Around the OHL

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Anaheim Ducks prospect Sam Steel of the Regina Pats is the CHL Player of the Week for the first week of playoff action ending March 26 after scoring once with five assists for six points in two games and a plus-minus rating of plus-5.

Steel helped the CHL’s top ranked Pats open the 2017 WHL Playoffs with a pair of victories on home ice against the Eastern Conference’s second Wild Card Calgary Hitmen in their first round best-of-seven series.  Steel picked up an assist in Friday’s 5-2 victory in Game 1, then recorded a five-point performance in Saturday’s Game 2 scoring once with four assists as first star of the 5-1 win.  The series now shifts to Calgary with Game 3 scheduled for Tuesday night followed by Game 4 on Thursday.

A 19-year-old from Sherwood Park, AB, Steel is playing in his third full season with the Pats who selected him second overall in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.  Steel led all CHL players in scoring during the 2016-17 campaign earning the WHL’s Bob Clarke Trophy with 131 points powered by 50 goals and 81 assists in 66 games.  He was chosen in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft by the Ducks and signed his entry-level contract with the club in December.

Also considered for the award this week was Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Anthony Cirelli of the OHL’s first place Erie Otters who scored three goals and two assists for five points in two first round playoff wins against the Sarnia Sting.  In the QMJHL, Nashville Predators prospect Frédéric Allard of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens collected five assists in two first round playoff wins against the Victoriaville Tigres.

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

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Kyle Jessiman of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the first week of playoff action ending March 26 after posting a 2-0 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 0.56 and save percentage of .977.

Jessiman made 42 saves in two wins last week for the seventh place Screaming Eagles who opened the first round of the 2017 QMJHL Playoffs at home against the tenth place Gatineau Olympiques.  Making his first career post-season start in Friday’s Game 1, Jessiman turned aside all 25 shots he faced and earned second star honours in the 1-0 overtime victory.  In Game 2 on Saturday, Jessiman entered the game early in the second period with his club trailing 5-2 and would deny 17 of 18 shots as the Screaming Eagles stormed back and emerged victorious by a 7-6 score in overtime.  The series shifts to Gatineau for Game’s 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

An 18-year-old from Châteauguay, QC, Jessiman is playing in his second season in Cape Breton after being selected by the Screaming Eagles in the second round of the 2015 QMJHL Entry Draft.  This season the NHL Draft prospect played in 44 games carrying an overall record of 21-17-2-2 with a goals-against-average of 3.09 and save percentage of .898.

Also considered for the award this week was Michael Herringer of the Kelowna Rockets who made 48 saves posting a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .960 in a pair of first round wins that included a shutout victory over the Kamloops Blazers.  In the OHL, Dawson Carty of the Hamilton Bulldogs made 54 saves in a pair of road wins over the Kingston Frontenacs including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 2.00 and save percentage of .931.

2016-17 Vaughn CHL Playoff Goaltenders of the Week:

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)

This is an interesting read from Sportsnet

WHITBY, Ont. — Ryan Smyth reaches into a large, black CCM hockey bag, but no sticks or skates can be found inside. Instead, there are just plenty of gadgets.

There’s a compression undershirt outfitted with sensors, and a GPS tracker that can fit in your palm. There’s a small box that can be affixed to a player’s hip for 3D motion capture, and many other pieces of wearable technology.

Smyth, a sports technologist for the Anaheim Ducks, is going to change the Ontario Hockey League Combine with this bag of goodies. He’s confident its contents will help push the league into the future and eventually advance other North American combines, too.

Toronto, ON – The puck drops tonight with the start of the 2017 Ontario Hockey League Playoffs featuring three games, followed by the remaining five first round matchups commencing Friday.

