OHL Announces Minor Midget Top-10 Rankings for 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the tenth edition of the weekly minor midget rankings for the 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting Staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament which takes place March 15-21, 2016.  All games will be played at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday March 21.

OHL Cup

Minor Midget Rankings for the 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament – Week 10

RANK TEAM LEAGUE LAST WEEK WEEKS RANKED
1 Mississauga Rebels GTHL 2 10
2 York Simcoe Express OMHA 3 10
3 Toronto Jr. Canadiens GTHL 1 10
4 Toronto Marlies GTHL 4 10
5 Toronto Red Wings GTHL 6 10
6 Barrie Jr. Colts OMHA 5 9
7 Waterloo Wolves ALLIANCE 7 8
8 Don Mills Flyers GTHL 8 8
9 Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs OMHA 9 10
10 North Central Predators OMHA 10 3
Honourable Mention
London Jr. Knights ALLIANCE – 1
Clarington Toros OMHA – 5
Kitchener Jr. Rangers ALLIANCE – –
Kingston Frontenacs OMHA – 3

The OHL Cup continues to showcase 20 participating teams from across Ontario and the United States with 16 of the 20 spots in 2016 guaranteed through league competition.  The 16 guaranteed spots continue to include all four GTHL Semi-Finalists, and the top four teams that place at the OMHA Championship.  Three teams from the ALLIANCE will still be guaranteed a spot in the tournament including the Champion and Finalist, along with the winner of a best-of-three Semi-Final Wild Card Series to be played between the losers of the two league Semi-Finals.  Also as in past years, two tournament entries are reserved for United States competition, while both an HNO and NOHA representative will also compete.  New in 2016, the final guaranteed spot is awarded to the highest finishing minor midget team in the HEO Midget League which in 2015-16 belongs to CIHA White.

This season the final four entries at the 2016 OHL Cup will be Wild Cards determined among eight teams that will play a one game ‘win and in’ scenario.  The eight competing teams aiming for the final four tournament spots will continue to include the fifth place team at the OMHA Championship, and the loser of the ALLIANCE Semi-Final Wild Card Series.  New in 2016, two spots in Wild Card games will be reserved for GTHL teams.  The two competing GTHL teams will be determined through a pair of Wild Card Play-In Series matchups involving the four GTHL teams who qualified for the playoffs but lost in the first round.  Also new in 2016, one spot in a Wild Card will be reserved for the winner of an OMHA SCTA Consolation Game that features both teams who lost in the SCTA Tournament Semi-Final.  The OMHA teams eligible for this matchup will be determined annually based on the league not hosting the OMHA Championship.  Finally, the three remaining teams who will compete in the Wild Card matchups will be named by the Tournament Selection Committee based on regular season, playoff, and tournament play. All four Wild Card games will take place onTuesday March 15 with specific matchups and times of play to be determined by random draw among the eight competing teams onMonday March 14.

Last season the Toronto Marlboros captured their fifth OHL Cup title in 11 years with a 3-2 overtime win over the Don Mills Flyers. Marlies forward and OHL Cup MVP Ryan McLeod followed up older brother Michael McLeod’s MVP effort in 2014 with three goals and four assists in the tournament.

McLeod was one of 12 first round draft selections from 2015 OHL Cup teams, including six of the top ten picks. Those names include David Levin (Don Mills Flyers – 1st overall to the Sudbury Wolves), Ryan McLeod (Toronto Marlboros – 3rd overall to the Flint Firebirds), Brady Gilmour (Quinte Red Devils – 6th overall to the Saginaw Spirit), Ben Jones (Toronto Marlboros – 7th overall to the Niagara IceDogs), Matthew Strome (Toronto Marlboros – 8th overall to the Hamilton Bulldogs) and Markus Phillips (Toronto Titans – 9th overall to the Owen Sound Attack).

Five first round selections in the 2015 NHL Draft are also OHL Cup graduates including Connor McDavid (Toronto Marlboros/Edmonton Oilers), Dylan Strome (Toronto Marlboros/Arizona Coyotes), Mitch Marner (Don Mills Flyers/Toronto Maple Leafs), Lawson Crouse (Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs/Florida Panthers) and Travis Konecny (Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs/Philadelphia Flyers).

Notable OHL Cup graduates currently playing in the NHL include Taylor Hall (Greater Kingston Frontenacs/Edmonton Oilers), John Tavares (Toronto Marlboros/New York Islanders), Steven Stamkos (Markham Waxers/Tampa Bay Lightning), Tyler Seguin (Toronto Nationals/Dallas Stars), 2013 Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban (Markham Islanders/Montreal Canadiens) and 2010 OHL Cup MVP Sean Monahan (Mississauga Rebels/Calgary Flames).

For more information, please visit ohlcup.ca.

Laberge and Dubois shine bright in 3-2 Team Orr win

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press release

Vancouver, BC – A long way from home, QMJHL stars Pascal Laberge (Victoriaville Tigres) and Pierre-Luc Dubois (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles) shone brightly in Vancouver, leading Team Orr to a 3-2 win at the 2016 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game with three points each.

The two connected for the game’s deciding goal in the third period just 11 seconds after Team Cherry had fought back to tie the score at two. Laberge found Dubois on a nifty give-and-go that started when Dubois picked off a turnover in the neutral zone.

Laberge’s two goals and an assist earned him Jim Gregory Player of the Game honours as Team Orr took a sixth straight decision at the event dating back to 2011.

“Dubois and I played together at Under-17’s and we had good chemistry together tonight,” said Laberge post-game. “It’s just an amazing feeling and my linemates and I worked really well together out there.”

The two clubs played intense, fast-paced hockey in front of over 10,000 fans at Pacific Coliseum, drawing strong praise from Bobby Orr.

“I’ve been a part of a lot of these games and that was probably the best yet,” said the legendary blueliner. “It was a heck of a hockey game and every kid on the ice played very well. There was some great goaltending, strong defence and it’s the best game in this event that I’ve been a part of.”

In fitting fashion, the hometown favourite got on the board first as Vancouver Giants forward Ty Ronning, who was a late addition to Team Cherry’s roster, found the back of the net after connecting on a give-and-go with linemate Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting). Ronning had his initial attempt thwarted by the pad of Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips) but stayed with the play to bang in the rebound 3:09 into the first period.

Team Orr had its moments in the first despite coming away from the opening 20 minutes down 1-0. Team Cherry goaltender Evan Fitzpatrick (Sherbrooke Phoenix) was great when called upon, making a big save off QMJHL opponent Dubois early on and followed up that effort with bang-bang saves off Jack Kopacka (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) in the slot moments later.

With a clean sheet before them, the goaltenders got a workout in the opening half of the second period as a back-and-forth affair saw free-flowing offensive creativity from both teams.

Fitzpatrick continued his strong play for Team Cherry, finishing his half of the game flawless with 17 saves as he turned aside high quality chances from Alexander Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads) and Max Jones (London Knights) off the rush.

While Fitzpatrick was replaced by Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors), Hart gave way to Dylan Wells (Peterborough Petes) at the opposite end after turning aside 15 of the 16 shots he faced.

With increased pressure, Team Orr managed to knot the score at one before the expiration of the second. Laberge took a pass as his line entered the offensive zone, toe-dragging the puck past an opponent to create a lane to the net and beat Sawchenko over the blocker at 17:09 with assists from Dubois and Libor Hajek (Saskatoon Blades).

Team Cherry held a 22-20 edge on the shot clock after 40 minutes with the two sides deadlocked at one.

After a relatively cautious opening half of the third, Wells would be tested in goal for Team Orr as he was forced to make big-time saves off defenceman Sean Day (Mississauga Steelheads) as he beat his man coming in off the blueline and, moments later, big winger Tim Gettinger (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) on the doorstep.

Wells kept the game tied long enough for Laberge to strike for his second of the night on the powerplay with 10:20 remaining in the third. The former second overall QMJHL Draft selection made his way off the boards on the powerplay, ripping a low release under the pad of Sawchenko.

Team Cherry wasn’t done down 2-1 though as they came back just under two minutes later on a nice passing play orchestrated by Jordan Kyrou. The Sarnia Sting winger found OHL West Division opponent Logan Brown (Windsor Spitfires) open in the slot as the big 6’6″ centre made no mistake, beating Wells up high with 8:36 to go.

