Islanders’ Kameron Kielly named CHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Kameron Kielly of the Charlottetown Islanders is the CHL Player of the Week for the first week of regular season action ending September 25 after scoring three goals and six assists for nine points in two games with a plus-minus rating of plus-8.

Kielly helped the Islanders open the 2016-17 regular season with a pair of victories over Maritimes Division competition participating in 75% of his team’s 12 goals.  On Friday night he scored a goal with three assists as part of a 6-2 victory over the Saint John Sea Dogs, then recorded a career-high five points on Sunday with two goals and three assists as first star of a 6-2 win over the Moncton Wildcats.

The 19-year-old Charlottetown native is playing in his fifth QMJHL season and fourth with his hometown club after being selected in the first round of the 2012 QMJHL Entry Draft by Gatineau and playing one season with the Olympiques.  In 48 games last season he scored 15 goals with 27 assists for 42 points and recently attended Los Angeles Kings rookie camp on a tryout basis.

Also considered for the award this week was Kings prospect Matt Luff of the Hamilton Bulldogs who scored four goals and two assists for six points in two games, and Chad Butcher of the Medicine Hat Tigers who scored once with six assists for seven points in two games.

2016-17 CHL Players of the Week:

Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Kameron Kielly (Charlottetown Islanders)

CHL Leagues

Storm’s Liam Herbst named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that 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.

Vaughn

Herbst stopped 75 of the 77 shots he faced in an opening week home-and-home series with the Saginaw Spirit backstopping the Storm to a pair of victories.  He made 35 saves on Friday night as second star of a 5-1 victory, then turned aside 40 shots and earned first star honours in a 2-1 Storm win on Saturday.

A 20-year-old from Etobicoke, ON, Herbst is playing in his fourth career OHL season and first with the Storm after being acquired in the off-season from the Ottawa 67’s.  Herbst was a first round pick of the London Knights in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection after capturing an OHL Cup Minor Midget title with the Mississauga Rebels.

Also considered for the award this week was Gabriel Morency of the Rimouski Oceanic who made 36 saves in two appearances against the Baie-Comeau Drakkar finishing the week with one win along with a goals-against-average of 0.57 and save percentage of .973.  In the WHL, Travis Child of the Swift Current Broncos was the lone WHL netminder to produce a shutout in opening week stopping all 28 shots faced in a 6-0 victory over the Saskatoon Blades on Sunday.

2016-17 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Liam Herbst (Guelph Storm)

CHL Leagues

Bulldogs’ Matt Luff named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that 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.

Matt Luff of the Hamilton Bulldogs. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Matt Luff of the Hamilton Bulldogs. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Luff was the offensive catalyst for the Bulldogs who opened the 2016-17 regular season with a pair of victories over Eastern Conference competition.  On Friday night he matched a career-high with four points including a hat-trick in a 7-0 road win over the Mississauga Steelheads, then Saturday contributed a goal and an assist in the 7-2 victory over the Kingston Frontenacs.  Luff earned first star honours and was credited with game-winning goals in both contests.

A 19-year-old from Oakville, ON, Luff is playing in his third OHL season and was recently signed to an entry-level contract by the Kings after attending training camp as a Free Agent invite.  Last season he set career-highs in all offensive categories with 27 goals and 30 assists for 57 points in 61 games which led the Bulldogs in scoring.

Watch video highlights of Luff and the Bulldogs against the Steelheads and Frontenacs.

Also considered for the award this week were Ryan Moore and Nicholas Caamano of the Flint Firebirds who each recorded seven points in three games.  Moore scored three goals with four assists, while Caamano netted two goals with five helpers as the Firebirds picked up two wins in OHL Opening Week.  In goal, Liam Herbst backstopped the Guelph Storm to a pair of wins against the Saginaw Spirit making 75 saves for a save percentage of .974 along with a goals-against-average of 1.00.

OHL This Week for September 21-25, 2016

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – Another season of Ontario Hockey League action is underway with #OHLOpeningWeek in full swing.  4 games have been played with another 15 tonight through Sunday.