Here’s a look at what’s going on around the league:

A LOOK AT THE OHL PLAYOFFS: EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEWS:

With the 2017 OHL Playoffs upon us, we take a series-by-series look across the league, examining the numbers and latest trends in advance of the most exciting time of the year for OHL hockey fans. Western Conference Playoff Preview / Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

2017 OHL PLAYOFFS – FIRST ROUND SCHEDULE SET WITH FOUR GAMES FEATURED ON SPORTSNET:

After 680 games it’s time to drop the puck on the 2017 Ontario Hockey League playoffs with first round action beginning on Thursday March 23. All 16 playoff positions have been claimed, setting the stage for eight first round post-season matchups across the league. Four first round games will be broadcast across the country on Sportsnet 360 including Game’s 1 and 2 from London featuring the Knights and Mastercard Memorial Cup host Spitfires on Friday March 24 and Sunday March 26, Game 3 between the Petes and IceDogs from St. Catharines on Tuesday March 28, and Game 4 between the Frontenacs and host Bulldogs on Thursday March 30. Read more

CHL PREDICTOR LAUNCHES AHEAD OF 2017 OHL PLAYOFFS:

Canadian Hockey League fans can get engaged in the postseason and win great prizes doing so! With #CHLPredictor, fans sign up for a CHL Fan Base account at CHLFANBASE.ca and make their picks before the start of each playoff round. Pick right to earn points and win great prizes including the grand prize trip to the Mastercard Memorial Cup. Register today at CHLFANBASE.ca.

WATCH EVERY PLAYOFF GAME WITH NEW OHL LIVE PLAYOFF PACKAGES:

Don’t miss a game! Follow your team throughout the #OHLPlayoffs with new OHL LIVE Playoff Packages including the flexibility of single game, team pass and all access options. Visit OHLLIVE.com for full details.

MISSISSAUGA REPS ARE 2017 OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR CHAMPIONS:

Dennis Golovatchev scored with nine seconds remaining in the third period to give the Mississauga Reps their first ever OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Championship with a 3-2 win over the Toronto Nationals at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. Golovatchev wristed a quick release past Nationals goaltender Zach Roy off an offensive zone faceoff win by linemate Lucas Rowe, making the Reps the second Wild Card entry following the 2010 Mississauga Rebels to ever hoist the OHL Cup. Read more / Watch highlights

OTTERS, ATTACK, GREYHOUNDS, KNIGHTS IN FINAL CHL TOP-10 RANKINGS:

The Erie Otters (2), Owen Sound Attack (4), Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (5) and London Knights (6) are all included in the 26th and final edition of the weekly CHL Top-10 Rankings. The WHL’s Regina Pats close out the season at number one followed by the Hamilton Spectator Trophy recipient Otters and the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs at number three. The 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup host Windsor Spitfires received an honourable mention in the rankings. Read more

OTTERS MAKE CHL HISTORY, CLAIM SECOND STRAIGHT HAMILTON SPECTATOR TROPHY:

The Erie Otters are Hamilton Spectator Trophy recipients as OHL regular season champions for a second straight year following a 5-2 Saturday night win over the visiting Guelph Storm. This marks the third time in franchise history that they’ve been earned the honour, following efforts in 2001 and 2016. The win puts the Otters in the Canadian Hockey League record books as they become the first team in CHL history to string together four consecutive 50-win seasons, surpassing the 2012-15 Kelowna Rockets, 2011-14 Edmonton Oil Kings, 2009-12 Saint John Sea Dogs and 1989-92 Kamloops Blazers who all accomplished the feat in three straight campaigns. Read more

OTTERS’ DeBRINCAT SETS SINGLE-SEASON FRANCHISE GOAL-SCORING MARK,  CAPTURES 2016-17 OHL SCORING TITLE:

Chicago Blackhawks prospect Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters is the 2016-17 Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy and Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy recipient. DeBrincat recorded 65 goals and 62 assists for 127 points in 63 games to lead all OHL players in regular season scoring finishing 18 points ahead of teammate Taylor Raddysh who finished second with 109 points in 58 games. The 19-year-old from Farmington Hills, Michigan, delivered a multitude of scoring records over the course of the 2016-17 campaign helping the Otters capture their second straight Hamilton Spectator Trophy, third straight Midwest Division crown, and record fourth straight 50 win season. Read more

ATTACK’S McNIVEN AND VELLA WIN DAVE PINKNEY TROPHY:

The Owen Sound Attack allowed the fewest goals in the OHL this season with just 177 against, backstopped by the tandem of Michael McNiven and Emanuel Vella. The Dave Pinkney Trophy is awarded annually to the goaltending tandem from the team that allows the fewest goals against during the regular season.  Last season, the London Knights allowed 182 goals against with the award presented to Tyler Parsons and Brendan Burke. Read more

