18 OHL PLAYERS SELECTED FOR 2022 KUBOTA CHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League in association with National Hockey League Central Scouting announced today the 40 players who have been invited to compete in the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Slated for March 23 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game showcases the top-40 CHL players eligible for the 2022 NHL Draft from across the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. In all, the 40 players count 18 from the OHL, 15 from the WHL, and seven from the QMJHL. Additionally, 23 CHL clubs are represented by at least one player, led by the Guelph Storm with four and Gatineau Olympiques, Kamloops Blazers, Seattle Thunderbirds, and Swift Current Broncos each with three, while 11 teams have multiple player representatives:

40 CHL Players Selected to Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game:

18 OHL players are underlined

Forwards
Maxim Barbashev, Moncton Wildcats
Owen Beck, Mississauga Steelheads
Luca Del Bel Belluz, Mississauga Steelheads
Josh Filmon, Swift Current Broncos
Jagger Firkus, Moose Jaw Warriors
Nathan Gaucher, Quebec Remparts
Ruslan Gazizov, London Knights
Conor Geekie, Winnipeg ICE
David Goyette, Sudbury Wolves
Jordan Gustafson, Seattle Thunderbirds
Hunter Haight, Barrie Colts
Jake Karabela, Guelph Storm
Paul Ludwinski, Kingston Frontenacs
Bryce McConnell-Barker, Soo Greyhounds
Fraser Minten, Kamloops Blazers
Matthew Poitras, Guelph Storm
Vinzenz Rohrer, Ottawa 67’s
Matyas Sapovaliv, Saginaw Spirit
Matthew Savoie, Winnipeg ICE
Reid Schaefer, Seattle Thunderbirds
Matthew Seminoff, Kamloops Blazers
Antonin Verreault, Gatineau Olympiques
Shane Wright, Kingston Frontenacs
Danny Zhilkin, Guelph Storm

Defencemen
Michael Buchinger, Guelph Storm
Jorian Donovan, Hamilton Bulldogs
Isaiah George, London Knights
Kevin Korchinski, Seattle Thunderbirds
Maveric Lamoureux, Drummondville Voltigeurs
Mats Lindgren, Kamloops Blazers
Tristan Luneau, Gatineau Olympiques
Denton Mateychuk, Moose Jaw Warriors
Pavel Mintyukov, Saginaw Spirit
Ty Nelson, North Bay Battalion
Owen Pickering, Swift Current Broncos
Noah Warren, Gatineau Olympiques

Goaltenders
Mason Beaupit, Spokane Chiefs
Tyler Brennan, Prince George Cougars
Reid Dyck, Swift Current Broncos
Ivan Zhigalov, Sherbrooke Phoenix

The 40 players will be divided into Teams Red and White with the rosters and coaching staffs announced in the coming weeks.

With a majority of tickets already sold and in anticipation of 100 percent seating capacity, fans are encouraged to get their tickets now online at kwtickets.ca, by telephone at 1-800-265-8977 or 519-578-1570, or at the box offices at the Centre In the Square at 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener (Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by telephone only, to arrange in person purchases during these hours email boxoffice@centreinthesquare.com), and the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium at 400 East Ave., Kitchener (Game Days, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. or call 519-741-2699 to arrange in-person purchases during business hours on other weekdays). Digital tickets for the originally scheduled date will automatically update. Printed tickets will be honoured for the rescheduled game.

The Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game was last held in Hamilton in January 2020 where Team White defeated Team Red 5-3. Tyson Foerster (Team White/Barrie Colts/Philadelphia Flyers) and Jack Quinn (Team Red/Ottawa 67’s/Buffalo Sabres) were named the Players of the Game. In all, 37 players who competed in the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game were later chosen in the 2020 NHL Draft headlined by Lafreniere’s first-overall selection by the New York Rangers.

Since its reintroduction as the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in 1996, the event has featured 15 players who were later selected first overall in the NHL Draft, including Alexis Lafreniere (2020), Nico Hischier (2017), Connor McDavid (2015), Aaron Ekblad (2014), Nathan MacKinnon (2013), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011), Taylor Hall (2010), John Tavares (2009), Steven Stamkos (2008), Patrick Kane (2007), Marc-Andre Fleury (2003), Rick Nash (2002), Vincent Lecavalier (1998), Joe Thornton (1997), and Chris Phillips (1996).

For more information on the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, visit kubotatopprospects.ca.

About the Canadian Hockey League
The Canadian Hockey League is the world’s largest development hockey league with 52 Canadian and eight American teams participating in the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
 
About Kubota Canada Ltd.
Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) is an affiliate of Kubota Corporation, a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. KCL markets and distributes Kubota engineered and manufactured equipment, including a complete line of tractors of up to 210HP, performance-matched implements, compact and utility tractors, compact construction, landscaping and public work equipment, residential lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles. For product literature or dealer locations, contact Kubota Canada Ltd. at 1155 Kubota Drive, Pickering, Ontario Canada L1X 0H4, by telephone, at 905-294-6535, by visiting KCL’s website kubota.ca.

LEAVER AND EVANGELISTA NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, February 6, 2022

Knights’ Luke Evangelista Named OHL Player of the Week

Nashville Predators prospect Luke Evangelista of the London Knights is the OHL Player of the Week with six goals, four assists and 10 points in three games with a plus/minus rating of plus-6.

