Around the OHL

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Buffalo Sabres prospect Brandon Hagel of the Red Deer Rebels is the CHL Player of the Week for the regular season week ending March 29 recording 12 points in four games including six goals and six assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-4.

Hagel finished the 2016-17 WHL regular season with a trio of four-point performances over a four-game span helping the Rebels pick up five of a possible eight points to hold onto third place in the Central Division standings.  Last Tuesday night he scored twice including the game-winner while adding two assists as first star of an 8-3 win over the Medicine Hat Tigers.  The next night he repeated his offensive output, again netting the game’s winning-goal and earning first star honours, as part of a 5-1 win over the Calgary Hitmen.  Hagel was held off the scoresheet on Saturday in a 4-1 loss to Edmonton in the first of a home-and-home series with the Oil Kings that ended with two goal and two assist effort on Sunday despite a 5-4 overtime loss.

An 18-year-old from Morinville, AB, Hagel is playing in his second WHL season after joining the club as an undrafted signee prior to the 2015-16 season.  In 65 games this year the sixth round pick of the Sabres in 2016 tallied 31 goals and 40 assists for 71 points.  Hagel and the Rebels will now face the Lethbridge Hurricanes in first round playoff action beginning Saturday.

Also considered for the award this week was last week’s recipient Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Daniel Sprong of the Charlottetown Islanders who scored once with six assists for seven points in three games, and Ethan Szypula of the Owen Sound Attack who scored once with 10 assists for 11 points in four games.

2016-17 CHL 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 Cole Kehler of the Portland Winterhawks is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the regular season week ending March 19 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .971.

Kehler stopped 66 shots in two road wins over WHL U.S Division opponents last week as the Winterhawks closed out the 2016-17 regular season in a Western Conference Wild Card position with 84 points.  Last Tuesday he earned first star honours with 35 saves as part of a 6-1 win over the Tri-City Americans, then turned aside 31 shots on Saturday claiming second star honours in a 4-1 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds.  The Winterhawks will now face the B.C Division champion Prince George Cougars in first round playoff action beginning Friday night.

A 19-year-old from Altona, MB, Kehler is playing in his first season in Portland after being acquired from the Kamloops Blazers in the off-season.  The third year netminder has compiled a 32-17-0-3 record over 56 appearances posting a goals-against-average of 3.10 and save percentage of .910 along with two shutouts.

Also considered for the award this week was rookie Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads with a 3-0-0-0 record stopping 91 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .958.  In the QMJHL, Etienne Montpetit of the Val-d’Or Foreurs earned a 2-1-0-0 record stopping 97 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.95 and save percentage of .942.

2016-17 Vaughn CHL 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)

Toronto, ON – With 7 games remaining in the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League regular season, 15 teams have clinched berths in the OHL Playoffs and all four division titles have been claimed.

Two playoff series have been confirmed in the Western Conference including the first place Erie Otters who will face the eighth place Sarnia Sting, and the second place Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds who will take on the seventh place Flint Firebirds.  The fifth place Windsor Spitfires and sixth place Kitchener Rangers have confirmed their final playoff standing however await final outcomes for the Owen Sound Attack and London Knights to determine first round playoff matchups.

In the Eastern Conference, only the first place Peterborough Petes, second place Mississauga Steelheads, and third place Oshawa Generals have confirmed their final standing with all four first round playoff matchups still to be determined.

The season wraps up with six games on Sunday March 19, and one game on Tuesday March 21.

Here’s a closer look at the standings and playoff scenarios to date:

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

1. Peterborough Petes – 89PTS (42-20-2-3)– 1 game remaining (at OSH)
   – Petes have clinched the East Division title and 1st overall in the Eastern Conference, will play either IceDogs or Battalion in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
2. Mississauga Steelheads – 79PTS (33-20-6-7)– 2 games remain (NIAG, SBY)
   – Steelheads have clinched the Central Division title and 2nd overall in the Eastern Conference, will play either Wolves or 67’s in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
3. Oshawa Generals – 83PTS (39-23-3-2)– 1 game remaining (PBO)
   – Generals have clinched 3rd place in the Eastern Conference, will play either 67’s or Wolves in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
4. Kingston Frontenacs – 73PTS (32-26-5-4)– 1 game remaining (at NB)
   – Frontenacs will finish in either 4th or 5th place in the Eastern Conference and will play Bulldogs in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
5. Hamilton Bulldogs – 72PTS (32-27-4-4)– 1 game remaining (at OTT)
   – Bulldogs will finish in either 5th or 4th place in the Eastern Conference and will play Frontenacs in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
6. Ottawa 67’s – 60PTS (26-33-7-1)– 1 game remaining (HAM)
   – 67’s will finish in either 6th or 7th place in the Eastern Conference, will play either Generals or Steelheads in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
7. Sudbury Wolves – 59PTS (26-34-7-0)– 1 game remaining (at MISS)
   – Wolves will finish in either 7th or 6th place in the Eastern Conference, will play either Steelheads or Generals in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
8. Niagara IceDogs – 56PTS (23-34-6-4) – 1 game remaining (at MISS)
   – IceDogs need one point or a Battalion loss to clinch 8th place in the Eastern Conference where they would play the Petes (full schedule scenarios below).
9. North Bay Battalion – 54PTS (24-37-4-2) – 1 game remaining (KGN)
   – Battalion need a win and an IceDogs regulation loss to finish in a tie for eighth place in the Eastern Conference forcing a tiebreak game which would be played Tuesday March 21 in North Bay.
10. Barrie Colts – 41PTS (17-44-6-1)
    – Colts have been eliminated from playoff contention and will select 1st overall in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection on April 8.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

1. Erie Otters – 103PTS (50-15-2-1)
   – Otters have clinched the Midwest Division title as well as the Hamilton Spectator Trophy for 1st overall in the OHL regular season standings. They will play the Sting in 1st round playoffs (full schedule below).
2. Soo Greyhounds – 98PTS (47-16-3-1)– 1 games remaining (LDN)
   – Greyhounds have clinched the West Division title and 2nd overall in the Western Conference, will play the Firebirds in 1st round playoffs (full schedule below). 
3. Owen Sound Attack – 100PTS (48-15-2-2)– 1 game remaining (at GUE)
   – Attack will finish in either 3rd or 4th place in the Western Conference, will play either Rangers or Spitfires in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
4. London Knights – 99PTS (46-14-3-4)– 1 game remaining (at SSM)
   – Knights will finish in either 4th or 3rd place in the Western Conference, will play either Spitfires or Rangers in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
5. Windsor Spitfires – 90PTS (41-19-5-3)
   – Spitfires have clinched 5th place in the Western Conference, will play either Knights or Attack in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
6. Kitchener Rangers – 77PTS (36-27-3-2)
   – Rangers have clinched 6th place in the Western Conference, will play either Attack or Knights in 1st round playoffs (full schedule scenarios below).
7. Flint Firebirds – 72PTS (32-28-3-5)
   – Firebirds have clinched 7th place in the Western Conference and will play the Greyhounds in 1st round playoffs (full schedule below).
8. Sarnia Sting – 69PTS (31-30-6-1)
   – Sting have clinched 8th place in the Western Conference and will play the Otters in 1st round playoffs (full schedule below).
9. Saginaw Spirit – 63PTS (27-32-7-2)
   – Spirit have been eliminated from playoff contention, will pick 4th overall in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection on April 8.
10. Guelph Storm – 49PTS (21-39-5-2) – 1 games remaining (OS)
    – Storm have been eliminated from playoff contention, will pick 2nd overall in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection on April 8.