The game wouldn’t remain tied for long this time.

Team Orr capitalized on a neutral zone turnover 11 seconds later as Dubois picked off an errant pass and proceeded to give-and-go with Laberge as the dynamic QMJHL forwards both registered their third point of the night on the game’s eventual winner.

Despite a heavy push from Team Cherry in the final minutes, fine goaltending from Wells helped Team Orr lock down a sixth straight victory in the event with a 3-2 decision in Vancouver.

While Laberge earned Team Orr Player of the Game honours, Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads), who had an eventful game with several scoring opportunities, received the recognition for Team Cherry.

Despite being outshot 36-27, Orr earned his ninth win in 13 games behind the bench against his counterpart Cherry who falls to a coaching record of 5-11.

The 2016 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is proudly supported by title partner BMO Bank of Montreal, and CHL associate sponsors Cooper Tire, autoTRADER.ca and Sherwin-Williams.  Thursday’s game will be broadcast live across Canada on Sportsnet, TVA Sports, and in the United States on NHL Network.

For more information about the BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game please visit www.bmotopprospects.ca.

BMO and the Canadian Hockey League:
BMO Financial Group and the Canadian Hockey League announced BMO as the Official Bank of the Canadian Hockey League in 2011. The sponsorship builds on BMO’s partnership with the CHL of more than 10 years and affirms BMO’s exclusivity as a financial services sponsor of the league in the retail banking category. It also engrains a presence with the 48 teams which currently participate in the BMO CHL Affinity MasterCard program, which enables CHL fans to support their favourite teams through a co-branded credit card.

CHL Announces BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the eighteenth 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 18

Rank: Team: Last Week Rank: Number of Weeks Ranked:
1 Erie Otters (37-7-1-0) 1 18
2 Val-d’Or Foreurs (36-9-2-1) 3 9
3 London Knights (34-8-2-1) 2 18
4 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (35-8-3-1) 4 17
5 Kitchener Rangers (32-8-4-0) 5 14
6 Lethbridge Hurricanes (36-12-0-0) 6 8
7 Kelowna Rockets (33-11-3-0) 7 12
8 Shawinigan Cataractes (31-12-3-0) – 14
9 Brandon Wheat Kings (30-13-2-2) – 8
10 Gatineau Olympiques (32-13-2-1) 9 9
Honourable Mention:
Saint John Sea Dogs (29-13-4-0) – 1
Kingston Frontenacs (30-13-2-1) – 1
Windsor Spitfires (29-12-5-0) – 4

Wheat Kings’ Jordan Papirny named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Jordan Papirny of the Brandon Wheat Kings is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending January 24 after posting a perfect 2-0-0-0 record with two shutout victories for a goals-against-average of 0.00 and save percentage of 1.000.

Papirny stopped all 55 shots he faced last week in a pair of road games helping the Wheat Kings extend their winning-streak to three atop the WHL’s East Division standings where they hold a first place record of 30-13-2-2.  On Friday night Papirny earned first star honours with a 33-save performance that blanked the Prince Albert Raiders 3-0, then turned aside 22 shots on Sunday for his fifth shutout of the season as part of a 4-0 triumph over the Regina Pats.

A 19-year-old from Edmonton, AB, Papirny is playing in his third full season with the Wheat Kings.  He currently holds the league’s fifth best goals-against-average with a mark of 2.59 while carrying a record of 19-12-2-2 and a save percentage of .908.

Also considered for the award this week was 2016 NHL Draft prospect Evan Fitzpatrick of the Sherbrooke Phoenix, ranked second among goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting, who posted a 2-0-1-0 record with one shutout victory along with a goals-against-average of 1.29 and save percentage of .949.  In the OHL, Matthew Mancina of the Peterborough Petes went 2-0-0-0 with a goals-against-average of 1.50 and save percentage of .963.

2015-16 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

Jan. 18 – Jan. 24: Jordan Papirny (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Jan. 11 – Jan. 17: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Jan. 4 – Jan. 10: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Dec. 28 – Jan. 3: Étienne Montpetit (Val-d’Or Foreurs)
Dec. 14 – Dec. 20: Callum Booth (Quebec Remparts)
Dec. 7 – Dec. 13: Jack Flinn (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 30 – Dec. 6: Ty Edmonds (Prince George Cougars)
Nov. 23 – Nov. 29: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 16 – Nov. 22: Keven Bouchard (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)
Nov. 9 – Nov. 15: Devin Williams (Erie Otters)
Nov. 2 – Nov. 8: Etienne Montpetit (Val-d’Or Foreurs)
Oct. 26 – Nov. 1: Tyler Parsons (London Knights)
Oct. 19 – Oct. 25: Adin Hill (Portland Winterhawks)
Oct. 12 – Oct. 18: Julio Billia (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
Oct. 5 – Oct. 11: Coleman Vollrath (Victoria Royals)
Sept. 28 – Oct. 4: Louis-Philip Guindon (Rimouski Oceanic)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 27: Zack Bowman (Flint Firebirds)

CHL Leagues

OHL This Week for January 21-24, 2016

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The second half of the Ontario Hockey League schedule continues with 27 games beginning tonight through Sunday.

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

AT THE RINKS:

Pink in the Rink in Niagara: The Niagara IceDogs host their annual Pink in the Rink game on Thursday at home to the Owen Sound Attack. The club is working alongside the Canadian Cancer Society to raise funds in support of women’s cancer research. The IceDogs will be wearing specially themed pink jerseys and all fans in attendance are encouraged to bring their pink to the rink!

Mikhail Sergachev poster giveaway in Windsor on Thursday: Fans attending Thursday’s Spitfires home game against Flint can get a free Mikhail Sergachev collector’s poster following the game and get it signed by Mikhail behind section 111!

Steelheads support Special Olympics on Friday: The Mississauga Steelheads are teaming up with Peel Police for the annual Special Olympics Big Ticket Event, a provincial awareness and fundraising event supporting Special Olympics Ontario. Chief Jennifer Evans will join Special Olympics Athlete Ryan MacBean at center ice where they will drop the puck to start the game. For more information on Ryan and his story, please visit mississaugasteelheads.com.

Firebirds fight hunger on Saturday: The Flint Firebirds are teaming up with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan to fight hunger and are providing fans with great incentive to bring in their non-perishable goods. Fans may bring in five or more canned or boxed food items to receive $5 off a Silver Level ticket. Visit flintfirebirds.com for more details.

Dylan Strome poster giveaway in Erie: All fans attending Saturday’s Erie Otters game will have a chance to receive a free Dylan Strome poster! The first 1000 fans in the door will receive a poster of the Otters captain that they can get signed by Dylan following the game.

Steelheads go pink on Sunday: The Mississauga Steelheads will don pink on Sunday afternoon at home to the Barrie Colts, teaming up with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for their annual Pink at the Rink event. Fans are invited to wear pink to the game for an afternoon of great fun for a good cause.

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Colts visit Season’s Centre for Grieving Children: In another outstanding community gesture, the Barrie Colts paid a visit the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children last week, bringing lunch courtesy of Panera Bread for unexpecting children and parents at the centre. The Colts teamed up with corporate partner Dulux to help paint and give the Seasons Centre a whole new look! Visit barriecolts.comto watch the special visit.

Firebirds raise over $50,000 for non-profit organizations: The Flint Firebirds have been hard at work in the community this year, raising over $50,000 for non-profit organizations in the Flint and Genesee County region. On Friday the Firebirds will continue to show their support for the surrounding community by donating $16,500 to the Old Newsboys of Flint, a non-profit organization that serves underprivileged children. In addition to this partnership, the Firebirds have teamed up with many other non-profit organizations this season to help give back. Visit flintfirebirds.com for the full story.

STORM’S MICHAEL GIUGOVAZ TAKES WEEKLY HONOURS:

Michael Giugovaz of the Guelph Storm is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending January 17 after posting a 2-0-0-1 record with a shutout victory along with a goals-against-average of 1.89 and save percentage of .945. Giugovaz becomes the fifth goaltender to earn the weekly honour after making an impressive 104 saves in three games helping the Storm collect five of a possible six points last week. A 20-year-old from Brampton, ON, Giugovaz is playing in his fourth career OHL season and first with the Storm after being acquired in November from the Windsor Spitfires.  In 13 appearances with the Storm, the overage netminder carries a 6-3-1-1 record with a goals-against-average of 2.59 and save percentage of .925.

