CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Tigres’ Comtois and Winterhawks’ Farkas best from coast-to-coast 

Tigres’ Maxime Comtois named CHL Player of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Anaheim Ducks prospect Maxime Comtois of the Victoriaville Tigres is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 4 after recording 12 points in three games scoring five goals with seven assists and a plus-minus rating of plus-8. 

Comtois earns the award for the second time in four weeks after a trio of multi-point performances extended his personal point-streak to 16 games and helped the Tigres extend their winning-streak to six carrying an overall record of 37-20-4-2 into the final two weeks of regular season play.  Comtois and the Tigres began their three-game eastern road trip on Wednesday with an 8-2 victory over the Halifax Mooseheads with the power forward scoring twice with two assists earning first star honours.  He delivered a career-high five-point performance on Friday with a goal and four assists and was named second star of a 9-0 win against the Charlottetown Islanders, then wrapped up the week on Saturday with two goals and one assist as second star of a 7-3 win over the Saint John Sea Dogs. 

A 19-year-old from Longueuil, Que., Comtois is playing in his third season with the Tigres who selected him third overall in the 2015 QMJHL Entry Draft.  In 50 games this season he’s scored a career-high 41 goals along with 35 assists for 76 points.  Comtois was a member of Canada’s National Junior Team winning gold at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship and just recently signed his entry-level contract with the Ducks who selected him in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft. 

Also considered for the award this week was Vegas Golden Knights prospect Cody Glass of the Portland Winterhawks with five goals and five assists for 10 points in four games, and St. Louis Blues prospect Robert Thomas of the Hamilton Bulldogs who recorded seven assists in three games. 

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week:

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)  

Winterhawks’ Shane Farkas named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Shane Farkas of the Portland Winterhawks is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending March 4 after posting a 3-0-0-0 record including two shutout victories with a goals-against-average of 1.33 and save percentage of .961. 

Farkas turned aside 99 shots last week helping the Winterhawks keep pace in the WHL’s competitive U.S. Division standings where they hold a second place record of 40-20-1-4 heading into the season’s final two weeks.  Farkas put together back-to-back shutouts against the Tri-City Americans including Tuesday with 37 saves in a 9-0 win where he earned second star honours, and Saturday with 30 saves in the 5-0 victory.  His week wrapped up Sunday with a 32-save performance in a 7-4 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds.  This marks the third week a Winterhawks goaltender has been recognized following two early season honours by Cole Kehler. 

A 19-year-old from Penticton, B.C., Farkas is playing in his second WHL season with the Winterhawks after originally being a fourth round selection of the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the 2014 Bantam Draft.  This season he’s posted a 14-5-0-0 record including eight straight wins since January 27 with an overall goals-against-average of 2.58 and save percentage of .921. 

Also considered for the award for the second straight week was Etienne Montpetit of the Victoriaville Tigres who posted a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory making a total of 65 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .970.  In the OHL, Leo Lazarev of the Barrie Colts posted a 2-0-0-0 record making 66 saves for a goals-against-average of 2.50 and save percentage of .930. 

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

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

OHL Academic Players of the Month for February

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Logo

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the OHL Academic Players of the Month for February 2018, including William Ennis of the Oshawa Generals, Philip Tomasino of the Niagara IceDogs, Mike Petizian of the Kitchener Rangers, and Colton Kammerer of the Sarnia Sting.


 East Division: Oshawa Generals defenceman William Ennis is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for February. The 17-year-old from Gloucester, Ont. achieved a 91% average in Grade 12 University Physics, World Issues, English and High Performance classes at Maxwell Heights Secondary School. “William is a very dedicated and personable individual who leads by example demonstrating a strong work ethic,” said academic advisor Tom Buchanan. Ennis has a goal and eight assists over 59 games in his sophomore season after being a third round pick by the Generals in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection. The 6-foot-3, 207Ib. defenceman is a graduate of the Selects Hockey Academy at South Kent School in Connecticut.


 Central Division: Niagara IceDogs rookie forward Philip Tomasino is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for February. The 16-year-old from Mississauga, Ont. achieved a 90% average in Grade 11 courses at Governor Simcoe Secondary School including a 95% average in American History. “Phil is an excellent student who is well respected by staff and students. He’s sure to be a leader for the IceDogs in this department for years to come.” Tomasino represented Team Canada Black at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC. The fifth overall pick of the 2017 OHL Priority Selection from the Mississauga Rebels Minor Midgets, Tomasino has five goals, 16 assists and 21 points in 53 games with the IceDogs this season.


 Midwest Division: Kitchener Rangers rookie Mike Petizian is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for February. The recently-turned 17-year-old from Mississauga, Ont. maintained high standing in Grade 11 Physics, Functions, Travel & Tourism and Power Fit courses at Grand River Collegiate. “Michael did a great job of balancing the demands of the hockey season while still giving a strong effort in class,” said Rangers academic advisor Dave Tennant. The MVP of the 2017 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour from the champion Mississauga Reps, Petizian was Kitchener’s fifth round pick last spring. He has two goals and two assists in 35 games this season.


 West Division: Sarnia Sting rookie Colton Kammerer is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for February. The Grade 11 student at Northern Collegiate accomplished a 93% average in University Math, Accounting, Canadian Law and Fitness courses. “Colton is a focused and motivated student with an outstanding work ethic in the classroom and on the ice,” said Sting academic advisor Mark Scott. Kammerer has a goal and seven assists in 37 games this season. He represented Team Canada Red at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC. He was Sarnia’s third round pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection from the Whitby Wildcats Minor Midgets.


 2017-18 OHL Academic Players of the Month:
 East Division:
February – William Ennis (Oshawa Generals)
January – Jakob Brahaney (Kingston Frontenacs)
December – Jake Murray (Hamilton Bulldogs)
November – Chad Denault (Peterborough Petes)
October – Kevin Bahl (Ottawa 67’s)

Central Division:
February – Philip Tomasino (Niagara IceDogs)
January – Travis Mailhot (North Bay Battalion)
December – Kai Edmonds (Barrie Colts)
November – Isaac Walker (Mississauga Steelheads)
October – Blake McConville (Sudbury Wolves)

Midwest Division:
February – Mike Petizian (Kitchener Rangers)
January – Tag Bertuzzi (Guelph Storm)
December – Alex Gritz (Erie Otters)
November – Aidan Dudas (Owen Sound Attack)
October – Billy Moskal (London Knights)

West Division:
February – Colton Kammerer (Sarnia Sting)
January – Damien Giroux (Saginaw Spirit)
December – Ty Dellandrea (Flint Firebirds)
November – Chris Playfair (Windsor Spitfires)
October – Brett Jacklin (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

Last season, the OHL Centrally Administered Scholarship Program facilitated scholarships for 301 OHL Alumni with a total scholarship payment in excess of $3.17 million.  Since the 2007-08 season, OHL Scholarship payments have totaled more than $18.8 million.

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

 

OHL Top Performers of the Month for February

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 February 2018, including Barrie Colts forward Aaron Luchuk, London Knights defenceman Evan Bouchard, Barrie Colts rookie Andrei Svechnikov and Kingston Frontenacs goaltender Jeremy Helvig.


