198 OHL GRADUATES ON 2021-22 NHL OPENING NIGHT ROSTERS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that a total of 198 graduates are included on Opening Night rosters for the 2021-22 NHL Regular Season.

A number of recent OHL graduates who skated during the 2019-20 season including Peterborough Petes forward Mason McTavish (Anaheim), Oshawa Generals alumnus Philip Tomasino (Nashville), Hamilton Bulldogs career scoring leader Arthur Kaliyev (Los Angeles), former Erie Otters power play quarterback Jamie Drysdale (Anaheim), Saginaw Spirit sniper Cole Perfetti (Winnipeg), Sudbury Wolves star Quinton Byfield (Los Angeles) and former Flint Firebirds captain Ty Dellandrea (Dallas) are included on the list.

All 20 OHL member teams are represented by at least one alumnus, with the London Knights leading the way with a total of 32 graduates on the list. The Soo Greyhounds trail with 19 followed by the Barrie Colts and Erie Otters with 14 graduates respectively.

Among the NHL’s 32 clubs, the Toronto Maple Leafs lead the way with 13 OHL graduates on their Opening Night roster followed by the Edmonton Oilers and defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning each with 11.

The puck dropped on the NHL season on Tuesday with games in Tampa Bay and Las Vegas.

OHL Graduates on NHL Opening Night Rosters:

^- Injured or non-roster player
Players listed in accordance with OHL graduating team

Anaheim Ducks (8):
Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters), Cam Fowler (Windsor Spitfires), John Gibson (Kitchener Rangers), Adam Henrique (Windsor Spitfires), Max Jones (Kingston Frontenacs), Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes), Rickard Rakell (Plymouth Whalers), Anthony Stolarz (London Knights)

Arizona Coyotes (6):
Kyle Capobianco (Sudbury Wolves)^, Jakob Chychrun (Sarnia Sting), Lawson Crouse (Kingston Frontenacs), Christian Fischer (Windsor Spitfires), Alex Galchenyuk (Sarnia Sting)^, Conor Timmins (Soo Greyhounds)

Boston Bruins (3):
Nick Foligno (Sudbury Wolves), Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires), John Moore (Kitchener Rangers)

Buffalo Sabres (3):
Craig Anderson (Guelph Storm), Colin Miller (Soo Greyhounds), Jeff Skinner (Kitchener Rangers)

Calgary Flames (10):
Rasmus Andersson (Barrie Colts), Erik Gudbranson (Kingston Frontenacs), Trevor Lewis (Owen Sound Attack), Andrew Mangiapane (Barrie Colts), Sean Monahan (Ottawa 67’s), Tyler Parsons (London Knights)^, Brad Richardson (Owen Sound Attack)^, Brett Ritchie (Niagara IceDogs), Matthew Tkachuk (London Knights), Nikita Zadorov (London Knights)

Carolina Hurricanes (6):
Tony DeAngelo (Soo Greyhounds), Steven Lorentz (Peterborough Petes), Jamieson Rees (Sarnia Sting)^, Jordan Staal (Peterborough Petes), Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts), Vincent Trocheck (Plymouth Whalers)^

Chicago Blackhawks (9):
Calvin de Haan (Oshawa Generals), Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters), Patrick Kane (London Knights), Dominik Kubalik (Kitchener Rangers), Connor Murphy (Sarnia Sting), Alec Regula (London Knights)^, Andrew Shaw (Owen Sound Attack)^, Riley Stillman (Hamilton Bulldogs), Dylan Strome (Erie Otters)

Colorado Avalanche (4):
Andre Burakovsky (Erie Otters), Nazem Kadri (London Knights), Gabriel Landeskog (Kitchener Rangers), Kurtis MacDermid (Erie Otters)

Columbus Blue Jackets (4):
Adam Boqvist (London Knights), Max Domi (London Knights), Scott Harrington (London Knights), Boone Jenner (Oshawa Generals)

Dallas Stars (5):
Ty Dellandrea (Flint Firebirds), Radek Faksa (Sudbury Wolves), Jason Robertson (Niagara IceDogs), Tyler Seguin (Plymouth Whalers), Andrej Sekera (Owen Sound Attack)