67 OHL PLAYERS IN NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING MIDTERM RANKINGS:

A total of 67 OHL players were included on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Draft Rankings released on Tuesday. OHL players made up six of the top-10 skaters listed with Matthew Tkachuk of the London Knights being ranked as the top draft eligible skater in North America. FULL STORY

TIP TOP TAILORS OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK – WEEK 16: 

London Knights forward Christian Dvorak headlines the 16th edition of the Tip Top Tailors OHL Plays of the Week on a nice give-and-go with teammate Aaron Berisha. Be sure to vote for Dvorak, who is the OHL’s representative in this week’s CHL Fan Choice Vote atfanchoice.ca!

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! 134 different players have accomplished the milestone this season! Click on a player’s name below to watch his first OHL goal!
William Brown, Matyas Kantner, Nate Schnarr

ALUMNI NOTES:

Rychel scores first NHL goal: Guelph Storm graduate Kerby Rychel scored his first NHL goal on Tuesday against the Washington Capitals. Rychel beat Braden Holtby on a first period pass from William Karlsson to score his first goal in 21 career NHL contests. Rychel has a goal and six assists in 16 games with Columbus this season while registering five goals, 15 assists and 20 points in 21 games with the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters. A first round pick by the Jackets in 2013, Rychel won an OHL title with the Storm in 2014 to cap off a four-year OHL career where he collected 122 goals, 150 assists and 272 points in 256 regular season games.

Boucher back with Devils: Sarnia Sting graduate Reid Boucher netted a goal and an assist in New Jersey’s 4-2 win over Calgary on Tuesday, scoring in his second consecutive game since being called up to the NHL. Boucher has two goals and an assist in five NHL games this season while his AHL game continues to flourish with 14 goals, 12 assists and 26 points in 30 games with the Albany Devils. Boucher currently sits second in AHL shots on goal with 116 on the season. The Grand Ledge, MI, native had 15 goals and 15 assists in 62 games as a sophomore with Albany last season. Boucher holds a Sting single-season franchise record set in 2012-13 when he led the OHL with 62 goals. He scored 90 goals and added 55 assists for 145 points in 135 career OHL games over two seasons in Sarnia from 2011-13.

Benoit summoned by Blues: Kitchener Rangers graduate and long-time journeyman Andre Benoit is back in the NHL, suiting up for an injury-riddled St. Louis Blues squad. The 32-year-old native of St. Albert, ON, suited up for the Blues in their 5-2 win over Pittsburgh on Monday. Benoit’s career has stretched through nine different cities since his Ranger days from 2000-05. The former OHL champion, Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year and Overage Player of the Year has won two Calder Cup championships along the way. Benoit is the Rangers’ franchise leader in points by a defenceman, amassing 99 goals, 200 assists and 299 points in 324 career regular season games.

Altshuller recalled by Hurricanes: Oshawa Generals graduate Daniel Altshuller has been called up to the NHL. With a concussion to starting goaltender Cam Ward, the Carolina Hurricanes have summoned Altshuller who has had an outstanding season split between the AHL and ECHL. The Nepean, ON, native is 9-1-1-1 with a 1.71 goals-against average and a .941 save percentage with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. He went 10-3-0-0 with a 1.58 goals-against average, a .941 save percentage and three shutouts in 14 games with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades. Carolina’s third round pick in 2012, Altshuller played three seasons with the Generals from 2011-14, appearing in 140 regular season games while compiling a 78-47-3-5 record with a 2.80 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage.

KEY WEEKEND MATCHUPS:

North Bay Battalion (21-16-2-3) vs. Hamilton Bulldogs (16-23-3-0)
Friday January 22 at Hamilton

With their sights set on a playoff spot, the Hamilton Bulldogs have shown positive signs of late as they come off wins against Sarnia and Barrie last weekend. The Dogs embark on a three-in-three this weekend at home to North Bay and Mississauga before visiting Oshawa on Sunday. The Bulldogs square off with the Battalion in the second of four meetings this season and look to avenge a 7-1 loss back on November 26th. The Troops have been a tough two points at home this season, but have played to a 5-9-2-3 mark on the road, having won just one of their last eight away from home. They’re currently in the midst of an Eastern Conference logjam that sees six teams separated by just five points from second to seventh place. Veteran captain Mike Amadio continues to produce for North Bay with goals in three straight games and a league-leading seven shorthanded goals on the season.

Kingston Frontenacs (27-13-2-1) vs. Barrie Colts (25-16-0-1)
Saturday January 23 at Barrie

After dropping a pair of close contests against them early in the season, the Kingston Frontenacs will have another shot at the Barrie Colts on Saturday night as two of the Eastern Conference’s top clubs go toe-to-toe. The Fronts embark on their third straight three-in-three weekend after defeating Flint and Niagara before dropping Sunday’s decision to the Mississauga Steelheads. Kingston holds a comfortable 11 point lead in the East Division and currently sports a six point edge on second place Barrie in the Eastern Conference. The Colts will also be suiting up for three games in three days this weekend, with their lone home date at home to Kingston on Saturday. Defenceman Rasmus Andersson is currently tied for the OHL lead in scoring among defencemen with seven goals and 31 assists for 38 points in 40 games. The Calgary Flames prospect has 10 assists in eight January contests to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-8.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE: 

Thursday, January 21
Owen Sound at Niagara – 7:00pm
Guelph at North Bay – 7:00pm
Saginaw at Peterborough – 7:05pm
London at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Flint at Windsor – 7:05pm

Friday, January 22
Saginaw at Kingston – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Ottawa – 7:00pm
Barrie at Sudbury – 7:00pm
Guelph at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
North Bay at Hamilton – 7:30pm
Erie at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Peterborough at London – 7:30pm
Niagara at Mississauga – 7:30pm

Saturday, January 23
Niagara at Erie – 7:00pm
Mississauga at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Peterborough at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Kingston at Barrie – 7:30pm
Windsor at Flint – 7:30pm
Kitchener at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday, January 24
Flint at Kitchener – 2:00pm
Sarnia at London – 2:00pm
Kingston at North Bay – 2:00pm
Guelph at Sudbury – 2:00pm
Windsor at Sault Ste. Marie – 2:07pm
Barrie at Mississauga – 3:00pm – CHL on Sportsnet
Hamilton at Oshawa – 3:00pm
Saginaw at Ottawa – 3:00pm

CATCH ALL OF THE ACTION ON OHL LIVE

CHL Announces BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the seventeenth 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 17

Rank: Team: Last Week Rank: Number of Weeks Ranked:
1 Erie Otters (36-6-1-0) 1 17
2 London Knights (32-7-2-1) 3 17
3 Val-d’Or Foreurs (34-9-2-1) 5 8
4 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (33-8-3-1) 2 16
5 Kitchener Rangers (30-7-4-0) 4 13
6 Lethbridge Hurricanes (33-12-0-0) 7 7
7 Kelowna Rockets (31-11-3-0) 6 11
8 Moncton Wildcats (30-11-5-1) 8 5
9 Gatineau Olympiques (31-12-2-1) 9 8
10 Everett Silvertips (27-12-2-2) – 1
Honourable Mention:
Shawinigan Cataractes (28-12-3-0) – 13
Brandon Wheat Kings (27-13-2-2) – 7
Saint John Sea Dogs (27-13-3-0) – 1

CHL Large

OHL Announces Minor Midget Top-10 Rankings for 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the eighth edition of the weekly minor midget rankings for the 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting Staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament which takes place March 15-21, 2016.  All games will be played at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday March 21.