GREYHOUNDS’ VILLALTA EARNS F.W “DINTY” MOORE TROPHY:

Matthew Villalta of the Soo Greyhounds is the 2016-17 recipient of the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy after posting the lowest goals-against-average among OHL rookies. Vilallta’s 2.41 goals-against average not only led all rookies, it was the fifth lowest across the entire league, and set a new Greyhounds record besting Kyle Gajewski’s 2.44 mark in 2007-08. Read more

OHL ANNOUNCES PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH:

Owen Sound Attack teammates Petrus Palmu and Santino Centorame along with Soo Greyhounds goaltender Matthew Villalta have been named OHL Performers of the Month for March. Palmu led all players with 20 points to be named Player of the Month while Centorame is Defenceman of the Month for the second time this season. Vilallta takes both Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month and OHL Rookie of the Month honours. Read more

STEELHEADS’ INGHAM NAMED PIONEER ENERGY OHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Rookie goaltender Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 19 after posting a 3-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .958. Ingham stopped 91 shots last week winning all three of his games for the Central Division champion Steelheads. Read more

ATTACK’S CENTORAME BECOMES TOP-SCORING DEFENCEMAN IN FRANCHISE HISTORY:

Overage veteran Santino Centorame is the Owen Sound Attack’s new franchise leader in career points by a defenceman. Centorame pitched in with two assists on Saturday setting the 156-point record while helping the Attack post their first-ever 100-point season in a 7-2 win over the visiting Kitchener Rangers.  The captain added to his total on Sunday with a goal in an 8-5 road win over the Guelph Storm to close out the 2016-17 season. His career point total in an Attack uniform stands at 157 including 27 goals and 130 assists over 229 regular season games. Read more

STEELHEADS’ WATSON RECORDS 300th OHL POINT:

Overage Los Angeles Kings prospect Spencer Watson of the Mississauga Steelheads reached a significant career milestone on Sunday, recording his 300th OHL regular season point in a 6-1 win over the visiting Niagara IceDogs. Watson registered a goal and an assist along with a team-leading nine shots on goal to bring his season point total to 52 including 28 goals and 24 assists in 40 games. The London, Ont. native has enjoyed considerable success in an injury-shortened campaign that was delayed due to offseason wrist surgery. Read more

RANGERS’ MASCHERIN JOINS OHL’s CENTURY CLUB:

Florida Panthers prospect Adam Mascherin of the Kitchener Rangers became the third player to join the OHL’s century club for the 2016-17 regular season. Third in OHL scoring, Mascherin finished the campaign recording his 65th assist in a 7-2 loss to the Owen Sound Attack on Saturday to go along with his 35 goals in 65 games. Read more

67’s’ BROWN EARNS 100th OHL WIN:

Ottawa 67’s head coach and general manager Jeff Brown earned his 100th OHL coaching win behind the bench on Saturday afternoon as the 67’s defeated the visiting Oshawa Generals 5-2. Brown, whose 67’s officially clinched a spot in the 2017 OHL Playoffs on Friday, is wrapping up his third full season behind the bench in the nation’s capital. He holds an overall record of 100-87-16 over 203 regular season games. Read more

SPITFIRES’ BRACCO SIGNS WITH MAPLE LEAFS:

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Windsor Spitfires winger Jeremy Bracco to an entry-level NHL contact. Toronto’s second round (61st overall) pick in 2015, Bracco finished his second OHL season as Windsor’s leading scorer with 83 points including 25 goals and 58 assists between the Spitfires and Kitchener Rangers. The 20-year-old native of Freeport, NY helped guide the United States National Junior Team to a gold medal finish at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Montreal and Toronto, recording five points (3-2–5) over seven contests. Read more

KNIGHTS’ PARSONS SIGNS WITH FLAMES:

The Calgary Flames have signed London Knights goaltender Tyler Parsons to an entry-level NHL contract. Calgary’s second round (54th overall) pick last summer, Parsons recently completed his third OHL season with London, leading all goaltenders with a .925 save percentage along with a 2.37 goals-against average, four shutouts and a record of 23-6-2-3 in 34 games. The native of Chesterfield, Michigan helped backstop the United States to gold at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship this past January. Read more

HRONEK, HODGSON, SMITH, RADKE, McKENZIE JOIN AHL CLUBS:

With their teams missing out on the 2017 OHL Playoffs, Saginaw Spirit teammates Filip Hronek and Hayden Hodgson as well as Guelph Storm winger Givani Smith, Barrie Colts forward Roy Radke and North Bay Battalion centreman Brett McKenzie have joined American Hockey League clubs. Property of the Detroit Red Wings, Hronek and Smith have joined the Grand Rapids Griffins. A draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks, Radke was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs. A Vancouver Canucks prospect, McKenzie was assigned to the Utica Comets. An undrafted free agent coming off a 38-goal season, Hodgson signed an Amateur Tryout Offer with the Cleveland Monsters, the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

KNIGHTS’ MAX JONES HEADLINES OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

The 25th and final edition of the OHL Plays of the Week for the 2016-17 regular season feature another exciting countdown of the league’s Top-5 goals scored during the week ending March 21. This week’s highlights open with a pair of creative passes including Isaac Ratcliffe with a one handed dish from his back to Guelph Storm teammate Liam Hawel, and Nick Suzuki with a behind-the-back look to Owen Sound Attack teammate Jonah Gadjovich.  The countdown continues with top scorer Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters scoring an overtime winner off the cycle, Riley Stillman of the Oshawa Generals completes his hat-trick in fantastic fashion, and Max Jones of the London Knights caps it all off with a between-the-legs beauty. Watch

Jones 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.

25TH AND FINAL EDITION OF JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK:

The 2016-17 OHL regular season came to an exciting conclusion as goaltenders saved their best stuff for last. The 25th and final edition of #JanesSaves features 10 netminders including Scott Smith of the Peterborough Petes, Justin Fazio of the Sarnia Sting, Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads, Liam Herbst and Anthony Popovich of the Guelph Storm, Kaden Fulcher of the Hamilton Bulldogs, Stephen Dhillon of the Niagara IceDogs, MacKenzie Savard of the Sudbury Wolves, and Tyler Parsons of the London Knights. Watch

TWO FIRST GOALS AND TWO PETES SHUTOUTS IN OHL MILESTONE MOMENTS:

The 25th and final week of the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League season ending March 21 featured a quartet of milestone moment celebrations including two first career OHL goals and two first career shutouts. First goals came from Liam Peyton (Kitchener Rangers) and Jakob Brahaney (Kingston Frontenacs) while the Peterborough Petes goaltending tandem of Scott Smith and Dylan Wells each collected their first OHL shutout. Watch

OTTERS’ DeBRINCAT FEATURED ON JUNIOR HOCKEY MAGAZINE WITH GINO REDA:

Fresh off his OHL record-tying 19-game goal-scoring streak, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters chats with Gino Reda about his remarkable season. Listen

2017 MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP TICKET PACKAGES NOW ON SALE:

The Canadian Hockey League has released tickets to the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup Host Organizing Committee. As a result, fans now have the chance to purchase full tournament ticket packages online while quantities last. To purchase, visit WFCU-Centre.com, click ‘Buy Tickets’, then click ‘Mastercard Memorial Cup Packages’ for full information.

 COMMUNITY CORNER:

Spirit Charitable Foundation raises $62,688 on Hockey for the Homeless Night: The Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation in partnership with Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan has raised $62,688.00 during their sixth annual “Hockey for the Homeless” night on March 4, 2017 at The Dow Event Center. In the six years of the “Hockey or the Homeless” Event, the Saginaw Spirit and Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan have partnered to raise $188,581.00. Money raised during the annual “Hockey for the Homeless” helps provide emergency shelter services including safe shelter, nutritious meals, case management and life skills training. Read more

ALUMNI NOTES:

Staal plays 1000th NHL game: Peterborough Petes graduate Eric Staal reached a significant career milestone on Sunday, suiting up in his 1000th career regular season NHL game. The 32-year-old Minnesota Wild centreman skated 17:36 in a 5-4 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. In his 1,000 contests, Staal has 349 goals, 486 assists and 835 points and is now in his 13th NHL season. One of four brothers from Thunder Bay, Ont. to play in the OHL, the eldest Staal brother was Carolina’s first round (2nd overall) pick in the 2003 NHL Draft after recording 81 goals, 128 assists and 209 points over 185 OHL contests with the Petes from 2000-03. Staal won a Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2006.

