Around the OHL

Toronto, ON – The 2016-17 Canadian Hockey League season is almost over as the Mastercard Memorial Cup Championship Final on Sunday officially brings the campaign to a close as a national champion will be crowned for the 99th time in Windsor.

 Here’s an extended look at what else is going on around the league the last two weeks:

SPITFIRES DEFEAT OTTERS TO ADVANCE TO MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP FINAL:

Jeremiah Addison recorded a hat-trick and Gabriel Vilardi chipped in with four assists as the Windsor Spitfires defeated the Erie Otters 4-2 to advance to the Mastercard Memorial Cup Final. Goaltender Michael DiPietro turned in a 33-save performance for Windsor as the Spits will face the winner of a Semi-Final matchup between Erie and the QMJHL champion Saint John Sea Dogs on Friday. Read more / Highlights

 2017 MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP ARTICLES:

 WINDSOR:

Art of the Kill: Spitfires Record Setting Penalty Kill central to team’s success

Stanley’s return transformed Spits blue line

Repeat Reflections: Nemisz, Wellwood enjoyed the ride with Spitfires
Redemption Song: Spitfires aim to change last chapter

 ERIE:
Otters back to the drawing board ahead of Semi-Final

Perfect Fit: Cirelli and Foegele put Otters over the top
McDavid elated to see Otters conquer goals

Star Makers: Talented Otters keep record run alive

STROME’S SEVEN POINT GAME MAKES MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP HISTORY:

Arizona Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome of the Erie Otters posted the best single game performance in Mastercard Memorial Cup history this past week, recording seven points (4-3–7) in a 12-5 win over the Saint John Sea Dogs. Read more

MEMORIAL CUP ARRIVES IN WINDSOR:

The 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup festivities officially began following a day full of celebration highlighted by the Memorial Cup’s arrival to the City of Windsor. Watch

TWO OHL REFEREES, FOUR LINESMEN NAMED TO MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP OFFICIATING TEAM:

OHL referees in the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup include Darcy Burchell of Etobicoke, ON, and Mike Cairns of Scarborough, ON, who each received their second championship assignment. Linesmen selected to work the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup include Geoff Rutherford from nearby Lasalle, ON, along with Adam Harris (Hamilton), Andrew Jackson (Caledon), Justin Knaggs (Whitby), Dustin McCrank (Guelph), and Andrew Smith (Kitchener).  Read more

WOLVES INTRODUCE CORY STILLMAN AS NEW HEAD COACH:

The Sudbury Wolves have introduced former OHL champion and two-time Stanley Cup winner Cory Stillman as the club’s Head Coach. A native of Peterborough, Stillman has played more than 1000 games in the NHL and has been developing Junior and College players for the past six seasons, the last five with the Carolina Hurricanes organization. His experience playing for a range of coaches over the years such as Joel Quenneville, Peter Laviolette, and John Tortorella have allowed Cory to work with some of the best and most successful coaches in the NHL. Read more

STEELHEADS FINALIZE HOCKEY OPERATIONS STAFF FOR 2017-18 SEASON:

The Mississauga Steelheads made a number of moves this past week, adding the title of General Manager to James Richmond’s pre-existing role as Head Coach. Richmond finalized his staff for the 2017-18 season on Thursday, promoting both Assistant Coach Jeff Kyrzakos and Coordinator of Analytics Mike Doyle to the role of Assistant General Manager. Former Video Coach Brendan Taylor will step into an Assistant Coach position. The Steelheads have also named Rob Toffoli as the club’s new Head Scout. Read more

OHL PRIORITY SELECTION PROSPECTS COMMIT TO OHL:

A number of highly touted players chosen in the OHL Priority Selection have made commitments to the Ontario Hockey League. Robert Calisti (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Matt Gordon (Kitchener Rangers), Justin McCombs (Sarnia Sting), Nick Robertson (Peterborough Petes), Anthony Tabak (Sudbury Wolves) committed to their respective clubs this past week.

A week earlier, the commitment list was even longer and included: Connor McMichael (Hamilton Bulldogs), Grayson Ladd (Kitchener Rangers), Mason Primeau (Guelph Storm), Jack Quinn (Ottawa 67’s), Simon Rose and Kurtis Evans (North Bay Battalion), Aidan Prueter and Duncan Penman (Saginaw Spirit), Billy Constantinou (Niagara IceDogs), Nick Wong (Oshawa Generals).

OHL TEAM STAFF NEWS:

Sting GM Sinclair Signs Multi-Year Extension: Read more

Petes GM Oke Signs Extension Through 2019-20: Read more

Storm Name Phil Golding Assistant GM: Read more

PETES HOSTED DEVELOPMENT CAMP:

The Peterborough Petes held their annual Spring Orientation Camp at the Peterborough Memorial Centre last weekend. They’re the latest in a long line of teams to host their OHL Priority Selection prospects for a weekend of getting familiarized with the organization. Read more

 OHL COACHES CONFERENCE SET FOR JUNE 3RD:

