Around the OHL

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

Buildings are back to full capacity and there’s lots to cover, so join us for a look through what’s happening in the OHL This Week:

Red hot Morrison, Bulldogs on TSN against Ottawa Friday night:
OHL Player of the Month with 29 points in 10 games, Logan Morrison says confidence is key to his recent success as he prepares to join the Hamilton Bulldogs on TSN Friday night, taking on the Ottawa 67’s at 7:00pm. Watch

Petes and IceDogs on CBC Gem tonight:
Catch an Eastern Conference matchup for free tonight on CBC Gem as the Peterborough Petes play host to the Niagara IceDogs at 7:05pm. Read more

Morrison, Buchinger and Cavallin named Top Performers for February:
The OHL has announced Top Performers of the Month for February, including Player of the Month Logan Morrison of the Hamilton Bulldogs, Defenceman and Rookie of the Month Michael Buchinger of the Guelph Storm and Goaltender of the Month Luke Cavallin of the Flint Firebirds. Read more

OHL announces Academic Players of the Month for February:
The OHL named Academic Players of the Month for February including Ottawa’s Brad Gardiner, London’s Jackson Edward, Sudbury’s Matthew Mania and Sault Ste. Marie’s Bryce McConnell-Barker. Read more

Bulldogs and Frontenacs included on Week 18 edition of Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings:
The Hamilton Bulldogs and Kingston Frontenacs are included in the Week 18 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. The Flint Firebirds and London Knights both received honourable mentions. Read more

Three OHL players named to CHL Team of the Week:
Hamilton Bulldogs teammates Logan Morrison and Nathan Staios join Guelph Storm blueliner Michael Buchinger on the CHL Team of the Week. Read more

Bulldogs’ Morrison named OHL Player of the Week:
Hamilton Bulldogs forward Logan Morrison is the OHL Player of the Week with four goals, nine assists and 13 points in four games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-10. Read more

Frontenacs’ Merilainen named OHL Goaltender of the Week:
Ottawa Senators prospect Leevi Merilainen of the Kingston Frontenacs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week after going 3-0 with a 1.33 goals-against average and .948 save percentage. Read more

Evangelista headlines OHL Plays of the Week:
It’s the OHL Plays of the Week! We’ve got appearances from Kitchener’s Joseph Serpa, Sudbury’s Landon McCallum, Flint’s Simon Slavicek, Kingston’s Shane Wright and London’s Luke Evangelista. Watch

Puckstoppers go all out on OHL Saves of the Week:
OHL netminders put on quite the presentation in the latest edition of OHL Saves of the Week. Watch

OHL Milestone Moments feature three career firsts:
Reliving milestone moments from Niagara’s Lucas Littlejohn, Windsor’s Bronson Ride and Erie’s Nolan Lalonde. 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 more

OHL Cup powered by Under Armour U16 AAA Top 10 Rankings:
The Markham Majors are on the rise in the Week 7 edition of the OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Top 10 Rankings. The Majors leapfrogged the North York Rangers both in the standings and in the OHL Cup Top 10, pushing North York down to sixth on this week’s list. The Brantford 99ers are up two spots to number seven, defeating the London Jr. Knights 4-2 on Monday night in London. Read more

Five to watch for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection:
Raine Hernandez and OHL Central Scouting examine five players eligible for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Learn more about Cole Beaudoin, Kevin He, Brodie McConnell-Barker, Bode Stewart and Luca Testa. Read more

67’s’ Cranley signs with Blues:
Ottawa 67’s goaltender Will Cranley has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the St. Louis Blues. Read more

Greyhounds’ Kartye signs with Kraken:
Soo Greyhounds forward Tye Kartye has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the Seattle Kraken. Read more

Greyhounds’ Kerins signs with Flames:
Soo Greyhounds forward Rory Kerins has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the Calgary Flames. Read more

Frontenacs’ Frasca signs with Penguins:
Undrafted free agent Kingston Frontenacs forward Jordan Frasca has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Read more

Knights’ Stranges signs with Stars:
London Knights forward Antonio Stranges has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the Dallas Stars. Read more

IceDogs name veteran defenceman Dakota Betts captain:
The Niagara IceDogs have named overage defenceman Dakota Betts captain for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. Read more

Spirit and The Dow Event Center extend lease agreement through 2025-26:
The Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club, which is celebrating its 20th season in Saginaw, and The Dow Event Center, have signed an agreement to extend their lease agreement and will continue being the main tenant through the 2025-2026 season. The partnership is a key factor to continued growth of Riverfront Saginaw and Saginaw County. Read more at saginawspirit.com

