Around the OHL

The stage is set. The number one seed Ottawa 67’s will battle the number three seed Oshawa Generals for the Bobby Orr Trophy in the Ontario Hockey League’s Eastern Conference while the number two seed Saginaw Spirit host the number four seed Guelph Storm for the Wayne Gretzky Trophy in the Western Conference.

Before we look at how each team got to this point, here’s a look at my not so good playoff predictions to this point:

The Guelph Storm made quick work of the Kitchener Rangers in the opening round and then fell behind 3-0 to the London Knights in round two before completing the reverse sweep. The Saginaw Spirit also made quick work of the Sarnia Sting before being taken to six games by the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds. Sadly, I had both Saginaw and Guelph losing in the second round, both in 7 games.

Over in the Eastern Conference, the 67’s have yet to lose a game in these playoffs quickly taking care of business with sweeps over the Hamilton Bulldogs and the Sudbury Wolves. The Generals dispatched the Peterborough Petes in five games and after losing the first two games against the Niagara IceDogs and the leagues top offence, won 4 straight en route to the Conference Finals.

Let’s begin in the West.

Saginaw’s best chance of winning is to avoid getting into a run and gun game against the league’s second-best offence. The Storm just have too many weapons to beat you with in that type of game. If Saginaw can keep it close, then they have a chance of winning. And the head-to-head season series shows just that.

Guelph holds the advantage with the extra man, both in the regular season and the playoffs. But Saginaw’s penalty kill was superior in the regular season and has been nothing short of perfect in the playoffs to date, allowing just 2 goals in 38 shorthanded situations. Both teams are dominant at home and Saginaw has a slightly better road record. If this series comes down to specialty teams and home ice, the advantage belongs to Saginaw.

In the East, you would think the decided advantage goes to Ottawa. But most hockey pundits thought the same thing when Niagara was to face Oshawa. Kyle Keyser certainly has the ability to steal a game and a series, he did just that against Niagara and is on a record setting pace so far in these playoffs.

Much like Saginaw in the West, If Keyser and the Generals can keep it close, it is their best chance. The Generals won all the one-goal games between the two teams in the regular season – three of them in total. But when the 67’s dominated, they dominated, outscoring Oshawa 28-12 in the other five contests. I guess if you are looking for a bright light, Keyser was in the crease for two of those losses, losing both games 4-0.

Oshawa held a slight advantage on the powerplay in the regular season and while it’s been good in the playoffs clipping along at 27.7%, Ottawa’s has been out of this world at 35.9% (50% at home). Oshawa held a larger advantage on the PK in the regular season as well as the playoffs.

Here is a look at how the teams stacked up against each other, followed by my predictions:

PREDICTIONS;

Saginaw in 7 games

Ottawa in 6 games

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with title partner CIBC, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League, and the Western Hockey League, today announced the six Canadian host cities for the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series to be played November 4-14.

The six-game series features CHL regional league teams comprised of Canadian National Junior Team candidates competing against the Russian National Junior Team as an integral part of the evaluation process for Team Canada prior to the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.

For the first time since 2013 the event will begin in the QMJHL, followed by two OHL matchups, and ending with a pair of contests hosted by the WHL.  The puck drops in New Brunswick with the Saint John Sea Dogs and the Moncton Wildcats hosting Game’s 1 and 2 respectively on Monday November 4 and Tuesday November 5.  When the series shifts to Ontario it will be the Kitchener Rangers hosting Game 3 on Thursday November 7 followed by the London Knights hosting Game 4 on Monday November 11.  The series will then wrap up in Saskatchewan with the Saskatoon Blades and the Prince Albert Raiders hosting Game’s 5 and 6 on Wednesday November 13 and Thursday November 14.

“The Canada and Russia rivalry is like no other in hockey and continues to ignite passion among the players competing on the ice and for the fans following along in CHL communities across the country,” said CHL President David Branch. “This is a showcase of our league’s best players and the stars who will proudly don the maple leaf at Christmas as members of Canada’s National Junior Team in pursuit of gold at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic.”

