Vaughn CHL Team of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the 19th edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the 2019-20 season based on individual performances from Jan. 27 – Feb. 2.

Headlining the group is Sherbrooke Phoenix captain and Pittsburgh Penguins first-round pick Samuel Poulin whose 11-point performance counting five goals and six assists over three games sees him make the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the second consecutive week. Currently riding a five-game point streak, that stretch included a five-point night versus the Drummondville Voltigeurs on Tuesday in which Poulin netted his third hat-trick this season before adding a pair of assists en route to a 6-4 victory and first-star honours. For his efforts, Poulin was recognized as the Ultramar QMJHL Player of the Week.

Joining Poulin up front is his Phoenix teammate Felix Robert who wrapped up the week with four goals and five assists for nine points over a trio of appearances. Robert’s top performance of the week also came versus the Voltigeurs as he ended the night with two goals and two assists, helping him earn second-star honours and tying his best single-game total during his current 11-game point streak.

Rounding out the forward ranks is Washington Capitals first-round pick Connor McMichael of the London Knights who tallied three goals and four assists for seven points over two contests, bringing his current point streak to 12 games. Against the Windsor Spitfires on Friday, McMichael notched his sixth hat-trick of the season plus one assist to help his squad to 7-4 victory in which he was recognized as the game’s first star. For his efforts, McMichael was named the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week.

On the blue line, Knights defenceman and San Jose Sharks first-round pick Ryan Merkley shined with a six-point showing and hit the 250 career point plateau with one goal and five assists through two appearances. Facing the Sarnia Sting on Saturday, Merkley decorated the scoresheet with three points including the eventual game-winning goal plus two assists to guide London to a 5-2 road victory in which he was named the game’s first star.

Also on the back end is Moncton Wildcats rearguard and Los Angeles Kings prospect Jordan Spence whose week counted two goals and four assists for six points through three appearances. Against the Charlottetown Islanders on Saturday, Spence matched a season-high of three points as he put up a trio of assists to guide the Wildcats to a 5-1 victory in which he earned third-star recognition.

In the blue paint, Prince Albert Raiders netminder Max Paddock impressed over two appearances as he came away with a pair of victories coupled with a 0.50 goals-against average and .972 save percentage. Paddock’s top showing came against the Victoria Royals on Wednesday as he turned aside all 17 shots en route to a 3-0 victory that marked his third shutout of 2019-20. In all, Paddock wrapped up the week in turning aside a combined 35 of 36 shots, helping him earn recognition as the WHL Eli Wilson Goaltending Goaltender of the Week.

OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR MINOR MIDGET TOP-10 RANKINGS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Cup Top 10

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the 10th edition of the weekly minor midget rankings for the 2020 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament powered by Under Armour and hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

The 2020 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour and hosted by the GTHL is scheduled for March 17-23 and will feature 20 teams from across Ontario and the United States showcasing many of the top players eligible for the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.  All games will be played at Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday, March 23.

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.

Minor Midget Rankings for the 2020 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour – Week 10

RANK TEAM LEAGUE LAST WEEK WEEKS RANKED
1 Quinte Red Devils OMHA 1 10
2 Toronto Titans GTHL 2 10
3 Toronto Jr. Canadiens GTHL 3 10
4 Toronto Nationals GTHL 5 10
5 Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs ALLIANCE 4 10
6 Vaughan Kings GTHL 7 6
7 Southern Tier Admirals OMHA 6 10
8 Toronto Marlboros GTHL 9 10
9 Hamilton Huskies ALLIANCE 8 8
10 Waterloo Wolves ALLIANCE – 5
Honourable Mention:
Mississauga Senators GTHL 10 6
Mississauga Reps GTHL – 1
Whitby Wildcats OMHA – –

The OMHA’s Quinte Red Devils are the top-ranked team in the OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Top-10 Rankings for a ninth consecutive week while three GTHL clubs in the Toronto Titans, Toronto Jr. Canadiens and Toronto Nationals occupy the following three slots. The Vaughan Kings are up one spot to number six on the this week’s list while the Toronto Marlboros climb to eighth and the ALLIANCE’s Waterloo Wolves are back in the Top-10 for the first time since Week 4. The Wolves join two other ALLIANCE teams in the fifth-ranked Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs and ninth-ranked Hamilton Huskies in embarking on semi-final play this coming weekend.

History:
Last season the Don Mills Flyers overcame a 4-1 deficit to defeat the Toronto Red Wings 6-5 as Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs) set up Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds) for the overtime winning goal. The Flyers added both OHL Cup and GTHL Championships to their incredible season that saw them lose just once. An exceptional status player who was selected by the Kingston Frontenacs with the first overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, Wright was named Tournament MVP with 18 points over seven contests, one shy of Connor McDavid’s 2012 event record.