Registration now open for 2022 OHL Performance Development League presented by CCM:
Registration is now open for the 2022 OHL Performance Development League that begins Sunday, May 29 in Oshawa, Oakville and Kitchener. Read more

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Rangers host Don Cameron Potato Night on Friday: It’s the 26th annual Don Cameron Potato Night at the Aud on Friday as the Kitchener Rangers play host to the Saginaw Spirit. Potatoes and donations will be collected upon entrance in support of House of Friendship of Waterloo Region. Full details at kitchenerrangers.com

IceDogs host Country Night on Friday: Dust off your cowboy boots as the Niagara IceDogs host the Peterborough Petes on Country Night, Friday at the Meridian Centre. Get your country fix, with tunes and more!

Otters ready for Pride Night, Hockey Fights Cancer Night this weekend: It’s a busy weekend at Erie Insurance Arena as the Otters play host to the Flint Firebirds on back-to-back nights. The Otters will hold Pride Night on Friday, celebrating the fact that hockey is for everyone.  They’ll be decked out in purple on Saturday before auctioning off special game worn Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys post-game, with proceeds benefitting the Hillman Cancer Fund at Hamot Health Foundation.

Battalion fans raise money for North Bay Humane Society: North Bay Battalion fans continue to give back to the community. They raised $1,251.50 through their cupcake sales in the main lobby at a recent game, with proceeds going to the North Bay Humane Society. The fundraising initiative will support the construction of the Humane Society’s new Adoption Centre, which will open in late 2022.

Knights throwback jerseys up for auction: Limited edition London Knights throwback jerseys worn in Wednesday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Guelph Storm are up for auction. These jerseys won’t be worn again, so get them while you can! Bid here

ALUMNI NOTES:

OHL Alumni Spotlight – Josh Domingues: Checking in with former Owen Sound Attack forward Josh Domingues who used his OHL scholarship at Saint Mary’s University and now runs a highly successful startup company. Watch

Nash’s number 61 to be retired by Blue Jackets on Saturday: The Columbus Blue Jackets will raise Rick Nash’s #61 jersey to the rafters at Nationwide Arena on Saturday. Nash, who played for the Jackets from when he was selected first overall in 2000 to 2012, remains the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 289 goals and 547 points over 674 regular season games. Nash played for the London Knights from 2000-02, scoring 31 and 32 goals respectively in his two OHL campaigns. The 37-year-old will be the first player to see his number retired in Blue Jackets franchise history.

Marner named NHL’s First Star of the Month: London Knights graduate Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs is the NHL’s First Star of the Month for February, recording 23 points (9-14–23) in 12 games. Marner enjoyed seven multi-point performances, including four outings with at least three points. The 24-year-old former Memorial Cup champion has 57 points (21-36–57) in 45 games in this, his sixth season with the Maple Leafs. Marner was the fourth overall pick of the 2015 NHL Draft following three seasons with the Knights from 2013-16.

Bennett named ECHL Rookie of the Month: Saginaw Spirit graduate Kris Bennett of the Iowa Heartlanders is the ECHL Rookie of the Month for February. The 26-year-old posted 10 goals, 12 assists and 22 points in 12 games. Bennett played three full seasons with Saginaw from 2014-17 before attending the University of New Brunswick, where he played three seasons of U Sports men’s hockey.

Millman named ECHL Plus Performer of the Month: Another Saginaw Spirit grad, blueliner Mason Millman is the ECHL Plus Performer of the Month. The Reading Royals defender led all ECHL players with a plus-14 rating across 11 games. Millman has 15 points (4-11–15) in 16 games this season. The 20-year-old played three seasons in Saginaw from 2017-20 and was a fourth round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2019.

Watling named ECHL Player of the Week: Soo Greyhounds graduate Patrick Watling is the ECHL Player of the Week, recording 10 points in four games last week for the Wheeling Nailers. The 28-year-old has 20 goals, 31 assists and 51 points in 34 games for Wheeling this season. Watling played parts of three seasons for the Guelph Storm before ending his OHL tenure in Sault Ste. Marie in 2014. The Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. native is in the midst of his seventh pro season.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Mississauga Steelheads at Hamilton Bulldogs
Thursday March 3rd – 7:00pm

The top two teams in the Eastern Conference go toe-to-toe on Thursday in Hamilton as the CHL’s fourth-ranked Bulldogs host the Mississauga Steelheads. The two teams enter action tied with 68 points, and their season series tied at three wins apiece. OHL Player of the Month Logan Morrison hits the ice off a 29-point February while blueliner Nathan Staios sits tied for the OHL scoring lead among defencemen with 52 points (12-40–52). The 31-14-1-5 Steelheads have slowed down of late, losing seven of their last 10. They feature a pair of top 2022 NHL Draft prospects in forwards Luca Del Bel Belluz and Owen Beck while James Hardie leads the team in scoring with 65 points (32-33–65).

