TROPHY RECIPIENT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Mark Woolley of the Owen Sound Attack is the 2021-22 recipient of the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy.

Woolley was chosen for the award by a media selection committee as the OHL team captain that best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice, with a passion and dedication to the game of hockey and community that Mickey demonstrated.

“As the proud parents of Mickey Renaud, we are pleased and honoured to congratulate Mark Woolley as this year’s recipient of the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy,” said Mark and Jane Renaud. “Mark’s leadership with a young Owen Sound Attack team, and his tremendous work raising money for diabetes through Woolley’s Warriors, make him a very worthy recipient of this year’s award.”

Receiving the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy as OHL Humanitarian of the Year, Woolley’s well-documented charitable work off the ice this past season resulted in $25,000 donated to Diabetes Canada. Diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic as a teenager, Woolley has raised upwards of $60,000 for Diabetes Canada throughout his time in the OHL, enabling children to attend camps facilitated through the organization.

“The Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy is an award that exemplifies the attributes that OHL Captains should always convey: the example of how hard work on the ice and good works in the community go hand-in-hand to inspire others to do the same,” the Renauds continued. “Mickey understood this responsibility. It’s what made him such a fine captain and it is what made him such a remarkable person.

“Mark is also a remarkable person. He leads his teammates each and every day with his hard work on the ice and his exemplary efforts off the ice. His work within his community inspires not only his teammates, but so many in the community as he gives of himself and his time to help children with diabetes enjoy a camp experience. He is the personification of leadership. The Renaud family congratulates Mark!”

On the ice, Woolley recorded 12 points (3-9–12) over 54 games while drawing high praise on the OHL Coaches Poll, being voted the top Body Checker and top Shot Blocker in the Western Conference. The 6-foot-3, 226Ib. native of St. Thomas, Ont. played four OHL seasons between Owen Sound and Guelph, recording 41 points (9-32–41) over 225 regular season games while adding four assists in 18 postseason matchups. Woolley was originally a third round (54th overall) pick by the Guelph Storm in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection.

“I think it goes without saying how much of a rollercoaster ride this season was,” said Woolley. “From the cancelled games, playing in empty buildings for an extended period of time and back to playing in front of a sold out Bayshore. I don’t know the numbers exactly but I’m pretty sure we were one of the youngest teams in the league this year so for more than half of our team to come into the league this year with so much adversity right in their face, was really special to see. The young guys really made my job as one of the leaders in the room easier than you would think. To see their growth and development throughout the year was really special and I’m glad I was able to be a part of such a special group and do my part to help show them the ropes in the OHL. I’m very honoured to receive such a prestigious award, but that locker room is full of leaders and I had tons of help paving the way for our young squad this past season.”

Attack General Manager Dale DeGray commended Woolley for his work as a leader throughout his time in Owen Sound.

“Mark Woolley has been a tremendous leader from the first moments he arrived from Guelph. His dedication to the game both on and off the ice was evident especially coming out of Covid with such a young team this year. Being acknowledged with the Mickey Renaud Award is certainly fitting to the person and player that Mark has become.”

Woolley becomes the first Attack player win the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy. He follows past recipients that include Ty Dellandrea (Flint 2020), Isaac Ratcliffe (Guelph 2019), Justin Lemcke (Hamilton 2018), Michael Webster (Barrie 2016), Max Domi (London 2015), Matt Finn (Guelph 2014), Colin Miller (Sault Ste. Marie 2013), Andrew Agozzino (Niagara 2012), Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2011), John Kurtz (Sudbury 2010) and Chris Terry (Plymouth 2009).

Nomination forms are submitted annually by OHL General Managers on behalf of their individual team captains. The selection committee consists of a panel of four, representing media from each OHL division.


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.

40 OHL PROSPECTS INVITED TO CANADA’S NATIONAL UNDER-17 DEVELOPMENT CAMP

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is proud to announce that 40 OHL prospects have been invited to Hockey Canada’s National Under-17 Development Camp, set to take place July 10-16 at the Markin McPhail Centre at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, Alta.

A total of five goaltenders, nine defencemen and 26 forwards will participate in the camp that includes 100 players invited from across Canada. Players in attendance will be split into five teams for on- and off-ice training, fitness testing, practices, intrasquad games and classroom sessions.

Alan Millar, director of player personnel for Hockey Canada, led the player selection process, with assistance from U17 head scout Byron Bonora and regional scouts Rob Simpson (London Knights/Ontario), Pierre Cholette (Quebec), Darren Sutherland (Atlantic) and Darrell Woodley (OHL/Ontario), as well as Member representatives.

“The national under-17 development camp is the first stage in introducing these athletes to the Program of Excellence, and it is a great opportunity for them to develop as players and learn what it takes to wear the Maple Leaf,” said Millar.  “We look forward to enhancing these young players’ ongoing development during this camp and starting the process of building our three national U17 teams for the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge this fall.”

