OHL Announces Disciplinary Action

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of a review of two separate incidents which took place in OHL playoff games on Wednesday March 30, 2016.

OHL

Game of March 30th, 2016 – London at Owen Sound

 The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of a review of an incident which took place in a playoff game played in Owen Sound on the 30th of March, 2016 involving the Attack and the visiting London Knights Hockey Club.

The incident reviewed was a checking to the head infraction involving player Max Jones of the London Knights Hockey Club and Owen Sound player Justin Brack.

Based on such review, it is the position of the League that player Max Jones shall be suspended for twelve (12) games effective immediately.

Click here for video and rationale of the Max Jones suspension.

Game of March 30th, 2016 – Kitchener at Windsor

The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of a review of an incident which took place in a playoff game played in Windsor on the 30th of March, 2016 involving the Spitfires and the visiting Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club.

The incident reviewed was a play where there was unnecessary contact to the head area of an opponent by player Jake Henderson of the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club.

Based on such review, it is the position of the League that player Jake Henderson shall be suspended for two (2) games effective immediately.

Details Announced for 2016 OHL Development Combine powered by Under Armour

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Combine includes 96 top prospects eligible for the 2016 OHL Priority Selection

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the rosters and schedule for the seventh annual OHL Development Combine powered by Under Armour, which takes place April 1-3 at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa, ON.

OHL Combine

The 2016 OHL Development Combine powered by Under Armour offers 96 players (48 forwards, 32 defencemen, and 16 goaltenders) born in 2000 the opportunity to showcase themselves both on and off the ice to OHL member team personnel.  Sport Testing results will be distributed to every OHL member team General Manager to assist in their evaluation for the OHL Priority Selection to be held on Saturday, April 9, 2016.  Under Armour will equip all participating players with performance apparel and footwear.

“Under Armour’s brand mission is to make all athletes better. Players invited to this camp will test themselves and push their limits. The combine testing they participate in during camp provides great insight on where they can improve as they work towards their athletic goals,” said Shana Ferguson, Under Armour Canada’s Director of Marketing. “Our involvement at this camp is about helping young prospects become the best athletes possible.”

“The Ontario Hockey League is looking forward to working with an elite group of players who are eligible for the OHL Priority Selection,” said Joe Birch, Sr. Director of Hockey Development & Special Events, OHL. “The OHL Development Combine powered by Under Armour provides every player with the opportunity to showcase himself one final time prior to the draft in addition to gathering information that will assist him in his future development.”

In addition to the on and off-ice testing conducted by Sport Testing, players will learn from guest speaker Brenley Shapiro who will lead a seminar that focuses on Sport Vision Training and Mental Performance, and Dr. Lawrence Spriet on the topic of Nutrition and Training.  Oshawa Generals Player Development Skills Coach, Anthony Cornacchia, will lead the teams during the Skills Practice portion of their on-ice time.

Players will also compete in a series of 4-on-4 games joined behind the bench by special guest coaches that include CHL grads Wayne Primeau, Paul Ranger, Darcy Tucker, Ron Wilson, members of OHL Central Scouting, and team personnel.

 Teams will be competing for the OHL Combine Cup Championship that awards points based on individual and team performances in both off and on-ice testing, as well as the 4-on-4 competition.

Last season’s OHL Development Combine powered by Under Armour featured six players chosen in the first round of the Priority Selection including Evan Bouchard (LDN), Robbie Burt (OSH), Hayden Davis (NIAG), Ben Jones (NIAG), Markus Phillips (OS), and Matthew Strome (HAM).  Burt was one of 11 current OHL players who competed on the Combine Cup Champion Team Red along with Shane Bulitka (SBY), CJ Clarke (PBO), Samuel Duchesne (FLNT), Morgan Frost (SSM), Kade Landry (BAR), Jacob Paquette (KGN), Cedric Ralph (GUE), Zach Roberts (OS), Matthew Struthers (OS), and Reilly Webb (HAM).

2016 OHL Development Combine powered by Under Armour Schedule:

Friday, April 1:
11:00 am to 12:00pm – Team Black Off-Ice Testing
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm – Team Red Off-Ice Testing
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Team Grey Off-Ice Testing
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm – Team White Off-Ice Testing
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Goalies Off-Ice Testing

Saturday, April 2:
7:45 am to 9:00 am – Team Grey On-Ice Testing and Skills Practice
9:15 am to 10:30 am – Team Red On-Ice Testing and Skills Practice
12:15 pm to 1:30 pm – Team Black On-Ice Testing and Skills Practice
1:45 pm to 3:00 pm – Team White On-Ice Testing and Skills Practice
3:15 pm to 4:30 pm – Red & Black Goalies On-Ice Testing
4:45 pm to 6:00 pm – White & Grey Goalies On-Ice Testing

Sunday, April 3:
8:15 am to 9:15 am – Team Black vs. Team Red
9:30 am to 10:30 am – Team White vs. Team Grey
12:55 pm to 2:00 pm – Team Red vs. Team White
2:25 pm to 3:30 pm – Team Grey vs. Team Black

2016 OHL Development Combine powered by Under Armour Rosters:

TEAM RED
Goaltenders:
125 Jacob Ingham (Barrie Jr. Colts)
126 Pierce Charleson (York Simcoe Express)
127 Tyler Szczepaniak (North York Rangers)
128 Jordan Kooy (Central Ontario Wolves)

Defencemen:
31 Charlie Mackie (Toronto Marlboros)
32 Riley McCourt (Niagara North Stars)
33 William Ennis (Selects Academy)
34 Dylan Bond (Mississauga Rebels)
35 Jack Tucker (Buffalo Jr. Sabres)
36 Jace Pitawanakwat (Toronto Titans)
37 Joseph Rupoli (Toronto Red Wings)
38 Dante Tesoro (Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs)

Forwards:
39 Justin Pringle (Toronto Marlboros)
40 Liam Peyton (Cumberland Grads)
41 Danny Katic (Timmins Majors)
42 Connor Roberts (Grey Bruce Highlanders)
43 Kyle Fisher (London Jr. Knights)
44 Max Grondin (Vaughan Kings)
45 Mitchell Morrison (Guelph Gryphons)
46 Isaac Emon (North Central Predators)
47 Marino Moro (Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs)
48 Curtis Douglas (Mississauga Senators)
49 Barret Kirwin (Barrie Jr. Colts)
50 Barrett Hayton (Toronto Red Wings)

Coaches:
Paul Ranger
Beau Moyer

TEAM GREY
Goaltenders:
133 Nathan Torchia (Waterloo Wolves)
134 Parker Simpson (Barrie Jr. Colts)
135 Pierce Nelson (Quinte Red Devils)
136 Tanner Sheppard (Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs)

