Around the OHL

Toronto, ON – It’s the fourth week of the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League season which features 25 games tonight through Sunday.

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

173 OHL GRADS BEGIN 2016-17 SEASON ON NHL ROSTERS:

173 OHL alumni are listed on National Hockey League opening day rosters representing over 25% of all players in the league to start the 2016-17 season. Of the 173 players, 11 finished the 2015-16 season in the OHL including nine who are returning-eligible as 18 and 19-year-old players led by Dylan Strome of the Erie Otters selected third overall by the Arizona Coyotes and reigning CHL Player of the Year Mitch Marner who was selected fourth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2015 NHL Draft. FULL LIST

24 OHL PLAYERS TO REPRESENT CANADA AT 2016 WORLD UNDER-17 HOCKEY CHALLENGE:

24 of the OHL’s top young players have been selected to represent their country at the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Oct. 27-Nov. 5. The process, which began with 111 players who took part in a seven-day development camp in late July, will be finalized next week when the 66-player roster is divided to make up the three Canadian teams – Team Canada Black, Team Canada Red, and Team Canada White. FULL LIST

 SPITFIRES’ LOGAN BROWN NAMED OHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Ottawa Senators prospect Logan Brown of the Windsor Spitfires is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending October 9 after recording two goals and six assists for eight points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-2. FULL STORY

STING’S KOROSTELEV HEADLINES 3RD EDITION OF OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Nikita Korostelev of the Sarnia Sting leads the third edition of the OHL Plays of the Week, a week that also includes highlight reel tallies from Graham Knott (Niagara), Akil Thomas (Niagara), Dylan Seitz (Kitchener) and Ryan Merkley (Guelph). WATCH

 SPITFIRES’ DiPIETRO LEADS JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK:

The first week of October featured another assortment of spectacular stops by the league’s best goaltenders in the regular season’s third edition of OHL #JanesSaves.  This week features Leo Lazarev of the Ottawa 67’s, Riley Daniels of the Owen Sound Attack, Justin Fazio of the Sarnia Sting, Zack Bowman of the Sudbury Wolves, David Ovsjannikov of the Barrie Colts, Tyler Parsons of the London Knights, Garrett Forrest of the Flint Firebirds, Chris McGonigle of the Kitchener Rangers, and Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires. WATCH

 OHL MILESTONE MOMENTS:

The third week of the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League season ending with games on Thanksgiving Monday October 10 featured 15 first career goals scored.  Celebrating their milestones include Maksim Sushko and Aidan Dudas of the Owen Sound Attack, Filip Hronek of the Saginaw Spirit, Akil Thomas, Ondrej Machala, and Pavel Demin of the Niagara IceDogs, Eemeli Rasanen of the Kingston Frontenacs, Allan McShane and Gera Poddubnyi of the Erie Otters, Tyler Rollo of the Peterborough Petes, Sean Josling of the Sarnia Sting, Jason Willms of the Barrie Colts, Serron Noel of the Oshawa Generals, Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm, and Dylan Seitz of the Kitchener Rangers. WATCH.

 McLEOD, SCHEMITSCH, VANDE SOMPEL SIGN ENTRY LEVEL NHL CONTRACTS:

Mississauga Steelheads captain Michael McLeod signed a three-year, entry level NHL contract with the New Jersey Devils on October 7th. McLeod, who was New Jersey’s first round (12th overall) pick this past summer, has three assists through his first three games this season. FULL STORY

 

Owen Sound Attack defenceman Thomas Schemitsch signed a three-year, entry level NHL contract with the Florida Panthers on October 8th. Schemitsch, who was a third round (88th overall) pick by the Panthers in 2015, has been assigned to Florida’s AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds for the 2016-17 season. FULL STORY

Oshawa Generals defenceman Mitchell Vande Sompel signed a three-year, entry level NHL contract with the New York Islanders on Wednesday. Vande Sompel, who was a third round (82nd overall) pick by the Isles in the 2015 NHL Draft, has three points (2-1–3) through his first five games with the Generals this season. FULL STORY

 4 OHL OFFICIALS SELECTED FOR IIHF INTERNATIONAL DUTY IN 2016-17:

Referees Darcy Burchell and Scott Ferguson will linesmen join Mike Harrington and Dustin McCrank in representing the OHL on the world stage this coming season as the four officials have been nominated by the IIHF to work world championships and Olympic qualification tournaments in 2016-17. FULL STORY

