Spitfires’ Michael DiPietro Named OHL Goaltender of the Year

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Vancouver Canucks prospect Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires is the 2017-18 recipient of the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year award.

DiPietro becomes the first Spitfire to earn the award after playing in 56 games this season carrying a 29-21-3-1 record.  He produced a league-high seven shutouts while posting the league’s third lowest goals-against-average with a mark of 2.79 and a save percentage of .910 that tied for fourth overall.  His seven shutouts not only led the OHL this season but established a new Spitfires single season record surpassing the mark of six he set in 2016-17.

“It’s a great honour to be recognized with this award, but I owe a great deal of the credit to the people that support me,” DiPietro said. “My Mom and Dad, my teammates and the entire Spitfires organization. My coaches from way back; Brian Spearing and Perry Wilson. It’s because of these people and many more that I’ve been able to enjoy success to this point in my hockey life.”

Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

During the 2017-18 campaign DiPietro finished fourth in minutes played at 3,267 and finished sixth overall with 1,544 saves for a rebuilding Spitfires club that finished sixth in the Western Conference standings.  The Red Tilson Trophy nominee had 22 appearances of 30 or more saves and helped the Spitfires maintain the league’s fifth best penalty killing efficiency at 81.2%.  He earned OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week as well as Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week honours for the first week of the season, was recognized as the Best Puck Handling Goalie in the annual Western Conference Coaches Poll, and finished tied for the league-lead with 13 first star recognitions in games this season.  DiPietro represented Team OHL in a 4-2 victory in Game 4 of the 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series before receiving an invite to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp in December.  He is currently competing with Canada in pre-competition for the IIHF Men’s World Championship.

“Mikey is so deserving of this award,” said Spitfires Head Coach Trevor Letowski. “No one works harder or is more dedicated. Even though he doesn’t wear a letter, he’s the leader of our team. He cares about his teammates, his community and doing things the right way. We’re all so proud of him.”

An 18-year-old from Amherstberg, Ont., DiPietro joined his hometown Spitfires as the top goaltender chosen in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection at 23rd overall.  In three seasons he’s compiled 75 career wins and sits just three behind franchise record holder Andrew Engelage with 78 from 2006-09.  His 15 career shutouts are also one shy of the OHL record 16 set by Thomas McCollum between Guelph and Brampton from 2006-09.  Last season he backstopped the Spitfires to a Mastercard Memorial Cup title winning on home ice where he was named top goaltender and to the tournament’s all-star team.  He was selected by the Canucks in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft going 64th overall.

The OHL Goaltender of the Year is awarded to the league’s most outstanding goaltender as selected by OHL General Managers.  Teams were not permitted to vote for a goaltender from their own hockey club.  Goaltenders received five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote.

DiPietro, who finished third in voting last season, received 70 points atop the voting process.  He finished just slightly ahead of Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs who was runner-up with 65 voting points, followed by Los Angeles Kings prospect Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds who finished in third place with 21 voting points.

The award was first presented in 1987-88 to Rick Tabaracci (Cornwall) with other notable winners including Manny Legace (Niagara Falls 1993), Craig Anderson (Guelph 2001), Steve Mason (London 2007), the league’s only back-to-back winner Mike Murphy (Belleville 2008 and 2009), Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound 2013), Alex Nedeljkovic (Plymouth 2014), Lucas Peressini (Kingston 2015), Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie 2016), and Michael McNiven (Owen Sound 2017).

DiPietro will be formally presented with the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year Award on Wednesday June 6 at the OHL Awards Ceremony held at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.  He is also the OHL’s nominee for CHL Goaltender of the Year to be announced on Saturday May 26 at the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup in Regina.

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Morrison and Fitzpatrick earn second playoff honours 

Hurricanes’ Brad Morrison named CHL Player of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Los Angeles Kings prospect Brad Morrison of the Lethbridge Hurricanes is the CHL Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 29 after recording seven points in three games including four goals and three assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-3. 

Morrison becomes the first two-time award recipient during the CHL Playoffs for his efforts during the WHL’s Eastern Conference Championship Series against the Swift Current Broncos.  Despite falling to the Broncos in six games, Morrison set a new team record for most goals in a single playoff and tied franchise leader Wes Walz for most points in a single post-season.  His week began with a hat-trick and four-point performance in Tuesday’s Game 3 on home ice where he earned first star honours in the 5-1 victory.  The Hurricanes tied the series with another 5-1 win in Game 4 on Wednesday with Morrison contributing two assists.  That would be as close as the Hurricanes would come skating to a 4-3 loss in Game 5 on Saturday with Morrison scoring once, followed by the Game 6 series finale on Monday with a 5-1 Broncos victory. 

A 21-year-old from Prince George, B.C., Morrison finished his five-year WHL career in Lethbridge after being acquired by the Hurricanes from the Vancouver Giants midway through the 2017-18 campaign.  He also spent four full seasons with his hometown Cougars who chose him seventh overall in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.  This season Morrison produced a career-high 75 points in 74 games which included 40 points in 32 games with the Canes, then added 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points in 16 playoff games to lead all WHL scorers through three rounds.  Earlier today, Morrison was signed to a free agent entry-level contract with the Kings. 

Also considered for the award this week was Joseph Garreffa of the Kitchener Rangers with one goal and seven assists for eight points in four games against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL’s Western Conference Championship Series, and Ottawa Senators prospect Drake Batherson of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada who scored three goals and three assists for six points in four games against the Charlottetown Islanders in their QMJHL Semi-Final series. 

