Vaughn CHL Team of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the ninth edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the 2019-20 season based on individual performances from Nov. 11-17.

Leading the forward ranks is Hamilton Bulldogs centre Jan Jenik, whose week totaled 10 points counting five goals and five assists over three contests. Jenik, who carries a CHL best point-streak with at least one point in all 20 of his appearances this season, put up his best showing this week with a five-point night against the North Bay Battalion on Thursday in which he finished with a hat-trick plus two assists en route to a 5-1 victory and first-star honours. For his efforts, the Arizona Coyotes prospect was recognized as the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week.

Also up front is Ottawa 67’s overage left-wing Joseph Garreffa, who wrapped up the week with five goals and four assists for nine points across three appearances. Currently riding a four-game point streak, Garreffa had a productive weekend in first posting a hat-trick and one assist in Saturday’s 4-2 victory over the Flint Firebirds before following up that effort the next night in recording two goals and two assists to guide his club to a 6-3 win versus the Sarnia Sting and pick up his second-straight first-star honour.

Rounding out the forward ranks is Shawinigan Cataractes centre Mavrik Bourque who recorded nine points counting four goals and five assists over three appearances. The 2020 NHL Draft hopeful, who projects as a second-round selection in NHL Central Scouting’s latest Players to Watch report, is currently riding a 10-game point streak, a stretch which includes Tuesday’s five-point finish against the Saint John Sea Dogs in which he tallied one goal and four assists in the 8-5 victory that saw him claim second-star honours. For his efforts, Bourque was named the Ultramar QMJHL Player of the Week.

The blue line is led by another 2020 NHL Draft eligible in Sea Dogs rearguard Jeremie Poirier, whose productive week saw him finish with six points counting two goals and four assists over three appearances. Against the Cataractes on Tuesday, Poirier impressed with a power play goal plus three assists to claim third-star honours. The Quebec native projects as a first-round selection in the coming NHL Draft in Montreal.

Joining the back end is Mississauga Steelheads veteran defenceman Liam Ham who wrapped up the week with one goal and five assists for six points over three contests. Against the Sting on Friday, the Newmarket, Ont., native came up big in collecting four points – all coming as assists – that helped guide his club to a 6-2 victory in a performance that recognized him with third-star honours.

Between the pipes, Val-d’Or Foreurs netminder Jonathan Lemieux shined in two appearances and 125 minutes of action that saw him turn aside a combined 82 shots for back-to-back victories over the Sea Dogs and Halifax Mooseheads. Lemieux was busiest against the Sea Dogs, stopping 49 of 52 shots to lead his club to a 7-3 victory that also saw him earn second-star honours. In all, Lemieux wrapped up the week with a 1.92 goals-against average and .953 save percentage.

Vaughn CHL Team of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the eighth edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the 2019-20 season based on individual performances from Nov. 4-10.

Leading the forward ranks is Medicine Hat Tigers centre James Hamblin, whose week included eight points counting three goals and five assists in a trio of games. That showing included back-to-back three-point nights, beginning with Friday’s 8-5 win over Kelowna in which he collected three assists. For his efforts, Hamblin was recognized as the WHL On the Run Player of the Week.

Also up front is Sherbrooke Phoenix right-wing Alex-Olivier Voyer, who tallied three goals and four assists for seven points in a pair of contests. The stretch included Sunday’s 10-4 victory against Blainville-Boisbriand that saw Voyer finish with two goals and two assists while claiming third-star recognition. The 20-year-old was later honoured as the Ultramar QMJHL Player of the Week.

Rounding out the forward ranks is Voyer’s Phoenix teammate Samuel Poulin as the Pittsburgh Penguins first-round pick finished the week with five goals and two assists for seven points in two games. His top showing also came against the Armada as he notched a hat-trick and added one assist to earn first-star recognition. Poulin is currently riding a six-game point streak that has seen him collect six goals and seven assists for 13 points.

From the back end, Prince George Cougars blue-liner Cole Moberg wrapped up the week with six points counting two goals and four assists in three games. Against Medicine Hat on Wednesday, the Chicago Blackhawks prospect finished with two goals and one assist to lead his squad to a 5-4 victory in addition to earning second-star recognition.

Rounding out the blue line brigade is Edmonton Oil Kings rearguard Matthew Robertson who finished the week with five points counting one goal and four assists across three games. The New York Rangers draft pick began the week with back-to-back multi-point efforts in which he finished both contests with two helpers to bring his season totals to four goals and seven assists in 16 appearances.

Between the pipes, Vancouver Giants netminder Trent Miner was formidable as he turned aside a combined 53 shots over two games and 125 minutes of action to come away with a 1-0-0-1 record alongside a .964 save percentage and a 0.96 goals-against average. For his efforts, the Colorado Avalanche prospect was recognized as the WHL Eli Wilson Goaltending Goaltender of the Week.

Vaughn CHL Team of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the seventh edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the 2019-20 season based on individual performances from Oct. 28 – Nov. 3.

Headlining the forward ranks is Lethbridge Hurricanes left-wing Oliver Okuliar, who wrapped up the week with eight points counting seven goals and one assist across three contests. His top performance came in a career-high four-point outing against Winnipeg on Friday in which he collected a hat-trick plus one assist. For his efforts, Okuliar was recognized as the WHL On the Run Player of the Week.

Also up front for the second week running is London Knights centre Connor McMichael who finished the week with eight points counting four goals and four assists across two appearances. A first-round selection by the Washington Capitals, McMichael’s best showing of the week came in an incredible six-point outing against Erie that saw him register six points, counting three goals and three assists, including the overtime-winning tally. The successful week saw McMichael named the OHL On the Run Player of the Week.

Rounding out the forward ranks is Rimouski Oceanic centre Cedric Pare, who tallied seven points counting four goals and three assists in two games. Pare shined Thursday against Saint John as he finished with three goals and three assists, helping him claim first-star honours in addition to earning recognition as the Ultramar Player of the Week.

On the blue line, Shawinigan Cataractes defenceman Marc-Antoine Pepin had a solid week as he collected six points – all coming as helpers – in two games. His best performance came in his most recent as he tallied four assists to factor in every Cataractes goal in Saturday’s contest against Baie-Comeau.