5 OHL grads win U SPORTS University Cup Championship with UNB: Five OHL graduates are U SPORTS University Cup Champions with the UNB Varsity Reds following a 5-3 win over the Saskatchewan Huskies on home ice. Marcus McIvor (North Bay Battalion), Matt Petgrave (Oshawa Generals), Colin Suellentrop (Oshawa Generals), Cameron Brace (Belleville Bulls) and Rob Mignardi (Owen Sound Attack) are all U SPORTS Champions. Read more

Curtis earns Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies: Erie Otters graduate Michael Curtis has been recognized for his outstanding academic achievements. The 24-year-old student at Saint Mary’s University was awarded the $25,000 Frank H. Sobey Award, one of eight given annually to business students in the Atlantic region. Curtis maintained a stunning 4.26 GPA while using his time to support others in the community. Among the activities recognized in his application to the awards committee are a peer mentoring role to support better mental health among his fellow student athletes; helping acclimatize new students from BNUZ in China who come to Saint Mary’s to study; running hockey camps in August of each year to develop youth in the sport; and tutoring other students. The Mississauga native played five OHL seasons between Belleville and Erie from 2009-14, recording 155 points (79-76–155) over 311 career regular season games. Get more on the story at SMU.ca.

Austin makes NHL debut: London Knights graduate Brady Austin made his NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres on Monday, skating 15:37 in a 2-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings. A 23-year-old native of Bobcaygeon, Ont., Austin is currently in his third pro season after graduating from the London Knights after their Mastercard Memorial Cup hosting in 2014. He has spent much of the season with the AHL’s Rochester Americans, recording nine points (2-7–9) in 61 games. The 6-foot-4, 230 Ib. rearguard played five OHL seasons between Erie, Belleville and London from 2009-14, recording 110 points (29-81–110) over 322 career regular season games. He was Buffalo’s seventh round (193rd overall) pick in 2012.

Anderson named ECHL Goaltender of the Week: Sarnia Sting graduate J.P. Anderson of the Adirondack Thunder has been named the ECHL Goaltender of the Week after posting a 2.20 goals-against average and .936 save performance along with a 2-0-0-0 record in three appearances. The 24-year-old stopped 11 of 12 shots he faced in a relief effort on Friday in a 5-2 loss to Wheeling, made 44 saves in a 5-4 win against the Nailers on Saturday and turned aside 33 shots in a 6-1 victory over Atlanta on Sunday. The 44 saves set a professional career high, surpassing his previous high of 42 from 2013 with the San Francisco Bulls. The Toronto native has appeared in 22 games with Wheeling and Adirondack this season, going 12-4-3 with a 2.71 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. The OHL’s all-time goaltending wins leader, Anderson went 126-76-13 over 223 career regular season games between Mississauga and Sarnia from 2008-13, posting a 2.87 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage in the process.

 SCHEDULE:

Thursday March 23:
Sarnia at Erie (Game 1) – 7:00pm
Niagara at Peterborough (Game 1) – 7:05pm
Flint at Sault Ste. Marie (Game 1) – 7:07pm

Friday March 24:
Hamilton at Kingston (Game 1) – 7:00pm
Ottawa at Mississauga (Game 1) – 7:00pm
Kitchener at Owen Sound (Game 1) – 7:30pm
Windsor at London (Game 1) – 7:30pm – CHL on Sportsnet
Sudbury at Oshawa (Game 1) – 7:35 pm

Saturday March 25:
Erie at Sarnia (Game 2) – 7:05pm
Niagara at Peterborough (Game 2) – 7:05pm
Flint at Sault Ste. Marie (Game 2) – 7:07pm
Kitchener at Owen Sound (Game 2) – 7:30pm

Sunday March 26:
Hamilton at Kingston (Game 2) – 2:00pm
Windsor at London (Game 2) – 2:00pm – CHL on Sportsnet
Ottawa at Mississauga (Game 2) – 2:00pm
Sudbury at Oshawa (Game 2) – 6:05 pm

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

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the week twenty-six and final edition of the CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2016-17 season.  The weekly rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts.