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 23 – Apr. 29: Brad Morrison (Lethbridge Hurricanes)
Apr. 16 – Apr. 22: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Apr. 9 – Apr. 15: Jake Bean (Tri-City Americans)
Apr. 2 – Apr. 8: Pascal Aquin (Charlottetown Islanders)
Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Gabriel Vilardi (Kingston Frontenacs)
Mar. 19 – Mar. 25: Brad Morrison (Lethbridge Hurricanes)

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Mar. 12 – Mar. 18: Dillon Dube (Kelowna Rockets)
Mar. 5 – Mar. 11: Jayden Halbgewachs (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Maxime Comtois (Victoriaville Tigres)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Maxime Comtois (Victoriaville Tigres)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Ty Ronning (Vancouver Giants)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Peter Abbandonato (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Taylor Raddysh (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 25 – Dec. 31: Ivan Kosorenkov (Victoriaville Tigres)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Stelio Mattheos (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Alex Barré-Boulet (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Cody Glass (Portland Winterhawks)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Cliff Pu (London Knights)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Aleksi Heponiemi (Swift Current Broncos)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Albert Michnac (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Aaron Luchuk (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Drake Batherson (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Tyler Soy (Victoria Royals)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Kale Clague (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Tyler Steenbergen (Swift Current Broncos)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Kole Lind (Kelowna Rockets) 

Titan’s Evan Fitzpatrick named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that St. Louis Blues prospect Evan Fitzpatrick of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the playoff week ending April 29 after posting a 2-0 record along with a goals-against-average of 2.00 and save percentage of .938. 

Fitzpatrick earns the award for the second time in three weeks after extending his winning-streak to 10 games for the Titan who completed a four-game series sweep over the Victoriaville Tigres in the QMJHL Semi-Finals.  His week included a 28-save performance in Game 3 on Tuesday night securing a 2-1 road win with third star honours, then a 38-save effort in Game 4 on Wednesday clinching the series with the 4-3 victory.  His strong play has helped the Titan advance to the QMJHL Final for the President Cup for the first time since 2001. 

A 20-year-old from St. John’s, Nfld., Fitzpatrick joined the Titan in January where he won 17 games in 21 appearances with a goals-against-average of 2.24 and save percentage of .915 for the Maritimes Division champions.  So far this post-season he carries an impressive 12-2 record with a league-best goals-against-average of 1.99 and save percentage of .927 which is among the league’s leaders.  Fitzpatrick began his QMJHL career with the Sherbrooke Phoenix where he played more than three years after being chosen fourth overall in the 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft.  He was later a second round pick by the Blues in the 2016 NHL Draft. 

Also considered for the award this week was Mario Culina who made 136 saves across four games for the Kitchener Rangers posting a 3-1 record against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds including one shutout for a goals-against-average of 3.10 and save percentage of .913.  In the WHL, Logan Flodell made 76 saves in three games for the Lethbridge Hurricanes posting a 2-1 record against the Swift Current Broncos with a goals-against-average of 2.05 and save percentage of .927. 

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 23 – Apr. 29: Evan Fitzpatrick (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)
Apr. 16 – Apr. 22: Émile Samson (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Apr. 9 – Apr. 15: Evan Fitzpatrick (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)
Apr. 2 – Apr. 8: Patrick Dea (Tri-City Americans)
Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Mar. 19 – Mar. 25: Stuart Skinner (Swift Current Broncos)

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:

Mar. 12 – Mar. 18: Patrick Dea (Tri-City Americans)
Mar. 5 – Mar. 11: Etienne Montpetit (Victoriaville Tigres)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Shane Farkas (Portland Winterhawks)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Emanuel Vella (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Riley Lamb (Red Deer Rebels)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Brody Willms (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Zachary Bouthillier (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Mario Culina (Kitchener Rangers)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Stuart Skinner (Swift Current Broncos)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Dec. 25 – Dec. 31: James Porter (Kelowna Rockets)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: Tristan Bérubé (Gatineau Olympiques)
 Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Anthony Morrone (Victoriaville Tigres)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Justin Fazio (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranada Huskies)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Logan Flodell (Swift Current Broncos)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Dereck Baribeau (Quebec Remparts)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

CHL Leagues

Greyhounds’ Drew Bannister Named OHL Coach of the Year

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Drew Bannister of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds is the 2017-18 recipient of the Matt Leyden Trophy awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year. 

Bannister led the Greyhounds to an all-time franchise best record of 55-7-3-3 for 116 points earning the club’s fifth Hamilton Spectator Trophy as OHL regular season champions while collecting their seventh Bumbacco Trophy as West Division winners.  The 55 wins and 116 points surpass the club’s previous highs of 54 and 110 achieved most recently during the 2014-15 campaign led by Sheldon Keefe who also earned Coach of the Year honours. 

Drew Bannister of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terrry Wilson / OHL Images.
Drew Bannister of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terrry Wilson / OHL Images.

“It’s an honour to be selected for this prestigious award in a league with so many outstanding coaches this season,” Bannister said. “It goes without saying that this award is not possible without the commitment of the young men I’ve been so proud to coach over my three years with the Greyhound organization, the support staff, and the coaching staff in Joe Cirella and Ryan Ward that push myself and our players to be better each and every day. I’m very appreciative to Kyle Raftis and the Greyhounds ownership that believed in me and provided me the opportunity to come in and coach the organization that I started my playing career with. I’m truly humbled and thankful for this prestigious award that has been given to me.” 