 ROGERS HOMETOWN HOCKEY TOUR MAKES FIRST STOP IN NEWMARKET:

The first stop on the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour for the 2016-17 season is Newmarket! The home of Erie Otters graduate Connor McDavid hosts a two-day celebration that features a live performance by Juno Award-winning Platinum selling recording artist ‘Walk off the Earth.’ The weekend culminates with the first Rogers Hometown Hockey broadcast of the season as McDavid and the Oilers take on the Buffalo Sabres at 6:30pm ET on Sportsnet. FULL DETAILS

 COMMUNITY CORNER:
Niagara Hosts OHL’s First Pride Night: Thursday night at home against the Sarnia Sting the IceDogs will take to the ice wearing special Pride jerseys in support of Pride Niagara and the You Can Play Project which believes that locker rooms should be safe and sports venues should be free from homophobia.  After the game is complete, IceDogs staff will be conducting a live auction of select game worn jerseys to those in attendance, as well there will be game worn jerseys available for auction online, a gameday jersey raffle and silent auction. Read more.

 

Battalion, Frontenacs, Firebirds go Pink: On Thursday night in North Bay the Battalion will be dressed in pink as they take on the visiting Hamilton Bulldogs.  A silent auction will be held for the autographed one-of-a-kind jerseys with proceeds to support the Canadian Cancer Society.  Read more.

 

For the sixth consecutive season the Frontenacs are hosting Pink in the Rink in support of the Canadian Cancer Society’s breast cancer programs.  The club will be sporting limited edition pink jerseys and socks for Friday’s game against the Soo Greyhounds which will be put up for online auction.  The game will also feature a Survivor Walk where cancer survivors and their supporters in attendance are invited to join together in a victory lap around the ice during the first intermission.  Read more.

 

Friday against the Mississauga Steelheads, the Firebirds are teaming up with the McLaren Flint Foundation for “Pink Out Night” to raise money to help in the fight against breast cancer. The Firebirds are asking all fans to wear pink to the game. Fans can bid on the game worn Flint Firebirds’ jerseys in a live auction that will take place immediately following the game with all proceeds donated to the McLaren Flint Foundation. Read more.

 

West Division Banner Raising: The Sarnia Sting will be raising their 2015-16 West Division banner to the rafters of Progressive Auto Sales Arena on Friday night when they take on the Barrie Colts.  Last season the Sting set club records for wins (42) and points (91) in a season.. Read more.

 

Food Drive in Guelph: Storm fans will be looking to match the generosity of their Midwest Division rival Rangers as Sunday’s contest is in support of the Guelph Food Bank.  The two teams played on Thanksgiving Monday in Kitchener with non-perishable food items collected in support of the Waterloo-Region Food Bank.

 

Fleece and Thank You in Saginaw: Earlier this month Spirit players partnered with non-profit organization, Fleece and Thank You, to provide comfort and hope to children who are beginning their treatment journey at a local hospital by making fleece knot blankets. A Thank You table will be setup at Saturday’s game against the Mississauga Steelheads where fans can join the movement of providing comfort and hope for a child in need.

 

Petes kickoff Partners in Education Program: The Peterborough Petes are once again offering the popular Partners in Education program to schools during the 2016-17 season. The program kicked off on Wednesday, October 12 at Beatrice Strong Public School in Port Hope. The Partners in Education program is a partnership between the Petes, Crime Stoppers Peterborough-Northumberland, and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kawartha, Haliburton, Pine Ridge. Through the program, students learn about bullying awareness and prevention, and mental health awareness. Read more.

ALUMNI NOTES:

Blue Jackets’ Foligno makes $1 million donation to hospitals: Sudbury Wolves graduate Nick Foligno and his wife Janelle have made a significant contribution to the two hospitals that took care of their daughter’s congenital heart defect nearly three years ago. The Foligno’s announced a $1 million gift to honour their daughter Milana, who will turn three years-old on Friday. The donation will be split between the hospital where Milana was first diagnosed and Boston Children’s Hospital where a surgical heart procedure was performed when she was three weeks old. Visit NHL.com for the full story.

 

Ryan Hartman scores first NHL goal: Plymouth Whalers graduate Ryan Hartman scored his first NHL goal on Wednesday, opening his season with the Chicago Blackhawks with a bang. Hartman got on the board 13:57 into the second period as the Hawks went on to fall to the St. Louis Blues 5-2. A former first round (30th overall) pick by Chicago in 2013, Hartman has spent the past two seasons primarily with the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. The native of West Dundee, Illinois recorded 114 career points (49-65–114) over 108 career games with the Plymouth Whalers from 2012-14.

