OHL Announces Academic Players of the Month for December

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the OHL Academic Players of the Month for December 2018, including defenceman Thomas Harley of the Mississauga Steelheads, goaltenders Tye Austin of the Peterborough Petes and Mack Guzda of the Owen Sound Attack as well as forward Jordan Frasca of the Windsor Spitfires.

East Division: Peterborough Petes rookie goaltender Tye Austin is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for December. The 16-year-old from Dunrobin, Ont. is currently excelling in his Grade 11 studies at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School, posting a 90% average over university level Chemistry, Visual Arts and Environmental Science courses. “Tye is highly motivated to succeed and he is invested in his school work,” said Petes academic advisor Kim Driscoll. “His ability to balance his academic and hockey commitments is a direct result of his work ethic and determination. Peterborough’s third round (43rd overall pick) in 2018, Austin has played in eight games this season, going 1-2-0-0 with a 4.51 goals-against average and .876 save percentage. He earned his first career OHL victory on Nov. 25th in Hamilton.

Central Division: Draft eligible Mississauga Steelheads defenceman Thomas Harley is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for December. The 17-year-old from Syracuse, NY, has maintained an 81.25% average in his Grade 12 studies at Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School, taking on a course load that includes English, Kinesiology, Physics and Co-op programs. The 6-foot-3, 183Ib defender has 29 points (6-23–29) over 36 games this season and has been selected to compete in the 2019 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game later this month in Red Deer, Alta. Harley was Mississauga’s first round (14th overall) pick in 2017 from the Vaughan Kings Minor Midgets.

Midwest Division: Draft eligible Owen Sound Attack sophomore netminder Mack Guzda is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for December. The 17-year-old from Knoxville, Tenn. carries an overall average of 97% in Grade 12 studies at K12 International Academy, a course load that includes British & World Literature, Government & Politics, Trigonometry, Criminal Justice and Environmental Science. The OHL’s Ivan Tennant Award winner in 2017-18, Guzda currently holds a 100% average in his British & World Literature course. “Mack continues to demonstrate the remarkable commitment to education that won him last year’s Ivan Tennant Award,” said Attack academic advisor Sarah Rowe. “He is to be commended for the incredible success he has achieved in his full load of academic courses. He is the epitome of the student athlete.” Now in his second OHL season, Guzda is 11-9-1-1 with a 3.42 goals-against average and an .883 save percentage with two shutouts over 25 games.

West Division: Windsor Spitfires forward Jordan Frasca is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for December. The 17-year-old from Caledon, Ont. carries an 85% average in his Grade 12 studies at St. Anne High School in Windsor. Frasca is currently studying university level Chemistry, Functions, Business Leadership and English. In 29 games this season, the 6-foot-1, 176Ib left-winger has 15 points (6-9–15). Frasca was Windsor’s seventh round pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection from the Mississauga Senators Minor Midgets. He spent last season with the Chatham Maroons Jr. B club, recording 38 points (12-26–38) over 43 games.

2018-19 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
December – Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
November – Will Cranley (Ottawa 67’s)
October – Nick Wong (Oshawa Generals)

Central Division:
December – Thomas Harley (Mississauga Steelheads)
November – Peter Stratis (Sudbury Wolves)
October – Jonah De Simone (Niagara IceDogs)

Midwest Division:
December – Mack Guzda (Owen Sound Attack)
November – Gerard Keane (London Knights)
October – Isaac Langdon (Kitchener Rangers)

West Division:
December – Jordan Frasca (Windsor Spitfires)
November – Cole MacKay (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
October – Colton Kammerer (Sarnia Sting)

Last season, the OHL Centrally Administered Scholarship Program facilitated scholarships for 321 OHL Alumni at 66 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 totaled more than $22 million.

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

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Otters’ Kyle Maksimovich named CHL Player of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Erie Otters captain Kyle Maksimovich is the CHL Player of the Week for the regular season week ending December 30 recording seven points in two games including four goals and three assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-3.

Maksimovich started the schedule’s second half with a pair of multi-point efforts while reaching a personal milestone and climbing the Otters record books during the club’s Michigan road trip.  His return from the holiday break featured a hat-trick performance plus an assist as first star of Friday’s 9-2 win over the Flint Firebirds, then a goal and two assists as third star of Saturday’s 6-4 loss to the Saginaw Spirit.  Maksimovich continued his strong play into the New Year with a pair of assists in Monday’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs to close 2018.  Over the weekend he became just the ninth player in Otters history to reach the century mark for career goals while moving into fifth on the club’s all-time points list.  The Otters are currently battling for a spot in the OHL’s Western Conference playoffs where they sit in ninth place with a 14-20-1-1 record trailing the Windsor Spitfires by three points.

A 20-year-old from Hamilton, Ont., Maksimovich is playing in his fifth career season with the Otters after being chosen in the third round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  He’s currently ninth in league scoring with 51 points in 36 games tallying 20 goals and 31 assists.  The 2017 OHL champion has played in 289 career games for Erie scoring 100 goals and 176 assists for 276 points.

Also considered for the award this week was San Jose Sharks prospect Noah Gregor of the Prince Albert Raiders with five goals and two assists for seven points in three games, and defenceman Yann-Felix Lapointe of the Sherbrooke Phoenix who scored twice with two assists for four points in two games.

2018-19 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:

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)

67’s’ Cedrick Andree named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Cedrick Andree of the Ottawa 67’s is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the regular season week ending December 30 posting a 2-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .951.

Andree started the schedule’s second half with 58 saves in two victories for the OHL’s Eastern Conference leading 67’s against their toughest competition in the standings.  His return from the holiday break featured a 30-save performance as first star of Friday’s 4-1 win against the second place Niagara IceDogs, then 28 saves during Sunday’s 5-2 win over the third place Oshawa Generals.  The 67’s currently hold a 27-7-3-1 record for 58 points and despite a New Year’s Eve loss to Niagara on Monday, still lead the IceDogs by nine points.

An 18-year-old from Orleans, Ont., Andree is playing in his second season for his hometown team after being chosen in the 12th round of the 2016 OHL Priority Selection.  He currently leads the OHL in wins carrying an overall record of 23-4-1-1 while his goals-against-average of 2.56 and save percentage of .909 are among the league’s leaders.

Also considered for the award this week was Ottawa Senators prospect Kevin Mandolese of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles who posted a 1-0-0-1 record stopping 60 shots for a goals-against-average of 2.31 and save percentage of .923.  In the WHL, Dean McNabb of the Regina Pats who his only start against the top ranked Prince Albert Raiders stopping 43 shots in the 2-1 road victory for a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .977.