2017 OHL EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE SCENARIOS:

SERIES A:

Scenario 1 – 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.
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.

Scenario 2 – Peterborough Petes (1) vs. North Bay Battalion (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 North Bay – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at North Bay – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Sat, Apr 1 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at North Bay – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Peterborough – 7:05 p.m.

SERIES B:

Scenario 1 – Mississauga Steelheads (2) vs. Sudbury Wolves (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 Sudbury – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Sudbury – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Mississauga – 7:00 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Sudbury – 7:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Mississauga – 7:00 p.m.

Scenario 2 – 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.

SERIES C:

Scenario 1 – Oshawa Generals (3) vs. Ottawa 67’s (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 Ottawa – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Ottawa – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Oshawa – 7:35 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Ottawa – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Oshawa – 7:05 p.m.

Scenario 2 – 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.

SERIES D:

Scenario 1 – 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.
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.

Scenario 2 – Hamilton Bulldogs (5) vs. Kingston Frontenacs (4)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at Kingston – 7:00 p.m.
Game 2, Mon, Mar 27 at Hamilton – 7:00 p.m.
Game 3, Tues, Mar 28 at Hamilton – 7:00 p.m.
Game 4, Thurs, Mar 30 at Kingston – 7:00 p.m.
Game 5, Sat, Apr 1 at Hamilton – 7:00 p.m.
Game 6, Mon, Apr 3 at Kingston – 7:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Hamilton – 7:00 p.m.

2017 OHL WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE SCENARIOS:

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.

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.

SERIES C:

Scenario 1 – 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 – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Owen Sound – 7:00 p.m.

Scenario 2 – London Knights (3) vs. Kitchener Rangers (6)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at London – 7:30 p.m.
Game 2, Sun, Mar 26 at London – 2:00 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 London – 7:30 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Kitchener – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at London – 7:00 p.m.

SERIES D:

Scenario 1 – London Knights (4) vs. Windsor Spitfires (5)
Game 1, Fri, Mar 24 at London – 7:30 p.m.
Game 2, Sun, Mar 26 at London – 2:00 p.m.
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.

Scenario 2 – Owen Sound Attack (4) vs. Windsor Spitfires (5)
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 Windsor – 7:05 p.m.
Game 4, Wed, Mar 29 at Windsor – 7:05 p.m.
Game 5, Fri, Mar 31 at Owen Sound – 7:30 p.m.
Game 6, Sun, Apr 2 at Windsor – 2:00 p.m.
Game 7, Tues, Apr 4 at Owen Sound – 7:00 p.m.

PLAYOFF STRUCTURE:

The top eight teams in each conference qualify for the OHL playoffs with the division leaders ranked one-two in each Conference.

In the first round of the playoffs, first place plays eighth, second plays seventh, third plays sixth and fourth plays fifth in each conference.

Teams are re-seeded within their conference after each round and the division winners are always ranked 1-2 within the conference as long as they progress. The champions from each conference play in the OHL Championship Series for the J. Ross Robertson Cup.

The OHL Playoffs are scheduled to begin on the Thursday following the conclusion of the regular season. The first round series must be completed within 13 days; the second round series have 14 days to finish while the Conference Championships are 13 days in length. The OHL Championship Series is 14 days in length.

TIE BREAKING SYSTEM:

If two or more teams are tied for the final OHL playoff position in either conference, sudden-death playoff games will be used to determine the team that advances, with the home team for such tie-breaker game being determined through the OHL standard tie-breaking system listed below.

For all other playoff positions, the following tie-breaking system is in place:

1. The team with the most number of wins during the regular season shall be declared higher in the standings.
2. If two teams are still tied, the team with the best record in head-to-head competition (based on points including overtime losses) shall be declared higher in the standings. If more than two teams are tied after the first tie-breaker, the percentage of available points earned in games among each other shall be used to determine the standing.
3. If still tied, the team with the greater differential between goals scored for and against by clubs having equal standing after the second tie-breaker shall be declared higher in the standings.

SUDDEN-DEATH PLAYOFF FORMULA (FOR FINAL PLAYOFF POSITION):

Between Two Teams: Two teams tied for the final playoff position will play a sudden-death game to be hosted by the centre determined higher in the standings by the OHL tie-breaking system. The winner will be declared higher in the standings.

Between Three Teams for One Playoff Position:

1. A sudden-death game will be played between the two teams having the lowest percentage as calculated by dividing the sum of goals ‘for’ plus the total goals ‘against’ into the total goals ‘for’. The home team will be determined by utilizing the OHL tie-breaking system.
2. A second sudden-death game will be played between the winner of the preliminary sudden-death game and the remaining team. The home team will be determined by utilizing the OHL tie-breaking system. The winner will be declared higher in the standings.

REGULAR SEASON TROPHIES:

Hamilton Spectator Trophy: Erie Otters

The Otters earned their third Hamilton Spectator Trophy and second straight regular season title with a league-best record of 50-15-2-1 becoming the first CHL team to earn four consecutive 50 win seasons. The Otters also claimed first overall in 2001. The Hamilton Spectator Trophy is awarded to the team that finishes the regular season first overall in the Ontario Hockey League.  The trophy was presented to the Ontario Hockey Association by the Hamilton Spectator in the 1957-58 season.  The winner of the Hamilton Spectator Trophy has gone on to win the OHL championship 23 times and the Memorial Cup 11 times.

Emms Trophy (Central Division): Mississauga Steelheads

The Steelheads have earned their first Central Division title in the club’s five year history.  This also marks the first division banner in Mississauga since the Majors finished atop the league standings in 2011.  Past division titles in all-time franchise history were also achieved in 2004 and 2002 by the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors.

Leyden Trophy (East Division): Peterborough Petes

The Petes have earned their third East Division title following back-to-back wins in 2005-06 however this marks the 11th time in modern history they have finished atop their division.  The Petes also won back-to-back Leyden Division titles in 1979-80, 1985-86, 1988-89, and 1992-93.

The Emms and Leyden Trophies were first presented in the 1975-76 season when the OHL was split into divisions with the expansion of the league to 12 teams. The awards originated in recognition of Matt Leyden and Leighton ‘Hap’ Emms for their contributions to junior hockey in Ontario.

Bumbacco Trophy (West Division): Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

The Greyhounds have earned their third West Division title in four years following back-to-back banner seasons in 2014 and 2015. The Hounds have won a total of six West Division crowns including wins in 2008, 2005, and 1997. The Bumbacco Trophy was inaugurated in 1994-95 when the league realigned into three divisions.  The award is named after former Greyhounds’ General Manager Angelo Bumbacco.

