Toronto, Ont. – The results from the 2022 OHL Priority Selection Draft Lottery are in, and the Saginaw Spirit will be selecting first on April 29-30 when OHL member teams build toward the future in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection Presented by Real Canadian Superstore.
Each of the four non-playoff teams participating in the Priority Selection Lottery, the Erie Otters, Niagara IceDogs, Saginaw Spirit and Sudbury Wolves, had an equal 25 percent change of drawing the first overall pick. The final results were determined by a computerized random number generator, with the process overseen and certified by Mr. Robert Bayne, partner with the law firm Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP.
The coveted top spot came down to a reveal between the Spirit and the Erie Otters, who will be selecting second overall for the first time since 2013.
The Spirit will be adding their first Jack Ferguson Award recipient since they made Patrick McNeill their first-ever selection back in 2003.
The OHL Priority Selection will once again be held over the course of two days, with Rounds 1-3 taking place beginning at 7:00pm on Friday, April 29. The proceedings continue on Saturday, April 30 starting at 9:00am with Rounds 4-15. The Priority Selection will be streamed for free in its entirety on CHL TV. Fans can also watch complete Day 1 coverage on YourTV, Rogers tv, Eastlink, Cable 14 and Shaw Spotlight community stations, as well as on the OHL Action Pak.
2022 OHL Priority Selection First Round Order of Selection:
Saginaw Spirit
Erie Otters
Sudbury Wolves
Niagara IceDogs
Sarnia Sting
Peterborough Petes
Ottawa 67’s
Oshawa Generals
Kitchener Rangers
Barrie Colts
Owen Sound Attack
Guelph Storm
Mississauga Steelheads
Oshawa Generals*
London Knights
Soo Greyhounds
Kingston Frontenacs
Flint Firebirds
Saginaw Spirit*
North Bay Battalion
Ottawa 67’s*
Windsor Spitfires
Hamilton Bulldogs
* – compensatory pick
The 2022 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore will see the top players born in 2006 within OHL jurisdiction eligible to be selected on April 29-30, in addition to 2007-born forward Michael Misa of the OHL Cup champion Mississauga Senators, who has been granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada.
In addition to live streaming on CHL TV, the Priority Selection will also be covered extensively on the OHL’s Twitter, Instagram, Facebook accounts, as well as on the web at ontariohockeyleague.com.
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
Toronto, Ont. – Six Ontario Hockey League players have been named to Canada’s roster for the upcoming 2022 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship that will take place from April 23rd to May 1st in Landshut and Kaufbeuren, Germany.
Hockey Canada announced the roster of 25 players on Monday afternoon. Two of the OHL players named to the roster, Sudbury’s Kocha Delic and Niagara’s Pano Fimis, won bronze as part of Team Canada at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics.
The roster also includes David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves who led the OHL in rookie scoring with 33 goals and 73 points over 66 games. Erie Otters netminder Nolan Lalonde led all OHL rookies in minutes played with 3,066, the fourth-highest total in the OHL. Fimis comes off a strong rookie season that saw him collect 30 assists, a new record by an IceDogs rookie.
Six OHL Players Representing Canada at 2022 U18 Worlds:
“We are excited to unveil the 25 players that will wear the Maple Leaf at the 2022 IIHF U18 World Championship and take on the challenge of winning a second-consecutive gold medal,” said director of player personnel Alan Millar. “For many of these players, this is the first time they will represent their country in international competition, and we know they are excited for the opportunity to compete on the world stage.”
Canada will open the 2022 IIHF U18 World Championship against the United States on April 23 at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT, and will also take host Germany on April 24 and Czechia on April 26.
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast 13 games throughout the tournament, including all Team Canada preliminary-round games, four quarterfinals, both semifinals, and the bronze and gold medal games.
Since 2002, Canada has won four gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021), in addition to one silver (2005) and three bronze (2012, 2014, 2015).
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter.
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced recipients of four of the league’s annual awards following the conclusion of the 2021-22 regular season.
Offensively, Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires captured the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the league’s leading scorer while Lucas Edmonds of the Kingston Frontenacs is the recipient of the Jim Mahon Trophy as the OHL’s top-scoring right winger. Recognizing defensive efforts, the Hamilton Bulldogs goaltending tandem of Marco Costantini and Matteo Drobac earns the Dave Pinkney Trophy, surrendering a league-low 176 goals against. North Bay Battalion rookie Dom DiVincentiis is the recipient of the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy awarded to the rookie with the lowest goals-against average.
Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (Top Scorer) – Wyatt Johnston, Windsor Spitfires Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston is the recipient of the OHL Top Scorer Award presented by Kubota Canada, claiming the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy with 124 points including 46 goals and 78 assists in 68 games. Johnston boasted a plus-29 rating to go with a league-leading 1.82 point-per-game production rate. Johnston’s 124 points are the most by an OHL scoring leader since Erie’s Alex DeBrincat in 2016-17.
Johnston finished with 42 multi-point performances on the campaign including four different games with at least four points. His 124 points are the fifth-highest total in Spitfires franchise history, trailing Ernie Godden (153 points, 1980-81), Bill Bowler (135 points, 1994-95), Kelly Cain (133 points, 1987-88) and Blair Barnes (130 points (1979-80). He joins Taylor Hall (2009-10) and Peter Sarno (1997-98) as the third player in modern Spitfires franchise history to claim the honour. Earl Reibel (1949-50) and Bert Giesebrecht (1948-49) were also past Spitfires winners.