Defencemen:
93 Willem Larsen (Smiths Falls Bears)
94 Mateo Nicastro (Whitby Wildcats)
95 Adrien Beraldo (Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs)
96 Chet Phillips (Grey Bruce Highlanders)
97 Tyler McBay (Waterloo Wolves)
98 Kevin Bahl (Toronto Marlboros)
99 Braden Henderson (Barrie Jr. Colts)
100 Jack Duff (Kingston Jr. Frontenacs)

Forwards:
104 Hunter Holmes (Niagara North Stars)
105 Derek Seguin (Hamilton Huskies)
106 Chad Denault (Sudbury Jr. Wolves)
107 Mitchell Hoelscher (Waterloo Wolves)
108 Jesse Tucker (Toronto Titans)
109 Tyler Angle (Southern Tier Admirals)
110 Jacob Roach (Whitby Wildcats)
111 Christian Lepone (Toronto Red Wings)
112 Paul Larabie (Nepean Raiders)
113 Nolan Hutcheson (Kingston Jr. Frontenacs)
114 Owen Gilhula (Huron Perth Lakers)
115 Wyllum Deveaux (Don Mills Flyers)

Coaches:
Darcy Tucker
Justin Collins

TEAM BLACK
Goaltenders:
121 Lucas Pfeil (Grey Bruce Highlanders)
122 Joshua Eisfeld (Vaughan Kings)
123 Drew DeRidder (Oakland Jr. Grizzlies)
124 Tyler Masternak (Oshawa Jr. Generals)

Defencemen:
1 Holden Wale (Brantford 99’ers)
2 Luke Paquette (Hawkesbury Hawks)
3 Mason Snell (Clarington Toros)
4 Alex Jerome (Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs)
5 Jason Horvath (Toronto Marlboros)
6 Tyler Tucker (Toronto Titans)
7 Ryan Bangs (Carleton Place Canadians)
8 Travis Mailhot (Toronto Red Wings)

Forwards:
9 Luke Moncada (Toronto Red Wings)
10 Adam McMaster (Niagara North Stars)
11 Sean Westley (Ajax Pickering Raiders)
12 Trevor Peca (Buffalo Jr. Sabres)
13 Brett Fisher (London Jr. Knights)
14 Quinn Yule (Central Ontario Wolves)
15 Liam Foudy (Markham Majors)
16 Jack Wismer (Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs)
17 Chris Playfair (Waterloo Wolves)
18 Matt Hayami (Toronto Red Wings)
19 Connor McBroom (Don Mills Flyers)
20 Wesley Weir (Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs)

Coaches:
Ron Wilson
Matt Turek
Jake Murray

TEAM WHITE
Goaltenders:
129 Zachary Borgiel (Detroit Honeybaked)
130 Kai Edmonds (Cumberland Grads)
131 Cameron Lamour (Sudbury Jr. Wolves)
132 Hunter Jones (Mississauga Reps)

Defencemen:
61 Brady MacDonald (Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs)
62 Jordan Spadafore (Sudbury Jr. Wolves)
63 Sean Blimkie (Whitby Wildcats)
64 Trevor LeDonne (Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs)
65 Carter Robertson (York Simcoe Express)
66 Peter Muzyka (Toronto Titans)
67 Declan Chisholm (Don Mills Flyers)
68 Emmett Gordon (Toronto Red Wings)

Forwards:
70 Braydon Leeking (Central Ontario Wolves)
71 Eric Guest (London Jr. Knights)
72 Wil Murray (Cumberland Grads)
73 Ty Dellandrea (Central Ontario Wolves)
74 Josh Maine (St. Mary’s Prep HS)
75 Brady Hinz (Huron-Perth Lakers)
76 Cole Tucker (Toronto Titans)
77 Nathan Dunkley (Quinte Red Devils)
78 Mathew MacDougall (York Simcoe Express)
79 Brendan Cederberg (Grey Bruce Highlanders)
80 Zackary Young (Mississauga Rebels)
81 James Waldron (Whitby Wildcats)

Coaches:
Wayne Primeau
Paul Beraldo

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE ROSTERS FOR ALL FOUR TEAMS

 For more information please visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com.

About Under Armour, Inc.

Under Armour (NYSE: UA), the originator of performance footwear, apparel and equipment, revolutionized how athletes across the world dress. Designed to make all athletes better, the brand’s innovative products are sold worldwide to athletes at all levels. The Under Armour Connected Fitness™ platform powers the world’s largest digital health and fitness community through a suite of applications: UA Record, MapMyFitness, Endomondo and MyFitnessPal. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland. For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.uabiz.com.

SHAUN CLOUSTON NAMED HEAD COACH OF CANADA’S NATIONAL MEN’S UNDER-18 TEAM FOR IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada is tapping into a familiar face to lead Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at next month’s IIHF U18 World Championship.

 Hockey Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Hockey League and Hockey Canada’s policy committee, comprised of Hockey Canada president and chief executive officer Tom Renney, Hockey Canada chief operating officer Scott Smith, Hockey Canada’s vice-president of hockey operations and national teams Scott Salmond, OHL commissioner and CHL president David Branch, QMJHL commissioner Gilles Courteau, WHL commissioner Ron Robison and Hockey Canada chairman Joe Drago (Sudbury, Ont.), announced Shaun Clouston (Viking, Alta./Medicine Hat, WHL) will take the lead behind the bench as head coach of Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at the 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship, April 14-24 in Grand Forks, N.D.

Serge Lajoie (St. Albert, Alta./University of Alberta, CWUAA) and Jarrod Skalde (Niagara Falls, Ont./Guelph, OHL) will serve as assistant coaches to Clouston.

 “We’re excited about the calibre of coaching staff we have assembled to lead our under-18s into the world championship,” said Salmond. “Their hockey experience and leadership will benefit our young players as they compete against some of the world’s best on an international stage.”

 Shaun Clouston is taking the reins as head coach of Team Canada for the first time after previously serving as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in 2014 and 2015, winning gold both years. Clouston just completed his sixth season as head coach of the Medicine Hat Tigers, and has also been general manager of the hockey club since the 2012-13 season. He previously spent seven seasons as an assistant coach with Medicine Hat, was head coach of the WHL’s Tri-City Americans for the 2002-03 season, and was an assistant coach with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks in 2001-02. As a player, Clouston played three seasons with the CHL’s Tulsa Oilers, winning the CHL championship in 1993. He also served as captain during the 1991-92 season with the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones, and played two seasons with the IHL’s Milwaukee Admirals.