Detroit Red Wings (10):
Tyler Bertuzzi (Guelph Storm), Robby Fabbri (Guelph Storm), Sam Gagner (London Knights), Filip Hronek (Saginaw Spirit), Vladislav Namestnikov (London Knights), Alex Nedeljkovic (Niagara IceDogs), Givani Smith (Kitchener Rangers), Marc Staal (Sudbury Wolves), Mitchell Stephens (London Knights), Pius Suter (Guelph Storm)

Edmonton Oilers (11):
Evan Bouchard (London Knights), Cody Ceci (Owen Sound Attack), Warren Foegele (Erie Otters), Zack Kassian (Windsor Spitfires), Slater Koekkoek (Windsor Spitfires), Connor McDavid (Erie Otters), Ryan McLeod (Saginaw Spirit), Darnell Nurse (Soo Greyhounds), Brendan Perlini (Niagara IceDogs), Dmitri Samorukov (Guelph Storm)^, Mike Smith (Sudbury Wolves)

Florida Panthers (7):
Sam Bennett (Kingston Frontenacs), Aaron Ekblad (Barrie Colts), Olli Juolevi (London Knights), Mason Marchment (Mississauga Steelheads), Joe Thornton (Soo Greyhounds), Owen Tippett (Saginaw Spirit), Carter Verhaeghe (Niagara IceDogs)

Los Angeles Kings (9):
Andreas Athanasiou (Barrie Colts)^, Dustin Brown (Guelph Storm), Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves)^, Drew Doughty (Guelph Storm), Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs), Brendan Lemieux (Windsor Spitfires), Olli Maatta (London Knights)^, Akil Thomas (Peterborough Petes)^, Gabriel Vilardi (Kingston Frontenacs)

Minnesota Wild (2):
Marcus Foligno (Sudbury Wolves), Ryan Hartman (Plymouth Whalers)

Montreal Canadiens (5):
Josh Anderson (London Knights), Ben Chiarot (Saginaw Spirit), Christian Dvorak (London Knights), Nick Suzuki (Guelph Storm), Tyler Toffoli (Ottawa 67’s)

Nashville Predators (4):
Nick Cousins (Soo Greyhounds), Matt Duchene (Brampton Battalion), Ben Harpur (Barrie Colts), Philip Tomasino (Oshawa Generals)

New Jersey Devils (9):
Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie Colts), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara IceDogs), Janne Kuokkanen (London Knights), Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads), Marian Studenic (Hamilton Bulldogs), P.K. Subban (Belleville Bulls), Scott Wedgewood (Plymouth Whalers), Colton White (Soo Greyhounds), Pavel Zacha (Sarnia Sting)

New York Islanders (5):
Josh Bailey (Windsor Spitfires), Casey Cizikas (Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors), Cal Clutterbuck (Oshawa Generals), Matt Martin (Sarnia Sting)^, Adam Pelech (Erie Otters)

New York Rangers (3):
Barclay Goodrow (North Bay Battalion), Ryan Strome (Niagara IceDogs), Jarred Tinordi (London Knights)

Ottawa Senators (10):
Connor Brown (Erie Otters), Josh Brown (Oshawa Generals), Michael Del Zotto (London Knights), Alex Formenton (London Knights), Victor Mete (London Knights), Matt Murray (Soo Greyhounds), Nick Paul (North Bay Battalion), Scott Sabourin (Oshawa Generals), Chris Tierney (London Knights), Austin Watson (London Knights)^

Philadelphia Flyers (4):
Ryan Ellis (Windsor Spitfires), Travis Konecny (Sarnia Sting), Scott Laughton (Oshawa Generals), Zayde Wisdom (Kingston Frontenacs)^

Pittsburgh Penguins (2):
Jeff Carter (Soo Greyhounds), Brock McGinn (Guelph Storm)

San Jose Sharks (5):
Brent Burns (Brampton Battalion), Logan Couture (Ottawa 67’s), Jonah Gadjovich (Owen Sound Attack)^, Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts), Jacob Middleton (Ottawa 67’s)