With Bannister behind the bench the 2017-18 Greyhounds boasted the league’s most lethal offence and stingiest defence producing a league-high 317 goals while surrendering a league-low 186.  They set a franchise record 23-game winning-streak from October 28 to December 30 which ranks third best in OHL history, and generated a run of 29 consecutive contests without a regulation loss.  The Hounds also went on a 27-game home winning-streak from October 20 to March 14 which stands as the second-longest in OHL history following the club’s undefeated season at home in 1984-85.  The 116 points and .853 winning-percentage are both tied for second best all-time under the 68-game schedule. 

“We are so thrilled that Drew was recognized for his tireless work ethic and dedication to the Greyhounds organization by receiving the Matt Leyden Trophy for Coach of the Year,” said Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis. “For the past three years, under Drew’s leadership, our program has made great strides in the development of our players both on and off the ice. Drew and his staff have committed to working with our players with the focus of helping them reach their goals while pushing them to become better, more efficient, more confident people. On behalf of the organization, I would like to say a big, well deserved, congratulations!” 

Prior to joining the Greyhounds for the 2015-16 season Bannister spent three seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Owen Sound Attack from 2012-15.  As a player, the defenceman spent his entire four-year OHL career with the Greyhounds from 1990-94 where he won back-to-back OHL championships in 1991 and 1992 followed by a Memorial Cup title in 1993.  The second round pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1992 NHL Draft went on to play 164 NHL games competing a total of 18 seasons in the professional ranks in North American and Europe before his retirement in 2011-12.  The 44-year-old from Belleville, Ont., has accumulated a 136-50-13-5 record over the course of his three seasons in Sault Ste. Marie for an impressive winning-percentage of .711.  He also recently enjoyed success on the international stage, earning a gold medal as an Assistant Coach with Canada’s National Summer Under-18 Team at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup. 

The Matt Leyden Trophy has been awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year as selected by his peers since 1972.  The award is in recognition of the contributions of Matt Leyden, past President of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1965-67, and former manager of the Oshawa Generals who spent more than 50 years with the team.


 In a first round of balloting, teams vote for the top coaches within their own conference. The top three nominees from both the Eastern and Western conferences are declared finalists. A second round of voting is then conducted on a league wide basis where teams vote for any of the six finalists. At no time during the voting can a team select their own candidate. Coaches receive five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote and one point for a third place vote. 

Bannister, who finished third for this award a year ago, led the voting process this time around with 79 points out of a possible 95.  Dale Hawerchuk of the Barrie Colts finished in second place with 32 voting points, followed by Trevor Letowski of the Windsor Spitfires who finished in third place with 26 voting points. 

This marks the fifth time a Greyhounds bench boss has claimed the award with a list that includes Sheldon Keefe (2015), Craig Hartsburg (2002), and two-time winner Terry Crisp (1985 and 1983).  Crisp and Hartsburg are among the list of 10 coaches who have won the award multiple times along with Brian Kilrea, Bert Templeton, George Burnett, Peter DeBoer, Gary Agnew, Bob Boughner, Dale Hunter, and Mike Vellucci.  Ryan McGill of the Owen Sound Attack was last season’s recipient, with Kris Knoblauch of the Erie Otters winning in 2016.


 The Matt Leyden Trophy will be formally presented to Bannister at the 2017-18 OHL Awards Ceremony taking place on Wednesday June 6 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.  He will be the OHL’s nominee for Canadian Hockey League Coach of the Year to be announced on Saturday May 26 as part of the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup festivities in Regina.

Around the OHL

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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American prospects Evans and Kelly ready to see what Spitfires have to offer

Will Cuylle should have to sit out Ontario Hockey League season if he doesn’t report to Peterborough Petes

Generals, Jones part ways

Szypula ready to move on

Mississauga’s Iceland Arena is a site for new OHL development program

 

OHL Announces Academic Player of the Year Award Winners for 2017-18

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Greyhounds’ Barrett Hayton, Steelheads’ Stephen Gibson, Attack’s Mack Guzda earn Academic Honours

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Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the recipients of the league’s three Academic Player of the Year awards for the 2017-18 season.

Barrett Hayton of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds is the recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy as Scholastic Player of the Year, with Stephen Gibson of the Mississauga Steelheads earning the Roger Neilson Memorial Award as the Top Post-Secondary School Student, and Mack Guzda of the Owen Sound Attack named the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award recipient for Top High School Student.

All three players will be formally presented with their awards at the annual OHL Awards Ceremony on Wednesday June 6.  Hayton will be the OHL’s nominee for CHL Scholastic Player of the Year which will be announced on Saturday May 26 as part of the events at the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup in Regina.

Bobby Smith Trophy (OHL Scholastic Player of the Year) – Barrett Hayton, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds:

Barrett Hayton earns OHL Scholastic Player of the Year honours for his achievements as a Grade 12 student at Superior Heights combined with his on-ice excellence for the Greyhounds.  This season he obtained an overall average of 87% studying University level courses in Math – Advanced Functions, Math – Data Management, Biology, Chemistry, English, and Recreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership, while producing 60 points in 63 regular season games.

“It is an incredible honour to win this award,” said Hayton. “It would not have been possible without the support of the Soo Greyhounds organization and Superior Heights School. I take pride both on and off the ice to develop not only as a player but also as a person.”

The 17-year-old from Peterborough, Ont., scored 21 goals and 39 assists this season contributing to a banner season in Sault Ste. Marie where the club finished atop the OHL’s regular season standings with a record 55 wins and 116 points.  The first round pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection won gold with Canada at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup and is now a projected first round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft and was listed ninth among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings.

