HOCKEY CANADA RECOGNIZES 13 OHL PLAYERS INVITED TO 2021 NATIONAL SUMMER UNDER-18 TEAM DEVELOPMENT CAMP

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada has recognized 13 Ontario Hockey League players as part of a group of 45 players invited to attend Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team Development Camp at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on the Tsuut’ina Nation near Calgary from July 25th to Aug 4th. Sarnia Sting head coach Alan Letang, Ottawa 67’s goaltending coach Charles McTavish and Kingston Frontenacs equipment manager Chris Cook have also been recognized, along with Owen Sound Attack therapist Andy Brown, North Bay Battalion therapist Andrew Sachkiw and Guelph Storm mental performance consultant Dr. Ashwin Patel.

One OHL goaltender, four defencemen and eight forwards were recognized as invitees to the 11-day camp. Players will be split into two teams, Red and White, and participate in practices and intrasquad games, including combined practices and intrasquad games with Canada’s National Junior Team on Aug. 2nd and 3rd.

“This stage of our Summer Showcase is about bringing together the top under-18 players in Canada to work and learn from an elite-level coaching staff, giving them the necessary skills for their hockey development to grow and succeed,” said Alan Millar, director of player personnel for Hockey Canada. “We have an opportunity to connect with the players through on- and off-ice sessions to give them the tools that will only enhance their skill set as they advance through our program and prepare for the upcoming season.”

Letang, who was appointed head coach of the Sting late last month after serving behind the Attack bench, will return to Canada’s coaching staff. Letang won a gold medal as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship and, as a player, helped Canada’s National Men’s Team to a 1998 Spengler Cup championship and won a bronze medal at the 2006 Deutschland Cup.

The camp is typically a stepping stone in evaluating and selecting Canada’s roster for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, but Canada will not participate this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The focus will now turn to the 2022 IIHF U18 World Championship next spring, where Canada will look to defend their gold medal after claiming the top prize at this year’s tournament in Texas.

OHL Players Invited to Canada’s National Summer Under-18 Team Development Camp

Goaltenders:
Domenic DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)

Defencemen:
Jorian Donovan (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Donovan McCoy (Sudbury Wolves)
Ty Nelson (North Bay Battalion)
Spencer Sova (Erie Otters)

Forwards:
Sam Alfano (Peterborough Petes)
Pano Fimis (Niagara IceDogs)
David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Cedrick Guindon (Owen Sound Attack)
Hunter Haight (Barrie Colts)
Paul Ludwinski (Kingston Frontenacs)
Bryce McConnell-Barker (Soo Greyhounds)
Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm)

Coaches:
Assistant Coach – Alan Letang (Sarnia Sting)
Goaltending Coach – Charles McTavish (Ottawa 67’s)
Equipment Manager – Chris Cook (Kingston Frontenacs)
Therapist – Andy Brown (Owen Sound Attack)
Therapist – Andrew Sachkiw (North Bay Battalion)
Mental Performance Consultant – Dr. Ashwin Patel (Guelph Storm)

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 CLUBS SELECT 27 PLAYERS IN 2021 CHL IMPORT DRAFT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – Ontario Hockey League member teams selected 27 players from across 12 different countries in the 30th annual CHL Import Draft held Wednesday online at CHL.ca.

Eighteen OHL clubs made selections with the Hamilton Bulldogs and Mississauga Steelheads passing on both of their picks. The Barrie Colts, Erie Otters, Guelph Storm, Kitchener Rangers, Niagara IceDogs, Oshawa Generals, Sarnia Sting, Soo Greyhounds and Sudbury Wolves each made two selections.

The two-round draft took place online with the order of selection rotating through each of the CHL’s three regional leagues. The OHL’s order of selection was determined through a draft lottery process held back in May. OHL clubs selected in inverse order of their positioning for the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, and conducted the 2021 CHL Import Draft in a serpentine format.

CLICK HERE TO SEE COMPLETE 2021 CHL IMPORT DRAFT RESULTS

The Barrie Colts led the way for the OHL, selecting Ukrainian-born 18-year-old defenceman Artur Cholach with the third overall pick. Cholach, who spent the 2020-21 season with Sokol Kiev of Ukraine’s top circuit, is the highest-chosen Colt in the CHL Import Draft since Barrie selected eventual OHL Rookie of the Year Andrei Svechnikov with the top choice in 2017. The last OHL player to be chosen third was 2020 Red Tilson Trophy recipient and OHL Goaltender of the Year Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Sudbury Wolves who was the OHL’s top pick in 2018.