Minor Midget Rankings for the 2016 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament – Week 8

RANK TEAM LEAGUE LAST WEEK WEEKS RANKED
1 Toronto Jr. Canadiens GTHL 1 8
2 Mississauga Rebels GTHL 2 8
3 York Simcoe Express OMHA 3 8
4 Toronto Red Wings GTHL 4 8
5 Toronto Marlies GTHL 5 8
6 Barrie Jr. Colts OMHA 7 7
7 Waterloo Wolves ALLIANCE 6 6
8 Don Mills Flyers GTHL 9 6
9 Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs OMHA 8 8
10 North Central Predators OMHA – 1
         
  Honourable Mention      
  London Jr. Knights ALLIANCE – 1
  Markham Majors GTHL – 5
  Kingston Frontenacs OMHA 10 3

The OHL Cup continues to showcase 20 participating teams from across Ontario and the United States with 16 of the 20 spots in 2016 guaranteed through league competition.  The 16 guaranteed spots continue to include all four GTHL Semi-Finalists, and the top four teams that place at the OMHA Championship.  Three teams from the ALLIANCE will still be guaranteed a spot in the tournament including the Champion and Finalist, along with the winner of a best-of-three Semi-Final Wild Card Series to be played between the losers of the two league Semi-Finals.  Also as in past years, two tournament entries are reserved for United States competition, while both an HNO and NOHA representative will also compete.  New in 2016, the final guaranteed spot is awarded to the highest finishing minor midget team in the HEO Midget League which in 2015-16 belongs to CIHA White.

This season the final four entries at the 2016 OHL Cup will be Wild Cards determined among eight teams that will play a one game ‘win and in’ scenario.  The eight competing teams aiming for the final four tournament spots will continue to include the fifth place team at the OMHA Championship, and the loser of the ALLIANCE Semi-Final Wild Card Series.  New in 2016, two spots in Wild Card games will be reserved for GTHL teams.  The two competing GTHL teams will be determined through a pair of Wild Card Play-In Series matchups involving the four GTHL teams who qualified for the playoffs but lost in the first round.  Also new in 2016, one spot in a Wild Card will be reserved for the winner of an OMHA SCTA Consolation Game that features both teams who lost in the SCTA Tournament Semi-Final.  The OMHA teams eligible for this matchup will be determined annually based on the league not hosting the OMHA Championship.  Finally, the three remaining teams who will compete in the Wild Card matchups will be named by the Tournament Selection Committee based on regular season, playoff, and tournament play. All four Wild Card games will take place onTuesday March 15 with specific matchups and times of play to be determined by random draw among the eight competing teams onMonday March 14.

Last season the Toronto Marlboros captured their fifth OHL Cup title in 11 years with a 3-2 overtime win over the Don Mills Flyers. Marlies forward and OHL Cup MVP Ryan McLeod followed up older brother Michael McLeod’s MVP effort in 2014 with three goals and four assists in the tournament.

McLeod was one of 12 first round draft selections from 2015 OHL Cup teams, including six of the top ten picks. Those names include David Levin (Don Mills Flyers – 1st overall to the Sudbury Wolves), Ryan McLeod (Toronto Marlboros – 3rd overall to the Flint Firebirds), Brady Gilmour (Quinte Red Devils – 6th overall to the Saginaw Spirit), Ben Jones (Toronto Marlboros – 7th overall to the Niagara IceDogs), Matthew Strome (Toronto Marlboros – 8th overall to the Hamilton Bulldogs) and Markus Phillips (Toronto Titans – 9th overall to the Owen Sound Attack).

Five first round selections in the 2015 NHL Draft are also OHL Cup graduates including Connor McDavid (Toronto Marlboros/Edmonton Oilers), Dylan Strome (Toronto Marlboros/Arizona Coyotes), Mitch Marner (Don Mills Flyers/Toronto Maple Leafs), Lawson Crouse (Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs/Florida Panthers) and Travis Konecny (Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs/Philadelphia Flyers).

Notable OHL Cup graduates currently playing in the NHL include Taylor Hall (Greater Kingston Frontenacs/Edmonton Oilers), John Tavares (Toronto Marlboros/New York Islanders), Steven Stamkos (Markham Waxers/Tampa Bay Lightning), Tyler Seguin (Toronto Nationals/Dallas Stars), 2013 Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban (Markham Islanders/Montreal Canadiens) and 2010 OHL Cup MVP Sean Monahan (Mississauga Rebels/Calgary Flames).

For more information, please visit ohlcup.ca.

152 CHL Players Listed in 2016 NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

35 of the top 60 ranked skaters will compete in BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that 152 CHL players appear in NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings for the 2016 NHL Draft which takes place June 24-25 in Buffalo, New York.

The domestic rankings list a total of 210 North American skaters including 133 from the CHL, also listing an additional 30 North American goaltenders including 19 that currently compete in the CHL.

Matthew Tkachuk of the London Knights is the top ranked North American skater and headlines a list of seven straight CHL players ranked by NHL Central Scouting.  Defenceman Jakob Chychrun of the Sarnia Sting is listed at number two, followed by forward Alexander Nylander of the Mississauga Steelheads at three, Julien Gauthier of the Val-d’Or Foreurs at four, defenceman Olli Juolevi of the Knights is ranked fifth, the Steelheads’ Michael McLeod is listed at six, and Pierre-Luc Dubois of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles falls at number seven.  Also included at number 10 is defenceman Mikhail Sergachev of the Windsor Spitfires.

The top seven ranked goalies are also from the CHL including Carter Hart of the Everett Silvertips at number one, Evan Fitzpatrick of the Sherbrooke Phoenix at two, Zach Sawchenko of the Moose Jaw Warriors is ranked third, Joseph Raaymakers of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds is listed at four, Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes is fifth, the Knights’ Tyler Parsons is at six, and Evan Cormier of the Saginaw Spirit is ranked seventh.

The Ontario Hockey League leads the way with 67 players appearing in the rankings including 60 skaters and seven goaltenders, followed by 51 players from the Western Hockey League including 43 skaters and eight goaltenders, with a total of 34 players from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League listed including 30 skaters and four goaltenders.

All 40 of the CHL players competing in the 2016 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on Thursday January 28 in Vancouver, BC, appear in the Midterm Rankings including 35 of the top-60 skaters.

Last season, 150 CHL players appeared in the Midterm Rankings before 95 players from the CHL were selected in the 2015 NHL Draft including 17 players chosen in the first round.

For more information please visit www.bmotopprospects.ca.

CHL North American Skaters:

 Players in bold will compete in 2016 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