2018-19 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:

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: Émile 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 Top Performers of the Month for December

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 December 2018, including Ottawa 67’s forward Tye Felhaber, Saginaw Spirit defenceman Bode Wilde, Sudbury Wolves goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Sarnia Sting rookie Jacob Perreault.

OHL Player of the Month – Tye Felhaber (Ottawa 67’s):
Ottawa 67’s overage winger Tye Felhaber is the OHL Player of the Month for December after leading the league with 16 goals and 20 points over 10 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-10. The fifth-year forward had points in all 10 of his December contests, recording three different hat-tricks while earning Three Star recognition on five separate occasions. Felhaber got his month started with a bang on Dec. 2nd, scoring three times in a 6-3 win over the North Bay Battalion. He recorded another hat-trick a week later, powering the 67’s past the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques 5-1 on home ice before following-up that effort with two goals and an assist on Dec. 9th as the 67’s defeated the Peterborough Petes 4-2. Felhaber rounded out the 2018 calendar year with a New Year’s Eve third period hat-trick as the Barber Poles fell 6-5 in Niagara. The hat-trick was the sixth of Felhaber’s OHL career, bringing his goal-scoring total to a league-leading 42 on the campaign.

A 20-year-old product of Pembroke, Ont., Felhaber sits second in OHL scoring with 63 points (42-21–63) over 38 games. His plus-33 plus/minus rating leads the OHL and he’s currently in the midst of a 12-game point streak that dates back to Nov. 24th. A former first round pick by the Saginaw Spirit in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection, Felhaber has racked up 239 points (128-111–239) over his 281 career regular season contests between Saginaw and Ottawa. His 42 goals this season are the most by a 67’s player since Tyler Toffoli (52) and Shane Prince (43) surpassed the mark back in 2011-12.


OHL Defenceman of the Month – Bode Wilde (Saginaw Spirit):
New York Islanders prospect Bode Wilde of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for December, leading all blueliners with 16 points including four goals and 12 assists over 10 games. Wilde recorded at least a point in nine of his 10 December contests, registering a career-high four points with a goal and three assists in a 7-3 Spirit victory over visiting Sarnia on Dec. 15th. Wilde put up five different multi-point efforts as the Spirit pulled to within three points of first place in the West Division with a 7-2-1-0 record in December. He wrapped up 2018 on a six-game point streak, recording at least one in 10 of his last 11 games.

An 18-year-old native of Plymouth, Mich., Wilde sits third among OHL defencemen with 37 points (9-28–37) over 30 games in this, his first OHL season. Saginaw’s second round pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection, Wilde joined the Spirit following two seasons with the U.S. National Development Program. He has represented the United States at both the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and the 2017 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship and was New York’s second round (41st overall) pick in the 2018 NHL Draft.


OHL Rookie of the Month – Jacob Perreault (Sarnia Sting):
Sixteen-year-old Sarnia Sting forward Jacob Perreault is the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for December after recording 17 points including nine goals and eight assists over 10 games. Perreault had points in nine of his 10 outings including five multi-point performances as the high-scoring Sting remained in the thick of things in the West Division. Perreault put together three straight two-point showings on Dec. 6th, 7th and 8th, starting the weekend with two goals in a 5-4 overtime road win over Windsor. He put up three points on Dec. 14th with two goals and an assist as Sarnia trounced visiting Erie 10-4. Perreault registered a season-high four points with two goals and two assists in a first star showing as part of a 7-3 win over visiting Owen Sound on Dec. 28th. He earned Three Star recognition five different times over the course of the month.

A 16-year-old product of Hinsdale, Ill., Perreault leads OHL rookies with 19 goals and 35 points over 33 games this season. The son of former NHL centreman Yanic Perreault has points in 10 of his last 11 games and currently leads the Sting with a plus/minus rating of plus-10 this season. The 19th overall pick of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the Chicago Mission U16 program, Perreault will be eligible for the NHL Draft in 2020.

 

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Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury Wolves):
Buffalo Sabres prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Sudbury Wolves is the Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month for December after playing to a perfect 5-0 record with a 1.97 goals-against average, .937 save percentage and one shutout. The 6-foot-5, 214Ib Luukkonen extended his winning streak to eight games before departing to British Columbia where he’s representing his native Finland at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. He started the month of December with his second shutout of the season, making 28 saves in a 7-0 blanking of the Mississauga Steelheads on Dec. 2nd. He turned in another 28-save performance on Dec. 7th as the Wolves defeated the visiting Barrie Colts 5-1. Luukkonen closed out his December with a 27-save effort as the Wolves defeated the visiting Kitchener Rangers 5-2 on Dec. 14th.

A 19-year-old native of Espoo, Finland, Luukkonen owns a 19-5-1-1 record with a 2.49 goals-against average and .923 save percentage over 26 games in this, his first OHL season. The third overall pick of the 2018 CHL Import Draft has also stopped 13 of the 16 shootout opponents he has faced this season and helped the Wolves rise to as high as first in the Central Division in recent weeks. Luukkonen was Buffalo’s second round (54th overall) pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. He’s currently representing Finland at the World Juniors for the second straight year.


2018-19 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
December – Tye Felhaber (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Jason Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)
October – Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)


Defenceman of the Month:
December – Bode Wilde (Saginaw Spirit)
November – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)
October – Mac Hollowell (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)


Rookie of the Month:
December – Jacob Perreault (Sarnia Sting)
November – Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s)
October – Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s)


Vaughn Goaltender of the Month:
December – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Joseph Raaymakers (London Knights)
October – Cedrick Andree (Ottawa 67’s)