 OHL Player of the Month – Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts):
Ottawa Senators prospect Aaron Luchuk of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Player of the Month for February, leading all players with 26 points including six goals, 20 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-9. Luchuk recorded points in all 12 games he played, extending his current point streak to 18 games, two shy of the OHL’s season-high. He earned first star honours on three different occasions, starting in a 6-2 win over his former Windsor Spitfires teammates with a goal and three assists on Feb. 3rd. Luchuk was again named first star in an 8-5 road win over the Flint Firebirds on Feb. 14th, recording a goal and two assists. His top performance of the month came in his return to the WFCU Centre on Feb. 15th as he netted the overtime winner and added three assists in a 5-4 Colts win. Eight of Luchuk’s 12 games featured multi-point outputs as he guided the Central Division-leading Colts to a 9-3-0-0 record in the month of February.

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


 A 20-year-old native of Kingston, Ont., Luchuk sits tied for second in league scoring with 99 points including a league-leading 43 goals and 56 assist in 60 games. He scored the game winner in last spring’s Mastercard Memorial Cup final, leading the Windsor Spitfires to a national championship on home ice. Originally Windsor’s fourth round pick in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection, Luchuk’s strong performance this season earned him an entry level NHL contract with the Ottawa Senators on Dec. 26th.


 OHL Defenceman of the Month – Evan Bouchard (London Knights):
For the third time this season, draft eligible blueliner Evan Bouchard of the London Knights is the OHL Defenceman of the Month after leading all blueliners with 16 points including five goals and 11 assists. After starting the month with two goals and an assist in an 8-4 loss to the Barrie Colts on Feb. 2nd, Bouchard was named first star on two occasions. He had two assists to claim top honours in a 5-3 win over the Sudbury Wolves on Feb. 10th and had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over the Windsor Spitfires on Feb. 19th. Bouchard also put forth a second three-point performance with two goals and an assist in a 6-2 win over Kitchener on Feb. 16th. Bouchard becomes the first three-time recipient of the OHL Defenceman of the Month award since Niagara’s Dougie Hamilton earned the distinction four times during the 2011-12 season.

Evan Bouchard of the London Knights. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Evan Bouchard of the London Knights. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images


 An 18-year-old native of Oakville, Ont., Bouchard leads OHL defencemen in points (76) and assists (55) along with 21 goals in 58 games. The right-hand shot rearguard has 137 points (34-103–137) over his 169-game OHL career and was an OHL champion and Mastercard Memorial Cup champion with the Knights during his rookie season in 2016. Bouchard was NHL Central Scouting’s fifth-ranked North American skater in January’s Midterm Rankings. He led Team Cherry to victory at the 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Guelph, setting a new event record with four assists to earn MVP honours for his team. Bouchard was London’s first round pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection from the Oakville Rangers Minor Midgets.


 OHL Rookie of the Month – Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts):
For the third time this season, draft eligible forward Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Rookie of the Month after leading all first-year players with 17 points including eight goals and nine assists. Svechnikov had points in all nine games he played, extending his current point streak to 15 contests. The Russian winger had six different multi-point performances, helping the Colts earn an honourable mention in the CHL Top 10 Rankings to close out the month. He recorded his third hat-trick of the season on Feb. 3rd, helping the Colts defeat the Windsor Spitfires 6-2. He added two more goals a week later as Barrie took a 5-1 road win in Hamilton on Feb. 8th. Svechnikov’s other three-point showing came on Feb. 22nd with a goal and two assists in a 7-4 loss to the Mississauga Steelheads. He’s the first three-time OHL Rookie of the Month award recipient since Mississauga’s Alexander Nylander accomplished the feat during the 2015-16 season.

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


 A 17-year-old native of Barnaul, Russia, Svechnikov leads OHL rookies in both goals (31) and points (55) over just 36 games. He represented Russia at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Buffalo, recording five assists in as many games against much older competition. The top-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s January Midterm Rankings, Svechnikov represented Team Orr at the 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Guelph. He was the first overall pick of the 2017 CHL Import Draft.


 Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month – Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs):
Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs is the Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month for February. The overage veteran led all netminders with a 2.32 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage over nine games, guiding the Frontenacs to a 6-1-2-0 record in the process. Helvig earned first star honours on three different occasions. He earned top honours on Feb. 3rd, guiding the Frontenacs to a 5-3 win over the Niagara IceDogs with a 36-save effort. He made 23 saves to backstop the Fronts to a 2-1 win over the Peterborough Petes on Feb. 16th and followed that effort up by setting a new all-time franchise record with his 76th win on Feb. 18th, turning aside 29 shots in a 6-1 win over the Kitchener Rangers. He finished the month of February by helping Kingston earn a point with 30 saves in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs on Feb. 23rd.

Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images


 A 20-year-old native of Markham, Ont., Helvig leads OHL goaltenders with a .920 save percentage to go along with a 2.53 goals-against average, a record of 27-13-6-3 and two shutouts in 49 games. Kingston’s all-time career wins and shutouts leader, Helvig is currently in his fourth season with the club, playing to a record of 77-46-12-7 with a 2.70 goals-against average, .912 save percentage and 10 shutouts over 149 games. Originally Kingston’s third round pick in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection from the Markham Majors Minor Midgets, he was Carolina’s fifth round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.


 2017-18 OHL Performers of the Month:
 Player of the Month:
February – Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts)
January – Sam Miletic (Niagara IceDogs)
December – Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
November – Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
October – Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
 Defenceman of the Month:
February – Evan Bouchard (London Knights)
January – Nicolas Hague (Mississauga Steelheads)
December – Evan Bouchard (London Knights)
November – Evan Bouchard (London Knights)
October – Sean Durzi (Owen Sound Attack)
 Rookie of the Month:
February – Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
January – Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
December – Rasmus Sandin (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
November – Blade Jenkins (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
 Vaughn Goaltender of the Month:
February – Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
January – Mario Culina (Kitchener Rangers)
December – Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
November – Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
October – Justin Fazio (Sarnia Sting)

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL’s Kyrou and Vella earn CHL’s top marks 

Sting’s Jordan Kyrou named CHL Player of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that St. Louis Blues prospect Jordan Kyrou of the Sarnia Sting is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 25 after recording 13 points in four games including five goals and eight assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-7. 

Kyrou earns the national honour for the second time this season in a week highlighted by a career-high seven point performance.  The first star achievement came on Sunday in a 9-0 win over the Flint Firebirds and featured four goals and three assists tying a Sting single game record which put the captain into a tie atop the OHL’s scoring race with 99 points.  Kyrou’s week also included a goal and an assist on Monday where he was named second star of a 6-1 win over the Saginaw Spirit, and a four-assist effort on Friday as first star of a 6-2 win over the Firebirds.  He was held off the scoresheet on Saturday in a 2-1 loss to the Erie Otters.  The Sting have been a staple in the CHL’s Top-10 Rankings for the majority of the season and enter this week’s action 42-14-4-0 which is just one win shy of a new franchise record. 

A 19-year-old from Toronto, Ont., Kyrou is playing in his fourth career season with the Sting who chose him in the second round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  His 99 points represent a new career-high and include 35 goals and 64 assists in just 49 games played for an impressive 2.02 point-per-game average.  Kyrou was a second round pick by the Blues in the 2016 NHL Draft and helped Canada win gold at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo. 

