Spitfires’ Gabriel Vilardi named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that 2017 NHL Draft prospect Gabriel Vilardi of the Windsor Spitfires is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 5 after leading the league with nine points in three games scoring four goals and five assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-4.

Gabriel Vilardi of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Gabriel Vilardi of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Vilardi recorded a trio of multi-point performances last week for the Spitfires who won all three of their games to keep pace in the competitive Western Conference standings where they remain in fifth place with a 39-15-5-3 record just two points behind the Owen Sound Attack.  Vilardi and the Mastercard Memorial Cup hosts took full advantage of Sportsnet’s spotlight grabbing two wins against top-five CHL ranked competition including Thursday night over the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Saturday afternoon against the London Knights both played before a national broadcast audience.  Vilardi began the week earning first star honours with a goal and an assist in the 4-3 overtime triumph against the Hounds, then earned second star recognition contributing two assists in the 4-1 victory against the Knights.  The OHL’s top ranked NHL Draft prospect elevated his play on Sunday with a career-high five points collecting his second hat-trick of the season as first star of a 7-1 win over the Sudbury Wolves.

A 17-year-old from Kingston, ON, Vilardi is playing in his second season with the Spitfires who chose him second overall in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.  He is listed third overall among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the 2017 NHL Draft and competed in January’s Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Quebec City scoring a goal for Team Cherry in their 7-5 win.  Vilardi currently has 28 goals and 31 assists for 59 points in 43 games and is the third Spitfire to earn the league’s weekly honour this season following teammates Michael DiPietro and Logan Brown.

Watch video highlights of Vilardi and the Spitfires against the Greyhounds, Knights, and Wolves.

Also considered for the award this week was fellow 2017 NHL Draft prospect Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack who scored five goals and one assist for six points in two games, and Los Angeles Kings prospect Spencer Watson of the Central Division champion Mississauga Steelheads who scored twice with five assists for seven points in three games.  In goal, rookie Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds posted a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory making 64 saves for a goals-against-average of 0.50 and save percentage of .985.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Gabriel Vilardi (Windsor Spitfires)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Joseph Murdaca (Erie Otters)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Spencer Watson (Mississauga Steelheads)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Hayden Hodgson (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Kole Sherwood (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Santino Centorame (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Max Jones (London Knights)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
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)

Steelheads’ Michael McLeod named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that New Jersey Devils prospect Michael McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 26 after recording 11 points in three games scoring five goals and six assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-8.

McLeod produced three multi-point performances last week helping the Steelheads win three straight games to become the first Central Division club to clinch a playoff berth with a 27-19-6-7 record.  The highlight of his week came Friday night scoring his second hat-trick of the season while adding three assists as first star of a 10-1 win over the Eastern Conference’s first place Peterborough Petes.  The six points were not only a career-high for McLeod, but also set a Steelheads single game record since the club’s inception in 2012-13.  McLeod’s week also included a pair of assists on Family Day in a 5-3 matinee victory over the Owen Sound Attack, and capped off by notching two goals and an assist on Saturday as second star of a 6-2 win against the Sudbury Wolves.  McLeod is the second Steelhead to earn the weekly honour in three weeks following teammate Spencer Watson.

Michael McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Michael McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

A 19-year-old from Mississauga, ON, McLeod was originally chosen by his hometown Steelheads fifth overall in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection after earning OHL Cup MVP honours for the minor midget champion Toronto Marlboros.  Through 48 games this season, the third year forward has collected the exact same offensive totals attained in 57 games played a year ago including 21 goals and 40 assists for 61 points.  The Steelheads captain and member of Canada’s National Junior Team was chosen by the Devils in the first round, 12th overall, in the 2016 NHL Draft.

Watch video highlights of McLeod and the Steelheads against the Attack, Petes, and Wolves.