Rounding out the back end is another member of the Hurricanes in rearguard Alex Cotton, who registered five points counting one goal and four assists across three appearances. Cotton’s best game came in Friday’s 8-2 win over Winnipeg as the second-year skater registered one goal and three assists to guide his club to victory.

Between the pipes, Portland Winterhawks netminder Joel Hofer was nearly unbeatable across a pair of victories as he turned aside a combined 62 shots in 133 minutes of action. The St. Louis Blues prospect, who wrapped up the week with a 0.90 goals-against average and .969 save percentage, also earned recognition as the WHL Eli Wilson Goaltending Goaltender of the Week.

6TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BORDER SHOWCASE SET FOR NOVEMBER 8-10

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Battle of the Border

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League, in partnership with the High Performance Hockey League, is set to host the 6th annual ‘Battle of the Border’ Showcase from November 8-10 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ont.

The event brings together Ontario Hockey League prospects from both sides of the border for a weekend of competition featuring many top players eligible for the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. The showcase features a Minor Midget Under-15 category in addition to a Bantam Under-14 category.

A total of 24 teams will compete in a series of 36 games over the course of the weekend.

Minor midget teams representing Ontario include the Ajax-Pickering Raiders (OMHA – ETA), Southern Tier Admirals (OMHA – SCTA), Sun County Panthers (ALLIANCE), Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL), Toronto Marlboros (GTHL) and Toronto Titans (GTHL).

Bantam teams representing Ontario include the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs (OMHA – SCTA), Mississauga Reps (GTHL), Oakville Rangers (OMHA – SCTA), Sun County Panthers (ALLIANCE), Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL) and Windsor Jr. Spitfires (ALLIANCE).

HPHL teams in both the U14 and U15 divisions include the Chicago Mission, Chicago Young Americans, Detroit Compuware, Detroit Honeybaked, Team Illinois and Oakland Jr. Grizzlies.

In addition to the competition on the ice, players and their families will have the opportunity to watch the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires practice on Saturday morning then play the North Bay Battalion at night.  There will also be an information seminar focusing on areas such as the league’s scholarship program, professional support programs, development opportunities, benefits, player environment, and safety, health and welfare programs.

Five players from last year’s event were chosen in the opening two rounds of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection including eighth overall pick Ryan Winterton of the Hamilton Bulldogs (Whitby Wildcats), 18th overall choice Jacob Holmes of the Soo Greyhounds (York-Simcoe Express), 19th pick Connor Punnett of the Saginaw Spirit (North Central Predators), 26th overall selection Ethan Larmand of the Sudbury Wolves (North Central Predators) and 32nd pick Brenden Sirizzotti of the Ottawa 67’s (Whitby Wildcats).

All games will have three 17-minute periods with a flood occurring midway through the second period.  3-on-3 overtime will ensue should games be tied after regulation time, followed by a three-man shootout if there is no overtime goal.  Total points accumulated by each country will determine the ‘Battle of the Border’ champion.  Teams receive three points for a win, one point for each tie, and one extra point for an overtime or shootout win.

Minor Midget Under-15 Schedule:

Friday, November 8:
3:00pm – Toronto Marlboros vs. Detroit Compuware (Main Bowl)
3:40pm – Toronto Titans vs. Oakland Jr. Grizzlies (Grenon)
5:15pm – Southern Tier Admirals vs. Chicago Mission (Main Bowl)
5:40pm – Sun County Panthers vs. Chicago Young Americans (Grenon)
7:30pm – Toronto Jr. Canadiens vs. Detroit Honeybaked (Main Bowl)
7:40pm – Ajax-Pickering Raiders vs. Team Illinois (Grenon)

Saturday, November 9:
9:20am – Chicago Mission vs. Sun County Panthers (Greenshield)
11:00am – Detroit Compuware vs. Toronto Titans (AM 800)
11:50am – Detroit Honeybaked vs. Toronto Marlboros (Greenshield)
12:30pm – Oakland Jr. Grizzlies vs. Toronto Jr. Canadiens (Main Bowl)
2:20pm – Team Illinois vs. Southern Tier Admirals (Greenshield)
2:30pm – Chicago Young Americans vs. Ajax-Pickering Raiders (AM 800)

Sunday, November 10:
8:00am – Ajax-Pickering Raiders vs. Chicago Mission (Main Bowl)
8:00am – Toronto Jr. Canadiens vs. Detroit Compuware (Grenon)
11:10am – Southern Tier Admirals vs. Chicago Young Americans (Grenon)
11:20am – Sun County Panthers vs. Team Illinois (Greenshield)
12:00pm – Toronto Titans vs. Detroit Honeybaked (Main Bowl)
1:00pm – Toronto Marlboros vs. Oakland Jr. Grizzlies (Grenon)

Bantam Under-14 Schedule:

Friday, November 8:
3:00pm – Toronto Jr. Canadiens vs. Detroit Honeybaked (AM 800)
3:20pm – Sun County Panthers vs. Detroit Compuware (Greenshield)
5:30pm – Windsor Jr. Spitfires vs. Chicago Young Americans (AM 800)
5:50pm – Oakville Rangers vs. Team Illinois (Greenshield)
7:50pm – Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs vs. Chicago Mission (Greenshield)
8:00pm – Mississauga Reps vs. Oakland Jr. Grizzlies (AM 800)

Saturday, November 9:
8:00am – Chicago Mission vs. Oakville Rangers (Main Bowl)
8:30am – Detroit Compuware vs. Windsor Jr. Spitfires (AM 800)
10:15am – Detroit Honeybaked vs. Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs (Main Bowl)
11:10am – Team Illinois vs. Toronto Jr. Canadiens (Grenon)
1:40pm – Chicago Young Americans vs. Mississauga Reps (Grenon)
2:45pm – Oakland Jr. Grizzlies vs. Sun County Panthers (Main Bowl)

Sunday, November 10:
8:00am – Mississauga Reps vs. Detroit Compuware (AM 800)
8:50am – Toronto Jr. Canadiens vs. Chicago Mission (Greenshield)
10:00am – Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs vs. Team Illinois (Main Bowl)
10:30am – Oakville Rangers vs. Detroit Honeybaked (AM 800)
12:30pm – Sun County Panthers vs. Chicago Young Americans (AM 800)
12:50pm – Windsor Jr. Spitfires vs. Oakland Jr. Grizzlies (Greenshield)

Admission is free for all ‘Battle of the Border’ games.