The Soo Greyhounds followed at sixth overall, adding Russian defender Kirill Kudryavtsev with their highest pick since 2002. The 6-foot, 176Ib. rearguard spent the 2020-21 season with Loko Yaroslavl of Russia’s top junior circuit, posting seven points (2-5–7) in 20 games. Kudryavtsev isn’t NHL Draft eligible until 2022.

The Kitchener Rangers rounded out the OHL’s top ten selections with the addition of Slovakian winger Filip Mesar at ninth overall. The 17-year-old played in Slovakia’s pro circuit in 2020-21, posting 14 points (4-10–14) in 36 games with HK Poprad before adding four more points (2-2–4) in 15 playoff games. Mesar is a 2022 NHL Draft prospect.

Other picks of intrigue included the Niagara IceDogs going to Switzerland for the third time in the past four years to select defenceman Rodwin Dionicio with the 18th overall selection. He follows countrymen Giancarlo Chanton (2019) and Kyen Sopa (2018) as an IceDogs first round Import Draft selection. The Ottawa 67’s also went to familiar territory, going back to the country they found reigning Red Tilson Trophy recipient Marco Rossi in 2018 with the addition of forward Vinzenz Rohrer from Austria at 27th overall. The North Bay Battalion followed the first overall choice of Matvei Petrov last year with another Russian addition in 6-foot-1 defender Aleksander Lukin at 30th overall. The Kingston Frontenacs nabbed the lone goaltender and NHL prospect selected by OHL teams, taking recently signed Ottawa Senators 2020 third round pick Leevi Merilainen out of Finland at 48th overall. The 18-year-old Merilainen comes off a tremendous season with Karpat of Finland’s top junior league.

In the second round, the Guelph Storm charted new territory with the selection of Belgian-born defender Leo Hafenrichter, making him the first Belgian selected in the CHL Import Draft since the Val-d’Or Foreurs took Mitch Morgan 71st overall in 2008. The Niagara IceDogs picked up British talent Alex Graham with the 105th overall choice. He follows in the footsteps of fellow Brit and Sheffield Steelers forward Liam Kirk who recently signed an entry-level NHL contract with the Arizona Coyotes following a two-year stint with the Peterborough Petes from 2018-20.

OHL member teams selected a total of seven players in their first year of eligibility for the upcoming 2021 NHL Draft in addition to 19 eligible for next year’s 2022 NHL Draft.

Each CHL team is permitted to dress a maximum of two import players each season who are selected annually through the CHL Import Draft.

OHL at the 2021 CHL Import Draft Summary:

Draft Picks by Position:
Forwards – 15
Defencemen – 11
Goaltenders – 1

Draft Picks by Country:
Russia – 6 (SOO, LDN, SAR, NB, WSR, GUE)
Czech Republic – 5 (SAG, ER, OS, FLNT, SBY)
Germany – 3 (PBO, OSH, SOO)
Sweden – 3 (SAR, KIT, BAR)
Finland – 2 (KGN, SBY)
Slovakia – 2 (KIT, ER)
Austria – 1 (OTT)
Belarus – 1 (OSH)
Belgium – 1 (GUE)
Great Britain – 1 (NIAG)
Switzerland – 1 (NIAG)
Ukraine – 1 (BAR)

Draft Picks by Birthdate and NHL Status:
2004-born late and 2023 NHL Draft eligible – 2
2004-born early and 2022 NHL Draft eligible – 16
2003-born late and 2022 NHL Draft eligible – 1
2003-born early and 2021 NHL Draft eligible – 6
2002-born late and 2021 NHL Draft eligible – 1
2002-born early and 2020 NHL Drafted – 1

NHL Draft picks by OHL teams in the CHL Import Draft:
48. Leevi Merilainen (G) (Kingston – 3rd round to Ottawa in 2020)

2021 NHL Draft Prospects Ranked by NHL Central Scouting:
33. Jiri Tichacek (Erie – 104th ranked European skater)
118. Oskar Olausson (Barrie – 13th ranked European skater)

Last summer OHL teams selected a total of 23 players from 10 different countries led by seven players from Russia consisting of 12 forwards, nine defencemen and two goaltenders.

For full coverage of the 2021 CHL Import Draft, visit chl.ca.

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.

WOLVES ANNOUNCE QUENTIN MUSTY AS FIRST OVERALL PICK IN 2021 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League in association with the Sudbury Wolves Hockey Club today announced that 15-year-old forward Quentin Musty of the U.S. Youth Tier-1 U16 National champion North Jersey Avalanche 16U program will be the first overall pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

The announcement was made at a news conference held via Zoom and broadcast as a live showcase on the team’s YouTube channel today, with Musty introduced to Sudbury media from his home in Hamburg, New York.