Serge Lajoie just completed his first season as head coach of the University of Alberta Golden Bears. He guided the perennial powerhouse to a spot in the Canada West championship series, and a fourth consecutive appearance at the CIS championship, the University Cup. Prior to joining Alberta, Lajoie spent five seasons as head coach of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology men’s hockey team, leading the Ooks to a pair of ACAC championships, and he was twice named the ACAC coach of the year. Lajoie also played four seasons of professional hockey in Germany with EC Bad Nauheim and five seasons with the Golden Bears, winning a national championship in 1992.

 Jarrod Skalde took over as head coach of the OHL’s Guelph Storm in December 2015. He was previously head coach of the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals for one season, and spent three seasons as head coach and director of hockey operations of the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones, where he was recognized as coach of the year in 2013. Skalde’s professional career spanned more than 15 years in the NHL, AHL, IHL, Switzerland, Sweden, and Japan.

 Hockey Canada’s, director of player personnel, Ryan Jankowski, will select Canada’s roster for the 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship, with support from the coaching staff. The roster will include players whose CHL teams either missed the playoffs or are no longer competing in the postseason.

Canada opens the 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship on April 15 against Denmark; it will also play the Czech Republic, Finland, and Slovakia in preliminary-round action. TSN, the official broadcast partner of Hockey Canada, is broadcasting 12 games, including all of Team Canada’s match-ups at the IIHF U18 World Championship.

 Canada has won seven medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship, including three gold medals (2003, 2008 and 2013).

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

OHL Announces 2015-16 Regular Season Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the recipients of four of the league’s annual awards following the conclusion of the 2015-16 regular season.

OHL

Offensively, San Jose Sharks prospect Kevin Labanc of the Barrie Colts captured the league’s scoring title earning the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy and Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy presented to the Top Scoring Right Winger.  The other two awards recognize defensive efforts including the Dave Pinkney Trophy for the goaltending tandem of the team with the fewest goals against won by Tyler Parsons and Brendan Burke of the London Knights, and the F.W “Dinty” Moore Trophy awarded to Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires as the rookie with the best goals-against-average.

 Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (Scoring Champion) and Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy (Top Scoring Right Winger): Kevin Labanc, Barrie Colts:

Kevin Labanc scored 39 goals and 88 assists for 127 points in 65 games to lead all OHL players while setting a franchise single season points record.

 The 20-year-old from Staten Island, NY, recorded 42 multi-point games during the 2015-16 campaign and surpassed his own Colts record for assists in a season helping Barrie capture their second straight Central Division title.

 He becomes just the second member of the Colts to win both awards following Sheldon Keefe in 1999-2000 who previously held the club’s single season scoring mark with 121 points in 66 games.

 Labanc was originally chosen by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2011 OHL Priority Selection before joining the club in 2013.  The three-year veteran played in 198 career games accumulating 269 points which ranks fourth among Barrie’s all-time greats.  Labanc recently signed his entry-level contract with the Sharks who chose him in the sixth round of the 2014 NHL Draft.

 The Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy was donated by the Toronto Marlboro Athletic Club in memory of Eddie Powers and was first awarded in 1945-46 to Tod Sloan of St. Michael’s who scored 79 points in 25 games.  Dylan Strome of the Erie Otters was last year’s recipient with 129 points in 68 games scoring 45 goals and 84 assists.  Other notable winners include Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin who tied for the league’s scoring title before being chosen first and second overall respectively in 2010, while fellow first overall NHL picks John Tavares (2009), and Patrick Kane (2007) are also recent winners.

 The Jim Mahon Trophy was first presented following the 1971-72 season by the players and management of the Peterborough Petes in memory of their right winger Jim Mahon who was accidentally killed that summer.  Mitch Marner of the London Knights was last year’s recipient with 126 points in 63 games scoring 44 goals and 82 assists.

 Dave Pinkney Trophy (Lowest Team Goals Against): Tyler Parsons and Brendan Burke, London Knights

 The London Knights allowed the fewest goals in the OHL this season with just 182 against, backstopped by the tandem of Tyler Parsons and Brendan Burke.

 Parsons, an 18-year-old from Chesterfield, Michigan, led the league with a 2.33 goals-against-average and also posted a league-high save percentage of .921.  The sophomore is eligible for the 2016 NHL Draft and carried a record of 37-9-2-1 with four shutout victories for the Knights who finished one point shy of a Midwest Division and regular season crown.  Sharing the duties in goal was Burke, a 21-year-old from Paradise Valley, Arizona, who carried a record of 10-4-0-0 with one shutout along with a goals-against-average of 2.95 and save percentage of .896.  The Arizona Coyotes prospect joined the OHL midway through the season after playing over four seasons in the Western Hockey League.

 The Dave Pinkney Trophy is awarded annually to the goaltending tandem from the team that allows the fewest goals against during the regular season.  Last season, the Oshawa Generals allowed just 157 goals against with Ken Appleby and Jeremy Brodeur between the pipes.

 This marks the fourth time the Knights have captured the award and first since the 2004-05 champion club backstopped by Gerald Coleman and Adam Dennis allowed a record-low 125 goals against.

 F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy (Best Rookie GAA): Michael DiPietro, Windsor Spitfires

 Michael DiPietro had the best goals-against-average among OHL rookie goaltenders with a mark of 2.45 this season becoming the first Windsor Spitfires netminder to earn the award.

 A 16-year-old from Amherstburg, ON, DiPietro was chosen in the second round by the Spitfires in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.  The rookie played to a 16-8-1-1 record with two shutout victories while posting a save percentage of .912.  His goals-against-average not only led all rookies, but was third best in the entire league while his save percentage was the fourth best overall mark.

 The trophy is named after F.W. “Dinty” Moore of Port Colborne, ON, who served as OHA President from 1942-45.  In order to qualify for this rookie award, a goaltender must play a minimum of 900 minutes.  Michael McNiven of the Owen Sound Attack won the award last season with a 2.79 goals-against-average, while Alex Nedeljkovic was the last 16-year-old rookie to earn the award after posting an impressive mark of 2.28 with the Plymouth Whalers in 2012-13.

 The 2016 OHL Playoffs begin on Thursday March 24, visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com for all first round matchups and schedules.

OHL Announces 2015-16 Coaches Poll Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of the Eastern and Western Conference Coaches Polls for the 2015-16 OHL regular season.

OHL

 The OHL Coaches Poll provides member club coaches with the opportunity to recognize the top three players in 20 different skill categories within their own conference.