Also considered for the award this week was Arizona Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome of the Erie Otters who scored three goals and eight assists for 11 points in four games, and 2017 NHL Draft prospect Jason Robertson of the Kingston Frontenacs with four goals and five assists for nine points in four games.  In goal, Edmonton Oilers prospect Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes posted a 3-0-0-0 record making 97 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.67 and save percentage of .951.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Joseph Murdaca (Erie Otters)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Spencer Watson (Mississauga Steelheads)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Hayden Hodgson (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Kole Sherwood (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Santino Centorame (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Max Jones (London Knights)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
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)

Otters’ Joseph Murdaca named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that goaltender Joseph Murdaca of the Erie Otters is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 19 after posting a 3-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 0.67 and save percentage of .964.

Murdaca was near perfect last week turning aside 54 of 56 shots faced backstopping Erie to a trio of victories as the Otters established a new franchise record for consecutive wins.  On Wednesday night he made 16 saves in a battle for first place atop the Midwest Division standings defeating the London Knights by a 5-1 score.  Over the weekend Murdaca got the best of his former team the Mississauga Steelheads in a home-and-home series beginning Friday night on the road with 19 saves in the 4-1 win, and Saturday at home with another 19 save performance as first star recording the 3-0 shutout.  The Otters are the OHL’s top team with 87 points courtesy of a 42-10-2-1 record and powered of late by 13-straight wins surpassing the club’s previous high of 11 set during the 2013-14 season.

An 18-year-old from Niagara Falls, ON, Murdaca was acquired by the Otters in December and has won each of his last 11 starts since January 13.  He carries an overall record of 11-1-0-1 with the Otters including two shutouts, a goals-against-average of 2.13, and save percentage of .905 in 13 appearances.  The sophomore is now the seventh goaltender to receive the league’s weekly award, while this marks the fifth time an Otters player has been recognized following Alex DeBrincat (3) and fellow netminder Troy Timpano.

Watch video highlights of Murdaca and the Otters against the Knights, and Friday and Saturday against the Steelheads.

Two other goaltenders were considered for the award this week as their clubs clinched OHL Playoff berths including Michael McNiven of the Owen Sound Attack and Jeremy Brodeur of the Oshawa Generals.  McNiven, a Montreal Canadiens prospect, went 2-0-0-1 with 72 saves and a shutout victory for a goals-against-average of 0.97 and save percentage of .960.  Brodeur stopped 82 shots and was a perfect 17/17 across two shootout victories carrying a goals-against-average of 2.77 and save percentage of .932.  Up front, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Alex DeBrincat of the Otters led the league with seven points including three goals and four assists in three games eclipsing the century mark for points in a season a third straight time.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Joseph Murdaca (Erie Otters)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Spencer Watson (Mississauga Steelheads)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Hayden Hodgson (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Kole Sherwood (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Santino Centorame (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Max Jones (London Knights)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
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)

Steelheads’ Spencer Watson 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 Spencer Watson of the Mississauga Steelheads is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 12 after recording seven points including three goals and four assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-3 in three games.

Watson delivered a trio of multi-point performances last week helping the Steelheads earn five of a possible six points extending their lead to 10 atop the Central Division standings.  On Thursday Watson scored the game-winner and added an assist as part of a 7-5 road win against the Barrie Colts as the Trout erased a 3-0 second period deficit.  On Friday he earned second star honours with a pair of goals plus an assist and even produced a shootout tally to keep Mississauga’s hopes alive before falling 4-3 to the visiting Hamilton Bulldogs.  His week wrapped up Sunday with two assists as third star of a 3-2 triumph over the visiting Saginaw Spirit.  Sunday’s victory continued an impressive streak for the Steelheads who have collected 16 points in their last 10 games and now hold a 24-17-6-6 record with 15 games remaining in the 2016-17 regular season.

A 20-year-old from London, ON, Watson is playing in his fifth OHL season and first with the Steelheads after being acquired from the Kingston Frontenacs in the off-season.  The seventh round pick of the Kings in the 2014 NHL Draft made his season debut in December following wrist surgery and has contributed 20 goals and 10 assists for 30 points in 26 games.  Watson is approaching the prestigious 300 career point milestone currently with 278 including an equal 139 goals and assists in 259 games played.