“To receive the Jack Ferguson Award as the first overall pick is very humbling and exciting,” said Musty. “To follow in the footsteps of some of the game’s greatest players like Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Connor McDavid and Quinton Byfield is a huge honour. I am grateful and so excited to join Dario Zulich and Rob Papineau in Sudbury with the ultimate goal of bringing the city an OHL and Memorial Cup championship. I am excited to play with and against some of the best competition in the world, and I can’t wait to get started!”

Musty joins a Wolves organization that won a Central Division title in 2020 and has seen four members of that team sign NHL contracts in the past year including Quinton Byfield (Los Angeles Kings), Jack Thompson (Tampa Bay Lightning), Isaak Phillips (Chicago Blackhawks) and Blake Murray (Carolina Hurricanes).

“It was an amazing night when the Sudbury Wolves won the Priority Selection Lottery but today is even more amazing to be able to add Quentin Musty to our team,” said Wolves VP & General Manager Rob Papineau. “He has been a dominant player for a number of years, and he was exceptional this season especially in the recent USA Hockey Youth Nationals where, as an underage player he led his team to the National Championship. Our fans are going to love Quentin as he is extremely talented, skilled and plays the game with such high compete that he will have our fans at the edge of their seats.”

A 6-foot-2, 190Ib. left-winger from Hamburg, New York, Musty starred for North Jersey at the USA Hockey Youth Tier-1 U16 National Championship in Maryland Heights, Missouri, racking up a tournament-leading 17 points (9-8–17) in six games as the Avalanche defeated the Colorado Thunderbirds to be crowned the top 16U team in the country. He also registered 23 goals, 33 assists and 56 points across 27 games during the season. Born July 6, 2005, Musty will be eligible for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Musty is the 2021 recipient of the Jack Ferguson Award presented annually to the player selected first overall in the OHL Priority Selection. The “Fergie” recognizes the dedication and contributions made by Jack Ferguson during his 25 year association with the OHL, first as a scout with the Ottawa 67’s and followed by his appointment as head of the OHL’s Central Scouting Bureau in 1981 as its Director of Central Scouting. First presented in 1981, Musty becomes the sixth member of the Wolves to receive the award following Dave Moylan in 1984, John Uniac in 1987, John McFarland in 2008, David Levin in 2015 and Quinton Byfield in 2018. He’s also the sixth American-born player to be selected first overall following Jakob Chychrun (Sarnia, 2014), Alex Galchenyuk (Sarnia, 2010), Rob Schremp (Mississauga, 2002), Patrick O’Sullivan (Mississauga, 2001) and Pat Peake (Detroit, 1990).

“Quentin Musty is a highly-skilled forward that brings an intriguing combination of skill, size, speed and exceptional offensive instincts,” said Director of OHL Central Scouting Darrell Woodley. “He has great composure with the puck and makes all the players around him better with his elite playmaking skills. He possesses a pro shot already with an extremely quick release. Quentin was a big reason why North Jersey came out on top at the U.S. Nationals.”

Join Quentin Musty as he hears his name called to kick-off the first round of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection Draft Stream presented by Real Canadian Superstore beginning at 7:00pm on Friday night. The will be streamed live in its entirety on the OHL’s YouTube channel with pick-by-pick results provided at ontariohockeyleague.com. For the first time since the Priority Selection moved online in 2001, the event will be held across two days, with Rounds 1-3 being held on Friday before Rounds 4-15 commence on Saturday morning at 9:00am.