2019 WJC Rosters

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

CANADA
Goaltenders
Michael DiPietro 1999 Windsor, ON, CAN 6’0″ 201 L OHL
Ian Scott 1999 Calgary, AB, CAN 6’3″ 183 L WHL
Defensemen
Evan Bouchard 1999 Oakville, ON, CAN 6’2″ 198 R OHL
Josh Brook 1999 Roblin, MB, CAN 6’1″ 192 R WHL
Noah Dobson 2000 Summerside, PE, CAN 6’3″ 176 R QMJHL
Jared McIsaac 2000 Truro, NS, CAN 6’1″ 196 L QMJHL
Ian Mitchell 1999 Calahoo, AB, CAN 5’11” 174 R NCAA
Markus Phillips 1999 Markham, ON, CAN 6’0″ 203 L OHL
Ty Smith 2000 Lloydminster, SK, CAN 5’11” 179 L WHL
Forwards
Jaret Anderson-Dolan 1999 Calgary, AB, CAN 5’11” 194 L WHL
Shane Bowers 1999 Halifax, NS, CAN 6’1″ 183 L NCAA
Maxime Comtois 1999 Longueuil, QC, CAN 6’2″ 209 L QMJHL
MacKenzie Entwistle 1999 Georgetown, ON, CAN 6’3″ 181 R OHL
Alex Formenton 1999 King City, ON, CAN 6’2″ 185 L OHL
Morgan Frost 1999 Aurora, ON, CAN 6’0″ 185 L OHL
Cody Glass 1999 Winnipeg, MB, CAN 6’2″ 185 R WHL
Barrett Hayton 2000 Peterborough, ON, CAN 6’1″ 190 L OHL
Alexis Lafrenière 2001 Saint-Eustache, QC, CAN 6’1″ 192 L QMJHL
Brett Leason 1999 Calgary, AB, CAN 6’4″ 205 R WHL
Jack Studnicka 1999 Tecumseh, ON, CAN 6’2″ 179 R OHL
Nick Suzuki 1999 London, ON, CAN 5’11” 183 R OHL
Owen Tippett 1999 Peterborough, ON, CAN 6’1″ 201 R OHL
Joseph Veleno 2000 Montréal, QC, CAN 6’1″ 192 L QMJHL
CZECH REPUBLIC
Goaltenders
Lukas Dostal 2000 Brno, CZE 6’1″ 159 L Czech2
Jiri Patera 1999 Praha, CZE 6’2″ 207 L WHL
Jakub Skarek 1999 Jihlava, CZE 6’3″ 196 L Liiga
Defensemen
Daniel Bukac 1999 Most, CZE 6’5″ 209 R OHL
Jakub Galvas 1999 Ostrava, CZE 5’11” 165 L Czech
Michael Gaspar 1999 Praha, CZE 5’10” 181 L Czech2
Filip Král 1999 Blansko, CZE 6’1″ 172 L WHL
David Kvasnicka 1999 Rokycany, CZE 5’10” 185 L Czech2
Dalimil Mikyska 1999 Breclav, CZE 6’1″ 201 L Czech2
Radim Salda 1999 Pardubice, CZE 6’1″ 185 L QMJHL
Matyas Zelingr 1999 Benesov, CZE 6’3″ 203 L Czech2
Forwards
Petr Cajka 2000 Kadan, CZE 6’0″ 168 L OHL
Filip Chytil 1999 Kromeriz, CZE 6’2″ 203 L NHL
Jan Hladonik 1999 Trinec, CZE 5’9″ 161 L Czech2
Krystof Hrabik 1999 Praha, CZE 6’4″ 209 L WHL
Jan Jenik 2000 Nymburk, CZE 6’1″ 165 R Czech2
Martin Kaut 1999 Brno, CZE 6’2″ 176 R AHL
Jan Kern 1999 Praha, CZE 5’11” 192 L USHL
Jáchym Kondelík 1999 Hannover, GER 6’6″ 227 L NCAA
Jakub Lauko 2000 Praha, CZE 6’0″ 170 L QMJHL
Ondrej Machala 1999 Havlickuv Brod, CZE 5’11” 187 L Czech2
Martin Necas 1999 Nove Mesto na Morave, CZE 6’1″ 168 R AHL
Matej Pekar 2000 Turnov, CZE 6’0″ 170 L OHL
Karel Plasek 2000 Prerov, CZE 5’11” 154 L Czech
Jakub Pour 1999 Rokycany, CZE 6’3″ 198 L Czech2
Filip Zadina 1999 Pardubice, CZE 6’0″ 196 L AHL
DENMARK
Goaltenders
Albert Adamsen 1999 6’2″ 168 L Denmark
William Rørth 1999 5’10” 159 L Denmark
Mads Søgaard 2000 Aalborg, DEN 6’7″ 196 L WHL
Defensemen
Daniel Andersen 1999 5’11” 185 L SuperElit
Victor Andersen 1999 Herning, DEN 6’4″ 201 L Denmark
Lasse L. Carlsen 1999 6’6″ 227 L Denmark2
Lasse Holm Mortensen 2000 6’4″ 187 R Denmark
Magnus Koch 2000 6’1″ 218 L Denmark
Oscar Schulze 2000 6’3″ 214 L Denmark
Malte Setkov 1999 Rødovre, DEN 6’7″ 205 L SHL
Jeppe Urup Mogensen 1999 Odense, DEN 6’2″ 196 R USHL
Forwards
Lucas Andersen 1999 København, DEN 6’2″ 176 R SuperElit
Lukas Bach Nielsen 2000 6’0″ 183 R Elite Jr. A
Jonathan Brinkman 2001 Aalborg, DEN 5’11” 165 L Denmark
Victor Cubars 2000 6’2″ 187 L SuperElit
Søren Dietz-Larsen 1999 Vojens, DEN 6’1″ 203 R SuperElit
Christoffer Gath 1999 Ballerup, DEN 5’11” 181 L Denmark
Gustav Green 2000 6’2″ 176 L Denmark
Andreas Grundtvig 1999 Hørsholm, DEN 5’11” 176 L Denmark
Oliver Kjær 2000 Esbjerg, DEN 6’0″ 179 L Denmark
David Madsen 1999 Vojens, DEN 6’2″ 198 R SuperElit
Emil Marcussen 1999 Aalborg, DEN 6’0″ 179 L Denmark
Oliver Reuter 1999 Rødovre, DEN 5’9″ 159 L Denmark U20
Jonas Røndbjerg 1999 Rungsted, DEN 6’2″ 194 L SHL
Phillip Schultz 2000 Rødovre, DEN 6’0″ 194 L WHL
Jakob Wittendorf 1999 Vojens, DEN 6’1″ 187 R Denmark
FINLAND
Goaltenders
Lassi Lehtinen 1999 Lahti, FIN 6’0″ 170 L Liiga
Filip Lindberg 1999 Espoo, FIN 6’0″ 181 L NCAA
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen 1999 Espoo, FIN 6’5″ 212 L OHL
Defensemen
Aleksi Anttalainen 1999 Turku, FIN 5’9″ 185 L QMJHL
Ville Heinola 2001 Honkajoki, FIN 5’11” 176 L Liiga