 

Toffoli looking to take big step forward: Ottawa 67’s graduate Tyler Toffoli has been on a steady incline early in his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings. Toffoli comes off a 31-goal season last year, and is eager to build off his success. Visit NHL.com for the full story.

 

Hall brings speed, skill to Devils: Windsor Spitfires graduate Taylor Hall is getting adjusted to his new surroundings after an offseason trade to the New Jersey Devils. The former first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft comes off a 65-point (26-39–65) season last year and wants to take the Devils to another level in 2016-17. NHL.com has the full story.

 SCHEDULE:
Thursday October 13:
Sarnia at Niagara – 7:00pm
Hamilton at North Bay – 7:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Flint at Windsor – 7:05pm
Owen Sound at Barrie – 7:30pm

 

Friday October 14:
Mississauga at Flint – 7:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Kingston – 7:00pm
Hamilton at Sudbury – 7:00pm
Barrie at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Erie at Guelph – 7:30pm
Saginaw at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Windsor at London – 7:30pm
Peterborough at Oshawa – 7:35pm

 

Saturday October 15:
North Bay at Ottawa – 2:00pm
London at Erie – 7:00pm
Barrie at Flint – 7:00pm
Sudbury at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Niagara – 7:00pm
Mississauga at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Kitchener at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday October 16:
Kitchener at Guelph – 2:00pm
North Bay at Kingston – 2:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Peterborough at Owen Sound – 2:00pm
Sudbury at Oshawa – 6:05pm

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

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that forward Cameron Askew of the Moncton Wildcats is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending October 9 after scoring three goals and three assists for six points in two games along with a plus-minus rating of plus-4.

Askew led the Wildcats to a pair of victories last week on home ice earning first star honours in both contests.  On Friday night he scored the game-winning goal plus two assists as part of a 3-2 win over the Gatineau Olympiques, then scored twice with one assist Saturday in a 5-0 victory over the Rimouski Oceanic.

A 19-year-old from Boston, MA, Askew is playing in his fourth career QMJHL season and third with the Wildcats after being a first round pick of the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the 2013 QMJHL Entry Draft.  So far this season Askew has eight points in seven games after recording 65 points in 66 games during the 2015-16 season.

Also considered for the award this week was Ottawa Senators prospect Logan Brown of the Windsor Spitfires who scored twice with six assists for eight points in three games, and 2017 NHL Draft prospect Cody Glass of the Portland Winterhawks who scored three goals and five assists for eight points in four games.

2016-17 CHL Players of the Week:

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 Logan Flodell of the Saskatoon Blades is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week after posting a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 0.50 and save percentage of .985.

Flodell made 65 saves in two games last week backstopping the Blades to a pair of victories on home ice where he earned first star honours in both contests.  He recorded his first shutout of the season on Thursday with a 31-save performance as part of a 2-0 victory over the Prince Albert Raiders, then made 34 saves on Saturday in a 3-1 triumph over the Portland Winterhawks.

A 19-year-old from Regina, SK, Flodell is playing in his third career WHL season and first with the Blades who acquired him from the Seattle Thunderbirds prior to the 2016-17 campaign.  Through four games this season Flodell has compiled a 3-1-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.75 and a league-high save percentage of .947.

Also considered for the award this week was Florida Panthers prospect Samuel Montembeault of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada who posted a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory along with a goals-against-average of 0.46 and save percentage of .978, and Troy Timpano of the Erie Otters who went 2-0-0-0 including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .943.

2016-17 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

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 – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Ottawa Senators prospect Logan Brown of the Windsor Spitfires is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending October 9 after recording two goals and six assists for eight points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-2.

Brown extended his season-long point-streak to six games with three multi-point performances last week helping the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup hosts earn a trio of victories.  On Thursday night he scored a goal and an assist as third star of a 4-2 win over the Mississauga Steelheads, then repeated the offensive output Friday in a 5-4 road win over the Guelph Storm.  Brown’s week wrapped upSunday where he matched a career-high with four assists including the setup of Jalen Chatfield’s overtime winner to earn second star honours in a 5-4 triumph over the London Knights.