Check out the latest OHL #PlayersFirst videos, featuring a Fact of the Week and Alumni Spotlight covering various elements of life in the OHL.

OHL THIS WEEK: NOVEMBER 1 TO 3, 2019

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

OHL This Week

Toronto, Ont. – Halloween is behind us and a new month lies ahead! Here’s everything you need to know as the OHL schedule roars into the month of November.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER:
The Ontario Hockey League announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in October 2019, including Hamilton Bulldogs forward Arthur Kaliyev, Ottawa 67’s defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer and Peterborough Petes teammates Mason McTavish and Hunter Jones.
READ MORE

OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER:
The Ontario Hockey League announced the OHL Academic Players of the Month for October 2019, including Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs, Pacey Schlueting of the North Bay Battalion, Zack Terry of the Guelph Storm and Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit.
READ MORE

GENERALS, ATTACK AND FIREBIRDS INCLUDED IN KIA CHL TOP 10:
The Oshawa Generals, Owen Sound Attack and Flint Firebirds are in the latest edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. The Firebirds make their season debut, qualifying for the first time in franchise history while honourable mentions include the Peterborough Petes and Windsor Spitfires.
FULL RANKINGS

TEAM OHL LEADERSHIP GROUP NAMED FOR 2019 CIBC CANADA RUSSIA SERIES:
Owen Sound Attack forward Aidan Dudas will lead Team OHL, wearing the ‘C’ for both Games 3 and 4 set for Thursday November 7 in Kitchener and Monday November 11 in London. He’ll be joined by assistant captains Kevin Bahl of the Ottawa 67’s and Ty Dellandrea of the Flint Firebirds. All three players were invited to Hockey Canada’s National Junior Team Summer Showcase.
READ MORE

SPIRIT’S GIROUX NAMED TO TEAM OHL ROSTER:
Saginaw Spirit forward Damien Giroux has been added to Team OHL’s roster for the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series. Giroux replaces injured Ottawa 67’s forward Graeme Clarke on the roster and will compete in Game 3 of the series on Thursday November 7 in Kitchener.
READ MORE

RUSSIAN ROSTER ANNOUNCED FOR 2019 CIBC CANADA RUSSIA SERIES:
A team of 24 Russian players including three goaltenders, eight defencemen, and 13 forwards will travel across Canada as part of the 17th annual CIBC Canada Russia Series with six games against CHL competition in preparation for the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship.
FULL ROSTER

WORLD UNDER-17 HOCKEY CHALLENGE SET TO GET UNDERWAY IN MEDICINE HAT AND SWIFT CURRENT:
The 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge is set to get underway this weekend in Medicine Hat, Alta. and Swift Current, Sask., with 24 OHL players competing across Team Canada Black, Team Canada Red and Team Canada White. Stay tuned to ontariohockeyleague.com throughout the event for full coverage or visit hockeycanada.ca.
READ MORE • CANADIAN ROSTERS

STORM’S DAWS NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Guelph Storm goaltender Nico Daws is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the week of regular season action ending October 27 with a 3-0-0-0 record, 1.95 goals-against average, .949 save percentage and one shutout. Daws helped the defending OHL champion Storm win three straight as they improved to 6-4-1-2 in a highly competitive Midwest Division.
READ MORE

DAWS, HOEFENMAYER AND MCMICHAEL NAMED TO VAUGHN CHL TEAM OF THE WEEK:
The Vaughn CHL Team of the Week features three OHL representatives as Ottawa’s Noel Hoefenmayer, Guelph’s Nico Daws and London’s Connor McMichael all made the cut.
READ MORE

OHL WEEKEND NOTEBOOK – OCT. 29, 2019:
The OHL Weekend Notebook recaps the weekend that was with news, information and interesting facts from both on and off the ice. Here are 10 of the leading stories from this past weekend.
READ MORE

WAWANESA OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK – OCT. 30, 2019:
The latest edition of the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week for the 2019-20 season feature a collection of the league’s Top-5 plays during the week ending October 27th. This week’s highlights include Saginaw’s Cole Perfetti notching career point 100 with a nifty pass from his knees, Mississauga’s Thomas Harley going on an end-to-end rush with a little help from a teammate, Erie’s Emmett Sproule showing us his breakaway moves, Niagara’s Philip Tomasino with a soft touch off the rush and Sarnia’s Jamieson Rees turning an opposing defender inside out.
WATCH

VAUGHN SAVES OF THE WEEK – OCT. 29, 2019:
There’s no denying it, OHL goaltenders were dynamite in the latest edition of #VaughnSaves. Featured this week are a pair of breakaway saves from Owen Sound Attack goaltender Mack Guzda along with other stops out of fellow Attack netminder Nick Chenard, Sarnia’s Ethan Langevin, Ottawa’s Cedrick Andree, London’s Brett Brochu, Sarnia’s Ben Gaudreau, Hamilton’s Zach Roy, Kitchener’s Jacob Ingham and Peterborough’s Hunter Jones.
WATCH

STING’S REES REPRESENTS OHL IN CHL SHOWDOWN:
Sarnia Sting forward Jamieson Rees is the OHL’s representative in this week’s CHL Showdown featuring one great play from all three leagues.
WATCH & VOTE

NOVEMBER IS SPECIAL OLYMPICS GAME MONTH IN THE OHL:
The Ontario Hockey League has announced that it is teaming up with The Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Ontario to raise awareness around the Special Olympics movement for a 12th straight season. November is Special Olympics Game Month in the OHL as fans will have the opportunity to learn more about Special Olympics Ontario and can help the movement by contributing funds through the annual ‘Pass the Bucket’ and other fundraising initiatives at select games across the League. New this season, the Ontario Hockey League is partnering with Ascend Fundraising Solutions to donate the proceeds of a league-wide online 50-50 raffle that runs throughout the month of November to Special Olympics Ontario.
MORE DETAILS