The 2017 OHL Coaches Conference is under a month away, taking place on Saturday June 3rd on the campus of UOIT in Oshawa. Many of the guest speakers for the 4th annual installment of the day-long conference have been confirmed and will provide minor hockey coaches the opportunity to learn from OHL, AHL, and NHL personnel in an interactive professional development day. Programs are open to any coach registered within the OHF, OHA, OWHA, HEO, or HNO, coaching Pee-Wee ‘AAA’, Minor Bantam and Major Bantam ‘AE to AAA’, Minor Midget and Midget ‘AE to AAA’. Read more

OHL ALUMNI GOLF TOURNAMENT FAST APPROACHING:

The 2017 OHL Alumni Association Golf Tournament is fast approaching! The 2nd annual event is set to take place on Monday June 5th at the Devil’s Pulpit, one of Canada’s most acclaimed private golf clubs located in Caledon, Ont. This event is one of several networking events focused on bringing together former players from all generations.  Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Gudbranson Stem Cell Research Grant, which helps fund research for Stem Cell Treatments. Space is limited! Be sure to sign up before Friday June 2nd. Read more

CELEBRATE THE 2017 MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP WITH OHL SHOP:

Visit OHLSHOP.com and get 25% off your purchase during the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup! Use promo code ‘OHLMMC2017’ and take advantage of the savings! Visit OHLSHOP.com.

OTTERS’ TAYLOR RADDYSH SIGNS WITH LIGHTNING:

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Taylor Raddysh to a three-year, entry-level contract, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced on Monday. Raddysh played in 58 regular season games with the Otters this season, recording 42 goals and 109 points with a plus-67 rating. He led the OHL for assists with 67, ranked second for points and tied for sixth for goals. Read more

PETES’ WELLS SIGNS WITH OILERS:

The Edmonton Oilers have signed Peterborough Petes goaltender Dylan Wells to a three-year, entry-level NHL contract. Wells helped the Petes reach the Eastern Conference Final after posting a 3.07 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage over a career high 52 regular season contests. He tied for third in the OHL with 33 wins. Read more

FOUR OHL COACHES SELECTED FOR HOCKEY CANADA UNDER-18, UNDER-17 ASSIGNMENTS:

Kingston Frontenacs head coach Paul McFarland returns to lead Canada’s National Under-18 Team while three other coaches from across the OHL take on international assignments with Hockey Canada. Ryan Oulahen (Flint Firebirds), Spencer Carbery (Saginaw Spirit) and B.J. Adams (Erie Otters) will take on roles with Hockey Canada’s National Under-17 Teams. Read more

OHL COMMISSIONER DAVID BRANCH, STEELHEADS GM JAMES BOYD FEATURED ON MASTERCARD JUNIOR HOCKEY MAGAZINE:

The season finale of Junior Hockey Magazine features OHL Commissioner and CHL President David Branch previewing the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup and discussing the CHL Scholarship Program. Mississauga Steelheads GM James Boyd shares his story as an OHL graduate. Listen

ALUMNI NOTES:

8 OHL graduates earn IIHF World Championship Silver with Canada: 8 OHL graduates are IIHF World Championship silver medalists with Team Canada following a 2-1 shootout loss to Sweden on Sunday. Read more.

31 OHL graduates competing in AHL Conference Finals: A total of 31 OHL graduates have reached the Conference Finals of the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs. The Providence Bruins (BOS) and Syracuse Crunch (TB) square off in the East Final while the San Jose Barracuda (SJ) and Grand Rapids Griffins (DET) meet in the West. Read more

Cord, Schemitsch, Mahon, Bovair featured in OHL Alumni of the Month spotlight: The May edition of the OHL Alumni of the Month spotlight features Alex Cord, Geoffrey Schemitsch, Craig Mahon, and Terry Bovair who used their time in the OHL as a stepping stone to post-secondary and business success. Read more

14 OHL graduates competing in Stanley Cup Finals: A total of 14 OHL graduates, eight from the Pittsburgh Penguins and six from the Nashville Predators, will battle in the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals of the NHL Playoffs. The Predators advanced to the final round following a series win over the Anaheim Ducks while Pittsburgh got by the Ottawa Senators in seven games to be crowned Eastern Conference champions. OHL grads on Pittsburgh include Tom Kuhnhackl (Niagara IceD0gs), Tom Sestito (Plymouth Whalers), Garrett Wilson (Owen Sound Attack), Frank Corrado (Kitchener Rangers), Trevor Daley (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Cameron Gaunce (Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors), Olli Maatta (London Knights) and Matt Murray (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds). OHL grads on Nashville include Mike Fisher (Sudbury Wolves), James Neal (Plymouth Whalers), Austin Watson (London Knights), Ryan Ellis (Windsor Spitfires), P.K. Subban (Belleville Bulls) and Yannick Weber (Kitchener Rangers). 94 OHL grads began the journey to the Stanley Cup Final back in mid-April. Read more

CHL graduates descend on Windsor for alumni game: Prominent Canadian Hockey League graduates, predominantly from the Windsor Spitfires organization are set to compete in a special CHL Alumni Game at the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup in Windsor on Saturday at 2:00pm. Current NHL players such as Taylor Hall, Jeff Skinner, Josh Bailey, Matt Martin and Zack Kassian will participate alongside former pro names such as Ed Jovanovski, Steve Staios, Bob Boughner and Todd Warriner. Coaching staff will include NHL head coaches in Peter DeBoer (San Jose Sharks) and Joel Quenneville (Chicago Blackhawks). For full details visit mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

Blues hire Ott as Assistant Coach: One month removed from his final NHL contest, Windsor Spitfires graduate Steve Ott has accepted an assistant coaching position with the St. Louis Blues. An 848-game NHL veteran, Ott played 14 NHL seasons from 2002-17, recording 109 goals, 179 assists and 288 regular season points. He played three OHL seasons with the Windsor Spitfires from 1999-2002, recording 116 goals, 121 assists and 237 points over 174 regular season games. His number 14 is retired by the Spitfires. He was originally Dallas’ first round pick in the 2000 NHL Draft. Ott played parts of three seasons with St. Louis from 2013-16 before playing his final games as a member of the Montreal Canadiens this past season.

MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP SCHEDULE:

Friday May 19th:
Saint John Sea Dogs 2 at Windsor Spitfires 3 (Game 1) – Highlights

Saturday May 20th:
Erie Otters 4 at Seattle Thunderbirds 2 (Game 2) – Highlights

Sunday May 21st:
Windsor Spitfires 7 at Seattle Thunderbirds 1 (Game 3) – Highlights

Monday May 22nd:
Erie Otters 12 at Saint John Sea Dogs 5 (Game 4) – Highlights

Tuesday May 23rd:
Seattle Thunderbirds 0 at Saint John Sea Dogs 7 (Game 5) – Highlights

Wednesday May 24th:
Windsor Spitfires 4 vs. Erie Otters 2 (Game 6) – Highlights

Friday May 26th:
Saint John Sea Dogs vs. Erie Otters (Semi-Final) – 7:00pm (Sportsnet, TVA Sports, NHL Network, CHLLive.com)

Sunday May 28th:
Saint John Sea Dogs/Erie Otters vs. Windsor Spitfires (Championship Final) – 7:00pm (Sportsnet, TVA Sports, NHL Network, CHLLive.com)

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the nominees for the 10 major awards that will be presented at the annual CHL Awards Ceremony which takes place on Saturday May 27 as part of the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup festivities in Windsor.

Sherwin-Williams Top Prospect Award:
Nolan Patrick (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Gabriel Vilardi (Windsor Spitfires)
Nico Hischier (Halifax Mooseheads)

Most recent winner by league: Pierre-Luc Dubois (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 2016), Connor McDavid (Erie Otters 2015), Seth Jones (Portland Winterhawks 2013).

Chrysler Top Scorer Award:
Sam Steel (Regina Pats)
Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Vitalii Abramov (Gatineau Olympiques)

Most recent winner by league: Conor Garland (Moncton Wildcats 2016), Dylan Strome (Erie Otters 2015), Brendan Leipsic (Portland Winterhawks 2013).

BRP Sportsman of the Year Award:
Tyler Steenbergen (Swift Current Broncos)
Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)
Hugo Roy (Sherbrooke Phoenix)

Most recent winner by league: Samuel Girard (Shawinigan Cataractes 2016), Rourke Chartier (Kelowna Rockets 2015), Tyler Graovac (Belleville Bulls 2013).

Mastercard Humanitarian of the Year Award:
Tyler Wong (Lethbridge Hurricanes)
Garrett McFadden (Guelph Storm)
Samuel Laberge (Rimouski Oceanic)

Most recent winner by league: Will Petschenig (Saginaw Spirit 2016), Danick Martel (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada), Sam Fioretti (Moose Jaw Warriors 2014).

CIBC Scholastic Player of the Year Award:
Brian King (Everett Silvertips)
Sasha Chmelevski (Ottawa 67’s)
Antoine Samuel (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Most recent winner by league: Alex D’Aoust (Shawinigan Cataractes 2016), Connor McDavid (Erie Otters 2015), Josh Morrissey (Prince Albert Raiders 2013).

Sofina Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award:
John Paddock (Regina Pats)
Ryan McGill (Owen Sound Attack)
Danny Flynn (Saint John Sea Dogs)

Most recent winner by league: Gilles Bouchard (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 2016), Sheldon Keefe (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 2015), Jim Hiller (Tri-City Americans 2012).

CCM Rookie of the Year Award:
Aleksi Heponiemi (Swift Current Broncos)
Ryan Merkley (Guelph Storm)
Nico Hischier (Halifax Mooseheads)

Most recent winner by league: Alexander Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads 2016), Nikolaj Ehlers (Halifax Mooseheads 2014), Brett Connolly (Prince George Cougars 2009).

Vaughn Goaltender of the Year Award:
Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack)
Francis Leclerc (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)

Most recent winner by league: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips 2016), Philippe Desrosiers (Rimouski Oceanic 2015), Michael Houser (London Knights 2012).

Superstore Defenceman of the Year Award:
Ethan Bear (Seattle Thunderbirds)
Darren Raddysh (Erie Otters)
Thomas Chabot (Saint John Sea Dogs)

Most recent winner by league: Ivan Provorov (Brandon Wheat Kings 2016), Anthony DeAngelo (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 2015), David Savard (Moncton Wildcats 2010).