Back in action for the first time since Jan. 23rd, the Knights won three straight over the weekend as Evangelista led the way, scoring in all three outings. He opened the scoring on the power play in Friday’s 5-1 win over the Windsor Spitfires before collecting a career-high five points including a hat trick and two assists in Saturday’s 6-3 defeat of the Kitchener Rangers. The 6-foot, 171Ib. right-winger was back at it on Sunday, hitting the empty net twice while adding two assists in London’s 8-3 road win over the Owen Sound Attack to extend his point streak to seven games. Evangelista surpassed his 2019-20 point total of 61 (23-38–61) recorded over 62 games in his 31st game of the season on Sunday.

A 19-year-old native of Oakville, Ont., Evangelista sits tied for the OHL goal-scoring lead with 32 tallies in just 31 games. He’s fourth in overall points with 64 (32-32–64) and leads OHL players with 2.06 points-per-game. The third-year forward was a second round (42nd overall) pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2020 NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry level NHL contract in November 2020. Evangelista was London’s first round (14th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Flint Firebirds forward Amadeus Lombardi registered a goal and five assists for six points in a pair of victories for his club. Edmonton Oilers prospect Matvey Petrov of the North Bay Battalion was also a force, scoring four goals along with two assists for six points as the Troops went 3-0 on home ice.

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 31 – Feb. 6: Luke Evangelista (London Knights)
Jan. 24 – Jan. 30: Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Riley Piercey (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 3 – Jan 9: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Ty Tullio (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Rory Kerins (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)


Generals’ Patrick Leaver Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Patrick Leaver of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0-0-0 with a 1.44 goals-against average, .955 save percentage and one shutout.

Leaver claims the honour for the second time this season, helping the Generals put together a perfect weekend by stopping 64 of the 67 shots he faced. He was in the crease on Friday in Mississauga as the Generals edged the first place Steelheads 4-3 in a shootout. Leaver stopped 33 of the 36 shots he faced before turning aside all nine Steelheads shootout attempts to secure the win. He was back at it on Saturday in Barrie, posting his second shutout of the season as the Generals were outshot 31-17 but managed to defeat the Colts 1-0 on a third period goal from Ryan Gagnier.

An 18-year-old from Perth, Ont., Leaver leads all OHL goaltenders with a .935 save percentage since January 1. His overall season totals include a 15-9-1-1 record, 2.95 goals-against average, .916 save percentage and two shutouts in 28 games. The former eighth round (158th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection was the 29th-ranked North American goaltender on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings released in January.

Also considered for the award this week, London Knights netminder Brett Brochu played to a 3-0-0-0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average and .936 save percentage as the Knights continue to lead the Western Conference. Luke Cavallin of the Flint Firebirds was 2-0-0-0 with a 1.50 goals-against average and .956 save percentage as the Firebirds remain hot.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 31 – Feb. 6: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Jan. 24 – Jan. 30: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: Mitchell Weeks (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 3 – Jan. 9: Nolan Lalonde (Erie Otters)
Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: Joe Ranger (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Owen Bennett (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Roman Basran (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Jacob Oster (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Tucker Tynan (Niagara IceDogs)


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.

KUBOTA CHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME TO BE HELD MARCH 23 IN KITCHENER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League in partnership with the Kitchener Rangers and Kubota Canada Ltd. announced today that the rescheduled 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game will be held Wednesday, March 23 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium at 8 p.m. Eastern.

“We are very excited to be able to get this game back on the CHL’s 2022 calendar,” said Dan MacKenzie, President, Canadian Hockey League. “It is very important that our top draft-eligible players get the opportunity to showcase their skills in this event for NHL scouts and our passionate fans in Kitchener.”

With a majority of tickets already sold and in anticipation of 100 percent seating capacity, fans are encouraged to get their tickets now online at kwtickets.ca, by telephone at 1-800-265-8977 or 519-578-1570, or at the box offices at the Centre In the Square at 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener (Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by telephone only, to arrange in person purchases during these hours email boxoffice@centreinthesquare.com), and the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium at 400 East Ave., Kitchener (Game Days, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. or call 519-741-2699 to arrange in-person purchases during business hours on other weekdays).

Digital tickets for the originally scheduled date will automatically update. Printed tickets will be honoured for the rescheduled game.

“Kubota Canada Ltd. is really excited to have the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game rescheduled as it represents a great opportunity for fans to see some exceptional emerging hockey talent,” said Steve Sweetnam, Director, Marketing, Kubota Canada.

The Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game features top NHL Draft eligible talent from across the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League competing before hundreds of NHL scouts in attendance. The 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game will also be broadcasted nationally on TSN and RDS.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game,” said Joe Birch, Chief Operating Officer and Governor, Kitchener Rangers. “This will be a great event for the participating players, the Waterloo Region, and our hockey club. We look forward to welcoming all fans from across Ontario to the ‘Aud’ on March 23.”

The 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game marks the 14th time the OHL will serve as host and the first time the event has returned to Kitchener since 2003. In all, 24 Rangers players have competed in the showcase, most recently defenceman Donovan Sebrango in 2020 who was later selected 63rd overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2020 NHL Draft.

The Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game was last held in Hamilton in January 2020 where Team White defeated Team Red 5-3. Tyson Foerster (Team White/Barrie Colts/Philadelphia Flyers) and Jack Quinn (Team Red/Ottawa 67’s/Buffalo Sabres) were named the Players of the Game. In all, 37 players who competed in the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game were later chosen in the 2020 NHL Draft headlined by Lafreniere’s first-overall selection by the New York Rangers.

