Frontenacs announce Shane Wright as First Overall Pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

2019 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore takes place on Saturday April 6, 2019, at 9:00 am at www.ontariohockeyleague.com

Press Release
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League in association with the Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club today announced that 15-year-old forward Shane Wright of the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s Don Mills Flyers will be the first overall pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

The announcement was made at a press conference this morning inside Council Chambers at historic Kingston City Hall, a fitting location for an announcement of this magnitude, in Canada’s first capital and the birthplace of hockey.  Joining Kingston Frontenacs management for the announcement was Shane’s parents Simon and Tanya Wright, Kingston Mayor Bryan Patterson, and members of Kingston City Council.

Born January 5, 2004, Wright was granted ‘Exceptional Player Status’ by Hockey Canada to be eligible for the 2019 OHL Priority Selection which features 2003-born talents.  He is just the fifth OHL player to receive the distinction following John Tavares (Toronto Marlboros/Oshawa Generals in 2005), defenceman Aaron Ekblad (Sun County Panthers/Barrie Colts in 2011), forward Connor McDavid (Toronto Marlboros/Erie Otters in 2012), and defenceman Sean Day (Detroit Compuware/Mississauga Steelheads in 2013).  Tavares, Ekblad, and McDavid were all chosen first overall in their respective seasons and were later first overall picks in the NHL Draft.

“There is a reason Shane was granted exceptional player status,” said Kingston Frontenacs General Manager Darren Keily. “It starts well before he plays the game; Shane is an exceptional person, with exceptional character, from an exceptional family. His hockey is part-in-part with that, and he will be a great asset to our club. That’s what separates him from others.”

Wright was named the GTHL Minor Midget Player of the Year after producing a league leading 150 points in 72 games including 66 goals and 84 assists.  He led a Flyers team that went undefeated in regulation play capturing a league title and OHL Cup powered by Under Armour championship.  He earned MVP honours on minor midget’s greatest stage with 18 points in seven OHL Cup contests including an assist on the overtime winner in a dramatic 6-5 victory against the Toronto Red Wings to finish just one point shy of McDavid’s 2012 record.  The 6-foot, 179-pound centreman led the showcase with a plus-16 rating, was 66.4 percent in the faceoff circle, and finished with the event’s fourth highest total of 29 shots on goal.  Wright also represented Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games serving as team captain and earning a silver medal.

“Shane is one of the most gifted and talented players to come along in a number of years,” said OHL Director of Central Scouting, Darrell Woodley. “He has a combination of skill, speed, hockey sense and determination that really separates him from his peers. He is an explosive and powerful skater that can reach top speed quickly and can change gears in mid-flight to catch defenders flat footed. Shane’s skill and offensive instincts are second to none possessing vision and creativity with the puck that is truly fun to watch.”

Wright is the 2019 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.  Wright is the first member of the Frontenacs to receive the award but is the third player in Kingston’s all-time franchise history with the first overall distinction following Drake Berehowsky chosen number one by the Kingston Raiders in 1988, and Bryan Fogarty of the Kingston Canadians in 1985.

WATCH: #OHLDraft Prospect Profile – Shane Wright, Don Mills Flyers

Wright and his family will be the featured guests on a special edition of the Frontenacs This Week podcast. The podcast will be available this afternoon on the Kingston Frontenacs website www.kingstonfrontenacs.com.

He will also be a feature guest on the live 2019 OHL Priority Selection Draft Show presented by Real Canadian Superstore beginning at 9:00 am on Saturday April 6, 2019.  The draft show along with live results feed will be available at www.ontariohockeyleague.com.  For the twelfth straight year, media and fans can watch the first three rounds live online with host Terry Doyle who will be joined on set by Darrell Woodley and Tim Cherry of OHL Central Scouting to provide analysis, interviews, and video footage of the next wave of OHL stars.

Former 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

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Knights’ Adam Boqvist named CHL Player of the Week

 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that defenceman Adam Boqvist of the London Knights is the CHL Player of the Week for the second week of playoff action ending March 31 with six goals in two games.

The Knights blue-liner helped cap a four-game sweep of the eighth-seed Windsor Spitfires in first round OHL Western Conference action thanks to an incredible four-goal effort in Game 3 that saw him cash in three times on the power play before adding the eventual game winner late in the final frame of the 6-3 victory en route to first-star recognition. The Chicago Blackhawks first-round pick then added two more tallies in a 5-2 win in Game 4 for his second-straight first-star honour to help punch London’s ticket to the second round and a date with the Guelph Storm beginning Friday night. Through four playoff games, Boqvist has collected seven points, including an OHL-leading six goals.

Boqvist, 20, is in his first season with the Knights, coming off a campaign in which he registered 20 goals and 40 assists for 60 points in just 54 games to lead all London defencemen and finish third in team scoring. Earlier this year, Boqvist competed in five games with his native Sweden at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, where he notched one goal and three assists for four points.

Also considered for the award this week was 2019 NHL Draft hopeful and Vancouver Giants blue-liner Bowen Byram, who tallied two goals and four assists for six points in four games to lead his squad to a six-game defeat of the Seattle Thunderbirds, as well as 2019 Jean Beliveau Trophy winner Peter Abbandonato, who notched eight assists and a plus-seven rating over three games to power the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies to a six-game series win over the Shawinigan Cataractes.

2018-19 CHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:

Mar. 25 – Mar. 31: Adam Boqvist (London Knights)

Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Evan Bouchard (London Knights)

 

2018-19 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Jason Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)

Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Greg Meireles (Kitchener Rangers)

Feb. 25 – Mar. 3: Nate Schnarr (Guelph Storm)

Feb. 18 – Feb. 24: Brayden Tracey (Moose Jaw Warriors)

Feb. 11 – Feb. 17: Maxime Comtois (Drummondville Voltigeurs)

Feb. 4 – Feb. 10: Alexis Lafreniere (Rimouski Oceanic)

Jan. 28 – Feb. 3: Samuel Asselin (Halifax Mooseheads)

Jan. 21 – Jan. 27: Ethan Crossman (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Jan. 14 – Jan. 20: Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

Jan. 7 – Jan. 13: Bowen Byram (Vancouver Giants)

Dec. 31 – Jan. 6: Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Dec. 24 – Dec. 30: Kyle Maksimovich (Erie Otters)

Dec. 10 – Dec. 16: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)

Dec. 3 – Dec. 9: Ivan Chekhovich (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Nov. 26 – Dec. 2: Gregor MacLeod (Drummondville Voltigeurs)

Nov. 19 – Nov. 25: Brett Leason (Prince Albert Raiders)

Nov. 12 – Nov. 18: Peter Abbandonato (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)

Nov. 5 – Nov. 11: Jason Robertson (Kingston Frontenacs)

Oct. 29 – Nov. 4: Joachim Blichfeld (Portland Winterhawks)

Oct. 22 – Oct. 28: Ivan Chekhovich (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)

Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Damien Giroux (Saginaw)

IceDogs’ Stephen Dhillon named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Stephen Dhillon of the Niagara IceDogs is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the second week of playoff action ending March 31 with a 3-0 record, including two shutouts, a goals-against average of 1.00, and save percentage of .959.

Dhillon claims the honour for the third time this year after turning aside 70 shots over three contests versus the North Bay Battalion to help win the first round OHL Eastern Conference series in five games. His week began with a 6-0 road victory in which he stopped 20 shots and was named the game’s third star. He then chalked up his second-straight road win in a 5-3 final where he made 23 saves. Dhillon then wrapped up the series Friday with his third shutout in five games as he turned aside 27 shots in the 4-0 final earning third star recognition and setting up a second round series versus the Oshawa Generals.