Seattle Kraken (6):
Nathan Bastian (Mississauga Steelheads), Vince Dunn (Niagara IceDogs), Mark Giordano (Owen Sound Attack), Philipp Grubauer (Kingston Frontenacs), Jared McCann (Soo Greyhounds)^, Jamie Oleksiak (Niagara IceDogs)^

St. Louis Blues (8):
Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound Attack), Robert Bortuzzo (Kitchener Rangers), Kyle Clifford (Barrie Colts), Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting), James Neal (Plymouth Whalers), Ryan O’Reilly (Erie Otters), Brandon Saad (Saginaw Spirit), Robert Thomas (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Tampa Bay Lightning (11):
Zach Bogosian (Peterborough Petes), Erik Cernak (Erie Otters), Anthony Cirelli (Erie Otters), Remi Elie (Erie Otters)^, Boris Katchouk (Soo Greyhounds), Pat Maroon (London Knights), Corey Perry (London Knights), Taylor Raddysh (Soo Greyhounds), Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor Spitfires), Gemel Smith (London Knights)^, Steven Stamkos (Sarnia Sting)

Toronto Maple Leafs (13):
Mike Amadio (North Bay Battalion), TJ Brodie (Barrie Colts), Michael Bunting (Soo Greyhounds), Jack Campbell (Soo Greyhounds), Travis Dermott (Erie Otters), Mitch Marner (London Knights), Petr Mrazek (Ottawa 67’s), Jake Muzzin (Soo Greyhounds), Nick Ritchie (Soo Greyhounds), Rasmus Sandin (Soo Greyhounds), Wayne Simmonds (Soo Greyhounds), Jason Spezza (Belleville Bulls), John Tavares (London Knights)

Vancouver Canucks (5):
Jason Dickinson (Guelph Storm), Bo Horvat (London Knights), Juho Lammikko (Kingston Frontenacs), J.T. Miller (Plymouth Whalers), Tanner Pearson (Barrie Colts)

Vegas Golden Knights (4):
Connor Corcoran (Windsor Spitfires)^, Nicolas Hague (Mississauga Steelheads), Robin Lehner (Soo Greyhounds), Alex Pietrangelo (Barrie Colts)

Washington Capitals (2):
John Carlson (London Knights), Tom Wilson (Plymouth Whalers)

Winnipeg Jets (5):
Dylan DeMelo (Mississauga Steelheads), Bryan Little (Barrie Colts)^, Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit), Mark Scheifele (Barrie Colts), Logan Stanley (Kitchener Rangers)


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.

THOMPSON AND TYNAN NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, October 10, 2021.

Wolves’ Jack Thompson named OHL Player of the Week
Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Jack Thompson of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Player of the Week with a league-leading seven points including two goals and five assists over two games.

Thompson, who was named captain of the Wolves ahead of Friday’s home opener, logged consecutive first star performances as Sudbury got off to a perfect start with a pair of victories. The 6-foot-1, 185Ib. defenceman recorded a goal and two assists in a 6-3 win over the visiting Peterborough Petes on Friday, scoring his first of the season on a third period power play. He followed that up with a career-high four point performance on Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie, scoring while adding three assists as the Wolves defeated the Greyhounds 6-3.

A 19-year-old native of Courtice, Ont., Thompson is entering his third season with the Wolves having put up 55 points (21-34–55) over 117 career regular season contests with the franchise. He was a third round (93rd overall) pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2020 NHL Draft before spending part of the 2020-21 season with Surahammars IF of Sweden’s HockeyEttan circuit. Thompson made his pro debut with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch last season, recording an assist in his lone contest. He signed an entry-level NHL contract with the Lightning on May 19, 2021. The right-shot rearguard was originally Sudbury’s second round (30th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the Clarington Toros U16 program.

Thompson is the first Wolves representative to earn the distinction since goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen did so for the week of October 1-7, 2018.

Also given consideration for the award were Edmonton Oilers prospect Matvey Petrov of the North Bay Battalion who started the season with a hat-trick on Thursday, posting a total of four goals and an assist over two games. Montreal Canadiens draftee Jan Mysak of the Hamilton Bulldogs also started strong, recording two goals and three assists over two games.

IceDogs’ Tucker Tynan named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Tucker Tynan of the Niagara IceDogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories, a 1.44 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage in a pair of contests.