Since its reintroduction as the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in 1996, the event has featured 15 players who were later selected first overall in the NHL Draft, including Alexis Lafreniere (2020), Nico Hischier (2017), Connor McDavid (2015), Aaron Ekblad (2014), Nathan MacKinnon (2013), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011), Taylor Hall (2010), John Tavares (2009), Steven Stamkos (2008), Patrick Kane (2007), Marc-Andre Fleury (2003), Rick Nash (2002), Vincent Lecavalier (1998), Joe Thornton (1997), and Chris Phillips (1996).

More information about the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game including team rosters and coaches will be announced in the coming weeks.

About the Canadian Hockey League
The Canadian Hockey League is the world’s largest development hockey league with 52 Canadian and eight American teams participating in the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

About Kubota Canada Ltd.
Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) is an affiliate of Kubota Corporation, a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. KCL markets and distributes Kubota engineered and manufactured equipment, including a complete line of tractors of up to 210HP, performance-matched implements, compact and utility tractors, compact construction, landscaping and public work equipment, residential lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles. For product literature or dealer locations, contact Kubota Canada Ltd. at 1155 Kubota Drive, Pickering, Ontario Canada L1X 0H4, by telephone, at 905-294-6535, by visiting KCL’s website kubota.ca.

OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Jackson Parsons of the Kitchener Rangers, Pano Fimis of the Niagara IceDogs, Luca Marrelli of the Oshawa Generals and Ryder McIntyre of the Sarnia Sting have been named Academic Players of the Month for January.

East Division: Oshawa Generals rookie defender Luca Marrelli is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for January.

Marrelli achieved a 92 percent average in grade 11 university-level English, Math and Accounting plus High Performance at Maxwell Heights Secondary School.

“Luca is a conscientious and personable individual who leads by example demonstrating a strong work ethic,” commented Generals academic advisor Tom Buchanan.

The 16-year-old from Toronto, Ont. has recorded seven points in 34 games (0-7–7) for the Generals. Marrelli was selected in the fifth round (81st overall) by Oshawa in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Central Division: Niagara IceDogs forward Pano Fimis is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for January.

Fimis is currently taking grade 12 university-level English, Advanced Functions and Exercise Science where he is holding an average in the high 80s at Governor Simcoe Secondary School.

“Pano is having an excellent season both on and off the ice,” said IceDogs academic advisor Tim Tope. “He is well respected by both staff and students and is sure to lead the IceDogs for years to come.”

The Richmond Hill, Ont. native has been a big contributor for the IceDogs, recording 23 points in 34 games (6-17–23). The 17-year-old scored his first career goal in his OHL debut against the Barrie Colts on Oct. 7th. Fimis was selected second overall by the IceDogs in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection and was ranked 77th in NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings for the 2022 NHL Draft.

Midwest Division: Kitchener Rangers goaltender Jackson Parsons is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for January.

Parsons is currently taking a full grade 12 university-level course load, which includes straight-A marks in English, Data Management, World Issues, Functions and Healthy Living at Victus Academy. Jackson’s future academic goals are to attend the University of Waterloo or Wilfrid Laurier University to study Sports Management and Business.

“Over the course of the past year and a half, Jackson has handled the transition from a French high school to an English online school with maturity and focus,” said Rangers academic advisor Dave Tennant. “His teachers describe Jackson as an exceptional student, who is diligent and thoughtful in everything he does, including outside of the classroom where he has taken it upon himself to provide mentorship for another student at the school. Jackson is truly a pleasure to talk to off the ice at the rink as well. He listens to all guidance and approaches every situation with a smile.”

Goaltending coach, Jordan DeKort also has good things to say about Parsons.

“It is challenging to be a 17-year-old goalie, it’s his first year in the league, but he has done exceptionally well to adapt. Jackson has been super consistent for us, and he really puts a lot of effort into everything he does, both on and off the ice.”

The Embrun, Ont. native has made 15 appearances for the Rangers, going 6-8-0-0 with a 4.11 goals-against average and .880 save percentage in his first OHL season. Parsons was selected in the third round (53rd overall) by the Rangers in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

West Division: Sarnia Sting forward Ryder McIntyre is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for January, excelling in his studies with a 95 percent average at Northern Collegiate Vocational Institute.

McIntyre is currently taking grade 12 university-level Functions, Biology and Business Leadership.

“Ryder is an exceptional student athlete who is a role model for others,” said Sting academic advisor Mark Scott. “He is an engaged student with an exceptional work ethic who consistently puts forth his best effort both in the classroom and on the ice.”

The 17-year-old from Stouffville, Ont. has seven points in 27 games for the Sting this season (3-4-7), as he recorded a goal and an assist in his career OHL game on Oct. 7th. McIntyre was selected in the third round (51st overall) by the Sting in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

2021-22 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
January – Luca Marrelli (Oshawa Generals)
December – Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
November – Cole Brown (Hamilton Bulldogs)
October – Sam Alfano (Peterborough Petes)

Central Division:
January – Pano Fimis (Niagara IceDogs)
December – Owen Van Steensel (North Bay Battalion)
November – Hunter Haight (Barrie Colts)
October – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)

Midwest Division:
January –  Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
December – Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm)
November – Nolan Lalonde (Erie Otters)
October – Cal Uens (Owen Sound Attack)

West Division:
January – Ryder McIntyre (Sarnia Sting)
December – PJ Forgione (Saginaw Spirit)
November – Ethan Hay (Flint Firebirds)
October – Bronson Ride (Windsor Spitfires)

A total of 343 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2020-21 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.1 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.

Click here for more information about ‘OHL Players First’ programs.

STEELHEADS AND FRONTENACS INCLUDED IN WEEK 14 EDITION OF KIA CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today the Week 14 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings for the 2021-22 season.