 Rank, Name, Club, League, Birthdate, Height, Weight, Position, Shot

1 TKACHUK, MATTHEW LONDON OHL 11-Dec-1997 6′ 1.25″ 195 lbs * LW L
2 CHYCHRUN, JAKOB SARNIA OHL 31-Mar-1998 6′ 2.0″ 215 lbs * D L
3 NYLANDER, ALEXANDER MISSISSAUGA OHL 02-Mar-1998 6′ 0.5″ 179 lbs * LW R
4 GAUTHIER, JULIEN VAL-D’OR QMJHL 15-Oct-1997 6′ 3.5″ 225 lbs * RW R
5 JUOLEVI, OLLI LONDON OHL 05-May-1998 6′ 2.5″ 179 lbs * D L
6 MCLEOD, MICHAEL MISSISSAUGA OHL 03-Feb-1998 6′ 2.25″ 188 lbs * C R
7 DUBOIS, PIERRE-LUC CAPE BRETON QMJHL 24-Jun-1998 6′ 2.5″ 202 lbs * LW L
10 SERGACHEV, MIKHAIL WINDSOR OHL 25-Jun-1998 6′ 2.5″ 206 lbs * D L
11 JONES, MAX LONDON OHL 17-Feb-1998 6′ 3.0″ 205 lbs * LW L
13 BEAN, JAKE CALGARY WHL 09-Jun-1998 5′ 11.75″ 173 lbs * D L
14 BROWN, LOGAN WINDSOR OHL 05-Mar-1998 6′ 6.0″ 222 lbs * C L
19 BASTIAN, NATHAN MISSISSAUGA OHL 06-Dec-1997 6′ 3.75″ 208 lbs * RW R
20 DEBRINCAT, ALEXANDER ERIE OHL 18-Dec-1997 5′ 7.0″ 163 lbs * RW R
21 BENSON, TYLER VANCOUVER WHL 15-Mar-1998 5′ 11.75″ 201 lbs * LW L
22 CLAGUE, KALE BRANDON WHL 05-Jun-1998 5′ 11.75″ 177 lbs * D L
23 STANLEY, LOGAN WINDSOR OHL 26-May-1998 6′ 6.75″ 220 lbs * D L
25 STRANSKY, SIMON PRINCE ALBERT WHL 21-Dec-1997 5′ 11.5″ 171 lbs * LW L
26 HAJEK, LIBOR SASKATOON WHL 04-Feb-1998 6′ 2.0″ 185 lbs * D L
27 HOWDEN, BRETT MOOSE JAW WHL 29-Mar-1998 6′ 2.25″ 193 lbs * C L
28 GETTINGER, TIMOTHY SAULT STE. MARIE OHL 14-Apr-1998 6′ 5.25″ 206 lbs * LW L
29 STEEL, SAM REGINA WHL 03-Feb-1998 5′ 11.0″ 177 lbs * C L
31 LABERGE, PASCAL VICTORIAVILLE QMJHL 09-Apr-1998 6′ 1.0″ 162 lbs * C R
32 KATCHOUK, BORIS SAULT STE. MARIE OHL 18-Jun-1998 6′ 1.0″ 181 lbs * LW L
33 KOPACKA, JACK SAULT STE. MARIE OHL 05-Mar-1998 6′ 2.0″ 190 lbs * LW L
34 RADDYSH, TAYLOR ERIE OHL 18-Feb-1998 6′ 1.75″ 203 lbs * RW R
35 DUBE, DILLON KELOWNA WHL 20-Jul-1998 5′ 10.25″ 180 lbs * C L
36 ALLARD, FREDERIC CHICOUTIMI QMJHL 27-Dec-1997 6′ 1.0″ 179 lbs * D R
37 GREEN, LUKE SAINT JOHN QMJHL 12-Jan-1998 6′ 0.25″ 189 lbs * D R
38 JOHANSEN, LUCAS KELOWNA WHL 16-Nov-1997 6′ 1.25″ 174 lbs * D L
40 GIRARD, SAMUEL SHAWINIGAN QMJHL 12-May-1998 5′ 9.5″ 160 lbs * D L
41 LAJOIE, MAXIME SWIFT CURRENT WHL 05-Nov-1997 6′ 1.0″ 183 lbs * D L
42 BITTEN, WILLIAM FLINT OHL 10-Jul-1998 5′ 9.75″ 167 lbs * C R
43 DAY, SEAN MISSISSAUGA OHL 09-Jan-1998 6′ 2.0″ 224 lbs * D L
44 KUZNETSOV VLADIMIR ACADIE-BATHURST QMJHL 18-Feb-1998 6′ 2.0″ 210 lbs * RW L
45 KYROU, JORDAN SARNIA OHL 05-May-1998 6′ 0.0″ 178 lbs * C R
46 NIEMELAINEN, MARKUS SAGINAW OHL 08-Jun-1998 6′ 4.75″ 189 lbs * D L
47 SOMPPI, OTTO HALIFAX QMJHL 12-Jan-1998 6′ 0.75″ 179 lbs * C L
53 GLEASON, BENJAMIN HAMILTON OHL 25-Mar-1998 6′ 0.0″ 168 lbs * D L
55 MIDDLETON, KEATON SAGINAW OHL 10-Feb-1998 6′ 5.5″ 233 lbs * D L
56 ABRAMOV, VITALY GATINEAU QMJHL 08-May-1998 5′ 8.75″ 172 lbs * RW L
57 MASCHERIN, ADAM KITCHENER OHL 06-Jun-1998 5′ 9.5″ 206 lbs * LW L
58 METE, VICTOR LONDON OHL 07-Jun-1998 5′ 9.5″ 174 lbs * D L
60 BARRON, TRAVIS OTTAWA OHL 17-Aug-1998 6′ 1.25″ 195 lbs * LW L
61 BUDIK, VOJTECH PRINCE ALBERT WHL 29-Jan-1998 6′ 1.0″ 189 lbs * D L
62 ANDERSON, JOSH PRINCE GEORGE WHL 29-Aug-1998 6′ 2.25″ 221 lbs * D L
63 SMITH, GIVANI GUELPH OHL 28-Feb-1998 6′ 1.5″ 204 lbs * RW L
65 CANDELLA, COLE HAMILTON OHL 13-Feb-1998 6′ 1.0″ 189 lbs * D L
68 BURKE, BRAYDEN LETHBRIDGE WHL 01-Jan-1997 5′ 9.75″ 160 lbs * LW L
70 VALA, ONDREJ KAMLOOPS WHL 13-Apr-1998 6′ 4.5″ 207 lbs * D L
71 BAJKOV, PATRICK EVERETT WHL 27-Nov-1997 5′ 11.5″ 175 lbs * LW R
72 NEVEU, JACOB ROUYN-NORANDA QMJHL 12-Jan-1998 6′ 1.5″ 206 lbs * D R
74 SYLVESTRE, GABRIEL SHAWINIGAN QMJHL 22-Jan-1998 6′ 3.0″ 190 lbs * D R
75 GREGOR, NOAH MOOSE JAW WHL 28-Jul-1998 5′ 11.25″ 180 lbs * C L
76 KASPICK, TANNER BRANDON WHL 28-Jan-1998 6′ 0.25″ 200 lbs * C L
77 BABENKO, EGOR LETHBRIDGE WHL 05-Feb-1997 5′ 9.0″ 160 lbs * RW L
78 GERLACH, MAX MEDICINE HAT WHL 04-Apr-1998 5′ 8.5″ 163 lbs * C R
79 FALKOVSKY, STEPAN OTTAWA OHL 18-Dec-1996 6′ 7.0″ 224 lbs * D L
80 CARROLL, NOAH GUELPH OHL 02-Dec-1997 6′ 1.0″ 178 lbs * D L
81 BUNNAMAN, CONNOR KITCHENER OHL 16-Apr-1998 6′ 1.0″ 207 lbs * C L
82 RONNING, TY VANCOUVER WHL 20-Oct-1997 5′ 8.75″ 165 lbs * RW R
83 PU, CLIFF LONDON OHL 03-Jun-1998 6′ 1.5″ 192 lbs * RW R
84 STALLARD, JORDAN CALGARY WHL 18-Sep-1997 6′ 2.0″ 188 lbs * C L
87 PAQUETTE, CHRISTOPHER NIAGARA OHL 27-Mar-1998 6′ 1.25″ 207 lbs * C R
88 STILLMAN, RILEY OSHAWA OHL 09-Mar-1998 6′ 0.5″ 180 lbs * D L
90 SAMBROOK, JORDAN ERIE OHL 11-Apr-1998 6′ 1.5″ 187 lbs * D R
91 SOKOLOV, DMITRY SUDBURY OHL 14-Apr-1998 5′ 11.25″ 220 lbs * RW L
94 O’BRIEN, BROGAN PRINCE GEORGE WHL 13-Aug-1997 6′ 2.25″ 189 lbs * LW L