Winners of the Jack Ferguson Award Include:
1981 Dan Quinn, Belleville Bulls
1982 Kirk Muller, Guelph Platers
1983 Trevor Stienburg, Guelph Platers
1984 Dave Moylan, Sudbury Wolves
1985 Bryan Fogarty, Kingston Canadians
1986 Troy Mallette, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
1987 John Uniac, Sudbury Wolves
1988 Drake Berehowsky, Kingston Raiders
1989 Eric Lindros, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
1990 Pat Peake, Detroit Ambassadors
1991 Todd Harvey, Detroit Ambassadors
1992 Jeff O’Neill, Guelph Storm
1993 Alyn McCauley, Ottawa 67’s
1994 Jeff Brown, Sarnia Sting
1995 Daniel Tkaczuk, Barrie Colts
1996 Rico Fata, London Knights
1997 Charlie Stephens, Toronto St. Michael’s Majors
1998 Jay Harrison, Brampton Battalion
1999 Jason Spezza, Mississauga IceDogs
2000 Patrick Jarrett, Mississauga IceDogs
2001 Patrick O’Sullivan,Mississauga IceDogs
2002 Robbie Schremp, Mississauga IceDogs
2003 Patrick McNeill, Saginaw Spirit
2004 John Hughes, Belleville Bulls
2005 John Tavares, Oshawa Generals
2006 Steven Stamkos, Sarnia Sting
2007 Ryan O’Reilly, Erie Otters
2008 John McFarland, Sudbury Wolves
2009 Daniel Catenacci, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
2010 Alex Galchenyuk, Sarnia Sting
2011 Aaron Ekblad, Barrie Colts
2012 Connor McDavid, Erie Otters
2013 Travis Konecny, Ottawa 67’s
2014 Jakob Chychrun, Sarnia Sting
2015 David Levin, Sudbury Wolves
2016 Ryan Merkley, Guelph Storm
2017 Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts
2018 Quinton Byfield, Sudbury Wolves
2019 Shane Wright, Kingston Frontenacs
2020 Ty Nelson, North Bay Battalion
2021 Quentin Musty, Sudbury Wolves

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.

67’s’ ADAM VARGA NAMED OHL’s TOP ACADEMIC POST-SECONDARY STUDENT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that Ottawa 67’s forward Adam Varga is the 2020-21 recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award presented annually to the League’s Top Academic Post-Secondary Student.

Varga achieved an impressive 94% average over seven courses at the University of Maryland, excelling in Academic Writing II (100%), Marketing Principles (99%), Organizational Leadership (97%), Academic Writing I (95%), Principles of Macroeconomics (94%), Principles of Microeconomics (93%) and Principles of Accounting (84%).

“It is a huge honour to receive the Roger Neilson Memorial Award,” said Varga. “My family is at the core of my academic success as they have taught me the importance of continuing my education. The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, James Boyd, Jan Egert, and Eileen Duffin have helped me tremendously with all of the support they have given me to succeed. My coaches and teammates have also contributed to this accomplishment as they push me to become a better version of myself on the ice and in the classroom. I am truly grateful to be a part of the Ottawa 67’s organization and look forward to seeing everyone back at TD Place.”

A 19-year-old native of Bel Air, Maryland, Varga appeared in 56 games between the 67’s and Mississauga Steelheads during the 2019-20 season, recording seven goals and four assists for 11 points. A former seventh round (121st overall) pick of the Steelheads in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, Varga has played in 165 career OHL regular season games, registering 33 points (14-19–33) along the way.

“This year was extremely challenging and is unlike anything that I have ever experienced,” Varga continued. “Not being able to play a season this year was extremely heart-breaking. It has been over a year since our last game played in March of 2020. All of this extra time gave me an opportunity to focus on my education. With the support of OSEG and the 67’s, I was able to take more courses than I normally would during a demanding OHL season. I took advantage of this opportunity and received high marks. Although this year has been difficult, it helped me grow as a person.”

2020 Jim Gregory OHL General Manager of the Year Award recipient James Boyd had high praise for Varga, who persevered through a year of uncertainty.

“Adam is a conscientious student who has fully dedicated himself to the continuation of his studies at the University of Maryland while playing in the OHL,” Boyd stated. “His proactive and diligent approach over the past year has been admirable. The 67’s are extremely proud of Adam being awarded this most prestigious League honour.”

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 becomes the third 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 Brendan Kischnick of the Erie Otters and Eric Uba of the Guelph Storm.

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’ LAWSON SHERK NAMED OHL’s TOP ACADEMIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that Hamilton Bulldogs forward Lawson Sherk is the 2020-21 recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award presented annually to the League’s Top Academic High School Student.

Sherk achieved a 95.2% average over six University-level Grade 12 courses at Ancaster High School. His grades included a 97% in Advanced Functions, a 97% in Healthy Active Living, 96% in Calculus and Vectors, 95% in Physics, 94% in Chemistry and 92% in English.

“I’m honoured to receive the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award,” said Sherk. “COVID has made this a tough year but I’ve had a lot of time to focus on my education. It’s very rewarding to be recognized for my academic achievements during a year that has been difficult for all.”

An 18-year-old native of Halton Hills, Ont., Sherk collected 15 points (5-10–15) in his rookie season with the Bulldogs. The 6-foot-1, 175Ib. centreman was a second round (40th overall) pick by the club in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection after earning OMHA (SCTA) Player of the Year honours with the Halton Hurricanes U16 program. He was recently ranked 153rd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the 2021 NHL Draft in July.