Also considered for the award this week was 2018 NHL Draft prospect Ty Smith who scored three goals and seven assists for 10 points in four games including a Spokane Chiefs record for points by a defenceman with a seven point performance, and Calgary Flames prospect D’Artagnan Joly of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar who scored five goals and four assists for nine points in three games. 

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week:

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)  

Steelheads’ Emanuel Vella named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Emanuel Vella of the Mississauga Steelheads is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending February 25 after posting a 4-0-0-0 record including two shutout victories with a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .954. 

Vella turned aside 124 shots last week for the Steelheads who climbed back up to the .500 mark maintaining their hold on the final playoff spot in the OHL’s Eastern Conference with a record of 28-28-1-2.  He recorded his first shutout of the season last Monday with a 29-save performance as first star of a 4-0 victory over the Flint Firebirds, then made 37 saves on Thursday in a 7-4 win over the division leading Barrie Colts.  On Friday he stopped a career-high 40 shots and earned first star honours with his second shutout of the week and season blanking the Niagara IceDogs by a 4-0 score, then finished the week with 18 saves on Sunday in a 5-2 win over the Guelph Storm. 

A 19-year-old from Toronto, Ont., Vella is playing in his second full OHL season and first with the Steelheads after being acquired from the Owen Sound Attack in the off-season.  He began his OHL tenure with the London Knights who chose him in the third round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  In 27 appearances in the Steelheads crease he carries a 15-9-1-0 record with a goals-against-average of 3.09 and save percentage of .901. 

Also considered for the award this week was Edmonton Oilers prospect Stuart Skinner of the Swift Current Broncos who posted a 2-0-0-0 record including one shutout making 57 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .966.  In the QMJHL, Etienne Montpetit of the Victoriaville Tigres went 2-0-0-0 also making 57 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .966. 

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

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

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Luchuk and Lamb lead CHL’s best 

Colts’ Aaron Luchuk named CHL Player of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Ottawa Senators prospect Aaron Luchuk of the Barrie Colts is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 18 after recording nine points in three games including three goals and six assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-3. 

Luchuk produced three straight multi-point performances last week that led the Colts to three straight victories officially securing a playoff berth and maintaining their lead atop the OHL’s Central Division standings with a current record of 34-20-2-1.  He earned back-to-back first star honours on the road including Wednesday against the Flint Firebirds with a goal and two assists in an 8-5 Valentine’s Day victory, and Thursday in his return to Windsor facing his former Spitfires where he scored the overtime winner and added three assists in a 5-4 triumph.  His week wrapped up Saturday scoring a goal and an assist claiming third star honours in a 3-1 win over the Niagara IceDogs.  Luchuk is the first two-time recipient of the award this season earning the honour with both the Spitfires and the Colts. 

A 20-year-old from Kingston, Ont., Luchuk is playing in his fourth full OHL season after being chosen in the fourth round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection by the Spitfires.  He played 236 career games in Windsor and scored the game-winning goal in the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup before joining the Colts in December.  Luchuk leads the OHL in scoring with 95 points in 57 games including a league-high 43 goals and is currently riding a 15-game point-streak.  He was signed by the Senators to an entry-level contract as a free agent in December. 

Also considered for the award this week was Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Vitalii Abramov of the Victoriaville Tigres who scored six goals and three assists for nine points in four games, and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Jordy Bellerive of the Lethbridge Hurricanes who scored five goals and five assists for 10 points in five games. 

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week:

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)  

Rebels’ Riley Lamb named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Riley Lamb of the Red Deer Rebels is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending February 18 after posting a 4-0-0-0 record including one shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .957. 

Lamb turned aside an impressive 133 shots last week backstopping the red hot Rebels to four straight road victories.  He began the week by recording his first shutout of the season last Monday on British Columbia’s Family Day with a 25-save performance against the Prince George Cougars earning second star honours in the 4-0 win.  His strong holiday play continued on Valentine’s Day with a first star performance on Wednesday in Kelowna making 36 saves in a 4-1 win over the Rockets.  Continuing the west coast road trip into the weekend, Lamb made 33 saves and was named second star of a 4-3 victory over the Victoria Royals on Friday, then wrapped up his week with 39 saves in a 4-2 win over the Vancouver Giants on Sunday.  The Rebels have now won eight of their last 10 games and are third in the WHL’s Central Division with a record of 21-26-10-3. 

A 19-year-old from Rivers, MB, Lamb is playing in his second WHL season with the Rebels and carries an 8-9-3-2 record including seven straight wins in 24 appearances this season.  His goals-against-average of 3.24 and save percentage of .905 are improved marks over his 2016-17 figures of 3.39 and .899 across 41 games. 

Also considered for the award this week was Los Angeles Kings prospect Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds who posted a 2-0-0-0 record with one shutout making 44 saves overall for a goals-against-average of 0.50 and save percentage of .978.  In the QMJHL, Samuel Harvey of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies posted a 1-1-0-0 record with one shutout stopping 55 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.01 and save percentage of .965. 

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

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

OHL Announces Disciplinary Action

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press Release

Game of Wednesday, February 14, 2018 – Kingston at Ottawa 

The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of a review of an incident which took place in a game played in Ottawa on the 14th of February, 2018, involving the 67’s and the visiting Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club. 

The incident reviewed was a match penalty for checking to the head assessed to player Shaw Boomhower of the Ottawa 67’s Hockey Club.

Based on a review of the incident, it is the position of the League that player Shaw Boomhower shall be suspended for twelve (12) games, dating from but not including the game of Wednesday, February 14, 2018. 

Click here to watch video and rationale of the Shaw Boomhower suspension.

OHL This Week for Feb. 15-19, 2018

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Family Day long weekend is upon us which means an extra full day of Ontario Hockey League action this coming Monday.

Here’s a look at what’s been happening around the league this week.

OHL Logo

OHL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT INTERN:

The Ontario Hockey League is now accepting applications for the position of Hockey Development Intern. This is an eight month paid internship under the Bill Hay Future Leaders Internship Program. Full Details

U SPORTS EDUCATING OHL PLAYERS ON LIFE AS STUDENT ATHLETES:

Throughout the 2017-18 season, OHL overage players have had the opportunity participate in a number of information sessions, better familiarizing them with their options as they pursue their career and academic goals. All graduates are able to compete for U SPORTS’ 35 men’s hockey programs spread across three conferences and receive their education paid for by utilizing the leagues’ Scholarship Programs, funded by OHL member clubs. Last season, the OHL Centrally Administered Scholarship Program facilitated scholarships for 301 OHL Alumni with a total scholarship payment in excess of $3.17 million. Since the 2007-08 season, OHL Scholarship payments have totaled more than $18.8 million. Learn more about the great opportunities awaiting OHL graduates in the U SPORTS Men’s Hockey circuit over at USPORTS.ca.