Holody Trophy (Midwest Division): Erie Otters 

The Otters have earned their third consecutive Midwest Division title and sixth in franchise history following a previous stretch of three consecutive banner seasons from 2000-2002. The Holody Trophy, awarded in recognition of the contributions to the OHL by former Guelph and Owen Sound Platers Governor Joe Holody, was presented following the 1998-99 season for the first time with the realignment of the league into four divisions.

Toronto, ON – It’s the final week of the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League regular season!

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

FOLLOW THE RACES WITH THE 2017 OHL PLAYOFF TRACKER:

With the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League regular season winding down, 13 teams have clinched berths in the OHL Playoffs and two division titles have been claimed. Follow along with all the races through the final weekend of the regular season with the OHL Playoff Tracker. Read more

CATCH THE FINAL WEEKEND OF THE SEASON ON OHL LIVE:

This weekend only, get an All Access Pass to OHL Live from Friday March 17th to Sunday March 19th for the discounted price of $19.99. That’s access to all 20 games this weekend for the price of under $1 a game! Don’t miss out on the stretch drive toward the 2017 OHL Playoffs! Visit OHLLIVE.com to take advantage.

2017 OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR UNDERWAY IN TORONTO:

The 2017 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour is underway at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto. 20 teams from across Ontario and the United States are battling for OHL Cup supremacy, playing in some highly competitive matchups so far this week. There are 250 OHL Cup graduates currently on Ontario Hockey League rosters as of March 11, 2017. This figure represents roughly 50% of the entire OHL. Fans can get full updates on the 2017 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour through game recaps, standings and statistics at OHLCUP.ca.

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

The Erie Otters (3), London Knights (4), Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (5) and Owen Sound Attack (6) are all included in the 25th edition of the weekly CHL Top 10 Rankings. The Attack climbed from eighth and sixth on the list while the Windsor Spitfires received an honourable mention. The weekly rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts. Read more

ATTACK’S PALMU NAMED PIONEER ENERGY OHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Petrus Palmu of the Owen Sound Attack is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 12 after leading the league with eight points in three games scoring four goals and four assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-3. Palmu recorded a pair of multi-point performances for the Attack who picked up a trio of victories last week moving up to third place in the Western Conference standings with a 45-15-2-2 record. Read more

GREYHOUNDS’ GETTINGER SIGNS WITH RANGERS:

The New York Rangers have signed Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds winger Tim Gettinger to a three-year entry-level NHL contract. Gettinger, who has 30 goals, 22 assists and 52 points over 60 games this season, was the Rangers’ fifth round (141st overall) pick last summer. Gettinger ranks third on the Greyhounds in goals and shots on goal, and ranks fourth on the team in plus/minus rating this season. He has registered four multi-goal games in 2016-17, including his first two career hat tricks in the OHL, and he has also posted 13 multi-point games. Read more

SPITFIRES’ CHATFIELD SIGNS WITH CANUCKS:

The Vancouver Canucks have signed Windsor Spitfires overage defenceman Jalen Chatfield to a three-year entry-level NHL contract. In 60 games with the Spitfires this season, Chatfield ranks third among defenceman in points (28) and goals (8), and second in assists (20). His three power-play goals and two overtime goals lead Windsor defenceman. Chatfield joined Windsor as a free agent in June 2014 and has suited up for 188 regular season games over three seasons, registering 86 points (19-67-86) and 136 penalty minutes. Read more

TIPPETT, VILARDI ATOP SPORTSNET’S LATEST NHL DRAFT RANKINGS:

OHL standouts Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads) and Gabriel Vilardi (Windsor Spitfires) are both ranked highly on the latest edition of Sportsnet’s NHL Draft Rankings compiled by analyst Jeff Marek. Nicolas Hague (Mississauga Steelheads), Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack), Robert Thomas (London Knights) and Matthew Strome (Hamilton Bulldogs) all factor into the top-30. Visit sportsnet.ca for the full list.

BULLDOGS’ MARIAN STUDENIC HEADLINES OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

The 24th edition of the OHL Plays of the Week for the 2016-17 season feature another exciting countdown of the league’s Top-5 goals scored during the week ending March 12. This week’s highlights feature a Nikita Korostelev dangle before setting up his Peterborough Petes teammate Steven Lorentz, Dawson Carty of the Hamilton Bulldogs makes an OT save then launches a stretch pass to Matt Luff who buries the winner, Artur Tyanulin of the Ottawa 67’s comes out of the penalty box and grabs a turnover and scores, Ryan Mantha of the Niagara IceDogs shows some hands in the offensive zone before dishing to Johnny Corneil, and the Bulldogs’ Marian Studenic goes end-to-end. Watch

Studenic 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.

NINE GOALTENDERS FEATURED IN JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK:

The OHL season may be winding down but March’s masked men are heating up.  The 24th edition of #JanesSaves features nine goaltenders including Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads, Leo Lazarev of the Ottawa 67’s, Liam Herbst of the Guelph Storm, Christian Propp of the Barrie Colts, Troy Timpano of the Erie Otters, Jeremy Brodeur of the Oshawa Generals, Stephen Dhillon of the Niagara IceDogs, Luke Richardson of the Kitchener Rangers, and Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes. Watch

TWO FIRST GOALS AND A SHUTOUT IN OHL MILESTONE MOMENTS:

The 24th week of the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League season ending March 12 featured a trio of players celebrating milestone moments including two first career OHL goals, plus a first career shutout. Joey Keane (Barrie Colts) and Josh Supryka (Kingston Frontenacs) both scored their first OHL goals while goaltender Christian Propp (Barrie Colts) earned his first OHL shutout. Watch

ROGERS HOMETOWN HOCKEY TOUR COMES TO OTTAWA:

The Rogers Hometown Hockey tour stops in the nation’s capital this weekend. Hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone broadcast live from Ottawa, celebrating Canada’s game throughout the weekend. Follow along with the great stories highlighting Ottawa’s love for hockey at hometownhockey.com.

67’s’ OWNER & GOVERNOR JEFF HUNT TO BE INDUCTED INTO OTTAWA SPORT HALL OF FAME:

Ottawa 67’s Owner & Governor Jeff Hunt along with four other founding members of the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group will be inducted into the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame on June 2nd. The ceremony will take place at the Horticultural Building at Landsdowne Park. The Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization, which documents, curates and celebrates outstanding achievement in local sport heritage.

OHL PLAY-BY-PLAY VOICES FEATURED IN ‘HOCKEY TALK: STORIES BEHIND THE VOICE’:

Author Gordon Hunter has penned a new work highlighting play-by-play voices from across Canadian Major Junior Hockey including several play-by-play personalities from right here in the OHL. ‘Hockey Talk: Stories Behind the Voice’ features voices such as Mike Stubbs of the London Knights, Larry Mellott of the Guelph Storm, Dominic Hennig of the Flint Firebirds, Callum Ng of the Oshawa Generals, Leigh Cunningham of the Sarnia Sting, A.J. Jakubec of the Ottawa 67’s, Matt Sookram of the North Bay Battalion, Mike Miller of the Windsor Spitfires and Rob Snoek of the Peterborough Petes. The book can be purchased through the University of Lethbridge bookstore.