CHL Top 10 Rankings – Week 26

Rank:	Team:	Last Week Rank:	Number of Weeks Ranked:
1	Regina Pats (52-12-7-1)	2	25
2	Erie Otters (50-15-2-1)	3	21
3	Saint John Sea Dogs (48-14-5-1)	1	21
4	Owen Sound Attack (49-15-2-2)	6	10
5	Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (48-16-3-1)	5	16
6	London Knights (46-15-3-4)	4	25
7	Medicine Hat Tigers (51-20-1-0)	9	12
8	Charlottetown Islanders (46-18-4-0)	7	6
9	Everett Silvertips (44-16-9-3)	–	20
10	Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (43-18-2-5)	8	23
	Honourable Mention:
	Seattle Thunderbirds (46-20-4-2)	10	3
	Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (43-19-4-2)	–	6
	Windsor Spitfires (41-19-5-3)	–	17

Toronto, ON – After 680 games the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League regular season has come to an end.

All 16 playoff positions have been claimed, setting the stage for eight first round post-season matchups across the league.

In the Eastern Conference, the first place Peterborough Petes will play the eighth place Niagara IceDogs, the second place Mississauga Steelheads will host the seventh place Ottawa 67’s, the third place Oshawa Generals will take on the sixth place Sudbury Wolves, and the fourth place Kingston Frontenacs will take on the fifth place Hamilton Bulldogs.

In the Western Conference, the first place Erie Otters will face the eighth place Sarnia Sting, the second place Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds host the seventh place Flint Firebirds, the third place Owen Sound Attack will play the sixth place Kitchener Rangers, and the fourth place London Knights take on the fifth place Windsor Spitfires.

Four first round games will be broadcast across the country on Sportsnet 360 including Game’s 1 and 2 from London featuring the Knights and Mastercard Memorial Cup host Spitfires on Friday March 24 and Sunday March 26, Game 3 between the Petes and IceDogs from St. Catharines on Tuesday March 28, and Game 4 between the Frontenacs and host Bulldogs on Thursday March 30.

The puck drops on first round action beginning Thursday night, March 23.

2017 #OHLPLAYOFFS BRACKETS

2017 OHL EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE:

Series “A” – Peterborough Petes (1) vs. Niagara IceDogs (8)
Game 1, Thurs, Mar 23 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.
Game 2, Sat, Mar 25 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Niagara – 7:00 p.m. (Sportsnet 360)
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Niagara – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Sat, Apr 1 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.*
Game 6, Mon, Apr 3 at Niagara – 7:00 p.m.*
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.*
#PBOvsNIAG

Series “B” – Mississauga Steelheads (2) vs. Ottawa 67’s (7)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at Mississauga – 7:00 p.m.
Game 2, Sun, Mar 26 at Mississauga – 2:00 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Ottawa – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Ottawa – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Mississauga – 7:00 p.m.*
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Ottawa – 2:00 p.m.*
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Mississauga – 7:00 p.m.*
#MISSvsOTT

Series “C” – Oshawa Generals (3) vs. Sudbury Wolves (6)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at Oshawa – 7:35 p.m.
Game 2, Sun, Mar 26 at Oshawa – 6:05 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Sudbury – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Sudbury – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Oshawa – 7:35 p.m.*
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Sudbury – 7:00 p.m.*
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Oshawa – 7:05 p.m.*
#OSHvsSBY

Series “D” – Kingston Frontenacs (4) vs. Hamilton Bulldogs (5)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at Kingston – 7:00 p.m.
Game 2, Sun, Mar 26 at Kingston – 2:00 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Hamilton – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Hamilton – 7:00 p.m. (Sportsnet 360)
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Kingston – 7:00 p.m.*
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Hamilton – 2:00 p.m.*
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Kingston – 7:00 p.m.*
#KGNvsHAM

*if necessary

2017 OHL WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE:

Series “A” – Erie Otters (1) vs. Sarnia Sting (8)
Game 1, Thurs, Mar 23 at Erie – 7:00 p.m.
Game 2, Sat, Mar 25 at Sarnia – 7:05 p.m.
Game 3, Mon, Mar 27 at Sarnia – 7:05 p.m.
Game 4, Wed, Mar 29 at Erie – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Erie – 7:00 p.m.*
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Sarnia – 2:00 p.m.*
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Erie -7:00 p.m.*
#ERvsSAR