“We wish to congratulate Barrett on being awarded the Bobby Smith Trophy,” said Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis. “As an organization, we couldn’t be more proud of Barrett. He embodies all of the qualities you wish for in a Greyhound. Known for his dedicated and disciplined personality, Barrett’s academic work ethic is synonymous with his devotion to the game. Barrett demonstrates that you can have tremendous success on the ice, and still maximize your academic potential.”

Each year the Bobby Smith Trophy is presented to the OHL Scholastic Player of the year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence.  The trophy is in honour of Bobby Smith, a former Ottawa 67’s star who exhibited a standard of excellence in both of these areas.  First presented in 1980, Hayton is the third member of the Greyhounds to receive the award following Darnell Nurse (2013) and Jake McCracken (1997).  Past recipients include three-time winner Dustin Brown (Guelph 2001-03), Steven Stamkos (Sarnia 2007), Matt Duchene (Brampton 2009), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2011), back-to-back winner Connor McDavid (Erie 2014-15), Nicolas Hague (Mississauga 2016), and Sasha Chmelevski (Ottawa 2017).

Runner-up for the award this season was fellow 2018 NHL Draft prospect Ty Dellandrea of the Flint Firebirds, with finalists that include top prospects Kevin Bahl of the Ottawa 67’s and Aidan Dudas of the Owen Sound Attack.

Roger Neilson Memorial Award (Top Post-Secondary Student) – Stephen Gibson, Mississauga Steelheads:

Stephen Gibson earns his second straight academic honour for his post-secondary studies at Ryerson University excelling once again in his Business courses that include Business Information Systems, Business Law, Business Statistics, Intro to Global Management, Intro to Professional Communication, and Public Relations Principles.  This also marks the third straight season the award has been earned by a Steelheads player with Damian Bourne receiving the honour in 2016.

“I am very honoured to once again be the recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award,” said Gibson. “I would like to thank Elliott Kerr, James Richmond, and the entire Mississauga Steelheads organization for allowing me to pursue my hockey goals while supporting my academic endeavours. I would also like to thank the Ontario Hockey League for creating an environment that allows players to further their education while they are playing in the league. The OHL is the best developmental hockey league in the world, while providing players every resource needed to be successful off the ice.”

The 21-year-old from Kitchener, Ont., finished his five-year OHL tenure with the Steelheads as the club’s leader in career games played with 263 after being chosen in the seventh round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.  The overage defenceman recorded one goal and nine assists for 10 points playing in all 68 regular season games in 2017-18.

“Our Steelheads family are very proud of Stephen and this prestigious accomplishment,” said Steelheads General Manager and Head Coach James Richmond. “He is a super person both on and off the ice and we’re happy that he is once again being recognized for his dedication to not only his athletic performance but also for his academic achievements. Congratulations Stephen and we wish you continued success!”

The Roger Neilson Memorial Award is named in honour of the Hall of Fame Coach who served behind the Peterborough Petes bench in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  Neilson, a former high school teacher, was a pioneer in stressing the importance of education to all of his players.  First presented in 2005, fellow two-time winners include Danny Battochio (Ottawa 2005-06) and Derek Lanoue (Windsor 2010-11).

Finalists for the award include William Sirman of the Windsor Spitfires and Jonathan Yantsis of the Kitchener Rangers.

Ivan Tennant Memorial Award (Top Academic High School Student) – Mack Guzda, Owen Sound Attack:

Owen Sound rookie goaltender Mack Guzda achieved a 94% average during the 2017-18 academic season studying Algebra, Chemistry, English, Law and Order, Sport Marketing, and U.S. History through online programs with the K12 International Academy.

“It is a great honour to be the recipient of this year’s Ivan Tennant Award,” said Guzda. “I’m extremely thankful for our education consultant, coaches, management, and for the ownership group that supply any extra help we might need to grow academically. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to excel in the classroom while competing in the Ontario Hockey League.”

The 17-year-old from Knoxville, Tennessee, played 30 games between-the-pipes for the Attack this season after being chosen by the club in the second round of the 2017 OHL Priority Selection.  Named to the First All-Rookie Team, Guzda carried an overall record of 14-6-2-2 with one shutout along with a goals-against-average of 3.20 and save percentage of .879.  His 14 victories set a new Attack mark for 16-year-old netminders.

“Mack’s worth ethic in the classroom this year was second to none and we couldn’t be prouder that he’s being honoured for his academic excellence,” said Attack General Manager Dale DeGray. “The Attack have always placed a premium on education, and this is a testament to Mack, our education consultant Sarah Rowe, and the fantastic team of tutors that we have to help our players become well rounded student athletes.”

The Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is given to the Top Academic High School Player and is named in honour of Ivan Tennant, who spent a lifetime combining hockey and education.  He was the Kitchener Rangers’ Education Consultant for 20 years and a key figure on the OHL’s Education Consultant’s Committee.  First presented in 2005, Guzda is the second member of the Attack to receive the award following Andrew Shorkey in 2007.  Past recipients also include brothers Matt and Adam Pelech (Sarnia 2005 and Erie 2012), Freddie and Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2009 and 2010), and recent winners Stephen Dhillon (Niagara 2015), Kyle Keyser (Flint 2016), and Quinn Hanna (Guelph 2017).

Finalists for the award include Billy Moskal of the London Knights and Isaac Walker of the Mississauga Steelheads.