OHL MOURNS THE LOSS OF EARL MONTAGANO:

The Ontario Hockey League family is deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Earl Montagano who passed away Monday after a battle with cancer at the age of 91. Montagano was a former owner of the Ottawa 67’s Hockey Club for 23 years alongside partner Howard Darwin. During his tenure in the OHL, Montagano served as Chairman of the Board and was a longtime member of the league’s Executive Council.  In 1989 his contributions to the game and to the league were recognized through the presentation of the prestigious Bill Long Award for distinguished service. Read more

GREYHOUNDS, STING, RANGERS AND BULLDOGS IN CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:  

The Kitchener Rangers rise two spots in the 21st edition of the weekly CHL Top 10 Rankings. The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds hold steady in top spot while the Sarnia Sting remain at four and the Hamilton Bulldogs are the ninth-ranked team in the CHL. Kitchener and Hamilton both clinched spots in the 2018 OHL Playoffs this past week. Full Rankings

KNIGHTS’ LIAM FOUDY NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Liam Foudy of the London Knights is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the week ending February 11 after scoring five goals and two assists for seven points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-9. Foudy produced a trio of multi-point performances that helped the Knights win three straight games to maintain their hold on fourth place in the Western Conference standings with a 29-20-2-2 record. Read more

WAWANESA OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

The 20th edition of the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week for the 2017-18 season feature another collection of the league’s Top-5 goals scored in the week ending February 11. This week’s segment begins with a trio of players completing their hat-tricks in dramatic highlight reel fashion.  Dmitry Sokolov of the Barrie Colts tucks one under the bar, Mathew MacDougall of the Windsor Spitfires caps off the comeback he started with the overtime winner, and Gabriel Vilardi of the Kingston Frontenacs circles the zone and rips home his third.  Also featured in this week’s highlights are Riley Damiani of the Kitchener Rangers who steals one shorthanded, and Nikita Korostelev of the Peterborough Petes who lets his skill take over. Watch

VOTE NIKITA KOROSTELEV IN #CIBCSHOWDOWN:

Peterborough Petes forward Nikita Korostelev not only headlines the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week, but is also the OHL representative featured in this week’s #CIBCShowdown which showcases one great play from all three leagues allowing fans the opportunity to choose their favourite play. See all the plays and vote at chlshowdown.ca.

OHL GOALTENDERS BREAK HEARTS IN LATEST EDITION OF JANES SAVES:

Valentine’s Day love is in the air but OHL goaltenders are breaking hearts in the latest edition of #JanesSaves. This week features Mario Culina of the Kitchener Rangers, Christian Propp of the North Bay Battalion, Kaden Fulcher of the Hamilton Bulldogs, Colton Incze of the Niagara IceDogs, Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads, Kyle Keyser of the Oshawa Generals, Olivier Lafreniere of the Owen Sound Attack, Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires, and Anand Oberoi of the Erie Otters. Watch

BABER, HENRY AND DUFF SCORE FIRST HIT CAREER MILESTONES:

Rookie forward Camaryn Baber of the Saginaw Spirit and Erie Otters defencemen Kurtis Henry and Jack Duff all scored their first career OHL goal this past week. Revisit those milestone moments here! Watch

OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR TOP 10 RANKINGS RELEASED:

The 13th edition of the weekly Top 10 rankings sees the OMHA’s York-Simcoe Express and Barrie Colts both on the rise after winning their respective first round playoff series. The Express eliminated the Richmond Hill Coyotes in three straight games while the Colts prevailed in a sweep of the North Central Predators. The Toronto Marlboros remain the top-ranked team in the province this week. Full Rankings

This week’s Road to the OHL Cup instalment takes a closer look at what’s happening in the ALLIANCE circuit. Read more at ohlcup.ca.

STING’S FAZIO SETS NEW FRANCHISE SINGLE-SEASON WINS RECORD:

With his 30th win of the season on Saturday, Sarnia Sting netminder Justin Fazio set a new franchise mark for most single-season victories by a goaltender. Fazio turned aside 37 shots to backstop the Sting to a 5-4 overtime win over the visiting Niagara IceDogs at Progressive Auto Sales Arena. His 30th wins surpasses the previous mark of 29 set by Dan Spence during the 2008-09 season. Read more

MITCH ELIOT COMMITS TO STING:

The Sarnia Sting have received a commitment from 20-year-old former 11th round pick Mitch Eliot. Eliot was in the midst of his sophomore season with the Michigan State Spartans and played two seasons with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL prior to that. He has also played on the International stage serving as the Team USA Captain at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Read more

GREYHOUNDS’ HAYTON FEATURED ON LATEST EDITION OF JUNIOR HOCKEY MAGAZINE:

2018 NHL Draft prospect Barrett Hayton of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds is featured on the latest edition of Mastercard Junior Hockey Magazine with Adam Scully. A solid two-way forward drawing comparisons to Patrice Bergeron, Hayton shares his experience with the CHL’s top-ranked Greyhounds this season. Listen

GREYHOUNDS, FROST, NYMAN INCLUDED IN TOP STREAKS FROM ACROSS CHL:

Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino took the opportunity to get a closer look at some of the top streaks from across the CHL this season. Included are Morgan Frost’s 20-game point streak, Linus Nyman’s 18-game road point streak and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds’ 29-game point streak. Get the full read at sportsnet.ca.

SPORTSNET CHL ACTION FEATURES MOOSE JAW AT REGINA ON SUNDAY:

The 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup host Regina Pats take on the CHL’s second-ranked Moose Jaw Warriors for a special Sunday edition of the CHL on Sportsnet. The Pats continue to hold down top spot in the Eastern Conference Wild Card race while the Warriors continue to lead the East Division on a current four-game winning streak. RJ Broadhead and Sam Cosentino provide the call at 3:00pm ET/12:00pm PT on Sportsnet.

COMMUNITY CORNER:

CMHA Talk Today Night in three OHL cities: The OHL, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Teachers Life are teaming up to raise awareness about the importance of mental health during games throughout the month of February. All 20 OHL teams are hosting a Talk Today awareness game with the support of their local CMHA Ontario Branch. This week, the CMHA visits Windsor on Thursday, Sudbury on Friday and Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday. Full details

Grain Farmers of Ontario visiting four OHL venues: Grain Farmers of Ontario are coming to four OHL rinks this week, making stops in North Bay on Thursday, Guelph and Kingston on Friday and Owen Sound on Saturday. The Good in Every Grain team has a surprise for kids in attendance. Keep an eye out for them this weekend! For more details visit goodineverygrain.ca.

Generals get a visit from Animal Guardian Society: For Valentine’s Day 2018, the Gens decided to show some love to our furry friends from Animal Guardian Society. Animal Guardian visited the Tribute Communities Centre with newly rescued puppies from a reserve in Manitoba who are all up for adoption or who will be up for adoption soon. For a closer look at the visit with Generals players, visit oshawagenerals.com.

Firebirds host Flint Tropics Night on Saturday: It’s Flint Tropics Night on Saturday. Inspired by the movie “Semi-Pro” starring Will Ferrell, the Firebirds will be wearing special themed jerseys, pants and socks throughout the game that are sure to impress everyone in attendance. Immediately following the game, there will be a live jersey auction, giving fans an opportunity to take home the game-worn Flint Tropics jersey of their choice. Proceeds will be donated to the Firebirds Charitable Foundation which benefits local youth organizations throughout Flint, Genesee County and Mid-Michigan. Read more at flintfirebirds.com.