Tynan was victorious in his return to the crease on Thursday in Barrie, stopping 25 of the 26 shots he faced as the IceDogs defeated the Colts 4-1. The game was Tynan’s first regular season matchup since the tragic events of December 12, 2019 that saw the goaltender suffer a deep laceration to his thigh. The long road of rest and rehabilitation continued to pay off for Tynan on Saturday in Niagara as he earned first star honours, stopping 32 shots before turning aside four of the six Oshawa Generals shootout attempts he faced in a 3-2 home opening victory.

A 19-year-old native of Chicago, Ill., Tynan is embarking on his second season in Niagara after impressing as a rookie in 2019-20 when he went 11-8-3-1 with a 3.80 goals-against average and .910 save percentage over 23 games. The 6-foot, 159Ib. goaltender was originally Niagara’s 10th round (192nd overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the Detroit Little Caesars 16U program.

A pair of other candidates were given consideration for the award as Flint Firebirds netminder Luke Cavallin was perfect in his lone appearance last week, posting a 35-save shutout as the Firebirds defeated visiting Erie 3-0 on Saturday. London Knights goaltender Brett Brochu joined Tynan in going 2-0 while posting a 2.40 goals-against average and .919 save percentage as London defeated the Owen Sound Attack on back-to-back nights.


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 MOVING TO FULL FAN CAPACITY IN VENUES STARTING OCTOBER 9

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that following the Government of Ontario’s expansion of spectator capacity limits at indoor sporting venues, the League’s 17 Ontario-based facilities will be welcoming 100 percent capacity, fully vaccinated crowds beginning Saturday, October 9.

“We are grateful for the continued work and leadership of our Government and public health officials led by Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Sport Lisa MacLeod and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “Yesterday’s launch to our 2021-22 Regular Season was an incredible night for everyone, and more fans being safely permitted to enter OHL facilities across the province only adds to that excitement we’re all feeling.”

Tonight’s schedule features seven contests after the season got underway in North Bay, Barrie and Windsor on Thursday. Saturday’s OHL schedule includes an additional seven games. 

“The health and safety of our players, staff, officials, fans, billets and communities is paramount,” Branch added. “We’re very excited to welcome OHL fans back for what’s sure to be a great season.”

Follow along as the 2021-22 OHL season continues tonight. For full coverage, follow the League on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or 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.

KIRSTEN WELSH TO BECOME FIRST WOMAN LINESPERSON IN OHL HISTORY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Kirsten Welsh will become the first woman linesperson in OHL history when she takes the ice tonight in OHL Pre-Season action between the host Mississauga Steelheads and visiting Guelph Storm.
 
Originally from Blackstock, Ont., Welsh will also work Friday’s pre-season game between the host Oshawa Generals and visiting Windsor Spitfires. She will be a member of the OHL Officiating Team for the 2021-22 season after attending the NHL Officiating Exposure Combine this past August in Buffalo, NY.
 
“This is an incredible opportunity and I can’t really put into words what it feels like to be working in the Ontario Hockey League,” said Welsh. “Just being one of the first women to do this, it really opens that door to women in hockey who want to have an alternate avenue that maybe isn’t playing in the Premier Hockey Federation or playing on a national team.
 
“Being an advocate and having this opportunity, I just feel so lucky,” she added. “It’s an incredible process to be a part of. I’m so lucky I can be a part of something that is going to affect generations of little girls.”
 
Welsh, 24, resides in Freedom, Pennsylvania after graduating as captain of the Robert Morris University women’s NCAA hockey program where she patrolled the blue line from 2015-19, recording 91 points (34-57—91) over 128 regular season games. A graduate of the Whitby Wolves Women’s Hockey Program, her collegiate career included several awards and honours including being named the 2018 CHA Defender of the Year.
 
In September 2019, Welsh became one of four women to officiate at the NHL level for the first time, working in the Buffalo Sabres’ pre-season prospects tournament held at the LECOM Harborcenter. She also worked the Elite Women’s 3-on-3 event at the 2020 NHL All-Star Game in St. Louis, MO.
 