95 TWARYNSKI, CARSEN CALGARY WHL 24-Nov-1997 6′ 2.0″ 198 lbs * LW L
96 CRAWLEY, BRANDON LONDON OHL 02-Feb-1997 6′ 1.5″ 207 lbs * D L
98 DE WIT, JEFFREY RED DEER WHL 14-Mar-1998 6′ 3.25″ 189 lbs * C R
102 MIROMANOV, DANIIL ACADIE-BATHURST QMJHL 11-Jul-1997 6′ 3.5″ 185 lbs * LW R
103 MATTINEN, NICOLAS LONDON OHL 05-Mar-1998 6′ 4.5″ 220 lbs * D R
104 CHERNYUK, KONSTANTIN KINGSTON OHL 13-Feb-1998 6′ 4.25″ 177 lbs * D L
106 SALITURO, DANTE OTTAWA OHL 15-Nov-1996 5′ 8.25″ 178 lbs C R
107 BROOKS, ADAM REGINA WHL 06-May-1996 5′ 10.25″ 174 lbs * C L
111 MAKSIMOVICH, KYLE ERIE OHL 10-Mar-1998 5′ 8.5″ 172 lbs * LW L
112 BALMAS, MITCHELL CHARLOTTETOWN QMJHL 19-Mar-1998 6′ 0.0″ 180 lbs * C L
113 STUKEL, JAKOB CALGARY WHL 06-Mar-1997 5′ 11.5″ 182 lbs * LW L
114 HAGEL, BRANDON RED DEER WHL 27-Aug-1998 5′ 11.75″ 156 lbs * LW L
115 SEVIGNY, MATHIEU DRUMMONDVILLE QMJHL 12-Mar-1998 6′ 0.75″ 175 lbs * LW L
117 DINEEN, CAM NORTH BAY OHL 19-Jun-1998 5′ 11.0″ 183 lbs * D L
119 LYSZCZARCZYK, ALAN SUDBURY OHL 17-Feb-1998 5′ 10.25″ 184 lbs * LW L
120 GALIPEAU, OLIVIER VAL-D’OR QMJHL 22-May-1997 6′ 0.75″ 203 lbs * D L
121 ABOLS, RODRIGO PORTLAND WHL 05-Jan-1996 6′ 4.5″ 188 lbs * C L
122 ELYNUIK, HUDSON SPOKANE WHL 12-Oct-1997 6′ 4.75″ 201 lbs * C L
123 COMMISSO, DOMENIC OSHAWA OHL 19-Feb-1998 5′ 11.0″ 178 lbs * C R
124 MALENSTYN, BECK CALGARY WHL 04-Feb-1998 6′ 1.75″ 191 lbs * LW L
126 SALINITRI, ANTHONY SARNIA OHL 05-Mar-1998 5′ 10.25″ 168 lbs * C L
132 GIGNAC, BRANDON SHAWINIGAN QMJHL 07-Nov-1997 5′ 10.5″ 173 lbs * C L
136 NOEL, NATHAN SAINT JOHN QMJHL 21-Jun-1997 5′ 10.5″ 179 lbs * C R
137 ANG, JONATHAN PETERBOROUGH OHL 31-Jan-1998 5′ 11.25″ 165 lbs * C R
139 FELHABER, TYE SAGINAW OHL 05-Aug-1998 5′ 10.75″ 191 lbs * C L
140 HEBIG, CAMERON SASKATOON WHL 21-Jan-1997 5′ 10.5″ 191 lbs * C R
142 FELIXSON, OLIVER SAINT JOHN QMJHL 11-Mar-1998 6′ 6.0″ 220 lbs * D L
143 RYMSHA, DRAKE OTTAWA OHL 06-Aug-1998 5′ 11.5″ 187 lbs * C R
145 FORTIER, MAXIME HALIFAX QMJHL 15-Dec-1997 5′ 10.0″ 177 lbs * RW R
148 CAAMANO, NICHOLAS FLINT OHL 07-Sep-1998 6′ 0.5″ 188 lbs * RW L
150 COLEMAN, LUKE PRINCE ALBERT WHL 09-Sep-1998 6′ 1.5″ 193 lbs * LW L
152 SOUSTAL, TOMAS KELOWNA WHL 15-Feb-1997 6′ 3.0″ 198 lbs C R
153 OSMANSKI, AUSTIN MISSISSAUGA OHL 30-Apr-1998 6′ 3.25″ 196 lbs * D L
155 BERG, ADAM REGINA WHL 04-Feb-1997 6′ 0.5″ 195 lbs * LW L
156 BILODEAU, GABRIEL GATINEAU QMJHL 04-Jun-1998 6′ 1.0″ 185 lbs * D R
158 BOWER, WILLIAM MONCTON QMJHL 07-Nov-1997 6′ 0.5″ 186 lbs * C R
159 HAWERCHUK, BEN BARRIE OHL 27-Mar-1998 5′ 10.25″ 178 lbs * LW L
160 SAIGEON, BRANDON HAMILTON OHL 14-Jun-1998 6′ 1.0″ 197 lbs * C L
161 WIEDERER, MANUEL MONCTON QMJHL 21-Nov-1996 6′ 0.0″ 171 lbs * C R
164 VERBEEK, HAYDEN SAULT STE. MARIE OHL 17-Oct-1997 5′ 9.25″ 177 lbs * C L
165 HUBER, MARIO VICTORIAVILLE QMJHL 08-Aug-1996 6′ 1.75″ 208 lbs * C R
166 KIRWAN, LUKE FLINT OHL 23-Sep-1997 6′ 1.75″ 230 lbs * LW L
167 GARDINER, REID PRINCE ALBERT WHL 19-Jan-1996 5′ 10.5″ 193 lbs RW R
169 OTTENBREIT, TURNER SEATTLE WHL 09-Jul-1997 6′ 3.25″ 190 lbs * D L
171 MURRAY, JUSTIN BARRIE OHL 22-Aug-1998 5′ 11.5″ 179 lbs * D L
173 KACHYNA, ONDREJ HAMILTON OHL 30-Apr-1998 6′ 3.5″ 192 lbs * D L
174 PICARD MIGUEL BLAINVILLE-BOISBRIAND QMJHL 08-May-1998 6′ 0.75″ 174 lbs * C L
176 WESTGARD, TY VICTORIA WHL 21-May-1998 5′ 11.25″ 184 lbs * C R
177 COGHLAN, DYLAN TRI-CITY WHL 19-Feb-1998 6′ 1.75″ 190 lbs * D R
180 KUTKEVICIUS, LUKE HAMILTON OHL 25-Mar-1998 5′ 11.75″ 162 lbs * C L
181 DE JONG, BRENDAN PORTLAND WHL 23-Mar-1998 6′ 4.5″ 189 lbs * D L
182 MIERITZ, CHRISTIAN GUELPH OHL 30-Sep-1997 6′ 0.75″ 201 lbs * D L
187 PILON, GARRETT KAMLOOPS WHL 13-Apr-1998 5′ 10.25″ 175 lbs * C R
188 MALTSEV, ARTEM CHICOUTIMI QMJHL 27-Mar-1998 6′ 2.5″ 179 lbs * D R
191 WERBIK, NICOLAS RIMOUSKI QMJHL 09-Oct-1997 6′ 2.5″ 195 lbs * C R
194 KISLINGER, MAXIMILIAN NORTH BAY OHL 11-Feb-1998 6′ 2.0″ 201 lbs * LW L
196 KLIMA, KEVIN MONCTON QMJHL 05-Jun-1997 5′ 8.75″ 171 lbs * C L
197 DAVIDSON, DAWSON KAMLOOPS WHL 07-Apr-1998 5′ 10.75″ 177 lbs * D L
198 MURPHY, LIAM MONCTON QMJHL 20-Jan-1998 6′ 0.75″ 208 lbs * C L
199 POIRIER, ZACHARY NORTH BAY OHL 12-May-1998 5′ 11.75″ 193 lbs * C R
201 QUENNEVILLE, DAVID MEDICINE HAT WHL 13-Mar-1998 5′ 8.0″ 182 lbs * D R
202 MCEWAN, JAMES GUELPH OHL 15-Mar-1997 5′ 11.5″ 190 lbs * C L
204 MAHER, JORDAN ACADIE-BATHURST QMJHL 11-Mar-1998 5′ 11.0″ 175 lbs * C/RW R
206 VOLCAN, NOLAN SEATTLE WHL 04-Jul-1998 5′ 8.5″ 194 lbs * LW L
207 BRAZEAU, JUSTIN NORTH BAY OHL 02-Feb-1998 6′ 4.25″ 192 lbs * RW R
209 D’ASTOUS, CHARLES-EDOUARD RIMOUSKI QMJHL 21-Apr-1998 6′ 1.0″ 197 lbs * D L