OHLThisWeek

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

 164 OHL PLAYERS INVITED TO NHL TRAINING CAMPS:

The Ontario Hockey League is proud to announce that 164 OHL players were invited to attend National Hockey League Training Camps this season.

 All 164 players listed are eligible to compete in the OHL for the 2016-17 season including 108 players born in either 1997 or 1998, while 56 of the players are 1996-born and would return as overage players.  159 of the players listed competed in the OHL last season, while five of the players are committed to their OHL clubs for 2016-17. Full details

 THREE OHL TEAMS INCLUDED IN PRE-SEASON EDITION OF CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:


The defending Mastercard Memorial Cup champion London Knights top the first edition of the weekly CHL Top 10 Rankings releasedon Wednesday. The 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup host Windsor Spitfires come in at sixth, followed close behind by the Mississauga Steelheads at seventh. The Sarnia Sting received an honourable mention.  Full Rankings

 OHL 20 IN 20 SERIES PREVIEWS EACH OHL TEAM:

Over the span of the past 20 days, ontariohockeyleague.com has taken a team-by-team look at the 2016-17 OHL season. Get the inside scoop on your favourite teams as general managers provide their insights heading into Opening Week.

 Read up on all 20 teams:

East Division: Hamilton Bulldogs, Oshawa Generals, Peterborough Petes, Ottawa 67’s, Kingston Frontenacs.

 Central Division: Sudbury Wolves, Mississauga Steelheads, North Bay Battalion, Barrie Colts,Niagara IceDogs.

 Midwest Division: Guelph Storm, Owen Sound Attack, Kitchener Rangers, Erie Otters, London Knights.

 West Division: Flint Firebirds, Saginaw Spirit, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Windsor Spitfires,Sarnia Sting

 OHL LIVE EARLY BIRD PRICING NOW 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 which opens Wednesday, September 21, as well as coverage throughout the 2017 OHL Playoffs. Full details

 130 PROSPECTS COMMIT TO OHL THROUGHOUT THE OFFSEASON:
A total of 130 prospects made commitments to the Ontario Hockey League throughout the course of the offseason. Get familiarized with the new names and faces! Full list.

 OHL NEWS – RADIO EDITION:

 In the debut segment for the 2016-17 season, host Terry Doyle chats with first overall pick Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm ahead of his first regular season game.  Listen.

 TRIO SIGN NHL ENTRY-LEVEL CONTRACTS:

 Among the 164 OHL players attending NHL Training Camps this season, three recently inked entry-level deals with their respective clubs including Free Agent Invite Matt Luff of the Hamilton Bulldogs (Los Angeles Kings), and the Soo Greyhounds duo of Blake Speers and Colton White both with the New Jersey Devils.

 COMMUNITY CORNER:

McFadden’s Movement launches in Guelph: Guelph Storm defenceman Garrett McFadden is looking to break down barriers and stereotypes when it comes to how athletes are expected to handle mental health issues. He’ll be connecting with minor hockey teams and athletes this season, helping them prepare and deal with some of the pressures and challenges they face. For more on the story, please visit guelphstorm.com.

Spitfires unveil new jumbotron: The 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup host Windsor Spitfires unveiled their brand new jumbotron at the WFCU Centre in Thursday’s home opener against the Erie Otters. Here’s a sneak peak at windsorspitfires.com!

Frontenacs unveil third jerseys: The Kingston Fronts will be decked out in gold this season after unveiling their brand new third jerseys last week. The new threads are available in the team store. Full details at kingstonfrontenacs.com.

 ALUMNI NOTES:

35 OHL graduates competing in World Cup of Hockey: All eight teams competing in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey feature at least one OHL graduate! There are a total of 75 former CHL players battling in the best-on-best international competition. Check out the full list.