Sportsnet Player of the Year Award:
Sam Steel (Regina Pats)
Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Vitalii Abramov (Gatineau Olympiques)

Most recent winner by league: Mitch Marner (London Knights 2016), Anthony Mantha (Val-d’Or Foreurs 2014), Brandan Shinnimin (Tri-City Americans 2012).

For more information please visit www.mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

Windsor, ON – The 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup festivities are officially underway following a day full of celebration highlighted by the Memorial Cup’s arrival to the City of Windsor.

The historic trophy ventured along the Detroit River Thursday evening from Sarnia on board the Canadian Coast Guard Patrol vessel Constable Carriere before docking at Dieppe Gardens.

From there it was off-loaded and embarked on a military led parade through the streets of downtown Windsor to the Cenotaph for a ceremony that included Royal Canadian Legion veterans and dignitaries.

The procession included participation from Windsor Police Services, Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party Zone A-1, Sterling Heights Police Colour Party, Royal Canadian Navy, Windsor Regiment, Essex and Kent Regiment, #31 Service Battalion, RCMP, CBSA, Veterans, Cadet Units, Windsor Fire Department, and Military G-Wagons, M-37’s, and 43 Willys Jeeps.

“The reason we have all gathered in Windsor is to celebrate the Memorial Cup,” said Michael Akpata, Military Liason for the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup Host Committee. “The Memorial Cup, one of the most prestigious and coveted trophies in North American sport, has a rich tradition that has shaped the way junior hockey is played in North America. The trophy originated in 1919, in remembrance of the many soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice for Canada in The First World War.  In 2010 the Memorial Cup was rededicated to the memory of all fallen Canadian Military Personnel.”

The program at the Cenotaph included First Nations Drummers, the singing of both Canadian and American national anthems, the playing of The Last Post, Scottish Pipers, a wreath laying at the Cenotaph by WWII veteran Ralph Mayville, Gun Salute by members of the R.C.N.A Firing Party, Presentation of the Colours by the most Senior Veterans Organization, and the singing of God Save the Queen.

The event concluded with a parade of the Memorial Cup to City Hall where the trophy was displayed for public photo opportunities.

The 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup Host Committee sincerely thanks the Ministry of National Defense for their contributions to the arrival ceremony, and to the many volunteers and community members for helping make this outstanding event a success.

2017 marks the 99th edition of the prestigious national championship featuring the host Spitfires along with the Erie Otters (Ontario Hockey League champions), Seattle Thunderbirds (Western Hockey League champions), and the Saint John Sea Dogs (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champions).

The puck drops tonight with Game 1 featuring the Spitfires and Sea Dogs at 7:00 pm.  All games are broadcast live on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

The 2017 MasterCard Memorial Cup is proudly supported by Mastercard, title sponsor of this event for 19 straight years.  Associate sponsors include CIBC, Cooper Tires, and autoTRADER.ca.

For more information please visit www.mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the All-Star teams for the 2016-17 OHL season.

Red Tilson Trophy winner Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters headlines the First Team All-Stars at right wing after leading the league in scoring with 127 points in 63 games.  This marks the third straight season the Chicago Blackhawks prospect has been recognized post-season following second team honours in 2015, and a third team nod a year ago.  Otters captain Dylan Strome also receives a third straight All-Star honour, this time receiving first team recognition at centre after producing 75 points in just 35 games with a league-high points-per-game mark of 2.14.  The Arizona Coyotes prospect previously received third team votes in 2016, and appeared on the second team in 2015.  Leading the votes at left wing is Florida Panthers prospect Adam Mascherin of the Kitchener Rangers who finished third in league scoring hitting the century mark in points in his 65 games played.  A pair of overage defencemen share the blue line with first team honours awarded to Max Kaminsky and Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy winner Darren Raddysh of the Otters, and Santino Centorame of the Owen Sound Attack.  Centorame is one of three Attack voted to the first team following the club’s record season along with Goaltender of the Year and Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael McNiven, and Coach of the Year Ryan McGill.

The Attack lead the way with a total of seven representatives including the forward trio of Nick Suzuki, Jonah Gadjovich, and Petrus Palmu listed on the second team, while Kevin Hancock was voted to the third team at left wing.  The Otters had five individuals recognized including three first team votes plus coach Kris Knoblauch on the second team, and right winger Taylor Raddysh on the third team.  The London Knights had three reps spread across the all-star voting including second team netminder Tyler Parsons, and third team honourees Cliff Pu at centre, and defenceman Olli Juolevi with a second straight third team award.  The Windsor Spitfires also featured multiple players including defenceman Mikhail Sergachev on the second team, and goaltender Michael DiPietro on the third team.  Niagara IceDogs captain Ryan Mantha rounds out the second team on defence, while defender Filip Hronek of the Saginaw Spirit, and coach Drew Bannister of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds represent their clubs on the third team.

The OHL All-Star Teams were selected by the OHL’s General Managers.  Players were voted on by position and received five points for a first place vote, three for a second place vote, and one for a third place vote.  In the case of defencemen, the top two selections received five points, the third and fourth selections received three points, and the fifth and sixth selections each received a single point.