The 23rd overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft by the Dallas Stars, Johnston has collected 58 goals, 96 assists and 154 points through 121 career regular season games with the Spitfires, who selected him with the sixth overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. He’ll be making his OHL playoff debut this week when the Spitfires open up their first round series against the Sarnia Sting.
The Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy was donated by the Toronto Marlboro Athletic Club in memory of Eddie Powers and was first awarded in 1945-46 to Tod Sloan of St. Michael’s who scored 79 points in 25 games. High-scoring Stars winger Jason Robertson was the 2018-19 recipient as a member of the Niagara IceDogs while veteran Dallas centreman Tyler Seguin has his named inscribed on the trophy as a member of the Plymouth Whalers in 2009-10.
Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy (Top Scoring Right Winger) – Lucas Edmonds, Kingston Frontenacs Lucas Edmonds of the Kingston Frontenacs is the recipient of the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the league’s top scoring right winger. Edmonds finished third in OHL scoring with 113 points including 34 goals and a league-high 79 assists over 68 games in his first OHL season.
The 21-year-old originally from North Bay, Ont. turned heads this past season, leading the Frontenacs offensively with 30 different multi-point appearances including nine different instances with at least four points.
Edmonds joins David Ling (1994-95) as just the second Frontenacs player to ever claim the honour, finishing with the Kingston franchise’s sixth-highest assist total of 79. Edmonds’ 113 points are the most by a Frontenac since Ling put up 135 during the 1994-95 season.
Originally Kingston’s seventh round pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, Edmonds made the most of a rare first-year overage season and is eligible for the 2022 NHL Draft in July.
The Jim Mahon Trophy was first presented following the 1971-72 season by the players and management of the Peterborough Petes in memory of their right winger Jim Mahon who was accidentally killed that summer. Arthur Kaliyev of the Hamilton Bulldogs last received the honour in 2019-20 while other recent winners have included Justin Brazeau of the North Bay Battalion in 2019 and Jordan Kyrou of the Sarnia Sting in 2018.
Dave Pinkney Trophy (Lowest Team Goals Against) – Marco Costantini and Matteo Drobac, Hamilton Bulldogs The Hamilton Bulldogs surrendered a league-low 176 goals over their 68-game schedule, backstopped by goaltenders Marco Costantini and Matteo Drobac who earn the Dave Pinkney Trophy in 2021-22.
Costantini and Drobac backstopped the Bulldogs to the club’s first Hamilton Spectator Trophy as OHL Regular Season champions as the club boasted an overall record of 51-12-3-2 for a franchise record 107 points.
Costantini led the league in goals-against average (2.32), save percentage (.917) and shutouts (6), establishing new Bulldogs single season records in those three categories while also playing to a mark of 31-9-2-2. Hamilton’s new career shutouts leader, Costantini ended the season with 17 consecutive wins dating back to February 16th. The 19-year-old hometown product was Hamilton’s fifth round pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.
Drobac played to a record of 19-2-1-0, posting a 2.57 goals-against average and .905 save percentage with one shutout over 23 games in his first full OHL season. The Oakville, Ont. product was Hamilton’s sixth round pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.
The Bulldogs also saw three appearances from rookie Tristan Malboeuf, who went 1-1, earning his first career OHL shutout on October 16th in Niagara.
This marks the first time the Bulldogs have earned the honour, but the Dave Pinkney Trophy has a prior history in Hamilton. Al Jensen of the 1977-78 Hamilton Fincups has his name inscribed on the trophy, as does the Hamilton Red Wings tandem of Jim Rutherford and Gerry Gray in 1967-68, Bud Blom in 1960-61 and Dennis Riggin of the Hamilton Tiger Cubs in 1953-54.
The Dave Pinkney Trophy is awarded annually to the goaltending tandem from the team that allows the fewest goals against during the regular season.
F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy (Best Rookie GAA): Dom DiVincentiis, North Bay Battalion Dom DiVincentiis of the North Bay Battalion is the recipient of the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy, leading all rookie netminders with a 2.59 goals-against average.
An 18-year-old draft eligible goaltender from Bolton, Ont., DiVincentiis helped backstop the Battalion to a Central Division title, playing to a record of 14-8-0-1 with a .907 save percentage to accompany his 2.59 goals-against average. He was undefeated in regulation through his final eight starts of the season. DiVincentiis was North Bay’s sixth round pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.
DiVincentiis follows Matej Machovsky (2010-11) as the second Battalion goaltender to ever earn the distinction. He’s the third North Bay goaltender to do so, joining Scott Roche (1993-94) and Sandy Allan (1991-92) of the Centennials.
The trophy is named after F.W. “Dinty” Moore of Port Colborne, Ont., who served as OHA President from 1942-45. In order to qualify for this rookie award, a goaltender must play a minimum of 900 minutes. The most recent past recipient of the award was Brett Brochu of the London Knights in 2019-20.
For a look at the history of the Ontario Hockey League’s award recipients, visit ontariohockeyleague.com.
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
Toronto, Ont. – Ontario Hockey League Commissioner David Branch today announced that Niagara IceDogs General Manager, Team Governor and minority owner Joey Burke and Head Coach and minority owner Billy Burke have been indefinitely suspended and, together with the team, fined a combined $150,000.00. An investigation was launched into their overall conduct following the League receiving transcripts of a March 6, 2022 WhatsApp conversation.