 #OHLOPENINGWEEK SCHEDULE: 


Wednesday September 21:
Saginaw 0 at Flint 4 – Highlights
London 1 at Sarnia 4 – Highlights

Thursday September 22:
Ottawa 5 at Peterborough 3 – Highlights
Erie 1 at Windsor 4 – Highlights

Friday September 23:
Barrie at Kingston (7:00pm)
Oshawa at Sudbury (7:00pm)
Hamilton at Mississauga (7:00pm)
Niagara at North Bay (7:00pm)
Owen Sound at Sarnia (7:05pm)
Windsor at Sault Ste. Marie (7:07pm)
Saginaw at Guelph (7:30pm)
Flint at Kitchener (7:30pm)
Erie at London (7:30pm)

Saturday September 24:
Kingston at Hamilton (7:00pm)
Owen Sound at Flint (7:00pm)
Guelph at Saginaw (7:05pm)
Oshawa at Sault Ste. Marie (7:07pm)

Sunday September 25:
Barrie at Ottawa (2:00pm)
Sudbury at Mississauga (2:00pm)

 Follow the action at www.ontariohockeyleague.com or on social media @OHLHockey using #OHLOpeningWeek to join the conversation.

Ontario Hockey League Announces Player Safety Initiatives and Rule Changes for 2016-17 Season

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – At its annual league meeting, the Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors took further steps in addressing player safety through the adoption of a “Blindside Hit Rule” whereby there will be a penalty assessed for those players who check an opponent from the blindside.  Based on the discretion of the referee, a minor, major and game misconduct or match penalty may be assessed. Such infraction would also be subject to review and possible supplementary discipline by the league.

OHL

In addition, the league took further steps to address fighting in the game by lowering the threshold prior to automatic disciplinary action being assessed from 10 fights per player per season to three fights per player per season. Players exceeding such threshold will be subject to an automatic two game suspension, for each fight exceeding the threshold.

Note: If a player is instigated upon, the fighting major is not included in the player’s total number of fights.

Since the adoption of the 10 fight threshold for the 2012-2013 season, the league has seen the number of fights in the league decrease by 49.5% and for the last two seasons have not had a single player with more than 10 fights based on the threshold criteria established.

“As the number one development league in the world for the NHL and CIS, the OHL continually challenges ourselves to improve the on-ice environment and evolve the game for the benefit of the most important people in our game, our players,” said David Branch, OHL Commissioner.

The league has also made an adjustment to its icing rule in adopting the current NHL hybrid icing.

Sudbury Wolves Franchise Announcement

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League in association with the Sudbury Wolves Hockey Club today announced that the Burgess and Edwards families have entered into an agreement to transfer 100% ownership of the hockey club to Sudbury businessman Dario Zulich.

Official Transfer of Ownership is pending League approval and will be addressed at the next scheduled meeting of the Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors taking place August 17-18, 2016.‎  The League and the Sudbury Wolves will not be making any further comment on this matter until completion of the Board of Governors meeting in August.

The Burgess and Edwards Family have owned and operated the Wolves franchise for the past 30 years making them the longest serving owners in the  OHL.  The storied Sudbury Wolves franchise will be entering into its 45th anniversary season in 2016-17.

Sudbury_Wolves

196 PLAYERS INVITED TO HOCKEY CANADA NATIONAL TEAMS’ SUMMER SHOWCASE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Canada’s National Junior Team camp heads east to Toronto and Plymouth, Mich.

Hockey Canada

CALGARY, Alta. – The top 196 players in Canada have been invited to attend the men’s camps as part of the National Teams’ Summer Showcase from July 26-Aug. 6.

In its second summer, the National Teams’ Summer Showcase will bring together Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team selection camp (44 players) and Canada’s national under-17 development camp (111 players) in Calgary, at the Markin MacPhail Centre from July 26-Aug. 2. Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Summer Development Camp (41 players) will be hosted in Toronto July 30-Aug 2, and will feature a four-game series against the U.S., Sweden, and Finland from Aug. 3-6 in Plymouth, Mich.