Watch video highlights of Watson and the Steelheads against the Colts, Bulldogs, and Spirit.

Also considered for the award this week was 2017 NHL Draft prospect Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack and Ryan Moore of the Flint Firebirds both recording six-point weeks including four goals and two assists in three games highlighted by hat-trick performances on Sunday.  In goal, Stephen Dhillon of the Niagara IceDogs made 73 saves in two games posting a 1-0-0-1 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 0.96 and save percentage of .973.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Spencer Watson (Mississauga Steelheads)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Hayden Hodgson (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Kole Sherwood (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Santino Centorame (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Max Jones (London Knights)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
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)

Otters’ Alex DeBrincat named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Chicago Blackhawks prospect Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 5 after recording 11 points in three games scoring six times with five assists and a plus-minus rating of plus-1.

Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

DeBrincat earns the award for the third time this season following a trio of multi-point performances on the club’s East Division road trip that helped the Otters extend their winning-streak to eight and claim sole possession of first place in the overall standings with a 37-10-2-1 record.  DeBrincat became the Otters all-time leader in career goals scored on Thursday night with two tallies as part of a 5-4 win over the Peterborough Petes where he earned second star honours.  His 40th of the season in that contest helped erase a 4-2 third period deficit and surpassed Brad Boyes for the franchise’s goal-scoring lead with 142 set in his 171st career game.  DeBrincat’s week wrapped up with two straight first star efforts including Saturday night with two goals and three assists as part of an 8-4 win over the Ottawa 67’s, then Sunday afternoon with two goals and two assists in a 6-1 win over the Kingston Frontenacs.

A 19-year-old from Farmington Hills, Michigan, DeBrincat leads the OHL in scoring with 92 points in 45 games including 44 goals and 48 assists holding a 10-point lead over teammate Taylor Raddysh.  The third-year forward is on pace to become just the second player in OHL history to record three consecutive 50-goal seasons and would join Dale McCourt of the Hamilton/St. Catharines Fincups who accomplished the feat from 1974-77.  DeBrincat was chosen by the Blackhawks in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft.

Watch video highlights of DeBrincat and the Otters against the Petes, 67’s, and Frontenacs.

Also considered for the award this week was fellow Otter and Arizona Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome who scored twice with seven assists for nine points in three games, and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Kole Sherwood of the Flint Firebirds who scored three goals and three assists for six points in two games.  In goal, Jeremy Brodeur of the Oshawa Generals made 71 saves while posting a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .973.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Hayden Hodgson (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Kole Sherwood (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Santino Centorame (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Max Jones (London Knights)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
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)

Frontenacs’ Jeremy Helvig named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending January 29 after posting a 2-0-0-1 record including two shutout victories with a goals-against-average of 1.28 and save percentage of .956.

Helvig becomes the sixth OHL netminder to claim the award this season after stopping 87 shots and helping the Frontenacs earn five of a possible six points last week.  His week began on Wednesday where the Frontenacs were on the disappointing end of a marathon matchup against the Ottawa 67’s.  Helvig stopped 29 shots in regulation and overtime before denying 12 of 14 shootout attempts in the 5-4 loss.  Helvig rebounded Friday stopping all 28 shots he faced as second star of a 3-0 victory over the Niagara IceDogs, then made 30 saves on Saturday as second star of a 1-0 triumph over the Mississauga Steelheads earning back-to-back shutouts for the first time in his career.  The Frontenacs are now fourth in the OHL’s Eastern Conference standings with a 22-17-5-3 record.

Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

A 19-year-old from Markham, ON, Helvig is playing in his third OHL season with the Frontenacs who chose him in the third round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.  So far this season he carries a 20-14-4-2 record with five shutouts, tied for most in the league, along with the OHL’s fifth best goals-against-average at 2.62, also posting a save percentage of .910 in 41 games.  He was selected by the Hurricanes in the fifth round of the 2016 NHL Draft.

Watch video highlights of Helvig and the Frontenacs against the 67’s, IceDogs, and Steelheads.