Since the event first began in 2003, CHL teams have played to an overall record of 63-25-2-6 and have won 12 of 16 total series despite coming up short last season in Russia’s first event win since 2014.  The competitiveness of the rivalry has grown in recent years with six of the last nine series decided in the final game including last season where Russia scored a late goal to force overtime and clinch the title in Drummondville.  20 members of Team Canada at the 2019 World Juniors previously competed in this event, while Russia’s bronze medal winning roster was largely derived from members of this team.

“No other hockey rivalry ignites passion amongst hockey fans as the one that pits Canada against Russia. Fans across the country will be on the edge of their seats cheering on the Canadian teams during the action,” said Stephen Forbes, Executive Vice President, Brand, Purpose and Marketing, CIBC. “Congratulations to the six host cities of the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series! We are looking forward to sharing in the excitement with our clients and employees in these communities, as we rally behind the team to reclaim the trophy.”

The first five cities on the tour will each be hosting this event for the third time while this marks just the second time for Prince Albert following 2008 when Team WHL earned a 2-1 victory to close out the series.  Russia has won both previous games played in Saint John including Game 2 back in 2008 by a 4-3 score, and Game 1 in 2010 by a 5-4 score.  Moncton hosted Game 2 back in 2005 with Team QMJHL skating to a 6-4 victory, then Game 6 in 2017 in likely the most dramatic finish in event history with Russia winning 2-1 in regulation followed by a Team QMJHL triumph in the first ever series deciding shootout.  Kitchener has hosted Game 3 twice before with Team OHL winning both times including 2005 by a 5-2 score and 2007 by a 5-3 score.  London hosted the very first game in event history back in 2003 where Team OHL claimed a 7-1 victory, then hosted Game 3 in 2010 where Team OHL earned a 4-0 shutout.  Saskatoon’s hosting history includes Game 5 in 2005 won 9-2 by Team WHL, and Game 1 of the 2014 series won 3-2 by Russia in a shootout.

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

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

For event information please visit http://chlcanadarussia.ca.

Toronto, ON – 128 players selected in last Saturday’s OHL Priority Selection have been named to 2019 OHL Gold Cup rosters where they’ll represent their respective minor hockey associations from May 2-5 at the Activa Sportsplex in Kitchener, Ont.

For the second straight year the Ottawa 67’s feature the most prospects in the annual showcase with 11 followed by the Kingston Frontenacs with 10 and the North Bay Battalion with nine.

The OHL Gold Cup is an annual showcase event featuring top under-16 talent in Ontario. As part of the Hockey Canada Program of Excellence, select players from the OHL Gold Cup will be invited to attend the National Under-17 Selection Camp, where they will have a chance to compete with other top talent from across Canada, to earn a spot at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

“The Ontario Hockey League is proud of our partnership with the Ontario Hockey Federation and Hockey Canada that extends to great events like the OHL Gold Cup which provides players with another unique development opportunity,” said Joe Birch, OHL Senior Director of Player Development and Special Events. “Some of the very best players from across Ontario, including future OHL stars and members of Canada’s National Under-17 Teams, will be showcasing their abilities in May. It will be exciting to see how the action unfolds and which players are able to seize the moment.”

OHL Gold Cup players will receive development opportunities and training directly from Hockey Canada instructors. Throughout the week players will participate in three off-ice education sessions, dedicated position-specific practices, and a full-team game-day skate.

In addition to development opportunities, players will compete in three pool games and one crossover game on the final day, with the OHL Gold Cup champion being named from the winner of the A1 versus B1 crossover game – all games are open to the public.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019 OHL GOLD CUP ROSTERS INCLUDE:

• All 21 players selected in the first round of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore have been named to rosters.
• 128 of the 160 OHL Gold Cup players were picked in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore.
• Top minor hockey teams represented on rosters: Thunder Bay Kings (16), Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves (13), Toronto Marlboros (9) and Toronto Red Wings (9).
• From the 2018 event, 32 OHL Gold Cup alumni were selected to play for Hockey Canada at the 2018 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

OHL Prospects on 2019 OHL Gold Cup Rosters:

Barrie Colts (7):
Brandt Clarke (GTHL Red)*
Ryan Del Monte (GTHL Red)
Jacob Frasca (GTHL Blue)
Kai Graves (ALLIANCE)
Blake Hall (OMHA White)
Mark MacPhee (HEO)
Oliver Smith (GTHL Blue)