Anttoni Honka 2000 Jyväskylä, FIN 5’10” 170 R Liiga
Henri Jokiharju 1999 Oulu, FIN 6’0″ 181 R NHL
Olli Kaskinen 1999 Raisio, FIN 6’0″ 187 L Liiga
Oskari Laaksonen 1999 Tampere, FIN 6’2″ 165 R Liiga
Otto Latvala 1999 Alajärvi, FIN 6’5″ 190 R Jr. A SM-liiga
Toni Utunen 2000 Kokkola, FIN 5’11” 170 L Liiga
Urho Vaakanainen 1999 Joensuu, FIN 6’1″ 185 L NHL
Forwards
Teemu Engberg 1999 Loviisa, FIN 5’11” 183 L Liiga
Aleksi Heponiemi 1999 Tampere, FIN 5’10” 148 L Liiga
Kaapo Kakko 2001 Turku, FIN 6’1″ 181 L Liiga
Rasmus Kupari 2000 Kotka, FIN 6’1″ 183 R Liiga
Anton Lundell 2001 Espoo, FIN 6’1″ 183 L Liiga
Sami Moilanen 1999 Sipoo, FIN 5’9″ 181 L Liiga
Linus Nyman 1999 Helsinki, FIN 5’10” 159 L Liiga
Valtteri Puustinen 1999 Kuopio, FIN 5’9″ 179 L Jr. A SM-liiga
Sampo Ranta 2000 Naantali, FIN 6’2″ 190 L NCAA
Aarne Talvitie 1999 Espoo, FIN 5’10” 198 L NCAA
Eeli Tolvanen 1999 Vihti, FIN 5’10” 192 L AHL
Samuli Vainionpää 1999 Kangasala, FIN 6’0″ 174 L Liiga
Santeri Virtanen 1999 Kirkkonummi, FIN 6’2″ 194 L Liiga
Jesse Ylönen 1999 Scottsdale, AZ, USA 6’1″ 172 R Liiga
KAZAKHSTAN
Goaltenders
Denis Karatayev 1999 6’1″ 176 L MHL
Vladislav Nurek 2000 6’0″ 154 L MHL
Demid Yeremeyev 1999 6’1″ 198 L MHL
Defensemen
Samat Daniyar 1999 Astana, KAZ 5’11” 154 R MHL
Yaroslav Khripkov 1999 Satpaev, KAZ 6’2″ 192 L MHL
Artyom Korolyov 2001 Ust-Kamenogorsk, KAZ 6’0″ 163 L MHL
David Muratov 2001 6’2″ 165 – MHL
Ernar Musabayev 2000 5’11” 174 L MHL
Valeri Orekhov 1999 6’1″ 170 L KHL
Yevgeni Shinkaretsky 1999 Satpaev, KAZ 6’0″ 201 L MHL
Forwards
Oleg Boiko 2001 5’9″ 163 L MHL
Andrei Buyalsky 2000 6’0″ 148 L Kazakhstan
Sayan Daniyar 1999 5’11” 154 L MHL
Ruslan Dyomin 2000 5’10” 174 L Kazakhstan
Artur Gatiyatov 1999 Satpaev, KAZ 5’7″ 130 L MHL
Dias Guseinov 2001 6’0″ 146 L MHL
Davyd Makutsky 1999 Pavlodar, KAZ 5’9″ 152 L MHL
Dmitri Mitenkov 1999 5’10” 170 – MHL
Batyrlan Muratov 1999 6’1″ 154 R MHL
Maxim Musorov 2001 Ust-Kamenogorsk, KAZ 5’10” 154 R MHL
Danil Tretyakovsky 1999 5’11” 176 L MHL
Ivan Vereshchagin 1999 5’9″ 165 L Kazakhstan
Aidos Zhorabek 1999 5’10” 163 L MHL
RUSSIA
Goaltenders
Pyotr Kochetkov 1999 Kazan, RUS 6’3″ 183 L VHL
Amir Miftakhov 2000 Kazan, RUS 6’0″ 159 L VHL
Daniil Tarasov 1999 Novokuznetsk, RUS 6’4″ 181 L VHL
Defensemen
Alexander Alexeyev 1999 St. Petersburg, RUS 6’4″ 201 L WHL
Yevgeni Kalabushkin 1999 Stupino, RUS 6’0″ 181 L VHL
Anton Malyshev 2000 Yaroslavl, RUS 6’0″ 185 R MHL
Ilya Morozov 1999 Novosibirsk, RUS 6’3″ 207 L KHL
Saveli Olshansky 1999 Magnitogorsk, RUS 6’0″ 203 L VHL
Alexander Romanov 2000 Moskva, RUS 5’11” 185 L KHL
Mark Rubinchik 1999 Moskva, RUS 6’1″ 187 L VHL
Dmitri Samorukov 1999 Volgograd, RUS 6’2″ 181 L OHL
Danila Zhuravlyov 2000 Nizhny Novgorod, RUS 6’0″ 163 L VHL
Forwards
Grigori Denisenko 2000 Novosibirsk, RUS 5’11” 176 R VHL
Artyom Galimov 1999 Samara, RUS 6’0″ 174 L VHL
Yevgeni Kanitsky 1999 Mezhdurechensk, RUS 6’3″ 179 R VHL
Alexander Khovanov 2000 Saratov, RUS 5’11” 198 L QMJHL
Klim Kostin 1999 Penza, RUS 6’3″ 212 L AHL
Nikolai Kovalenko 1999 Raleigh, NC, USA 5’10” 174 L KHL
Vitali Kravtsov 1999 Vladivostok, RUS 6’4″ 183 L KHL
Kirill Marchenko 2000 Barnaul, RUS 6’3″ 187 R VHL
Ivan D. Morozov 2000 Khanty-Mansiysk, RUS 6’1″ 179 R MHL
Ivan Muranov 1999 Moskva, RUS 6’3″ 187 L KHL
Nikita Shashkov 1999 Novokuznetsk, RUS 5’11” 179 L KHL
Pavel Shen 1999 Khanty-Mansiysk, RUS 6’1″ 183 L KHL
Kirill Slepets 1999 Khabarovsk, RUS 5’10” 146 L KHL
Stepan Starkov 1999 Belgorod, RUS 6’0″ 170 L KHL
SLOVAKIA
Goaltenders
Samuel Hlavaj 2001 Martin, SVK 6’2″ 187 L Slovakia
Jakub Kostelny 1999 Trencin, SVK 5’10” 154 L Slovakia
Juraj Sklenar 1999 Nitra, SVK 6’2″ 170 L Slovakia
Defensemen
Daniel Demo 1999 Bratislava, SVK 6’1″ 201 L SuperElit
Marcel Dlugos 2000 Zilina, SVK 6’4″ 207 L Slovakia U20
Martin Fehérváry 1999 Bratislava, SVK 6’2″ 194 L SHL
Andrej Golian 2001 Banska Bystrica, SVK 6’3″ 165 L Slovakia
Michal Ivan 1999 Ziar nad Hronom, SVK 6’1″ 181 L QMJHL
Marek Korencik 1999 Zilina, SVK 6’3″ 201 L SuperElit
Martin Kupec 1999 Banska Bystrica, SVK 6’0″ 196 L Slovakia
Adam Ziak 1999 Spisska Nova Ves, SVK 5’11” 187 L Jr. A SM-liiga
Forwards
Jozef Balaz 1999 Liptovsky Mikulas, SVK 5’9″ 163 L Czech2
Milos Fafrak 1999 Martin, SVK 6’3″ 176 L Slovakia
Oliver Giertl 1999 Brezno, SVK – – – Slovakia