Based on the results of the League investigation, it is the position of the League that their conduct is prejudicial to the welfare of the OHL as it violates the Leagues’ Harassment & Abuse / Diversity Policy and also runs counter to the OHL’s Onside program which emphasizes the importance of demonstrating respect for women through actions and words.
Joey and Billy Burke will have the opportunity to apply for reinstatement no sooner than June 1, 2024. At that time, the Commissioner will assess whether they have successfully completed counselling and education to ensure that there will be no additional violations of League rules, policies, or expected conduct.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the six recipients of U16 AAA Player of the Year Awards for players representing the four Ontario Hockey Federation Member Partners including the ALLIANCE, Greater Toronto Hockey League, Northern Ontario Hockey Association, and both the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s ETA and SCTA regions, along with Hockey Eastern Ontario.
This year’s winners include Lucas Karmiris of the Brantford 99ers (ALLIANCE), Malcolm Spence of the Mississauga Senators (GTHL), Cole Beaudoin of the Nepean Raiders (HEO), Nolan Newton of the Sudbury Nickel Capitals (NOHA), Ethan Procyszyn of the North Central Predators (OMHA – ETA) and Luca Testa of the Niagara North Stars (OMHA – SCTA).
“Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s awards and thank you to the families, coaches, and teammates for their tremendous support of these remarkable players over the course of the season and throughout their minor hockey careers,” said Kyle Pereira, the OHL’s Director of Player Recruitment.
“The OHL continues to recognize all the hard work, dedication, and extraordinary accomplishments from across Ontario. We thank all players for another great season and wish them the very best of luck in their hockey and academic careers.”
This year’s recipients are all forwards, with Karmiris leading the Brantford 99ers to a first place finish in the regular season, producing a league-leading 37 goals, 30 assists and 67 points in just 27 games. GTHL Player of the Year Malcolm Spence has guided the wild card entry Mississauga Senators to an appearance in the OHL Cup Championship Final. HEO recipient Cole Beaudoin led the league in assists with 53 for 77 total points playing against older competition. Nolan Newton earned NOHA Player of the Year honours playing against older opponents in the Great North Midget League, finishing the season with 14 goals, 22 assists and 36 points in 27 games. Ethan Procyszyn of the North Central Predators led the OMHA’s ETA circuit in goals (26) assists (26) and points (52) to claim top honours. OMHA SCTA Player of the Year Luca Testa was his League’s offensive leader, helping the Niagara North Stars to a silver medal finish at the OMHA championships after a 59-point season (34-25–59).
The awards are presented annually to honour the U16 AAA players who best exemplify outstanding ability and the qualities of sportsmanship and leadership as voted by the minor hockey coaches, managers and organizations of each respective league.
Past Award Winners:
ALLIANCE Player of the Year: 2022 – Lucas Karmiris, Brantford 99ers 2020 – Bryce McConnell-Barker, London Jr. Knights 2019 – Deni Goure, Chatham-Kent Cyclones 2018 – Matthew Maggio, Sun County Panthers 2017 – Ryan Suzuki, London Jr. Knights 2016 – Owen Lalonde, Windsor Jr. Spitfires 2015 – Nick Suzuki, London Jr. Knights 2014 – Anthony Salinitri, Windsor Jr. Spitfires 2013 – Travis Konecny, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs 2012 – Jared McCann, London Jr. Knights Gold 2011 – Bo Horvat, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs
GTHL Player of the Year: 2022 – Malcolm Spence, Mississauga Senators 2020 – Pano Fimis, Toronto Jr. Canadiens 2019 – Shane Wright, Don Mills Flyers 2018 – Jamie Drysdale, Toronto Marlboros 2017 – Nick Porco, Vaughan Kings 2016 – Ryan Merkley, Toronto Jr. Canadiens 2015 – Ryan McLeod, Toronto Marlboros 2014 – Adam Mascherin, Vaughan Kings 2013 – Dylan Strome, Toronto Marlboros 2012 – Connor McDavid, Toronto Marlboros 2011 – Nick Ritchie, Toronto Marlboros
HEO Player of the Year: 2022 – Cole Beaudoin, Nepean Raiders 2020 – Cedrick Guindon, Rockland Nationals 2019 – Mason McTavish, Pembroke Lumber Kings 2018 – Josh Barnes, Cornwall Colts 2017 – Alexandre Hogue, Cumberland Grads 2016 – Paul Larabie, Nepean Raiders 2015 – Gabriel Vilardi, CIH Academy 2014 – William Bitten, Ottawa Jr. 67’s 2013 – Andrew Peski, Ottawa Jr. 67’s 2012 – Andrew Abou-Assaly, Ottawa Jr. 67’s 2011 – Nicholas Baptiste, Ottawa Senators
NOHA Player of the Year: 2022 – Nolan Newton, Sudbury Nickel Capitals 2020 – Connor Toms, Soo Jr. Greyhounds 2019 – Chase Stillman, Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves 2018 – Pacey Schlueting, North Bay Trappers 2017 – Camaryn Baber, Soo Midget Greyhounds 2016 – Damien Giroux, Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves 2015 – Cayse Ton, New Liskeard Cubs 2014 – Zach Dorval, Soo Thunder 2013 – Blake Speers, Soo Thunder 2012 – Michael Amadio, Sault Ste. Marie North Stars 2011 – Ryan Kujawinski, Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves
OMHA ETA Player of the Year: 2022 – Ethan Procyszyn, North Central Predators 2020 – Donovan McCoy, Quinte Red Devils 2019 – Brenden Sirizzotti, Whitby Wildcats 2018 – Quinton Byfield, York Simcoe Express 2017 – Alex Newhook, York Simcoe Express 2016 – Aidan Dudas, North Central Predators 2015 – Brady Gilmour, Quinte Red Devils 2014 – Chris Paquette, Greater Kingston Jr Frontenacs
OMHA SCTA Player of the Year: 2022 – Luca Testa, Southern Tier Admirals 2020 – Sam Alfano, Southern Tier Admirals 2019 – Lawson Sherk, Halton Hurricanes 2018 – Cameron Tolnai, Oakville Rangers 2017 – Matthew Dunsmoor, Guelph Jr. Gryphons 2016 – Adam McMaster, Niagara North Stars 2015 – Liam Stevens, Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs 2014 – Rylee St Onge, Niagara North Stars
*prior to 2014 there was a single OMHA Player of the Year award recipient
Past OMHA Players of the Year: 2013 – Matt Spencer, Oakville Rangers* 2012 – Nik Coric, York Simcoe Express* 2011 – Alex Yuill, Quinte Red Devils*
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
Toronto, Ont. – Round robin play at the 2022 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour and hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League concluded on Friday with a total of 12 games on the schedule.