A native of Buffalo, N.Y., the 20-year-old Dhillon is in his fifth season with Niagara. Through 58 games this year, he posted a 38-11-7-0 record with a 2.97 goals-against average and .909 save percentage, helping him claim the franchise record for single season wins as well as career wins, with 98. Through five playoff appearances in 2018-19, Dhillon is 4-1 with a 1.41 goals-against average and .943 save percentage.

Also considered for the award this week was Ottawa Senators prospect Kevin Mandolese of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, who won all four of his appearances, in which he posted a 1.92 goals-against average and .935 save percentage with one shutout to push his club to a six-game series win over the Charlottetown Islanders. In the WHL, Everett Silvertips netminder Dustin Wolf guided his club to a five-game defeat of the Tri-City Americans, where his past three appearances saw him come away with two wins, including one shutout, for a goals-against average of 1.34 and save percentage of .945.

2018-19 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:

Mar. 25 – Mar. 31: Stephen Dhillon (Niagara IceDogs)

Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Kyle Keyser (Oshawa Generals)

 

2018-19 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Ian Scott (Prince Albert Raiders)

Feb. 25 – Mar. 3: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)

Feb. 18 – Feb. 24: Stephen Dhillon (Niagara IceDogs)

Feb. 11 – Feb. 17: Joel Hofer (Portland Winterhawks)

Feb. 4 – Feb. 10: Mads Sogaard (Medicine Hat Tigers)

Jan. 28 – Feb. 3: Jet Greaves (Barrie Colts)

Jan. 21 – Jan. 27: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)

Jan. 14 – Jan. 20: Olivier Rodrigue (Drummondville Voltigeurs)

Jan. 7 – Jan. 13: Kevin Mandolese (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)

Dec. 31 – Jan. 6: Ivan Prosvetov (Saginaw Spirit)

Dec. 24 – Dec. 30: Cedrick Andree (Ottawa 67’s)

Dec. 10 – Dec. 16: Mads Sogaard (Medicine Hat Tigers)

Dec. 3 – Dec. 9: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)

Nov. 26 – Dec. 2: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury Wolves)

Nov. 19 – Nov. 25: Kyle Jessiman (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Nov. 12 – Nov. 18: Ian Scott (Prince Albert Raiders)

Nov. 5 – Nov. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

Oct. 29 – Nov. 4: Joseph Raaymakers (London Knights)

Oct. 22 – Oct. 28: Stephen Dhillon (Niagara IceDogs)

Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Emile Samson (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)

Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Alexis Gravel (Halifax Mooseheads)

Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Trent Miner (Vancouver Giants)

Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Luke Richardson (Kitchener Rangers)

Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)

2019 OHL Playoffs: Second Round Schedule

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

2019 Playoff Bracket

Toronto, ON – The first round of the 2019 Ontario Hockey League Playoffs wrapped up Saturday with the Oshawa Generals becoming the eighth and final team to advance to the Conference Semi-Finals.

With their victory, all four second round matchups have been confirmed and for the third straight season they include the top four seeds on both sides.

In the Eastern Conference, the OHL’s Regular Season and East Division champion Ottawa 67’s advanced with a 4-0 series win over the Hamilton Bulldogs and will face the fourth place Sudbury Wolves who also advanced with a 4-0 series win defeating the Mississauga Steelheads.  The other Eastern Conference Semi-Final features the Central Division champion Niagara IceDogs who advanced following a 4-1 series win over the North Bay Battalion up against the third place Generals who eliminated the Peterborough Petes in five games.

 

In the Western Conference, the first place and Midwest Division champion London Knights advanced with a 4-0 series win over the Windsor Spitfires and will meet division rivals the Guelph Storm who also advanced by way of a 4-0 series victory against the Kitchener Rangers.  The other Western Conference Semi-Final features two West Division rivals including the banner raising Saginaw Spirit and the defending conference champion Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.  The Spirit advanced with a 4-0 series win against the Sarnia Sting, while the Greyhounds eliminated the Owen Sound Attack in five games.

The puck drops on second round action beginning Friday night, April 5th.

2019 #OHLPLAYOFFS BRACKETS


2019 OHL EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE:


Series E: Ottawa 67’s (1) vs. Sudbury Wolves (4):
Game 1, Fri., April 5, Sudbury at Ottawa 7:00 p.m.
Game 2, Sun., April 7, Sudbury at Ottawa 2:00 p.m.
Game 3, Tues., April 9, Ottawa at Sudbury 7:05 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs., April 11, Ottawa at Sudbury 7:05 p.m.
Game 5, Sat., Apr 13 Sudbury at Ottawa 7:00 p.m.*
Game 6, Mon., Apr 15, Ottawa at Sudbury 7:05 p.m.*
Game 7, Tues., April 16, Sudbury at Ottawa 7:00 p.m.*
#OTTvsSBY


Series F: Niagara IceDogs (2) vs. Oshawa Generals (3):
Game 1, Fri., April 5, Oshawa at Niagara 7:00 p.m.
Game 2, Sun., April 7, Oshawa at Niagara 2:00 p.m.
Game 3, Tue., April 9, Niagara at Oshawa 7:05 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs., April 11, Niagara at Oshawa 7:05 p.m.
Game 5, Sat., April 13, Oshawa at Niagara 7:00 p.m.*
Game 6, Mon., April 15, Niagara at Oshawa 7:05 p.m.*
Game 7, Tues., April 16, Oshawa at Niagara 7:00 p.m.*
#NIAGvsOSH

*if necessary

2019 OHL WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE:


Series E: London Knights (1) vs. Guelph Storm (4):
Game 1, Fri., April 5, Guelph at London 7:30 p.m.
Game 2, Sun., April 7, Guelph at London 2:00 p.m.
Game 3, Mon., April 8, London at Guelph 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Wed., Apr 10, London at Guelph 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri., April 12, Guelph at London 7:30 p.m.*
Game 6, Sat., April 13, London at Guelph 7:00 p.m.*
Game 7, Tues., April 16, Guelph at London 7:00 p.m.*
#LDNvsGUE


Series F: Saginaw Spirit (2) vs. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (3):
Game 1, Fri., April 5, Sault Ste. Marie at Saginaw 7:05 p.m.
Game 2, Sun., April 7, Sault Ste. Marie at Saginaw 5:30 p.m.
Game 3, Tues., April 9, Saginaw at Sault Ste. Marie 7:07 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs., April 11, Saginaw at Sault Ste. Marie 7:07 p.m.
Game 5, Fri., April 12, Sault Ste. Marie at Saginaw 7:05 p.m.*
Game 6, Sun., April 14, Saginaw at Sault Ste. Marie 7:07 p.m.*
Game 7, Tues., April 16, Sault Ste. Marie at Saginaw 7:05 p.m.*
#SAGvsSSM
*if necessary

The Ontario Hockey League, in association with its digital media partner NeuLion, are proud to offer special packages and rates for OHL Live coverage of the 2019 OHL Playoffs.  Powered by NeuLion, OHL Live provides coverage of all 20 teams in the OHL delivering all games throughout the regular season and playoffs.

Single Round Team Pass Home and Away: $25.99
Playoff All Access : $79.99


*All prices in Canadian dollars

In addition to these packages, OHL Live continues to offer single game passes and are available at a rate of $7.99 per game.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OHL LIVE AND TO SUBSCRIBE

OHL fans will continue to enjoy the enhanced OHL Live platform launched in the 2014-15 season. The enhanced OHL Live platform gives viewers the opportunity to watch up to four games at once with picture-in-picture and quad-view options along with the ability to choose between the home or away audio feed. OHL Live is also available for the iPhone, iPad, Android Smartphone, and Android Tablet through the OHL Live app.

OHL Playoff Preview: Conference Semi-Finals

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

2019 Playoff Bracket

Dare I say it?