All 20 of the OHL’s member clubs provide nominees for each award with the Bobby Smith Trophy nominees representing the 2017-18 OHL Scholastic Team:

2017-18 OHL Scholastic Team:
Barrie Colts – Nathan Allensen
Erie Otters – Maxim Golod
Flint Firebirds – Ty Dellandrea*
Guelph Storm – Owen Lalonde*
Hamilton Bulldogs – Jake Murray
Kingston Frontenacs – Ted Nichol
Kitchener Rangers – Riley Damiani*
London Knights – Billy Moskal
Mississauga Steelheads – Jacob Ingham
Niagara IceDogs – Ben Jones*
North Bay Battalion – Travis Mailhot
Oshawa Generals – Allan McShane
Ottawa 67’s – Kevin Bahl
Owen Sound Attack – Aidan Dudas
Peterborough Petes – Zach Gallant**
Saginaw Spirit – Damien Giroux*
Sarnia Sting – Colton Kammerer
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds – Barrett Hayton
Sudbury Wolves – Peter Stratis
Windsor Spitfires – Curtis Douglas


*member of 2016-17 OHL Scholastic Team
**member of 2015-16 OHL Scholastic Team

Colts’ Aaron Luchuk named OHL’s Overage Player of the Year

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Ottawa Senators prospect Aaron Luchuk of the Barrie Colts is the 2017-18 recipient of the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy awarded annually to the OHL’s Overage Player of the Year. 

Luchuk led the league in scoring with 115 points including 50 goals and 65 assists in 68 games played helping the Colts clinch their third Central Division title in four years.  He becomes the fourth Colt to win the award and fourth overage player to win both the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy and Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the league’s top scorer joining Barrie’s Kevin Labanc (2016) in that regard. 

Aaron Luchuk of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Aaron Luchuk of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

“This is a huge honour, to follow some other great Barrie Colt overagers in the past couple years,” Luchuk said. “This was an award that I set as a goal for myself at the beginning of the year and it feels good to be recognized for such a prestigious award. I couldn’t have had this kind of year without the help of my teammates from both Windsor and Barrie and coaches Dale (Hawerchuk) and Trevor (Letowski).” 

A 21-year-old from Kingston, Ont., Luchuk was originally a fourth round pick by the Windsor Spitfires in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection and scored the game-winning goal in the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup.  Following his move to Barrie in December, the centre produced 22 goals and 42 assists for 64 points in just 38 games to reach both the 50-goal milestone and century mark for points in a season becoming the 12th Colt all-time to hit 100.  This season Luchuk delivered 35 multi-point performances and recorded the league’s second longest point-streak at 21 games behind only teammate Andrei Svechnikov’s 23-straight games.  He was voted third in the Smartest Player category of the annual Eastern Conference Coaches Poll along with third Best on Face-Offs with a 56% efficiency, and was voted Best Shootout Shooter going 2-for-2 in attempts this season.  The runner-up for the William Hanley Trophy for Most Sportsmanlike Player recorded just eight penalty minutes this season and is also a nominee for the Red Tilson Trophy for Most Outstanding Player of the Year.  Luchuk signed a free agent contract with the Senators in December and finishes his OHL career with 115 goals and 135 assists for 250 points in 274 regular season games. 

“It was an honour getting to coach Aaron this year as he came over from Windsor and showed great leadership on and off the ice,” said Colts head coach Dale Hawerchuk. “He stepped into the locker room and made an immediate impact with this club. Also the fact he came in as an undrafted player and his hard work and dedication earned himself an NHL contract with the Ottawa Senators.  The Barrie Colts are extremely proud of Aaron and wish him the best of luck in his hockey career.” 

The Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the Top Overage Player of the Year as selected by OHL General Managers.  Teams were asked to submit a nominee for the award and were not permitted to vote for players from their own hockey club. Players received five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote and one point for a third place vote. 

Luchuk received 89 of a possible 95 points in the voting process, followed by Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs who received 40 points, and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Sam Miletic of the Niagara IceDogs who finished in third place with 35 voting points. 

Past winners of the award include fellow top scorers Aaron Brand (Sarnia 1996), Jason Akeson (Kitchener 2011), and Kevin Labanc (Barrie 2016).  The list of former Colts to receive the honour also includes Joseph Blandisi (2015) and Bryan Cameron (2010).  Defenceman Darren Raddysh of the Erie Otters was last season’s recipient. 

First presented in 1984, the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy was donated by the trainers of the Ontario Hockey League, in memory of the late Leo Lalonde, former Chief Scout of OHL Central Scouting.  Leo Lalonde was also formerly the Chief Scout for the Belleville Bulls as well as a scout for the Peterborough Petes.  

Luchuk will be formally presented with the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy at the 2017-18 OHL Awards Ceremony scheduled for June 6 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Katchouk and Samson lead first place Greyhounds and Armada  

Greyhounds’ Boris Katchouk named CHL Player of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Boris Katchouk of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds is the CHL Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 22 with eight points in three games including five goals and three assists along with a plus-minus rating of plus-8. 

Katchouk made an impact in two different OHL playoff matchups last week including a Game 7 victory over the Owen Sound Attack in the second round and in two wins to open the league’s Western Conference Championship Series against the Kitchener Rangers.  The Greyhounds were able to prevail in a wild series deciding game last Tuesday night on home ice with Katchouk delivering the best playoff performance of his career scoring a hat-trick plus an assist as first star of the 9-7 win over the Attack.  In the West Final he contributed an assist in Friday’s 3-2 opener, then scored two goals and an assist on Saturday in Game 2 earning first star honours in the 4-2 decision.  Following a 3-0 loss on Monday the Greyhounds now hold a 2-1 series lead against the Rangers in the battle for the Wayne Gretzky Trophy. 