After the Markham Majors (4-0) and Toronto Jr. Canadiens (4-0) clinched Quarter-Final berths on Thursday, an additional six teams followed suit on Friday.
The Majors secured first place in the Shanahan Division with a 4-0 finish to the round robin while the Quinte Red Devils advanced by defeating the Waterloo Wolves 2-1 in overtime.
The 4-0 Jr. Canadiens sealed first place in the Nash Division while the Mississauga Senators defeated the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs 7-3 to book their ticket to Saturday’s Quarter-Finals.
The London Jr. Knights earned first place in the Lindros Division, knotted with the Vaughan Kings who they defeated on Thursday as both teams hold 3-1 records and advance to the playoffs.
The Toronto Marlboros are supreme in the Subban Division with a 4-0 record while the Markham Waxers are off to the Quarter-Finals for the first time since 2006 following a 2-1 overtime win over the Brantford 99ers.
The showcase features a three-way tie atop the scoring race with Toronto Jr. Canadiens teammates Porter Martone (5-5–10) and Michael Hage (4-6–10) joining Mississauga Senators forward Caden Kelly (3-7–10) with 10 points through four games. Underage Senators forward William Moore leads all players with six goals.
Game 40 – Markham Majors 3 vs. Huron-Perth Lakers 2 – OT Majors MVP – Liam Greentree (1G) Lakers MVP – Carter McCluskey (20 SV) Recap – Stats
All tournament games feature live scoring complete with the OHL’s Game Centre module.
Quarter-Final and Semi-Final action goes Saturday, culminating in Monday’s Championship Final at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. The OHL Cup Championship Final can be seen streaming live for free on OHL Live and will be aired across Ontario on the OHL Action Pak.
All games are available live and on demand through GameOnStream.
The showcase provides fans and scouts one last opportunity to see many of the top U16 AAA players from across Ontario and parts of the United States compete for the OHL Cup performing against the best competition prior to the 2022 OHL Priority Selection set to take place April 29th and 30th.
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in March 2022, including Windsor Spitfires forward Wyatt Johnston, Saginaw Spirit blueliner Pavel Mintyukov, Owen Sound Attack forward Cedrick Guindon and Hamilton Bulldogs netminder Marco Costantini.
OHL Player of the Month – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires): For the third time this season, Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Player of the Month, producing 13 goals, 17 assists and 30 points in 15 March matchups. Johnston, who also registered a plus/minus rating of plus-11, posted multi-point outputs in 11 of his 15 contests, scoring four game winning goals as the Spits played to a record of 12-2-1-0. Johnston helped the Spitfires collect an important two points in a West Division clash at the beginning of the month, scoring and adding two assists in a 7-3 win over Sault Ste. Marie on Mar. 5th. He chipped in on a Will Cuylle OT winner, picking up three points in a 5-4 triumph over the Erie Otters on Mar. 12th. Johnston’s first career hat trick came on Mar. 19th in Flint as the Spits leapfrogged the Firebirds in the West Division standings with a 6-3 win. He’s riding a run of seven consecutive multi-point outings, with the latest contribution coming Thursday night with three points in a 5-1 win over Sarnia. Johnston earned star of the game recognition seven different times, picking up first star honours in four games.
An 18-year-old native of Toronto, Ont., Johnston leads the OHL with 115 points (42-73–115) in 61 games, also boasting a plus-30 rating. Johnston’s 115 points are the 11th-most in Windsor Spitfires history. He was a first round (23rd overall) pick of the Dallas Stars in the 2021 NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the club on Sept. 28, 2021. A former World Under-18 Hockey Championship gold medalist with Team Canada, Johnston was Windsor’s first round (6th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.