2016-17 OHL All-Star Teams (voting points listed following team):

First Team All-Stars:
C – Dylan Strome (Erie Otters) 77 – voted 3rd team in 2015-16, 2nd team in 2014-15
LW – Adam Mascherin (Kitchener Rangers) 83
RW – Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters) 95 – voted 3rd team in 2015-16, 2nd team in 2014-15
D – Santino Centorame (Owen Sound Attack) 77
D – Darren Raddysh (Erie Otters) 77
G – Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack) 89
Coach – Ryan McGill (Owen Sound Attack) 81

Second Team All-Stars:
C – Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack) 67
LW – Jonah Gadjovich (Owen Sound Attack) 52
RW – Petrus Palmu (Owen Sound Attack) 48
D – Ryan Mantha (Niagara IceDogs) 47
D – Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor Spitfires) 39 – voted 1st team in 2015-16
G – Tyler Parsons (London Knights) 27
Coach – Kris Knoblauch (Erie Otters) 53 – voted 1st team in 2015-16, 2nd team in 2013-14

Third Team All-Stars:
C – Cliff Pu (London Knights) 25
LW – Kevin Hancock (Owen Sound Attack) 33
RW – Taylor Raddysh (Erie Otters) 26
D – Filip Hronek (Saginaw Spirit) 25
D – Olli Juolevi (London Knights) 22 – voted 3rd team in 2015-16
G – Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires) 26
Coach – Drew Bannister (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) 16

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Flint Firebirds defenceman Alex Peters is the 2016-17 recipient of the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy.

Peters was chosen for the award by a media selection committee as the OHL team captain that best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice, with a passion and dedication to the game of hockey and community that Mickey demonstrated.

“I am very honoured to receive the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy,” said Peters. “It is a prestigious award, with special meaning named in memory of a great person. I would like to thank the Firebirds’ coaching staff and my fellow teammates for believing in me as captain, because the way I see it, we had a room full of leaders that all stepped up when they needed to. I would also like to say thank you to the Renaud family for giving us an example like Mickey to try to live up to.”

Peters was the first captain named in Firebirds history, given the ‘C’ prior to the 2015-16 season when the team relocated from Plymouth.  Affectionately known as ‘Captain Petey’, he quickly became a public figure around Flint and Genesee County large in part to his mature approach to leadership, but also as the club’s community spokesman.  During his two years as Firebirds captain, Peters was a two-time recipient of the club’s Humanitarian Award leading events such as the ‘Firebirds Fight Hunger’ campaign, spearheading teddy bear donations to children’s organizations, headlining the club’s reading program, and making countless visits to local hospitals to visit patients on his own time.

“Alex is a special person and was a huge part of the turnaround for the Flint Firebirds,” said Head Coach Ryan Oulahen. “He is responsible for setting a great culture on and off the ice. His work habits, positive outlook, relentless approach to getting better, attention to detail, determination, sincere demeanor, maturity and overall competitiveness are just a few of the characteristics Alex shows on and off the ice on a daily basis. Alex took great pride in leading a group of young men who were looking to prove people wrong. He believed in Flint and the process it took to put Flint on the map.”

On the ice, the 20-year-old from Blyth, Ont., helped the Firebirds earn the club’s first post-season berth with an improvement of 12 wins and 26 more points than their inaugural campaign.  Peters was a veteran of five OHL seasons with the organization including three as a Whaler after being chosen in the second round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.  He played in 239 career games accumulating 14 goals and 57 assists for 71 points while achieving career-highs during 2016-17 in all offensive categories (10-24—34) and dressing in all 68 games.  He also received high praise in the Western Conference Coaches Poll finishing second in the Best Defensive Defenceman category.

Peters becomes the ninth recipient of the award following Michael Webster of the Barrie Colts who received the award last season.  Past recipients also include Max Domi (London Knights 2015), Matt Finn (Guelph Storm 2014), Colin Miller (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 2013), Andrew Agozzino (Niagara IceDogs 2012), Ryan Ellis (Windsor Spitfires 2011), John Kurtz (Sudbury Wolves 2010), and the Whalers’ Chris Terry who won the inaugural award for the 2008-09 season.

Nomination forms are submitted annually by OHL General Managers on behalf of their individual team captains.  The selection committee consists of a panel of four, representing media from each OHL division.

The Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy will be formally presented to Peters at the OHL Awards Ceremony on Thursday June 8 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Arizona Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome of the Erie Otters is the CHL Player of the Week for the final playoff week ending May 14 with seven points in three games including two goals and five assists and a plus-minus rating of plus-3.

Strome produced a trio of multi-point performances last week for the Otters who captured the Robertson Cup as 2017 OHL Champions with a five-game series victory over the Mississauga Steelheads.  Leading 2-0 in the series, the Otters earned a split in Mississauga with Strome scoring a goal and an assist in both Monday’s Game 3 loss by a 4-3 score, and Wednesday’s Game 4 win by a 5-2 count.  This set up an opportunity for the Otters to finish the series on home ice in Friday’s Game 5 where they delivered a 4-3 overtime triumph before a record crowd with Strome contributing three assists that helped erase a 2-0 deficit and clinch the win giving the Otters a berth in the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup and their first OHL prize since 2002.

A 20-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., Strome played four full seasons in Erie after being chosen by the Otters second overall in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.  His 2016-17 campaign included 75 points in just 35 games played followed by a post-season where he scored 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points in 22 playoff contests.  The third overall pick of the Coyotes in the 2015 NHL Draft is the leading scorer in Otters franchise history setting both regular season (354 point in 219 games) and playoff (86 points in 69 games) records in 2017.