“We first met Kirsten at the NHL Exposure Combine in 2019 and we were immediately impressed by her presence on the ice,” said OHL Director of Officiating Conrad Haché. “She approaches and prepares for each game in a professional way, is a great skater and has a tremendous desire to continually improve. These traits will not only make her a great OHL official, but also a great ambassador for our League.”
 
“On behalf of the OHL and its member teams, I’d like to extend a warm welcome and congratulate Kirsten Welsh on the accomplishment of joining the OHL Officiating Team,” said Commissioner David Branch. “Kirsten has demonstrated an ability to officiate the game at a high level and we’re excited to see her break barriers as she continues her development as a linesperson in the OHL.”
 
Welsh, who has spent the past year officiating throughout Pennsylvania covering NCAA Division III hockey as well as the NAPHL, Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League and Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey League, will take the ice tonight in Mississauga for her first official OHL assignment at 7:00pm.

Related Links:

FRONTENACS, COLTS AND SPITFIRES IN PRE-SEASON EDITION OF KIA CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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

The rankings were selected with input from NHL Central Scouting and come prior to the 2021-22 season opening Thursday as the defending President Cup champion Victoriaville Tigres host the Shawinigan Cataractes. The WHL opens its season Friday while the OHL begins play October 7. Rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams will resume on a weekly basis.

The Kingston Frontenacs lead OHL clubs at number four on the first instalment of 2021-22, boasting top 2022 NHL Draft prospect and former CHL Rookie of the Year Shane Wright down the middle. Kingston features added offensive firepower in overage veteran Jordan Frasca, 20-year-old newcomer Lucas Edmonds, Dallas Stars prospect Francesco Arcuri and Philadelphia Flyers draftee Zayde Wisdom who is currently sidelined following offseason surgery. In the crease, the Fronts boast one of the League’s most intriguing netminders in Ottawa Senators third round pick Leevi Merilainen coming out of Finland. Kingston played to a perfect 4-0 pre-season record under first-year head coach Luca Caputi.

The Barrie Colts follow close behind at number five, headlined by Los Angeles Kings first round pick Brandt Clarke, a creative puck-moving defenceman who will be heavily utilized by Colts head coach Marty Williamson. Barrie brings a range of weapons up front in Colorado Avalanche first round selection Oskar Olausson, San Jose Sharks prospect Ethan Cardwell, New York Rangers draftee Evan Vierling and the potential return of Philadelphia Flyers hopeful Tyson Foerster who enjoyed a strong showing in the American Hockey League last season.

The Windsor Spitfires lead OHL Western Conference clubs at eighth on the list as newly named head coach Marc Savard will have plenty to work with in his first OHL assignment. Big 6-foot-4, 210Ib. power winger Will Cuylle leads an offensive cast that also includes newly-signed Dallas Stars first round pick Wyatt Johnston alongside overage shooter Daniel D’Amico and 6-foot-5 winger Kyle McDonald. Colorado Avalanche prospect Jean-Luc Foudy made a good impression with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles last season and would give the Spits one of the League’s fastest skaters should he return.

The ever-competitive London Knights earned an honourable mention on the pre-season edition. The traditionally high-scoring Knights will look to Nashville Predators prospect Luke Evangelista and Dallas Stars selection Antonio Stranges to carry-on that legacy while San Jose Sharks picks Max McCue, Liam Gilmartin and 6-foot-2, 204Ib. Stuart Rolofs provide some muscle up front. The Knights are anchored by Brett Brochu in the crease, who enjoyed an outstanding rookie season with London in 2019-20. Expect Ottawa Senators second round choice Ben Roger to see lots of ice on a defence corps that currently features five bodies at 6-foot-2 or taller.

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

OHL UNVEILS 2021-22 REGIONAL TELEVISION BROADCAST SCHEDULE DETAILS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today unveiled details surrounding its 2021-22 regional television broadcast schedule, with over 600 games being carried across the province on the OHL Action Pak.

Rogers tv will broadcast over 400 games throughout the season on its local stations that serve Barrie, Guelph, Kitchener, London, Oshawa, Ottawa and Owen Sound.

YourTV stations will air over 350 games and continue to produce all home games in local markets including Kingston, Niagara, North Bay, Peterborough, Sarnia and Windsor. YourTV subscribers in OHL markets can also watch all of the away broadcasts involving the local team. YourTV is exclusively available to Cogeco television customers.