Wolves host Superhero Night on Saturday: The Sudbury Wolves will don special Superhero themed jerseys for the third season in a row in support of local children’s charities. Saturday February 17th when the Wolves host the Hamilton Bulldogs at 7:05pm, the Wolves will wear Incredible Hulk themed jerseys which will be auctioned off throughout the game with proceeds going to Camp Quality Northern Ontario. Visit sudburywolves.com for more details.

Spitfires host Mickey Renaud Night on Sunday: The Windsor Spitfires salute former captain Mickey Renaud on Sunday afternoon against the Flint Firebirds. The game marks the 10th anniversary of Renaud’s sudden passing on February 18, 2008. The Spitfires will be donating $5 from each ticket sold to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Skate with the Storm on Family Day: The Guelph Storm host their annual Family Day tradition, inviting fans to skate with the team following Monday’s matinee against the Erie Otters. For full details visit guelphstorm.com.

Steelheads host ‘Family Day for United Way’: The Mississauga Steelheads are raising money for United Way of Peel at their Family Day Game on Monday. For just $15, fans will receive a ticket to the Family Day game on Monday February 19, and a limited-edition Steelheads t-shirt! Thanks to the generosity of our partners, the entire $15 will benefit United Way of Peel Region. Get more info at mississaugasteelheads.com.

Frontenacs fight cancer on Family Day: The Kingston Frontenac are teaming up with the Canadian Cancer Society on Family Day to host a Hockey Fights Cancer Game at home to the Barrie Colts.

ALUMNI NOTES:

31 OHL grads in action at 2018 Winter Olympics: A total of 31 OHL graduates are representing their respective countries at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. Eleven of the twelve nations competing include at least one OHL graduate on their roster with Canada leading the way with six. Read more

Tavares records 600th NHL point: Scoring the lone goal in Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, OHL graduate John Tavares recorded his 600th career NHL point. The 27-year-old has 29 goals, 34 assists and 63 points in 58 games with the New York Islanders this season and a total of 264 goals and 336 assists over 645 career regular season contests. The first overall pick of the 2009 NHL Draft, Tavares is currently in his ninth NHL season after a standout four-year OHL career between the Oshawa Generals and London Knights from 2005-09.

Chappell, Ling, Peroff, Van Laren featured as OHL Alumni of the Month: The OHL Alumni Association is pleased to continue the OHL Alumni of the Month program again this season. This five part web series is designed to recognize former players from all 20 member clubs achieving success in the corporate, business, or professional world. The first edition for the 2017-18 season includes Chris Chappell (Saginaw Spirit), Chris Van Laren (Guelph Storm), David Ling (Kingston Frontenacs), and Ken Peroff (Brampton Battalion). Read more

Peterborough products Swift and Young representing South Korea at Olympics: OHL graduates Michael Swift (Mississauga IceDogs), Bryan Young (Peterborough Petes) and Eric Regan (Oshawa Generals) are representing South Korea at the 2018 Winter Olympics now underway in PyeongChang. The two second cousins played minor hockey together throughout childhood. Visit gopetesgo.com for a closer look at the two liftlock lads.

Cramarossa dealt to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: OHL graduate Joseph Cramarossa is on the move after the AHL’s Stockton Heat dealt him the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Wednesday. A fifth-year pro, Cramarossa has 10 points (3-7–10) in 37 games with Stockton this season and is a 201-game AHL veteran. The 25-year-old Toronto native played in 59 NHL games with Anaheim and Vancouver last season. He played four OHL seasons between Mississauga and Belleville from 2009-13, recording 138 points (51-87–138) over 235 regular season games.

U SPORTS Men’s Hockey Playoffs get underway: OHL grads in both the OUA and AUS Men’s Hockey ranks are embarking on postseason play this week. In the OUA, Cody Thompson (Mississauga Steelheads) and Scott Simmonds (Belleville Bulls) helped guide the Guelph Gryphons to a first place finish in the West Division while Michael Cramarossa (Hamilton Bulldogs) and Nathan Chiarlitti (Owen Sound Attack) guided the McGill Redmen to the top of the East Division. Moving eastward, Niagara IceDogs graduate Stephen Harper led the AUS in scoring with 46 points (14-32–46). Kris Bennett (Saginaw Spirit) and the UNB Varsity Reds finished in first place with a record of 24-2-4.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Mississauga Steelheads (24-27-0-2) vs. Peterborough Petes (19-29-3-3) Thursday February 15th at Peterborough

The battle for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference heats up on Thursday in Peterborough as the Petes look to make good on a golden opportunity to bring themselves closer to contention.

Entering action six points back of eighth place Mississauga, the Petes have an opportunity to go head-to-head with the Steelheads and reverse a run of recent struggles.

Leading scorer Nikita Korostelev has produced steadily for Peterborough while Logan DeNoble and Pavel Gogolev join him in the 20+ goal category.

The Steelheads have received an offensive boost from Mathieu Foget, who has 22 points in 16 games since joining Mississauga. Blueliner Nicolas Hague leads the team in scoring with 28 goals, 31 assists and 59 points in 58 games.

Niagara IceDogs (26-19-5-3) vs. Barrie Colts (32-19-2-1) Saturday February 17th at Barrie

The Barrie Colts are widening the gap on their Central Division lead, but the Niagara IceDogs have a chance to trim that down on Saturday in Barrie.

The Colts have won seven of their last 10 with Aaron Luchuk and Andrei Svechnikov both on lengthy point streaks. The Eastern Conference’s leading offence has benefitted from the addition of Russian shooter Dmitry Sokolov who has 15 goals in 15 games as a Colt.

Niagara has cooled off of late, losing seven straight games entering the weekend. Overage addition Sam Miletic leads the team in scoring and has 22 points (12-10–22) in 15 games since being acquired from the London Knights. Edmonton Oilers prospect Kirill Maksimov has points in nine of his last 10 games.

SCHEDULE:

Thursday February 15: Oshawa at North Bay – 7:00pm

Mississauga at Peterborough – 7:05pm

Barrie at Windsor – 7:05pm

Friday February 16:

Peterborough at Kingston – 7:00pm

Owen Sound at Niagara – 7:00pm

Sarnia at Saginaw – 7:05pm

Oshawa at Sudbury – 7:05pm

Hamilton at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm

Ottawa at Guelph – 7:30pm

Kitchener at London – 7:30pm

Saturday February 17:

London at Erie – 7:00pm Saginaw at Flint – 7:00pm

Hamilton at Sudbury – 7:05pm

Sarnia at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm

Niagara at Barrie – 7:30pm

Ottawa at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday February 18:

Kitchener at Kingston – 2:00pm

Mississauga at North Bay – 2:00pm

Flint at Windsor – 2:05pm

Guelph at Erie – 5:00pm

Moose Jaw at Regina – 3:00pm (CHL on Sportsnet)

Monday February 19:

Erie at Guelph – 2:00pm

Owen Sound at Hamilton – 2:00pm

Barrie at Kingston – 2:00pm

Windsor at London – 2:00pm

Flint at Mississauga – 2:00pm

Kitchener at Ottawa – 2:00pm

North Bay at Oshawa – 2:05pm

Niagara at Peterborough – 2:05pm

Saginaw at Sarnia – 2:05pm

Be sure to catch all of this weekend’s action at ohllive.com.