The Mississauga Steelheads are the top-ranked team in the OHL this week, climbing two spots to sixth after four straight wins since the last edition. The 28-8-1-3 Steelheads are the first place team in the OHL, having outscored opponents 143-93 this season. Mississauga took back-to-back wins over North Bay and Niagara, tightening their grip on first place in the Central Division. The big line of James Hardie, Luca Del Bel Belluz and Ty Collins continues to impress while captain Ethan Del Mastro leads the OHL with a plus-34 rating. The tandem of Roman Basran and Joe Ranger continues to hold down the fort in goal.

The Kingston Frontenacs dropped four spots to number nine on the list this week after winning two of three. The Fronts defeated the Peterborough Petes 6-3 on Thursday, edged the Oshawa Generals 4-3 on Friday and fell to the Hamilton Bulldogs by a score of 5-2 on Sunday. Kingston sits one point up on Hamilton for first place in the East Division, owning a 22-10-3-0 record. Top 2022 NHL Draft prospect Shane Wright had a productive week, recording a goal and six assists to give him 43 points (15-28–43) over 31 games this season. Overage forward Jordan Frasca leads Kingston with 24 goals.

The Hamilton Bulldogs rose into the honourable mention category after a 3-0 week. The Bulldogs defeated Niagara and Kingston without the services of star centre Mason McTavish, who is off to represent Canada at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China.

The Soo Greyhounds hold steady in the honourable mention field, defeating the Saginaw Spirit 5-1 last Wednesday before splitting consecutive overtime outcomes on home ice, losing to Flint before defeating Barrie. The Greyhounds, who feature the OHL’s top scorer in Calgary Flames prospect Rory Kerins (25-42–67), lost key centreman Tanner Dickinson for an extended period to a broken right femur on Saturday. The St. Louis Blues prospect has been productive, recording 47 points (18-29–47) over 35 games this season.

For further analysis on the Week 14 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings, visit CHL.ca.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in December 2021, including Windsor Spitfires forward Wyatt Johnston, Mississauga Steelheads defenceman Ethan Del Mastro, Flint Firebirds forward Coulson Pitre and Barrie Colts goaltender Mack Guzda.

OHL Player of the Month – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires):
Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires is the OHL Player of the Month for December, sitting tied for the League lead with 19 points including seven goals and 12 assists over eight games to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-13. Johnston recorded points in seven of his eight outings as the Spitfires played to a December mark of 6-1-1-0, holding down second place in the West Division. Johnston opened the month with three assists, going 14-for-17 in the faceoff circle in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Erie Otters on Dec. 2nd. He built off that performance a night later, recording a career-high six points (2-4–6) as the Spitfires defeated the Sarnia Sting 7-5. The six points were the most in a single game by a Spitfires player since Josh Ho-Sang on Feb. 9, 2014. Johnston would proceed to post three more multi-point efforts, doing so with three point showings on Dec. 16th and 17th as Windsor defeated Sault Ste. Marie and Saginaw. Johnston rounded-out December on a five-game goal-scoring streak. He’s the first Spitfires player to claim OHL Player of the Month honours since Brendan Lemieux in December 2015.

An 18-year-old native of Toronto, Ont., Johnston sits fourth in OHL scoring with 46 points (18-28–46) in 27 games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-17. He currently leads all OHL players, having received recognition in the three stars of the game on 12 different occasions. Johnston 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 – Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads):
Chicago Blackhawks prospect Ethan Del Mastro of the Mississauga Steelheads is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for December, leading OHL rearguards with 11 points, all assists, in nine games to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-9. Del Mastro helped the Steelheads ascend to first place in the OHL standings with assists in seven of his nine outings as Mississauga played to a December record of 8-1-0-0. The 6-foot-4, 206Ib. defender finished the month with six points in his last two contests, recording a pair of helpers in Wednesday’s 5-4 win over visiting North Bay. He racked up a career-high four assists in a first star performance on New Year’s Eve as the Steelheads defeated the Sudbury Wolves 8-2 on the road. Del Mastro is the first Steelheads blueliner to earn Defenceman of the Month honours since Nicolas Hague in March 2018.

An 18-year-old native of Freelton, Ont., Del Mastro has 21 points (4-17–21) through 28 games in his second OHL season. The Steelheads’ captain also boasts a League-leading plus-28 plus/minus rating. Del Mastro was Chicago’s fourth round (105th overall) pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. The former Canadian National Under-18 Team gold medalist was selected by the Steelheads with the 12th overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Coulson Pitre (Flint Firebirds):
Flint Firebirds forward Coulson Pitre is the OHL Rookie of the Month for December, recording four goals, seven assists and 11 points over eight games with a plus/minus rating of plus-6. Pitre posted four different multi-point efforts as the Firebirds went 4-3-0-1 in December, opening the month with goals in three consecutive games. Pitre recorded the first of two three-point efforts on Dec. 4th with a goal and two helpers in a 7-4 win over Owen Sound. He recorded three assists on Dec. 8th as Flint defeated the Erie Otters 9-6. Pitre is the first Firebirds player to ever earn OHL Rookie of the Month honours.