 In the Eastern Conference, the Central Division champion Barrie Colts lead the way with eight players represented across 16 of the 20 different categories highlighted by Calgary Flames prospect Andrew Mangiapane who was named Most Underrated, Best Skater, and Best Shootout Shooter.  Fellow Colt and OHL top scorer Kevin Labanc, a San Jose Sharks prospect, appeared in five categories finishing first in Best Playmaker, and Best Penalty Killer.  The East Division champion Kingston Frontenacs finished second in team voting with six different players appearing in 12 different categories including Jeremy Helvig (Most Improved),  Spencer Watson (Most Dangerous in the Goal Area), Lawson Crouse (Best Body Checker), and Roland McKeown (Best Defensive Defenceman) finishing first.

 North Bay Battalion captain Mike Amadio was the top individual winner by appearing in the Top-3 in seven different categories.  The Los Angeles Kings prospect finished first in four different categories including Smartest Player, Hardest Worker, Best Shot, Best Defensive Forward.  Other multiple category winners in the Eastern Conference include Niagara IceDogs goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic who tied for first in the Best Puck Handling Goalie vote, and Best Shootout Goalie category.  Fellow IceDog Josh Ho-Sang was named Best Stickhandler for the second straight season.

 In the Western Conference, the Erie Otters lead the way with seven players represented in 12 of the 20 categories including a league-high nine first place votes.  Arizona Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome is the Conference’s top individual winner leading the way in three different areas including Smartest Player, Best on Face-Offs, and Best Shootout Shooter.  2016 NHL Draft prospect Alex DeBrincat was also one of seven Otters to earn first place recognition earning Most Dangerous in the Goal Area accolades for the second straight season.  The Midwest Division’s Kitchener Rangers and London Knights also factored heavily into Western Conference voting.  Seven different Rangers appeared in 11 different categories, while six different Knights were spread across nine different categories.  Most notably, the Rangers’ Adam Mascherin was listed in four categories receiving first place in Best Shot, while Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Mitch Marner headlined the Knights’ representation winning Best Playmaker and Best Stickhandler after appearing among the Top-3 in both categories last season.

 New York Rangers prospect Brandon Halverson of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds is the league’s only three-time winner earning Best Puck Handling Goalie recognition for the third consecutive season.

 The Coaches Poll is tabulated when each team submits one nominee per category, and coaches then vote for the top three players for each category within their conference.  Players receive five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote.  Clubs are not permitted to vote for players from their own team allowing for a maximum of 45 possible points for each winner.  This season all 20 OHL clubs are represented in at least one category.

All 20 categories are listed below with Eastern Conference and Western Conference winners including their final point totals in brackets.

Most Underrated Player:

Eastern Conference:
1. Andrew Mangiapane, Barrie Colts (28)
2. Jordan Maletta, Niagara IceDogs (16)
3. Juho Lammikko, Kingston Frontenacs (15)

Western Conference:
1. Aaron Berisha, London Knights (22)
2. Jeff King, Sarnia Sting (14)
3. Jalen Chatfield, Windsor Spitfires (12)

 Most Improved Player:
Eastern Conference:

1.Jeremy Helvig, Kingston Frontenacs (30)
2. Mathew Santos, North Bay Battalion (18)
3. Nic Hague, Mississauga Steelheads tied Riley Stillman, Oshawa Generals (10)

Western Conference:
1. Kyle Maksimovich, Erie Otters tied Logan Stanley, Windsor Spitfires (25)
3. Adam Mascherin, Kitchener Rangers (10)

Smartest Player:

Eastern Conference:
1. Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (32)
2. Kevin Labanc, Barrie Colts (25)
3. Hunter Garlent, Peterborough Petes (8)

Western Conference:
1. Dylan Strome, Erie Otters (41) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. Matthew Tkachuk, London Knights (18)
3. Petrus Palmu, Owen Sound Attack (7)

Hardest Worker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Michael McLeod, Mississauga Steelheads tied Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (24) – McLeod finished third in voting in 2014-15
3. Lawson Crouse, Kingston Frontenacs (21) – finished first in voting in 2014-15

Western Conference:
1. Hayden Verbeek, Soo Greyhounds (32)
2. Jonah Gadjovich, Owen Sound Attack tied Josh Jacobs, Sarnia Sting (13)

Best Playmaker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Kevin Labanc, Barrie Colts (31)
2. Josh Ho-Sang, Niagara IceDogs (26) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
3. Michael Dal Colle, Kingston Frontenacs (12)

Western Conference:
1. Mitch Marner, London Knights (35) – finished second in voting in 2014-15
2. Dylan Strome, Erie Otters (27)
3. Jeremy Bracco, Kitchener Rangers (12)

Most Dangerous in Goal Area:

Eastern Conference:
1. Spencer Watson, Kingston Frontenacs (35) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. Kevin Labanc, Barrie Colts tied Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (24)

Western Conference:
1. Alex DeBrincat, Erie Otters (37) – finished first in voting in 2014-15
2. Christian Dvorak, London Knights (32)
3. Zach Senyshyn, Soo Greyhounds (9)

Best Skater:

Eastern Conference:

1. Andrew Mangiapane, Barrie Colts (18)

2. Sean Day, Mississauga Steelheads tied Mitchell Vande Sompel, Oshawa Generals, and Jonathan Ang, Peterborough Petes (17) – Day finished second in voting in both 2013-14 and 2014-15

Western Conference:

1. Zach Senyshyn, Soo Greyhounds (33) – finished third in voting in 2014-15

2. Victor Mete, London Knights (27)

3. Vili Saarijarvi, Flint Firebirds tied Jordan Kyrou, Sarnia Sting (7)

Best Shot:

Eastern Conference:
1. Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (35)
2. Spencer Watson, Kingston Frontenacs (30)
3. Alex Nylander, Mississauga Steelheads tied Greg Betzold, Peterborough Petes (7)

Western Conference:

1. Adam Mascherin, Kitchener Rangers (28)
2. Travis Konecny, Sarnia Sting (25)
3. Alex DeBrincat, Erie Otters (16)

Hardest Shot:

Eastern Conference:

1. Kyle Wood, North Bay Battalion (41) – finished second in voting in 2014-15
2. Lawson Crouse, Kingston Frontenacs (23)
3. Rasmus Andersson, Barrie Colts (10)

Western Conference:

1. Mikhail Sergachev, Windsor Spitfires (30)
2. Pavel Zacha, Sarnia Sting (20)
3. Adam Mascherin, Kitchener Rangers (13)

Best Stickhandler:

Eastern Conference:
1. Josh Ho-Sang, Niagara IceDogs (35) – finished first in voting in 2014-15
2. Alex Nylander, Mississauga Steelheads (16)
3. Kevin Labanc, Barrie Colts (15)

Western Conference:

1. Mitch Marner, London Knights (43) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. William Bitten, Flint Firebirds (13)
3. Jeremy Bracco, Kitchener Rangers tied Blake Speers, Soo Greyhounds (11)

Best on Face-Offs:

Eastern Conference:
1. Jordan Maletta, Niagara IceDogs (38)
2. Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (24)
3. Juho Lammikko, Kingston Frontenacs (10)

Western Conference:
1. Dylan Strome, Erie Otters (30)
2. Gustaf Franzen, Kitchener Rangers (21)
3. Christian Dvorak, London Knights (20)

Best Body Checker:

Eastern Conference:
1. Lawson Crouse, Kingston Frontenacs (39)
2. Jacob Middleton, Ottawa 67’s (13)
3. Cameron Lizotte, Barrie Colts (11) – finished second in voting in 2014-15

Western Conference:

1. Givani Smith, Guelph Storm (34)
2. Connor Hall, Kitchener Rangers tied Jacob Friend, Owen Sound Attack (12)

Best Shot Blocker:

Eastern Conference:

1. Jacob Middleton, Ottawa 67’s (25)
2. Roland McKeown, Kingston Frontenacs (15)
3. Dylan Sadowy, Barrie Colts (14)

Western Conference:
1. Damir Sharipzyanov, Owen Sound Attack (24)
2. Darren Raddysh, Erie Otters (18)
3. Will Petschenig, Saginaw Spirit tied Patrick Sanvido, Windsor Spitfires (11)

Best Defensive Forward:

Eastern Conference:
1. Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (32)
2. Juho Lammikko, Kingston Frontenacs (29) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
3. Cordell James, Barrie Colts tied Anthony Cirelli, Oshawa Generals (9)

Western Conference:
1. Kyle Pettit, Erie Otters (31) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. Ryan MacInnis, Kitchener Rangers (22)
3. Kris Bennett, Saginaw Spirit (14)

Best Penalty Killer:

Eastern Conference:

1. Kevin Labanc, Barrie Colts (26)
2. Mike Amadio, North Bay Battalion (25)
3. Jordan Maletta, Niagara IceDogs (17)

Western Conference:
1. Pavel Zacha, Sarnia Sting (26)
2. Kyle Pettit, Erie Otters (19)
3. Darby Llewellyn, Kitchener Rangers (16)

Best Offensive Defenceman:

Eastern Conference:
1. Rasmus Andersson, Barrie Colts (31) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. Mitchell Vande Sompel, Oshawa Generals (23) – finished second in voting in 2014-15
3. Cam Dineen, North Bay Battalion (17)

Western Conference:
1. Travis Dermott, Erie Otters (28)
2. Vili Saarijarvi, Flint Firebirds (21)
3. Mikhail Sergachev, Windsor Spitfires (20)

Best Defensive Defenceman:

Eastern Conference:

1. Roland McKeown, Kingston Frontenacs (30) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. Jacob Middleton, Ottawa 67’s (29)
3. Michael Webster, Barrie Colts (19)

Western Conference:
1. Darren Raddysh, Erie Otters (37)
2. Frank Hora, Kitchener Rangers (13)
3. Chris Martenet, London Knights tied Colton White, Soo Greyhounds (9)

Best Puck-Handling Goalie:

Eastern Conference:

1. Mackenzie Blackwood, Barrie Colts tied Alex Nedeljkovic, Niagara IceDogs (21) – Nedeljkovic finished third in 2014-15 West vote
2. Jake Smith, North Bay Battalion (18) – finished second in voting in 2013-14 and 2014-15

Western Conference:

1. Brandon Halverson, Soo Greyhounds (28) – finished first in 2013-14 and 2014-15
2. Michael Giugovaz, Guelph Storm (12)
3. Michael McNiven, Owen Sound Attack (11)

Best Shootout Shooter:

Eastern Conference:

1. Andrew Mangiapane, Barrie Colts (29) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
2. Alex Nylander, Mississauga Steelheads (20)
3. Josh Ho-Sang, Niagara IceDogs (16)

Western Conference:
1. Dylan Strome, Erie Otters (23)
2. Christian Dvorak, London Knights (22)
3. William Bitten, Flint Firebirds tied Petrus Palmu, Owen Sound Attack (16)

Best Shootout Goalie:

Eastern Conference:

1. Alex Nedeljkovic, Niagara IceDogs (24) – finished second in 2013-14 and 2014-15 West voting
2. Mackenzie Blackwood, Barrie Colts (18) – finished third in voting in 2014-15
3. Jack Flinn, Mississauga Steelheads (16)

Western Conference:
1. Devin Williams, Erie Otters (36)
2. Michael McNiven, Owen Sound Attack (16)
3. Charlie Graham, Sarnia Sting (11)

OHL Launches Official Online Store at OHLSHOP.com

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Unique Licensed Products Available for all 20 OHL Teams and League Special Events

OHL Shop

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the launch of OHLSHOP.com, the Official Licensed Online Shop of the Ontario Hockey League.

OHLSHOP.com features unique merchandise designs representing all 20 OHL member teams.  Available items include caps, t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and novelty items, as well as exclusive apparel designed for OHL special events such as the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament, Eastern and Western Conference Finals, and Rogers OHL Championship Series.

“The OHL is extremely pleased to introduce OHLSHOP.com just in time for playoffs offering OHL fans everywhere another opportunity to support their favourite team,” said OHL Director of Marketing and Business Development, Kevin Boston. “We are fully committed to providing the best online shopping experience for fans and expanding our brand with OHLSHOP.com.”

The online platform is fully customizable providing the user the ability to sort items specifically by team, event, or browse inventory available in men’s, women’s, and youth sizes and designs. Special features also include sizing charts and product zoom.

OHLSHOP.com will update frequently with new and exciting products.  OHL fans can access OHLSHOP.com on their PC, as well as mobile, or tablet device.

About the Ontario Hockey League:

The Ontario Hockey League is comprised of 20 member teams, 17 in Ontario, and three in the United States, and is the number one development league in the world for players to the National Hockey League and Canadian Interuniversity Sport.

CHL Announces BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the twenty-fifth edition of the BMO CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2015-16 season.  The weekly rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts.