Also considered for the award this week was Tampa Bay Lightning prospect and last week’s recipient Mathieu Joseph with five assists in two games that led to a 4-0 series win over the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada giving his Saint John Sea Dogs a third President Cup title.  In the WHL, the Seattle Thunderbirds captured their first Ed Chynoweth Cup with playoff MVP honours awarded to New York Islanders prospect Mathew Barzal who contributed two goals and three assists for five points over the final four games of the T-Birds 4-2 series win over the Regina Pats.

2016-17 CHL Post-Season Players of the Week:

May 8 – May 14: Dylan Strome (Erie Otters)
May 1 – May 7: Mathieu Joseph (Saint John Sea Dogs)
Apr. 24 – Apr. 30: Anthony Cirelli (Erie Otters)
Apr. 17 – Apr. 23: Alex Barré-Boulet (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Apr. 10 – Apr. 16: Reid Gardiner (Kelowna Rockets)
Apr. 3 – Apr. 9: Giorgio Estephan (Lethbridge Hurricanes)
Mar. 27 – Apr. 2: Ethan Bear (Seattle Thunderbirds)
Mar. 20 – Mar. 26: Sam Steel (Regina Pats)

2016-17 CHL Regular Season Players of the Week:

Mar. 13 – Mar. 19: Brandon Hagel (Red Deer Rebels)
Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: Daniel Sprong (Charlottetown Islanders)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Gabriel Vilardi (Windsor Spitfires)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Christophe Boivin (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Mathew Barzal (Seattle Thunderbirds)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Tyler Boland (Rimouski Oceanic)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Alexis D’Aoust (Shawinigan Cataractes)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Kole Sherwood (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Brayden Burke (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Adam Brooks (Regina Pats)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Vitalii Abramov (Gatineau Olympiques)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Hayden Hodgson (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Sergey Zborovskiy (Regina Pats)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Jayden Halbgewachs (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Alexander Katerinakis (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Nico Hischier (Halifax Mooseheads)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Bobby MacIntyre (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Kale Clague (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Cameron Askew (Moncton Wildcats)
Sept. 26 – Oct. 2: Sam Steel (Regina Pats)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Kameron Kielly (Charlottetown Islanders)

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that rookie Carl Stankowski of the Seattle Thunderbirds is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the final playoff week ending May 14 after posting a 3-1 record with a goals-against-average of 2.64 and save percentage of .909.

Stankowski turned aside an impressive 104 shots last week backstopping the Thunderbirds to the franchise’s first Ed Chynoweth Cup with a 4-2 series win over the Regina Pats.  Following a 1-1 series split in Regina, the scene shifted to Seattle for Game 3 last Tuesday where the Pats struck first earning a 3-2 win with Stankowski making 25 saves.  The T-Birds responded with two home ice wins including Wednesday’s Game 4 with an 18-save effort by Stankowski in the 6-1 win, and Friday’s Game 5 where he denied 33 shots to preserve the 7-4 victory putting his club one win away from the title.  Back in Regina for Game 6 on Sunday, the T-Birds erased a late 3-1 third period deficit to force overtime before emerging victorious in front of Stankowski who stopped 28 shots in the series finale.

A recently turned 17-year-old from Calgary, AB, Stankowski is the youngest netminder to lead his team to a WHL Championship since fellow 16-year-old rookie Dan Blackburn won with the 2000 Kootenay Ice.  Stankowski was Seattle’s second round pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft and made just seven regular season appearances before his playoff crease duties.  In post-season play he produced a 16-4 record with a 2.50 goals-against-average and .911 save percentage.

Also considered for the award this week was last week’s recipient Carolina Hurricanes prospect Callum Booth who helped the Saint John Sea Dogs capture their third President Cup with a 4-0 series win over the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada making 42 saves with a 2-0 record along with a goals-against-average of 0.50 and save percentage of .977.  In the OHL, Troy Timpano hoisted the Robertson Cup with the Erie Otters posting a 2-1 record last week with 72 saves, a goals-against-average of 2.99, and save percentage of .889 as part of a 4-1 series win over the Mississauga Steelheads.

2016-17 Vaughn CHL Playoff Goaltenders of the Week:

May 8 – May 14: Carl Stankowski (Seattle Thunderbirds)
May 1 – May 7: Callum Booth (Saint John Sea Dogs)
Apr. 24 – Apr. 30: Matthew Mancina (Mississauga Steelheads)
Apr. 17 – Apr. 23: Matthew Mancina (Mississauga Steelheads)
Apr. 10 – Apr. 16: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Apr. 3 – Apr. 9: Joseph Raaymakers (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Mar. 27 – Apr. 2: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Mar. 20 – Mar. 26: Kyle Jessiman (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)

2016-17 Vaughn CHL Regular Season Goaltenders of the Week:
Mar. 13 – Mar. 19: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)
Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: Callum Booth (Saint John Sea Dogs)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)

Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Brodan Salmond (Kelowna Rockets)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Stuart Skinner (Lethbridge Hurricanes)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Matthew Welsh (Charlottetown Islanders)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Francis Leclerc (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Griffen Outhouse (Victoria Royals)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Connor Ingram (Kamloops Blazers)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Patrick Dea (Edmonton Oil Kings)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Reilly Pickard (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ryan Kubic (Vancouver Giants)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Logan Flodell (Saskatoon Blades)
Sept. 26 – Oct. 2: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Liam Herbst (Guelph Storm)

ERIE, PA – Anthony Cirelli has developed a reputation for scoring big goals over the course of his OHL career.