A 17-year-old native of Stouffville, Ont., Pitre sits tied for fourth among OHL rookies with 21 points (9-12–21) in 20 games with the Firebirds. Formerly a fourth round (73rd overall) pick by the Windsor Spitfires in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Pitre was acquired by Flint in September 2021.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts):
Mack Guzda of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for December, playing to a 4-0-0-0 record with a league-best 1.45 goals-against average and .952 save percentage with one shutout. Guzda made at least 30 saves in three of his four wins, starting the month with back-to-back 32-save performances on Dec. 2nd and 11th as the Colts defeated Hamilton and North Bay on home ice. He recorded a 26-save shutout, his first as a Colt, on Dec. 12th in a 1-0 road win over the Battalion. Guzda finished December with a 30-save road win over Ottawa as the Colts skated to a 5-2 decision. Guzda is the first Barrie netminder to earn OHL Goaltender of the Month honours since Mackenzie Blackwood last did so in November 2015.

A 20-year-old native of Knoxville, Tenn., Guzda owns an overall record of 11-5-0-1 with a 2.77 goals-against average and .918 save percentage in 17 games between the Colts and Owen Sound Attack this season. Since joining Barrie on Nov. 19th, Guzda has played to a 6-1-0-0 mark. The 6-foot-5, 205Ib. fourth-year veteran owns a career OHL record of 69-50-10-7 with a 3.28 goals-against average and .892 save percentage with six shutouts over 147 regular season games. Owen Sound’s second round (31st overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, Guzda attended rookie camp with the Buffalo Sabres last September.

2021-22 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
December – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
November – Kyle Jackson (North Bay Battalion)
October – Sasha Pastujov (Guelph Storm)

Defenceman of the Month:
December – Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads)
November – Nathan Staios (Hamilton Bulldogs)
October – Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Rookie of the Month:
December – Coulson Pitre (Flint Firebirds)
November – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
October – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)

Goaltender of the Month:
December – Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
November – Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion)
October – Brett Brochu (London Knights)

BENNETT AND TULLIO NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, December 19, 2021.

Generals’ Ty Tullio Named OHL Player of the Week

Edmonton Oilers prospect Ty Tullio of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Player of the Week, posting four goals and three assists for seven points in two games.

Tullio took centre stage in consecutive performances, helping the Generals enter the holiday break on a four-game winning streak. He scored his first career OHL hat trick in natural fashion on Friday, earning first star honours as the Generals skated to a 4-2 win in Ottawa. He was back at it a night later in Peterborough, teaming up with linemate Stuart Rolofs to score and add three assists in an 8-4 win over the rival Petes.

A 19-year-old right-winger from Lakeshore, Ont., Tullio leads the Generals with 38 points (12-26–38) over 26 games in this, his third OHL season. Oshawa’s captain leads all OHL skaters with 21 power play points while sitting fourth with 119 shots on goal. He’s recorded 146 points (54-92–146) over 148 career regular season games with the Generals after being the club’s first round (11th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. Tullio was a fifth round (126th overall) pick by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2020 NHL Draft. He signed an entry level NHL contract with the Oilers in September.

Tullio becomes the second Generals player to earn Player of the Week honours this season after rookie Calum Ritchie did so from Oct. 11-17.

Also considered for the award this week, Peterborough Petes forward Tucker Robertson recorded seven points (4-3–7) over three contests as the Petes played to a 1-2-0-0 record. Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires recorded six points (2-4–6) in a pair of victories as the Spits surged to the top of the West Division.

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Ty Tullio (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Rory Kerins (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Storm’s Owen Bennett Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Owen Bennett of the Guelph Storm is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, helping the Storm secure first place in the Western Conference entering the holiday break with 25 saves in a win on Saturday.

Bennett earned his seventh win in eight starts, defeating the London Knights in a second straight outing with 25 saves on 26 shots as the Storm won 4-1 on home ice. The 6-foot-3 netminder earned third star honours in the game as Guelph leapfrogged London in the standings, improving to 17-8-1-1 as the top team in the Western Conference.

A 19-year-old native of Georgetown, Ont., Bennett owns a 9-5-1-0 record, 3.33 goals-against average, .875 save percentage and two shutouts over 15 games this season. The sophomore goaltender carries a career mark of 18-20-1-2 with a 3.71 goals-against average and .879 save percentage in 42 career regular season games with the Storm. He was Guelph’s fourth round (67th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Mississauga Steelheads goaltender Roman Basran made 26 saves in Saturday’s 2-1 win over the visiting North Bay Battalion, helping the Trout pull into a first place tie atop the Central Division. Zachary Paputsakis made 32 saves in the Oshawa Generals’ 4-2 road win over the Ottawa 67’s on Friday.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Owen Bennett (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Roman Basran (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Jacob Oster (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Tucker Tynan (Niagara IceDogs)


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.

GUZDA AND EDMONDS NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, December 12, 2021.

Frontenacs’ Lucas Edmonds Named OHL Player of the Week

Kingston Frontenacs forward Lucas Edmonds is the OHL Player of the Week, scoring four goals while adding eight assists for 12 points over three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-6.

Edmonds recorded at least three points in three straight wins, climbing into the OHL scoring lead as the Frontenacs ascended to the top of the OHL standings. He scored twice and added two assists, setting up Francesco Arcuri’s game winner in Friday’s 6-5 victory over the visiting Hamilton Bulldogs. Edmonds was back at it a night later in Niagara, scoring while adding two assists with 11 shots on goal as the Frontenacs defeated the IceDogs 5-2. He wrapped up the weekend with a season-high five points, scoring while racking up four helpers as the Fronts won their eighth consecutive contest, topping the Mississauga Steelheads 5-3.

A 20-year-old native of North Bay, Ont., Edmonds leads the OHL with 35 assists and 52 points (17-35–52) in 25 games. His 121 shots on goal are a League-high, as are his 19 points on the power play. The first-year winger was originally Kingston’s seventh round (131st overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection before spending the past four seasons playing between the junior and professional ranks in Sweden. Edmonds was assigned a C rating on NHL Central Scouting’s November Players to Watch List for the 2022 NHL Draft. He joins Shane Wright as the second Frontenacs player to receive Player of the Week honours this season.