I don’t think the first round of the Ontario Hockey League was that difficult to predict when it came down to picking the teams that would advance to the Conference Finals. But could anyone have predicted just how dominant a round it was by the favorites?

Five of the eight series went the minimum four games. The minimum number of games for the first round was thirty-two. And it took just thirty-five to complete the round. It was the most dominating first round the league has seen in decades.

That said, the Conference Semi-Finals should have more competition as the field is down to the eight best teams from the regular season.

Below is a series by series breakdown of how the teams fared against each other through the 2018-2019 regular season followed by my predictions. Before we get to that, here’s a look at how my predictions went in the first round:

Series Result Prediction
1 London vs Windsor London wins 4-0 London in 5
2 Saginaw vs Sarnia Saginaw wins 4-0 Saginaw in 6
3 Sault Ste Marie vs Owen Sound Sault wins 4-1 Sault St Marie in 5
4 Guelph vs Kitchener Guelph wins 4-0 Guelph in 6
Series Result Prediction
1 Ottawa vs Hamilton Ottawa wins 4-0 Ottawa in 5
2 Niagara vs North Bay Niagara wins 4-1 Niagara in 5
3 Oshawa vs Peterborough Oshawa leads 3-1 Oshawa in 5
4 Sudbury vs Mississauga Sudbury wins 4-0 Sudbury in 6
WESTERN CONFERENCE
London Knights vs Guelph Storm: Head To Head Stats
Summary
Description Result
Head to Head London 2-3-1-0 Guelph 4-1-0-1
2017-2018 London 4-2-0-0 Guelph 2-3-1-0
Last 5 Years London 21-8-1-0 Guelph 9-18-2-1
Last 5 Years record @ London London 12-3-0-0 Guelph 3-11-1-0
Last 5 Years record @ Guelph London 9-5-1-0 Guelph 6-7-1-1
Previous Meetings This Season London 1 @ Guelph 5
Guelph 7 @ London 3
Guelph 1 @ London 6
Guelph 7 @ London 5
London 2 @ Guelph 1 SO
London 2 @ Guelph 3 OT
How the 2 teams match up
Guelph London
Team Record 40-18-6-4 — 90 PTS 46-15-6-1 — 99 PTS
Division Ranking 2nd Midwest 1st Midwest
Conference Ranking 4th Western 1st Western
League Ranking 8th 2nd
Past 10 Games 8-2-0-0 6-4-0-0
Home Record 23-9-1-1 27-5-2-0
Away Record 17-9-5-3 19-10-4-1
GF 308 299
GA 230 211
PP (Overall) (69/267) 25.8% (59/256) 23.0%
PP (Home) (37/146) 25.3% (33/133) 24.8%
PP (Away) (32/121) 26.4% (26/123) 21.1%
PK (Overall) (53/253) 79.1% (41/289) 85.8%
PK (Home) (28/126) 77.8% (19/142) 86.6%
PK (Away) (25/127) 80.3% (22/147) 85.0%
PP vs. Opp. (7/28) 25% (3/26) 11.5%
PK vs. Opp. (3/26) 88.5% (7/28) 75%
Leading Rookie Collins (6-10-16) Stranges (13-21-34)
Most PIM Ratcliffe – 105 Keane – 103
Team PIM/GM 9.9/Game 12.8/Game
Leading Scorers Schnarr (34-68-102) Hancock (52-55-107)
Suzuki (34-60-94) McMichael (36-36-72)
Ratcliffe (50-32-82) Foudy (36-32-68)
Hawel (37-41-78) Boqvist (20-40-60)
Entwistle (30-27-57) Dunkley (23-30-53)
Leading After 1st 24-3-3-0 28-2-0-0
Leading After 2nd 32-1-3-1 35-1-1-0
Tied After 1st 9-4-3-4 12-3-3-1
Tied After 2nd 4-0-1-2 8-1-1-1
Trailing After 1st 7-11-0-0 6-10-3-0
Trailing After 2nd 4-17-2-1 3-13-4-0
Out Shooting Opponents 28-8-2-2 33-11-4-0
Out Shot by Opponents 11-9-4-2 12-4-2-1
1-Goal Games 10-5-6-4 9-2-6-1
2-Goal Games 4-2-0-0 12-5-0-0
3-Goal Games 8-7-0-0 13-4-0-0
Saginaw Spirit vs Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds: Head To Head Stats
Summary
Description Result
Head to Head Record Saginaw 4-3-1-0 Sault Ste. Marie 4-4-0-0
2017-2018 Saginaw 1-6-1-0 Sault Ste. Marie 7-0-0-1
Last 5 Years Saginaw 16-22-2-0 Sault Ste. Marie 24-13-1-2
Last 5 Years @ Saginaw Saginaw 8-11-1-0 Sault Ste. Marie 12-6-1-1
Last 5 Years @ Sault Saginaw 8-11-1-0 Sault Ste. Marie 12-7-0-1
Previous Meetings This Season Saginaw 2 @ Sault Ste. Marie 5
Sault Ste. Marie 2 @ Saginaw 1 OT
Saginaw 5 @ Sault Ste. Marie 3
Saginaw 4 @ Sault Ste. Marie 2
Sault Ste. Marie 7 @ Saginaw 4
Sault Ste. Marie 3 @ Saginaw 5
Saginaw 3 @ Sault Ste. Marie 6
Sault Ste. Marie 2 @ Saginaw 5
How the 2 teams match up
Sault Ste. Marie Saginaw
Team Record 44-16-7-1 — 96 PTS 45-17-3-3 — 96 PTS
Division Ranking 2nd West 1st West
Conference Ranking 3rd Western 2nd Western
League Ranking 5th 3rd
Past 10 Games 6-3-1-0 7-2-1-0
Home Record 24-6-3-1 24-7-2-1
Away Record 20-10-4-0 21-10-1-2
GF 292 294
GA 224 218
PP (Overall) (59/265) 22.3% (51/227) 22.5%
PP (Home) (33/144) 22.9% (24/107) 22.4%
PP (Away) (26/121) 21.5% (27/120) 22.5%
PK (Overall) (51/287) 82.2% (40/234) 82.9%
PK (Home) (22/137) 83.9% (20/118) 83.1%