#PLAYERSFIRST: BEST DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE IN THE WORLD:
The Ontario Hockey League has a long-standing history of developing some of the world’s best hockey players. Did you know that, statistically, the OHL is the best development league in the world?
FACT OF THE WEEK • ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

OHL NEWS – RADIO EDITION WITH OWEN SOUND ATTACK CAPTAIN AIDAN DUDAS:
This week’s OHL News Radio segment features Owen Sound Attack captain Aidan Dudas, a fourth round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the fourth round of the 2018 NHL Draft. Dudas leads the CHL’s eighth-ranked Attack offensively with 21 points (6-15–21) through 13 games this season. The former 10th overall OHL Priority Selection choice comes off back-to-back three-point contests as the Attack enter the weekend preparing to face the Kitchener Rangers and Sarnia Sting.
LISTEN

5 QUESTIONS WITH SAGINAW’S COLE PERFETTI:
A projected early selection in the coming 2020 NHL Draft, Saginaw Spirit forward Cole Perfetti drew the attention of talent evaluators in 2018-19 when as a freshman he led all Ontario Hockey League first-years in goals and points. At year end, he then shined under the national spotlight as part of Team Canada at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, an opportunity that allowed him to put his shootout skills on display.
READ MORE

OHL MOURNS THE LOSS OF JIM GREGORY:
The Ontario Hockey League family is mourning the loss of one of hockey’s great builders. Long-time NHL executive, former OHL general manager and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Jim Gregory passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 83. Gregory got his managerial start with the OHA’s St. Michael’s College School and Toronto Marlboros, guiding both teams to great success. He won both the J. Ross Robertson Cup and Memorial Cup in a managerial capacity alongside Father David Bauer at St. Michael’s in 1961, again as coach of the Marlboros in 1964 and then assumed a managerial role with the Marlboros to hoist them a third time in 1967.
READ MORE • JIM GREGORY GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD

FRONTENACS’ GILMOUR STEPS DOWN TO JOIN MAPLE LEAFS:
The Kingston Frontenacs announced on Friday that Doug Gilmour has stepped down as President of Hockey Operations to join the Toronto Maple Leafs. Gilmour, who spent more than a decade with his hometown team as Head Coach, General Manager, and President of Hockey Operations, will join the Leafs as a Community Representative.
READ MORE

FOUNTAIN TIRE AND OHL LAUNCH SEARCH FOR 3 STARS IN THE COMMUNITY:
Fountain Tire has once again teamed up with the OHL to honour local difference makers. Fountain Tire 3 Stars is a collaboration that recognizes ‘stars’ in 21 cities across Canada who go above and beyond to make their community a better place. Canadians can nominate their local heroes until November 30, 2019.
READ MORE

OHL, BRUCE POWER PARTNER IN SUPPORT OF BRAIN TUMOUR FOUNDATION OF CANADA AND THE PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY GROUP OF ONTARIO:
The Ontario Hockey League and Bruce Power have partnered in support of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario. Through its partnership, Bruce Power will sponsor games in 16 OHL communities during the regular season to raise awareness around Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and POGO. Both organizations will have an opportunity – through splitting the 16 games – to set up information/awareness kiosks inside the arenas on their respective game nights while the teams will promote POGO, Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and Bruce Power on its social media channels and through their in-game promotions.
READ MORE

IN CONVERSATION WITH CHL PRESIDENT DAN MACKENZIE:
Dan MacKenzie joined the Canadian Hockey League tasked with expanding the league brand, growing the game, and further enhancing the player and fan experience. The longtime sports executive and first full-time president of the CHL chatted with Junior Hockey Magazine about his first few months on the job.
LISTEN

ROGERS HOMETOWN HOCKEY TOUR STOPS IN STRATHROY:
The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour comes to Ontario this weekend with a stop in Strathroy-Caradoc, a community located between London and Sarnia. Ottawa 67’s graduate Brian Campbell will be featured in this weekend’s coverage as Ron MacLean and Tara Slone share everything you need to know.
VISIT HOMETOWNHOCKEY.COM

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Rangers, Wolves and IceDogs host Special Olympics Ontario Night: The Kitchener Rangers, Sudbury Wolves and Niagara IceDogs will host Special Olympics Night in their respective facilities this coming weekend. November is Special Olympics Game Month in the OHL as fans will have the opportunity to learn more about Special Olympics Ontario and can help the movement by contributing funds through the annual ‘Pass the Bucket’ and other fundraising initiatives at select games across the League. Special Olympics games in OHL rinks may also include ceremonial puck drops with Special Olympics Ontario athletes and staff along with members of local law enforcement.
READ MORE

Rangers supporting the “Jake Saves Campaign” benefitting Hockey Gives Blood: The Kitchener Rangers announced Thursday that they’ll be supporting goaltender Jacob Ingham’s “Jake Saves Campaign” with proceeds benefiting Hockey Gives Blood. The Rangers will match the Ingham family’s $5 donation for each save Jacob makes this season.
FULL DETAILS AT KITCHENERRANGERS.COM

Sting stick it to domestic violence on Friday: The Sarnia Sting are once again proud to partner with the local Women’s interval home to help raise awareness and curb domestic violence in the Sarnia-Lambton Area. Fans will notice a purple theme in the arena as the players tape up with purple tape and the coaches donning purple ties for the contest. The game will also consist of a ceremonial puck drop, public address and videoboard messaging promoting all local services available. Proceeds from the evenings Chuck-A-Puck will also go to support the local Women’s Interval Home.
READ MORE AT SARNIASTING.COM

Spirit host Trunk or Treat, Military Appreciation Night this weekend: The Saginaw Spirit host a pair of home games this weekend, with plans in line for both. The Spirit will host a ‘Trunk or Treat’ event on Friday when the Barrie Colts visit the Dow Event Center.Kids and Adults are encouraged to wear their Halloween costume to the game and trick or treat in the Budweiser Red Room beginning at 5:30 p.m.. The Spirit will honour military service members on Saturday, wearing specially-themed Military jerseys when they play host to the Guelph Storm. Current military service members and veterans will receive a complementary ticket to the game before the Spirit’s game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off for charity post-game.