Also considered for the award this week was Arizona Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome who became the Erie Otters all-time leading scorer following a week of eight points including three goals and five assists in three games.  In addition, New Jersey Devils prospect Michael McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads had four goals and four assists for eight points in four games, while defenceman Jeff King of the Sarnia Sting had a goal and six assists for seven points in two games.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Hayden Hodgson (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Kole Sherwood (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Santino Centorame (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Max Jones (London Knights)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
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)

Spirit’s Hayden Hodgson named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that forward Hayden Hodgson of the Saginaw Spirit is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending January 22 after scoring five goals and one assist for six points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-4.

Hodgson extended his point-streak to five games including a pair of multi-point performances last week helping the Spirit earn five of a possible six points on their Central Division road trip.  His week began Thursday night in Barrie scoring twice and picking up an assist despite a 5-4 overtime loss to the Colts.  On Friday night he earned first star honours with two goals including the game-winner in a 6-3 victory over the Sudbury Wolves, then found the back of the net again Sunday in North Bay as part of a 6-3 triumph over the Battalion.  The Spirit have closed the gap in the Western Conference playoff race with a 17-20-6-2 record trailing eighth place Flint by four points.

Hayden Hodgson of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Hayden Hodgson of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

A 20-year-old from Leamington, ON, Hodgson is playing in his fifth career OHL season and second with the Spirit after being acquired from the Sarnia Sting last January.  Originally a third round pick of the Erie Otters in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection, Hodgson has already established career-highs in all offensive categories including 27 goals and 22 assists for 49 points in 44 games.  He ranks tied for 15th overall in league scoring, while his 10 power play markers are tied for fifth best.  He is also among OHL leaders in shots on goal with 161 including 17 in his last three games.

Watch video highlights of Hodgson and the Spirit against the Colts and Battalion.

Also considered for the award this week were a pair of defencemen including fellow Spirit Filip Hronek and London Knights rearguard Mitchell Vande Sompel.  Hronek, a Detroit Red Wings prospect, picked up a goal and six assists for seven points in three games, while Vande Sompel, a New York Islanders prospect, tallied two goals and four assists for six points in three games.  In goal, 2017 NHL Draft prospect Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires posted a 2-0-0-1 record including a shutout victory stopping 103 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.30 and save percentage of .963.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: Hayden Hodgson (Saginaw Spirit)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Kole Sherwood (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Santino Centorame (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Max Jones (London Knights)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
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)

Attack’s Santino Centorame named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that defenceman Santino Centorame of the Owen Sound Attack is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending January 8 after scoring once with six assists for seven points in three games recording a plus-minus rating of plus-8.

Centorame helped the Attack win a trio of home games last week against tough Western Conference competition extending their winning-streak to 10 which equals franchise records set in 1996-97 and 2004-05.  On Wednesday night the captain picked up an assist in a 6-1 victory over the league’s best road team the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, then matched a season-high with four assists on Saturday as second star of a 5-1 win over the Mastercard Memorial Cup host Windsor Spitfires.  On Sunday the blueliner finished his week scoring a goal and an assist as part of a the 5-2 record tying win over Midwest Division rivals the Kitchener Rangers improving the club’s record to 26-13-1-0 for fifth place in the conference.  Centorame is the first defenceman to win the league’s weekly award this season, and second straight member of the Attack to be recognized following goaltender Michael McNiven.

A 20-year-old from Mississauga, ON, Centorame is playing in his fourth full OHL season joining the Attack midway through the 2013-14 campaign from the London Knights.  So far in his overage year he’s scored twice with 31 assists for 33 points in 40 games chasing his career-best of 41 points in 67 games recorded last season.  Over the course of the club’s 10-game winning-streak, Centorame notched 17 points tying for the team lead during that stretch.

Watch video highlights of Centorame and the Attack against the Greyhounds, Spitfires, and Rangers.