Flint Firebirds at Guelph Storm
Sunday March 6th – 4:00pm

The last time the Firebirds and Storm met, the game required overtime as Flint prevailed 5-4 at the Sleeman Centre on Feb. 11th. Flint comes off an outstanding month of February, holding down top spot in the Western Conference with a record of 31-15-1-3. The Firebirds own the League’s best road record of 19-5-1-2 and have benefitted from strong goaltending out of Luke Cavallin, who hasn’t lost in regulation since Jan. 16th. The Storm continue to find ways to pick-up points, riding a six-game trend with a record of 25-16-4-2. Don’t miss the rookie defence duo of Michael Buchinger and Cameron Allen along with top 2022 NHL Draft prospect Matthew Poitras up front.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

Thursday March 3:
Mississauga at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Sudbury at North Bay – 7:00pm
Niagara at Peterborough – 7:05pm (Live on CBC Gem)
Kingston at Barrie – 7:30pm

Friday March 4:
Flint at Erie – 7:00pm
Ottawa at Hamilton – 7:00pm (Live on TSN)
Oshawa at Mississauga – 7:00pm
Peterborough at Niagara – 7:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Kingston at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Owen Sound at Guelph – 7:30pm
Saginaw at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Windsor at London – 7:30pm

Saturday March 5:
Flint at Erie – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Windsor – 7:05pm
Ottawa at Barrie – 7:30pm
Saginaw at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday March 6:
Mississauga at Niagara – 2:00pm
Kingston at North Bay – 2:00pm
Kitchener at Sarnia – 2:05pm
Barrie at Sudbury – 2:05pm
Flint at Guelph – 4:00pm
London at Windsor – 4:05pm

Spring is getting closer! But first, we have some business to take care of. Each month, OHL Writers has a Draft Eligible Player of the Month. This season, due to the number of players eligible for the draft mostly because of the lost season a year ago thanks to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we changed it up a little and give you our choice for draft eligible player of the month for a forward, a defenceman and a goaltender.

So, here we go.

FORWARD

For the first time this season, projected number one overall pick at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft tops the list. Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs was an offensive force for the month of February. Appeared in 12 games and scored 6 goals and 13 assists in those contests. He was held off the scoresheet just three times and only two other games were a 1-point game.

Strangely enough, he was named the game’s first star twice and second star once in the month of February.

David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves also received consideration. Goyette scored 7 goals and 8 assists in just 10 games in February. Also considered was Luca Del Bel Belluz of the Mississauga Steelheads. DBB appeared in 12 games scoring 6 times while assisting on 7 others.

Some will say Goyette was more deserving and an argument could be made for him. But what tipped the scales for us was Wright’s defensive play. Wright finished the month a plus 10 while Goyette was even. While that could be considered a team stat, Wright on most nights was getting key minutes going up the opposition’s best lines.

DEFENCEMAN

Just like the forwards this was a tossup between Michael Buchinger of the Guelph Storm and Christian Kyrou of the Erie Otters, who would have been the first back-to-back choice at any position on the season.

However, we went with Buchinger because he was the definition of consistency in February. He appeared in 12 games, scored twice and added 15 assists. The consistency part: He was held pointless just once during the month.

Kyrou had 4 goals and 11 assists in 13 games. He wasn’t quite as consistent as Buchinger as he was kept pointless in 3 contests.

GOALTENDERS

When it came to goaltenders, it wasn’t a very good month to be honest. Patrick Leaver of the Oshawa Generals posted a .912 save percentage, Michael Simpson of the Peterborough Petes had a .911 save percentage and Jacob Oster of the Guelph Storm posted a .911 save percentage.

Leaver appeared in 8 games (one was in relief) and posted a 4-2-1 record and had a 31 save shutout. Simpson appeared in 4 games (one was in relief) and posted a 2-1-1 record. Oster appeared in 4 games and posted a 1-1-2 record.

So, we are going with Leaver. He becomes our first back-to-back choice and our first three-time choice.