Otters host Military Appreciation Night, Family Funday this weekend: The Erie Otters have big plans for back-to-back home dates this coming Saturday and Sunday when they play host to the Ottawa 67’s and Niagara IceDogs. The Otters will host Military Appreciation Night on Saturday before welcoming the IceDogs for a special Family Funday event on Sunday.
FULL DETAILS AT OTTERSHOCKEY.COM

Battalion host Redpath Shift Change Night, salute veterans this weekend: The North Bay Battalion host a pair of home games this weekend, welcoming the Sudbury Wolves for Redpath Shift Change Night on Friday before the Peterborough Petes visit for a Remembrance Day salute on Sunday. Fans at Friday’s game will receive a flashing safety light courtesy of Redpath. The Battalion honour veterans prior to Sunday’s contest.
MORE INFO AT BATTALIONHOCKEY.COM

Wolves feature special guest River Town Saints at Saturday’s game: The Sudbury Wolves battle the Peterborough Petes on Saturday and will welcome special musical guest River Town Saints who will perform prior to puck drop. River Town Saints are a Canadian country band with frequent radio play and well-known hits such as Cherry Bomb, Bonfire and Woke Up Like This. Fans are encouraged to come down early as they will take the stage pre-game from 6-6:30pm and 6:50-7:00pm.
FULL DETAILS AT SUDBURYWOLVES.COM

Arthur Kaliyev bobblehead giveaway in Hamilton on Sunday: Get to the Hamilton Bulldogs game on Sunday and take home an Arthur Kaliyev bobblehead! The Dogs are kicking off the Bulldogs Bobblehead Series with their highest-ever NHL draft pick. Fans should arrive early to ensure they’re one of the the first 1000 fans in attendance that will be going home with a little Artie. See if you can collect all three! Hamilton Public Works will be bringing in the artillery for a touch-a-truck event on the concourse!

ALUMNI NOTES:

Carlson named NHL’s first star of the month: London Knights graduate John Carlson of the Washington Capitals has been named the NHL’s first star of the month for October. Carlson paced NHL defencemen in goals (7), assists (16) and points (23). Only one defenceman in NHL history (Al MacInnis) has recorded more points in a single month of October. Carlson spent the 2008-09 season with the Knights, recording 76 points (16-60–76) over 59 games. He helped the Capitals hoist the Stanley Cup in 2018.

Fowler surpasses Niedermayer for most goals by a Ducks defenceman: Windsor Spitfires graduate and former Memorial Cup champion Cam Fowler surpassed legendary defenceman Scott Niedermayer for the most goals by a defenceman in Anaheim Ducks franchise history on Tuesday. Fowler’s 61st career regular season goal came in a 7-4 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Now in his 10th season on the Anaheim blue line, Fowler has seven points (3-4–7) through 14 contests in 2019-20. The 27-year-old defenceman spent the 2009-10 season in Windsor, recording 55 points (8-47–55) in as many games before being selected 12th overall by the Ducks in the 2010 NHL Draft.

Boqvist recalled by Blackhawks: After starting the season in the AHL, the Chicago Blackhawks have called up 2018 first round NHL Draft pick Adam Boqvist. The 19-year-old, who recorded 60 points (20-40–60) in 54 games with the London Knights last season, scored his first professional goal in a six-game stint with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs to start the season. Boqvist was the eighth overall pick of the 2018 NHL Draft and could potentially make his NHL debut this weekend.

Boucher named AHL Player of the Month: Sarnia Sting graduate and former OHL goal-scoring leader Reid Boucher has been named AHL Player of the Month, putting up 13 points (10-3–13) in eight games with the Utica Comets. Boucher led the way in steering the Comets to a perfect 8-0 month of October to kick-off his seventh season of pro hockey. The 26-year-old product of Grand Ledge, Mich. played two OHL seasons in Sarnia from 2011-13, graduating with 62 goals and 95 points over 68 games in 2012-13. The former fourth round pick of the New Jersey Devils in 2011 has played a total of 133 career NHL games, appearing in one last season with the Vancouver Canucks.

Prosvetov off to a hot start in Tucson: Saginaw Spirit graduate Ivan Prosvetov has drawn praise for his strong start to the AHL season, going 2-1 with a 1.64 goals-against average and .951 save percentage through his first three stars with the Tucson Roadrunners. The Arizona Coyotes prospect earned first star honours in his AHL debut and has been solid ever since after starting the season uncertain where he may land out of the gate. Prosvetov had a great deal to do with Saginaw’s West Division title last season, going with 36-11-2-1 with a 2.94 goals-against average and .910 save percentage over 53 games. Tucson.com’s Brett Fera has more on the story.
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Luukkonen nearing return to the crease: Reigning OHL MVP and Goaltender of the Year Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen looks to be nearing a return to the crease after undergoing hip surgery this past offseason. The 6-foot-5, 220Ib Sudbury Wolves graduate has been working out with Buffalo’s AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans. ‘UPL’ was Buffalo’s second round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft and helped Finland win gold at the World Juniors last January. He posted a Wolves franchise record 2.50 goals-against average last season, helping the team reach the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2013. The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle’s Leo Roth has the story.
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Quine still working to be everyday NHL-er: OHL graduate Alan Quine, a former second overall OHL Priority Selection choice who was drafted to the NHL two different times, is still working hard to stick in ‘The Show’ on a full-time basis. Quine recently played his 100th career NHL contest, doing so at 26 years of age. The Ottawa, Ont. product has been up and down between the NHL and AHL over the past five seasons and was called up by the Calgary Flames after putting up five points in four contests with AHL Stockton to start the season. Quine played four OHL seasons between Kingston, Peterborough and Belleville from 2009-13. He was a third round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 2011 before being chosen by the New York Islanders in the sixth round of the 2013 NHL Draft. The Calgary Sun’s Wes Gilbertson provides Quine’s story.
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OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Academic Players for October

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the OHL Academic Players of the Month for October 2019, including Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs, Pacey Schlueting of the North Bay Battalion, Zack Terry of the Guelph Storm and Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit.