The Tampa Bay Lightning prospect delivered when it mattered most once again on Friday, scoring 2:41 into overtime to crown the Erie Otters OHL Champions for the second time in franchise history.

Down 3-2 inside the final two minutes of the third period fellow Lightning draft selection Taylor Raddysh scored with 1:15 remaining, completing a hat-trick to send the game to overtime.

Cirelli took a Dylan Strome pass early in the extra frame to lift the Otters to a 4-3 win over the Mississauga Steelheads in Game 5 of the Rogers OHL Championship Series.

“It was all Stromer,” said Cirelli of the winner, “He got the puck low and fed it in front there and I banged it in.”

Acquired by the Otters midway through the season, Cirelli’s impact was immediate as the 19-year-old who is also remembered for being the hero of the 2015 Mastercard Memorial Cup with the Oshawa Generals came through in the clutch once again.

“I don’t know,” he reflected. “I just come to work every day and I just want to help the team to win. Everyone has been great to me here in Erie and I’m playing with unbelievable players. It makes my job easy.”

The J. Ross Robertson Cup title adds another impressive accomplishment to a decorated past few seasons of Otters hockey in Erie. Having made CHL history with their fourth consecutive 50-win season in 2016-17, the Otters advanced to their fourth consecutive Western Conference Final and are now OHL Champions for the first time in 15 years.

“I’m beyond words,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “It’s been a long time and I’m just kind of relieved that it’s come to this. I’m so proud of my guys.

“You look at what happened throughout these playoffs. Coming from behind in Game 7 against London and tonight being down two goals a couple times and then pulling it off in overtime, it’s pretty dramatic.”

Carolina Hurricanes prospect Warren Foegele had an assist in the win and received the Wayne Gretzky ’99’ Award as OHL Playoff MVP. Foegele finished the postseason with 13 goals, 13 assists and 26 points in 22 games including eight points in the Rogers OHL Championship Series. The Markham, Ont. native scored a number of big goals throughout Erie’s playoff run including a second round Game 7 overtime winner against the London Knights.

While Foegele was named OHL Playoff MVP, Otters forward Alex DeBrincat led the OHL Playoffs in scoring, finishing with 38 points including 13 goals and 25 assists in 22 games.

The Otters overcame a pair of two goal deficits in the championship-clinching win and trailed 3-2 for much of the third before Raddysh completed his hat-trick, blowing the lid off Erie Insurance Arena with just 1:15 to go on assists from Strome and Warren Foegele.

Strome set up Cirelli for the overtime winner on the power play as the capacity crowd of 6,781 at Erie Insurance Arena erupted in celebration.

The Otters outshot the Steelheads 43-26 as Mississauga netminder Matthew Mancina made 39 saves.

Spencer Watson (15) and Michael McLeod (11) powered the Steelheads to a 2-0 lead in the first period before 2017 NHL Draft prospect Owen Tippett (10) scored to reinstate a two-goal cushion with 5:51 remaining in the second frame.

Raddysh’s hat-trick is the Otters’ fifth of the 2017 OHL Playoffs as he led the Otters comeback on an unforgettable night in the Flagship City.

Erie’s title marks the fourth time an American team has won an OHL Championship as the 2017 Otters join the 1995 Detroit Jr. Red Wings, 2002 Erie Otters and 2007 Plymouth Whalers in hoisting the Robertson Cup.

The Otters join the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs as the second champion from across the Canadian Hockey League to advance to the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup in Windsor. They open their schedule on Saturday May 20th against the champions from the Western Hockey League.

GAME CENTRE

HIGHLIGHTS

WAYNE GRETZKY 99 AWARD PRESENTATION

POST-GAME WITH ANTHONY CIRELLI, TAYLOR RADDYSH

 POST-GAME WITH DYLAN STROME, KRIS KNOBLAUCH

2017 Rogers OHL Championship Series:
Game 1 – MISS 1 @ ER 2
Game 2 – MISS 2 @ ER 3
Game 3 – ER 3 @ MISS 4
Game 4 – ER 5 @ MISS 2
Game 5 – MISS 3 @ ER 4 OT

2017 OHL PLAYOFF BRACKETS

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that defenceman Garrett McFadden of the Guelph Storm is the 2016-17 recipient of the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy awarded annually to the OHL’s Humanitarian of the Year.

In September, 2016, the Storm captain introduced ‘McFadden’s Movement’; a mental health campaign that strives to change, help, and develop mental health among athletes.

“It’s an honour to win the Humanitarian of the Year award, and to be recognized under Dan Snyder’s name,” McFadden said. “I want to thank everyone from the Guelph Storm and Steph Coratti, as well as the Canadian Mental Health Association, Wes for Youth, and everyone else who has done anything to make this foundation possible. It’s been an amazing experience and I have got to meet a lot of special people who share the same goals of making mental health something that is talked about. It’s hard to take full credit for everything that McFadden’s Movement has become because so many people are involved in allowing me to help others who need it.”