“From the moment Lawson walked through the doors he has exemplified everything that being a Hamilton Bulldog should be,” said Bulldogs president and general manager Steve Staios. “Through his commitment, dedication and leadership it comes with great pride but no surprise to see Lawson awarded the 2021 Ivan Tennant Award. The Hamilton Bulldogs would like to congratulate and commend Lawson and his family, with a special thank you to academic advisor Sean Nicholson, for their commitment to education and his work to be a role model both on and off the ice for his teammates and future athletes in the Hamilton community. 

“The Hamilton Bulldogs share the same pride in Lawson as he does in representing our team and community and look forward to his continued development in Hamilton.”

The Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is given to the 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. Sherk becomes the first Bulldogs player to win one of the League’s three major academic awards. Other past recipients include back-to-back winner Mack Guzda (Owen Sound, 2018 & 2019), Kyle Keyser (Flint, 2016), Stephen Dhillon (Niagara, 2015) and Adam Pelech (Erie, 2012).

Finalists for the award included rookies Matthew Poitras of the Guelph Storm, Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads and Isaiah George of the London Knights.

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 ANNOUNCES KEY DATESFOR 2021-22 SEASON

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – With the 2021 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore fast approaching on June 4-5, the League is excited to circle another date on the calendar as opening night for the 2021-22 regular season is set for Thursday, October 7.
 
“It’s an exciting time for everyone as we turn our attention to a new season,” said Commissioner David Branch. “We look forward to getting our players back into their OHL communities where they can continue to pursue their goals both on the ice and in the classroom.”
 
Players will report to training camps on Saturday, September 4 before the League embarks on a conventional 68-game regular season schedule commencing Thursday, October 7 and concluding Sunday, April 3, 2022. The 2022 OHL Playoffs will get underway on Thursday, April 7 and run through Monday, May 30 at the latest with the presentation of the prestigious J. Ross Robertson Cup. The OHL champion will advance to the 2022 Memorial Cup presented by Kia to be held June 2-12.
 
“The League is currently in the process of developing a regular season schedule,” added Commissioner Branch. “Our tremendous fans mean so much to the OHL and its communities and we’re looking forward to welcoming them back into our venues next season.”
 
A complete 680-game 2021-22 OHL regular season schedule of games will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
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 ANNOUNCES ORDER OF SELECTION FOR 2021 UNDER-18 PRIORITY SELECTION AND CHL IMPORT DRAFT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – On the heels of its first-ever OHL Priority Selection Draft Lottery held on Wednesday, the Ontario Hockey League has announced details surrounding both the 2021 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection set to take place Wednesday, June 9 at 12:00pm in addition to the 2021 CHL Import Draft slated for Wednesday, June 30.

The OHL facilitated a U18 Priority Selection Draft Lottery to determine the order of selection, with each of the League’s 20 member teams having an equal opportunity to draw the first overall pick. Results were determined by a computerized random number generator, with the lottery process overseen by Mr. Robert Bayne, partner with the law firm Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP.

Lottery results determined that the London Knights will be selecting first overall in the 2021 OHL U18 Priority Selection, followed by the Saginaw Spirit with the second overall pick and the Soo Greyhounds with the third choice.

Established in 2017, the OHL U18 Priority Selection is a two-round process save and except for the allowance for an additional selection by a team in the third round if they’ve chosen a goaltender with one of their first two selections. Players eligible to be selected are those 2003 or 2004-born U18 AAA players not currently on a CHL member team protected list who were registered within the OHF, HNO or HEO during the 2020-21 playing season. This year’s selection will be structured in a serpentine arrangement, with the order of selection in the second round in inverse order from that of the first. If a third round is required, it will be in inverse order of the second round.

The 2021 OHL U18 Priority Selection will be streamed live on the OHL’s YouTube channel, with further coverage across the League’s social media platforms and website when proceedings get underway on Wednesday, June 9 at 12:00pm.

Additionally, the Ontario Hockey League is designated to select third among the Canadian Hockey League’s three regional leagues in the 2021 CHL Import Draft on Wednesday, June 30.

OHL member teams will select in inverse order from lottery results drawn to determine the order of selection for the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, with the Barrie Colts leading the way followed by the Soo Greyhounds and Kitchener Rangers.

As with the OHL Priority Selection and U18 Priority Selection, OHL member teams will make their selections in a serpentine arrangement for the 2021 CHL Import Draft, with the OHL order of selection in the first round being reversed to begin Round 2.

The Barrie Colts made the most of their last opportunity to lead the OHL at the CHL Import Draft, selecting eventual OHL Rookie of the Year Andrei Svechnikov with the first overall pick in 2017. The North Bay Battalion selected Russian forward Matvei Petrov with the top pick in last year’s CHL Import Draft.