East Division: Kingston Frontenacs rookie and 2019 OHL Priority Selection first overall pick Shane Wright is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for October. The 15-year-old from Burlington, Ont. is off to a great start in his Grade 10 studies at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, achieving a 95% average in his academic math, business, computer technology and high performance athlete courses.

“Shane’s exceptional work ethic and dedication to his academic studies have been every apparent right from the first week of school,” said Frontenacs academic advisor Kim Hulton. “The staff at Holy Cross are exceptionally impressed with his maturity, commitment to his studies and his ability to act as a role model in his new school.”

On the ice, the exceptional status rookie has 11 points (5-6–11) through his first 14 contests, leading OHL rookies with 48 shots on goal.  He’ll be representing Canada Black at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge starting this weekend in Medicine Hat, Alta. and Swift Current, Sask. He’s a graduate of the Don Mills Flyers Minor Midget program.

Central Division: North Bay Battalion defenceman Pacey Schlueting is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month. The sophomore defenceman owns an 84% average in Grade 12 chemistry, philosophy and functions courses at Chippewa Secondary School. This marks the second time Schlueting has received the honour after doing so in February 2019.

“Pacey is very self-directed and has shown himself to be a very motivated learner,” said Battalion academic advisor Colleen Point.

The 17-year-old hometown product of North Bay, Ont. has three assists over 14 games in his second OHL season after suiting up in 60 regular season contests as a rookie. Schlueting was North Bay’s first round (9th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the North Bay Trappers Minor Midgets.

Midwest Division: Guelph Storm defenceman Zack Terry is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month. The second-year blueliner and reigning Ivan Tennant Memorial Award winner as the OHL’s top academic secondary school student owns an A+ average in his Grade 12 studies at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School, managing a course load that includes english, chemistry and advanced functions. This marks the second time Terry has received the honour after doing so in February 2019.

“Zack is the consummate student-athlete,” said Storm academic advisor Colleen Driscoll. He has continued to excel in the classroom maintaining his high academic standards as evidenced in his A+ average. His teachers describe him as hard working; conscientious; possessing great potential and skills. His strong academic achievement is a direct reflection of his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.”

The 17-year-old Oakville, Ont. native has two assists through his first 12 games of the season after hoisting the Robertson Cup as an OHL champion with the Storm last spring. The 6-foot-2, 189Ib. defenceman was Guelph’s second round (36th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the Oakville Rangers Minor Midgets.

West Division: Saginaw Spirit forward and top 2020 NHL Draft prospect Cole Perfetti is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for October. Perfetti owns an overall average of 95% in his Grade 12 studies at Heritage High School, learning about subjects such as algebra as well as elite athlete and leadership courses. This marks the second time Perfetti has received the honour after doing so in February 2019.

“Cole is an outstanding, conscientious individual with an excellent work ethic,” said Spirit academic advisor Pam Moretuzzo. “He welcomes academic and personal challenges and works diligently which is evident in his high achievements. Cole’s grade 11 average was 93% which included university-level and international baccalaureate courses. He is a very strong student and has assumed the role of peer tutor in numerous study sessions. He is well-liked and respected by his peers and adults alike and has proven himself to be a true leader in and out of school.”

After setting a Spirit franchise record with 37 goals as a rookie in 2018-19, Perfetti has continued his production, leading the team with 27 points (5-22–27) through 16 games this season. He’ll be representing Team OHL in next week’s CIBC Canada Russia Series. Perfetti was Saginaw’s first round (5th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the Vaughan Kings Minor Midgets.

2019-20 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
October – Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)

Central Division:
October – Pacey Schlueting (North Bay Battalion)

Midwest Division:
October – Zack Terry (Guelph Storm)

West Division:
October – Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit)

Last season, the OHL Centrally Administered Scholarship Program facilitated scholarships for 340 OHL Alumni at 69 different academic institutions across North America with a total scholarship payment in excess of $3.2 million. Since the 2007-08 season, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.

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

NOVEMBER IS SPECIAL OLYMPICS GAME MONTH IN THE OHL

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Special Olympics

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League announced today that it is teaming up with The Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Ontario to raise awareness around the Special Olympics movement for a 12th straight season.

November is Special Olympics Game Month in the OHL as fans will have the opportunity to learn more about Special Olympics Ontario and can help the movement by contributing funds through the annual ‘Pass the Bucket’ and other fundraising initiatives at select games across the League.

“The Ontario Hockey League has enjoyed a long-standing relationship in support of Special Olympics Ontario,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “We look forward to spending the month of November raising funds and awareness for this most important organization at work in our OHL communities.”

New this season, the Ontario Hockey League is partnering with Ascend Fundraising Solutions to donate the proceeds of a league-wide online 50-50 raffle that runs throughout the month of November to Special Olympics Ontario. Fans in Ontario can visit specialolympics5050.com to purchase a ticket for the chance to win a guaranteed minimum prize of $5,000. All additional proceeds raised through the 50-50 raffle will be donated to Special Olympics Ontario. The winning ticket will be drawn on Monday, December 2nd at 11:00am.

Special Olympics games in OHL rinks may also include ceremonial puck drops with Special Olympics Ontario athletes and staff along with members of local law enforcement.

“The partnership between Special Olympics Ontario and the OHL has grown over the course of 12 years and we are proud with the affiliation,” said President & CEO of Special Olympics Ontario Glenn MacDonnell. “Special Olympics has benefitted from the awareness and support of all OHL teams and fans. The visibility and heartwarming welcome the OHL teams and players provide to Special Olympics athletes proves the positive impact of athletes supporting athletes.”

The 2019 campaign comes on the heels of Special Olympics’ 50-year anniversary celebrated across the OHL last season, recognizing the half-century mark of the movement first pioneered by Dr. Frank Hayden in 1968.

Ontario Hockey League member teams and their fans raised over $34,000 for Special Olympics Ontario during the 2018-19 season.