Also considered for the award this week, Frontenacs teammate Jordan Frasca recorded consecutive hat tricks, finishing with nine points including seven goals and two assists over three wins. Hamilton Bulldogs forward Logan Morrison scored three goals, added four assists and finished with seven points along with a plus-7 rating in three outings.

2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Rory Kerins (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Colts’ Mack Guzda Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Barrie Colts netminder Mack Guzda has been named the OHL Goaltender of the Week after playing to a 2-0 record with a 0.96 goals-against average, .967 save percentage and one shutout.

Guzda helped the Colts defeat the Central Division-leading North Bay Battalion on consecutive nights, first making 32 saves at home on Saturday before turning away all four Battalion shootout attempts in a 3-2 victory. Guzda followed-up with his sixth career OHL shutout on Sunday in North Bay, making 26 saves as the Colts skated to a 1-0 triumph on Evan Vierling’s third period game winner. Guzda earned first star honours in both outings, helping the Colts climb back into the Central Division conversation with their fourth and fifth straight wins.

A 20-year-old native of Knoxville, Tenn., Guzda owns the League’s second-highest save percentage of .917 through 16 games this season, playing to an overall record of 10-5-0-1 with a 2.82 goals-against average and one shutout between Barrie and Owen Sound. The overage talent has been steady, going 5-1-0-0 with a 2.25 goals-against average and .920 save percentage since joining the Colts on Nov. 19th. Originally Owen Sound’s second round (31st overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, Guzda has played to a career mark of 68-50-10-7 with a 3.29 goals-against average and .892 save percentage with six shutouts in 146 regular season games. He attended rookie camp with the Buffalo Sabres this past September.

Also considered for the award this week, Windsor Spitfires netminder Xavier Medina returned from injury to go 3-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and .967 save percentage last week. Owen Bennett of the Guelph Storm played to a 2-0 mark with a 0.55 goals-against average and .977 save percentage, posting a 27-save shutout in London on Saturday.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Leevi Merilainen (Kingston Frontenacs)
Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion
Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Roman Basran (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Jacob Oster (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Tucker Tynan (Niagara IceDogs)


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.

BATTALION, KNIGHTS AND FRONTENACS INCLUDED IN WEEK 10 EDITION OF KIA CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today the Week 10 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings for the 2021-22 season.

The North Bay Battalion are the top-ranked team in the Ontario Hockey League for the first time this season, taking back-to-back road wins over the Hamilton Bulldogs and Niagara IceDogs last weekend to slot in at sixth. The 15-7-1-1 Battalion lead the Eastern Conference and feature three of the League’s top 10 scorers in newly signed San Jose Sharks prospect Brandon Coe (14-32–46), Edmonton Oilers draftee Matvey Petrov (16-23–39) and November’s OHL Player of the Month, Kyle Jackson (15-22–37). North Bay has been consistent on the special teams front, owning the League’s fifth-ranked power play and penalty kill under head coach Ryan Oulahen. The Troops are at home to the Soo Greyhounds on Thursday before a home-and-home with the Barrie Colts on Saturday and Sunday.

The London Knights remain in the picture for an eighth consecutive week, coming in at number seven on the list. The Knights defeated the Kitchener Rangers 6-2 on Tuesday after mixed results over the weekend. London fell for a third time this season to the Sarnia Sting at home on Saturday, and defeated the Erie Otters by a score of 4-1 on Friday. Knights captain Luke Evangelista joins goaltender Brett Brochu in heading off to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp in Calgary, Alta. The Nashville Predators prospect is on an eight-game point streak and leads London with 40 points (20-20–40). Rookie winger Colton Smith (12-5–17) leads the club with eight power play goals on the season, powering London’s 28.9 percent second-ranked man advantage. The Knights return to action at home to the Windsor Spitfires on Friday.

The Kingston Frontenacs are back inside the top 10 at number nine following a two week absence thanks to five consecutive wins. The Fronts edged the Peterborough Petes 6-5 on the road Thursday night before outscoring the Oshawa Generals and Ottawa 67’s 10-1 in consecutive victories on Friday and Sunday. Ottawa Senators prospect Leevi Merilainen earned his first career OHL shutout and was named OHL Goaltender of the Week while top NHL Draft prospect Shane Wright was a force, recording eight points (2-6–8) across three games. The Fronts have a big date with the Hamilton Bulldogs on home ice Friday night. Kingston edged Hamilton 5-4 in a shootout in their last meeting on Nov. 27th.

The Mississauga Steelheads received an honourable mention, scoring back-to-back one-goal wins over Ottawa and Oshawa last week. The Steelheads are 13-6-1-1, four points back of first place North Bay in the Central Division.

For further analysis on the Week 10 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings, visit CHL.ca.