PK (Away) (29/150) 80.7% (20/116) 82.8%
PP vs. Opp. (4/28) 14.3% (7/26) 26.9%
PK vs. Opp. (7/26) 73.1% (4/28) 85.7%
Leading Rookie Kartye (4-20-24) Perfetti (37-37-74)
Most PIM Sambrook – 83 Murray – 115
Team PIM/GM 11.2/Game 8.7/Game
Leading Scorers Frost (37-72-109) Perfetti (37-37-74)
Howdeshell (46-31-77) Tippett (33-41-74)
Hollowell (24-53-77) Wilde (19-51-70)
Hayton (26-40-66) Coskey (31-32-63)
MacKay (27-34-61) McLeod (19-43-62)
Leading After 1st 25-0-2-0 31-3-1-0
Leading After 2nd 36-0-3-0 40-1-0-0
Tied After 1st 10-4-2-0 11-4-1-2
Tied After 2nd 6-7-2-1 4-3-2-2
Trailing After 1st 9-12-3-1 3-10-1-1
Trailing After 2nd 2-9-2-0 1-13-1-1
Out Shooting Opponents 26-8-3-1 27-8-3-2
Out Shot by Opponents 16-8-4-0 17-9-0-1
1-Goal Games 15-3-7-1 8-1-3-3
2-Goal Games 5-8-0-0 12-3-0-0
3-Goal Games 15-2-0-0 10-6-0-0
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Ottawa 67’s vs Sudbury Wolves: Head To Head Stats
Summary
Description Result
Head to Head Record Ottawa 1-0-1-0 Sudbury 1-0-1-0
2017-2018 Ottawa 0-1-0-1 Sudbury 2-0-0-0
Last 5 Years Ottawa 6-2-1-1 Sudbury 4-5-1-0
Last 5 Years record @ Ottawa Ottawa 3-1-0-1 Sudbury 2-2-1-0
Last 5 Years record @ Sudbury Ottawa 3-1-1-0 Sudbury 2-3-0-0
Previous Meetings This Season Ottawa 2 @ Sudbury 3 OT
Sudbury 3 @ Ottawa 4 OT
How the 2 teams match up
Sudbury Ottawa
Team Record 43-20-3-2 — 91 PTS 50-12-4-2 — 106 PTS
Division Ranking 2nd Central 1st East
Conference Ranking 4th Eastern 1st Eastern
League Ranking 7th 1st
Past 10 Games 7-3-0-0 6-3-1-0
Streak 0-1-0-0 3-0-1-0
Home Record 27-6-1-0 29-3-1-1
Away Record 16-14-2-2 21-9-3-1
GF 254 296
GA 206 183
PP (Overall) (38/280) 13.6% (60/259) 23.2%
PP (Home) (16/147) 10.9% (30/131) 22.9%
PP (Away) (22/133) 16.5% (30/128) 23.4%
PK (Overall) (51/305) 83.3% (62/276) 77.5%
PK (Home) (23/162) 85.8% (22/127) 82.7%
PK (Away) (28/143) 80.4% (40/149) 73.2%
PP vs. Opp. (0/3) 0% (2/10) 20%
PK vs. Opp. (2/10) 80% (0/3) 100%
Leading Rookie Byfield (29-32-61) Rossi (29-36-65)
Most PIM Pilon – 121 Clark – 98
Team PIM/GM 13.7/Game 13.1/Game
Leading Scorers Ruzicka (35-43-78) Felhaber (59-50-109)
Byfield (29-32-61) Keating (22-67-89)
Bulitka (19-35-54) Maksimovich (35-46-81)
Murray (30-20-50) Chiodo (29-50-79)
Carson (17-29-46) Chmelevski (35-40-75)
Leading After 1st 21-3-1-0 31-0-0-2
Leading After 2nd 31-0-1-0 40-0-2-2
Tied After 1st 14-6-2-0 17-3-2-0
Tied After 2nd 7-1-1-0 7-3-1-0
Trailing After 1st 8-11-0-2 2-9-2-0
Trailing After 2nd 5-19-1-2 3-9-1-0
Out Shooting Opponents 27-8-2-0 32-9-3-1
Out Shot by Opponents 16-12-1-2 13-2-1-1
1-Goal Games 16-0-3-2 12-5-4-2
2-Goal Games 7-6-0-0 10-1-0-0
3-Goal Games 8-9-0-0 13-3-0-0
Niagara IceDogs vs Oshawa Generals: Head To Head Stats
Summary
Description Result
Head to Head Record Niagara 1-0-1-0 Oshawa 1-1-0-0
2017-2018 Niagara 1-0-0-1 Oshawa 1-0-1-0
Last 5 Years Niagara 5-3-1-1 Oshawa 5-4-1-0
Last 5 Years @ Niagara Niagara 3-1-0-1 Oshawa 2-3-0-0
Last 5 Years @ Oshawa Niagara 2-2-1-0 Oshawa 3-1-1-0
Previous Meetings This Season Oshawa 2 @ Niagara 6
Niagara 3 @ Oshawa 4 OT
How the 2 teams match up
Oshawa Niagara
Team Record 44-20-4-0 — 92 PTS 44-17-7-0 — 95 PTS
Division Ranking 2nd East 1st Central
Conference Ranking 3rd Eastern 2nd Eastern
League Ranking 6th 4th
Past 10 Games 7-2-1-0 8-2-0-0
Streak 3-0-0-0 6-0-0-0
Home Record 21-10-3-0 25-6-3-0
Away Record 23-10-1-0 19-11-4-0
GF 288 326
GA 216 209
PP (Overall) (71/290) 24.5% (85/303) 28.1%
PP (Home) (42/152) 27.6% (50/151) 33.1%
PP (Away) (29/138) 21.0% (35/152) 23.0%
PK (Overall) (49/270) 81.9% (63/276) 77.2%
PK (Home) (23/127) 81.9% (28/131) 78.6%
PK (Away) (26/143) 81.8% (35/145) 75.9%
PP vs. Opp. (4/14) 28.6% (4/12) 33.3%
PK vs. Opp. (4/12) 66.7% (4/14) 71.4%
Leading Rookie Tullio (15-27-42) Uberti (2-7-9)
Most PIM Gross – 81 Maksimov – 118
Team PIM/GM 11.4/Game 11.3/Game
Leading Scorers Saigeon (37-55-92) Robertson (48-69-117)
Salinitri (48-40-88) Jones (41-61-102)
Noel (34-47-81) Thomas (38-64-102)
Neumann (45-34-79) Studnicka (36-47-83)
McShane (34-35-69) Maksimov (40-39-79)
Leading After 1st 26-3-2-0 32-2-0-0
Leading After 2nd 32-1-0-0 39-0-1-0
Tied After 1st 12-3-0-0 8-7-1-0
Tied After 2nd 6-2-2-0 4-4-2-0
Trailing After 1st 6-14-2-0 4-8-6-0
Trailing After 2nd 6-17-2-0 1-13-4-0
Out Shooting Opponents 26-9-2-0 35-7-4-0
Out Shot by Opponents 17-9-2-0 8-9-2-0
1-Goal Games 14-4-4-0 10-9-7-0
2-Goal Games 5-5-0-0 5-2-0-0
3-Goal Games 11-7-0-0 10-4-0-0