Also considered for the award this week was Minnesota Wild prospect Dmitry Sokolov of the Sudbury Wolves who scored six goals and one assist for seven points in three games, and 2017 NHL Draft prospect Owen Tippett of the Mississauga Steelheads who scored four goals and three assists for seven points in three games.  In goal, Montreal Canadiens prospect and last week’s award recipient Michael McNiven of the Attack posted a 3-0-0-0 record making 69 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.39 and save percentage of .945.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Santino Centorame (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Max Jones (London Knights)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
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)

Attack’s Michael McNiven named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael McNiven of the Owen Sound Attack is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending January 1 after posting a 3-0-0-0 record including two shutouts for a goals-against-average of 0.33 and save percentage of .986.

McNiven stopped 73 of 74 shots faced last week helping the Attack extend their winning-streak to seven games and improving their record to 23-13-1-0 for fifth place in the Western Conference standings.  He opened the second half of the 2016-17 campaign in perfect form recording two straight shutouts following the holiday break including a 23-save performance Wednesday as second star of a 3-0 win over the North Bay Battalion, then a 28-save effort Friday to blank the Kitchener Rangers 3-0 on the road.  His week wrapped up on New Year’s Day making 22 saves as part of a 5-1 win over the Barrie Colts however bringing an end to his personal shutout streak at 174:38.  McNiven becomes the third straight goaltender to claim the OHL’s weekly award, and fifth different netminder recognized so far this season.

Michael McNiven of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images.
Michael McNiven of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images.

A 19-year-old from Georgetown, ON, McNiven is playing in his third career season with the Attack who chose him in the fourth round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.  Carrying an overall record of 18-7-1-0, McNiven now leads the OHL with a 2.16 goals-against-average and a .922 save percentage.  His three shutouts so far this season give him nine over his career bringing him one shy of Jordan Binnington’s franchise record of 10.  McNiven was signed by the Canadiens to an entry-level contract as a Free Agent in 2015.

Watch video highlights of McNiven and the Attack against the Battalion, Rangers, and Colts.

Also considered for the award this week was Florida Panthers prospect Jonathan Ang of the Peterborough Petes who led the league with seven points in three games including a goal and six assists.  2017 NHL Draft prospect Conor Timmins also had a strong weekend on the blue line for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds scoring twice with four assists for six points in three games, while Canadiens prospect Jeremiah Addison of the Windsor Spitfires scored five goals in three games.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Max Jones (London Knights)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
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)

Petes’ Dylan Wells named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Edmonton Oilers prospect Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending December 18 after posting a 3-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.95 and save percentage of .945.

Wells made 103 saves in three games last week backstopping the Petes to a trio of victories to extend their winning-streak to eight-straight entering the league’s holiday break.  His week began Thursday night taking advantage of Sportsnet’s national broadcast spotlight turning aside 30 shots as second star of a 3-1 victory against the London Knights.  On Friday night Wells earned first star honours with 40 saves as part of a 4-3 overtime win against the Kingston Frontenacs, then finished his week Sunday with a 33-save performance as second star of a 5-2 win over the North Bay Battalion.  The eight-game winning streak is the Petes’ longest since the club won 15-straight in 2005-06 and brings their first half record to 18-11-1-3 where they stand second in the East Division.

Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

An 18-year-old from St. Catharines, ON, Wells is playing in his third career season with the Petes who chose him in the second round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  Wells ranks second in the OHL with 903 saves while carrying a record of 16-8-1-2 with a goals-against-average of 2.97 and the league’s fifth best save percentage at .920.  The fifth round pick of the Oilers in the 2016 NHL Draft is the fourth goaltender to earn the weekly honour this season.

Watch video highlights of Wells and the Petes against the Knights, Frontenacs, and Battalion.

Also considered for the award this week were a pair of Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds including Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Boris Katchouk with three goals and three assists and New York Rangers prospect Tim Gettinger who scored four goals and two assists in three games.  Additionally, Florida Panthers prospect Adam Mascherin of the Kitchener Rangers had two goals and four assists for six points in two games.

2016-17 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Boris Katchouk (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Max Jones (London Knights)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers)
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)