Special Olympics Game Month Schedule:

Friday, November 1 at Kitchener Rangers (vs. Owen Sound Attack)
Saturday, November 2 at Niagara IceDogs (vs. Mississauga Steelheads)
Saturday, November 2 at Sudbury Wolves (vs. Peterborough Petes)
Saturday, November 9 at Barrie Colts (vs. Erie Otters)
Saturday, November 9 at Windsor Spitfires (vs. North Bay Battalion)
Sunday, November 10 at Hamilton Bulldogs (vs. Niagara IceDogs)
Thursday, November 14 at Peterborough Petes (vs. Niagara IceDogs)
Friday, November 15 at Mississauga Steelheads (vs. Sarnia Sting)
Saturday, November 16 at Guelph Storm (vs. Saginaw Spirit)
Saturday, November 16 at Owen Sound Attack (vs. Kingston Frontenacs)
Sunday, November 17 at London Knights (vs. Kitchener Rangers)
Saturday, November 23 at Ottawa 67’s (vs. Mississauga Steelheads)
Sunday, November 24 at Kingston Frontenacs (vs. Mississauga Steelheads)
Sunday, November 24 at Sarnia Sting (vs. Soo Greyhounds)
Sunday, November 24 at North Bay Battalion (vs. Niagara IceDogs)
Thursday, November 28 at Oshawa Generals (vs. Mississauga Steelheads)

Additional games this season:

January 17 at Soo Greyhounds (vs. Saginaw Spirit)

The OHL is proud to support the nearly 26,000 Special Olympics Ontario participants – a figure that has grown by close to 60% during the league’s 12-year provincial partnership since 2008.

For more information or to make a donation visit specialolympicsontario.com.

About Special Olympics Ontario
Special Olympics Ontario is part of a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports.  We empower people with intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all.  Using sports as the catalyst and programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and intolerance.  Special Olympics encourages sports and fun, bringing people together and breaks down stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities through a unified sports approach.

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 five American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. Last season, more than nine million fans attended CHL games in the regular season, playoffs and at the MasterCard Memorial Cup. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League than any other league. Last season, 527 graduates attended Canadian Universities on scholarships from CHL teams.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Top Performers October

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in October 2019, including Hamilton Bulldogs forward Arthur Kaliyev, Ottawa 67’s defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer and Peterborough Petes teammates Mason McTavish and Hunter Jones.

OHL Player of the Month – Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs):
Los Angeles Kings prospect Arthur Kaliyev of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the OHL Player of the Month for October after leading the league with 25 points, putting up 14 goals and 11 assists over 12 games to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-4. The 6-foot-2, 190Ib. winger recorded points in 11 of his 12 October outings including eight different multi-point performances. Kaliyev’s month was headlined by back-to-back four point performances on October 11th and 14th as he scored a career-high four goals in a 4-1 road win over the Erie Otters followed by two goals and two assists in a 7-5 win over visiting Barrie. He recorded two goals and an assist in a 4-2 road win over the Kingston Frontenacs on October 18th and ended the month with another three-point performance in Wednesday’s 5-4 win over Barrie that included a goal and two helpers. Kaliyev earned star of the game recognition on six different occasions, being named first star three times.

An 18-year-old native of Staten Island, NY, Kaliyev sits tied for the OHL lead in goals with 16, tacking on 15 assists for 31 points over 16 games. After finishing second in OHL shots on goal last season, Kaliyev is on top of the league with 88 to his credit thus far. Now in his third season, Kaliyev comes off a 102-point campaign in 2018-19 and has amassed 181 points (98-83–181) over 151 career regular season games, all spent in a Bulldogs uniform. He helped Hamilton hoist the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions in 2017-18, becoming the first rookie in Bulldogs all-time franchise history to score over 30 goals in a season. Kaliyev was a second round (33rd overall) pick of the Los Angeles Kings this past summer after originally being Hamilton’s second round (26th overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection. He attended USA Hockey’s World Junior Summer Showcase this past August.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s):
Ottawa 67’s overage defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for October after leading all rearguards with 16 points including five goals and 11 assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-12 over nine contests. Hoefenmayer recorded at least one point in eight of his nine October appearances, finishing the month strong with two game winning goals in his last three contests. The 6-foot-1, 196Ib. blueliner recorded a goal and an assist to help the 67’s charge back to defeat the Kingston Frontenacs 8-7 on October 14th. He potted his first career OHL hat-trick, capping it off with the overtime winner in a 5-4 win over visiting Hamilton on October 20th. Hoefenmayer followed that impressive performance with another three-point showing, recording a goal and two assists with the third period game winner in a 4-3 win over the Kitchener Rangers on October 25th. His latest outing yielded a season-high four points as he picked up four helpers in a 7-2 win over the Sarnia Sting on October 27th.

A 20-year-old native of North York, Ont., Hoefenmayer leads OHL defencemen with 21 points (6-15–21) over 13 games this season. His 253 career regular season games are fifth-most in 67’s franchise history as he’s collected 161 points (45-116–161) along the way. The fifth-year defender who helped the 67’s win an Eastern Conference title last spring was a fourth round (108th overall) pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Draft before going unsigned. Hoefenmayer attended rookie camp with the Carolina Hurricanes this past September. He was Ottawa’s second round (36th overall) pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes):
Peterborough Petes forward Mason McTavish is the OHL Rookie of the Month for October after leading all rookies with eight goals along with a pair of assists for 10 points in 11 games. The 6-foot, 198Ib. centreman bookended the month with a pair of two-goal performances, helping the Petes take a 5-2 win in North Bay on October 3rd before recently lighting the lamp twice in a 10-3 win over the Mississauga Steelheads on October 26th. McTavish also scored the game winner in Peterborough’s 6-3 road win over the Sarnia Sting on October 11th and was an impressive 67.8% (38/56) in the faceoff circle over the course of the month.