PREDICTIONS:

London in 7 games

Sault Ste Marie in 7 games

Ottawa in 6 games

Oshawa in 7 games

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Bouchard racks up the points, Keyser shuts the door

Knights’ Evan Bouchard named CHL Player of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that defenceman Evan Bouchard of the London Knights is the CHL Player of the Week for the first week of playoff action ending March 24 with seven points in two games including two goals and five assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-3.

The Knights captain helped his squad climb to a 2-0 series advantage over the eighth-seed Windsor Spitfires beginning with a four-point effort as first star of Game 1 on Friday that saw him notch two goals and two assists, including a helper on teammate Alec Regula’s game-winning goal in the 4-3 decision. The Edmonton Oilers first round draft pick then added another three assists and earned third star honours in a 5-0 victory in Game 2 and sits first in OHL playoff scoring. Game 3 against the Spitfires goes Tuesday in Windsor.

Bouchard, 19, is in his fourth season with the Knights and is coming off a campaign in which he recorded 16 goals and 37 assists for 53 points in just 45 games. The Oakville, Ont., native also appeared in seven games with the Oilers earlier this season and was part of Team Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. In all, Bouchard has registered 201 points in 223 career OHL regular-season contests.

Also considered for the award this week was Everett Silvertips blue-liner Jake Christiansen, who tallied one goal and four assists for five points in two playoff games against the Tri-City Americans, as well as Charlottetown Islanders left-wing Daniel Hardie, who registered three goals and one assist for four points in two contests versus the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

 

2018-19 CHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:

Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Evan Bouchard (London Knights)

 

2018-19 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Jason Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)

Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Greg Meireles (Kitchener Rangers)

Feb. 25 – Mar. 3: Nate Schnarr (Guelph Storm)

Feb. 18 – Feb. 24: Brayden Tracey (Moose Jaw Warriors)

Feb. 11 – Feb. 17: Maxime Comtois (Drummondville Voltigeurs)

Feb. 4 – Feb. 10: Alexis Lafreniere (Rimouski Oceanic)

Jan. 28 – Feb. 3: Samuel Asselin (Halifax Mooseheads)

Jan. 21 – Jan. 27: Ethan Crossman (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Jan. 14 – Jan. 20: Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

Jan. 7 – Jan. 13: Bowen Byram (Vancouver Giants)

Dec. 31 – Jan. 6: Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Dec. 24 – Dec. 30: Kyle Maksimovich (Erie Otters)

Dec. 10 – Dec. 16: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)

Dec. 3 – Dec. 9: Ivan Chekhovich (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Nov. 26 – Dec. 2: Gregor MacLeod (Drummondville Voltigeurs)

Nov. 19 – Nov. 25: Brett Leason (Prince Albert Raiders)

Nov. 12 – Nov. 18: Peter Abbandonato (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)

Nov. 5 – Nov. 11: Jason Robertson (Kingston Frontenacs)

Oct. 29 – Nov. 4: Joachim Blichfeld (Portland Winterhawks)

Oct. 22 – Oct. 28: Ivan Chekhovich (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)

Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Damien Giroux (Saginaw Spirit)

Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Dawson Davidson (Saskatoon Blades)

Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Luka Burzan (Brandon Wheat Kings)

Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Kirby Dach (Saskatoon Blades)

 

 

Generals’ Kyle Keyser named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Kyle Keyser of the Oshawa Generals is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the first week of playoff action ending March 24 with a 2-0 record, a goals-against average of 1.00, and save percentage of .967.

Keyser claims the honour for the first time this year after turning aside 58 shots over two playoff games versus the Peterborough Petes to help his team find the win column in both contests. In Friday’s series opener, Keyser stopped all 33 shots to record his first career OHL playoff shutout and received first star honours in a 7-0 final. The Boston Bruins prospect then followed up that performance in Game 2 on Sunday when he surrendered just two goals on 27 shots en route to an 8-2 victory and a 2-0 series lead. The series resumes Tuesday in Peterborough.

The 20-year-old Keyser has completed four seasons in the OHL. Through 47 games this year, the Floridian posted a 32-8-3-0 record with a 2.75 goals-against average and .915 save percentage.

Also considered for the award this week was Colten Ellis of the Rimouski Oceanic, who won both of his appearances versus the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, including a four-overtime marathon in Game 2 on Saturday in which he turned aside 53 shots in an eventual 3-2 win. Ellis holds a .944 save rate across the two games. In the WHL, Carl Tetachuk of the Lethbridge Hurricanes helped carry his squad to a 2-0 series edge over the Calgary Hitmen, coming away with a goals-against average of 1.43 and a save percentage of .955 in the pair of victories.

2018-19 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:

Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Kyle Keyser (Oshawa Generals)

 

2018-19 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Ian Scott (Prince Albert Raiders)

Feb. 25 – Mar. 3: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)

Feb. 18 – Feb. 24: Stephen Dhillon (Niagara IceDogs)

Feb. 11 – Feb. 17: Joel Hofer (Portland Winterhawks)

Feb. 4 – Feb. 10: Mads Sogaard (Medicine Hat Tigers)

Jan. 28 – Feb. 3: Jet Greaves (Barrie Colts)

Jan. 21 – Jan. 27: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)

Jan. 14 – Jan. 20: Olivier Rodrigue (Drummondville Voltigeurs)

Jan. 7 – Jan. 13: Kevin Mandolese (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)

Dec. 31 – Jan. 6: Ivan Prosvetov (Saginaw Spirit)

Dec. 24 – Dec. 30: Cedrick Andree (Ottawa 67’s)

Dec. 10 – Dec. 16: Mads Sogaard (Medicine Hat Tigers)

Dec. 3 – Dec. 9: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)

Nov. 26 – Dec. 2: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury Wolves)

Nov. 19 – Nov. 25: Kyle Jessiman (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Nov. 12 – Nov. 18: Ian Scott (Prince Albert Raiders)

Nov. 5 – Nov. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

Oct. 29 – Nov. 4: Joseph Raaymakers (London Knights)

Oct. 22 – Oct. 28: Stephen Dhillon (Niagara IceDogs)

Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Emile Samson (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)

Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Alexis Gravel (Halifax Mooseheads)

Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Trent Miner (Vancouver Giants)

Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Luke Richardson (Kitchener Rangers)

Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)

OHL Announces Disciplinary Action

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press Release

Game of Sunday, March 24, 2019, – Hamilton at Ottawa

The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of two separate reviews of incidents which took place in a playoff game played in Ottawa on the 24th of March, 2019, involving the 67’s and the visiting Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Club.

The first incident reviewed was a game misconduct for charging assessed to player Kyle Maksimovich of the Ottawa 67’s Hockey Club.

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

The second incident reviewed was a match penalty for cross checking assessed to player Navrin Mutter of the Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Club.

Based on a review of the incident, it is the position of the League that player Navrin Mutter shall be suspended for three (3) games effective immediately.

OHL Announces Top Performers of the Month for March

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in March, 2019, including Kitchener Rangers forward Greg Meireles, London Knights defenceman Evan Bouchard and Saginaw Spirit teammates Cole Perfetti and Ivan Prosvetov.

OHL Player of the Month – Greg Meireles (Kitchener Rangers):

Kitchener Rangers forward Greg Meireles has been named the OHL Player of the Month for March, finishing tied for the league lead with 18 points including five goals and 13 assists over eight games. Meireles recorded points in all eight contests as part of an ongoing 20-game point streak, the OHL’s longest of the 2018-19 season. The 5-foot-11, 188Ib centre recorded at least three points three different times including a three-assist showing on Mar. 1st against London, a goal and three assists in an 8-4 win over the Erie Otters on Mar. 8th followed up by a goal and two helpers on Mar. 10th in Guelph. Meireles potted a pair of power play goals to help the Rangers’ top-ranked power play finish the season with a 29% success rate, the league’s highest since the 2016 Memorial Cup champion London Knights. He also had a hand in helping teammate Jonathan Yantsis reach the 50-goal mark, assisting on four of his goals in the month of March.

A 20-year-old native of Ottawa, Ont., Meireles finished the season as Kitchener’s leading scorer, recording 97 points 36-61–97) over 68 games, 43 of which came on the man advantage. Meireles led the Rangers with 249 shots on goal this season and went 54.1% in the faceoff circle. The former first round (12th overall) pick of the 2015 OHL Priority Selection remains without an NHL contract but attended rookie camp with the St. Louis Blues in 2017.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Evan Bouchard (London Knights):

For the second straight month a London Knights blueliner has been named the OHL’s Defenceman of the Month. Edmonton Oilers prospect Evan Bouchard takes the torch from teammate Adam Boqvist, recording nine points including five goals and four assists over eight games for the Midwest Division champion Knights. The veteran captain started the month with a season-high four point performance, scoring while adding three assists in an 8-6 road win over the Kitchener Rangers on Mar. 1st. Bouchard also found the back of the net in a 3-2 overtime win over the Flint Firebirds on Mar. 8th before recording back-to-back two-point contests to close out the month, helping the Knights lock down first place in the Western Conference. He scored twice in a 6-3 road loss to the Soo Greyhounds on Mar. 15th before scoring a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win over the Saginaw Spirit on Mar. 16th. Bouchard recorded at least five shots on goal on five different occasions in the month of March.