CHL North American Goaltenders:

 Rank, Name, Club, League, Birthdate, Height, Weight, Position, Catches

1 HART, CARTER EVERETT WHL 13-Aug-1998 6′ 0.5″ 177 lbs * L
2 FITZPATRICK, EVAN SHERBROOKE QMJHL 28-Jan-1998 6′ 2.5″ 222 lbs * L
3 SAWCHENKO, ZACHARY MOOSE JAW WHL 30-Dec-1997 6′ 0.0″ 178 lbs L
4 RAAYMAKERS, JOSEPH SAULT STE. MARIE OHL 17-Mar-1998 6′ 0.25″ 185 lbs * L
5 WELLS, DYLAN PETERBOROUGH OHL 03-Jan-1998 6′ 1.5″ 187 lbs * L
6 PARSONS, TYLER LONDON OHL 18-Sep-1997 6′ 1.25″ 184 lbs * L
7 CORMIER, EVAN SAGINAW OHL 06-Nov-1997 6′ 2.75″ 202 lbs * L
9 SARTHOU, EVAN TRI-CITY WHL 24-Sep-1997 6′ 1.0″ 186 lbs * L
11 WILLMS, BRODY MOOSE JAW WHL 21-Jul-1998 6′ 1.0″ 170 lbs * L
12 INGRAM, CONNOR KAMLOOPS WHL 31-Mar-1997 6′ 0.5″ 212 lbs L
13 SAMUEL, ANTOINE BAIE-COMEAU QMJHL 17-Sep-1997 6′ 2.5″ 187 lbs * L
14 TIMPANO, TROY SUDBURY OHL 13-Nov-1997 6′ 0.5″ 186 lbs * L
18 PORTER, CODY CALGARY WHL 23-Sep-1997 6′ 1.0″ 186 lbs * L
20 EDMONDS, TY PRINCE GEORGE WHL 20-Aug-1996 6′ 1.75″ 181 lbs * L
23 OVSJANNIKOV, DAVID BARRIE OHL 16-Feb-1997 6′ 5.75″ 225 lbs * L
25 DHILLON, STEPHEN NIAGARA OHL 14-Sep-1998 6′ 3.75″ 182 lbs * L
28 GRAMETBAUER, MARK GATINEAU QMJHL 10-Aug-1998 6′ 0.75″ 176 lbs * L
29 MCBRIDE, NICK PRINCE GEORGE WHL 11-Jan-1997 6′ 3.0″ 185 lbs * L
30 POVALL, JAMES VICTORIAVILLE QMJHL 17-Nov-1997 6′ 2.5″ 172 lbs * L

Please visit www.nhl.com to see the full rankings.

OHL This Week for January 14-17, 2016

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The second half of the Ontario Hockey League schedule continues with 26 games beginning tonight through Sunday.

 OHLThisWeek

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

AT THE RINKS:

Raddysh brothers poster night, canned food donations in Erie on Thursday: Fans attending Thursday’s Otters home game against Barrie can go home with a free poster featuring brothers Darren and Taylor Raddysh! Otters fans can also get $10 off their ticket when they bring canned food donations for the Erie Food Bank.

Superheroes Night in Kingston: Ever want to dress up as your favourite super hero just for fun? Well, here’s your chance! Friday is Superheroes Night with the Kingston Frontenacs as they take on the Flint Firebirds. Dress up as your favourite character and get out to the rink!

Bulldogs host First Responders Night: This Friday the City of Hamilton and the Bulldogs pay tribute to all Hamilton First Responders (police, fire and EMS). The Bulldogs are set to face-off against the Barrie Colts at 7:30pm. Don’t miss the First Responders repel from the ceiling and a performance by the Hamilton Police Female Choir. There will also be honour guards, exhibits, Touch-a-Truck and so much more!

Coach4FoodDay in North Bay on Sunday: The top boys and girls minor hockey teams that contributed the most to this year’s Coach4Food campaign will be recognized prior to puck drop on Sunday when the Battalion host the Sudbury Wolves. These hard working teams will also receive a practice run by the Battalion coaching staff!

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Petes test out their sledge hockey skills: The Peterborough Petes tested out their sledge hockey skills on Monday, squaring off against the Kawartha Blazers sledge hockey team. Brandon Prophet, Nick Grima, Eric Cornel, C.J. Clarke, Steven Lorentz, Daniel Nikandrov, Hunter Garlent, Logan DeNoble and Dylan Wells had their hands full against the Blazers, who showed the Petes a thing or two during the game. Fans participated in a fundraising raffle that included prizes such as four tickets to a Toronto Maple Leafs game, four tickets to a Toronto Marlies game and two tickets to a Petes game.

Wolves help launch Coldest Night of the Year event: Six members of the Sudbury Wolves paid a visit to the Samaritan CentreTuesday evening to help kick-off the fourth annual “Coldest Night of the Year” winter walk event. The players helped serve dinner to the less fortunate at the Samaritan Centre, which is comprised of the Elgin Street Mission, Blue Door Soup Kitchen and Corner Clinic. For more on the story please visit sudburywolves.com.

Spitfires prepare for Outdoor Classic Series: The Windsor Spitfires are preparing for the Outdoor Classic Series at Lanspeary Park this coming Saturday that will include a team practice from 11am-12pm open to the public. There will be an exclusive season ticket holder skate with the Spitfires following the practice from 12-1pm followed by a number of minor hockey games featuring teams that have purchased or sold the most tickets to the Spitfires’ January 21st clash against the Flint Firebirds. For more information please visit windsorspitfires.com.

COLTS’ KEVIN LABANC TAKES WEEKLY HONOURS:

San Jose Sharks prospect Kevin Labanc of the Barrie Colts is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the second straight week ending January 10 after leading the league with nine points in three games scoring five goals with four assists and a plus-minus rating of plus-3. Labanc becomes the first back-to-back award recipient and first three-time winner this season after taking over the lead in the OHL’s scoring race and helping the Colts stay atop the Central Division standings with a pair of victories. His week was highlighted by a six-point performance on Thursday earning first star honours with his second hat-trick in three games while adding three assists in a 7-4 win over the second place Mississauga Steelheads. 

SPITFIRES’ DIPIETRO NAMED VAUGHN CHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK:

Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending January 10 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .969. DiPietro made 62 saves in two games backstopping the Spitfires to a pair of victories extending their lead in the OHL’s West Division where they carry a 25-11-5-0 record.  He earned his second shutout of the season on Friday night making 30 saves as first star of a 5-0 win over the Owen Sound Attack, then stopped 32 shots on Sunday helping the Spitfires grab a 4-2 win on the road against the Oshawa Generals. 

TIP TOP TAILORS OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK – WEEK 15: 

Sarnia Sting forward Travis Konecny headlines the 15th edition of the Tip Top Tailors OHL Plays of the Week with a sweet little toe-drag to complete the hat-trick! Be sure to vote for Travis as he represents the OHL in this week’s CHL Fan Choice vote!

Watch and vote at fanchoice.ca.

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! 131 different players have accomplished the milestone this season! Click on a player’s name below to watch his first OHL goal!

Kody Gagnon, Kyle Rhodes

ALUMNI NOTES:

Bennett buries four: Kingston Frontenacs graduate Sam Bennett became the first Calgary Flames player since Jarome Iginla in 2003 to score four goals in a game as he fueled a 6-0 win over the Florida Panthers. Bennett scored a hat-trick in the first period, becoming the youngest NHL player to do so since Washington’s Bobby Carpenter in 1982. Bennett also became the youngest player in Flames history to register a hat-trick. The fourth overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft continues to make a strong impression in his rookie NHL campaign with 10 goals, nine assists and 19 points in 41 games. Bennett accumulated 65 goals, 90 assists and 155 career points in 128 regular season games with the Frontenacs from 2012-15.

Domi nets first NHL hat-trick: Max Domi stole the show in Arizona on Tuesday, burying his first NHL hat-trick to lead the Coyotes over the visiting Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in overtime. The natural hat-trick featured a second period goal before he connected twice in a span of three minutes in the third. Domi is enjoying a sensational rookie season in the NHL, registering 13 goals, 18 assists and 31 points through his first 42 games. Arizona’s 12th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, Domi enjoyed a solid four year career with the London Knights, winning a pair of OHL titles and a World Junior gold medal while collecting 126 goals, 205 assists and 331 career points over 244 regular season games.

Anderson scores first NHL goal: London Knights graduate Josh Anderson found the back of the net for the first time in his NHL careeron Saturday, finishing on a feed from fellow OHL grad Kerby Rychel. Anderson’s first goal came in his 11th career contest and fifth of the season as the Burlington, ON, native has spent the majority of his time with the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters, putting up nine goals, nine assists and 18 points in 26 games. Columbus’ fourth round pick in 2012, Anderson won two OHL championships with the Knights after being a free agent addition at the start of the 2011-12 season. The big winger scored 62 goals, added 61 assists and had 123 points in 191 career regular season contests from 2011-14.