An 18-year-old from Chesterfield, Missouri, Brown is playing in his third career OHL season with the Spitfires who currently lead the Western Conference standings with a 6-2-0-0 record.  The 11th overall pick of the Senators in the 2016 NHL Draft ranks fourth in league scoring with 14 points in six games including three goals and 11 assists after recording 21 goals and 53 assists for 74 points in 59 games played in the 2015-16 season.

Watch video highlights of Brown and the Spitfires against the Steelheads, Storm, and Knights.

Also considered for the award this week was Chicago Blackhawks prospect Alex DeBrincat who returned to the Erie Otters lineup and scored four goals and four assists for eight points in his first three games of the season, and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Nikita Korostelev who scored four goals and one assist for five points plus a pair of shootout markers in two victories for the Sarnia Sting.  In goal, the Otters’ Troy Timpano posted a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .943.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Logan Brown (Windsor Spitfires)
Sept. 26 – Oct. 2: Joseph Raaymakers (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Matt Luff (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Toronto, ON – It’s the third week of the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League season with a long weekend ahead that features 26 games tonight through Monday.

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

NHL TRAINING CAMP TRACKER:

A total of 16 OHL players eligible for the 2016-17 season remain on NHL preseason rosters as of Thursday, putting their best foot forward with their respective clubs. 164 OHL players were initially invited to NHL Training Camps. Take a look at who remains: FULL LIST

76 OHL PLAYERS AMONG NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING ‘PLAYERS TO WATCH’:

76 players from the Ontario Hockey League were listed among NHL Central Scouting’s October ‘Players to Watch’ list for the 2017 NHL Draft which takes place June 23-24 in Chicago, Illinois. FULL LIST

198 OHL GRADS ON CIS ROSTERS TO OPEN 2016-17 SEASON:

A total of 198 OHL graduates are beginning the 2016-17 season on Canadian Interuniversity Sport Men’s Hockey rosters, pursuing their goals on the ice and in the classroom through their OHL Scholarship Package.  Of the 198 grads, 148 are competing among 17 different OUA schools representing approximately 25% of the 20-team conference.  47 grads are also competing in the AUS conference, with three former players in CWUAA.  34 of the 198 players competed in the OHL last season.  FULL LIST

 GREYHOUNDS’ JOSEPH RAAYMAKERS NAMED OHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Goaltender Joseph Raaymakers of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending October 2 after posting a 3-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.94 and save percentage of .930. Raaymakers returned from New York Rangers Training Camp and into the Greyhounds crease stopping 80 shots and helping the club to three straight road victories over tough Western Conference opposition last week. FULL STORY

 Raaymakers was also a featured guest in this week’s segment of OHL News – Radio Edition with host Terry Doyle, presented by Warrior: LISTEN.

67’s’ TYANULIN HEADLINES 2ND EDITION OF OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

Ottawa 67’s forward Artur Tyanulin captured top honours in the second edition of the OHL Plays of the Week. Other standout plays came from Ethan Szypula (Owen Sound), Niki Petti (Hamilton Bulldogs), Nick McHugh (Kitchener) and Tyler Johnson (London). WATCH

 GREYHOUNDS’ RAAYMAKERS LEADS JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK:

The second edition of #JanesSaves includes big stops from David Ovsjannikov (Barrie), Dylan Wells (Peterborough), Emanuel Vella (London), Olivier Lafreniere (Ottawa), Riley Daniels (Owen Sound), Stephen Dhillon (Niagara), Tyler Johnson (London) and Joseph Raaymakers (Sault Ste. Marie)! #JanesSaves features the top saves from around the OHL this week! WATCH

FIRST GOALS AND A NEW RECORD IN SECOND EDITION OF MILESTONE MOMENTS:

24 players recorded their first OHL goal this past week while Owen Sound’s Petrus Palmu set a new Attack franchise record (tying an OHL record) for the fastest goal to start a period four seconds into action. First goals featured Nick Pryce (Owen Sound), Matyas Svoboda,  Zach Gallant and Nick Isaacson (Peterborough), Barrett Hayton and Otto Makinen (Sault Ste. Marie), Ben Evans (Ottawa), Linus Nyman (Kingston), Marian Studenic and Isaac Nurse (Hamilton), Eric Guest, Riley Damiani and Giovanni Vallati (Kitchener), Shaw Boomhower (Mississauga), Filip Helt and Adam Ruzicka (Sarnia), Drake Pilon and Owen Lane (Sudbury), Tyler Tucker (Barrie), Liam Ham and Hayden Davis (Niagara), Alex Formenton and Janne Kuokkanen (London) and Albert Michnac (Guelph). WATCH