OHL Defenceman of the Month – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit): First-year Saginaw Spirit blueliner Pavel Mintyukov is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for March, leading all rearguards with 15 points including five goals and 10 assists in 13 games. The 2022 NHL Draft prospect recently competed in the Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game and registered three different multi-point outings for the Spirit in the month of March. Mintyukov became the only OHL defenceman to record six points in a game this season on Mar. 11th, setting a Spirit record for blueliners by scoring twice while adding four assists in a 7-6 win over Owen Sound. He put up a goal and two assists in an 8-5 loss to the London Knights on Mar. 18th and did so again on Mar. 25th as the Spirit staged a big comeback to defeat the Sarnia Sting 9-8 in overtime. Mintyukov is the first Spirit defenceman to earn OHL Defenceman of the Month honours since Bode Wilde last did so in December 2018.
An 18-year-old late 2003-born defenceman, Mintyukov has 15 goals, 38 assists and 53 points in 60 games this season, and is one of six blueliners in Spirit history to eclipse the 50-point mark in a campaign. The 6-foot-2, 190Ib. defender was the fifth-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Draft Rankings. The Spirit selected Mintyukov with the 52nd overall pick of the 2020 CHL Import Draft.
OHL Goaltender of the Month – Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs): Marco Costantini of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for March, playing to a perfect 9-0-0-0 record with a minuscule 1.03 goals-against average, .960 save percentage and two shutouts. Costantini stopped 214 of the 223 shots he faced over the course of the month, helping the Bulldogs maintain their standing atop the Ontario Hockey League. Among his best performances included a 34-save effort on Mar. 11th in Mississauga as the Bulldogs beat the Steelheads 5-1. He posted an 18-save shutout on Mar. 14th, backstopping Hamilton to a 3-0 win over the Oshawa Generals outdoors at Tim Hortons Field. Costantini earned first star honours in an East Division showdown with Kingston on Mar. 18th, making 29 saves in a 3-1 win over the Frontenacs. He recorded his league-leading fifth shutout of the season on Mar. 27th in Oshawa, stopping 16 as the Bulldogs won 3-0. Costantini becomes the first Bulldogs netminder to earn OHL Goaltender of the Month recognition.
A 19-year-old Hamilton native, Costantini owns the league’s lowest goals-against average of 2.42, going 27-9-2-2 with a .914 save percentage and league-high matching five shutouts. Costantini has won 18 of his last 19 starts. He was Hamilton’s fifth round (95th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the OHL Cup finalist Vaughan Kings U16 program.
OHL Rookie of the Month – Cedrick Guindon (Owen Sound Attack): Draft eligible Owen Sound Attack forward Cedrick Guindon is the OHL Rookie of the Month for March, recording 10 goals, eight assists and 18 points in 14 games with a plus/minus rating of plus-9. Guindon had points in 11 of his 14 March contests, producing five different multi-point performances. He became one of five OHL players to score four goals in a game this season on Mar. 4th, providing the Attack scoring in a 4-3 overtime road win over the Guelph Storm. He added a goal and an assist as the Attack beat the Storm once again on Mar. 7th. Guindon strung together points in six straight games from Mar. 11th to 22nd, helping the Attack ascend the Western Conference standings as they collected at least one point in each of them. He rounded-out the month of March with goals in back-to-back wins over the Sarnia Sting last weekend. Guindon is the first Attack player to win OHL Rookie of the Month honours since Artur Gavrus in October 2011.
A 17-year-old from Rockland, Ont., Guindon’s 54 points are the second-most among OHL rookies while his 27 goals place him third, one back of teammate Colby Barlow. He sits fourth among OHL rookies with 184 shots on goal. Guindon is having among the best seasons of any 16 or 17-year-old rookie in Attack franchise history with his 54 points standing as the most in that category. Guindon is the 76th-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Draft Rankings. He was the club’s first round (10th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.
2021-22 OHL Performers of the Month:
Player of the Month: March – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires) February – Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs) January – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires) December – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires) November – Kyle Jackson (North Bay Battalion) October – Sasha Pastujov (Guelph Storm)
Defenceman of the Month: March – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit) February – Michael Buchinger (Guelph Storm) January – Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts) December – Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads) November – Nathan Staios (Hamilton Bulldogs) October – Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)
Rookie of the Month: March – Cedrick Guindon (Owen Sound Attack) February – Michael Buchinger (Guelph Storm) January – David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves) December – Coulson Pitre (Flint Firebirds) November – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads) October – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Goaltender of the Month: March – Marco Costantini (Hamilton Bulldogs) February – Luke Cavallin (Flint Firebirds) January – Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts) December – Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts) November – Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion) October – Brett Brochu (London Knights)
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
Toronto, Ont. – The 2022 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour and hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League continued on Thursday with a total of 12 games on the Round Robin schedule.
The GTHL’s Toronto Jr. Canadiens and Markham Majors both improved to 3-0, clinching first place in their respective divisions to earn a spot in Saturday’s Quarter-Finals. The Toronto Marlboros, Brantford 99ers and York-Simcoe Express also stayed perfect on Thursday as the former sits at 3-0 and the latter two at 2-0. The Marlboros and 99ers face each other on Friday morning.
Jr. Canadiens teammates Porter Martone (4-5–9) and Michael Hage (3-6–9) sit tied for the showcase scoring lead with nine points apiece while four others trail close behind with seven. Jr. Canadiens rearguard Anthony Cristoforo (1-6–7) leads all blueliners with seven points.