Series “B” – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (2) vs. Flint Firebirds (7)
Game 1, Thurs, Mar 23 at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07 p.m.
Game 2, Sat, Mar 25 at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07 p.m.
Game 3, Mon, Mar 27 at Flint – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Wed, Mar 29 at Flint – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at  Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07 p.m.*
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Flint – 4:00 p.m.*
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07 p. m.*
#SSMvsFLNT

Series “C” – Owen Sound Attack (3) vs. Kitchener Rangers (6)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at Owen Sound – 7:30 p.m.
Game 2, Sat, Mar 25 at Owen Sound – 7:30 p.m.
Game 3, Mon, Mar 27 at Kitchener – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Wed, Mar 29 at Kitchener – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Owen Sound – 7:30 p.m.*
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Kitchener – 7:00 p.m.*
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Owen Sound – 7:00 p.m.*
#OSvsKIT

Series “D” – London Knights (4) vs. Windsor Spitfires (5)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at London – 7:30 p.m. (Sportsnet 360)
Game 2, Sun, Mar 26 at London – 2:00 p.m. (Sportsnet 360)
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Windsor – 7:05 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Windsor -7:05 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at London – 7:30 p.m.*
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Windsor – 2:00 p.m.*
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at London – 7:00 p.m.*
#LDNvsWSR

*if necessary

Play #CHLPredictor and choose playoff winners from across the Canadian Hockey League! Register through the new #CHLFanbase module, earn points for correct picks, and have the chance to win great prizes including a trip to the Mastercard Memorial Cup.

The Ontario Hockey League’s second season matchups are all set with play beginning tomorrow night on three fronts: the Erie Otters host the Sarnia Sting, Niagara Ice Dogs visit the Peterborough Pets and the Flint Firebirds travel to Sault Ste Marie to take on the Greyhounds.

The remaining series all begin on Friday evening.

Below, you will see how the competition did during the regular season and against each other. You will also see a list of players to watch (not all eligible are listed) that are eligible for the 2017 National Hockey League Draft in June as well as my predictions.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Peterborough Petes vs (8) Niagara Ice Dogs

	Peterborough	Niagara
Overall Record	42-21-2-3	23-35-6-4
Last 10 games	7-3-0-0	4-6-0-0
Head-to-Head	3-1-0-0	1-3-0-0
Home Record	24-7-2-1	15-15-1-3
Away Record	18-14-0-2	8-20-5-1
Goals For	239	207
Goals Against	221	274
Powerplay	20.7%	15.5%
Penalty Kill	80.7%	79.6%
Draft Eligible Players	Cole Fraser (D)	Ben Jones (C)
	Zach Gallant (C)	Kirill Maksimov (RW)
	Nick Isaacson (LW)	Oliver Castleman (LW)
	Matyas Svoboda (LW)	Matthew Philip (C)
		Ondrej Machala (C)
		Stephen Dhillon (G)

*Note: Stephen Dhillon was eligible for the 2016 NHL Draft but passed over and is eligible for 2017

Prediction: Peterborough in 6 games

(2) Mississauga Steelheads vs (7) Ottawa 67’s

	Mississauga	Ottawa
Overall Record	34-21-6-7	26-34-7-1
Last 10 games	8-2-0-0	4-4-2-0
Head-to-Head	2-0-2-0	2-2-0-0
Home Record	16-11-4-3	13-20-0-1
Away Record	18-10-2-4	13-14-6-1
Goals For	240	221
Goals Against	219	271
Powerplay	19.7%	18.0%
Penalty Kill	80.6%	79.1%
Draft Eligible Players	Nicolas Hague (D)	Noel Hoefenmayer
	Owen Tippett (RW)	Sasha Chmelevski
	Shaw Boomhower (C)	Austen Keating

 

Prediction: Mississauga in 5 games

(3) Oshawa Generals vs (6) Sudbury Wolves

	Oshawa	Sudbury
Overall Record	40-23-3-2	27-34-7-0
Last 10 games	6-4-0-0	4-6-0-0
Head-to-Head	2-2-0-0	2-2-0-0
Home Record	25-9-0-0	15-13-6-0
Away Record	15-14-3-2	12-21-1-0
Goals For	228	207
Goals Against	215	265
Powerplay	18.8%	17.8%
Penalty Kill	83.1%	81.7%
Draft Eligible Players	Jack Studnicka (C)	Macauley Carson
	Kyle Keyser (G)	Drake McGrath