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Spitfires host Fan Appreciation Night on Thursday: The Windsor Spitfires will thank their fans on Thursday when they play host to the Owen Sound Attack. Visit windsorspitfires.com for a full list of prizes and giveaways!

Colts host St. Patrick’s Day Game: The Barrie Colts are encouraging their fans to wear green on Saturday when they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at home to the Kingston Frontenacs. For more information visit barriecolts.com.

Fan Appreciation Night in Kitchener: The first 2,000 fans into the Aud on Friday will receive a commemorative poster featuring Adam Mascherin, Joseph Garreffa and Connor Bunnaman as part of Fan Appreciation Night festivities in Kitchener. The Rangers play host to the Erie Otters and hundreds of prizes will be handed out throughout the night.

Spirit salute the fans: The first 1,000 fans into the Dow Event Centre on Saturday will receive a free Saginaw Spirit 2016-17 team poster. Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to win prizes throughout the night.

Battalion host Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday: The North Bay Battalion close out their regular season schedule with Fan Appreciation Day at the Gardens on Sunday. There’s fun planned for everyone, visit battalionhockey.com for full details.

67’s host Fan Appreciation Game: The Ottawa 67’s will say thank you to their fans on Sunday as the first 3,000 fans into the building will receive a free pair of 67’s sunglasses and a free hot dog. The first 2,500 fans will also receive a free 67’s rally towel. For full details visit ottawa67s.com.

ALUMNI NOTES:

Elie scores first NHL goal: Erie Otters graduate Remi Elie scored his first career NHL goal with the Dallas Stars on Sunday in a 5-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks. The 21-year-old Elie has spent much of this season with the AHL’s Texas Stars, recording eight goals, 17 assists and 25 points in 50 games. The Green Valley, Ont. native was an OHL Champion with the London Knights in 2013 and played three OHL seasons between London, Belleville and Erie, recording 161 points (66-95–161) over 195 regular season contests. He was Dallas’ second round (40th overall) pick in the 2013 NHL Draft.

7 OHL grads win OUA Championship with York: Seven OHL graduates are 2017 OUA Men’s Hockey Champions with the York Lions following a 4-3 win over the visiting Queen’s Gaels at Canlan Ice Sports Arena. Former Ottawa 67’s, Owen Sound Attack and Windsor Spitfires power forward Steven Janes scored the deciding goal with 4:34 remaining in the third period to give the Lions their first OUA Championship since 2004. Read more

Birch shares on the benefits of CHL Scholarship Program: OHL graduate and OHL Senior Director of Hockey Development and Special Events Joe Birch sat down with U SPORTS to discuss the benefits of the CHL Scholarship Program. OHL graduate Geoff Schemitsch, now playing at Acadia University, has made the most of his education package and shares his experience of life after the OHL in the video. Watch the interview at USPORTS.ca.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Sudbury Wolves (24-33-7-0, 3rd Central) vs. North Bay Battalion (23-36-4-2, 4th Central)
Thursday in North Bay, Friday in Sudbury

The 2016-17 season is down to its final weekend and two northern rivals will clash in a home-and-home set with playoff implications. The Battalion enter action three games back of the Wolves with Sudbury holding a game in hand, meaning the stakes are high for both teams should they hope to qualify for the OHL Playoffs. The Battalion have won four of the six meetings between the two clubs this season. Both teams are looking to turn things around having won just two of their past 10 games.

Hamilton Bulldogs (32-25-4-4, 3rd East) vs. Kingston Frontenacs (30-26-5-4, 4th East)
Friday in Kingston

The Hamilton Bulldogs and Kingston Frontenacs have been waging a battle for home ice advantage in the first round of the OHL Playoffs for some time now. The two first round opponents will square off on Friday in Kingston as the Bulldogs look to pull ahead for good as they currently hold a three point edge on fourth. Hamilton has won three of the five meetings between the two clubs this season and enter the weekend having collected at least a point in five straight contests. Kingston is on the heels of two straight losses as they close out the season against Hamilton, Barrie and North Bay.

SCHEDULE:

Thursday March 16:
Mississauga at Niagara – 7:00pm
Sudbury at North Bay – 7:00pm
Hamilton at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Owen Sound at Windsor – 7:05pm

Friday March 17:
Hamilton at Kingston – 7:00pm
Barrie at Mississauga – 7:00pm
North Bay at Sudbury – 7:00pm
Saginaw at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Sarnia at Guelph – 7:30pm
Erie at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Flint at London – 7:30pm

Saturday March 18:
Oshawa at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Guelph at Erie – 7:00pm
London at Flint – 7:00pm
Sudbury at Niagara – 7:00pm
Windsor at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Kingston at Barrie – 7:30pm
Kitchener at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday March 19:
Niagara at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Kingston at North Bay – 2:00pm
Hamilton at Ottawa – 2:00pm
London at Sault Ste. Marie – 2:07pm
Peterborough at Oshawa – 6:05pm
Owen Sound at Guelph – 6:30pm

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

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of the Eastern and Western Conference Coaches Polls for the 2016-17 OHL regular season.

The OHL Coaches Poll provides member club coaches with the opportunity to recognize the top three players in 20 different skill categories within their own conference.

In the Eastern Conference, the Central Division champion Mississauga Steelheads and the East Division’s first place Peterborough Petes lead the way with representation across 13 of the 20 different categories.  The Steelheads finished first in six different votes with Spencer Watson and Owen Tippett both receiving top honours in two categories with Watson claiming the title of Smartest Player and Best Playmaker, while Tippett was recognized as being Most Dangerous in the Goal Area and having the conference’s Best Shot.  The Petes finished first across seven different categories led by Zach Gallant and Josh Coyle who each topped the list in two separate votes.  Gallant received Best Defensive Forward honours and was also named Best on Face-offs, while Coyle was voted Best Shot Blocker and Best Penalty Killer.

Niagara IceDogs captain Ryan Mantha was the top individual winner by appearing in the Top-3 in four different categories including first place votes as Most Improved and Best Defensive Defenceman.  Oshawa Generals netminder Jeremy Brodeur also finished first in multiple categories named Best Puck-Handling Goalie and Best Shootout Goalie.

In the Western Conference, the first place Erie Otters lead the way with representation in 15 of the 20 categories including a league-high 10 first place votes.  Top scorer Alex DeBrincat received first place votes twice including Best Shot and was recognized as Most Dangerous in the Goal Area for a third straight season.  Dylan Strome and Kyle Pettit also topped two different categories apiece with Strome voted Best Playmaker along with Smartest Player for a second straight season, with Pettit honoured as Best Shot Blocker and Best on Face-offs for the second time in three seasons.  The Owen Sound Attack finished second in the Western Conference by appearing in 10 different categories highlighted by five different first place finishers including Kevin Hancock (Most Underrated), Jonah Gadjovich (Most Improved), Petrus Palmu (Best Stickhandler), Jacob Friend (Best Body Checker), and Michael McNiven (Best Shootout Goalie).