 Ryan Jankowski, director of player personnel for Hockey Canada, was responsible for all player selections, with assistance from regional scouts Carl Bouchard (Quebec), Barclay Branch (Ontario), Wade Klippenstein (West), Kevin Mitchell (Atlantic), and Darrell Woodley (Ontario) for the under-17 roster along with branch representatives, and with input from coaches and general managers from across the Canadian Hockey League for the under-18 and under-20 rosters.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the talent we have across the country, and for our coaches and scouts to evaluate the players in our programs,” said Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada’s vice-president of hockey operations and national teams. “These camps are key in selecting our international teams for the 2016-17 season, and we are looking forward to hosting 196 players as they work towards their ultimate goal of wearing the maple leaf.”

 Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team selection camp

From July 29-Aug. 2, 44 players – four goaltenders, 16 defencemen, and 24 forwards – will participate in practices and three Red-White intrasquad games.

 Of the 44 players who have been invited to the selection camp, 22 will be selected for Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team for the 2016 U18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup, Aug. 8-12 in Breclav, Czech Republic and Bratislava, Slovakia. Canada has won the summer under-18 tournament 11 times in the last 12 years, including the last eight consecutive years.

 Canada’s national under-17 development camp

From July 26-Aug. 1, 111 players – 12 goaltenders, 36 defenceman and 63 forwards – will participate in practices and games on one of six teams: Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Red, and White.

 Following the development camp, players will continue to be evaluated through the early season before 66 are selected to represent Canada on one of three national teams – Team Canada Black, Team Canada Red, and Team Canada White – at the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, which is scheduled for Oct. 30 – Nov. 5 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

This year, 110 players have been drafted or listed by CHL teams, including 42 from the Ontario Hockey League, 40 from the Western Hockey League and 28 from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Summer Development Camp

From July 30-Aug. 6, 41 players – four goaltenders, 14 defencemen and 23 forwards – will participate in practices on July 30-Aug. 2 in Toronto before playing in a series against the Finland, Sweden, and the United States at the USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich.

 Jankowski will continue to monitor these players and other potential candidates during the first few months of the 2016-17 season and at the CHL Canada Russia Series to determine who will be invited to Canada’s National Junior Team selection camp in December. In total, 22 players will be selected to represent Canada at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship when it returns to Canadian ice Dec. 26, 2016 to Jan. 5, 2017 in Toronto and Montreal.

For more information on Hockey Canada and the Program of Excellence, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Twitter.com/HC_Men.

OHL Announces 2015-16 All-Star Teams

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the All-Star teams for the 2015-16 OHL season.

Nylander, Alexander
Alexander Nylander of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Mitch Marner of the London Knights headlines the First Team All-Stars at Right Wing for the second straight season.  Marner was the league’s Red Tilson Trophy recipient for Most Outstanding Player of the Year and became the first player in OHL history to win that award followed by OHL Playoff MVP honours, CHL Player of the Year, and MasterCard Memorial Cup MVP.  He is joined up front by linemates including Arizona Coyotes prospect Christian Dvorak and 2016 NHL Draft prospect Matthew Tkachuk.  The trio combined for 344 regular season points and marks just the fifth time in league history and first since the 2001 Belleville Bulls where all three forward positions on the First All-Star Team are from the same team.  Draft eligible Defenceman of the Year Mikhail Sergachev of the Windsor Spitfires is also a First Team All-Star along with Calgary Flames prospect Rasmus Andersson of the Barrie Colts.  New Jersey Devils prospect and Goaltender of the Year Mackenzie Blackwood of the Colts, and Coach of the Year Kris Knoblauch of the Erie Otters round out the group receiving top honours.

The Otters lead the way with a total of five representatives including Knoblauch, along with Second Team All-Stars that include Maple Leafs prospect Travis Dermott and goaltender Devin Williams, and Third Team All-Stars that include Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome and 2016 NHL Draft prospect Alex DeBrincat.  The Knights and Colts each have four representatives including London’s forward trio on the First All-Star Team along with draft eligible defenceman Olli Juolevi receiving Third Team recognition.  The Colts have Andersson and Blackwood on the First Team, and Second Team All-Stars that include San Jose Sharks prospect and OHL Top Scorer Kevin Labanc, and Flames prospect Andrew Mangiapane.