Following the camp, players will continue to be evaluated through the early portion of the 2022-23 season before 66 are named to one of three Canadian national teams – Team Canada Black, Team Canada Red and Team Canada White – that will compete at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, scheduled for Nov. 5-12 in Langley and Delta, B.C.

So far, 77 of the 100 players invited have been drafted by Canadian Hockey League teams, including 40 from the Ontario Hockey League and 37 from the Western Hockey League, while the remaining 23 are prospects for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft, to be held July 4-5.

40 OHL Prospects Invited to Canada’s National Under-17 Development Camp:

2022 OHL Priority Selection position in brackets

Goaltenders (5):
David Egorov (Hamilton Bulldogs, 64th overall)
Carter George (Owen Sound Attack, 53rd overall)
Jacob Gibbons (Erie Otters, 38th overall)
Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads, 32nd overall)
Landon Miller (Soo Greyhounds, 42nd overall)

Defencemen (9):
David Bedkowski (Oshawa Generals, 36th overall)
Anthony Cristoforo (Windsor Spitfires, 22nd overall)
Ben Danford (Oshawa Generals, 14th overall)
Sam Dickinson (Niagara IceDogs, 4th overall)
Frankie Marrelli (Ottawa 67’s, 21st overall)
Henry Mews (Ottawa 67’s, 7th overall)
Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit, 19th overall)
Braedyn Rogers (Owen Sound Attack, 30th overall)
Nathan Schaap (Flint Firebirds, 100th overall)

Forwards (26):
Nathan Aspinall (Flint Firebirds, 33rd overall)
Jacob Battaglia (Kingston Frontenacs, 27th overall)
Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts, 10th overall)
Christopher Brown (Soo Greyhounds, 16th overall)
Ben Cormier (Owen Sound Attack, 11th overall)
Gabriel Frasca (Kingston Frontenacs, 17th overall)
Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires, 34th overall)
Michael Hage (Kitchener Rangers, 9th overall)
Kevin He (Niagara IceDogs, 25th overall)
Lucas Karmiris (Mississauga Steelheads, 13th overall)
Carter Lowe (Barrie Colts, 26th overall)
Jett Luchanko (Guelph Storm, 12th overall)
Porter Martone (Sarnia Sting, 5th overall)
Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit, 1st overall)
Sam O’Reilly (London Knights, 37th overall)
Kaden Pitre (Flint Firebirds, 18th overall)
Ethan Procyszyn (North Bay Battalion, 20th overall)
Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals, 8th overall)
Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters, 2nd overall)
Bode Stewart (Saginaw Spirit, 24th overall)
Antonio Tersigni (Owen Sound Attack, 35th overall)
Luca Testa (London Knights, 15th overall)
Jack Van Volsen (Peterborough Petes, 6th overall)
Marek Vanacker (Hamilton Bulldogs, 23rd overall)
Nathan Villeneuve (Sudbury Wolves, 3rd overall)
Kieron Walton (Sudbury Wolves, 28th overall)

For more information on Hockey Canada and the Program of Excellence, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


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.

BULLDOGS’ STEVE STAIOS VOTED JIM GREGORY OHL GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Steve Staios of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the 2021-22 recipient of the Jim Gregory OHL General Manager of the Year Award as voted by his peers.

First announced in August 2019, the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award is presented annually to the General Manager who best excelled in his role during the regular season. The award honours the memory of one of the game’s great builders in former long-time NHL executive Jim Gregory who passed away in October 2019 at the age of 83.

“My dad would be so proud to have a man of Steve’s character and hockey knowledge be the winner of this award,” said David Gregory, who serves as a Senior Manager with NHL Central Scouting. “Steve has had a great career in hockey, playing in over 1000 NHL games. This year Steve and his staff have their team competing for the OHL Championship. Congratulations Steve, the Gregory family is so proud to have your name alongside that of my father’s on his namesake trophy.”

Under the guidance of Head Coach Jay McKee, Staios’ Bulldogs captured the franchise’s first-ever Hamilton Spectator Trophy as regular season champions, boasting a record of 51-12-3-2. The East Division champion Bulldogs surrendered the League’s fewest goals (176), scored the second most (300), owned the best home record (27-4-1-2), put together the second-ranked power play (27.6%) and fifth-best penalty kill (80.9%). The Bulldogs scored 10 goals in a game four times during the regular season and featured seven different players on their roster that registered at least a point-per-game (Morrison, Hayes, Diaco, Staios, Mysak, McTavish, Winterton).

“It is a great honour to receive this award in the name of the late Mr. Jim Gregory who mentored and influenced many people so positively in our great game of hockey,” said Staios. “Mr. Gregory set a high standard of leadership and it is a proud moment for me to accept this award on behalf of the entire Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Club.”