Held annually since 1992, the CHL Import Draft sees Canadian Hockey League teams draw from talent across the globe in a two-round process held live online at CHL.ca.

2021 OHL U18 Priority Selection First Round Order of Selection:
1. London Knights
2. Saginaw Spirit
3. Soo Greyhounds
4. Guelph Storm
5. Flint Firebirds
6. Sudbury Wolves
7. Hamilton Bulldogs
8. Barrie Colts
9. Sarnia Sting
10. North Bay Battalion
11. Owen Sound Attack
12. Kitchener Rangers
13. Peterborough Petes
14. Kingston Frontenacs
15. Ottawa 67’s
16. Erie Otters
17. Windsor Spitfires
18. Oshawa Generals
19. Mississauga Steelheads
20. Niagara IceDogs

OHL Order of Selection for the 2021 CHL Import Draft:

Designated CHL Import Draft first round draft slot in brackets

1. Barrie Colts (3)
2. Soo Greyhounds (6)
3. Kitchener Rangers (9)
4. London Knights (12)
5. Saginaw Spirit (15)
6. Niagara IceDogs (18)
7. Hamilton Bulldogs (21)
8. Sarnia Sting (24)
9. Ottawa 67’s (27)
10. North Bay Battalion (30)
11. Erie Otters (33)
12. Mississauga Steelheads (36)
13. Owen Sound Attack (39)
14. Flint Firebirds (42)
15. Peterborough Petes (45)
16. Kingston Frontenacs (48)
17. Windsor Spitfires (51)
18. Guelph Storm (54)
19. Oshawa Generals (57)
20. Sudbury Wolves (60)

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.

SUDBURY WOLVES TO SELECT FIRST OVERALL IN 2021 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION PRESENTED BY REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The results from the first-ever OHL Priority Selection Draft Lottery are in, and the Sudbury Wolves will be selecting first on June 4-5 when OHL member teams build toward the future in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection Presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

Each team participating in the first round of the 2021 Priority Selection had an equal opportunity to draw the first overall pick in the lottery process, with the final results determined by a computerized random number generator. Results were overseen and certified by Mr. Robert Bayne, partner with the law firm Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP.  
 
The coveted top spot came down to a reveal between the Wolves and the Oshawa Generals, who will be selecting second overall for the first time since 2006.
 
With 2018 first overall selection Quinton Byfield having recently made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings, the reigning Central Division champion Sudbury Wolves will add another Jack Ferguson Award recipient to the pack next month, doing so for the seventh time in franchise history. In addition to Byfield, David Levin (2015), John McFarland (2008), John Uniac (1987), Dave Moylan (1984) and Mike Allison (1978) were tabbed by the Wolves with the first overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection.
 
For the first time since the implementation of the Priority Selection online in 2001, the event will be held over the course of two days, with the opening three rounds taking place on Friday, June 4 beginning at 7:00pm. The proceedings resume on Saturday, June 5 starting at 9:00am with Rounds 4-15. The Priority Selection will be streamed live in its entirety on the OHL’s YouTube channel.
 
The Priority Selection remains its customary 15 rounds in length, but unlike past years, it will be held in a serpentine arrangement, with the order of selection in the first round being reversed to begin Round 2 and alternating each round thereafter.
 
2021 OHL Priority Selection First Round Order of Selection:
1. Sudbury Wolves
2. Oshawa Generals
3. Guelph Storm
4. Windsor Spitfires
5. Kingston Frontenacs
6. Peterborough Petes
7. Flint Firebirds
8. Owen Sound Attack
9. Mississauga Steelheads
10. Erie Otters
11. North Bay Battalion
12. Ottawa 67’s
13. Sarnia Sting
14. Hamilton Bulldogs
15. Saginaw Spirit
16. London Knights
17. Kitchener Rangers
18. Soo Greyhounds
19. Barrie Colts
 
The Niagara IceDogs were included in the lottery process in order to determine the order of selection for subsequent rounds and through the random generation of numbers were designated with the 15th position in the first round.
 
The 2021 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore will largely see the top players born in 2005 within OHL jurisdiction eligible to be selected on June 4-5, with proceedings streamed live on the OHL’s YouTube channel and covered extensively on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and on the web at ontariohockeyleague.com.

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 ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that rookies Sam Alfano of the Peterborough Petes, Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads, Gavin Bryant of the Owen Sound Attack and Nicholas De Angelis of the Windsor Spitfires have been named OHL Academic Players of the Month for March.