Boris Katchouk of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Boris Katchouk of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

A 19-year-old from Waterloo, Ont., Katchouk leads the OHL in playoff scoring with 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points in 13 games.  Originally chosen by the club in the second round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection, the four-year Greyhound produced career-high offensive numbers in 2017-18 including 42 goals and 43 assists for 85 points in 58 games.  He was selected by the Lightning in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft and won gold with Canada at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship. 

Also considered for the award this week was Anaheim Ducks prospect Antoine Morand of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan who scored four goals and one assist for five points in two games against the Victoriaville Tigres in the QMJHL Semi-Finals.  In the WHL, Florida Panthers prospect Aleksi Heponiemi of the Swift Current Broncos scored two goals and four assists for six points in three games which included a Game 7 win over the Moose Jaw Warriors in second round action and two Eastern Conference Final victories against the Lethbridge Hurricanes. 

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 16 – Apr. 22: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Apr. 9 – Apr. 15: Jake Bean (Tri-City Americans)
Apr. 2 – Apr. 8: Pascal Aquin (Charlottetown Islanders)
Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Gabriel Vilardi (Kingston Frontenacs)
Mar. 19 – Mar. 25: Brad Morrison (Lethbridge Hurricanes)

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Mar. 12 – Mar. 18: Dillon Dube (Kelowna Rockets)
Mar. 5 – Mar. 11: Jayden Halbgewachs (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Maxime Comtois (Victoriaville Tigres)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Maxime Comtois (Victoriaville Tigres)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Ty Ronning (Vancouver Giants)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Peter Abbandonato (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Taylor Raddysh (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 25 – Dec. 31: Ivan Kosorenkov (Victoriaville Tigres)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Stelio Mattheos (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Alex Barré-Boulet (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Cody Glass (Portland Winterhawks)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Cliff Pu (London Knights)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Aleksi Heponiemi (Swift Current Broncos)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Albert Michnac (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Aaron Luchuk (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Drake Batherson (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Tyler Soy (Victoria Royals)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Kale Clague (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Tyler Steenbergen (Swift Current Broncos)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Kole Lind (Kelowna Rockets) 

Armada’s Émile Samson named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Émile Samson of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the playoff week ending April 22 after posting a 2-0 record including one shutout for a goals-against-average of 0.50 and save percentage of .979. 

Samson turned aside 47 of the 48 shots he faced last week as the Armada opened their QMJHL Semi-Final series with a pair of victories on home ice against the Charlottetown Islanders.  On Friday night he made 19 saves and was named first star in the 3-1 win, then had a 28-save performance in Game 2 on Saturday again earning first star honours in the 1-0 decision.  The win was not only his first career post-season shutout, but also his 23rd consecutive game without a regulation loss with the streak dating back to December 10.  The series continues on Tuesday night in Charlottetown. 

A 19-year-old rookie from Lévis, Quebec, Samson joined the Armada as a free agent in 2016.  He currently holds a perfect 9-0 record in the QMJHL playoffs while his goals-against-average of 1.73 and save percentage of .929 are both top marks among league leaders.  During the regular season he appeared in 27 games for the Armada with 17 victories earning a goals-against-average of 2.12 and save percentage of .907. 

Also considered for the award this week was Edmonton Oilers prospect Stuart Skinner of the Swift Current Broncos who posted a 3-0 record including a Game 7 victory over the Moose Jaw Warriors in the second round plus two Eastern Conference Championship wins against the Lethbridge Hurricanes making a total of 100 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.58 and save percentage of .952.  In the OHL, Detroit Red Wings prospect Kaden Fulcher of the Hamilton Bulldogs posted a 3-0 record against the Kingston Frontenacs to open the Eastern Conference Championship Series making 75 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.33 and save percentage of .949. 

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 16 – Apr. 22: Émile Samson (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Apr. 9 – Apr. 15: Evan Fitzpatrick (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)
Apr. 2 – Apr. 8: Patrick Dea (Tri-City Americans)
Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Mar. 19 – Mar. 25: Stuart Skinner (Swift Current Broncos)

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:

Mar. 12 – Mar. 18: Patrick Dea (Tri-City Americans)
Mar. 5 – Mar. 11: Etienne Montpetit (Victoriaville Tigres)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Shane Farkas (Portland Winterhawks)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Emanuel Vella (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Riley Lamb (Red Deer Rebels)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Brody Willms (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Zachary Bouthillier (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Mario Culina (Kitchener Rangers)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Stuart Skinner (Swift Current Broncos)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Dec. 25 – Dec. 31: James Porter (Kelowna Rockets)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: Tristan Bérubé (Gatineau Olympiques)
 Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Anthony Morrone (Victoriaville Tigres)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Justin Fazio (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranada Huskies)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Logan Flodell (Swift Current Broncos)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Dereck Baribeau (Quebec Remparts)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

Attack’s Nick Suzuki named OHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Vegas Golden Knights prospect Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack is the 2017-18 recipient of the William Hanley Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year.

Suzuki earns the award a second straight season after finishing fourth in league scoring with 100 points including 42 goals and 58 assists along with a plus-minus rating of plus-30 in 64 games.  He recorded just 18 penalty minutes in 2017-18 which was tied for second fewest among the league’s top-10 scorers incurring just three minor penalties during his final 38 games of the regular season.  Now the fourth player in league history to win the award in back-to-back years, Suzuki became the first ever Owen Sound player to receive the award last season and went on to claim CHL Sportsman of the Year honours.

Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

“It’s an honour to win this award for the second year in a row,” Suzuki said. “I couldn’t do it without the support of my teammates, coaches, and family.”

An 18-year-old from London, Ont, Suzuki was chosen by the Golden Knights with the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft.  He returned to the Bayshore and became the franchise’s fifth member since 1989 to reach the century mark for points in a season and first since Bobby Ryan in 2006-07.  He also became the club’s first back-to-back 40-goal scorer since Wes Goldie during the 1999 and 2000 seasons.  He recorded 28 multi-point performances and was recognized in the annual Western Conference Coaches Poll where he was voted third Best Playmaker, third Best Stickhandler, and tied for second Best Shot.  Suzuki joined the Attack as the 14th overall pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection and in three years has accumulated 234 career points in 192 games.

“For any player to win an OHL award two years in a row is extremely impressive,” said Attack General Manager Dale DeGray. “The entire organization couldn’t be prouder of Nick and what he’s been able to accomplish in his three years in the league. Earning the William Hanley Trophy again just shows how Nick approaches the game, his dedication to playing the right way, and his integrity as a player.”

The William Hanley Trophy is awarded each year based on a selection by the 20 General Managers of the Ontario Hockey League.  All 20 teams submit a nominee but are not permitted to vote for their own candidate with players receiving five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote.  The trophy is presented by the OHL to commemorate William Hanley, former Secretary-Manager of the Ontario Hockey Association for over 25 years.

Suzuki led the process with 58 voting points, just ahead of Ottawa Senators prospect and league top scorer Aaron Luchuk of the Barrie Colts who finished in second place with 57 voting points.  Linus Nyman of the Kingston Frontenacs finished in third place with 25 voting points.

Fellow back-to-back winners of the William Hanley Trophy include Dale McCourt (Hamilton 1976 and St. Catharines 1977), Sean Simpson (Ottawa 1979 and 1980), and Brad Boyes (Erie 2001 and 2002).  Since it was first presented in 1961, the list of recipients also includes Wayne Gretzky (Sault Ste. Marie 1978), Kirk Muller (Guelph 1983), Brian Campbell (Ottawa 1999), Jeff Carter (Sault Ste. Marie 2005), and Connor McDavid (Erie 2014).

Suzuki will be formally presented with the William Hanley Trophy at the 2017-18 OHL Awards Ceremony set for Wednesday June 6 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.  He will again be the OHL’s nominee for Sportsman of the Year at the annual CHL Awards held as part of the Mastercard Memorial Cup festivities on Saturday May 26 in Regina.

Colts’ Andrei Svechnikov named OHL Rookie of the Year

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Announces First and Second All-Rookie Teams

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that forward Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts is the 2017-18 recipient of the Emms Family Award presented to the OHL’s Rookie of the Year. 

Svechnikov led all OHL rookies with 40 goals and 32 assists in just 44 games for a point total of 72 that ranked 25th overall in league scoring and a points-per-game mark of 1.64 that was fifth best. 

Andrei Svechnikovof the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

“I am extremely happy to accept this award as the OHL’s Rookie of the Year,” Svechnikov said. “I’d like to thank my coaches and teammates for all of the help they have given me this year to achieve this goal. I am very excited.” 

The 18-year-old from Barnaul, Russia, is the top ranked prospect for the 2018 NHL Draft among North American skaters as listed by NHL Central Scouting.  He joined the Colts as the first overall pick in the 2017 CHL Import Draft and becomes the club’s fourth player to receive Rookie of the Year honours following Aaron Ekblad (2011-12), Bryan Little (2003-04), and Sheldon Keefe (1998-99). 

“We are really proud of Andrei for the season he had with our club,” said Colts General Manager Jason Ford. “He came into the lineup and made an immediate impact. We feel that the composure he showed on and off the ice, really excelled his game to this level, which ultimately earned himself this award. We could not be more proud of him for what he did this past year and we wish him the best of luck at the NHL Draft this June in Dallas.” 

Svechnikov was an OHL star from start to finish in 2017-18 beginning with a two-goal performance in his debut against the Ottawa 67’s on September 21, right through to season’s end where he carried the league’s longest point-streak at 23 games from January 18 through the final game of the regular season on March 17.  He recorded 24 multi-point games including a stretch of nine-straight in January and was named OHL Rookie of the Month four of the six times the award was announced.  The Russian National Junior Team member was also recognized in the annual Coaches Poll where he was voted Best Skater and second Best Shot in the Eastern Conference.  His 72 points are the most by a Colts rookie since Mark Scheifele produced 75 in 66 games back in 2010-11, while his 1.64 points-per-game mark is the best among OHL rookies since London Knights Patrick Kane and Sam Gagner posted 2.50 and 2.23 figures respectively in 2006-07. 

First presented in 1973, Emms Family Award recipients include Wayne Gretzky (Sault Ste. Marie 1977-78), Joe Thornton (Sault Ste. Marie 1995-96), Rick Nash (London 2000-01), John Tavares (Oshawa 2005-06), Taylor Hall (Windsor 2007-08), Connor McDavid (Erie 2012-13), Travis Konecny (Ottawa 2013-14), Alex DeBrincat (Erie 2014-15), Alexander Nylander (Mississauga 2015-16), and Ryan Merkley (Guelph 2016-17). 

The Emms Family Award was donated by Leighton “Hap” Emms, former owner of the Barrie, Niagara Falls, and St. Catharines OHL franchises.  The award is selected by all 20 member club General Managers.  Teams were asked to submit only one nominee from their own club for consideration on the ballot and were not permitted to vote for the player from their own hockey club.  Voting was conducted in two stages beginning with a Conference only vote followed by a Final ballot that included the top three candidates from the initial Conference phase.  Players received five points for a first vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote. 