Hamilton’s roster benefitted from a pair of key mid-season acquisitions in Anaheim Ducks first round pick Mason McTavish and overage Montreal Canadiens blue line signee Arber Xhekaj. Big minute defenders in captain Colton Kammerer and OHL Defenceman of the Year Nathan Staios were also past additions by Staios, while other core elements of the club were identified through the OHL Priority Selection. Former first round picks Logan Morrison and Ryan Winterton join other players developed within the organization such as goaltender Marco Costantini, forwards Avery Hayes, George Diaco, Ryan Humphrey and Lawson Sherk, Under-18 Priority Selection pick Gavin White on the back end and CHL Import Draft find Jan Mysak down the middle.

“This is a Team Award,” Staios added. “It allows me to recognize our owner Michael Andlauer, players, coaches, scouts, front office staff and billet families for their tireless work, commitment and dedication that makes our Hamilton Bulldogs a best in class organization.”

A Hamilton product, Staios played three seasons on the blue line in the OHL between Niagara Falls and Sudbury from 1990-93. Selected in the second round of the 1991 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues, Staios went on to play a 19-year professional career that featured 1,001 regular season games in the NHL. Staios reached the 2006 Stanley Cup Final as a member of the Edmonton Oilers and enjoyed success on the international stage, winning World Championship gold with Canada in 2003 and 2004 along with a silver medal in 2008. He’s currently in his seventh year as President and General Manager of the Hamilton Bulldogs, having steered the club to its first OHL Championship in 2018. The Bulldogs have played to an overall regular season record of 205-156-29-12 in his time as GM.

A builder and good friend of the Ontario Hockey League along with countless people across the hockey world, Jim Gregory was a Hockey Hall of Fame inductee in 2007 who made significant contributions to the game throughout his lengthy career. Gregory got his managerial start by guiding St. Michael’s College School and the Toronto Marlboros to great success, winning a total of three Memorial Cup titles before becoming General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1969-79. He then transitioned into an executive role with the National Hockey League, one that spanned the course of four decades as he most recently served as the NHL’s Sr. Vice President of Hockey Operations.


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.

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

Posted on 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.


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 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 CONFERENCEPREDICTIONOUTCOME
(1) Hamilton vs (8) PeterboroughHamilton in 4Hamilton wins 4-0
(2) North Bay vs (7) OttawaNorth Bay in 5North Bay wins 4-0
(3) Kingston vs (6) OshawaKingston in 6Kingston wins 4-2
(4) Mississauga vs (5) BarrieMississauga in 7Mississauga wins 4-2
WESTERN CONFERENCEPREDICTIONOUTCOME
(1) Windsor vs (8) SarniaWindsor in 5Windsor wins 4-2
(2) London vs (7) KitchenerLondon in 6Kitchener wins 4-3
(3) Flint vs (6) Owen SoundFlint in 6Flint wins 4-3
(4) Sault Ste Marie vs (5) GuelphSault Ste Marie in 7Sault Ste Marie wins 4-1

CONFERENCE SEMI FINALS                                                                                                                                        

EASTERN CONFERENCEPREDICTIONOUTCOME
(1) Hamilton vs (4) MississaugaHamilton in 5Hamilton wins 4-0
(2) North Bay vs (3) KingstonNorth Bay in 6North Bay wins 4-1
WESTERN CONFERENCEPREDICTIONOUTCOME
(1) Windsor vs (7) KitchenerWindsor in 6Windsor wins 4-1
(3) Flint vs (4) Sault Ste MarieSault Ste Marie in 7Flint wins 4-1

CONFERENCE FINALS

EASTERN CONFERENCEPREDICTIONOUTCOME
(1) Hamilton vs (2) North BayHamilton in 5Hamilton wins 4-0
WESTERN CONFERENCEPREDICTIONOUTCOME
(1) Windsor vs (3) FlintWindsor in 7Windsor 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:

 HAMILTONWINDSOR
Record51-12-544-17-7
Home Record24-4-325-7-2
Road Record24-8-219-10-5
Goals For300305
Goals Against176248
Power Play27.6%26.1%
Power Play (Home)25.0%28.1%
Power Play (Away)31.3%24.5%
Penalty Kill80.9%82.6%
Penalty Kill (Home)79.1%%78.2%
Penalty Kill (Away)83.1%86.8%
Leading After First34-2-423-5-0
Leading After Second43-2-232-0-2
Trailing After First3-6-07-7-2
Trailing After Second3-9-26-14-3
Outshooting Opponents36-5-234-12-4
Out Shot By Opponents15-7-310-4-3

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:

 HAMILTONWINDSOR
Games Played1218
Record12-012-6
Home Record6-06-4
Road Record6-06-2
Goals For6068
Goals Against2147
Power Play37.9%13.9%
Power Play (Home)37.9%16.3%
Power Play (Away)37.9%10.3%
Penalty Kill87.0%80.3%
Penalty Kill (Home)84.7%93.9%
Penalty Kill (Away)88.0%68.4%
Leading After First8-07-2
Leading After Second10-010-0
Trailing After First1-04-1
Trailing After Second0-01-5

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