In the crease, Markham Majors netminder Jacob Gibbons has been flawless through 90 minutes of play, posting his second of back-to-back shutouts in a 4-0 blanking of the Quinte Red Devils on Thursday. Brantford 99ers goaltender Justin Robinson has stopped 73 of 75 shots sent his way, going 2-0 in the crease.
2022 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Day 2 Results:
Game 17 – Huron-Perth Lakers 1 vs. Quinte Red Devils 1 Lakers MVP – Carter McCluskey (30 SV) Red Devils MVP – Ben Danford (1A) Recap – Stats
Game 18 – Northern Ontario Hockey Association 4 vs. Don Mills Flyers 2 NOHA MVP – Jesse Lefebvre (1G) Flyers MVP – Matthew D’Angelo (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 19 – Brantford 99ers 5 vs. Niagara North Stars 1 99ers MVP – Gabe Chiarot (2A) North Stars MVP – Andrew Vermeulen (1A) Recap – Stats
Game 20 – Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs 5 vs. Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs 3 Chiefs MVP – Clark Sandham (1G) Jr. Bulldogs MVP – Nathan Solomon (1A) Recap – Stats
Game 21 – London Jr. Knights 4 vs. Vaughan Kings 1 Jr. Knights MVP – Ryan Roobroeck (2G, 2A) Kings MVP – Kaden Pitre (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 22 – Markham Waxers 5 vs. North York Rangers 2 Waxers MVP – Owen Griffin (1G, 1A) Rangers MVP – Kieron Walton (1A) Recap – Stats
Game 23 – Mississauga Senators 4 vs. TPH Hockey 1 Senators MVP – William Moore (2G) TPH MVP – Caeden Heins (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 24 – Thunder Bay Kings 2 vs. Waterloo Wolves 1 Kings MVP – Carter George (30 SV) Wolves MVP – Nolan Shaw (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 25 – York-Simcoe Express 5 vs. Don Mills Flyers 2 Express MVP – Michael Denney (1G, 1A) Flyers MVP – Jameson Steele (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 26 – Markham Majors 4 vs. Quinte Red Devils 0 Majors MVP – Ryan Tizzard (1A) Red Devils MVP – Gage Butcher Recap – Stats
Game 27 – Toronto Jr. Canadiens 9 vs. Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs 3 Jr. Canadiens MVP – Michael Hage (2G, 3A) Jr. Bulldogs MVP – Clark Dunford (2G) Recap – Stats
Game 28 – Toronto Marlboros 6 vs. Niagara North Stars 1 Marlboros MVP – Matthew Little (3G) Stars MVP – Andrew Vermeulen (1G) Recap – Stats
All tournament games feature live scoring complete with the OHL’s Game Centre module.
Round Robin action concludes on Friday with 12 games on the schedule. Quarter-Final and Semi-Final action goes Saturday, culminating in Monday’s Championship Final at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. The OHL Cup Championship Final can be seen streaming live for free on OHL Live and will be aired across Ontario on the Rogers Super Sports Pak.
All games are available live and on demand through GameOnStream.
The showcase provides fans and scouts one last opportunity to see many of the top U16 AAA players from across Ontario and parts of the United States compete for the OHL Cup performing against the best competition prior to the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
Bulldogs, Spitfires and Battalion included in Week 22 edition of Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings: The Hamilton Bulldogs, Windsor Spitfires and North Bay Battalion are included in the Week 22 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. Read more
2022 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour underway in Toronto: The 2022 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour is in full swing in Toronto, with prospects eligible for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection putting their best foot forward in pursuit of U16 AAA supremacy. Meet the teams | ohlcup.ca
Final edition of OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour U16 AAA Top 10 Rankings: The GTHL champion Toronto Jr. Canadiens lead the way into the annual showcase as the top-ranked team in the province. Read more
Spirit’s Dalton Duhart named OHL Player of the Week: Saginaw Spirit forward Dalton Duhart is the OHL Player of the Week, recording six goals, four assists and 10 points in three games. Read more
IceDogs’ Joey Costanzo named OHL Goaltender of the Week: Joey Costanzo of the Niagara IceDogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week after going 2-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and .973 save percentage. Read more
Duhart, Smith and Costanzo included on CHL Team of the Week: Saginaw Spirit teammates Dalton Duhart and Mitchell Smith join Niagara IceDogs netminder Joey Costanzo on the CHL Team of the Week. Read more
OHL Weekend Notebook: The OHL Weekend Notebook recaps the weekend that was with news, information and interesting facts from both on and off the ice. Read more
Three first goals and a shutout in OHL Milestone Moments: Check out first career goals from Mississauga’s Dylan Gordon, Saginaw’s Olivier Savard, Niagara’s Ilia Chmelevski, and a first career shutout from London’s Owen Flores. Watch
Knights duo leads OHL Plays of the Week: This week’s OHL Plays of the Week include contributions from Kingston’s Paul Ludwinski, Saginaw’s Mitchell Smith, Windsor’s Wyatt Johnston, and London’s duo of Luke Evangelista and Antonio Stranges. Watch
Rolling back the OHL Saves of the Week: See the best saves in the OHL this week with contributions from London’s Owen Willmore and Owen Flores, Barrie’s Mack Guzda, Sarnia’s Anson Thornton, Peterborough’s Liam Sztuska, Kitchener’s Jackson Parsons, Niagara’s Josh Rosenzweig and Joey Costanzo, Kingston’s Aidan Spooner, North Bay’s Dom DiVincentiis, and Owen Sound’s Nick Chenard. Watch
First annual OHL Officiating Prospect Development Combine to be held June 2-4 The OHL is hosting its 1st Annual Officiating Prospect Development Combine to be held from June 2-4 at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre in Belleville, Ont. Read more
Lots of support from fans, friends and family at Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game: There was a lot of love for up and coming OHL talent at the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Kitchener. Watch
OHL mourns the loss of Eugene Melnyk: The OHL is mourning the sudden loss of a former owner and prominent member of the hockey community. Eugene Melnyk was 62 years-old. Read more
Lucas Littlejohn commits to IceDogs: The Niagara IceDogs have received a commitment from 12th round 2020 OHL Priority Selection choice Lucas Littlejohn. Read more
COMMUNITY CORNER
Hockey is For the Dogs on Friday in Kingston: The Kingston Frontenacs are raising support for the Kingston Humane Society on Friday when they play host to the Oshawa Generals. A total of 10 dogs will be at the game and available for adoption. Service dogs will also be in attendance. Get more information at kingstonfrontenacs.com
67’s prepare for April Fools Game on Friday: Expect the unexpected in Ottawa on Friday as the 67’s take on the Mississauga Steelheads in an April Fools Day tilt. The 67’s game operations staff, as always, are sure to put on a great show at the arena at TD Place.