On the season:

FORWARDS

February – Shane Wright – Kingston Frontenacs

January – Matthew Maggio – Windsor Spitfires

December – Luca DelBelBelluz – Mississauga Steelheads

November – Kyle Jackson – North Bay Battalion

October – Tucker Robertson – Peterborough Petes

DEFENCEMEN

February – Michael Buchinger – Guelph Storm

January – Christian Kyrou – Erie Otters

December – Kirill Kudryavtsev – Soo Greyhounds

November – Gavin While – Hamilton Bulldogs

October – Ty Nelson – North Bay Battalion

GOALTENDERS

February – Patrick Leaver – Oshawa Generals

January – Patrick Leaver – Oshawa Generals

December – Pavel Cajan – Kitchener Rangers

November – Patrick Leaver – Oshawa Generals

October – Brett Brochu – London Knights

Toronto, Ont. – Fans are making their return to OHL venues and teams are getting creative on game nights! Here’s a look at happenings across the Ontario Hockey League:

Bulldogs and Generals to Meet in Outdoor Showcase on March 14:
The Hamilton Bulldogs will play host to the Oshawa Generals in an Outdoor Showcase at Tim Horton’s Field on Monday, March 14th. The game will mark the fourth-ever outdoor game in Ontario Hockey League history. Read more

Generals visit Frontenacs on TSN Friday Night:
Another edition of the CHL on TSN comes to the OHL on Friday night as the Kingston Frontenacs play host to the Oshawa Generals at 7:00pm. It’s Military Appreciation Night in Kingston and fans can catch the Fronts in their special CADPAT jerseys from coast-to-coast on TSN.

Bulldogs, Frontenacs and Firebirds included in Week 17 edition of Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings:
The Hamilton Bulldogs, Kingston Frontenacs and Flint Firebirds are included in the Week 17 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. Read more

Stranges, Thompson and Guzda named to CHL Team of the Week:
London Knights forward Antonio Stranges, Soo Greyhounds blueliner Jack Thompson and Barrie Colts netminder Mack Guzda have been named to the CHL Team of the Week. Read more

Knights’ Stranges named OHL Player of the Week:
Dallas Stars prospect Antonio Stranges of the London Knights is the OHL Player of the Week, leading all players with eight points in three games. Read more

Colts’ Guzda named OHL Goaltender of the Week:
Florida Panthers prospect Mack Guzda of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 3-0 with a 1.33 goals-against average and .955 save percentage. Read more

Celebrating Black Heritage Month with Otters’ Kiana Scott:
A trailblazer as the OHL’s first woman scout, Kiana Scott of the Erie Otters joins Rico Phillips in the latest discussion in the League’s month-long celebration of Black Heritage Month. Watch

Storm’s Zhilkin leads OHL Plays of the Week:
Witness offensive wizardry from Soo’s Jack Thompson, Sarnia’s Nolan Burke, Sudbury’s Quentin Musty, Windsor’s Ryan Abraham and Guelph’s Danny Zhilkin in the latest OHL Plays of the Week. Watch

Rolling the tape on top saves in OHL Saves of the Week:
Here we go! Let’s take a look at the top saves in the OHL from the past week, with contributions from Erie’s Nolan Lalonde, Peterborough’s Michael Simpson, Sudbury’s Mitchell Weeks, Owen Sound’s Corbin Votary, Kitchener’s Pavel Cajan, Oshawa’s Zachary Paputsakis, Kingston’s Aidan Spooner, Windsor’s Matt Onuska, Sarnia’s Benjamin Gaudreau, and Niagara’s Josh Rosenzweig. Watch

Six first goals in OHL Milestone Moments:
Relive first career OHL goals from Sarnia’s Austin Harper, Erie’s Kaleb Smith, London’s Ethan MacKinnon, Sudbury’s Nolan Collins, Ottawa’s Tyler Boucher, and Kingston’s Mitchell Brooks. 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 more

Five to watch for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection:
Raine Hernandez and OHL Central Scouting team up to take a closer look at five prospects eligible for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Read more

OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour U16 AAA Top 10 Rankings – Week 6:
The OMHA’s Markham Waxers are into the OHL Cup Top 10 for the first time this season while the Mississauga Senators hold steady atop the list in Week 6. Read more

OHL News Radio with Greyhounds’ Tye Kartye:
Soo Greyhounds 32-goal scorer Tye Kartye joins this week’s show, discussing the unique season for his team amidst the landscape presented by Covid-19. Kartye speaks to his success this season, his pre-season experience attending training camp with the Seattle Kraken, and the devastating loss of Tanner Dickinson from the Hounds lineup. Listen