BMO

 BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings – Week 25

Rank: Team: Last Week Rank: Number of Weeks Ranked:
1 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (52-9-3-2) 1 24
2 Erie Otters (50-14-1-0) 2 25
3 London Knights (49-13-2-1) 4 25
4 Val-d’Or Foreurs (48-14-3-1) 3 16
5 Victoria Royals (47-16-3-3) 5 9
6 Kitchener Rangers (43-15-5-2) 8 21
7 Gatineau Olympiques (45-18-2-1) 7 14
8 Kingston Frontenacs (44-16-3-2) 6 5
9 Brandon Wheat Kings (46-18-4-2) 10 12
10 Kelowna Rockets (46-19-4-0) 9 19
Honourable Mention:
Saint John Sea Dogs (42-18-6-0) – 2
Shawinigan Cataractes (43-19-4-0) – 17
Seattle Thunderbirds (43-23-3-0) – 7

Colts’ Andrew Mangiapane named Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Calgary Flames prospect Andrew Mangiapane of the Barrie Colts is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 13 after recording 11 points in three games scoring four goals with seven assists along with a plus-minus rating of plus-7.

Mangiapane reached a pair of monumental OHL milestones last week scoring his 50th goal and 100th point of the season helping the Colts clinch their second straight Central Division title.  He was named first star in all three contests extending his personal scoring-streak to 10 games including seven-straight multi-point performances to match the Colts’ seven-game winning-streak.  His week began with a pair of four-point efforts on the road scoring a goal and three assists as part of an 8-1 win over the Owen Sound Attack on Wednesday and in a 7-3 victory over the Sudbury Wolves on Friday.  Mangiapane hit both of his season milestones on Saturdayscoring two goals and an assist in a 5-2 win over the Peterborough Petes becoming just the fourth player in franchise history to score 50 goals.  He also became just the fourth Colt to reach the century mark in back-to-back seasons joining teammate Kevin Labanc who accomplished  the feat earlier this season.

A 19-year-old from Bolton, ON, Mangiapane is playing in his third career OHL season with the Colts after committing to the club as a free agent in 2013.  The sixth round pick of the Flames in the 2015 NHL Draft is currently sixth in OHL scoring with 101 points in 56 games after producing 104 points in 68 games played during the 2014-15 campaign.

Watch video highlights of Mangiapane and the Colts against the Attack, Wolves, and Petes.

Also considered for the award this week was 2016 NHL Draft prospect Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters who scored five goals and four assists for nine points in three games, and Aaron Berisha of the London Knights who scored four goals and three assists for seven points in three games.  In goal, Connor Hicks of the Hamilton Bulldogs stopped 53 shots posting a 2-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .964.

Pioneer

2015-16 Pioneer Energy OHL Players of the Week:

Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Andrew Mangiapane (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 29 – Mar. 6: Hunter Garlent (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 22 – Feb. 28: Logan Brown (Windsor Spitfires)
Feb. 15 – Feb. 21: Mike Amadio (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 8 – Feb. 14: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 1 – Feb. 7: Spencer Watson (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 25 – Jan. 31: Jonah Gadjovich (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 18 – Jan. 24: Matthew Mancina (Peterborough Petes)
Jan. 11 – Jan. 17: Michael Giugovaz (Guelph Storm)
Jan. 4 – Jan. 10: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 28 – Jan. 3: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 14 – Dec. 20: Jake Smith (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 7 – Dec. 13: Christian Dvorak (London Knights)
Nov. 30 – Dec. 6: Mitchell Marner (London Knights)
Nov. 23 – Nov. 29: Christian Dvorak (London Knights)
Nov. 16 – Nov. 22: Pavel Zacha (Sarnia Sting)
Nov. 9 – Nov. 15: Devin Williams (Erie Otters)
Nov. 2 – Nov. 8: Dylan Strome (Erie Otters)
Oct. 26 – Nov. 1: Tyler Parsons (London Knights)
Oct. 19 – Oct. 25: Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 12 – Oct. 18: Zach Bratina (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 5 – Oct. 11: Hunter Garlent (Peterborough Petes)
Sept. 28 – Oct. 4: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 27: Zack Bowman (Flint Firebirds)

OHL This Week for March 10-13, 2016

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHLThisWeek

Toronto, ON – Just two more weeks until the 2016 Ontario Hockey League playoffs!  14 teams have clinched but lots of exciting battles for position remain with 22 games tonight through Sunday.

 Here’s a look at what’s going on around the league:

AT THE RINKS:

Selfie Jersey Night in Flint: The Flint Firebirds will be wearing special jerseys on Saturday night against the Kitchener Rangers. The selfie-themed uniforms will feature photos submitted by fans. Don’t miss out on this unique jersey night!

Guns N’ Hoses Challenge Saturday in Erie: The Otters host their 6th annual Guns and Hoses Challenge on Saturday prior to squaring off with the Guelph Storm. Fans can watch Erie County’s finest heroes battle it out on the Erie Insurance Arena ice for city supremacy! Members of Erie Police will take on Erie Firefighters on Saturday at 3:00pm, with a portion of proceeds from the game going toward the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Full Story

Hockey for the Homeless Night in Saginaw: The Saginaw Spirit take to the ice on Saturday for Hockey for the Homeless Night at home to the London Knights. Special jerseys will be auctioned off after the game to benefit Rescue Mission of Saginaw and Bay City, as well as the Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation.

Bulldogs unveil 2016-17 jerseys on Sunday: Be the first to see the Hamilton Bulldogs’ new look! The Bulldogs will be announcing the winner of their jersey design contest during their final regular season home game on Sunday. The winning design will be unveiled by their mascot Bruiser during the first intermission. Discounted Fan Appreciation Packs are available online for the game up until March 11th at 5:00pm.

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Greyhounds wrap up ‘Connecting Our Community’ visits: The Soo Greyhounds wrapped up their tenth and final ‘Connecting Our Community’ program visit this past week, an initiative that includes the Greyhounds visiting various hospitals throughout the greater Sault Ste. Marie area. During their visits, Greyhounds players hand out stuffed animals and spend time with patients while also assisting volunteers and staff with other initiatives such as wayfinding. Photo Galleries

Otters name 20th anniversary team: The fans have spoken! The Erie Otters 20th anniversary team has been selected and the starting lineup consists of Connor McDavid, Connor Brown, Dane Fox, Chris Campoli, Travis Dermott and T.J. Aceti. Visit ottershockey.com for the rest of the roster!

Knights hold March Breakaway, team autograph session on Monday: The London Knights will hold their ‘March Breakaway’ on Monday at White Oaks Mall, a visit with fans that includes a scavenger hunt and a full-team autograph session. The event runs from1-3pm.