Erie Otters (4):
Forbes Andersen (GTHL Blue)
Ryan Forberg (GTHL Red)
Christian Kyrou (ALLIANCE)
Connor Lockhart (HEO)*

Flint Firebirds (5):
Tyler Dunbar (NOHA)
Zacharie Giroux (NOHA)
Braeden Kressler (GTHL Blue)
Brennan Othmann (GTHL Blue)*
Matthew Roy (OMHA Black)

Guelph Storm (4):
Braeden Bowman (ALLIANCE)
Jacob Maillet (OMHA White)
Marko Sikic (ALLIANCE)
Danny Zhilkin (GTHL Blue)*

Hamilton Bulldogs (8):
Matteo Drobac (OMHA White)
Ray Hamlin (ALLIANCE)
Kaleb Nelson (OMHA Black)
Dylan Richardson (OMHA Black)
Chandler Romeo (GTHL Red)
Lawson Sherk (OMHA White)
Owen Simpson (GTHL Blue)
Ryan Winterton (OMHA Black)*

Kingston Frontenacs (10):
Francesco Arcuri (GTHL Blue)
Maddox Callens (ALLIANCE)
Jake Coleman (HEO)
Cayden Faust (ALLIANCE)
Braden Haché (OMHA Black)
Barret Joynt (OMHA White)
Wil Murphy (OMHA White)
Cameron Walker (NOHA)
Owen Watson (HEO)
Shane Wright (GTHL Red)*

Kitchener Rangers (5):
Jesse Fishman (GTHL Red)
Mitchell Martin (NOHA)
Mark McIntosh (OMHA Black)
Francesco Pinelli (GTHL Blue)*
Justin Wu (GTHL Blue)

London Knights (7):
Ty Anselmini (OMHA Black)
Alex Atwill (HNO)
Connor Federkow (OMHA White)
Matteo Giampa (OMHA White)
Logan Mailloux (GTHL Blue)
Max McCue (NOHA)
Stuart Rolofs (HEO)*

Mississauga Steelheads (7):
Luca Del Bel Belluz (GTHL Red)
Ethan Del Mastro (GTHL Blue)*
Justin DiLauro (OMHA Black)
Sean Mateer (OMHA Black)
Adam O’Marra (OMHA Black)
Josh Reid (HEO)
Chas Sharpe (OMHA White)

Niagara IceDogs (6):
Bradley Brunet (NOHA)
Landon Cato (GTHL Blue)
Isaac Enright (HEO)*
Ethan Mistry (GTHL Red)
Stephen Pszeniczny (NOHA)
Josh Rosenzweig (GTHL Red)

North Bay Battalion (9):
Liam Arnsby (GTHL Red)*
Alex Christopoulos (GTHL Red)
Paul Christopoulos (GTHL Red)
Justin Ertel (GTHL Blue)
Ty Hollett (HEO)
Steven LaForme (ALLIANCE)
Devon Savignac (NOHA)
Aidan Shepard (GTHL Blue)
Joshua Ziliotto (OMHA White)

Oshawa Generals (4):
Brett Harrison (ALLIANCE)*
Patrick Leaver (HEO)
Daniel Michaud (OMHA White)
Cooper Way (ALLIANCE)

Ottawa 67’s (11):
Jack Beck (GTHL Red)
Eric Bonsteel (GTHL Red)
Gabriel Crete (HEO)
Max Donoso (ALLIANCE)
Ranvir Gill (HEO)
Parker Hendsbee (OMHA White)
Tommy Johnston (OMHA Black)
Jack Matier (NOHA)*
Giovanni Morneau (HEO)
Easton Ryan (HEO)
Brenden Sirizzotti (OMHA Black)

Owen Sound Attack (8):
Ethan Burroughs (OMHA White)
Douglas Carr (OMHA Black)
Deni Goure (ALLIANCE)*
Brayden Hislop (ALLIANCE)
Kaleb Lawrence (HEO)
Ethan Lindsay (OMHA Black)
Sam Sedley (ALLIANCE)
Nicholas Von Kaufmann (GTHL Red)

Peterborough Petes (8):
J.R. Avon (OMHA White)*
Ryan Cutler (OMHA Black)
Josh Kavanagh (NOHA)
Mason McTavish (HEO)*
Nicholas Paone (OMHA White)
Cole Patey (OMHA White)
Tucker Robertson (GTHL Blue)
Michael Simpson (ALLIANCE)