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

2015-16 OHL All-Star Teams (voting points listed following team):

First Team All-Stars:

C – Christian Dvorak (London Knights) 62

LW – Matthew Tkachuk (London Knights) 56

RW – Mitch Marner (London Knights) 71 – voted 1st team in 2014-15

D – Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor Spitfires) 64

D – Rasmus Andersson (Barrie Colts) 61 – voted 2nd team in 2014-15

G – Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie Colts) 49

Coach – Kris Knoblauch (Erie Otters) 73

Second Team All-Stars:

C – Mike Amadio (North Bay Battalion) 61

LW – Andrew Mangiapane (Barrie Colts) 46

RW – Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts) 69

D – Travis Dermott (Erie Otters) 50

D – Jakob Chychrun (Sarnia Sting) 42 – voted 3rd team in 2014-15

G – Devin Williams (Erie Otters) 47

Coach – Rocky Thompson (Windsor Spitfires) 36

Third Team All-Stars:

C – Dylan Strome (Erie Otters) 51 – voted 2nd team in 2014-15

LW – Alexander Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads) 34

RW – Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters) 22 – voted 2nd team in 2014-15

D – Olli Juolevi (London Knights) 38

D – Roland McKeown (Kingston Frontenacs) 37

G – Alex Nedeljkovic (Niagara IceDogs) 46 – voted 3rd team in 2014-15, 1st team in 2013-14

Coach – Mike Van Ryn (Kitchener Rangers) 22

CHL announces 2015-16 Award winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Red Deer – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the 10 national award winners for the 2015-16 season including Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Mitch Marner of the London Knights who earned Sportsnet CHL Player of the Year honours.

The awards were presented as part of the 2016 MasterCard Memorial Cup festivities in Red Deer.

Award Winners
2015-16 CHL Award Winners at the ENMAX Centrium in Red Deer, Alberta on Saturday May 28, 2016. Photo by Terry Wilson / CHL Images.

2015-16 CHL Award Winners:

BRP Top Prospect Award: Pierre-Luc Dubois (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles):

Cape Breton forward Pierre-Luc Dubois became the first Quebec Major Junior Hockey League player in more than a decade to be named No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking of North American skaters eligible for the 2016 NHL Draft. In his third season in the QMJHL, the 17-year-old from St-Agathe-des-Monts scored 42 goals added 57 assists for 99 points in 62 games. He also maintained a +40 rating.  Finalists for the award include Matthew Tkachuk of the London Knights ranked second, and Jake Bean of the Calgary Hitmen ranked at number 15.

Cavendish Top Scorer Award: Conor Garland (Moncton Wildcats):

Arizona Coyotes prospect Conor Garland tallied 39 goals and 89 assists for 128 points in 62 games while maintaining a +26 rating for the Wildcats.  The 20-year-old from Scituate, MA, shared the award with Dylan Strome of the Erie Otters last season and becomes the first back-to-back recipient since Sidney Crosby of the Rimouski Oceanic in 2004 and 2005.  Finalists for the award include San Jose Sharks prospect Kevin Labanc of the Barrie Colts and Adam Brooks of the Regina Pats.

Janes Sportsman of the Year Award: Samuel Girard (Shawinigan Cataractes):

2016 NHL Draft prospect Samuel Girard scored 10 goals and added 64 assists for 74 points in 67 games.  The 18-year-old from Roberval, QC, led all QMJHL defencemen in scoring while spending just 10 minutes in the penalty box.  He is listed 38th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the 2016 NHL Draft.  Past Cataractes to win the award include Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll who won back-to-back in 2008 and 2009, and Benoit Mondou in 2004.  Finalists for the award include Los Angeles Kings prospect Mike Amadio of the North Bay Battalion, and Tyler Soy of the Victoria Royals.