Colts graduate Jet Greaves signs NHL contract with Columbus:
Barrie Colts graduate Jet Greaves has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Read more

Spitfires name alumnus Michael Leighton as club’s new Goaltending Coach:
The Windsor Spitfires have named former long-time professional netminder and alumnus Michael Leighton as the club’s new Goaltending Coach. Read more

OHL mourns the loss of Vladimir Nikiforov:
The Ontario Hockey League is saddened by news of the loss of former Barrie Colts and Sarnia Sting forward Vladimir Nikiforov who passed away on Thursday at the young age of 34. Read more

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Fun planned for Ice Blast Weekend in Saginaw: The Saginaw Spirit have a pair of home games against the Erie Otters on Friday and Saturday, and there’s lots to do off the ice at the Dow Event Center. Friday is the Spirit’s annual Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation Night, with lots planned for Kids Night inside the building. There’ll be a chili cook-off prior to Saturday’s home game with music and a guitar auction. Check out the details at saginawspirit.com

Sting celebrate Christmas at the Hive on Friday: The Sarnia Sting are supporting the Inn of the Good Shepherd on Friday when they play host to the Flint Firebirds. The Sting ask fans to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to the Inn’s food bank. Select game worn Ugly Christmas sweater jerseys will be auctioned off post-game. All of the details can be found at sarniasting.com

Frontenacs honour military families on Friday: The Kingston Frontenacs will be hosting their 12th annual Military Appreciation Game on Friday. The game is a salute to military families and all the brave men and women who serve or have served our country. Special CADPAT jerseys will be worn during the game and auctioned off with proceeds donated to the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre. More details at kingstonfrontenacs.com

Firebirds salute Flint Generals on Saturday: The Flint Firebirds will be paying homage to Flint hockey history on Saturday at home to the Sarnia Sting. The Firebirds will wear special Flint Generals throwback uniforms honouring the former team that used to call the Dort Financial Center home. Several Flint Generals Alumni will be in attendance for a pre-game Meet & Greet on the concourse. Read more at flintfirebirds.com

Greyhounds turn back the clock on Saturday: The Soo Greyhounds are holding Retro Night in support of Hockey Fights Cancer on Saturday when they play host to the London Knights. As part of the club’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the Hounds will be wearing retro jerseys from the 1998-2005 era of the franchise, auctioning them off post-game with proceeds going toward the Sault Area Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund. Full details at soogreyhounds.com

Attack host Woolley’s Warriors Night on Saturday: This coming Saturday night, Owen Sound Attack captain Mark Woolley gets to collaborate his two passions. The Woolley’s Warriors charity game will see the Attack suit up in special jerseys that will be auctioned off post game to benefit Mark’s charity work that has sent kids to Diabetes Canada D-Camps. For full details on Saturday’s game visit attackhockey.com

Steelheads team up with Trillium Health Partners for special jersey event on Sunday: The Mississauga Steelheads will be supporting Trillium Health Partners on Sunday when they play host to the Ottawa 67’s. The Trout will be wearing specialty jerseys designed by Hayden Viggiani who was visiting his brother in the paediatric unit at THP and is extending tickets to patients, families and hospital staff. The jerseys will be auctioned off post game with proceeds benefiting the paediatrics unit at THP. For more details visit mississaugasteelheads.com

ALUMNI NOTES:

Perry scores 400th career goal: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Corey Perry lit the lamp for the 400th time in his NHL career on Wednesday. The 36-year-old from Peterborough, Ont. has 14 goals and 14 assists in 50 games with the Bolts this season. Perry has 846 points over the course of his 1,144 game NHL career after originally being selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2003 NHL Draft. Perry remains the London Knights’ all-time leading scorer, racking up 380 points over four OHL seasons from 2001-05.

Ekblad named NHL Second Star of the Week: Barrie Colts graduate Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers is the NHL’s second star of the week, producing three goals, three assists and six points in three games last week. The 26-year-old Windsor, Ont. native and number one pick from the 2014 NHL Draft has recorded 47 points (13-34–47) in 49 contests for the Panthers this season. A former OHL Rookie of the Year recipient, Ekblad skated with the Colts for three seasons from 2011-14, helping them win an Eastern Conference title in 2013.