Patrik Hrehorcak 1999 Poprad, SVK 5’10” 174 L QMJHL
Milos Kelemen 1999 Zvolen, SVK 6’2″ 212 L Slovakia
Andrej Kollár 1999 Nitra, SVK – – R Slovakia
Filip Krivosik 1999 Bratislava, SVK 6’4″ 207 R Liiga
Andrej Kukuca 1999 Trencin, SVK 6’2″ 185 R WHL
Adam Liska 1999 Bratislava, SVK 5’10” 183 L KHL
Martin Pospisil 1999 Zvolen, SVK 6’2″ 183 L USHL
Pavol Regenda 1999 6’2″ 187 L SuperElit
Milos Roman 1999 Kysucke Nove Mesto, SVK 6’0″ 192 L WHL
Adam Ruzicka 1999 Bratislava, SVK 6’4″ 203 L OHL
SWITZERLAND
Goaltenders
Luca Hollenstein 2000 Mosnang, SUI 5’10” 170 L NLB
Akira Schmid 2000 Bern, SUI 6’5″ 205 L USHL
Gianluca Zaetta 1999 5’9″ 159 L NLB
Defensemen
David Aebischer 2000 Heitenried, SUI 5’11” 183 R QMJHL
Davyd Barandun 2000 Sumy, UKR 5’11” 190 L NLA
Tim Berni 2000 Männedorf, SUI 5’11” 174 L NLA
Gianluca Burger 1999 Zürich, SUI 5’10” 170 R NLB
Tobias Geisser 1999 Stans, SUI 6’4″ 201 L AHL
Nico Gross 2000 Pontresina, SUI 6’1″ 190 L OHL
Simon Le Coultre 1999 Le Sentier, SUI 6’0″ 174 L QMJHL
Janis Jérôme Moser 2000 6’0″ 157 L NLA
Forwards
Yannick Brüschweiler 1999 5’10” 165 L NLB
Nando Eggenberger 1999 Chur, SUI 6’2″ 203 L OHL
Jeremi Gerber 2000 Langnau im Emmental, SUI 6’1″ 185 L Elite Jr. A
Philipp Kurashev 1999 Münsingen, SUI 6’0″ 192 L QMJHL
Marco Lehmann 1999 Lauperswil, SUI 5’7″ 139 L NLB
Sven Leuenberger 1999 Hüttikon, SUI 5’10” 196 R NLA
Nicolas Müller 1999 Arisdorf, SUI 6’0″ 170 R SuperElit
Valentin Nussbaumer 2000 6’0″ 168 L QMJHL
Sandro Schmid 2000 5’10” 157 L SuperElit
Justin Sigrist 1999 Hombrechtikon, SUI 5’11” 165 L NLB
Ramon Tanner 1999 Appenzell, SUI 5’7″ 179 L NLB
Matthew Verboon 2000 Puplinge, SUI 6’1″ 183 L BCHL
Luca Wyss 1999 Langnau im Emmental, SUI 6’0″ 168 L NLB
UNITED STATES
Goaltenders
Kyle Keyser 1999 Coral Springs, FL, USA 6’2″ 183 L OHL
Spencer Knight 2001 Darien, CT, USA 6’3″ 198 L USDP
Cayden Primeau 1999 Voorhees, NJ, USA 6’3″ 181 L NCAA
Defensemen
Michael Anderson 1999 Roseville, MN, USA 6’0″ 196 L NCAA
Quinn Hughes 1999 Orlando, FL, USA 5’10” 174 L NCAA
Philip Kemp 1999 Greenwich, CT, USA 6’3″ 203 R NCAA
K’Andre Miller 2000 St. Paul, MN, USA 6’4″ 198 L NCAA
Dylan Samberg 1999 Hermantown, MN, USA 6’3″ 190 L NCAA
Mattias Samuelsson 2000 Philadelphia, PA, USA 6’4″ 218 L NCAA
Jack St. Ivany 1999 Manhattan Beach, CA, USA 6’3″ 198 R NCAA
Forwards
Evan Barratt 1999 Bristol, PA, USA 6’0″ 187 L NCAA
Noah Cates ( 1999 Stillwater, MN, USA 6’1″ 165 L NCAA
Alexander Chmelevski 1999 Huntington Beach, CA, USA 6’0″ 187 R OHL
Logan Cockerill 1999 Brighton, MI, USA 5’9″ 165 L NCAA
Jack Drury 2000 Winnetka, IL, USA 5’11” 174 L NCAA
Joel Farabee 2000 Cicero, NY, USA 6’0″ 161 L NCAA
Jack Hughes 2001 Orlando, FL, USA 5’10” 168 L USDP
Tyler Madden 1999 Albany, NY, USA 5’11” 150 R NCAA
Josh Norris 1999 Oxford, MI, USA 6’1″ 190 L NCAA
Jay O’Brien 1999 Hingham, MA, USA 5’11” 176 R NCAA
Ryan Poehling 1999 Lakeville, MN, USA 6’2″ 183 L NCAA
Jason Robertson 1999 Arcadia, CA, USA 6’2″ 201 L OHL
Oliver Wahlstrom 2000 Yarmouth, ME, USA 6’1″ 207 R NCAA
SWEDEN
Goaltenders
Olle Eriksson Ek 1999 Karlstad, SWE 6’2″ 185 L Allsvenskan
Samuel Ersson 1999 Falun, SWE 6’2″ 176 L Allsvenskan
Adam Åhman 1999 Västervik, SWE 6’0″ 163 L Allsvenskan
Defensemen
Adam Boqvist 2000 Falun, SWE 6’0″ 181 R OHL
Philip Broberg 2001 Örebro, SWE 6’3″ 198 L Allsvenskan
Erik Brännström 1999 Eksjö, SWE 5’10” 181 L AHL
Adam Ginning 2000 Linköping, SWE 6’4″ 205 L SHL
Nils Lundkvist 2000 Piteå, SWE 5’11” 174 R SHL
Rasmus Sandin 2000 Uppsala, SWE 5’11” 185 L AHL
Filip Westerlund 1999 Härnösand, SWE 5’11” 181 R SHL
Forwards
Emil Bemström 1999 Nyköping, SWE 5’10” 176 R SHL
Oskar Bäck 2000 Karlstad, SWE 6’2″ 192 L Allsvenskan
Lucas Elvenes 1999 Ängelholm, SWE 6’1″ 172 L SHL
Samuel Fagemo 2000 Göteborg, SWE 5’11” 190 R SHL
David Gustafsson 2000 Tingsryd, SWE 6’2″ 196 L SHL
Pontus Holmberg 1999 Västerås, SWE 5’10” 174 L SHL
Rickard Hugg 1999 Hudiksvall, SWE 5’10” 190 L OHL
Filip Hållander 2000 Sundsvall, SWE 6’1″ 190 L SHL
Isac Lundeström 1999 Gällivare, SWE 6’0″ 185 L AHL
Jacob Olofsson 2000 Piteå, SWE 6’2″ 192 L SHL
Filip Sveningsson 1999 Gislaved, SWE 6’0″ 181 L Allsvenskan
Johan Södergran 1999 Stockholm, SWE 6’3″ 205 L SHL
Fabian Zetterlund 1999 Karlstad, SWE 5’11” 196 R SHL