Additionally, Cable 14 will carry all home and away action of the Hamilton Bulldogs, Eastlink will broadcast 27 Wolves home games in Sudbury and Shaw Spotlight will air 23 Greyhounds home games along with 26 road games in Sault Ste. Marie. The Erie Otters, Flint Firebirds and Saginaw Spirit will see each of their 34 home games aired on the OHL Action Pak.

“The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to provide over 90% of all regular season games on television as well as 100% of our season and playoff streaming live and online with OHL Live on CHL TV,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “We’re all excited about the return of OHL hockey and fans have the opportunity to enjoy it in a variety of ways with the support of our great broadcast partners.”

Select pre-season games will be televised before the regular season gets underway on Thursday, October 7 with games in North Bay (vs. Peterborough), Barrie (vs. Niagara) and Windsor (vs. Sarnia).

The OHL Action Pak is part of the Rogers Super Sports Pak and is available through Rogers, Cogeco and Eastlink. Find more information at rogers.com/sports and a complete schedule at supersportspak.com.

Related Links:


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 BOARD OF GOVERNORS APPROVE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF GUELPH STORM HOCKEY CLUB

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Board of Governors’ approval for the Transfer of Ownership of the Guelph Storm Hockey Club from current owners Rick Gaetz, Scott Walker, Rick Hoyle and John Heeley to Toronto businessmen Joel Feldberg and Jeffrey Bly. The transfer of ownership is effective immediately.

The Storm franchise began as the Toronto Marlboros before a brief two-year stint as the Dukes of Hamilton, arriving in Guelph in 1991. The Storm have enjoyed great success, winning four OHL championships, two of which came under the guidance of the current ownership group as the club hoisted the J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2014 and 2019.

“On behalf of the Ontario Hockey League and our Board of Governors I would like to acknowledge the contributions made by Storm Governor Rick Gaetz and the rest of the Guelph ownership group consisting of Scott Walker, Rick Hoyle and John Heeley. Throughout their tenure, the Storm have remained a competitive force on the ice and done tremendous things in the Guelph community,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “We are excited to welcome Joel Feldberg and Jeffrey Bly to the OHL family.”

“This was an extremely difficult decision,” commented Rick Gaetz, who was named the OHL’s Executive of the Year in 2010. “I can speak for the entire ownership group when I say that we will miss the Storm very much. We are proud of what we have all achieved on the ice and in the great community of Guelph. It has been a sincere privilege to be a part of this great League and tremendous city.”

Incoming Storm Owners Joel Feldberg and Jeffrey Bly are the President/CEO and Senior Vice President respectively of The Global Furniture Group of companies.

“We are eager to get involved with the team, the League and the community of Guelph,” said Feldberg. “I want to thank the current ownership group for this opportunity. The Storm have always been an integral part of the community and we look forward to carrying out that legacy.”

The Storm return to the ice for pre-season action on Sunday in Mississauga at 2:00pm, squaring off against the Steelheads in a rescheduled matchup that was previously postponed last Sunday. Their next home action comes Friday, September 24th against the Niagara IceDogs at 7:30pm. The Storm open their 2021-22 regular season in Kitchener on Friday, October 8th before hosting the Rangers in their home opener at the Sleeman Centre on Saturday, October 9th at 7:00pm.


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.

CANADIAN HOCKEY LEAGUE ANNOUNCES 2021-22 CBC BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today that six games from the upcoming 2021-22 regular season schedule will be televised by CBC as part of the CHL’s new multi-platform, multi-year broadcast rights partnership.
 
“We are very excited to drop the puck on Saturday afternoons during the 2021-22 season with the CBC,” said CHL President Dan MacKenzie. “Their iconic position in Canadian hockey combined with the CHL’s role as the top development league in the world will make for a winning partnership.”
 
The six games include representation from each of the CHL’s three member leagues with action beginning Saturday, Oct. 2 featuring the Regina Pats and 2023 NHL Draft favourite Connor Bedard hosting the Prince Albert Raiders. The schedule concludes with a matinee contest featuring the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads taking on the Kingston Frontenacs and 2022 NHL Draft headliner Shane Wright.
 