Mrazek NHL’s second star of the week: Ottawa 67’s graduate Petr Mrazek is making his mark in the NHL and has been named the league’s second star of the week after going 3-0-0 with a 0.67 goals-against average, a .978 save percentage and one shutout. The 23-year-old Ostrava, Czech Republic, native owns a 15-8-3 record in 28 appearances this season. He ranks sixth in the NHL in save percentage (.930) and places 10th in goals-against average (2.16). Mrazek spent three seasons in Ottawa from 2009-12, going 75-37-5-5 with a 2.87 goals-against average, .916 save percentage and 10 shutouts in 132 career regular season games. He was a Calder Cup Champion with the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2013.

Kuhnhackl makes NHL debut: Niagara IceDogs graduate Tom Kuhnhackl made his NHL debut on Saturday as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated Montreal 3-1. Kuhnhackl’s debut comes at the age of 23 after he has spent the last three seasons in the minors, largely with the AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The Landshut, Germany native had seven goals, eight assists and 15 points in 23 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton so far this season. Kuhnhackl reached the OHL Finals with the IceDogs in 2012 after spending much of his OHL career in Windsor. He skated in 97 regular season games, collecting 47 goals, 50 assists and 97 points over two seasons from 2010-12.

Binnington recalled by Blues: With an injury to starting goaltender Jake Allen, the St. Louis Blues have called up Owen Sound Attack graduate Jordan Binnington from the AHL’s Chicago Wolves. Binnington is currently 8-6-2-0 with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage through 17 games in his sophomore AHL season. An OHL champion with Owen Sound in 2011, Binnington was the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year in 2013, also receiving the Dave Pinkney Trophy for being on the team with the league’s lowest goals-against average. The Gravenhurst, ON, native went 86-61-3-11 with a 2.90 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage in 157 career regular season OHL contests all spent with Owen Sound from 2009-13. He was St. Louis’ third round pick in 2011.

Bigras recalled by Avalanche: Owen Sound Attack graduate Chris Bigras has been called up by the Colorado Avalanche. The 20 year-old is in the midst of an impressive rookie campaign with the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage, netting six goals, 13 assists and 19 points in 37 games. Colorado’s second round pick in 2013, Bigras played four seasons in Owen Sound from 2011-15, recording 35 goals, 120 assists and 155 points in 234 regular season games. Bigras was an OHL First Team All-Star last season and also won gold medals at both the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and the World Under-18 Hockey Championship during his OHL career. 

19 OHL grads named to AHL All-Star Rosters: Nineteen OHL graduates will compete in the AHL All-Star Classic in Syracuse, NY, onJanuary 31st and February 1st. Graduates named to rosters include Mike Angelidis, Andre Benoit, Peter Budaj, Connor Carrick, Trevor Carrick, Nick Cousins, Barclay Goodrow, Seth Griffith, Ryan Hartman, Dustin Jeffrey, Michael Leighton, Josh Leivo, Michael McCarron, Matt Murray, Cal O’Reilly, Nick Ritchie, Kerby Rychel, Rob Schremp and Anthony Stolarz. Former OHL coaches Sheldon Keefe and Mike Stothers were also named to rosters. For more information visit TheAHL.com.

Combs finds a home with Wolf Pack: OHL graduate Jack Combs has played in a total of 17 cities since his OHL days with the Kitchener Rangers and Saginaw Spirit ended back in 2009. The former 100-point OHL scorer has settled in with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack after beginning the season with the ECHL’s Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Combs is skating alongside fellow OHL grads Nicklas Jensen, Tyler Brown and Tommy Hughes in Hartford. TheAHL.com has a great feature on the well-traveled Combs, documenting a few of his hockey adventures.

KEY WEEKEND MATCHUPS:

Barrie Colts (24-14-0-1) vs. Erie Otters (34-5-1-0)
Thursday January 14th at Erie

The high-powered Barrie Colts featuring new additions Dylan Sadowy and Greg DiTomaso will face an immediate test up against the league-leading Erie Otters. The Colts, whose 154 goals lead the Eastern Conference, are trying to settle back into a groove with Canadian World Junior goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood back in the fold. OHL leading scorer Kevin Labanc is in the midst of a 10-game point streak and has goals in each of his last seven outings. The Otters have won eight of their last 10 contests and defeated the Colts in their only other meeting this season back on October 29th as Dylan Strome had two goals and an assist in a 4-3 victory.

Mississauga Steelheads (21-17-1-3) vs. Kitchener Rangers (28-6-4-0)
Friday January 15th at Kitchener

Two clubs jostling for position in their respective divisions meet up in Kitchener on Saturday as the Rangers host the up and coming Mississauga Steelheads. Mississauga enters the weekend three points out of first place in the Central Division after having lost a pair of recent games against divisional opponents in North Bay and Barrie. A tough three-in-three weekend features visits to Kitchener and London before returning home on Sunday to face the East Division leading Kingston Frontenacs. The trout will continue to lean on rookie phenom Alex Nylander who has points in his last six games. The Rangers, who lost to Mississauga in overtime back on October 11th, have won their last two contests and feature two players on lengthy point streaks. Arizona Coyotes prospect Ryan MacInnis enters the weekend on a 15-game trend while draft eligible forward Adam Mascherin has points in his last 13 contests.

Niagara IceDogs (21-13-3-2) vs. Kingston Frontenacs (25-12-2-1)
Saturday January 16th at Kingston

A clash of two Eastern Conference powers sees the Niagara IceDogs visit the Kingston Frontenacs on Saturday. The IceDogs trail Barrie by two points in the Central Division, and hope to continue nipping at their heels as they ride a four game winning streak into the weekend. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic has been at the top of his game since joining Niagara, going 4-1-0-0 with a 1.59 goals-against average and a .939 save percentage. The Frontenacs hope to have injured winger Lawson Crouse back in the lineup sooner rather than later but they haven’t allowed that to slow them down, having taken wins in four of their last five games. New acquisition Michael Dal Colle has made an immediate impact in black and gold, scoring five goals and five assists through his first four games with the club.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE: 

Thursday, January 14
Barrie at Erie – 7:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at North Bay – 7:00pm
Flint at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Oshawa at Windsor – 7:05pm

Friday, January 15
Flint at Kingston – 7:00pm
Niagara at Ottawa – 7:00pm – CHL on Sportsnet
Sault Ste. Marie at Sudbury – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Owen Sound at Guelph – 7:30pm
Barrie at Hamilton – 7:30pm
Mississauga at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Saginaw at London – 7:30pm

Saturday, January 16
Sarnia at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Niagara at Kingston – 7:00pm
Mississauga at London – 7:00pm
Ottawa at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Kitchener at Saginaw – 7:05pm
North Bay at Barrie – 7:30pm
Erie at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday, January 17
Sudbury at North Bay – 2:00pm
Erie at Owen Sound – 2:00pm
Peterborough at Guelph – 3:00pm
Kingston at Mississauga – 3:00pm – CHL on Sportsnet
Flint at Ottawa – 3:00pm
Windsor at Saginaw – 4:00pm
Sarnia at Oshawa – 6:05pm

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CHL Announces BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the sixteenth 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 CHL Top 10 Rankings – Week 16

 

Rank: Team: Last Week Rank: Number of Weeks Ranked:
1 Erie Otters (34-5-1-0) 1 16
2 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (31-6-3-1) 2 15
3 London Knights (29-6-2-1) 3 16
4 Kitchener Rangers (28-6-4-0) 6 12
5 Val-d’Or Foreurs (31-9-2-1) 4 7
6 Kelowna Rockets (29-10-3-0) 5 10
7 Lethbridge Hurricanes (30-12-0-0) 7 6
8 Moncton Wildcats (28-10-5-1) 8 4
9 Gatineau Olympiques (28-12-1-1) 10 7
10 Red Deer Rebels (28-13-1-1) 9 11
Honourable Mention:
Shawinigan Cataractes (27-11-3-0) – 13
Brandon Wheat Kings (26-12-2-2) – 7
Windsor Spitfires (25-11-5-0) – 4

 

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