Otters celebrate 25th anniversary, hold Kids Takeover this weekend: The Erie Otters will celebrate 25 years of history on Saturday before a Kids Takeover at Erie Insurance Arena on Sunday as the Kitchener Rangers play back-to-back games. Saturday’s matchup will include an Otters legends card set giveaway while Sunday’s Kids Takeover will see the first 500 kids in attendance take home a Timbits jersey.
Fan Appreciation Day in Niagara on Sunday: The first 500 fans into the Meridian Centre on Sunday will receive a free IceDogs swag bag. Sunday’s Fan Appreciation Game is all about the fans and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Wolves prepare for Indigenous Night on Tuesday: The Sudbury Wolves are pleased to announce their partnership with Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services to host a celebration of Indigenous Culture at the Sudbury Community Arena on Tuesday, April 5th when the Wolves host the Niagara IceDogs at 7:05pm. More information at sudburywolves.com
Spirit announce donation drive for Amazing Grace Animal Rescue: The Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation is proud to announce a partnership with Amazing Grace Animal Rescue with a Donation Drive beginning Thursday, March 31st through April, 30th 2022. The Amazing Grace Animal Rescue, rehabilitates and re-homes pets in need, in the Saginaw Area. Full details at saginawspirit.com
ALUMNI NOTES
Another 100-point season for McDavid: Erie Otters graduate Connor McDavid became the 19th player in NHL history to record at least five seasons with 100 points on Wednesday. He joins Sidney Crosby as the only other active player to do so. McDavid leads NHL players with 37 goals, 63 assists and 100 points in 67 games for the Edmonton Oilers this season. The former CHL Player of the Year and first overall NHL Draft pick played three seasons in Erie from 2012-15, racking up 120 points in his final season.
Kea makes NHL officiating debut: Saginaw Spirit graduate Justin Kea broke into the NHL officiating ranks on Monday in Chicago. The 28-year-old native of Woodville, Ont. worked alongside fellow referee Gord Dwyer and linesmen Jonny Murray and David Brisebois in a game between the Blackhawks and visiting Buffalo Sabres. Kea played four seasons with the Saginaw Spirit from 2010-14 before spending six seasons between the AHL and ECHL.
60 OHL grads competing in 2022 U SPORTS Men’s Hockey Championship: 60 OHL graduates are competing for the David Johnston U SPORTS Men’s Hockey University Cup in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Read more
10 OHL grads help power UNB’s fourth consecutive AUS championship: Ten OHL graduates helped the UNB REDS men’s hockey program skate to a fourth consecutive AUS championship on Friday in Fredericton. Read more
OHL grads honoured with OUA awards and all-star recognition: Several OHL graduates have been recognized as award and all-star recipients by Ontario University Athletics. Read more
KEY MATCHUPS
Windsor Spitfires at Owen Sound Attack Saturday April 2nd – 7:30pm
Two of the hottest teams in the Western Conference meet at the Bayshore on Saturday as the first place Windsor Spitfires take their high-scoring offence on the road. The Spits have won seven straight entering Thursday’s action as star forward Wyatt Johnston leads the OHL with a total of 112 points. Windsor has found another gear of late and matches up against an Owen Sound team that has also found new life. The Attack have won five of their last six, jumping over the Guelph Storm into fifth in the Western Conference with a 31-24-4-3 record. The Bears recently secured their 11th consecutive 30+ win season, joining the London Knights as the only other OHL team to do so.