The 2019 OHL Priority Selection featured 15 players chosen in the first round who competed for the OHL Cup including Shane Wright (Don Mills Flyers – 1st overall Kingston Frontenacs), Brennan Othmann (Don Mills Flyers – 2nd overall Flint Firebirds), Brandt Clarke (Don Mills Flyers – 4th overall Barrie Colts), Wyatt Johnston (Toronto Marlboros – 6th overall Windsor Spitfires), Benjamin Gaudreau (Team NOHA – 7th overall Sarnia Sting), Ryan Winterton (Whitby Wildcats – 8th overall Hamilton Bulldogs), Liam Arnsby (Don Mills Flyers – 9th overall North Bay Battalion), Ethan Del Mastro (Toronto Marlboros – 12th overall Mississauga Steelheads), Francesco Pinelli (Toronto Red Wings – 13th overall Kitchener Rangers), Danny Zhilkin (Toronto Marlboros -14th overall Guelph Storm), Landon McCallum (Brantford 99’ers – 15th overall Sudbury Wolves), Brett Harrison (London Jr. Knights – 16th overall Oshawa Generals), Jacob Holmes (York-Simcoe Express – 18th overall Soo Greyhounds), Connor Punnett (North Central Predators – 19th overall Saginaw Spirit) and Jack Matier (Team NOHA – 21st overall Ottawa 67’s).

Notable OHL Cup graduates currently playing in the NHL include Dylan Strome (Toronto Marlboros/Chicago Blackhawks), Travis Konecny (Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs/Philadelphia Flyers), Mitch Marner (Vaughan Kings/Toronto Maple Leafs), Connor McDavid (Toronto Marlboros/Edmonton Oilers), Max Domi (Don Mills Flyers/Montreal Canadiens), Sean Monahan (Mississauga Rebels/Calgary Flames), Taylor Hall (Greater Kingston Frontenacs/Arizona Coyotes), Tyler Seguin (Toronto Nationals/Dallas Stars), John Tavares (Toronto Marlboros/Toronto Maple Leafs), P.K Subban (Markham Islanders/New Jersey Devils), and Steven Stamkos (Markham Waxers/Tampa Bay Lightning).

For more information, please visit ohlcup.ca.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Top Performers January

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in January 2020, including Oshawa Generals forward Philip Tomasino, Ottawa 67’s defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer and London Knights goaltender Brett Brochu.

OHL Player of the Month – Philip Tomasino (Oshawa Generals):
Nashville Predators prospect Philip Tomasino of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Player of the Month for January, posting a league-leading 34 points including 15 goals and 19 assists over just 13 games.  Tomasino recorded three points or more on seven different occasions and earned star of the game recognition in nine of his 13 outings, 10 of which came as a member of the Oshawa Generals following a trade from the Niagara IceDogs. He wrapped up his tenure in Niagara with 10 points over his final three contests including a five-point showing (1-4–5) in a 9-8 win over North Bay on Jan. 2nd. He followed that up two nights later with four points (2-2–4), setting up the OT winner as the IceDogs defeated the Kitchener Rangers 7-6 on Jan. 4th. Tomasino started his time as an Oshawa General with a bang on Jan. 9th in Windsor, registering five points (2-3–5) in a 6-3 triumph over the Spitfires. That performance was followed by back-to-back two-goal outings on Jan. 10th in Sarnia and Jan. 12th back on home ice against the Peterborough Petes, helping Tomasino earn OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week honours. Other outstanding January performances included another four-point effort (2-2–4) on Jan. 20th in Owen Sound as he set up the winning goal in a 5-4 victory over the Attack. He wrapped up January with three consecutive multi-point outings headlined by a goal and three assists on Jan. 25th in a 7-4 win over the Kingston Frontenacs on Sportsnet.

An 18-year-old native of Mississauga, Ont., Tomasino leads the Generals in scoring this season with 83 points (34-49–83) over 48 games, good for the league’s fourth-highest total. Now in his third OHL season, the former fifth overall pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection has amassed 179 points (73-106–179) over 176 career regular season games. He was the highest-drafted OHL forward at last summer’s 2019 NHL Draft, going 24th overall to the Nashville Predators who signed him to a three-year entry level NHL contract on October 21st.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s):
Ottawa 67’s overage defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer has been named OHL Defenceman of the Month for the third time this season. The fifth-year veteran led all rearguards with 18 points including three goals and 15 assists over 13 games to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-13. Hoefenmayer recorded points in 11 of his 13 January outings including three assists on Jan. 18th against the Hamilton Bulldogs, a two-goal showing on Jan. 25th against the Niagara IceDogs and a goal and one helper on Jan. 30th on the road against the same IceDogs. Hoefenmayer helped the 67’s rise to the top of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings with wins in 13 of 14 January contests. He wrapped up the month on an eight-game point streak.