Other notable Western Conference vote getters include Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds forward Zach Senyshyn who was named Best Skater for a second straight season, and Windsor Spitfires defenceman Mikhail Sergachev who claimed the Hardest Shot vote for the second season in a row.

The Coaches Poll is tabulated when each team submits one nominee per category, and coaches then vote for the top three players for each category within their conference.  Players receive five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote.  Clubs are not permitted to vote for players from their own team allowing for a maximum of 45 possible points for each winner.

All 20 categories are listed below with Eastern Conference and Western Conference winners including their final point totals in brackets.

Most Underrated Player:

Eastern Conference:
1. Logan DeNoble, Peterborough Petes (35)
2. Eemeli Rasanen, Kingston Frontenacs (12)
2. Austen Keating, Ottawa 67’s (12)

Western Conference:
1. Kevin Hancock, Owen Sound Attack (30)
2. Kyle Maksimovich, Erie Otters (20)
3. Bobby MacIntyre, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (15)

Most Improved Player:

Eastern Conference:
1. Brandon Saigeon, Hamilton Bulldogs (21)
1. Ryan Mantha, Niagara IceDogs (21)
3. Zach Gallant, Peterborough Petes (16)

Western Conference:
1. Jonah Gadjovich, Owen Sound Attack (39)
2. Isaac Ratcliffe, Guelph Storm (11)
2. Sam Miletic, London Knights (11)
2. Conor Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (11)

Smartest Player:

Eastern Conference:
1. Spencer Watson, Mississauga Steelheads (27)
2. Matthew Strome, Hamilton Bulldogs (24)
3. Jason Robertson, Kingston Frontenacs (22)

Western Conference:
1. Dylan Strome, Erie Otters (32) – finished first in 2015-16 and third in 2014-15
2. Nick Suzuki, Owen Sound Attack (26)
3. Blake Speers, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (12)

Hardest Worker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Ted Nichol, Kingston Frontenacs (22)
2. Michael McLeod, Mississauga Steelheads (17) – finished tied for first in 2015-16 and third in 2014-15
3. Logan DeNoble, Peterborough Petes (12)

Western Conference:
1. Warren Foegele, Erie Otters (31)
2. Hayden Verbeek, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (24) – finished first in 2015-16
3. Jonah Gadjovich, Owen Sound Attack (13) – finished tied for second in 2015-16

Best Playmaker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Spencer Watson, Mississauga Steelheads (29)
2. Artur Tyanulin, Ottawa 67’s (28)
3. Matthew Timms, Peterborough Petes (13)

Western Conference:
1. Dylan Strome, Erie Otters (43) – finished second in 2015-16
2. Jeremy Bracco, Windsor Spitfires (20) – finished third in 2015-16
3. Ryan Merkley, Guelph Storm (9)

Most Dangerous in Goal Area:

Eastern Conference:
1. Owen Tippett, Mississauga Steelheads (35)
2. Jason Robertson, Kingston Frontenacs (24)
3. Dmitry Sokolov, Sudbury Wolves (16)

Western Conference:
1. Alex DeBrincat, Erie Otters (45) – finished first in 2015-16 and 2014-15
2. Adam Mascherin, Kitchener Rangers (24)
3. Jonah Gadjovich, Owen Sound Attack (10)

Best Skater:

Eastern Conference:
1. Jonathan Ang, Peterborough Petes (35) – finished tied for second in 2015-16
2. Niki Petti, Hamilton Bulldogs (18)
3. Ryan McLeod, Mississauga Steelheads (16)

Western Conference:
1. Zach Senyshyn, Soo Greyhounds (32) – finished first in 2015-16 and third in 2014-15
2. Cliff Pu, London Knights (15)
2. Jordan Kyrou, Sarnia Sting (15) – finished tied for third in 2015-16

Best Shot:

Eastern Conference:
1. Owen Tippett, Mississauga Steelheads (41)
2. Ryan Mantha, Niagara IceDogs (17)
3. Dmitry Sokolov, Sudbury Wolves (15)

Western Conference:
1. Alex DeBrincat, Erie Otters (43) – finished third in 2015-16
2. Adam Mascherin, Kitchener Rangers (23) – finished first in 2015-16
3. Kole Sherwood, Flint Firebirds (16)

Hardest Shot:

Eastern Conference:
1. Nicolas Hague, Mississauga Steelheads (32)
2. Medric Mercier, Oshawa Generals (20)
3. Dmitry Sokolov, Sudbury Wolves (11)

Western Conference:
1. Mikhail Sergachev, Windsor Spitfires (35) – finished first in 2015-16
2. Adam Mascherin, Kitchener Rangers (26) – finished third in 2015-16
3. Darren Raddysh, Erie Otters (11)

Best Stickhandler:

Eastern Conference:
1. Artur Tyanulin, Ottawa 67’s (40)
2. Ryan McLeod, Mississauga Steelheads (10)
3. William Bitten, Hamilton Bulldogs (7) – finished second in Western Conference in 2015-16
3. Domenic Commisso, Oshawa Generals (7)
3. Ryan Valentini, Sudbury Wolves (7)

Western Conference:
1. Petrus Palmu, Owen Sound Attack (28)
2. Jordan Kyrou, Sarnia Sting (18)
3. Ryan Merkley, Guelph Storm (13)

Best on Face-Offs:

Eastern Conference:
1. Zach Gallant, Peterborough Petes (33)
2. Michael McLeod, Mississauga Steelheads (28)
3. Brett McKenzie, North Bay Battalion (12)

Western Conference:
1. Kyle Pettit, Erie Otters (33) – finished first in 2014-15
2. Cliff Pu, London Knights (15)
2. Drake Rymsha, Sarnia Sting (15)

Best Body Checker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Zach Shankar, North Bay Battalion (24)
2. Travis Barron, Ottawa 67’s (15)
3. Shaw Boomhower, Mississauga Steelheads (12)

Western Conference:
1. Jacob Friend, Owen Sound Attack (29) – finished tied for second in 2015-16
2. Hayden Hodgson, Saginaw Spirit (14)
3. Kevin Spinozzi, Sarnia Sting (13)

Best Shot Blocker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Josh Coyle, Peterborough Petes (18)
2. Aaron Haydon, Niagara IceDogs (17)
3. Connor Walters, Hamilton Bulldogs (12)
3. Patrick Sanvido, Sudbury Wolves (12) – finished tied for third in Western Conference in 2015-16

Western Conference:
1. Kyle Pettit, Erie Otters (30)
2. Mitchell Stephens, London Knights (18)
3. Jalen Smereck, Flint Firebirds (14)

Best Defensive Forward:

Eastern Conference:
1. Zach Gallant, Peterborough Petes (24)
2. Ted Nichol, Kingston Frontenacs (21)
3. Mason Kohn, Oshawa Generals (15)

Western Conference:
1. Anthony Cirelli, Erie Otters (31) – finished tied for third in Eastern Conference in 2015-16
2. Kevin Hancock, Owen Sound Attack (15)
3. Owen MacDonald, London Knights (14)
Best Penalty Killer:

Eastern Conference:
1. Josh Coyle, Peterborough Petes (21)
2. MacKenzie Entwistle, Hamilton Bulldogs (14)
3. Patrick Sanvido, Sudbury Wolves (12)

Western Conference:
1. Boris Katchouk, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (28)
2. Kyle Pettit, Erie Otters (19) – finished second in 2015-16
2. Jalen Chatfield, Windsor Spitfires (19)

Best Offensive Defenceman:

Eastern Conference:
1. Vili Saarijarvi, Mississauga Steelheads (40) – finished second in Western Conference in 2015-16
2. Ryan Mantha, Niagara IceDogs (15)
3. Matthew Timms, Peterborough Petes (14)

Western Conference:
1. Darren Raddysh, Erie Otters (33)
2. Mikhail Sergachev, Windsor Spitfires (20) – finished third in 2015-16
3. Filip Hronek, Saginaw Spirit (16)

Best Defensive Defenceman:

Eastern Conference:
1. Ryan Mantha, Niagara IceDogs (24)
2. Stephen Desrocher, Kingston Frontenacs (19)
3. Jacob Moverare, Mississauga Steelheads (15)

Western Conference:
1. Erik Cernak, Erie Otters (21)
2. Alex Peters, Flint Firebirds (18)
3. Brandon Crawley, London Knights (16)

Best Puck-Handling Goalie:

Eastern Conference:
1. Jeremy Brodeur, Oshawa Generals (28)
2. Jeremy Helvig, Kingston Frontenacs (22)
3. Dawson Carty, Hamilton Bulldogs (13)
3. Dylan Wells, Peterborough Petes (13)

Western Conference:
1. Tyler Parsons, London Knights (32)
2. Michael McNiven, Owen Sound Attack (27) – finished third in 2015-16
3. Troy Timpano, Erie Otters (11)

Best Shootout Shooter:

Eastern Conference:
1. Nikita Korostelev, Peterborough Petes (22)
2. Spencer Watson, Mississauga Steelheads (20)
3. Jason Robertson, Kingston Frontenacs (16)

Western Conference:
1. Jordan Kyrou, Sarnia Sting (24)
2. Gabriel Vilardi, Windsor Spitfires (18)
3. Ivan Lodnia, Erie Otters (15)

Best Shootout Goalie:

Eastern Conference:
1. Jeremy Brodeur, Oshawa Generals (29)
2. Leo Lazarev, Ottawa 67’s (13)
3. Dylan Wells, Peterborough Petes (11)

Western Conference:
1. Michael McNiven, Owen Sound Attack (27) – finished second in 2015-16
2. Michael DiPietro, Windsor Spitfires (26)
3. Tyler Parsons, London Knights (14)

Toronto, ON – March is underway which means just three weekends of regular season action remain before the Ontario Hockey League Playoffs.  The stretch drive continues with 26 games tonight through Sunday.

Here’s a look at what’s been happening around the league:

SPITFIRES HOST GREYHOUNDS THURSDAY ON SPORTSNET 360:

The Mastercard Memorial Cup host Windsor Spitfires host the West Division leading Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Thursday on Sportsnet 360. The Spits currently trail the Hounds by five points in the standings and sit five points out of home ice advantage in the Western Conference. The Greyhounds enter play on a three game winning streak and feature the OHL’s best road record at 23-6-0-0. Puck drop for the first of two Spitfires home games on Sportsnet 360 this weekend is set for 7:05 pm.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY:

The Ontario Hockey League Wednesday announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in February 2017, including Erie Otters teammates Alex DeBrincat and Darren Raddysh, Sarnia Sting forward Adam Ruzicka and Owen Sound Attack goaltender Michael McNiven. Read more

OTTERS, KNIGHTS, GREYHOUNDS AND ATTACK IN CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:

The Erie Otters continue to hold down top spot in the 23rd edition of the CHL Top-10 Rankings while the London Knights (4) and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (5) remain in the top five. After a successful weekend, the Owen Sound Attack climb two spots to sixth in the rankings. The weekly rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts. Read more

STEELHEADS’ MICHAEL McLEOD NAMED PIONEER ENERGY OHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK AND CHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

New Jersey Devils prospect Michael McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads is both the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week as well as the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 26 with 11 points in three games scoring five goals and six assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-8. McLeod’s trio of multi-point performances last week helped clinch a berth in the 2017 OHL Playoffs for the Steelheads who currently lead the league’s Central Division with a 27-19-6-7 record. Read more

ICEDOGS’ MANTHA SIGNS WITH OILERS:

The Edmonton Oilers have signed Niagara IceDogs overage veteran Ryan Mantha to a three-year entry level NHL contract. Originally selected by the New York Rangers in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft, Mantha went unsigned and returned to Niagara where he has recorded 51 points (14-37–51) over 58 games with the IceDogs this season. A 20-year-old native of Clarkston, Mich., Mantha’s 281 shots on goal currently lead the OHL. Read more

OTTERS’ DeBRINCAT BECOMES LEADING AMERICAN GOAL-SCORER IN OHL HISTORY:

The record-shattering antics of Erie Otters winger Alex DeBrincat continued on Saturday night in Barrie as the Chicago Blackhawks prospect had two goals and two assists in a 7-3 Otters win over the Colts. The 155th and 156th goals of DeBrincat’s OHL career placed him ahead of former Mississauga IceDogs and London Knights winger Rob Schremp (2002-06) as the leading American goal-scorer in OHL history. DeBrincat has now scored in 14 consecutive games as of Sunday, five games shy of Mike Ricci’s OHL record of 19 set during the 1988-89 season. Read more

OTTERS’ RADDYSH SETS FRANCHISE SINGLE-SEASON MARK FOR POINTS BY A DEFENCEMAN:

Overage veteran Darren Raddysh entered new territory for an Erie Otters defenceman on Sunday. Though Erie lost 4-2 in Owen Sound, the older of two Raddysh brothers on the squad came away with a pair of assists to give him 68 points on the season, a new single-season franchise mark for Otters defencemen. Raddysh’s 68 points including 16 goals and 52 assists in 53 games surpasses Chris Campoli’s existing mark of 66 points (20-46–66) accomplished during the 2003-04 season. Read more

ATTACK’S McNIVEN SETS NEW SINGLE-SEASON FRANCHISE WINS RECORD:

Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael McNiven continues to excel in what’s been a record-breaking season for the Owen Sound Attack netminder. McNiven made 31 saves on Saturday as the Attack defeated the division rival London Knights 7-3 on home ice. His 33rd win of the season sets a new Attack single-season record, surpassing the mark of 32 set by Jordan Binnington during the 2012-13 season. Read more

67’s’ KODY CLARK HEADLINES OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