ICEDOGS CELEBRATE 10 YEARS, SALUTE HOCKEY HISTORY IN ST. CATHARINES:

An eventful weekend in St. Catharines saw the IceDogs unveil their 2016 Eastern Conference Championship banner as they celebrate 10 years in the Niagara Region. The IceDogs also honoured the 1954 and 1960 Mastercard Memorial Cup champion St. Catharines Teepees prior to Saturday’s home game. FULL STORY

ICEDOGS’ KNOTT SIGNS WITH BLACKHAWKS, FIREBIRDS SMERECK SIGNS WITH COYOTES:

Niagara IceDogs forward Graham Knott has signed a three-year, entry level NHL contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. Knott, was Chicago’s second round (54th overall) selection in the 2015 NHL Draft, recently returned from Blackhawks training camp. He recorded 42 points (12-30–42) over 68 games with the IceDogs last season. FULL STORY

 Flint Firebirds defenceman Jalen Smereck has also signed a three-year, entry level NHL contract with the Arizona Coyotes after attending camp as a free agent invite.  The 19-year-old becomes the first Firebird to be signed to an NHL contract and was acquired by Flint in the off-season after playing one season with the Oshawa Generals.  FULL STORY

 COMMUNITY CORNER:
Spitfires host ‘Cans for a Cause’ on Sunday: The Windsor Spitfires have teamed up with AM800 to host their annual ‘Cans For a Cause’ game. Fans are encouraged to bring a canned good to the game in support of local food banks.

Rangers host Thanksgiving food drive on Monday: Fans are asked to bring non-perishable food donations to Monday’s Kitchener Rangers clash with the visiting Guelph Storm. The Rangers have partnered with the Food Bank of Waterloo Region in an effort to feed the community. Fans may also make financial donations to the Onkel Hans Food Drive, with $20 feeding a family for four days.

Spirit build accessibility ramp for United Way: The Saginaw Spirit were out getting their hands dirty last week, doing good work in the community as 10 players and the entire coaching staff partnered with The United Way of Saginaw County for the Annual Project Independence Ramp Build. Project Independence will install 12 mobility ramps in the Saginaw area this year, bringing their total to 121 installed, free of charge, to all their recipients.

IceDogs on hand for grand opening of Smilezone at Niagara Children’s Centre: The Niagara IceDogs paid a visit to Niagara Children’s Centre this past week, assisting with the grand opening of the brand new Smilezone at the facility. Mascot ‘Bones’ was also on hand to greet the children. Check out the photo gallery at niagaraicedogs.net.

ALUMNI NOTES:

Generals retire Marc Savard’s #27: With a decorated hockey career behind him, longtime point producer Marc Savard enjoyed a special night with the Oshawa Generals on Sunday. The Ottawa native who produced a franchise-leading 413 points (132-281–413) over four seasons in Oshawa saw his number 27 raised to the heights of the General Motors Centre where it joined the likes of Eric Lindros (#88), John Tavares (#91), Red Tilson (#9) and Bobby Orr (#2). WATCH

Oilers name Connor McDavid captain: At 19 years, 266 days old, Connor McDavid has become the youngest captain in NHL history. The Erie Otters graduate was named the 15th captain in Edmonton Oilers franchise history on Wednesday after a remarkable rookie season last year. McDavid, whose career resume includes being named CHL Player of the Year in 2015, receiving the Red Tilson Trophy that same year while also winning the Wayne Gretzky ’99’ Award as OHL playoff MVP, was a three-time NHL Rookie of the Month last season. He led Canada to gold at the World Championships in Russia this past May.

Troy Smith inducted into StFX Sports Hall of Fame: Hamilton Bulldogs associate coach and assistant general manager Troy Smith was inducted into the St. Francis Xavier University Sports Hall of Fame last week as part of the 2004 X-Men CIS Championship Men’s Hockey Team. The club played to a 19-6-3-0 record under head coach Danny Flynn (Saint John Sea Dogs). They are the only team in StFX Men’s Hockey History to win the national title, doing so in double overtime against the rival UNB Varsity Reds.  A Hamilton native, Smith played four OHL seasons with the Plymouth Whalers from 1995-99.  The defenceman played five years at StFX (1999-04) before a brief stint in minor pro.