All six CBC games will air Saturdays in October and November at 3 p.m. Eastern time:
 
Sat., Oct. 2 – Prince Albert Raiders vs. Regina Pats (WHL) – 3 p.m. ET
Sat., Oct. 9 – Rouyn-Noranda Huskies vs. Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) – 3 p.m. ET
Sat., Oct. 16 – Calgary Hitmen vs. Red Deer Rebels (WHL) – 3 p.m. ET
Sat., Oct. 23 – Ottawa 67’s vs. Barrie Colts (OHL) – 3 p.m. ET
Sat., Nov. 6 – Saint John Sea Dogs vs. Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) – 3 p.m. ET
Sat., Nov. 13 – Mississauga Steelheads vs. Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) – 3 p.m. ET
 
“We’re proud to partner with the CHL and we’re looking forward to sharing the excitement of Canadian major junior hockey with fans across the country this fall,” said Chris Wilson, Executive Director, Sports & Olympics, CBC. “We’re committed to engaging our audiences on a regional and community level, and this partnership with the CHL helps to further that commitment by providing fans more opportunities to cheer on their local teams.”
 
In addition to being broadcast on CBC TV, all six games will also be available via CBCSports.ca, the CBC Sports app and the free CBC Gem streaming service. Beginning in November, CBC Gem, CBCSports.ca and the CBC Sports app will offer live streaming coverage of one CHL game per week through the end of the regular season. The schedule for these games will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
 
The 2021-22 CHL regular season begins September 30 as part of an exciting new campaign that features the stars of tomorrow in Bedard and Wright in addition to the return of the CHL’s signature national events including the 2022 Memorial Cup presented by Kia.
 
###
 
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 CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.

Also of note: Many have asked me how the new TV deal affects the OHL Action Pak on the Rogers Sports Pak on cable. In an email I sent to Josh Sweetland, Director of Communications of the OHL, he replied it does not have any effect.

Hi Dominic,


The national TSN deal has no impact on the OHL Action Pak or regional coverage on Rogers, YourTV, Eastlink, Shaw or Cable 14 channels. The Action Pak will continue to carry upwards of 700 OHL games throughout the regular season and playoffs.


A complete television broadcast schedule is forthcoming.


Thanks,
Josh Sweetland

OHL ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR UPCOMING SEASON

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is announcing that effective October 7, 2021 with the commencement of the 2021-22 regular season, the League will be expanding its current vaccination policy which applies to members of the OHL Community. This expanded policy will cover all spectators and other attendees at all OHL events, including games and practices.
 
Those wishing to gain access to OHL facilities of the 17 Ontario-based teams will be required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and follow any other safety protocols while in the facility. Children under the age of 12 will be required to be accompanied and supervised by a fully vaccinated adult and will be required to follow all safety protocols.
 
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.

30 OHL PLAYERS SELECTED IN 2021 NHL DRAFT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that 30 OHL players were selected in the seven rounds of the 2021 NHL Draft held virtually on July 23-24 representing approximately 13% of all 224 players picked by the NHL’s 32 teams.

The 30 OHL players have all played at least one game in the Ontario Hockey League, while an additional nine players selected in the 2021 NHL Draft have made commitments to join OHL clubs.

Peterborough Petes centreman Mason McTavish led the way, being selected third overall by the Anaheim Ducks in Friday’s first round. The OHL featured six players selected in the opening 32 picks, with Los Angeles Kings eighth overall selection Brandt Clarke giving the Barrie Colts the CHL’s longest active streak of four consecutive years producing a first round pick.

A total of 87 CHL players were chosen including 33 from the Western Hockey League, 30 from the Ontario Hockey League and 24 from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

By position, a total of 15 OHL forwards were selected, as well as 12 defencemen and three goaltenders. Among the OHL’s drafted players, 23 are selections born in 2003, five are late 2002-born picks (Chayka, Roger, Lennox, Montgomery, Vrbetic) and two are 2002 birth years in their second year of eligibility (Ottavainen, Cardwell).