A 16-year-old native of Pembroke, Ont., McTavish leads OHL rookies with 10 goals along with four assists for 14 points in as many games this season. He’s currently second among rookies in shots on goal with 39 and has helped the Petes to a 10-4-0-0 record on the season including an 8-3-0-0 away from home. The Pembroke Lumber Kings Midget AAA graduate was the fifth overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. His father, Dale McTavish played four seasons in Peterborough from 1989-93, helping the Petes hoist the Robertson Cup in 1993.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes):
Minnesota Wild prospect Hunter Jones of the Peterborough Petes is the Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month for October after playing to an 8-1-0-0 record with a 2.34 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and one shutout over nine contests. The 6-foot-4, 198Ib. netminder ends the month on a four-game winning streak and provided 25 saves or more in six of his eight October victories. Jones locked down his first shutout of the season on October 9th in Saginaw, making 23 saves as the Petes blanked the Spirit 4-0. He turned in another first star performance on Oct. 18th in Ottawa, turning side 32 of 33 shots in a 3-1 win over the 67’s. Jones backstopped the Petes past the CHL’s top-ranked Oshawa Generals 2-1 on October 20th, turning side 28 of 29 shots.

A 19-year-old native of Brantford, Ont., Jones sits tied for the OHL lead with 10 wins accompanied by a 2.46 goals-against average and .920 save percentage over 11 games. The third-year veteran owns a career regular season record of 41-34-2-2 with a 3.54 goals-against average and .897 save percentage with four shutouts over 83 games. Jones was a second round (59th overall) pick of the Minnesota Wild this past summer and was originally Peterborough’s fifth round (89th overall) pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection. He attended Hockey Canada’s National Junior Team Summer Development Camp in August and will represent Team OHL in the upcoming 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series.

2019-20 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
October – Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Defenceman of the Month:
October – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)

Rookie of the Month:
October – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes)

Goaltender of the Month:
October – Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)

Vaughn CHL Team of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the sixth edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the 2019-20 season based on individual performances from Oct. 21-27.

Leading the way up front is Val-d’Or Foreurs right-wing Nicolas Ouellet, who wrapped up the week with eight points counting seven goals and one assist in three games. That stretch included back-to-back hat-tricks against Gatineau and Acadie-Bathurst, while Ouellet also added an assist in the latter contest to finish with four points and first-star recognition. For his efforts, the 20-year-old was named the Ultramar QMJHL Player of the Week.

Joining the forward ranks is London Knights centre and Washington Capitals first-round pick Connor McMichael, who finished the week with four goals and four assists for eight points across a trio of contests. McMichael, who is currently riding a five-game point streak, is coming off back-to-back three-point performances, including his three-assist showing versus Niagara on Sunday that earned him second-star honours.

Portland Winterhawks centre Jake Gricius rounds out the forward ranks following a week in which he amassed seven points counting three goals and four assists over two games. That stretch included an incredible five-point effort against Spokane on Friday in which Gricius finished with two goals and three assists to claim first-star honours. The overager was also later recognized as the WHL On the Run Player of the Week.

On the blue line, Ottawa 67’s overage rearguard Noel Hoefenmayer earns a spot on the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the second week running following a seven-point performance over two games. The budding blue-liner’s best showing came Sunday against Sarnia as he matched his career high for points in one game with four assists to guide his club to a 7-2 victory.

Partnering on the back end is Lethbridge Hurricanes overage defenceman Koletrane Wilson who tallied five points counting one goal and four assists across three appearances. Wilson was a key performer in Tuesday’s 4-3 decision over Red Deer in which he finished with two points, including a power play marker midway through the middle frame en route to second-star recognition.

Between the pipes, Guelph Storm netminder Nico Daws won all three of his appearances, turning aside a combined 111 shots for a .949 save percentage and 1.95 goals-against average. Daws’ top performance came in a 35-save outing against Mississauga on Sunday that guided the Storm to a 4-0 victory and his second shutout of the season. For his efforts, Daws was recognized as the OHL On the Run Player of the Week.

 

AFANASYEV AND OKHOTYUK TO REPRESENT RUSSIA IN 2019 CIBC CANADA RUSSIA SERIES

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League, in association with the Canadian Hockey League and the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, announced today that Windsor Spitfires forward Egor Afanasyev and Ottawa 67’s defenceman Nikita Okhotyuk will represent Russia in the upcoming 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series.

Team OHL will compete against Afanasyev, Okhotyuk and Russian National Junior Team hopefuls in Game 3 of the series on Thursday, November 7 in Kitchener before Game 4 takes place on Monday, November 11 in London.

A second round (45th overall) pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2019 NHL Draft, Afanasyev is in his first OHL season with the Windsor Spitfires after his rights were acquired from the Ottawa 67’s in December 2018. The 18-year-old from Moscow, Russia has 12 points (5-7–12) through his first 11 games of the 2019-20 season and recently signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with the Predators last week. Afanasyev was originally Ottawa’s sixth round pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection.

The 6-foot-3, 205Ib. winger represented Russia at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, recording five points (2-3–5) in as many games.

A second round (61st overall) pick of the New Jersey Devils in the 2019 NHL Draft, Okhotyuk made his season debut last weekend after recovering from injury to begin 2019-20. The 18-year-old from Chelyabinsk, Russia is in his third OHL season after recording 17 points (2-15–17) over 56 games with the 67’s last season, helping guide the team to an Eastern Conference championship. The 6-foot-1, 198Ib. rearguard was Ottawa’s first round (16th overall) pick in the 2017 CHL Import Draft.

Okhotyuk represented Russia at the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., suiting up in six games as Russia claimed bronze. He wore the ‘C’ for Russia at the 2017 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, recording three points (1-2–3) in five contests. He also represented his country in the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Chelyabinsk and Magnitogorsk, Russia, recording two assists in five contests.

In 16 years of competition, the Russian National Junior Team has played to a record of 33-60-0-3, winning last year’s series by an 11-7 mark in points.

2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series Schedule:
Game 1 – Monday November 4 at Saint John, NB
Game 2 – Tuesday November 5 at Moncton, NB
Game 3 – Thursday November 7 at Kitchener, ON
Game 4 – Monday November 11 at London, ON
Game 5 – Wednesday November 13 at Saskatoon, SK
Game 6 – Thursday November 14 at Prince Albert, SK

The 2019 CIBC Canada Russia series is proudly supported by title partner CIBC, and associate sponsors Kia Canada, Cooper Tires, and Kubota Canada.  All games will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

For event information including how to purchase tickets please visit http://chlcanadarussia.ca.