Noesen named AHL Player of the Week: Former OHL forward Stefan Noesen has been named the American Hockey League Player of the Week, putting up six goals in three games with the Chicago Wolves. Noesen currently leads the AHL with 28 goals, adding 22 assists for 50 points in 41 games this season. A 29-year-old from Plano, Texas, Noesen is a veteran of 207 career NHL games. He played four seasons with the Plymouth Whalers from 2009-13.

Rangers grad Sebrango fine-tuning play in AHL: Under normal circumstances, Kitchener Rangers graduate Donovan Sebrango of the Grand Rapids Griffins likely would be playing his final season in the OHL right now, using his last teenage year to fine-tune his play in preparation for the pros. AHL on the Beat writer Mark Newman has an update on Sebrango’s unique season. Read more at theahl.com

KEY MATCHUPS:

London Knights at Soo Greyhounds
February 25 & 26

The London Knights visit the Soo Greyhounds for a set up north on Friday and Saturday. London enters action with a 10-point cushion on first place in the Midwest Division while the Greyhounds are in a bit of a tighter spot, two points back of Flint as the Firebirds lead the West Division. London has been rolling of late with wins in four of five as Nashville Predators prospect Luke Evangelista leads the OHL with 37 goals. The Greyhounds will be happy to have two big pieces back in their lineup for the weekend as captain Ryan O’Rourke slots back in, and 32-goal scorer Tye Kartye returns from a four-game suspension. The Knights have won both encounters against Sault Ste. Marie this season, outscoring the Hounds 15-9.

Oshawa Generals vs. Kingston Frontenacs
February 25 & 27

The Oshawa Generals take on the Kingston Frontenacs in a home-and-home this weekend, with the first of two meetings airing coast-to-coast on TSN Friday night. The Fronts lead the Generals by six points in the East Division, with Kingston trailing first place Hamilton by three points. The Frontenacs come off a 4-1 loss in Ottawa on Wednesday, looking to return to form after Lucas Edmonds and Jordan Frasca each saw nine-game point streaks snapped. The Generals have points in nine of their last 10 games, with captain and Edmonton Oilers prospect Ty Tullio scoring in five straight entering Thursday’s tilt against Peterborough. The two teams have split their season series with three wins apiece to this point.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

Thursday February 24:
North Bay at Niagara – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Mississauga Barrie – 7:30pm
Kitchener at Windsor – 7:30pm

Friday February 25;
Niagara at Mississauga – 7:00pm
North Bay at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Kingston – 7:00pm (Live on TSN)
Erie at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Flint at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Barrie at Sudbury – 7:05pm
London at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Windsor at Guelph – 7:30pm
Owen Sound at Kitchener – 7:30pm

Saturday February 26:
Ottawa at Hamilton – 4:00pm
Sarnia at Flint – 7:00pm
Erie at Saginaw – 7:05pm
London at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Peterborough at Barrie – 7:30pm
Guelph at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday February 27:
Ottawa at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Erie at Flint – 2:00pm
Kitchener at Guelph – 2:00pm
Hamilton at Niagara – 2:00pm
North Bay at Sudbury – 2:05pm
Sarnia at Windsor – 4:05pm
Kingston at Oshawa – 6:05pm

Toronto, Ont. – OHL This Week gets you up to speed on everything happening across the Ontario Hockey League. Here’s a look at what’s in store for the coming weekend.

CHL on TSN – George a rising star on Knights’ blue line:
2022 NHL Draft prospect Isaiah George and the London Knights take center stage on TSN Friday night, visiting the Kitchener Rangers in a Midwest Division clash. Watch

2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game to be held March 23 in Kitchener:
The rescheduled 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game will be held Wednesday, March 23 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Read more

Bulldogs and Knights included in Week 15 edition of Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings:
The Hamilton Bulldogs have climbed into the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings on the heels of six consecutive wins while the London Knights also make an appearance. Read more

Evangelista, Keane and Leaver named to CHL Team of the Week:
London Knights teammates Luke Evangelista and Gerard Keane join Oshawa Generals netminder Patrick Leaver on the latest CHL Team of the Week. Read more

Knights’ Evangelista named OHL Player of the Week:
Nashville Predators prospect Luke Evangelista of the London Knights is the OHL Player of the Week with six goals, four assists and 10 points in three games. Read more

Generals’ Leaver named OHL Goaltender of the Week:
Patrick Leaver of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0-0-0 with a 1.44 goals-against average, .955 save percentage and one shutout. Read more

2022 OHL Development Combine to be held April 23-24:
Top OHL Priority Selection prospects will be in attendance at the 2022 OHL Development Combine on April 23-24 in Oshawa, Ont. Read more