Directly affected by the loss of a close family friend, Wes Cameron, to suicide in 2011, McFadden has drawn on his own challenges when connecting with youth.  This season McFadden has been hosted by 15 different minor hockey teams and local schools highlighting the pressures of sport and the importance of talking about mental health and eliminating the stigma.  McFadden’s Movement was designed and launched in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association with all youth presentations accompanied by a CMHA professional and paired with McFadden’s own SafeTalk training received through the league’s Talk Today initiative.  The Movement has also included a strong awareness campaign powered through social media, the sale and distribution of over 1,500 program wristbands, as well as fundraising for mental health resources supporting Wes for Youth Online – a free counselling service created in memory of Wes Cameron, and the CMHA Waterloo-Wellington branch.  To date, the Movement has raised over $7,000 with future events like a June 17 road hockey tournament designed with the goal of keeping the conversation going.

“Garrett McFadden has become a mental health advocate in the Guelph community,” said Megan Brady, Communications Specialist for CMHA Waterloo-Wellington. “By sharing his personal story about his struggles and the loss of a close family friend to suicide he has helped to shed light on the topic of mental illness. CMHA Waterloo-Wellington has enjoyed partnering with Garrett and providing assistance during his McFadden’s Movement presentations. The combination of hearing Garrett’s story and being able to share CMHA resources with young people has had a great impact on our community. As a leader on the Guelph Storm and a recognizable athlete in the community, he is using his position to help share important messages with young athletes.”

A 19-year-old from Kincardine, Ont., McFadden joined the Storm as the club’s first round pick in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.  The four-year OHL veteran was part of the Storm’s 2014 championship squad, has been named twice to Team OHL competing in both the 2015 and 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series, and has recorded 103 points in 224 career games to date which ranks sixth among all time defencemen.  In 2016-17 his 12 goals were a new career-high finishing the season with 37 points in 58 games and was named the Storm’s Most Valuable Player.  In addition to his commitment to McFadden’s Movement, he led the Storm’s Champions for Education program visiting schools up to three times per week, while also representing the club as a Booster Juice Ambassador practicing regularly with local teams.  The University of Guelph student was also a 2017 recipient of the ‘Be the Change’ Award presented by the school’s Student Life association.

“It’s been remarkable to watch Garrett become such an incredible leader in the conversation surrounding mental health, and in the community overall,” said Storm Governor Rick Gaetz. “Our entire organization congratulates him on this honour. Garrett is one of the most genuine and humble individuals anyone would have the pleasure to come across, and this is more than evident in everything he does. Whether he’s standing in front of a young hockey team, in front of a gym full of students, or one-on-one, Garrett has an outstanding passion for making a difference in the lives of others, always leaving a lasting impression just by being who he is. Everyone within the Storm, from management to staff to teammates, and so many others, are very proud of Garrett, and can’t wait to continue supporting him in his goal of not only changing the conversation around mental health, but in everything else that lies ahead.”

Each year the OHL awards a player that has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a positive role model in the community with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy.  The Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors announced in 2004 that the OHL Humanitarian of the Year award would be renamed in recognition of the former Owen Sound Platers captain, who was twice named his team’s Humanitarian of the Year in recognition of his tremendous efforts in supporting community activities.

McFadden becomes the first member of the Storm to earn the award.  Past recipients include Chris Terry and Ryan Hayes who represented the Plymouth Whalers with back-to-back awards in 2009 and 2010 respectively, before Jack Walchessen and Andrew D’Agostini of the Peterborough Petes won in 2011 and 2012.  Ben Fanelli (Kitchener 2013), Scott Simmonds (Belleville 2014), Nick Paul (North Bay 2015), and Will Petschenig (Saginaw 2016) are the most recent award recipients.

The 2017 OHL Awards Ceremony takes place on Thursday June 8 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto where McFadden will be formally presented with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy.  He will also be the OHL’s nominee for Humanitarian of the Year at the annual CHL Awards presented on Saturday May 27 at the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup in Windsor.

For more information you can follow @McFaddensMvmnt or visit www.mcfaddensmovement.com to support the cause.

2016-17 Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy Nominees:
Barrie Colts – Chris Cameron
Erie Otters – Troy Timpano
Flint Firebirds – Alex Peters*
Guelph Storm – Garrett McFadden
Hamilton Bulldogs – Jack Hanley
Kingston Frontenacs – Liam Murray
Kitchener Rangers – Dylan Di Perna
London Knights – Robert Thomas
Mississauga Steelheads – Stefan LeBlanc*
Niagara IceDogs – Ben Jones
North Bay Battalion – Zach Shankar
Oshawa Generals – Jack Studnicka
Ottawa 67’s – Olivier Lafreniere
Owen Sound Attack – Matt Schmalz
Peterborough Petes – Steven Lorentz
Saginaw Spirit – Kris Bennett
Sarnia Sting – Nick Grima
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds – Zachary Senyshyn*
Sudbury Wolves – Reagan O’Grady
Windsor Spitfires – Michael DiPietro
*repeat nominee