18 of the OHL’s 20 member clubs had a player selected in 2021 led by the London Knights with four. The Sarnia Sting trailed with three players chosen followed by the Barrie Colts, Kingston Frontenacs, Kitchener Rangers, Ottawa 67’s, Peterborough Petes, Saginaw Spirit and Windsor Spitfires who each produced two. The London Knights maintained their record streak of players chosen annually since 1969, climbing into sole possession of first place for the most players chosen all-time with 188 to their credit.

21 of the NHL’s 32 teams added at least one OHL player with the San Jose Sharks leading the way with four selected. The Dallas Stars trailed with three while the Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens and Seattle Kraken each picked two.

Following the 2021 NHL Draft, a total of 2,440 OHL players have been selected since 1969, representing approximately 20% of all players chosen.

OHL Players Selected in the 2021 NHL Draft:

Click on player name below to watch pick announcement and media availability. More player interviews will be uploaded to ontariohockeyleague.com as they become available.

First Round (6 OHL Players):
3. Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes) – Anaheim Ducks
8. Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts) – Los Angeles Kings
16. Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds) – New York Rangers
23. Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires) – Dallas Stars
29. Chase Stillman (Sudbury Wolves) – New Jersey Devils
31. Logan Mailloux (London Knights) – Montreal Canadiens

Second Round (3 OHL Players):
38. Daniil Chayka (Guelph Storm) – Vegas Golden Knights
42. Francesco Pinelli (Kitchener Rangers) – Los Angeles Kings
49. Ben Roger (London Knights) – Ottawa Senators

Third Round (5 OHL Players):
67. Ryan Winterton (Hamilton Bulldogs) – Seattle Kraken
81. Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting) – San Jose Sharks
85. Brett Harrison (Oshawa Generals) – Boston Bruins
93. Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit) – New York Islanders
95. Josh Bloom (Saginaw Spirit) – Buffalo Sabres

Fourth Round (4 OHL Players):
99. Ville Ottavainen (Kitchener Rangers) – Seattle Kraken
105. Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads) – Chicago Blackhawks
121. Ethan Cardwell (Barrie Colts) – San Jose Sharks
124. Jack Matier (Ottawa 67’s) – Nashville Predators

Fifth Round (4 OHL Players):
135. Artem Guryev (Peterborough Petes) – San Jose Sharks
143. Jacob Holmes (Soo Greyhounds) – Dallas Stars
153. Ty Voit (Sarnia Sting) – Toronto Maple Leafs
156. Max McCue (London Knights) – San Jose Sharks

Sixth Round (6 OHL Players):
166. Pasquale Zito (Windsor Spitfires) – Detroit Red Wings
168. Jack Beck (Ottawa 67’s) – Calgary Flames
170. Bryce Montgomery (London Knights) – Carolina Hurricanes
175. Francesco Arcuri (Kingston Frontenacs) – Dallas Stars
178. Connor Lockhart (Erie Otters) – Vancouver Canucks
181. Ryan Mast (Sarnia Sting) – Boston Bruins

Seventh Round (2 OHL Players):
210. Braden Haché (Kingston Frontenacs) – Florida Panthers
214. Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion) – Montreal Canadiens

Additional Players Committed to the OHL (9):
Rd. 2, 48 Ov. – Artyom Grushnikov (Hamilton Bulldogs) – Dallas Stars
Rd. 3, 78 Ov. – Alexei Kolosov (Erie Otters) – Philadelphia Flyers
Rd. 3, 82 Ov. – Dmitry Kuzmin (Flint Firebirds) – Winnipeg Jets
Rd. 3, 96 Ov. – Roman Schmidt (Kitchener Rangers) – Tampa Bay Lightning
Rd. 4, 110 Ov. – Brian Zanetti (Peterborough Petes) – Philadelphia Flyers
Rd. 5, 142 Ov. – Daniil Sobolev (Windsor Spitfires) – Montreal Canadiens
Rd. 6, 167 Ov. – Liam Gilmartin (London Knights) – San Jose Sharks
Rd. 6, 180 Ov. – Matvei Petrov (North Bay Battalion) – Edmonton Oilers
Rd. 7, 202 Ov. – Chandler Romeo (Hamilton Bulldogs) – Ottawa Senators

For more coverage of the 2021 NHL Draft, visit NHL.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.