 

Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the week fourteen edition of the Kia CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2018-19 season.  The weekly rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts.

Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings – Week 14:

Rank: Team: Last Week Rank: Number of Weeks Ranked:
1 Prince Albert Raiders (31-2-0-1) 1 12
2 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (28-6-0-1) 2 11
3 Ottawa 67’s (25-6-3-1) 3 11
4 London Knights (23-5-2-1) 4 10
5 Everett Silvertips (27-7-1-1) 5 5
6 Drummondville Voltigeurs (25-7-1-0) 7 9
7 Halifax Mooseheads (24-7-1-1) 8 14
8 Vancouver Giants (22-8-2-0) 6 12
9 Baie-Comeau Drakkar (23-9-1-1) 9 12
10 Niagara IceDogs (20-7-5-0) – 4
Honourable Mention:
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (21-8-4-1) – 3
Sudbury Wolves (21-9-1-1) – 1
Moncton Wildcats (23-10-2-1) – 7

 

Kia CHL Top 10

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Battalion’s Justin Brazeau named CHL Player of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that OHL top scorer Justin Brazeau of the North Bay Battalion is the CHL Player of the Week for the regular season week ending December 16 scoring eight goals and two assists for 10 points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-7.

Brazeau wins the award for the second time this season powered by a trio of multi-goal performances that helped the Battalion finish the first half with three-straight wins.  On Thursday night he scored twice with one assist and earned first star honours in an 8-5 victory on home ice over the Kitchener Rangers.  He did the same three-point damage on Saturday while visiting the Barrie Colts where his first goal held as the game-winner and his second the insurance marker receiving second star accolades in the 4-1 triumph.  Brazeau brought his best effort right before the holiday break in a rematch against the Colts scoring a career-high four goals including the Teddy Bear Toss tally at home receiving first star honours in the 5-4 decision.  The Troops will be fighting for playoff positioning in the second half carrying a 14-18-1-1 record in the competitive OHL Eastern Conference standings.

A 20-year-old from New Liskeard, Ont., Brazeau is playing in his fourth career season with the Battalion who chose him in the 13th round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  Through 34 games he’s scored 34 goals along with 29 assists for an OHL-best 63 points.  During Sunday’s game he eclipsed the century mark for career goals and now has 101 with 87 assists for 188 points in 234 games.

Also considered for the award this week was Nicolas Guay of the Drummondville Voltigeurs who scored six goals and two assists for eight points in three games, and Dante Hannoun of the Victoria Royals who scored three goals and six assists for nine points in four games.

2018-19 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:

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)

Tigers’ Mads Sogaard named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that 2019 NHL Draft prospect Mads Sogaard of the Medicine Hat Tigers is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the regular season week ending December 16 carrying a 2-0-0-0 record for a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .966.

Sogaard made an impressive 85 saves across his two victories last week helping the Tigers enter the holiday break with a winning 17-15-1-2 record in the competitive WHL Central Division standings.  On Wednesday he made 36 saves and earned second star honours in a 4-2 triumph over the Kamloops Blazers, then kicked aside a career-high 49 shots on Friday earning first star praise in the 4-1 road victory against the first place Red Deer Rebels.

The recently turned 18-year-old from Aalborg, Denmark, was chosen 32nd overall in the 2018 CHL Import Draft.  Sogaard finished the first half with a 10-4-1-2 record with one shutout along with a 2.39 goals-against-average and .931 save percentage which place him among the league’s leaders.  Last week Sogaard was named as one of four goaltenders who will compete in the 2019 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game to be played on January 23 in Red Deer.

Also considered for the award was OHL rookie Andrew MacLean of the Owen Sound Attack who posted a 3-0-0-0 record including one shutout victory making a total of 102 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.67 and save percentage of .953.  In the QMJHL, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Alexis Gravel of the Halifax Mooseheads went 2-0-0-1 with a shutout victory making 80 total saves for a goals-against-average of 1.30 and save percentage of .952.

2018-19 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:

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: Émile 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)

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Drakkar’s Ivan Chekhovich named CHL Player of the Week

 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that San Jose Sharks prospect Ivan Chekhovich of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar is the CHL Player of the Week for the regular season week ending December 9 scoring six goals and three assists for nine points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-3.

Chekhovich becomes the league’s first two-time award recipient this season after producing a trio of multi-point performances to help the Drakkar climb back into a second place tie in the QMJHL’s overall standings.  On Tuesday night he scored twice with an assist and earned third star honours as part of an 8-3 win over the visiting Chicoutimi Sagueneens.  Chekhovich would finish the week with back-to-back first star performances in Friday and Saturday home wins over the Victoriaville Tigres.  His output in those contests included four points sparked by his fourth hat-trick of the season in a 7-1 victory, and two points including his league-leading 29th goal of the season.  The Drakkar now carry an overall record of 22-8-1-1 which puts them even with the Moncton Wildcats behind only the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.

A 19-year-old from Yekaterinburg, Russia, Chekhovich is playing in his third QMJHL season with the Drakkar after being chosen third overall in the 2016 CHL Import Draft.  He’s currently tied for second in QMJHL scoring with 54 points in 32 games which is just six points shy of his career-high in 65 games last season.  The seventh round pick of the Sharks in the 2017 NHL Draft is one of three CHL players named to Russia’s Selection Camp roster for the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Also considered for the award this week was Brett Neumann of the Kingston Frontenacs who scored six goals and two assists for eight points in three games, and Vancouver Canucks prospect Jett Woo of the Moose Jaw Warriors with one goal and six assists for seven points in three games.