All Weather Windows Humanitarian of the Year Award: Will Petschenig (Saginaw Spirit):

Will Petschenig made an immediate and lasting impact in the Saginaw community as a member of the Spirit during the 2015-16 campaign creating the program “A Heart Like Mine” with the hope of reaching out to children and families who are grieving the loss of a loved one.  The 21-year-old from Manotick, ON, developed friendships and memories with over 50 kids, ‘Will’s Warriors’, sharing an unfortunate common bond through his program and in his countless hours volunteering at the Great Lakes Bay Region Grief Center.  Finalists for the award include Tyler Wong of the Lethbridge Hurricanes, and Samuel Laberge of the Rimouski Oceanic.

TVA Sports Scholastic Player of the Year Award: Alexis D’Aoust (Shawinigan Cataractes):

Alexis D’Aoust is a devoted young man on the ice and in his studies. He is currently studying in natural sciences at Shawinigan’s college.  The 20-year-old from Trois-Rivieres, QC, scored 44 goals and 54 assists for 98 points in 68 games this season.  He is the second member of the Cataractes to win the award following Pierre-Marc Guilbault in 2006.  Finalists for the award include Tanner Kaspick of the Brandon Wheat Kings and 2017 NHL Draft prospect Nicolas Hague of the Mississauga Steelheads.

Bumper to Bumper Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award: Gilles Bouchard (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies):

Gilles Bouchard led the Huskies to the top of the QMJHL standings with 113 points powered by an overall record of 54-9-3-2.  In just his third season behind the Rouyn-Noranda bench, the club captured their first President Cup in franchise history.  Bouchard played in the QMJHL with Shawinigan, Trois-Rivieres, Beauport, and Chicoutimi from 1988-91.  Finalists for the award include Dave Lowry of the Victoria Royals and Kris Knoblauch of the Erie Otters.

CCM Rookie of the Year Award: Alexander Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads):

Alexander Nylander scored 28 goals and 47 assists for 75 points in 57 games played setting a Mississauga Steelheads rookie scoring record.  The 18-year-old from Sweden is currently ranked third among North American skaters for the 2016 NHL Draft and represented his country at the 2016 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and IIHF World Junior Championship this season.  Finalists for the award include Matthew Phillips of the Victoria Royals and Vitalii Abramov of the Gatineau Olympiques.

Vaughn Goaltender of the Year Award: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips):

Carter Hart enjoyed a terrific season helping lead the WHL’s second-best defensive club, posting a 35-23-1-3 record with six shutouts in 63 appearances.  The 17-year-old from Sherwood Park, AB finished second amongst WHL netminders with a 2.14 goals against average, finished with the sixth-best save percentage at .918 and placed first overall with 35 victories for the Silvertips.  Hart is ranked second amongst North American goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting for the 2016 NHL Draft.  Finalists for the award include New Jersey Devils prospect Mackenzie Blackwood of the Barrie Colts, and Chase Marchand of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.

Arctic Spas Defenceman of the Year Award: Ivan Provorov (Brandon Wheat Kings):

In his second season in the WHL, Wheat Kings defenceman Ivan Provorov played a major role for Brandon at both ends of the ice. The 19-year-old from Yaroslavl, Russia finished first in scoring amongst WHL defencemen with 73 points, which included 21 goals in 62 games, while also leading the League with a plus-64 rating. A member of Russia’s National Junior Team that won silver at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, Provorov was selected seventh overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2015 NHL Draft.  Finalists for the award include 2016 NHL Draft prospects Mikhail Sergachev of the Windsor Spitfires and Samuel Girard of the Shawinigan Cataractes.

Sportsnet Player of the Year Award: Mitch Marner (London Knights):

Mitch Marner scored 39 goals and 77 assists for 116 points in just 57 games eclipsing the century mark for the second straight season.  He also maintained a +45 rating helping the Knights finish second in the OHL’s regular season standings.  The Knights co-captain produced 31 multi-point performances, a 21-game point-streak, and represented Canada at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship.  The 19-year-old from Thornhill, ON, was selected fourth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2015 NHL Draft.  He becomes the third Knight to win the award following Jason Allison in 1994, and Dave Simpson in 1982.  Finalists for the award include Ottawa Senators prospect Francis Perron of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, and Florida Panthers prospect Dryden Hunt of the Moose Jaw Warriors.