 

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Comtois and Willms lead Tigres and Warriors 

Tigres’ Maxime Comtois named CHL Player of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Anaheim Ducks prospect Maxime Comtois of the Victoriaville Tigres is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 11 after scoring four goals and four assists for eight points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-6. 

Comtois delivered a trio of multi-point performances for the seventh place Tigres who officially clinched a berth in the QMJHL Playoffs riding a five-game winning-streak which has improved their record to 30-18-4-2.  His week began Wednesday with a goal and an assist in a 7-1 victory over the Val-d’Or Foreurs, and continued Thursday scoring twice with two assists as second star of an 8-4 win against the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.  His week wrapped up outdoors on Saturday competing in the Drummondville Winter Classic scoring his 30th goal of the season and adding an assist to extend his personal point-streak to seven in a 2-0 victory over the Voltigeurs.  

A 19-year-old from Longueuil, QC, Comtois is playing in his third season in Victoriaville after being selected by the Tigres third overall in the 2015 QMJHL Entry Draft.  His 54 points in 41 games are just six points shy of his career-high of 60 set during his rookie season across 62 games.  Comtois was a second round pick by the Ducks in the 2017 NHL Draft and won gold as a member of Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo. 

Also considered for the award this week was Anaheim Ducks prospect Tyler Soy who became the Victoria Royals all-time leading goal scorer with 142 during a week in which he recorded four goals and four assists for eight points in three games, and 2018 NHL Draft prospect Liam Foudy of the London Knights who scored five goals and two assists for seven points in three games. 

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week:

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)

Warriors’ Brody Willms named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Brody Willms of the Moose Jaw Warriors is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending February 11 after posting a perfect 2-0-0-0 record with two shutout victories for a goals-against-average of 0.00 and save percentage of 1.000. 

Willms turned aside all 35 shots he faced in a pair of starts last week helping the first place Warriors improve their record to 42-9-1-2 atop the overall WHL standings.  On Friday night he made 20 saves and earned second star honours in a 2-0 victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes, then stopped all 15 fired his way on Saturday as third star of a 6-0 win against the Kootenay Ice. 

A 19-year-old from Coquitlam, BC, Willms is playing in his fourth full season in Moose Jaw after being selected by the Warriors in the eighth round of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.  In 41 games this season he’s compiled a 30-7-1-2 record including four shutouts with a goals-against-average of 2.94 and save percentage of .902. 

Also considered for the award this week was rookie Colten Ellis of the Rimouski Oceanic who posted a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory making 41 saves for a goals-against-average of 0.50 and save percentage of .976.  In the OHL, overage Mario Culina of the Kitchener Rangers who went 2-0-0-0 making 81 saves for a goals-against-average of 2.00 and save percentage of .953. 

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

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

OHL This Week for Feb. 8-11, 2018

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Logo

Toronto, ON – February continues with only six more weekends left to play in the Ontario Hockey League regular season.

Here’s a look at what’s been happening around the league this week.

31 OHL GRADUATES PREPARE FOR 2018 WINTER OLYMPICS: 

31 OHL graduates from across the globe will represent their respective countries at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea when men’s hockey action gets underway on Wednesday February 14th. Team Canada leads the way with six OHL grads on the roster. Read more

GREYHOUNDS, STING, RANGERS AND BULLDOGS IN CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:  

The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds continue to hold down top spot in the 20th edition of the CHL Top 10 Rankings. The fourth-ranked Sarnia Sting, eight-ranked Kitchener Rangers and ninth-ranked Hamilton Bulldogs are also included. Full Rankings

GENERALS’ KENNY HUETHER NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Kenny Huether of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the week ending February 4 after scoring three goals and four assists for seven points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-5. Huether produced a pair of multi-point performances that helped the Generals finish the weekend with two straight victories climbing into a tie for fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 25-23-3-0 record. Read more

WAWANESA OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

The 19th edition of the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week for the 2017-18 season feature another collection of the league’s Top-5 goals scored in the week ending February 4. This week’s highlights include some slick passing by Oshawa Generals Domenico Commisso and Kenny Huether to Matt Brassard, the Mississauga Steelheads duo of Albert Michnac to Cole Carter, and a pair of Kingston Frontenacs connect with Gabriel Vilardi to Linus Nyman.  Aidan Dudas of the Owen Sound Attack makes the highlights a second straight week with another filthy toe-drag, and top NHL Draft prospect Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts drives the net and puts it under the bar to headline the list. Watch

VOTE ANDREI SVECHNIKOV IN #CIBCSHOWDOWN:

Barrie Colts forward Andrei Svechnikov not only headlines the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week, but is also the OHL representative featured in this week’s #CIBCShowdown which showcases one great play from all three leagues allowing fans the opportunity to choose their favourite play. See all the plays and vote at chlshowdown.ca.

GOALTENDERS IN FINE FORM IN FEBRUARY’S FIRST EDITION OF JANES SAVES:

OHL goaltenders in fine form featured inside February’s first edition of #JanesSaves. This week features Christian Propp of the North Bay Battalion, Leo Lazarev of the Barrie Colts, Aidan Hughes and Justin Fazio of the Sarnia Sting, Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads, Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires, Joseph Raaymakers of the London Knights, Luke Cavallin of the Flint Firebirds, Mario Culina of the Kitchener Rangers, Colton Incze of the Niagara IceDogs, and Evan Cormier of the Saginaw Spirit. Watch

CHIBRIKOV AND GOLDEN ENJOY MILESTONE MOMENTS:

Defencemen Igor Chibrikov of the Owen Sound Attack and Jacob Golden of the London Knights both scored their first career OHL goals this past weekend. Revisit those milestone moments here! Watch

OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR TOP 10 RANKINGS RELEASED:

Two more teams have clinched spots at the 2018 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour as the Mississauga Reps and Vaughan Kings advanced to the final four of the GTHL’s playoffs. The Reps rise one spot this week, taking a 4-2 series lead in points over the fifth-ranked Toronto Jr. Canadiens in their second round series. The OMHA’s Barrie Colts return to the Top-10 in the ninth spot, holding a 4-0 series lead in points on the North Central Predators in their first round playoff series. Full Rankings

The 2018 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour is a little over a month away. With playoffs underway across the province, we begin our weekly look at teams on their journey to secure their spot at the annual showcase. This week we take a look at the GTHL. Read more at ohlcup.ca.

STING CLINCHES PLAYOFF SPOT:

The Sarnia Sting became the OHL’s second team to clinch a playoff spot, doing so before a national audience on Sportsnet Saturday afternoon. The Sting defeated the London Knights 5-1 in the CHL Saturday Showcase and joined the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in punching their ticket to the 2018 OHL Playoffs. Full standings

8 OHL PLAYERS ON FEBRUARY SPORTSNET NHL DRAFT RANKINGS:

A total of eight OHL players are included in the latest NHL Draft Rankings from Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino. Included in the top 31 are Andrei Svechnikov (3, Barrie Colts), Evan Bouchard (8, London Knights), Barrett Hayton (10, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Serron Noel (20, Oshawa Generals), Ryan McLeod (23, Mississauga Steelheads), Rasmus Sandin (24, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Akil Thomas (28, Niagara IceDogs) and Ryan Merkley (30, Guelph Storm). Additionally, Allan McShane (Oshawa Generals), Kevin Bahl (Ottawa 67’s) and Sean Durzi (Owen Sound Attack) were considered honourable mentions for the list. Get the full list at sportsnet.ca.