Skate with the Petes on Monday: The Peterborough Petes will be kicking off March break in style on Monday as they hit the ice for a skate with fans. The Petes will take to the ice from 12-1pm at the Peterborough Memorial Centre and invite fans of all ages to attend!

OHL ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW WEB PLATFORM AND LEAGUE SITE:

The Ontario Hockey League in partnership with Stadium Digital has announced the launch of a newly designed website at ontariohockeyleague.com.

The revamped OHL site marks the beginning of a Canadian Hockey League wide network redesign that will see 66 other team, league, and special event websites unveiled in the coming weeks. Full Story

PETES’ HUNTER GARLENT TAKES WEEKLY HONOURS:

Hunter Garlent of the Peterborough Petes is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 6 after scoring six goals and one assist for seven points in two games along with a plus-minus rating of plus-1. Garlent scored back-to-back hat-tricks and earned first star honours in both games played last week helping the Petes clinch a berth in the Eastern Conference OHL Playoffs.  Full Story

COLTS’ KEVIN LABANC SIGNS WITH SHARKS:

Barrie Colts forward and OHL leading scorer Kevin Labanc has signed a three-year, entry-level NHL contract with the San Jose Sharks. The three-time CHL Player of the Week has set career highs in goals (38), assists (81), points (119) and plus/minus (+58) this season and has earned OHL Player of the Week honours four times. Full Story

TIP TOP TAILORS OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK – WEEK 23:

Mitch Marner is back atop the Tip Top Tailors OHL Plays of the Week! After winning the CHL Fan Choice vote two weeks ago, he needs your votes again! Visit fanchoice.ca to watch this week’s top plays from across the CHL and cast your vote.

GETTING ON THE BOARD: FIRST OHL GOALS IN 2015-16:

Check out the players who have scored their first OHL goal in the past week! 145 different players have accomplished the milestone this season! Click on a player’s name below to watch his first OHL goal!
Brody Morris

ALUMNI NOTES:

Scheifele nets first NHL hat-trick: Barrie Colts graduate Mark Scheifele recorded his first NHL hat-trick in a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. The 22-year-old has 21 goals, 21 assists and 42 points in 55 games with the Jets in his third full NHL season. A native of Kitchener, ON, Scheifele enjoyed three productive seasons with the Barrie Colts from 2010-13, amassing 84 goals, 133 assists and 217 career regular season points in 158 games. He was Winnipeg’s first round (7th overall) pick in the 2011 NHL Draft.

Kosmachuk makes NHL debut: Guelph Storm graduate Scott Kosmachuk made his NHL debut with the Winnipeg Jets in their 4-2 loss to Nashville on Tuesday. Kosmachuk has spent the season with the AHL’s Manitoba Moose, recording 14 goals, 13 assists and 27 points in 59 contests. The 22-year-old played four seasons in Guelph after being the Storm’s second round pick in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection. Kosmachuk recorded 120 goals, 126 assists and 246 career regular season points in 271 games. He was Winnipeg’s third round (70th overall) pick in the 2012 NHL Draft.

Kostopoulos reaches rare milestone: London Knights graduate Tom Kostopoulos has become just the fourth player in hockey history to play 600 games in both the NHL and the AHL. The 37-year-old Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins captain accomplished the feat on Sunday, joining Dave Creighton, Jim Morrison and fellow OHL gradaute Shawn Thornton in the 600-club for both leagues. Kostopoulos came up in the Penguins organization after a three-year OHL career with the London Knights from 1996-99. The Mississauga native played 630 NHL games between 2001 and 2013 but has since returned to where he began in the AHL, with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. Kostopoulos had 64 goals, 98 assists and 162 career points in 196 regular season OHL contests, reaching the OHL finals with the Knights in 1999. For more on his story, visit theahl.com.

Leighton becomes AHL’s new all-time shutouts leader: Windsor Spitfires graduate Michael Leighton surpassed goaltending great Johnny Bower for the most shutouts in AHL history on Saturday, making 35 saves in Rockford’s 5-0 blanking of the Lake Erie Monsters. Leighton’s 46th career shutout sees him improve to  29-6-8-3 with a 2.37 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage this season. The 34-year-old has played in 439 career regular season AHL contests with a record of 220-163-41 and was named AHL Goaltender of the Year in 2008. A native of Petrolia, ON, Leighton has also appeared in 105 career NHL contests, making it to the Stanley Cup finals with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010. Leighton played in 124 career regular season OHL games with the Windsor Spitfires from 1998-2001, going 53-47-9 with a 3.30 goals-against average, .903 save percentage and three shutouts.

Palazzese signs with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: Sudbury Wolves graduate Franky Palazzese has signed a professional tryout contract with the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.  The 22-year-old has appeared in 35 games with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers this season, going 19-14-1-1 with a 2.86 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage with four shutouts. Palazzese played parts of five OHL seasons between Kingston, Kitchener and Sudbury from 2009-14, going 71-69-7-19 with a 3.13 goals-against average, a .914 save percentage and seven shutouts in 175 career regular season games. He finished second in OHL save percentage with a mark of .927 during the 2012-13 season.

Valiquette named ECHL Goaltender of the Week: Sudbury Wolves graduate Alain Valiquette has been named the ECHL Goaltender of the Week after going 2-0-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and a .978 save percentage in two games with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Valiquette, who was acquired in a trade with the Elmira Jackals on Thursday, made 46 saves in a 6-1 win on Saturday and turned aside 42 shots in a 4-1 victory on Sunday. The Sudbury, ON, native played the past four seasons at Laurentian University after graduating from the OHL. Valiquette played parts of five seasons in Sudbury from 2006-11, going 50-67-3-3 with a 3.94 goals-against average and an .893 save percentage in 142 career regular season games.

10 OHL graduates win AUS championship with St. Fx: Ten OHL graduates have won an AUS Championship with the St. Francis Xavier X-Men. The No. 4 ranked X-Men defeated the No. 1 ranked UNB Varsity Reds with a pair of wins to claim their first AUS title since 2004. The second and deciding game of the series featured a pair of goals from Owen Sound Attack graduate Nathan Chiarlitti along with goals from Peterborough Petes graduates Michael Clarke and Nathan Pancel. Saginaw Spirit grads Kristoff Kontos and Eric Locke both had assists in the win while other OHL alumni in Brandon Hope (Niagara IceDogs), Max Iafrate (Kitchener Rangers), Craig Duininck (Sudbury Wolves) and Zack MacQueen (Windsor Spitfires) were also part of the team. The X-Men will compete in the 2016 CIS University Cup in Halifax beginning Thursday March 17th.