Five to watch for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection:
Raine Hernandez teams up with OHL Central Scouting to take a closer look at five top prospects eligible for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Read more

OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour U16 AAA Top 10 Rankings:
The Mississauga Senators are the new number on team on the OHL Cup Top 10 as the list returns for the first time since December 14th. Read more

Celebrating Black Heritage Month with IceDogs’ Sean Teakle:
Black Heritage Month continues as Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Rico Phillips sits down with Niagara IceDogs assistant coach Sean Teakle. Watch

67’s’ Johnston leads OHL Plays of the Week:
The top plays in the OHL this week include contributions from London’s Antonio Stranges, Sault Ste. Marie’s Kalvyn Watson, Niagara’s Danil Gushchin, Saginaw’s Dean Loukus and Ottawa’s Thomas Johnston. Watch

OHL Saves of the Week:
Rolling out big-time blocks from Kitchener’s Marcus Vandenberg, Mississauga’s Joe Ranger and Roman Basran, Niagara’s Joey Costanzo, Saginaw’s Andrew Oke, Peterborough’s Tye Austin, Ottawa’s Max Donoso, Owen Sound’s Nick Chenard, Flint’s Luke Cavallin, and London’s Brett Brochu. 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 more

OHL Milestone Moments:
We’re rolling back the tape on first career OHL goals from North Bay teammates Brett Bouchard and Anthony Romani as well as London’s Ben Bujold. Watch

Colts’ Guzda signs with Florida Panthers:
Overage Barrie Colts netminder Mack Guzda has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the Florida Panthers. Read more

Zach Wigle commits to Colts:
The Barrie Colts have received a commitment from ninth round 2020 OHL Priority Selection choice Zach Wigle. Read more

Dillingham named Sting captain:
The Sarnia Sting have named 19-year-old defenceman Nolan Dillingham captain. Read more

Colts’ Tabak commits to Guelph for 2022-23:
Barrie Colts forward Anthony Tabak has committed to the University of Guelph men’s hockey program for 2022-23. Read more

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Otters celebrate Erie on Thursday: The Erie Otters are hosting 814 Night on Thursday, celebrating the great city of Erie when they play host to the Owen Sound Attack. Tickets are on sale for the price of $8.14 as the Otters take on the Attack in the back-end of a two-game set at Erie Insurance Arena.

Rangers partner with You Can Play on Friday: The Kitchener Rangers will host their inaugural You Can Play Game on Friday night when they take on the London Knights. The You Can Play Project was founded to advocate for inclusion, acceptance and respect of LGBTQ+ athletes in sports. Read more

67’s voice Colin Zappia launches Heart Month fundraising campaign: Recognized as Heart Month, the month of February holds a special meaning for Ottawa 67’s Rogers tv colour analyst Colin Zappia. After losing his father to a heart attack in 2007, Colin has continued to find new ways of donating to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation where his father, Tony, was a former patient. This year Zappia has decided to donate .20 cents per save for every single game in the OHL during the month of February. Read more

Sting host Women in Hockey webinar: The Sarnia Sting welcomed four women who have carved different paths to careers in the game on Monday as general manager Dylan Seca chatted with Princeton women’s hockey coach Cara Morey, pro hockey player and Sting women’s hockey ambassador Carolyne Prevost, Sting manager of marketing and merchandise Mara Cutting and Sting head athletic therapist Jennifer Love. Watch the webinar on YouTube

ALUMNI NOTES:

23 OHL alumni competing at 2022 Olympic Winter Games: A total of 23 OHL alumni are representing their respective countries at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games currently underway in Beijing, China. Read more

Kyrou steals the show as fastest skater at NHL All-Star Weekend: Sarnia Sting graduate Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues showed off blazing speed at last week’s NHL All-Star Game in Las Vegas. Kyrou’s lap took just 13.55 seconds, topping well-known speedster Connor McDavid. A former Red Tilson Trophy recipient as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player in 2017-18, Kyrou has been an offensive force in St. Louis with 42 points (17-25–42) over 40 games this season. He’s Sarnia’s all-time leader in assists, racking up 168 over four seasons with the Sting from 2014-18.

Ratcliffe scores first NHL goal: Guelph Storm graduate Isaac Ratcliffe scored his first career NHL goal on Wednesday as the Philadelphia Flyers fell to the Detroit Red Wings 6-3. Ratcliffe was playing in his third career NHL contest after recently making his NHL debut on January 29. The 6-foot-6 former OHL champion has 13 points (5-8–13) in 33 games with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season and was Philadelphia’s second round pick in 2017.