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 THIS WEEK: DECEMBER 2 TO 5, 2021

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – December is here and it’s Teddy Bear Toss season! Get the latest on what’s happening across the Ontario Hockey League:

Nine OHL players crowned champions of Capital City Challenge with Canada Black:
Of the 25 players that competed at the 2021 Capital City Challenge in Ottawa this past week, nine are champions as members of Team Black following a 5-4 overtime win on Wednesday. Read more

Nine past and present OHL players named to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp roster:
Nine past and present OHL players have been named to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp Roster for the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. Read more

Dickinson, McDonnell and Pastujov named to U.S. National Junior Team preliminary roster:
Three OHL players have been named to the U.S. National Junior Team preliminary roster for the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. Read more

OHL announces Top Performers of the Month for November:
The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in November 2021 including North Bay Battalion teammates Kyle Jackson and Joe Vrbetic, Hamilton Bulldogs defenceman Nathan Staios and Mississauga Steelheads forward Owen Beck. Read more

OHL announces Academic Players of the Month for November:
The OHL announced Academic Players of the Month for November including Flint’s Ethan Hay, Erie’s Nolan Lalonde, Barrie’s Hunter Haight and Hamilton’s Cole Brown. Read more

OHL announces suspension of team activities for Sudbury Wolves Hockey Club:
In accordance with established protocols, the OHL on Tuesday announced that the Sudbury Wolves Hockey Club has suspended all team activities due to positive tests for Covid-19. Read more

Knights, Battalion and Bulldogs included in Week 9 edition of Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings:
The London Knights, North Bay Battalion and Hamilton Bulldogs are included in the Week 9 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. Read more

Firebirds’ Othmann named OHL Player of the Week, recognized on CHL Team of the Week:
New York Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann of the Flint Firebirds is the OHL Player of the Week with seven points across three games. The crafty winger was also recognized on the CHL Team of the Week. Read more

Petes’ Austin named OHL Goaltender of the Week:
Tye Austin of the Peterborough Petes is the OHL Goaltender of the Week after winning a pair of games while posting a 2.50 goals-against average and .923 save percentage. Read more

Knights’ Evangelista leads OHL Plays of the Week:
Revisiting the top plays from across the Ontario Hockey League this week featuring Guelph’s Braeden Bowman, North Bay’s Brandon Coe, London’s Brett Brochu, Mississauga’s Ethan Del Mastro, and London’s Luke Evangelista. Watch

Behold brilliance between the pipes on the OHL Saves of the Week:
Behold brilliance between the pipes in the latest edition of the OHL Saves of the Week featuring London’s Brett Brochu, Mississauga’s Roman Basran, Oshawa’s Zach Paputsakis, Sudbury’s Mitchell Weeks, Barrie’s Mack Guzda, Peterborough’s Tye Austin and Sarnia’s Ben Gaudreau. Watch

Nine first goals and a shutout in OHL Milestone Moments:
Check out 9 first career OHL goals as well as Samuel Ivanov’s first career shutouts from the past week of action in the latest edition of OHL Milestone Moments! Watch

OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Top 10 Rankings – Week 1:
It’s time for the premiere edition of the OHL Cup powered by Under Armour Top 10 Rankings, with the Silver Stick champion Toronto Jr. Canadiens leading the way. Read more / Watch

#OHLDraft prospects on display at Whitby Silver Stick:
A total of 35 competitive U16 AAA teams converged on Whitby this past weekend for the Gloria Rints Memorial International Silver Stick. Watch

Storm’s Walker named Assistant Coach with Canada’s National Men’s Team:
Hockey Canada has named Guelph Storm president of hockey operations Scott Walker as an assistant coach of Canada’s National Men’s Team. Read more

Duncan Schneider commits to Frontenacs:
The Kingston Frontenacs have received a commitment from fifth round 2021 OHL Priority Selection choice Duncan Schneider who made his debut on Sunday. Read more

Marcus Vanderberg commits to Rangers:
The Kitchener Rangers have received a commitment from ninth round 2020 OHL Priority Selection choice Marcus Vandenberg. Read more

Tickets now on sale for 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game:
The Kitchener Rangers are looking ahead to hosting the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game as the Canadian Hockey League’s top draft eligible talent converges on The Aud on February 2, 2022. More details at kitchenerrangers.com.

OHL Online Media Information Guide available for download:
The 2021-22 online edition of the Ontario Hockey League Media and Information Guide is now available for download. The Guide includes OHL team directories, statistics and standings from last season as well as historical seasons along with award winners. This year’s instalment includes a new layout featuring expanded franchise records as well as an additional section documenting historical 100-point and 50-goal seasons. Read more

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Teddy Bear Toss season gets underway: It’s Teddy Bear Toss time across the Ontario Hockey League! The fur takes flight in Peterborough on Thursday, in Kingston on Friday, in London and Niagara on Saturday and in Sarnia and Sault Ste. Marie on Sunday.

Spitfires host First Responders Night on Thursday: The Windsor Spitfires are all set for First Responders Night at the WFCU Centre on Thursday. They’ll take the opportunity to honour former video coach and volunteer firefighter Sean DeMuynck who tragically passed away in the line of duty this past July.

Spirit host Storm for Hometown Heroes Hockey Night on Saturday: The Saginaw Spirit will be decked out as superheroes on Saturday when the Guelph Storm visit the Dow Event Center. There’s a cape giveaway for kids attending the game, and the Spirit will be auctioning off their specially themed threads for charitable causes.

Otters raise $1,025 for men’s health through Movember campaign: The Erie Otters announced that they raised a total of $1,025 towards men’s health through their club Movember campaign.

Steelheads get visit from Indian superstar: The Mississauga Steelheads welcomed a special guest to the Paramount Fine Foods Centre on November 18. Indian superstar Dr. Satinder Sartaaj made his way to the arena to meet the Steelheads before their road trip to Niagara. Read more at mississaugasteelheads.com.

Sting set for “Season of Giving” throughout December: Christmas is a time for giving and each season the Sarnia Sting have dubbed December home games  as the “Season of Giving.” With the support of the loyal fans, the Sarnia Sting can give to those who need it most at this special time of year. For full details visit sarniasting.com.