2018-19 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:

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)

Silvertips’ Dustin Wolf named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that 2019 NHL Draft prospect Dustin Wolf of the Everett Silvertips is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the regular season week ending December 9 posting a 3-0-0-0 record including one shutout for a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .967.

Wolf turned aside 89 shots last week in a trio of victories for the Silvertips who extended their winning-streak to nine games strengthening their lead atop the WHL’s Western Conference standings.  On Wednesday he made 25 saves in a 4-2 victory over the Spokane Chiefs, then stopped a season-high 43 shots on Saturday in a 2-1 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds earning third star honours.  His week wrapped up Sunday with his third shutout of the season making 21 saves to blank the Chiefs by a 2-0 score while earning first star honours on home ice.  The Silvertips have won 10 of their last 11 games and currently hold a 25-7-1-0 record chasing their second straight U.S Division title.

A 17-year-old from Tustin, California, Wolf was chosen by Everett in the fifth round of the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft.  He’s currently tied for the league lead in wins with a personal record of 23-7-1-0 while his goals-against-average of 1.84 and save percentage of .928 are both third best in the WHL.  Wolf was recently listed as a ‘C’ prospect by NHL Central Scouting among November’s Players to Watch for the 2019 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award was fellow 2019 NHL Draft prospect Colten Ellis of the Rimouski Oceanic who posted a 2-0-0-0 record making 61 saves for a goals-against-average of 2.00 and save percentage of .938.  In the OHL, rookie Andrew MacLean of the Owen Sound Attack won his only start of the week with 42 saves to stop the London Knights 15-game win-streak finishing the contest with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .977.

2018-19 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:

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: Émile 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)

CHL Leagues

IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS TO ALBERTA

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press Release

Hockey Canada awards 2021 World Juniors to Edmonton and Red Deer

EDMONTON, Alta. – The world’s best junior hockey players will be skating for gold on Alberta ice at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), has awarded the 45th edition of the international tournament to the cities of Edmonton and Red Deer.

Hockey Canada“To return to Alberta is an incredible opportunity for Hockey Canada and the IIHF World Junior Championship,” said Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer of Hockey Canada. “The province of Alberta and the cities of Edmonton and Red Deer have a history of hosting successful, world-class events, including the 1995 IIHF World Junior Championship in Red Deer, the 2012 edition of the tournament in Edmonton and the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer. We are confident in this committee’s ability to successfully execute on its vision for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, and we look forward to working with them to ensure we leave a lasting legacy in Alberta and across the country that helps us continue to grow and foster the game from the grassroots to elite levels.”

Smith was chair of the site-selection committee, which also included Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney, former Hockey Canada board chair Joe Drago and CHL president David Branch, and was supported by Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties for Hockey Canada as the committee’s resource staff.

Hockey Canada has played host to the IIHF World Junior Championship 12 times in tournament history; the 13th IIHF World Junior Championship on Canadian ice officially kicks off this month in Vancouver and Victoria. Organizers of the 2021 tournament will take part in the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship as part of the preparation and planning for Edmonton and Red Deer.

Leading the committee are Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) in partnership with the City of Edmonton, and the Red Deer Rebels Hockey Club in partnership with the City of Red Deer.

“Oilers Entertainment Group is thrilled to be able to continue our partnership with Hockey Canada, this time to help bring the IIHF World Junior Championship to Edmonton and Red Deer,” said Bob Nicholson, OEG CEO & vice chair. “We are continuing to build Edmonton’s international reputation as a destination for hockey and we know the hockey fans in our community will be excited to cheer on Team Canada on home ice.”

“On behalf of the Rebels organization, the City of Red Deer, our partners at Westerner Park and all junior hockey fans across Central Alberta, we are beyond excited to bring the IIHF World Junior Championship back to our community,” said Brent Sutter, owner, general manager and head coach of the Red Deer Rebels. “This marquee event was a game-changer for the region in 1995, and we’re sure fans from around the world will be embraced once again.”

“As a site-selection committee, finding the optimal site for the IIHF World Junior Championship is always our priority,” said Branch. As a partner, the CHL is instrumental in the hosting of the IIHF World Junior Championship on Canadian ice, sharing in the event legacy for the development of high-performance junior hockey across the country, and lending its players, coaches and support staff to participating teams. “The interest and excitement to host this special event remains high as we look to 2021 and beyond. Today is about celebrating the selection of Edmonton and Red Deer as co-hosts in 2021 and the teams, volunteers, staff and fans who will make the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship in Vancouver and Victoria an unforgettable experience beginning later this month.”

The Government of Alberta has committed its support to the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.

“Alberta’s towns and cities are rich with hockey culture and our government is proud to support the 2021 World Juniors,” said the Honourable Ricardo Miranda, minister of culture and tourism for the Government of Alberta. “These championships will bring top-notch athletes and tourists from around the world to explore our beautiful province. This is an incredible opportunity for Alberta and I know co-hosting the games in Edmonton and Red Deer will be a winning combination.”

The 2021 World Juniors will be co-hosted at Rogers Place, the home of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL), and at the ENMAX Centrium, home of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels with regional economic impact expected to exceed $50-million.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Red Deer again after a great Hlinka Gretzky Cup this summer,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our outstanding hosting skills as well as Edmonton’s Rogers Place and Ice District to the world. Events like this have a significant local economic impact that will benefit Edmontonians and allow them to enjoy their ongoing love for hockey.”

“World Juniors is more than a hockey tournament. It is our national tradition. Red Deer is honoured to be a partner host City for the 2020/2021 World Juniors, especially given our strong community history of hosting Juniors in 1995”, said Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer. “We will build on this proud heritage with our government and hockey partners. Hockey Canada, the Oilers Entertainment Group and the Red Deer Rebels are to be applauded for the hockey and Canadian history we are writing today, and for the opportunity they have secured for us”.

Tickets for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship will be available to Edmonton Oilers, Oil Kings and Rebels season-seat holders in the spring. Tickets will go on sale to the public at a later date. To be sure they don’t miss out, fans can get front-of-the-line access when tickets go on sale to the public by registering HERE.

A legacy plan for potential profits from the event will provide for grassroots hockey program support across the province and throughout Hockey Canada’s 13 regional members, as well as the CHL. A portion of the profits are used by the IIHF to grow the game internationally.

Edmonton to host Hockey Canada Foundation gala

The City of Edmonton was also confirmed as host city for the 2019 Hockey Canada Foundation Gala & Golf event by Foundation chair Doug Goss and event co-chairs Ashif and Zainul Mawji on Thursday.

The annual event is Hockey Canada’s single largest fundraiser, supporting the growth of the game from coast to coast to coast. The event, which leaves 50 percent of its net proceeds within the host community and surrounding region to help grow the game, has raised approximately $4 million since 2009, including a $400,000 legacy from the 2018 HCF Gala & Golf in London, Ont., last June.