Saginaw Spirit (4):
Josh Bloom (GTHL Red)
Carter Garvie (OMHA White)
Cole Hipkin (ALLIANCE)
Connor Punnett (OMHA White)*

Sarnia Sting (6):
Nicholas Beneteau (ALLIANCE)
Nolan Dann (GTHL Blue)
Ben Gaudreau (NOHA)*
Chris Innes (NOHA)
Deven Nagra (GTHL Red)
Justin O’Donnell (GTHL Red)

Soo Greyhounds (4):
Marc Boudreau (GTHL Red)
Hunter Brown (HEO)
Luc Brzustowski (ALLIANCE)
Jacob Holmes (OMHA Black)*

Sudbury Wolves (8):
Andre Anania (GTHL Blue)
Ryan Burke (ALLIANCE)
Ryan Gillespie (GTHL Blue)
Ethan Larmand (OMHA White)
Landon McCallum (ALLIANCE)*
Alex Pineau (HNO)
Josh Simpson (OMHA Black)
Chase Stillman (NOHA)

Windsor Spitfires (3):
James Jodoin (OMHA Black)
Wyatt Johnston (GTHL Red)*
Pasquale Zito (GTHL Blue)

*first round pick

For more information including full rosters and schedule please visit ohlgoldcup.com.

Game of Friday, April 13^th, 2109 – Sault Ste. Marie at Saginaw

The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of a review of an incident which took place in a playoff game played in Saginaw on the 13^th of April, 2019, involving the Spirit and the visiting Soo Greyhounds Hockey Club.

The incident reviewed was an inappropriate gesture made by player Jaden Peca of the Soo Greyhounds Hockey Club.

Based on a review of the incident, it is the position of the League that player Jaden Peca shall be suspended for two (2) games effective immediately.

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the appointment of Kyle Pereira as its Director of Player Recruitment.

A 28-year-old from Brampton, Ont, Pereira will be responsible for developing and implementing league recruitment strategy and activities, and liaising with Minor Midget teams across Ontario and parts of the United States.  He will work closely with Minor Midget players and families to provide them with information and education regarding the opportunities the OHL provides. Pereira will also help further the development of the OHL Alumni Association, engage with and grow its membership, and coordinate annual events.

“The OHL provided me with an opportunity to not only develop as a hockey player, but also as a student athlete upon graduation from the league,” Pereira said. “I was very fortunate to have leveraged the OHL Scholarship Program to complete both my undergraduate and graduate degrees while still progressing my hockey career at the U Sports level.

“The OHL was certainly a springboard both athletically and educationally. It prepared me exceptionally well to make the transition into my career and I am thrilled for the opportunity to return to the OHL and work with the next generation of players and families.”

Originally a sixth round pick in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection, Pereira spent four seasons in the league including three as a member of his hometown Battalion from 2008-11 before completing his OHL experience as a member of the Guelph Storm in 2012.  That final season he not only served as alternate captain, but won the club’s Leadership Award and was the Community Hero & Humanitarian of the Year recipient.  He was also recognized at the league level as the 2012 Roger Neilson Memorial Award winner presented to the top post-secondary student in the OHL.  Pereira continued his hockey career at Saint Mary’s University where he played four seasons for the Huskies through 2015-16.  His tenure included AUS All-Rookie Team honours in 2012-13 followed by the prestigious Academic All-Canadian distinction his final season.  Pereira received a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2015 then completed his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in 2017. 

“We are excited to welcome Kyle back to the OHL as the newly appointed Director of Player Recruitment,” said Joe Birch, OHL Senior Director of Player Development and Special Events. “Kyle will be an excellent resource for prospective OHL players and families and will undoubtedly excel in this role given his communication skills and passion for the game. Kyle will have the ability to draw upon his own experience as an OHL and U Sports student athlete to assist players through their Minor Midget season.”

Pereira joins the league after working most recently as an Account Manager with The Delivery Group where his experience was profiled in the CHL Leaders segment on Junior Hockey Magazine.

The position was previously held by Daniel Broussard for parts of three seasons before departing in the spring to pursue new business opportunities outside of hockey.