Cody Hodgson announces retirement: Former Brampton Battalion standout Cody Hodgson has announced his retirement at 26-years-old. The 2009 CHL Player of the Year, Red Tilson Trophy and William Hanley Trophy recipient recorded 142 career points (64-78–142) over 328 career contests with Vancouver, Buffalo and Nashville from 2010-16. Hodgson split last season between the Nashville Predators and their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. He has joined the Predators’ youth hockey and fan development program for the 2016-17 season.

Former Battalion athletic trainer Jamie LeBlanc works 1000th CHL game: Former Brampton Battalion Assistant Athletic Trainer Jamie LeBlanc worked his 1000th career CHL contest with the Swift Current Broncos on Sunday. LeBlanc, who has been with the Broncos since the beginning of the 2001-02 season, spent three years with the Battalion from 1998-01. Visit whl.ca for more on his story.

 SCHEDULE:
Thursday October 6:
Erie at Niagara – 7:00pm
Owen Sound at North Bay – 7:00pm
Kingston at Ottawa – 7:00pm
Saginaw at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Mississauga at Windsor – 7:05pm
Sudbury at Barrie – 7:30pm

Friday October 7:
Oshawa at Erie – 7:00pm
Saginaw at Kingston – 7:00pm
Flint at Mississauga – 7:00pm
Owen Sound at Sudbury – 7:00pm
Windsor at Guelph – 7:30pm
Sarnia at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Peterborough at London – 7:30pm

Saturday October 8:
Saginaw at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Flint at Erie – 7:00pm
Guelph at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Peterborough at Sarnia – 7:05pm
North Bay at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Kitchener at Barrie – 7:30pm

Sunday October 9:
Barrie at Oshawa – 1:05pm
Ottawa at Kingston – 2:00pm
Niagara at Sudbury – 2:00pm
London at Windsor – 2:05pm
Owen Sound at Sault Ste. Marie – 2:07pm

 Monday October 10:
Guelph at Kitchener – 2:00pm
Niagara at North Bay – 2:00pm

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

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 week ending October 2 after scoring four goals and three assists for seven points in two games with a plus-minus rating of plus-3.

Steel returned from his first NHL Camp experience with the Ducks and made an immediate impact with the Pats who picked up a pair of victories last week.  On Friday night he scored twice in his season debut and earned second star honours in a 6-3 victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings, then recorded a career-high five points on Sunday with two goals and three assists as first star of a 7-2 win over the Red Deer Rebels.

An 18-year-old from Sherwood Park, AB, Steel is playing in his third career WHL season with the Pats who selected him with the second overall pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.  The Ducks first round, 30th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft tallied 70 points in 72 games last season with 23 goals and 47 assists.

Also considered for the award this week was Ottawa Senators prospect Filip Chlapik of the Charlottetown Islanders who scored five goals and three assists for eight points in three games, and Dallas Stars prospect Nicholas Caamano of the Flint Firebirds who scored three goals and four assists for seven points in two games.

 2016-17 CHL Players of the Week:

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 Samuel Harvey of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending October 2 after posting a 3-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.33 and save percentage of .951.

Harvey made 77 saves last week backstopping the first place Huskies to three straight road victories.  On Wednesday night he made 26 saves in a 4-1 win over the Val-d’Or Foreurs, then made 33 saves on Friday as part of a 5-2 win over the Sherbrooke Phoenix.  His week wrapped up with an 18-save performance on Saturday in a 5-1 win over the Gatineau Olympiques.

An 18-year-old from Alma, QC, Harvey is playing in his third QMJHL season with the defending league champion Huskies after being selected by the club in the second round of the 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft.  In five games this season he carries a 4-0-0-1 record with a goals-against-average of 1.77 and save percentage of .937 after posting marks of 2.74 and .889 in 35 games last season.

Also considered for the award this week was Joseph Raaymakers of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds who went 3-0-0-0 with a goals-against-average of 1.94 and save percentage of .930, and Nick Schneider of the Medicine Hat Tigers who went 2-0-0-0 with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .962.

2016-17 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

Sept. 26 – Oct. 2: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Liam Herbst (Guelph Storm)

The 2016 National Hockey League Draft saw two Ontario Hockey League forwards go undrafted.

Domenic Commisso of the Oshawa Generals was ranked 37th from the OHL in my final rankings while Drake Rymsha of the Ottawa 67’s didn’t make the final cut mainly because of time missed due to injury.