That legacy will be used to assist Hockey Canada programs that introduce children of all backgrounds and circumstances the opportunity to experience hockey. The fund will provide financial assistance to families demonstrating need whose children’s passion for the game was fueled through the Canadian Tire First Shift and Try Hockey programs so they can pursue the game with their local minor hockey association.

For more information on Hockey Canada, Canada’s National Junior Team, and the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship, visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter, as well as #WorldJuniors.

CHL Leagues

OHL Announces Academic Players of the Month for November

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the OHL Academic Players of the Month for November 2018, including goaltender Will Cranley of the Ottawa 67’s, defencemen Peter Stratis of the Sudbury Wolves and Gerard Keane of the London Knights, and forward Cole MacKay of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.


East Division: Ottawa 67’s rookie netminder Will Cranley is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for November. The 16-year-old from Peterborough, Ont. holds an 88% average in Grade 11 university level courses at Blyth Academy in Ottawa. Cranley is currently studying Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. “Will is viewed by his teachers as a dedicated student who is able to balance the demands of hockey and education with his perseverance, respectful behaviour and positive outlook,” said 67’s academic advisor Eileen Duffin. Cranley currently leads the league in minutes played by a 16-year-old goaltender. He’s played to a 3-1-2-0 record with a 3.32 goals-against average and .883 save percentage over seven games. Cranley recently represented Team Canada Red at the 2018 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. He was Ottawa’s second round pick this past spring from the Peterborough Petes Minor Midgets.


Central Division: Sudbury Wolves defenceman Peter Stratis is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for November. The 18-year-old from Scarborough, Ont. holds an 80% average in Psychology and Exercise Science courses at Laurentian University. The former first round OHL Priority Selection choice has seven points (3-4–7) over 27 games in his third OHL season. Stratis was acquired by the Wolves from the Ottawa 67’s last season. He is a graduate of the Mississauga Rebels Minor Midget program.


Midwest Division: London Knights rookie defenceman Gerard Keane is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for November. The 16-year-old from Homer Glen, Ill. is excelling in his Grade 11 studies at Blyth Academy in London. “Gerard has found a great balance between playing elite level hockey and maintaining excellent grades,” said Knights academic advisor Annemarie Pedersen. “He is frequently done his in class work in advance and is given additional work to practice on. He has been a positive influence in the classroom.” London’s third round pick this past spring, Keane has one goal over 12 games this season.


West Division: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds sophomore forward Cole MacKay is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for November. The 17-year-old Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. product carries an average above 90% in Grade 12 studies at St. Mary’s College. “Cole has successfully balanced a difficult academic schedule with the rigors of OHL hockey,” said Greyhounds academic advisor Jerry Bumbacco. “He is extremely well liked by his teachers as well as his peers.” Studying Mathematics, English and Sciences in the classroom, MacKay has also excelled on the ice, recording 28 points (10-18–28) over 29 games this season. He was Sault Ste. Marie’s fifth round pick in 2017 from the Kitchener Rangers Minor Midgets.

2018-19 OHL Academic Players of the Month:


East Division:
November – Will Cranley (Ottawa 67’s)
October – Nick Wong (Oshawa Generals)

Central Division:
November – Peter Stratis (Sudbury Wolves)
October – Jonah De Simone (Niagara IceDogs)


Midwest Division:
November – Gerard Keane (London Knights)
October – Isaac Langdon (Kitchener Rangers)


West Division:
November – Cole MacKay (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
October – Colton Kammerer (Sarnia Sting)

Last season, the OHL Centrally Administered Scholarship Program facilitated scholarships for 321 OHL Alumni at 66 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 totaled more than $22 million.

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

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

MacLeod and Luukkonen top weekly performers

Voltigeurs’ Gregor MacLeod named CHL Player of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that overage forward Gregor MacLeod of the Drummondville Voltigeurs is the CHL Player of the Week for the regular season week ending December 2 recording nine points in two games including four goals and five assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-6.

MacLeod produced a pair of multi-point performances last week helping the Voltigeurs remain one of the hottest teams in the country extending their winning-streak to six.  On Friday night he scored a career-high five points with one goal and four assists as first star of a 7-3 win over the Gatineau Olympiques, then scored a hat-trick plus an assist on Sunday afternoon as second star of a 10-3 win against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.  MacLeod now has points in seven-straight games while the Voltigeurs have climbed to third place in the QMJHL’s overall standings with a 20-6-1-1 record.

A 20-year-old from Dartmouth, NS, MacLeod is playing in his third QMJHL season and first with the Voltigeurs after beginning his career with the Charlottetown Islanders and finishing last season with the Quebec Remparts.  He’s currently tied for ninth in league scoring and second on his team with 38 points in 25 games which includes 17 goals and 21 assists.  He’s on pace to surpass his offensive production of a year ago where he scored 19 goals and 26 assists for 45 points in 54 games.

Also considered for the award this week was Vegas Golden Knights prospect Cody Glass of the Portland Winterhawks who scored twice with six assists for eight points in two games, and Dallas Stars prospect Jason Robertson of the Niagara IceDogs with three goals and seven assists for 10 points in three games.

2018-19 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:

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)

Wolves’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Buffalo Sabres prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Sudbury Wolves is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the regular season week ending December 2 posting a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory for a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .960.

Luukkonen turned aside 48 of the 50 shots he faced last week helping the Wolves extend their winning-streak to four games to keep pace atop a crowded OHL Central Division.  He made 20 saves on Friday night as part of a 3-2 win against the Peterborough Petes, then recorded his second shutout of the season on Sunday afternoon against the Mississauga Steelheads with a 28-save performance that earned him first star honours in the 7-0 victory.  The Wolves now carry a 17-8-1-1 record and are tied for first in the division with the Niagara IceDogs.

A 19-year-old from Espoo, Finland, Luukkonen was chosen third overall by the Wolves in the 2018 CHL Import Draft becoming the first goaltender selected in the process since 2013.  So far this season he carries a 15-5-1-1 record with a goals-against-average of 2.50 and save percentage of .922 which are both among the league’s leaders.  Luukkonen was a second round pick by the Sabres in the 2017 NHL Draft and was recently invited to Finland’s Selection Camp for the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Also considered for the award this week was QMJHL rookie William Grimard of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles who also went 2-0-0-0 winning one game by shutout while stopping a total of 34 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .944.  In the WHL, Vegas Golden Knights prospect Jiri Patera of the Brandon Wheat Kings posted a 2-0-0-0 record stopping 62 total shots for a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .954.

2018-19 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:

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: Émile 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)