A 19-year-old product of Oakville, Ont., Bouchard recorded 53 points (16-37–53) over 45 games in an abbreviated season after returning from the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers where he played seven games and scored his first goal to start the campaign. Bouchard’s 201 career regular season points (54-147–201) sit second in franchise history for defencemen behind Rick Corriveau (1987-92). Originally London’s first round (17th overall) pick in 2015, Bouchard was chosen by the Oilers with the 10th overall pick of the 2018 NHL Draft.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit):

Cole Perfetti‘s tremendous rookie season continued this past month as the Saginaw Spirit winger has been named OHL Rookie of the Month for a second consecutive term. Perfetti led all rookies with seven goals along with four assists for 11 points over eight games along with a plus-10 rating. The 5-foot-10 left-winger helped the Spirit secure its first West Division title since 2011, putting up three different multi-point performances beginning with a goal and an assist in an 8-0 win over the Peterborough Petes on Mar. 3rd. He put up a season-high four goals in a 4-1 road win over the London Knights on Mar. 9th, becoming the OHL’s first 16-year-old rookie to do so since Peterborough’s Ryan Spooner in March 2009. Perfetti followed that sterling performance up with a goal and two assists on Mar. 12th as the Spirit took a 6-2 road win over the Sarnia Sting. In total, Perfetti earned Three Star recognition three different times in the month of March.

A 17-year-old native of Whitby, Ont., Perfetti finished the season tied with Owen Tippett for the Spirit scoring lead, recording a league-leading 74 points (37-37–74) among rookies over 63 games. Perfetti’s 37 goals are a new Spirit franchise record for rookies as he finished with the OHL’s sixth-highest shooting percentage of 22.4% while netting seven game winners. Eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft, Perfetti was Saginaw’s first round (5th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the Vaughan Kings Minor Midgets.


Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month – Ivan Prosvetov (Saginaw Spirit):

Arizona Coyotes prospect Ivan Prosvetov is the Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month for March, backstopping his team to a West Division title. Prosvetov played to a 4-1-0-1 record with a 1.99 goals-against average, .943 save percentage and one shutout over six games, turning aside 197 shots in the process. He started the month with four consecutive wins as part of a larger eight-game trend,  posting his fourth shutout of the season with a 27-save effort against the Peterborough Petes on Mar. 3rd. He earned second star honours, turning aside 47 of 48 shots in a 4-1 road win over the London Knights on Mar. 9th. Prosvetov turned aside 29 shots on Mar. 12th in Sarnia to backstop the Spirit to a franchise record 46th win and a club mark nine consecutive victories. He stopped 25 shots two nights later on Mar. 14th as the Spirit fell 2-1 in overtime to the Soo Greyhounds but locked down their first West Division title since 2011.

A 20-year-old native of Moscow, Russia, Prosvetov played to an overall mark of 36-11-2-1 with a 2.94 goals-against average, .910 save percentage and four shutouts in his first OHL season. The 6-foot-5, 185Ib netminder owns a league-leading .924 save percentage since Jan. 1st, playing to a 19-5-1-1 mark in that span. Chosen with the 13th overall pick of the 2018 CHL Import Draft, Prosvetov was a fourth round (114th overall) pick of the Arizona Coyotes last summer.


2018-19 OHL Performers of the Month:


Player of the Month:
March – Greg Meireles (Kitchener Rangers)
February – Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
January – Ben Jones/Akil Thomas (Niagara IceDogs)
December – Tye Felhaber (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Jason Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)
October – Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)


Defenceman of the Month:
March – Evan Bouchard (London Knights)
February – Adam Boqvist (London Knights)
January – Sean Durzi (Guelph Storm)
December – Bode Wilde (Saginaw Spirit)
November – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)
October – Mac Hollowell (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)


Rookie of the Month:
March – Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit)
February – Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit)
January – Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s)
December – Jacob Perreault (Sarnia Sting)
November – Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s)
October – Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s)


Vaughn Goaltender of the Month:
March – Ivan Prosvetov (Saginaw Spirit)
February – Luke Richardson (Kitchener Rangers)
January – Cedrick Andree (Ottawa 67’s)
December – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Joseph Raaymakers (London Knights)
October – Cedrick Andree (Ottawa 67’s)

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Robertson leads the pack, Villalta grabs goalie honours

IceDogs’ Jason Robertson named CHL Player of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that top scorer Jason Robertson of the Niagara IceDogs is the CHL Player of the Week for the final regular season week ending March 17 with 11 points in three games including five goals and six assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-7.

Robertson frequented the scoresheet in all three appearances last week to help the IceDogs close out the season with six straight wins for a 44-17-7-0 record clinching the franchise’s first OHL Central Division title since 2011-12. His week began Thursday with a four-point night against the Mississauga Steelheads scoring a pair of goals including one less than two minutes into the opening frame en route to a 4-2 victory and first-star recognition. Two nights later the Dallas Stars prospect had another four points, including a pair of goals with the game-winner, in a 7-4 decision against the Barrie Colts, and wrapped up the weekend with a goal and two assists in an 8-3 win against the North Bay Battalion, who Niagara now faces in the opening round of the playoffs.

The 19-year-old Michigan native, who was acquired from the Kingston Frontenacs in November, found another offensive gear after arriving in Niagara as he tallied 79 points in just 38 contests, or better than a two-points-per-game pace. In all, Robertson finished the regular season with 48 goals and 69 assists to capture the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the Ontario Hockey League’s top scorer. His 117 points also ranked first in the entire CHL.

Also considered for the award this week was Chicoutimi Sagueneens forward Vladislav Kotkov, who recorded five goals and two assists for seven points in three games, as well as forward Connor Zary of the Kamloops Blazers, whose week included five goals and four assists for nine points in four games.

2018-19 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Jason Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)

Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Greg Meireles (Kitchener Rangers)

Feb. 25 – Mar. 3: Nate Schnarr (Guelph Storm)

Feb. 18 – Feb. 24: Brayden Tracey (Moose Jaw Warriors)

Feb. 11 – Feb. 17: Maxime Comtois (Drummondville Voltigeurs)

Feb. 4 – Feb. 10: Alexis Lafreniere (Rimouski Oceanic)

Jan. 28 – Feb. 3: Samuel Asselin (Halifax Mooseheads)

Jan. 21 – Jan. 27: Ethan Crossman (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Jan. 14 – Jan. 20: Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

Jan. 7 – Jan. 13: Bowen Byram (Vancouver Giants)

Dec. 31 – Jan. 6: Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Dec. 24 – Dec. 30: Kyle Maksimovich (Erie Otters)

Dec. 10 – Dec. 16: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)

Dec. 3 – Dec. 9: Ivan Chekhovich (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Nov. 26 – Dec. 2: Gregor MacLeod (Drummondville Voltigeurs)

Nov. 19 – Nov. 25: Brett Leason (Prince Albert Raiders)

Nov. 12 – Nov. 18: Peter Abbandonato (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)

Nov. 5 – Nov. 11: Jason Robertson (Kingston Frontenacs)

Oct. 29 – Nov. 4: Joachim Blichfeld (Portland Winterhawks)

Oct. 22 – Oct. 28: Ivan Chekhovich (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)

Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Damien Giroux (Saginaw Spirit)

Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Dawson Davidson (Saskatoon Blades)

Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Luka Burzan (Brandon Wheat Kings)

Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Kirby Dach (Saskatoon Blades)

Greyhounds’ Matthew Villalta named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the regular season week ending March 17 with a 2-0-0-0 record, a goals-against average of 1.20, and save percentage of .964.

Villalta claims the honour for the first time this season after going undefeated in two games last week in which he stopped a combined 53 shots to help the Greyhounds conclude the 2018-19 regular season with a 44-16-7-1 showing, good for third in the Western Conference and a date with the Owen Sound Attack in the opening round of the playoffs. The Los Angeles Kings prospect began his week with a 33-save performance in a 2-1 overtime victory over the West Division rival Saginaw Spirit. He then followed it up the next night when he turned aside 20 shots en route to a 6-3 win against the London Knights.

Villalta, 19, is competing in his third season with the Greyhounds. Through 51 games this year, the product of Godfrey, Ont., posted a 33-12-5-0 record alongside a 3.03 goals-against average and .903 save percentage.