Petes release Pink in the Rink campaign details: The Peterborough Petes have announced details around their 13th annual Pink in the Rink campaign, with Petes alumnus Doug Gibson and Global News sports anchor Meaghan Roy named honourary co-chairs. The Petes have raised a total of $812,099 in the past 12 years and prepare to build on that total on February 5th when they play host to the Niagara IceDogs. Proceeds are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. Read more at gopetesgo.com.

ALUMNI NOTES:

OHL mourns the loss of Bob Kilger: The OHL is saddened by the loss of former Cornwall Royals head coach and one-time Oshawa General Bob Kilger who passed away on Nov. 29th at the age of 77. A former Mayor of Cornwall, Kilger coached the Royals to a Memorial Cup title during their QMJHL tenure in 1981 before remaining behind the bench during their first two seasons in the OHL. He is the father of OHL graduate and former long-time NHL forward Chad Kilger. Bob was inducted into the Cornwall Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. Read more on the life and career of Bob Kilger at cornwallseawaynews.com.

Campbell, Kadri recognized as NHL Stars of the Month: A pair of OHL graduates earned monthly recognition in the NHL. Former Windsor Spitfires and Soo Greyhounds netminder Jack Campbell of the Toronto Maple Leafs was named the NHL’s second star for November, posting nine wins, a 1.27 goals-against average, .927 save percentage and three shutouts. Former Kitchener Rangers and London Knights forward Nazem Kadri of the Colorado Avalanche earned third star recognition with 21 points (4-17–21) over 10 games. He’s the first Avs player to post two points-per-game over a calendar month since Joe Sakic last did so in March of 2000.

Niemelainen makes NHL debut with Oilers: Former Saginaw Spirit defenceman Markus Niemelainen made his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday. The 6-foot-6 Finnish defenceman has recorded three points (1-2–3) in 14 games with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors this season, and got into Thursday’s game against Pittsburgh to see just over 10 minutes of ice. Niemelainen played two seasons in Saginaw from 2015-17 and was Edmonton’s third round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.

Brown scores in Blues debut: St. Louis native Logan Brown scored in his St. Louis Blues debut on Tuesday, helping them defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in a shootout. The 6-foot-6, 23-year-old Brown played four OHL seasons between Windsor and Kitchener from 2014-18, hoisting the Memorial Cup with the Spitfires in 2017. He was selected by the Ottawa Senators with the 11th overall pick of the 2016 NHL Draft, and joined the Blues organization earlier this season where he posted 17 points (6-11–17) over 19 games with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds.

Damiani continuing to produce in year two: Kitchener Rangers graduate Riley Damiani is proving his sensational rookie season wasn’t a flash in the pan. The 21-year-old has 13 points (5-8–13) through 17 games in his second season with the AHL’s Texas Stars. The reigning AHL Rookie of the Year spoke with theahl.com‘s Patrick Williams on the progress of his game. Damiani played four seasons in Kitchener from 2016-20 and was Dallas’ fifth round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. Read more at theahl.com.

KEY MATCHUPS:

North Bay Battalion at Hamilton Bulldogs
Friday December 3rd – 7:00pm

The top two teams in the Eastern Conference standings meet in Hamilton on Friday night, with the CHL’s eighth-ranked North Bay Battalion battling the 10th-ranked Bulldogs. The Troops feature both the OHL’s Player of the Month in Kyle Jackson as well as Goaltender of the Month in Joe Vrbetic while OHL top scorer Brandon Coe enters the weekend with 39 points (11-28–39) over 22 games. The host Bulldogs have won four of their last five with offensive spark plug George Diaco carrying a nine-game point streak. Hamilton is bolstered down the middle by one of the League’s premier centremen in Montreal Canadiens prospect Jan Mysak who leads the club with 27 points (15-12–27). Overage blueliner Nathan Staios became the first defender in Bulldogs history to earn OHL Defenceman of the Month honours, doing so in the month of November with 12 points (3-9–12) over 10 games.

Mississauga Steelheads at Peterborough Petes
Saturday December 4th – 7:05pm

The Mississauga Steelheads come off consecutive losses last weekend, but remain a top tier club in the Eastern Conference big-time goal scorer James Hardie leading the way. Hardie’s 14 goals lead the Steelheads while first-year centreman Owen Beck was named the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for November. Former first round OHL Priority Selection choice Zakary Lavoie is heating up as well, scoring in four of his last six games while riding an eight-game point streak. The Trout visit the Peterborough Petes, who have turned a corner since receiving Mason McTavish back from the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks. The maroon and white have won three in a row, improving their record to 8-10-1-0 as they creep up the Eastern Conference standings. Veteran netminder Tye Austin earned OHL Goaltender of the Week recognition last week.

UPCOMING GAMES:

Thursday December 2nd:
Ottawa at Niagara – 7:00pm
Kingston at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Flint at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Hamilton at Barrie – 7:30pm
Erie at Windsor – 7:30pm

Friday December 3rd:
North Bay at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Kingston – 7:00pm
Ottawa at Mississauga – 7:00pm
Windsor at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Guelph at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Owen Sound at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Erie at London – 7:30pm

Saturday December 4th:
Sarnia at London – 4:00pm
North Bay at Niagara – 7:00pm
Mississauga at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Guelph at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Flint at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday December 5th:
Erie at Hamilton – 2:00pm
Ottawa at Kingston – 2:00pm
Oshawa at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Flint at Owen Sound – 2:00pm
Kitchener at Sarnia – 2:05pm
Saginaw at Sault Ste. Marie – 2:07pm