 

Prediction: Oshawa in 6 games

(4) Kingston Frontenacs vs (5) Hamilton Bulldogs

	Kingston	Hamilton
Overall Record	33-26-5-4	33-27-4-4
Last 10 games	6-4-0-0	4-4-0-2
Head-to-Head	3-3-0-0	3-2-0-1
Home Record	20-9-3-2	16-12-3-3
Away Record	13-17-2-2	17-15-1-1
Goals For	179	238
Goals Against	200	225
Powerplay	22.1%	20.2%
Penalty Kill	78.1%	77.7%
Draft Eligible Players	Jacob Paquette (D)	Matthew Strome (LW)
	Eemeli Rasanen (D)	Marian Studenic (C)
	Jason Robertson (LW)	MacKenzie Entwistle (RW)
	Linus Nyman (RW)	Kaden Fulcher (G)

 

Prediction: Hamilton in 7 games

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Erie Otters vs (8) Sarnia Sting

	Erie Otters	Sarnia Sting
Overall Record	50-15-2-1	31-30-6-1
Last 10 games	6-4-0-0	5-4-1-0
Head-to-Head	3-1-0-0	1-3-0-0
Home Record	30-2-1-1	20-12-2-0
Away Record	20-13-1-0	11-18-4-1
Goals For	319	257
Goals Against	182	277
Powerplay	27.2%	18.8%
Penalty Kill	83.4%	77.8%
Draft Eligible Players	Ivan Lodnia (C)	Nick Grima (D)
		Adam Ruzicka (C)
		Ryan McGregor (LW)
		Aidan Hughes (G)

 

Prediction: Erie in 4 games

(2) Soo Greyhounds vs (7) Flint Firebirds

	Soo Greyhounds	Flint Firebirds
Overall Record	48-16-3-1	32-28-3-5
Last 10 games	8-1-1-0	3-4-2-1
Head-to-Head	3-1-1-1	3-3-0-0
Home Record	22-9-2-1	19-11-2-2
Away Record	26-7-1-0	13-17-1-3
Goals For	287	229
Goals Against	208	242
Powerplay	18.4%	14.5%
Penalty Kill	84.2%	79.9%
Draft Eligible Players	Matthew Villalta (G)	Fedor Gordeev (D)
	Conor Timmins (D)	C.J. Clarke (RW)
	Anthony DeMeo (D)
	Morgan Frost (C)

 

Prediction: Soo Greyhounds in 5 games

(3) Owen Sound Attack vs (6) Kitchener Rangers

	Owen Sound	Kitchener Rangers
Overall Record	49-15-2-2	36-27-3-2
Last 10 games	9-0-1-0	5-4-1-0
Head-to-Head	7-1-0-0	1-7-0-0
Home Record	27-4-1-2	20-11-2-1
Away Record	22-11-1-0	16-16-1-1
Goals For	297	244
Goals Against	177	251
Powerplay	28.6%	21.7%
Penalty Kill	83.4%	77.5%
Draft Eligible Players	Sean Durzi (D)	Elijah Roberts (D)
	Markus Phillips (D)	Joseph Garreffa (RW)
	Zachary Roberts (LW)	Nick McHugh (LW)
	Jonah Gadjovich (LW)	Dylan Seitz (C)
	Maksim Sushko (RW)	Greg Meireles (RW)
	Nick Suzuki (C)

 

Prediction: Owen Sound in 5 games

(4) London Knights vs (5) Windsor Spitfires

	London	Windsor
Overall Record	46-15-3-4	41-19-5-3
Last 10 games	7-3-0-0	5-5-0-0
Head-to-Head	3-2-1-0	3-2-1-0
Home Record	25-5-1-3	27-6-1-0
Away Record	21-10-2-1	14-13-4-3
Goals For	289	232
Goals Against	194	185
Powerplay	26.4%	22.9%
Penalty Kill	81.0%	88.5%
Draft Eligible Players	Robert Thomas (C)	Gabriel Vilardi (C)
	Alex Forementon (LW)	Michael DiPietro (G)

 

Prediction: London in 7 games

*Note: As hosts of the 2017 Memorial Cup, Windsor would move on to the tournament.