Also considered for the award this week was Samuel Harvey of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, who went a perfect 2-0-0-0 across two appearances as he picked up wins over the Val-d’Or Foreurs and Blainville-Boisbriand Armada to go with a goals-against average of 2.00 and save percentage of .940. In the WHL, Adam Evanoff of the Moose Jaw Warriors went 2-0-0-0 as he made a combined 52 saves in wins over the Brandon Wheat Kings and Swift Current Broncos for a goals-against average of 1.50 and save percentage of .945.

2018-19 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Ian Scott (Prince Albert Raiders)

Feb. 25 – Mar. 3: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)

Feb. 18 – Feb. 24: Stephen Dhillon (Niagara IceDogs)

Feb. 11 – Feb. 17: Joel Hofer (Portland Winterhawks)

Feb. 4 – Feb. 10: Mads Sogaard (Medicine Hat Tigers)

Jan. 28 – Feb. 3: Jet Greaves (Barrie Colts)

Jan. 21 – Jan. 27: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)

Jan. 14 – Jan. 20: Olivier Rodrigue (Drummondville Voltigeurs)

Jan. 7 – Jan. 13: Kevin Mandolese (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)

Dec. 31 – Jan. 6: Ivan Prosvetov (Saginaw Spirit)

Dec. 24 – Dec. 30: Cedrick Andree (Ottawa 67’s)

Dec. 10 – Dec. 16: Mads Sogaard (Medicine Hat Tigers)

Dec. 3 – Dec. 9: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)

Nov. 26 – Dec. 2: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury Wolves)

Nov. 19 – Nov. 25: Kyle Jessiman (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Nov. 12 – Nov. 18: Ian Scott (Prince Albert Raiders)

Nov. 5 – Nov. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

Oct. 29 – Nov. 4: Joseph Raaymakers (London Knights)

Oct. 22 – Oct. 28: Stephen Dhillon (Niagara IceDogs)

Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Emile Samson (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)

Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Alexis Gravel (Halifax Mooseheads)

Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Trent Miner (Vancouver Giants)

Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Luke Richardson (Kitchener Rangers)

Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)

Statement from the Ontario Hockey League regarding the Niagara IceDogs Hockey Club

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has reached a settlement with the Niagara IceDogs Hockey Club with regard to the club’s violation of player recruitment rules.  The club will pay a fine of $150,000.00 and shall forfeit its first round pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection Draft.

The club has acknowledged that it violated OHL player recruitment rules. The club recognizes the importance of these rules and agrees to comply.

This settlement follows the league announcement in February that the league had levied fines against the club and had taken away first round draft selections in the OHL Priority Selection process.

OHL Announces 2018-19 Coaches Poll Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of the Eastern and Western Conference Coaches Polls for the 2018-19 OHL regular season.

The OHL Coaches Poll provides member club coaches with the opportunity to recognize the top three players in 20 different skill categories within their own conference.

In the Eastern Conference, the Hamilton Spectator Trophy winning Ottawa 67’s lead the way with eight players represented inside the top three votes across nine different categories.  Among them is rookie Marco Rossi who was the club’s only top vote getter recognized as the Smartest Player.  The Oshawa Generals had seven players voted across nine different categories and finished tied for the Eastern Conference lead with four first place votes including Brett Neumann (Best Skater), Mitchell Brewer (Best Shot Blocker), Kyle MacLean (Best Defensive Forward), and Kyle Keyser (Best Puck Handling Goalie, tied).

The Hamilton Bulldogs also placed first in four different categories headlined by Arthur Kaliyev atop two of them including Best Shot and Hardest Shot.  Fellow 2019 NHL Draft prospect Thomas Harley of the Mississauga Steelheads also led his club in two of their four first place votes including Most Improved Player and Best Offensive Defenceman.  Buffalo Sabres prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Sudbury Wolves was also first in a pair of categories including Best Shootout Goaltender and tied with Keyser for Best Puck Handling Goalie.  Justin Brazeau of the North Bay Battalion was the only player to appear as a top three finisher in four different categories winning the Most Dangerous in the Goal Area vote.  Kaliyev and Harley both had a trio of top three finishes along with the Barrie Colts pair of Ryan Suzuki and Jason Willms who both claimed first place votes in Best Playmaker and Best on Face-Offs respectively.  Detroit Red Wings prospect Zach Gallant of the Peterborough Petes finished behind Willms in the face-off category but was recognized as one of the best for a third straight season.  Gallant was one of eight players to appear in two categories along with fellow Pete Ryan Merkley, Generals MacLean and Keyser, Wolves Luukkonen and Macauley Carson, Sasha Chmelevski of the 67’s, and Philip Tomasino of the Niagara IceDogs.

In the Western Conference, the first place London Knights lead the way with nine different players spread across 11 of the 20 different categories.  Edmonton Oilers prospect Evan Bouchard is the only Knight to appear in multiple categories voted third Smartest Player for a second straight year, second Hardest Shot after winning the vote last season, and third Best Offensive Defenceman after finishing first a year ago.  The Knights were represented in first place votes by Ottawa Senators prospect Alex Formenton picked Best Skater for a second straight year, and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Liam Foudy who tied for first in the Best Penalty Killer vote.  The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds were also represented in 11 different categories with five different players receiving top three votes including a total of five first place selections which tied for the Western Conference lead.  Philadelphia Flyers prospect Morgan Frost led the West by finishing first in three of them including Best Playmaker and Best Stickhandler both for a second straight season, along with Best Shootout Shooter.  He also finished second in the Smartest Player category after winning the vote a year ago.

The West Division winning Saginaw Spirit were represented by six players across 10 different categories and tied the Greyhounds with five first place votes.  Among them was Florida Panthers prospect Owen Tippett who was voted first two times including Hardest Shot along with Most Dangerous in the Goal Area after appearing second and first in the last two Eastern Conference polls.  The Guelph Storm were also represented in 10 different categories with five players spread across the votes.  Oilers prospect Dmitri Samorukov appeared in three categories and finished first in two of them including Best Body Checker and Best Defensive Defenceman.  Storm forward Nick Suzuki, a Montreal Canadiens prospect, also appeared in three different categories winning the Smartest Player vote.  10 players were recognized in two different categories including Tippett and fellow Spirit including captain Damien Giroux, and defencemen Bode Wilde and Justin Murray, Greyhounds Mac Hollowell and Matthew Villalta, Storm captain Isaac Ratcliffe, Firebirds captain Ty Dellandrea, Sting captain Ryan McGregor, and Jonathan Yantsis of the Kitchener Rangers.  Also of note, Windsor Spitfires captain Luke Boka was voted Best Shot Blocker for a second consecutive season.

The Coaches Poll is tabulated when each team submits one nominee per category, and coaches then vote for the top three players for each category within their conference.  Players receive five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote.  Clubs are not permitted to vote for players from their own team allowing for a maximum of 45 possible points for each winner.

All 20 categories are listed below with Eastern Conference and Western Conference winners including their final point totals in brackets.