The 22nd edition of the OHL Plays of the Week for the 2016-17 season feature another exciting countdown of the league’s Top-5 goals scored during the week ending February 26. This week’s highlights feature Matt Brassard of the Oshawa Generals showing great patience before burying post-in, Jonah Gadjovich of the Owen Sound Attack with a sharp angle snipe, Mississauga Steelheads Michael McLeod and Nathan Bastian connecting with an unselfish shorty, Drake Rymsha of the Sarnia Sting driving hard to the net, and Kody Clark of the Ottawa 67’s scoring like his father Wendel with a magnificent play. Watch

Clark 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’s BEST SAVES HIGHLIGHTED IN 22ND EDITION OF JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK:

The 22nd edition of #JanesSaves brings a close to a February filled with frustration for OHL shooters. This week’s goaltenders foiling the opposition include Jordan Kooy of the London Knights, Luke Richardson of the Kitchener Rangers, Stephen Dhillon of the Niagara IceDogs, Anthony Popovich of the Guelph Storm, Kyle Keyser of the Oshawa Generals, Brent Moran and Julian Sime of the North Bay Battalion, Jeremy Helvig and Mario Peccia of the Kingston Frontenacs, Joseph Murdaca of the Erie Otters, and Connor Hicks of the Flint Firebirds. Watch

LALONDE, STEINOCHER, MacPHERSON FEATURED IN OHL MILESTONE MOMENTS:

The 22nd edition of OHL Milestone Moments features first goals from a trio of defencemen including Owen Lalonde (Sudbury Wolves), Michal Steinocher (Flint Firebirds) and Justin MacPherson (Niagara IceDogs). Watch

OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR MINOR MIDGET TOP-10 RANKINGS – WEEK 11:

One week closer to the 2017 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour, the 11th edition of the weekly rankings features the Vaughan Kings, Ajax-Pickering Raiders and Brampton 45’s on the rise as the London Jr. Knights continue to hold down top spot. Read more

With the 2017 OMHA Championships taking place in Whitby this weekend, we take a look at the best of the SCTA this season, with a focus on the Brampton 45’s and the Grey-Bruce Highlanders. Read more

CMHA TALK TODAY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN VISITS OSHAWA:

The Oshawa Generals hosted CMHA Talk Today Night on Wednesday when they took on the visiting Kingston Frontenacs. Presented by Teachers Life, Talk Today awareness games feature a CMHA kiosk where fans can get more information about Talk Today and the programs and services offered by the Branches. There will also be public address and video announcements in venue addressing the importance of positive mental health, along with mental health awareness messaging delivered through social media. Read more

GOOD IN EVERY GRAIN FARMER CARD GIVEAWAY COMING TO MISSISSAUGA AND NORTH BAY:

Good in Every Grain and the Ontario Hockey League are working together this year to share stories about Ontario’s farms and farmers during OHL games across the province. Good in Every Grain is hosting special giveaway nights at every OHL arena in the province, including this Friday in Mississauga and Sunday in North Bay. For more information, please visit goodineverygrain.ca.

OHL GRADUATE JEFF McKERCHER FEATURED ON JUNIOR HOCKEY MAGAZINE:

Peterborough Petes graduate Jeff McKercher enjoyed a three-year OHL career between Barrie, Sault Ste. Marie and Peterborough from 1996-99, appearing in 176 career regular season games and being chosen by the Dallas Stars in the 1997 NHL Draft. Today, McKercher is a police officer and recounts his journey through the OHL on the path that has taken him to where he is today. Listen

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Pevs Protects in Kitchener on Tuesday: The Kitchener Rangers hosted Pevs Protects Night on Tuesday, defeating the visiting Guelph Storm 4-3 to clinch a spot in the 2017 OHL Playoffs. Pevs Protects was developed by former National Hockey League forward Rich Peverley and his family, in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Pevs Protects aims to raise awareness and funds for AED (Automated External Defibrilator) purchases and training, as well as CPR training in collaboration with organizations such as the HSF.

Salute the Troops in Kingston Friday: The Kingston Frontenacs will bring out their camouflage threads on Friday when they play host to the Ottawa 67’s. Military Appreciation Night in Kingston is an annual celebration of the troops who tirelessly serve our country.

Special Olympics Night in Guelph on Friday: The Guelph Storm host their annual Special Olympics Night on Friday when they take on the visiting Soo Greyhounds. In partnership with the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Guelph Police Service, the event seeks to raise funds for Special Olympics in Ontario. Visit guelphstorm.com for more information.

First Responders Night, 70’s Night in Flint: There’s a unique blend on display in Flint on Saturday as the Firebirds celebrate First Responders Night and 70’s Night at the Dort Federal Event Center. Visit flintfirebirds.com for full details!

Hockey For the Homeless Night in Saginaw on Saturday: The Saginaw Spirit will be holding a Fill the Limo Food Drive during their Hockey for the Homeless Game against Sudbury on Sunday. Fans who donate five canned goods or $5 will receive a ticket to enter the draw to win a Detroit Red Wings prize package including tickets to see them take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 24th. For more details, visit saginawspirit.com.

Retro Night in Windsor on Saturday: The Windsor Spitfires are bringing out the throwbacks for Retro Night on Saturday when their old school 401 rival the London Knights come to town. The game will be broadcast on Sportsnet 360 as the two clubs revisit their Western Conference rivalry at 4:00 pm.

Frontenacs raise over $73,000 for Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research: The Kingston Frontenacs have raised over $73,000 toward the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research through their The Tragically Hip game worn jersey auction. The money donated will give Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto the tools to help beat brain cancers that are currently unbeatable. Winning bidders came from across Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia as well as one from Hong Kong. Read more

Petes hiring full-time business operations staff: The Peterborough Petes are seeking creative, energetic, forward-thinking staff to join their business operations team. The maroon and white are currently in search of a Manager of Sales and Marketing, a Coordinator of Season Ticket Sales & Service, a Coordinator of Game Operations and Community Events, a Sales & Marketing Intern and a Community Events Volunteer. Visit gopetesgo.com for more details.

ALUMNI NOTES:

OHL talent on the move at NHL Trade Deadline: Erie Otters defenceman Erik Cernak is one of a few current and recent OHL players to be moved at the NHL’s trade deadline. Cernak was involved in a deal that sent goaltender Ben Bishop to the Los Angeles Kings as the Slovakian defenceman had his rights dealt to Tampa Bay where he joins Otters teammates Taylor Raddysh and Anthony Cirelli in the Lightning organization. Other recent OHL players moved include Guelph Storm graduate Taylor Beck headed to the New York Rangers from the Edmonton Oilers, former first overall OHL Priority Selection pick Daniel Catenacci also headed to the Rangers from the Buffalo Sabres as well as former Kitchener Rangers standout Jeremy Morin on the move to the Arizona Coyotes.

Subban awarded Meritorious Service Decoration from Governor General: OHL graduate P.K. Subban of the Nashville Predators makes his return to Montreal this week to face his former club. Subban received the Meritorious Service Award from Governor General David Johnson, rewarding his charitable efforts in raising more than $1.4 million for the Montreal Children’s Hospital since 2015. Subban was one of 13 volunteers recognized with an award on Wednesday. The native of Rexdale, Ont. has 30 points (8-22–30) in 47 games with Nashville in this, his seventh NHL season. The 2013 Norris Trophy winner as NHL Defenceman of the Year played for the Belleville Bulls from 2005-09, recording 190 points (42-148–190) over 234 career regular season games.