KNIGHTS’ BOUCHARD FEATURED ON LATEST EDITION OF JUNIOR HOCKEY MAGAZINE:

Draft eligible London Knights defenceman Evan Bouchard is the featured guest on the latest edition of Mastercard Junior Hockey Magazine with Gino Reda. The MVP of the 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game sits down and shares about his season. Listen

SPORTSNET CHL SATURDAY SHOWCASE FEATURES WHL BATTLE IN ALBERTA:

The CHL Saturday Showcase heads west this weekend as the Red Deer Rebels visit the Edmonton Oil Kings on Sportsnet at 3:30pm ET/12:30 pm PT. RJ Broadhead and Sam Cosentino bring fans all of the action from coast-to-coast. Preview

2018 MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP TICKETS ON SALE TO PUBLIC:

The 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup Host Organizing Committee, together with the Canadian Hockey League, is pleased to announce that ticket packages for the 100th anniversary Mastercard Memorial Cup championship are now available to the public. For more information visit mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

OHL MOURNS THE LOSS OF DOUG ANDERSON:

Long time Rogers TV volunteer Doug Anderson, best known for calling play-by-play for the Battalion during their 15-year tenure in Brampton, sadly passed away last week.  Doug was dedicated to broadcasting and served as a mentor for many aspiring in the field and had a love and passion for the OHL.  More

COMMUNITY CORNER:

CMHA Talk Today Night in five OHL cities: The OHL, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Teachers Life are teaming up to raise awareness about the importance of mental health during games throughout the month of February. All 20 OHL teams are hosting a Talk Today awareness game with the support of their local CMHA Ontario Branch. This week, the CMHA visits  Oshawa on Wednesday, North Bay on Thursday, Barrie and Saginaw on Saturday and Sarnia on Sunday. Full details

Grain Farmers of Ontario visiting four OHL venues: Grain Farmers of Ontario are coming to four OHL rinks this week, making stops in Peterborough and Niagara on Thursday, Kitchener on Friday and Windsor on Sunday. The Good in Every Grain team has a surprise for kids in attendance. Keep an eye out for them this weekend! For more details visit goodineverygrain.ca.

Petes raise $83,578 at ninth annual Pink in the Rink Game: The Peterborough Petes, in association with the Canadian Cancer Society, are pleased to announce that the 2018 Pink in the Rink campaign raised $83,578.64, bringing the nine-year total to over $611,000. Read more

Wolves spend weekend in the community: The Sudbury Wolves enjoyed an eventful weekend in the community, lacing up the skates for some pond hockey, a Meet the Wolves autograph session, cooking demonstration and some practice time with a local minor hockey team. Get the full story at sudburywolves.com.

Battalion salute Centennials on Thursday: The North Bay Battalion will don Centennials black and gold this coming Thursday when they play host to the Flint Firebirds. The game is also CMHA Talk Today Night at the Memorial Gardens.

Fronts host Pink Shirt Day Game on Friday: The Kingston Frontenacs are teaming up with the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston. The Frontenacs are helping spread the word on bullying awareness and are encouraging everyone to #BEKINDer.

London goes green on Friday: The Spectra Venue Management team at Budweiser Gardens will launch its first ‘Green’ event when the London Knights face off against the Sudbury Wolves on Friday. A number of green initiatives will be implemented on Friday including free transit on city buses with the presentation of a game ticket as well as Knights goaltenders contributing to a ‘Saves for Trees’ program. For full details visit londonknights.com.

67’s honour fifth decade on Saturday: The Ottawa 67’s celebrate the fifth and most recent decade of franchise history this coming Saturday when they play host to the Oshawa Generals. The 67’s will welcome various alumni from 2007-17 back to TD Place and unveil the final piece of the Brian Kilrea Legacy Wall. For more details visit ottawa67s.com.

Bulldogs host You Can Play Game on Saturday: The Hamilton Bulldogs host the Kitchener Rangers in a game supporting You Can Play on Saturday. $2 from every ticket purchased will be donated to the You Can Play Project, an initiative working to improve equality in sport.

100th Mastercard Memorial Cup Tour visits Sarnia: The CHL’s 100th Mastercard Memorial Cup celebrations continued this past week in Sarnia, the eleventh stop on a season long tour visiting 17 CHL communities in eight different provinces. The trophy visited some of the city’s finest at Sarnia Police and Fire Departments, and also spent time at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62, Pathways Health Centre for Children, and Bluewater Health where the cup was reunited with 1990 champion Dr Jean-Paul Davis who won as a player with the Oshawa Generals. Read more at mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

ALUMNI NOTES:

McDavid enjoys four-goal night: Erie Otters graduate Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers netted four goals and an assist on Monday, helping the Oilers defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-2. McDavid becomes the third NHL player to score four goals in a game this season, becoming the second-youngest player in Oilers history to do it after all-time great Wayne Gretzky. His five points against the Lightning now give him at least one point against all 30 NHL clubs. He becomes the first Oiler to have multiple hat-tricks in one season Ryan Smyth back in 2000-01. McDavid spent three seasons in an Otters uniform from 2012-15, earning both OHL Rookie of the Year as well as CHL  Player of the Year honours during his tenure.

Abraham sets Queen’s scoring record for defencemen: Queen’s University defenceman Spencer Abraham made history on Saturday, recording his 98th career point, the most ever by a defenceman in the history of the program. Abraham had two assists, feeding fellow OHL graduate Slater Doggett on the game-tying goal with one second left in regulation before the Gaels went on to win 4-3 in overtime. A fourth-year veteran, Abraham has 21 goals and 77 assists over 98 career games. He has represented U SPORTS against Canadian National Junior Team hopefuls and attended Development Camp with the Florida Panthers last summer. He played four seasons between Brampton and Erie from 2010-14.

Doggett named OUA and U SPORTS Male Athlete of the Week: Queen’s University forward Slater Doggett has been named the OUA and U SPORTS Male Athlete of the Week after he recorded four goals over two games. Doggett helped Queen’s defeat RMC in the Carr-Harris Cup with a pair of goals before playing the hero on Saturday in a 4-3 victory over Carleton. Doggett tied the score at three with one second left in regulation before netting the overtime winner. The Windsor Spitfires graduate has 17 goals, 15 assists and 32 points in 26 games with the Gaels this season. He played three OHL seasons with the Kingston Frontenacs and Spitfires from 2012-15.

Parsons earns first AHL win: London Knights graduate Tyler Parsons earned his first career AHL win with the Stockton Heat on Saturday, making 32 saves against the San Jose Barracuda. A 20-year-old native of Chesterfield, Mich., Parsons was a 2016 Mastercard Memorial Cup champion with the London Knights, playing three seasons in green and gold from 2014-17 while being chosen by Calgary in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft. He’s 11-9-0 with a 2.97 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage in 22 games with the ECHL’s Kansas City Mavericks this season.