The NHL’s Boston Bruins came calling and the two were invited to the Bruins summer development camp. Early into this OHL season, the invites seem to have lit a fire under them.

Commisso has appeared in four games for the Generals and has three goals,  three assists and is in the top ten in OHL scoring early into the season. The 5’11”, 192 pound center and native of Oakville Ontario has a 23% shooting percentage and is 52.3% in the faceoff circle. His three assists to date are all primary assists.

Rymsha has also appeared in four games for the 67’s and has four goals and one assist through those contests. His four goals come on 14 shots giving him a 38.6% shooting percentage. He’s 39 for 71 in the faceoff circle, or 59.4%. The Huntington Woods Michigan native stands 6′ and 182 pounds.

Both Commisso and Rymsha will re-enter the draft and be eligible for 2017, but history is not on their side when it comes to being drafted the second time around. The Bruins have a recent history in doing just that with Seth Griffith.

The Bruins may just have wanted a closer look at the two invites at camp. But if they keep on playing as well as they are this early into the season, they could draw interest from other suitors.

Toronto, ON – Week two of the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League season is underway!  Four more teams host home openers this weekend including Niagara, Oshawa, Erie, and Barrie among the 20 games being played tonight through Sunday.

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

 NHL TRAINING CAMP TRACKER:
164 OHL eligible players attended National Hockey League Training Camps, but many have returned back to their clubs. Follow along with the NHL Training Camp Tracker and see who is back in the lineup this weekend! FULL DETAILS

 STORM’S LIAM HERBST NAMED VAUGHN CHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK:

Liam Herbst of the Guelph Storm is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the first week of regular season action ending September 25 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .974. FULL STORY

BULLDOGS’ MATT LUFF NAMED OHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Los Angeles Kings prospect Matt Luff of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for opening week action ending September 25 scoring six points in two games including four goals and two assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-7. FULL STORY

OHL NEWS – RADIO EDITION PRESENTED BY WARRIOR:

Host Terry Doyle caught up with OHL Player of the Week, Matt Luff, to discuss his entry-level contract with the Kings and the early season success of the Hamilton Bulldogs.  LISTEN.

ATTACK’S PETRUS PALMU TIES OHL RECORD:

Petrus Palmu was first star of the Attack’s 7-5 Wednesday night win over Hamilton with a goal and three assists, but found the back of the net in record tying fashion.  His goal came just four seconds into the middle frame, tying an OHL record for fastest goal to start a period, equaling London’s Doug Synyshin who set the mark in 1989. WATCH.

 MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP CHAMPION KNIGHTS HONOURED IN LONDON:

The London Knights celebrated an unforgettable 2015-16 season with their fans on Friday at Budweiser Gardens. Knights owner and former general manager Basil McRae was joined by champion Aaron Berisha at centre ice as a capacity crowd in London watched the 2016 Mastercard Memorial Cup championship banner ascend to the rafters. WATCH

FIREBIRDS HEADLINE 1ST EDITION OF THE OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

A nifty passing play from the Flint Firebirds headlines the 1st edition of the OHL Plays of the Week. See the biggest saves and nicest goals around the OHL all season long with the OHL Plays of the Week. WATCH

RANGERS’ DAWSON CARTY LEADS JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK:
Check out the debut of #JanesSaves, including big stops from Leo Lazarev (Ottawa), Brent Moran (North Bay), David Ovsjannikov (Barrie), Liam Herbst (Guelph), Mario Peccia (Kingston) and Dawson Carty (Kitchener)! #JanesSaves features the top saves from around the OHL this week! WATCH

MILESTONES ABOUND DURING #OHLOPENINGWEEK:

18 players recorded their first OHL goal this past week while three goaltenders registered their first career shutout in the league.  These ‘Milestone Moments’ featured Ty Dellandrea, Matthew Menna, and Garrett Forrest of the Flint Firebirds, Kody Clark of the Ottawa 67’s, Richard Whittaker and Noah Bennett of the London Knights, Jordan Ernst and Brady Hinz of the Sarnia Sting, Brad Chenier of the North Bay Battalion, Matthew Philip of the Niagara IceDogs, Kyle Gentles of the Kitchener Rangers, Nathan Dunkley of the Kingston Frontenacs, Fedor Gordeev and Kaden Fulcher of the Hamilton Bulldogs, Michael Little and Aidan McFarland of the Mississauga Steelheads, Kyle Heitzner and Kirill Nizhnikov of the Barrie Colts, Cole Purboo of the Windsor Spitfires, Renars Krastenbergs of the Oshawa Generals, and Darian Pilon of the Sudbury Wolves. WATCH.