CHL announces 2015-16 Award Finalists

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the nominees for the 10 major awards that will be presented at the annual CHL Awards Ceremony which takes place on Saturday May 28 as part of the 2016 MasterCard Memorial Cup festivities in Red Deer.

BRP Top Prospect Award:

Jake Bean (Calgary Hitmen)

Matthew Tkachuk (London Knights)

Pierre-Luc Dubois (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)

Notable winners: Connor McDavid (Erie Otters 2015), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Red Deer Rebels 2011), Vincent Lecavalier (Rimouski Oceanic 1998).

 Cavendish Top Scorer Award:

Adam Brooks (Regina Pats)

Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)

Conor Garland (Moncton Wildcats)

Notable winners: Linden Vey (Medicine Hat Tigers 2011), Patrick Kane (London Knights 2007), Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Oceanic 2004 and 2005).

Janes Sportsman of the Year Award:

Tyler Soy (Victoria Royals)

Mike Amadio (North Bay Battalion)

Samuel Girard (Shawinigan Cataractes)

Notable winners: Sam Reinhart (Kootenay Ice 2014), David Desharnais (Chicoutimi Sagueneens 2007), Jeff Carter (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 2005).

 All Weather Windows Humanitarian of the Year Award:

Tyler Wong (Lethbridge Hurricanes)

Will Petschenig (Saginaw Spirit)

Samuel Laberge (Rimouski Oceanic)

Notable winners: Ben Fanelli (Kitchener Rangers 2013), Colin Fraser (Red Deer Rebels 2005), Simon Gamache (Val-d’Or Foreurs 2000).

 TVA Sports Scholastic Player of the Year Award:

Tanner Kaspick (Brandon Wheat Kings)

Nicolas Hague (Mississauga Steelheads)

Alexis D’Aoust (Shawinigan Cataractes)

Notable winners: Connor McDavid (Erie Otters 2014-15),  Josh Morrissey (Prince Albert Raiders 2013), Jonathan Brunelle (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 2012).

Bumper to Bumper Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award:

Dave Lowry (Victoria Royals)

Kris Knoblauch (Erie Otters)

Gilles Bouchard (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)

Notable winners: Gerard Gallant (Saint John Sea Dogs 2010 and 2011), Peter DeBoer (Plymouth Whalers 2000), Ken Hitchcock (Kamloops Blazers 1990).

CCM Rookie of the Year Award:

Matthew Phillips (Victoria Royals)

Alexander Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads)

Vitalii Abramov (Gatineau Olympiques)

Notable winners: Nikolaj Ehlers (Halifax Mooseheads 2014), Patrick Kane (London Knights 2007), Brett Connolly (Prince George Cougars 2009).

Vaughn Goaltender of the Year Award:

Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)

Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie Colts)

Chase Marchand (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)

Notable winners: Jake Allen (Drummondville Voltigeurs 2010), Cam Ward (Tri-City Americans 2004), Ray Emery (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 2002).

Arctic Spas Defenceman of the Year Award:

Ivan Provorov (Brandon Wheat Kings)

Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor Spitfires)

Samuel Girard (Shawinigan Cataractes)

Notable winners: Dougie Hamilton (Niagara IceDogs 2012), Keith Yandle (Moncton Wildcats 2006), Dan Hamhuis (Prince George Cougars 2002).

Rogers Player of the Year Award:

Dryden Hunt (Moose Jaw Warriors)

Mitchell Marner (London Knights)

Francis Perron (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)

Notable winners: Connor McDavid (Erie Otters 2015), Jordan Eberle (Regina Pats 2010), Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Oceanic 2004 and 2005).

For more information please visit www.mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

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