Most Underrated Player:

Eastern Conference:
1. Alan Lyszczarczyk, Mississauga Steelheads (17)
2. Cedrick Andree, Ottawa 67’s (16)
3. Jason Willms, Barrie Colts (13)

Western Conference:
1. Damien Giroux, Saginaw Spirit (24)
2. Jake Durham, Flint Firebirds (21)
3. Rickard Hugg, Kitchener Rangers (11)

Most Improved Player:

Eastern Conference:
1. Thomas Harley, Mississauga Steelheads (39)
2. Philip Tomasino, Niagara IceDogs (14)
3. Hunter Jones, Peterborough Petes (13)

Western Conference:
1. Jonathan Yantsis, Kitchener Rangers (31)
2. Cole MacKay, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (16)
3. Connor McMichael, London Knights (15)

Smartest Player:

Eastern Conference:
1. Marco Rossi, Ottawa 67’s (22)
2. Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts (21)
3. Justin Brazeau, North Bay Battalion (20)

Western Conference:
1. Nick Suzuki, Guelph Storm (32)
2. Morgan Frost, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (26) – finished first in 2017-18
3. Evan Bouchard, London Knights (13) – finished third in 2017-18

Hardest Worker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Keean Washkurak, Mississauga Steelheads (32)
2. Kyle MacLean, Oshawa Generals (25)
3. Ryan Cranford, Kingston Frontenacs (11)

Western Conference:
1. Aidan Dudas, Owen Sound Attack (22)
2. Franco Sproviero, Sarnia Sting (15)
3. Greg Meireles, Kitchener Rangers (12)

Best Playmaker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts (28)
2. Jason Robertson, Niagara IceDogs (18)
3. Ryan Merkley, Peterborough Petes (16)

Western Conference:
1. Morgan Frost, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (37) – finished first in 2017-18
2. Ty Dellandrea, Flint Firebirds (16)
3. Kevin Hancock, London Knights (15)

Most Dangerous in Goal Area:

Eastern Conference:
1. Justin Brazeau, North Bay Battalion (33)
2. Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton Bulldogs (21)
3. Tye Felhaber, Ottawa 67’s (20)

Western Conference:
1. Owen Tippett, Saginaw Spirit (29) – finished second in 2017-18 and first in 2016-17 Eastern Conference
2. Isaac Ratcliffe, Guelph Storm (23)
3. Jonathan Yantsis, Kitchener Rangers (16)

Best Skater:

Eastern Conference:
1. Brett Neumann, Oshawa Generals (28)
2. Thomas Harley, Mississauga Steelheads (19)
3. Philip Tomasino, Niagara IceDogs (12)

Western Conference:
1. Alex Formenton, London Knights (38) – finished first in 2017-18
2. Mac Hollowell, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (20)
3. Jamie Drysdale, Erie Otters (10) tied –
3. Jean-Luc Foudy, Windsor Spitfires (10)

Best Shot:

Eastern Conference:
1. Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton Bulldogs (35)
2. Justin Brazeau, North Bay Battalion (24)
3. Brandon Saigeon, Oshawa Generals (11)

Western Conference:
1. Bode Wilde, Saginaw Spirit (28)
2. Nick Suzuki, Guelph Storm (27) – finished tied for second in 2017-18
3. Hugo Leufvenius, Sarnia Sting (15)

Hardest Shot:

Eastern Conference:
1. Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton Bulldogs (26)
2. Nicolas Mattinen, Oshawa Generals (25)
3. Kirill Maksimov, Niagara IceDogs (21)

Western Conference:
1. Owen Tippett, Saginaw Spirit (35)
2. Evan Bouchard, London Knights (32) – finished first in 2017-18
3. Mitch Eliot, Sarnia Sting (8)

Best Stickhandler:

Eastern Conference:
1. Nick Robertson, Peterborough Petes (21)
2. Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts (20)
3. Sasha Chmelevski, Ottawa 67’s (15) – finished second in 2017-18

Western Conference:
1. Morgan Frost, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (29) – finished tied for first in 2017-18
2. Joseph Garreffa, Kitchener Rangers (25)
3. Nick Suzuki, Guelph Storm (20) – finished third in 2017-18

Best on Face-Offs:

Eastern Conference:
1. Jason Willms, Barrie Colts (29)
2. Zach Gallant, Peterborough Petes (27) – finished second in 2017-18 and first in 2016-17
3. Jack Studnicka, Niagara IceDogs (11) tied –
3. Sasha Chmelevski, Ottawa 67’s (11)

Western Conference:
1. Ty Dellandrea, Flint Firebirds (22)
2. Barrett Hayton, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (17)
3. Billy Moskal, London Knights (16)

Best Body Checker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Tyler Tucker, Barrie Colts (31) – finished third in 2017-18
2. Navrin Mutter, Hamilton Bulldogs (21)
3. Brad Chenier, North Bay Battalion (16)

Western Conference:
1. Dmitri Samorukov, Guelph Storm (40)
2. Kelton Hatcher, Sarnia Sting (15)
3. Justin Murray, Saginaw Spirit (12)

Best Shot Blocker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Mitchell Brewer, Oshawa Generals (20) tied
1. Macauley Carson, Sudbury Wolves (20)
3. Nikita Okhotyuk, Ottawa 67’s (16)

Western Conference:
1. Luke Boka, Windsor Spitfires (25) – finished first in 2017-18
2. Jack Hanley, Guelph Storm (14)
3. Mark Woolley, Owen Sound Attack (13) tied –
3. Reilly Webb, Saginaw Spirit (13)

Best Defensive Forward:

Eastern Conference:
1. Kyle MacLean, Oshawa Generals (23)
2. Zach Gallant, Peterborough Petes (18)
3. Jason Willms, Barrie Colts (14) tied
3. Ben Jones, Niagara IceDogs (14) – finished third in 2017-18

Western Conference:
1. MacKenzie Entwistle, Guelph Storm (24)
2. Damien Giroux, Saginaw Spirit (20)
3. Ryan McGregor, Sarnia Sting (17) – finished tied for third in 2017-18

Best Penalty Killer:

Eastern Conference:
1. Isaac Nurse, Hamilton Bulldogs (20)
2. Macauley Carson, Sudbury Wolves (17)
3. Christopher Paquette, Peterborough Petes (13)

Western Conference:
1. Liam Foudy, London Knights (20) tied –
1. Ryan McGregor, Sarnia Sting (20)
3. Dmitri Samorukov, Guelph Storm (19)

Best Offensive Defenceman:

Eastern Conference:
1. Thomas Harley, Mississauga Steelheads (33)
2. Ryan Merkley, Peterborough Petes (27)
3. Noel Hoefenmayer, Ottawa 67’s (15)

Western Conference:
1. Mac Hollowell, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (37)
2. Bode Wilde, Saginaw Spirit (20)
3. Evan Bouchard, London Knights (16) – finished first in 2017-18

Best Defensive Defenceman:

Eastern Conference:
1. Jacob Paquette, Niagara IceDogs (21)
2. Liam Ham, Mississauga Steelheads (16) tied –
2. Merrick Rippon, Ottawa 67’s (16)

Western Conference:
1. Dmitri Samorukov, Guelph Storm (34)
2. Jordan Sambrook, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (18)
3. Justin Murray, Saginaw Spirit (17)

Best Puck-Handling Goalie:

Eastern Conference:
1. Kyle Keyser, Oshawa Generals (20) – finished second in 2017-18
1. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Sudbury Wolves (20)
3. Michael DiPietro, Ottawa 67’s – finished first in 2017-18 Western Conference

Western Conference:
1. Matthew Villalta, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (39) – finished second in 2017-18
2. Joseph Raaymakers, London Knights (22)
3. Luke Richardson, Kitchener Rangers (9) tied –
3. Colton Incze, Windsor Spitfires (9)

Best Shootout Shooter:

Eastern Conference:
1. Matthew Strome, Hamilton Bulldogs (20)
2. Cole Carter, Mississauga Steelheads (15)
3. Justin Brazeau, North Bay Battalion (13)

Western Conference:
1. Morgan Frost, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (24)
2. Isaac Ratcliffe, Guelph Storm (19) – finished first in 2017-18
3. Antonio Stranges, London Knights (17)

Best Shootout Goalie:

Eastern Conference:
1. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Sudbury Wolves (41)
2. Kyle Keyser, Oshawa Generals (19) – finished second in 2017-18
3. Jacob Ingham, Mississauga Steelheads (13)

Western Conference:
1. Ivan Prosvetov, Saginaw Spirit (29)
2. Matthew Villalta, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (21)
3. Jordan Kooy, London Knights (17)