Svechnikov earned 86 of a possible 95 voting points ahead of forward Cam Hillis of the Guelph Storm who finished second with 37 voting points and forward Arthur Kaliyev of the Hamilton Bulldogs who finished in third place with 31 voting points. 

The Emms Family Award will be formally presented to Svechnikov at the OHL’s annual Awards Ceremony at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on Wednesday June 6.  He will be the OHL’s nominee for CHL Rookie of the Year to be announced at the Mastercard Memorial Cup on Saturday May 26 

Svechnikov was also announced to the OHL’s First All-Rookie Team at right wing along with Hillis at centre and fellow NHL Draft eligible forward Blade Jenkins of the Saginaw Spirit at left wing.  Rasmus Sandin of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Alec Regula of the London Knights comprise the First Team defence corps, with Mack Guzda of the Owen Sound Attack between-the-pipes.  Kaliyev was among the Second Team honourees voted behind Svechnikov at right wing and joined up front by first overall Priority Selection pick Ryan Suzuki of the Colts at centre, and Maxim Golod of the Erie Otters at left wing.  Oshawa Generals Mitchell Brewer and Nico Gross were both voted Second Team defenders, with the Knights’ Jordan Kooy in goal. 

The OHL All-Rookie Teams were also selected by the OHL’s General Managers.  Players were voted on initially by position within their conference receiving five points for a first place vote, three for a second place vote, and one for a third.  Top vote getters in each position made up the final ballot that was then circulated to all 20 teams. 

2017-18 OHL All-Rookie Teams (voting points in brackets): 

First Team:

Centre – Cam Hillis, Guelph Storm (68)

Left Wing – Blade Jenkins, Saginaw Spirit (84)

Right Wing – Andrei Svechnikov, Barrie Colts (95)

Defence – Rasmus Sandin, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (87)

Defence – Alec Regula, London Knights (57)

Goaltender – Mack Guzda, Owen Sound Attack (55) 

Second Team:

Centre – Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts (53)

Left Wing – Maxim Golod, Erie Otters (36)

Right Wing – Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton Bulldogs (59)

Defence – Mitchell Brewer, Oshawa Generals (34)

Defence – Nico Gross, Oshawa Generals (32)

Goaltender – Jordan Kooy, London Knights (50)

 

OHL Western Conference Final Preview

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Wayne Gretzky Trophy

And then there were four.

The Ontario Hockey League Western Conference Final has been set after the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds eliminated the Owen Sound Attack in game 7 last night. If you missed the Eastern Conference Preview, you can find it here.

The Canadian Hockey League’s top ranked Greyhounds got here by eliminating the Saginaw Spirit in four games before dispatching the Attack. The Kitchener Rangers will meet the Greyhounds beginning in Sault Ste Marie by defeating the Guelph Storm and Sarnia Sting by identical 4-2 margins.

Here’s how the two teams stacked up this season:

  Sault Ste. Marie Kitchener
Season Series 4-0-0-0 0-4-0-0
Home record 31-1-2-0 22-11-1-0
Road record 24-6-1-3 21-10-2-1
Goals for 317 246
Goals against 186 218
Powerplay (regular season) 24.8% 20.7%
Powerplay (playoffs) 30.2% 28.6%
Penalty kill (regular season) 82.0% 82.9%
Penalty kill (playoffs) 78.3% 83.3%
PP vs opponent 21.4% 25.0%
PK vs Opponent 75.0% 78.6%
Leading scorer Frost (42-70-112) Mascherin (40-46-86)
Leading after 2nd 39-0-0-0 30-2-1-0
Trailing after 2nd 5-6-1-3 6-14-2-0
Last 10 games 7-3-0 6-3-1

 

The schedule for the series is as follows:

Game 1, Fri., April 20 at Sault Ste. Marie, 7:07 Game 2, Sat., April 21 at Sault Ste. Marie, 7:07 Game 3, Mon., April 23 at Kitchener, 7:00 Game 4, Wed., April 25 at Kitchener, 7:00 Game 5, Fri., April 27 at Sault Ste. Marie, 7:07* Game 6, Sun., April 29 at Kitchener, 2:00* Game 7, Mon., April 30 at Sault Ste. Marie, 7:07* *if necessary

Just like their Eastern Conference counterparts, both squads added some major pieces throughout the season. The Rangers added Kole Sherwood (Flint Firebirds), Givani Smith (Guelph Storm), Logan Brown and Austin McEneny (Windsor Spitfires) and Mario Culina (Sudbury Wolves).

The Greyhounds also added some major pieces, acquiring Taylor Raddysh and Jordan Sambrook (Erie Otters).

The rangers have a trio of draft eligible players to keep an eye on: Giovanni Vallati, Riley Damiani and Adam Liska. The Greyhounds have a pair of projected first rounders in Barrett Hayton and Rasmus Sandin.

The season series wasn’t as dominating as the Greyhounds’ sweep suggest with three of the four games ending as one-goal games. The Greyhounds hold a decisive advantage in the goals-for and goals-against department.

The Greyhounds hold the advantage with the extra man, but the Rangers do better then the Greyhounds down a man. But head-to-head, the Rangers hold the advantage in both categories. Both teams are very good at protecting the lead.

There’s a big part of me that wants to pick the Rangers, but I have been on the Hamilton versus The Soo Final, so I can’t change my mind now.

Prediction: Sault Ste Marie in 6 games