SPORTSNET PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL RESULTS:
Sportsnet asked coaches from all 20 OHL teams 16 different questions heading into the 2016-17 season and the results are in! FULL RESULTS

OHL LIVE EARLY BIRD PRICING STILL AVAILABLE:
The Ontario Hockey League, in association with its digital media partner NeuLion, are proud to offer Early Bird pricing for OHL Live up until October 2, 2016. Powered by NeuLion, OHL Live provides coverage of all 20 teams in the OHL and will deliver all 680 games throughout the regular season as well as coverage throughout the 2017 OHL Playoffs. FULL DETAILS

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Join the Mastercard Memorial Cup Community Activation Team: The 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup Host Organizing Committee (HOC) is looking for people interested in joining its Community Activation Team. The Community Activation Team will play a key role in raising awareness of the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup and educating people within the communities of Windsor-Essex and Kent County about the event’s historical significance – delivering those messages in the form of school visits and directly engaging with local businesses, among other means. Full details at mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

IceDogs raise banner Friday, honour St. Catharines Teepees Saturday: The Niagara IceDogs will raise their Eastern Conference Championship banner on Friday night before saluting the heritage of OHL hockey in St. Catharines on Saturday. The Teepees won Mastercard Memorial Cup titles in 1954 and 1960 and several former players will be in attendance to perform the ceremonial puck-drop. Full details at niagaraicedogs.net.

Kids Weekend in Flint: After posting 4-0 and 2-0 victories on home ice last week, the Flint Firebirds host Kids Weekend at the Dort Federal Event Center. All children 12 and under receive a complimentary ticket with a purchased adult ticket. For full details, visit flintfirebirds.com.

Rangers begin school visits: The Kitchener Rangers are back out in the schools, visiting young fans across the region. Kyle Gentles and Jake Henderson paid a visit to Forest Glen Public School on Tuesday. Learn all about their visit at kitchenerrangers.com.

Petes continue CCM Mentorship Program: The Peterborough Petes, Peterborough Minor Hockey Council and Peterborough Hockey Association are working together again this season to help grow minor hockey in Peterborough and provide amazing experiences for local youth athletes. The CCM Mentorship Program continues for the 2016-17 season. Full details at gopetesgo.com.

ALUMNI NOTES:

11 OHL graduates win World Cup with Canada: 11 OHL graduates are World Cup Champions as members of Team Canada following a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory on Thursday. Defencemen Brent Burns (Brampton Battalion), Drew Doughty (Guelph Storm), Jake Muzzin (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) and Alex Pietrangelo (Barrie Colts) join forwards Logan Couture (Ottawa 67’s), Matt Duchene (Brampton Battalion), Ryan O’Reilly (Erie Otters), Corey Perry (London Knights), Steven Stamkos (Sarnia Sting), John Tavares (London Knights) and Joe Thornton (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) as champs. FULL DETAILS

OHL Alumni Association takes up the fight against cancer: The OHL Alumni Association is joining forces with The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, striving to conquer cancer in our lifetime as they hit the street for a day of road hockey at the annual Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer event on October 1st. The OHL Alumni Association’s 16-man roster has surpassed its $10,000 fundraising goal, having raised over $15,000 to date. All money raised will go towards cancer research, therapies and treatments that will ultimately save lives and provide a fighting chance to all those living with this devastating disease. FULL DETAILS

SCHEDULE: 

Friday September 30:
Windsor at Mississauga – 7:00pm
Kingston at Niagara – 7:00pm
Kitchener at North Bay – 7:00pm
Barrie at Sudbury – 7:00pm
Ottawa at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Hamilton at Guelph – 7:30pm
Sault Ste. Marie at London – 7:30pm
Peterborough at Oshawa – 7:35pm

Saturday October 1:
Kingston at Erie – 7:00pm
Sarnia at Flint – 7:00pm
Hamilton at Niagara – 7:00pm
Ottawa at Saginaw – 7:05pm
London at Barrie – 7:30pm
Guelph at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday October 2:
North Bay at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Kitchener at Sudbury – 2:00pm
Niagara at Peterborough – 2:05pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Sarnia – 2:05pm
Ottawa at Flint – 4:00pm
Windsor at Oshawa – 6:05pm