Pasquale dealt to Lightning: Saginaw Spirit graduate Edward Pasquale was dealt by the Edmonton Oilers to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday and will join the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch. In 16 games with the Bakersfield Condors this season, Pasquale played to a 6-5-0 mark with a 2.60 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. The 27-year-old from Toronto, Ont. is in his seventh professional season after a four-year OHL tenure between Belleville and Saginaw from 2006-10.

Leslie traded to Golden Knights: Guelph Storm graduate Zac Leslie has been traded by the Los Angeles Kings to the Vegas Golden Knights. The 24-year-old Leslie had five points (1-4–5) in 24 games with the AHL’s Ontario Reign this season. Now in his third pro season, Leslie hoisted the J. Ross Robertson Cup as an OHL Champion with the Guelph Storm in 2014. He played four seasons in Guelph from 2011-15.

Carkner moves into coaching role: Peterborough Petes graduate Matt Carkner has moved behind the bench with the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers after retiring from the game as a member of the club in 2016. An assistant coach, Carkner is handling analytics, video prep, doing individual work with players, and is providing support on the defensive side. A 237-game NHL veteran, Carkner was an imposing presence on the Peterborough Petes blue line from 1997-2001. His pro playing career spanned 15 years. Learn more about his transition to coaching at theahl.com.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Saginaw Spirit (25-19-6-0) at Guelph Storm (25-21-1-3) Friday February 9th at Guelph

Two Western Conference teams separated by just two points meet in Guelph on Friday as the Storm and visiting Saginaw Spirit jockey for playoff positions.

The Spirit hold a two-point edge on the Storm entering weekend action. Guelph has won the prior two meetings between the two clubs, with a pair of encounters left on the schedule.

Saginaw has been without the services of injured Brady Gilmour the past few weeks, but continued production from overage blueliner Marcus Crawford, 24-goal scorer Cole Coskey and veteran forward Mason Kohn have helped keep the momentum going forward. The Spirit have won four of their last 10 but have managed at least a point in seven of those games.

The Storm will be without suspended blueliner Ryan Merkley this weekend and will look to other defencemen in Owen Lalonde and Dmitri Samorukov for increased minutes. Draft eligible forward Cam Hills has points in five of the last six games while Philadelphia Flyers prospect Isaac Ratcliffe leads the team with 28 goals.

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (43-5-2-1) at Hamilton Bulldogs (33-12-3-3) Sunday February 11th at Hamilton

It’s a best-on-best showdown as the Western Conference leading Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds visit the Eastern Conference leading Hamilton Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon.

The Hounds have shown no sign of slowing down, entering a weekend road trip as winners of six straight. Top scorer Morgan Frost enters action with points in seven straight games as the Greyhounds and their contingent of eight different 40+ point scorers continue to come at opponents from all angles.

The Bulldogs are led in scoring by 30-goal man Brandon Saigeon followed closely by Montreal Canadiens prospect Will Bitten. They’ll be without the services of suspended forward Robert Thomas this weekend.

This marks the first meeting between the two clubs this season. Regardless of the outcome there’ll be a quick turnaround as the Bulldogs head north to Sault Ste. Marie next Friday.

SCHEDULE:

Thursday February 8: Barrie 5 at Hamilton 1 – Highlights Sault Ste. Marie at Niagara – 7:00pm Flint at North Bay – 7:00pm Owen Sound at Peterborough – 7:05pm Guelph at Windsor – 7:05pm

Friday February 9: Owen Sound at Kingston – 7:00pm Barrie at Mississauga – 7:00pm Flint at Sudbury – 7:05pm Saginaw at Guelph – 7:30pm Sarnia at Kitchener – 7:30pm Erie at London – 7:30pm

Saturday February 10: Oshawa at Ottawa – 2:00pm Kitchener at Hamilton – 4:00pm Sault Ste. Marie at Erie – 7:00pm Sudbury at London – 7:00pm North Bay at Peterborough – 7:05pm Windsor at Saginaw – 7:05pm Niagara at Sarnia – 7:05pm Flint at Barrie – 7:30pm Red Deer at Edmonton – 3:30pm (Sportsnet CHL Saturday Showcase)

Sunday February 11: Mississauga at Erie – 2:00pm London at Guelph – 2:00pm Sault Ste. Marie at Hamilton – 2:00pm North Bay at Kingston – 2:00pm Owen Sound at Ottawa – 2:00pm Sudbury at Sarnia – 2:05pm Niagara at Windsor – 2:05pm Peterborough at Oshawa – 6:05pm

Be sure to catch all of this weekend’s action at ohllive.com.

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Ronning and Bouthillier best in the CHL to start February  

Giants’ Ty Ronning named CHL Player of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that New York Rangers prospect Ty Ronning of the Vancouver Giants is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 4 scoring five goals and two assists for seven points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-3. 

Ronning delivered a trio of multi-point performances last week helping the Giants win all three games to improve their record to 28-16-5-3 in the WHL’s B.C. Division standings.  Opening the week with two home games against the Calgary Hitmen, Ronning scored twice with an assist in Wednesday’s 4-1 victory then scored another two goals including the game-winner on Friday earning first star honours in the 4-2 win.  On Saturday he produced another first star effort scoring once and assisting on the game-winner to reach the 200-point milestone for his career in a 5-4 triumph over the Medicine Hat Tigers.  The Giants sit just four points back of the Kelowna Rockets and Victoria Royals who are tied for the division lead. 

A 20-year-old from Burnaby, BC, Ronning is playing in his fifth season with the Giants who chose him in the first round of the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.  He currently ranks second in the WHL with 47 goals and his 66 points through 52 games are a new career high.  Ronning is just one goal shy of Evander Kane’s single season record of 48 goals and ranks third on the club’s all-time list with 113 in 267 games played.  He was a seventh round pick of the Rangers in the 2016 NHL Draft. 

Also considered for the award this week was 2018 NHL Draft prospect Joe Veleno of the Drummondville Voltigeurs with one goal and six assists for seven points in three games, and Kenny Huether of the Oshawa Generals who scored three goals with four assists for seven points in three games. 

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week:

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)  

Sagueneens’ Zachary Bouthillier named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Zachary Bouthillier of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending February 4 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.88 and save percentage of .948. 

Bouthillier turned aside 73 shots and earned first star honours twice last week backstopping the Sags to a pair of victories over top QMJHL competition.  On Tuesday night against the first place Blainville-Boisbriand Armada he made 30 saves in a 3-2 overtime win, then made 43 saves on Friday against the East Division’s first place Rimouski Oceanic as part of a 4-3 win.  The Sagueneens have now won four straight games and stand 15th in the league’s overall standings with a 21-24-4-0 record. 

An 18-year-old from Chambly, QC, Bouthillier is playing in his second QMJHL season and first in Chicoutimi after being selected by the Shawinigan Cataractes in the second round of the 2015 QMJHL Entry Draft.  In 25 games this season he carries a 7-10-2-0 record including one shutout with a goals-against-average of 3.22 and save percentage of .900. 

Also considered for the award this week was Los Angeles Kings prospect Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds who posted a 3-0-0-0 record including one shutout making 69 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.64 and save percentage of .932.  In the WHL, Riley Lamb of the Red Deer Rebels went 2-0-0-0 stopping 57 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.96 and save percentage of .934. 

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

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)