Ho-Sang named AHL Rookie of the Month, recalled by Islanders: Niagara IceDogs graduate Josh Ho-Sang has been named the AHL’s Rookie of the Month for February. Ho-Sang had five goals, 10 assists and 15 points in 12 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and is tied for sixth among AHL rookies in scoring with 36 points (10-26–36) in 48 contests. Ho-Sang has been called up by the Islanders and could potentially see his first NHL action this week. The 21-year-old played four seasons between Windsor and Niagara from 2012-16, recording 82 goals, 210 assists and 292 points over 256 regular season games. He was the Islanders’ first round (28th overall) pick in 2014.

Terry named AHL Player of the Month: OHL graduate Chris Terry has been named the AHL Player of the Month for February after recording nine goals, nine assists and 18 points with the St. John’s IceCaps. The 2017 AHL All-Star currently ranks second in AHL scoring with 50 points (21-29–50) in 38 games for St. John’s, the AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. Terry played four seasons with the Plymouth Whalers from 2005-09, winning an OHL title in 2007. A native of Brampton, Ont., he recorded 114 goals, 175 assists and 289 points over 253 regular season games. Terry was Carolina’s fifth round pick in 2007.

DeBoer earns 300th NHL coaching win: OHL graduate and former long-time OHL head coach and GM Peter DeBoer earned his 300th career NHL coaching victory on Tuesday. DeBoer’s San Jose Sharks defeated the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 as he won his 300th career regular season game, improving to an overall regular season record of 300-248-90. The native of Dunnville, Ont. played with the Windsor Compuware Spitfires from 1985-89, helping the Spits reach the Mastercard Memorial Cup Final in 1988 before losing to the Medicine Hat Tigers. Behind the bench, DeBoer has coached to an OHL record of 539-279-60 over 13 seasons between Plymouth and Kitchener, winning back-to-back OHL Coach of the Year honours in 1999 and 2000. DeBoer coached the Kitchener Rangers to a Mastercard Memorial Cup title in 2003.

Martin plays in 500th NHL game: Sarnia Sting graduate Matt Martin played in his 500th career NHL game on Tuesday as the Toronto Maple Leafs lost in San Jose 3-1. A 27-year-old native of Windsor, Ont., Martin is in his seventh NHL season after spending the past six with the New York Islanders. He has four goals, three assists and seven points in 62 games with the Leafs this season. Martin played three seasons in Sarnia from 2006-09, recording 63 goals, 46 assists and 109 points in 166 regular season games. He was the Islanders’ fifth round pick in the 2008 NHL Draft.

McGinn scores 100th career goal: Ottawa 67’s graduate Jamie McGinn scored his 100th career NHL goal on Sunday as the Arizona Coyotes defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2. McGinn has nine goals, six assists and 15 points in 55 games this season and recently played in his 500th career game. The oldest of three brothers to have played in the NHL, McGinn has played with San Jose, Colorado, Buffalo, Anaheim and now Arizona in his ninth NHL season. The Fergus, Ont. native played four seasons with Ottawa from 2004-08, recording 111 goals, 115 assists and 226 points over 243 career OHL contests. He was San Jose’s second round pick in the 2006 NHL Draft.  

Garlent, Schemitsch and Locke receive AUS awards:  Three OHL graduates have been named AUS Men’s Hockey major award winners following the conclusion of the 2016-17 regular season. Hunter Garlent (Peterborough Petes), Geoff Schemitsch (Oshawa Generals) and Eric Locke (Saginaw Spirit) have been recognized by Atlantic University Sport for their outstanding efforts this past season. Read more

Greenfield, Campbell named Canada West all-stars: OHL graduates Tim Campbell (Guelph Storm) and Matthew Greenfield (Kitchener Rangers) have both been named to Canada West University Athletics Men’s Hockey all-star teams. A fifth-year defenceman with the University of Lethbridge, Campbell has been named a first team all-star while Greenfield has been named an all-rookie team member with the University of Calgary. Read more

Bailie named OUA Male Athlete of the Week: London Knights graduate Kevin Bailie has been named the OUA’s Male Athlete of the Week. The fourth year Queen’s University netminder has helped the Gaels advance to the third round of the OUA playoffs for the first time since 1999-00, making 121 saves in three games against the Concordia Stingers. Through two rounds of the OUA playoffs, Bailie has posted a 0.99 GAA and 0.971 SV% with an OUA leading 234 saves. The Belleville, Ont. native played five OHL seasons between Oshawa and London, going 60-41-5-6 with a 3.44 goals-against average and an .896 save percentage over 136 regular season games.  

KEY MATCHUPS:

Owen Sound Attack (41-15-1-2, 3rd Midwest) vs. Peterborough Petes (36-18-2-3, 1st East)
Thursday March 2nd at Peterborough

Fresh off a big win over division rival Oshawa, the surging Peterborough Petes host the red hot Owen Sound Attack in a showdown of contending teams. The matchup could feature quite a goaltending duel as OHL Goaltender of the Month for February Michael McNiven and the Attack will go up against Edmonton Oilers prospect Dylan Wells in the Peterborough crease. The Attack enter play as winners of three straight. The Petes won the only other matchup between the two clubs this season by a score of 5-2 back on October 16th.

London Knights (40-12-3-4, 2nd Midwest) vs. Windsor Spitfires (36-15-5-3, 2nd West)
Saturday March 4th at Windsor on Sportsnet 360

An age-old Western Conference rivalry is renewed on Sportsnet 360 as the London Knights visit the Windsor Spitfires on Retro Night at the WFCU Centre. The fourth-ranked team in this week’s CHL Top-10, the Knights currently trail first place Erie by four points to start the weekend. The Spitfires try and shake off a two-game slide and stay within striking distance of first place Sault Ste. Marie in the West Division. The Knights have won three of the five meetings between the two clubs this season as the season series comes to a close on Saturday.

SCHEDULE:

Thursday March 2:
Kitchener at Niagara – 7:00pm
Barrie at North Bay – 7:00pm
Owen Sound at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Windsor – 7:05 pm (CHL on Sportsnet – Sportsnet 360)

Friday March 3:
Niagara at Erie – 7:00pm
Sudbury at Flint – 7:00pm
Ottawa at Kingston – 7:00pm
North Bay at Mississauga – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Guelph – 7:30pm
Peterborough at Hamilton – 7:30pm
London at Kitchener – 7:30pm

Saturday March 4:
Kingston at Ottawa – 2:00pm
London at Windsor – 4:00pm (CHL on Sportsnet – Sportsnet 360)
Sarnia at Erie – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Flint – 7:00pm
Mississauga at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Barrie at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Sudbury at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Guelph at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday March 5:
Sault Ste. Marie at Kitchener – 2:00pm
Sarnia at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Erie at Niagara – 2:00pm
Hamilton at North Bay – 2:00pm
Barrie at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Sudbury at Windsor – 2:05pm

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