It’s a big weekend in Erie as the Kitchener Rangers take on the Otters on back-to-back nights in a set with big playoff implications. The Rangers enter Thursday’s action holding down the Western Conference’s seventh spot by a three-point cushion. The Otters are currently three points back of eighth place Sarnia. The Otters have won two of three against Kitchener this season, including back-to-back games at The Aud in January.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Thursday March 31: Oshawa at Hamilton – 7:00pm Niagara at North Bay – 7:00pm Kingston at Peterborough – 7:05pm Sudbury at Barrie – 7:30pm Sarnia at Windsor – 7:30pm (CHL TV Game of the Week)
Friday April 1: Hamilton at Erie – 7:00pm Oshawa at Kingston – 7:00pm Mississauga at Ottawa – 7:00pm Niagara at Sudbury – 7:05pm Saginaw at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm Owen Sound at Guelph – 7:30pm Windsor at Kitchener – 7:30pm Flint at London – 7:30pm
Saturday April 2: Kitchener at Erie – 7:00pm Guelph at Flint – 7:00pm Ottawa at Peterborough – 7:05pm Sarnia at Saginaw – 7:05pm Windsor at Owen Sound – 7:30pm London at Barrie – 7:30pm
Sunday April 3: Peterborough at Hamilton – 2:00pm Sudbury at Mississauga – 2:00pm Ottawa at Niagara – 2:00pm Barrie at North Bay – 2:00pm Kitchener at Erie – 2:00pm Sarnia at Sault Ste. Marie – 2:07pm Guelph at Saginaw – 5:30pm Kingston at Oshawa – 6:05pm
Toronto, Ont. – The 2022 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour and hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League got underway on Wednesday with a total of 16 games on the Round Robin schedule.
The GTHL’s Toronto Marlboros, Toronto Jr. Canadiens and Markham Majors each emerged with a pair of wins as Jr. Canadiens forward Porter Martone leads all skaters with six points (3-3–6) in a pair of contests. Mississauga Senators teammates Caden Kelly and Michael Misa trail close behind with five points apiece.
Day 1 action included a total of five shutouts and three different games ending by a score of 1-0.
2022 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Day 1 Results:
Game 1 – Northern Ontario Hockey Association 4 vs. London Jr. Knights 2 NOHA MVP – Mason Wray (2G) Jr. Knights MVP – Gavin McGahey-Smith (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 2 – TPH Hockey 5 vs. Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs 2 TPH MVP – Caeden Heins (2G) Chiefs MVP – Dylan Richter (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 3 – Markham Majors 1 vs. Waterloo Wolves 0 Majors MVP – Jacob Gibbons (23 SV SO) Wolves MVP – Landon Terrebroodt (21 SV) Recap – Stats
Game 4 – Toronto Marlboros 4 vs. North York Rangers 2 Marlboros MVP – Sam Dickinson (1G) Rangers MVP – Christopher Brown (2G) Recap – Stats
Game 5 – Quinte Red Devils 3 vs. Thunder Bay Kings 0 Red Devils MVP – Glen McInnes (15 SV SO) Kings MVP – Carter George (24 SV) Recap – Stats
Game 6 – Markham Waxers 3 vs. Niagara North Stars 2 – OT Waxers MVP – Nate Gillis (23 SV) Stars MVP – Parker Forlin (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 7 – Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs 1 vs. TPH Hockey 0 Jr. Bulldogs MVP – Julian Salvati (22 SV SO) TPH MVP – Aidan McKenna (23 SV) Recap – Stats
Game 8 – Toronto Jr. Canadiens 5 vs. Mississauga Senators 3 Jr. Canadiens MVP – Anthony Cristoforo (4A) Senators MVP – Michael Misa (1G, 1A) Recap – Stats
Game 9 – York-Simcoe Express 5 vs. Northern Ontario Hockey Association 3 Express MVP – Carson Littlejohn (2G) NOHA MVP – Heath Bradley (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 10 – Vaughan Kings 1 vs. Don Mills Flyers 0 Kings MVP – Logan Kennedy (17 SV SO) Flyers MVP – Luca DiFelice (29 SV) Recap – Stats
Game 11 – Toronto Marlboros 6 vs. Markham Waxers 1 Marlboros MVP – Beckett Sennecke (2G) Waxers MVP – Frankie Marrelli (1A) Recap – Stats
Game 12 – Brantford 99ers 3 vs. North York Rangers 1 99ers MVP – Justin Robinson (49 SV) Rangers MVP – Kieron Walton Recap – Stats
Game 13 – Waterloo Wolves 4 vs. Huron-Perth Lakers 3 Wolves MVP – Brady Martin (1G) Lakers MVP – Atley Rogers (1G) Recap – Stats
Game 14 – Toronto Jr. Canadiens 6 vs. Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs 0 Jr. Canadiens MVP – Antonio Tersigni (2G) Chiefs MVP – Rene Van Bommel Recap – Stats
Game 15 – Mississauga Senators 11 vs. Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs 4 Senators MVP – Caden Kelly (3G, 1A) Jr. Bulldogs MVP – Jake Peters (2G) Recap – Stats
Game 16 – Markham Majors 10 vs. Thunder Bay Kings 2 Majors MVP – Antonio Cerqua (1G, 3A) Kings MVP – Nicholas Holomego Recap – Stats
All tournament games feature live scoring complete with the OHL’s Game Centre module.
Round Robin action continues on Thursday with 12 games on the schedule before wrapping up Friday with an additional 12. Quarter-Final and Semi-Final action goes Saturday, concluding with Monday’s Championship Final at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.
All games are available live and on demand through GameOnStream.
The showcase provides fans and scouts one last opportunity to see many of the top U16 AAA players from across Ontario and parts of the United States compete for the OHL Cup performing against the best competition prior to the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.
About the Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
OHL Writers 