East Division: The Peterborough Petes’ Sam Alfano has been named the East Division Academic Player of the Month for March. He holds a 90% in Grade 12 Advanced Functions and an 85% in Grade 11 English at Brantford Collegiate Institute. “Sam has worked hard all year to maintain a high academic standard while planning personal workouts and ice time with the uncertainty of when the season will begin,” wrote Petes academic advisor, Shannon Fife.

The 17-year-old Cayuga, Ont. native was a second round pick of the Petes in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection out of the Southern Tier Admirals, where he notched 63 points in 32 games and was recognized as the OMHA- SCTA Player of the Year.

Central Division: Mississauga’s Owen Beck is March’s Central Division Academic Player of the Month. He has maintained an overall average of 92% at Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School.

“Owen is described by his teachers as being a lovely student. He is high achieving, asks questions to clarify his understanding, is very diligent and hardworking,” wrote Genevieve Wong, guidance councellor at Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School. “In addition to his academic strengths, he is polite, respectful, and conscientious.  Overall, Owen is a pleasure to have in class and as part of the Pocock community.”

The 17-year-old product of Port Hope, Ont. was drafted 29th overall by the Steelheads in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection following a 39-point season with OMHA gold medalist Quinte Red Devils.

Midwest Division: Gavin Bryant of the Owen Sound Attack has been named the Midwest Division’s Academic Player of the Month for March. The centreman is on track to complete 12 credits this year at Owen Sound District Secondary School and Blyth Academy. He scored an 80% in Grade 12 University English this past summer, earned an 82% in Grade 12 University Sociology and 94% in Grade 11 University Math during Quadmester 1. Bryant also maintained a 95% in his Ontario Literacy Course as well as a 94% over three periods of Co-op. He is awaiting final scores for Grade 11 Biology and three more periods of Co-op.

“While some students have found online learning difficult and have had trouble motivating themselves, Gavin Bryant has seen this as an opportunity to focus on schooling while his hockey schedule is lighter,” wrote Attack academic advisor Sarah Rowe. “His maturity is off the charts. As a 16-year-old he is already taking the lead to assist other students in their studies. His teachers are also impressed with his maturity, commenting that his insights and attention to detail are well beyond those of his peers. We can’t wait to see this young man in an Owen Sound Attack uniform.”

The Ingersoll, Ont. native was a second round pick of the Attack at the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He impressed with 40 points in 31 games with the Brantford 99ers during the 2019-20 season.

West Division: Windsor Spitfires defenceman Nicholas De Angelis is the West Division Academic Player of the Month for March. A Grade 11 student at St. Anne Catholic High School, he is currently enrolled in Grade 12 University Biology and Grade 12 University English and carries at least a 90% average in all of his courses.

The 16-year-old King City, Ont. native was chosen 36th overall at the 2020 OHL Priority Selection following an impressive 16-point season from the blue line with the Mississauga Senators.

2020-21 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
March – Sam Alfano (Peterborough Petes)
February – Lawson Sherk (Hamilton Bulldogs)
January – Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
December – Cameron Tolnai (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Lleyton Moore (Oshawa Generals)
October – Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)

Central Division:
March – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
February – Ethan Cardwell (Barrie Colts)
January – Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads)
December – Giordano Biondi (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Jonah De Simone (Niagara IceDogs)
October – Pacey Schlueting (North Bay Battalion)

Midwest Division:
March – Gavin Bryant (Owen Sound Attack)
February – Aidan Campbell (Erie Otters)
January – Logan LaSage (Owen Sound Attack)
December – Stuart Rolofs (London Knights)
November – Michael Vukojevic (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Zack Terry (Guelph Storm)

West Division:
March – Nicholas De Angelis (Windsor Spitfires)
February – Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
January – Will Cuylle (Windsor Spitfires)
December – Jacob Holmes (Soo Greyhounds)
November – Ryan Mast (Sarnia Sting)
October – Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit)

A total of 334 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2019-20 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3 million.  Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.

Click here for more information about ‘OHL Players First’ programs.

13 OHL PLAYERS NAMED TO CANADA’S NATIONAL MEN’S UNDER-18 TEAM

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is proud to recognize 13 OHL players named to Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team that will compete in the 2021 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship set to take place from April 26 to May 6 in Frisco and Plano, Texas.

The 13 OHL players are part of a 25-man Canadian roster consisting of three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards to be coached by former OHL Coach of the Year Dave Barr (Guelph Storm, 2003-08) along with assistant Mike Stothers (Owen Sound Attack, 2002-07).