Pietrangelo records 500th career point: Former Niagara IceDogs and Barrie Colts defender Alex Pietrangelo hit the 500 career point mark with a goal on Tuesday as his Vegas Golden Knights defeated Edmonton 4-0. The 32-year-old has registered the 500 points over 845 career regular season games with St. Louis and Vegas beginning in 2008-09. A Western Conference champion with the Colts in 2010, Pietrangelo played three OHL seasons from 2006-10, and was the fourth overall pick of the 2008 NHL Draft.

Miller hits 400-point mark: Former Plymouth Whalers forward J.T. Miller recorded his 400th career NHL point on Tuesday, recording a goal and an assist as his Vancouver Canucks defeated the Arizona Coyotes 5-1. The 28-year-old Miller has 46 points (16-30–46) in as many games with the Canucks this season. Miller has skated in 603 career NHL matchups between the New York Rangers, Tampa Bay and Vancouver. He played one season with Plymouth in 2011-12, recording 62 points over 61 games.

Subban plays in 800th career contest: Former Belleville Bulls defenceman P.K. Subban skated in his 800th career NHL regular season contest on Monday as his New Jersey Devils fell 4-1 to the Ottawa Senators. The 32-year-old Subban has spent his 12-year NHL career between Montreal, Nashville and New Jersey, recording 460 points (112-348–460) along the way. A Norris Trophy winner with Montreal in 2012-13, Subban played four seasons in Belleville from 2005-09, helping the Bulls win an Eastern Conference title and make a Memorial Cup appearance in 2008.

Bennett named ECHL Player of the Week: Saginaw Spirit graduate Kris Bennett of the Iowa Heartlanders is the ECHL Player of the Week. The 26-year-old had a goal and an assist in a 6-3 loss at Cincinnati on Wednesday, scored a pair of goals and added an assist in a 6-5 win at Toledo on Friday and added a goal and assist in a 4-1 victory at Wheeling on Saturday. Bennett has 34 points (17-17–34) in 23 games this season. He played in Saginaw from 2012-17 before spending three seasons in U SPORTS men’s hockey with the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Oshawa Generals at Ottawa 67’s
Friday, February 11th – 7:00pm

To East Division squads headed in the right direction meet Friday in Ottawa as the 67’s play host to the Oshawa Generals. Ottawa comes off a perfect weekend and has had contributions from first-year talent in Brady Stonehouse, Luca Pinelli, Vinzenz Rohrer and Will Gerrior of late while the Generals are winners of four in a row. Oshawa is two points ahead of Ottawa with a pair of games in hand entering Thursday. The Generals have won four of the seven meetings between the two sides this season.

Hamilton Bulldogs at Kingston Frontenacs
Sunday, February 13th – 2:00pm

An ongoing battle raging for the top spot in the East Division heats up again to close out the weekend as the Hamilton Bulldogs visit the Kingston Frontenacs on Sunday. The Bulldogs enter the weekend as winners of six straight, leading Kingston by two points. The Bulldogs have been firing on all cylinders of late, recently getting top scorer Logan Morrison back into the lineup. Montreal Canadiens prospect Jan Mysak leads the club with 26 goals while Ryan Winterton has been a force with 17 points (7-10–17) through nine games. Kingston earned four of a possible six points on the road last weekend before falling 3-1 to the Peterborough Petes on Wednesday. Shane Wright and the Frontenacs have won three of their five meetings against Hamilton this season.

UPCOMING GAMES:

Thursday February 10:
Owen Sound at Erie – 6:00pm
Niagara at North Bay – 7:00pm
Ottawa at Peterborough – 7:00pm
Saginaw at Windsor – 7:30pm

Friday February 11:
Barrie at Hamilton – 7:00pm
North Bay at Mississauga – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Ottawa – 7:00pm
Niagara at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Sarnia at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Flint at Guelph – 7:30pm
London at Kitchener – 7:30pm (Live on TSN)

Saturday February 12:
Flint at Erie – 7:00pm
Mississauga at Kingston – 7:00pm
Guelph at Saginaw – 7:05pm
London at Windsor – 7:05pm
Sarnia at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Sudbury at Barrie – 7:30pm
Kitchener at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday February 13:
Hamilton at Kingston – 2:00pm
Sudbury at North Bay – 2:00pm
Mississauga at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Peterborough at Oshawa – 2:05pm