Western defeats Guelph to advance to Queen’s Cup Final: The Western Mustangs are headed to their first Queen’s Cup Final since 2012 and have punched their ticket to the CIS Championship in Halifax. Kingston Frontenacs graduate Robert Polesello and former Mississauga Steelheads forward Spenser Cobbold both had goals for the Mustangs in their 5-1 victory over the Guelph Gryphons in Game 3 of their OUA semi-final series. The Mustangs will face the UQTR Patriotes in the OUA Championship on Saturday while Guelph faces Carleton for bronze. The winner of the bronze medal game will clinch a spot in the CIS Championship.

KEY WEEKEND MATCHUPS:

Sarnia Sting (37-18-5-2) vs. Windsor Spitfires (37-20-6-0)
Thursday March 10 at Windsor

The war for the West Division rages on as the Windsor Spitfires are hot on the heels of the Sarnia Sting entering a big Thursday night battle. The Sting got the better of Windsor by a score of 2-1 last Friday as goals from Nikita Korostelev and Sam Studnicka propelled them to victory. Sarnia has taken wins in three of their four meetings with Windsor this season and a win on Thursday would put the Spitfires three points back with Sarnia holding a game in hand. Windsor enters action coming off a 6-3 loss to Kingston on Sunday. Arizona Coyotes prospect Christian Fischer has points in eight straight games and leads the Spits in scoring with 36 goals, 49 assists and 85 points in 61 games.

North Bay Battalion (32-21-5-4) vs. Oshawa Generals (24-30-4-4)
Friday March 11 at Oshawa

The Oshawa Generals will have a pair of big points on the line Friday night at home to North Bay. The Gennies currently lead ninth place Hamilton by two points with two games in hand and will look to strengthen their grip on the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Captain Anthony Cirelli has points in six straight games while goaltender Jeremy Brodeur has won three straight starts. The Battalion enter the weekend with a five point cushion over fourth place Niagara in the Eastern Conference. They’ve taken two of their three meetings against Oshawa this season. The two clubs have a recent history with one another having met in the OHL playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

Niagara IceDogs (31-25-3-3) vs. Hamilton Bulldogs (23-33-8-0)
Sunday March 13 at Hamilton

Like Oshawa, the Hamilton Bulldogs have a big weekend ahead with matchups against Sudbury and Niagara. Trailing the Generals to enter the weekend, the Bulldogs need to make every game count from here on out. Hamilton forwards Matt Luff and Matthew Strome have been contributing regularly of late, with Luff coming off a red hot month of February to record five points through his first three March contests and Strome collecting points in five of his last six games. Niagara comes off a big 4-2 win over the Erie Otters on Sunday to face Flint, North Bay and Hamilton this weekend. They’re playing for home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs and currently hold a one point lead on fifth place Ottawa.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE: 

Thursday, March 10
Flint at Niagara – 7:00pm
North Bay at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Sarnia at Windsor – 7:05pm

Friday, March 11
Mississauga at Kingston – 7:00pm
Barrie at Sudbury – 7:00pm
Saginaw at Sarnia – 7:05pm
London at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Erie at Guelph – 7:30pm
Owen Sound at Kitchener – 7:30pm
North Bay at Oshawa – 7:35pm

Saturday, March 12
Guelph at Erie – 7:00pm
Sudbury at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Ottawa at Kingston – 7:00pm
North Bay at Niagara – 7:00pm
London at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Peterborough at Barrie – 7:30pm
Kitchener at Flint – 7:30pm
Windsor at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday, March 13
Kitchener at Sault Ste. Marie – 2:07pm
Niagara at Hamilton – 3:00pm
Peterborough at Oshawa – 6:05pm

CATCH ALL OF THE ACTION ON OHL LIVE

2016 CHL Canada Russia Series Hosts Announced

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with the Western Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League, and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League today announced the six Canadian host centres for the 2016 CHL Canada Russia Series to be played November 7-17.

Super SeriesThe six-game series features regional league teams of Canadian National Junior Team candidates competing against the Russian National Junior Team.  For the third straight season the event will open with two games in the WHL, followed by two OHL matchups, and ending with a pair of contests hosted by the QMJHL.

Game 1 of the series takes place on Monday November 7 hosted by the Prince George Cougars, then shifts to Edmonton, AB, home of the WHL’s Oil Kings for Game 2 on Tuesday November 8.  The OHL’s North Bay Battalion will host Game 3 on Thursday November 10, followed by Game 4 hosted by the Hamilton Bulldogs on Monday November 14.  The series wraps up with Game 5 hosted by the QMJHL’s Baie-Comeau Drakkar on Tuesday November 16, with the Game 6 series finale to be played in Chicoutimi, QC, home of the Sagueneens on Thursday November 17.

“The rivalry between Canada and Russia is one of the greatest in hockey,” said CHL President David Branch. “For the 14th straight season we look forward to bringing the CHL Canada Russia Series to communities across our country.  This event annually showcases many of the league’s best players aiming for a spot on Canada’s National Junior Team in advance of the World Junior Championship which returns to Toronto and Montreal next winter.”

Since the event first began in 2003, CHL teams have played to an overall record of 54-18-6 against Team Russia.  The competitiveness of the rivalry has grown in recent years with four of the last six series decided in the final game.  Russia earned their first series victory in 2010 and have since alternated annual series victories with the CHL who earned the 2015 title by a 12-3 margin in points.

The event is an integral part of the identification process for Team Canada prior to the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.  Canada was represented at this season’s World Junior in Finland by 21 CHL players who competed in this series in 2015, while 13 members of Team Russia’s series entry also competed in Helsinki earning a second straight silver medal.

Four of the six CHL cities on the 2016 tour are first-time hosts including Edmonton, North Bay, Hamilton, and Baie-Comeau.  Prince George was host to Game 6 of the 2010 event where Russia emerged with a 5-2 victory, while Game 1 of the 2007 event was played in Chicoutimi in a contest won 6-4 by Team Russia.

The 2016 CHL Canada Russia series is supported by CHL associate sponsors Cooper Tire, autoTRADER.ca and Sherwin-Williams.  All games will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

2016 CHL Canada Russia Series Schedule:

Game 1 – Monday November 7 at Prince George, BC

Game 2 – Tuesday November 8 at Edmonton, AB

Game 3 – Thursday November 10 at North Bay, ON

Game 4 – Monday November 14 at Hamilton, ON

Game 5 – Tuesday November 15 at Baie-Comeau, QC

Game 6 – Thursday November 17 at Chicoutimi, QC

For event information please visit http://canadarussia.chl.ca.