The Canadian roster was assembled by Hockey Canada director of player personnel Alan Millar along with manager of national teams Benoit Roy.

OHL PLAYERS NAMED TO CANADA’S NATIONAL UNDER-18 TEAM:

Goaltender: Benjamin Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)

Defence: Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts), Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads), Jack Matier (Ottawa 67’s)

Forwards: Brett Harrison (Oshawa Generals), Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires), Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes), Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds), Francesco Pinelli (Kitchener Rangers), Chase Stillman (Sudbury Wolves), Ryan Winterton (Hamilton Bulldogs), Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs), Danny Zhilkin (Guelph Storm)

“We are excited to announce the 25 players that have been selected to wear the Maple Leaf at the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship. Despite a difficult year for our players and staff, we are confident this group will represent our country with pride while giving us a chance to compete for a gold medal in Texas,” said Millar. “We are also pleased to have Dave (Barr), Mike (Stothers) and Gordie (Dwyer) as a part of our coaching staff, and to welcome a number of excellent support staff who bring unique skills to our team. We know the extensive experience of our coaching staff and the dedication of our support staff will greatly benefit our team at the world championship.”

Barr most recently served as an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks (2017-19). Prior to joining the Sharks, he was an associate coach with the Florida Panthers (2016-17), as well as an assistant coach with the Buffalo Sabres (2015-16), New Jersey Devils (2011-15), Minnesota Wild (2009-11) and Colorado Avalanche (2008-09). Barr spent five seasons (2003-08) as the general manager and head coach of the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), leading the Storm to an OHL championship in 2004. He also held various positions with the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League (AHL) and International Hockey League (IHL) from 1997-2003, including assistant coach, head coach, director of hockey operations, vice-president, general manager and president. He has represented Canada once as a head coach, leading Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team to a gold medal at the 2008 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.

Dwyerwas the head coach of the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) last season. Prior to joining the Cataractes, he spent two seasons as head coach of Dinamo Minsk (2017-19) and two seasons as head coach of Medvescak Zagreb (2015-17) of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), as well as part of one season as head coach of HC Ambrì-Piotta (2016-17) of National League A (NLA). Dwyer also served two seasons as head coach of the Charlottetown Islanders (2013-15) and two seasons as head coach of the Prince Edward Island Rocket (2011-13) of the QMJHL, as well as two seasons as head coach and director of player personnel with the Summerside Western Capitals of the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL). He won bronze medals as the head coach of Team Canada at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games and as an assistant coach at the 2012 IIHF U18 World Championship and was an assistant coach at two Spengler Cups (2016, 2018).

Stothersmost recently served as head coach of the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League (AHL) for five seasons (2015-20). He has held various coaching positions in the NHL, AHL, OHL and Western Hockey League (WHL), including one season as an assistant coach with the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers (2010-11) and two seasons as an assistant with the Philadelphia Flyers (2000-02). Stothers was also the head coach of the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs (2014-15), winning a Calder Cup and Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as AHL coach of the year, as well as the Grand Rapids Griffins (2007-08). He also served as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Phantoms (1996-2000) and Hershey Bears (1991-96). His Canadian Hockey League (CHL) experience includes three seasons as head coach of the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors (2011-14) and five seasons as head coach of the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack (2002-07). Stothers had a 10-year professional playing career in the NHL and AHL, winning the Calder Cup with the Maine Mariners in 1984.

The support staff that will work with Team Canada at the IIHF U18 World Championship includes:

  • Senior vice-president of national teams Scott Salmond
  • Video coach Travis Crickard
  • Goaltending coach Matt Weninger (Moose Jaw Warriors)
  • Athletic therapists Kevin Elliott (Charlottetown Islanders) and Doug Stacey
  • Equipment manager A.J. Murley
  • Mental performance consultant Ashwin Patel (Guelph Storm)
  • Team physician Dr. Ben Cameron (Lethbridge Hurricanes)
  • Education consultant Dave Tennant (Kitchener Rangers)
  • Coordinator of national teams Kurt Keats

Prior to travelling to Frisco on April 17, players and staff will self-isolate at home starting April 12 and will be tested for COVID-19 three times. Upon arrival in Texas, all team personnel will enter a four-day quarantine at the hotel before starting a pre-tournament camp on April 21. The team will take on Finland in its lone pre-tournament game on April 24 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Canada will open the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship against Sweden on April 26 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, and will also take on Latvia, Switzerland and Belarus in preliminary-round action. TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast select games throughout the tournament and will announce details at a later date.

Since 2002, Canada has won three gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013), in addition to one silver (2005) and three bronze (2012, 2014, 2015).

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter.

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.