A 21-year-old native of North York, Ont., Hoefenmayer leads OHL defenders with 67 points including 19 goals and 48 assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-44 over 46 games. The 6-foot-1 rearguard has been a big contributor on Ottawa’s top-ranked 30.6% power play this season, registering 32 points on the man advantage. A fifth-year veteran, Hoefenmayer is currently inside the franchise top-8 for both career points by a defenceman (207) and career games played (286). His 19 goals from the back end are the most in a single season by a 67’s defenceman since Jon Zion in 2000-01. Hoefenmayer was a fourth round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Draft before going unsigned and attended rookie camp with the Carolina Hurricanes in September. Hoefenmayer was a second round pick of the 67’s in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Goaltender & Rookie of the Month – Brett Brochu (London Knights):
London Knights netminder Brett Brochu is both the OHL Goaltender and OHL Rookie of the Month for January after posting an impressive 9-0-0-0 record along with a 1.89 goals-against average and .940 save percentage in nine games. Brochu made at least 30 saves on four different occasions highlighted by a 40-save effort on Jan. 3rd as the Knights defeated the Mississauga Steelheads 3-1. He surrendered just one goal in back-to-back games on Jan. 12th in Sault Ste. Marie and Jan. 17th at home to the Sudbury Wolves before turning in another fine performance with 35 saves in a 4-1 defeat of the Hamilton Bulldogs on Jan. 24th. Brochu closed out January on an 11-game winning streak.

A 17-year-old native of Tilbury, Ont., Brochu leads OHL rookie goaltenders with a 2.52 goals-against average, a .916 save percentage and a record of 21-5-0-0, becoming the first Knights rookie to win 20 games in a season since Ryan MacDonald back in 2003-04. The 5-foot-11, 156Ib. puckstopper was London’s sixth round pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. He spent last season with the Dresden Kings Jr. C club, earning PJHL Stobbs Division Rookie of the Year honours.

2019-20 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
January – Philip Tomasino (Oshawa Generals)
December – Cole Schwindt (Mississauga Steelheads)
November – Jan Jenik (Hamilton Bulldogs)
October – Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Defenceman of the Month:
January – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)
December – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Connor Corcoran (Windsor Spitfires)
October – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)

Rookie of the Month:
January – Brett Brochu (London Knights)
December – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes)
November – Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
October – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes)

Goaltender of the Month:
January – Brett Brochu (London Knights)
December – Jacob Ingham (Kitchener Rangers)
November – Nico Daws (Guelph Storm)
October – Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)

OHL Writers’ Draft Eligible Player of the Month for January

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

In the years that I have been doing this, I don’t ever recall a month like January where so many players could have been chosen our Draft Eligible Player of the Month. Tyson Foerster, Luke Evangelista, Brett Brochu, James Hardie, Ty Tullio, Jack Quinn, Marco Rossi, Cole Perfetti and Quinton Byfield were all, for different reasons, deserving.

Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

We settled on Mr Consistency, Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit for the second time this season.

Through 13 games in the month of January, Perfetti found the back of the net 8 times while assisting on 21 others and finishing a plus-16. He was held off the score sheet just once, a January 15th matchup against the Soo Greyhounds. In the 12 remaining contests, 9 were multi point games.

Perfetti was named the game’s first star 3 times and the game’s third star twice. But let’s not get into the Ontario Hockey League’s three-star selection process.

Serious consideration was given to London Knights netminder Brendan Brochu. The rookie keeper appeared in 9 games in January winning all of them while posting a sparkling 1.89 goals-against-average and a .940 save-percentage.

Foerster appeared in 11 games scoring 8 goals and assisting on 9 others. Evangelista scored 6 goals and 11 assists in 11 games, Hardie 12 goals and 8 assists in 11 games, Tullio 7 goals and 9 assists in 13 games, Quinn 17 goals and 7 assists in 12 games, Rossi 6 goals and 16 assists in 12 games and Byfield 7 goals and 6 assists in 7 games.

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Players of the Month

January – Cole Perfetti – Saginaw Spirit

December – Marco Rossi – Ottawa 67’s

November – Marco Rossi – Ottawa 67’s

October – Cole Perfetti – Saginaw Spirit

KNIGHTS’ CONNOR McMICHAEL NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

McMichael

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Washington Capitals prospect Connor McMichael of the London Knights is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week with seven points including three goals and four assists over two games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-4.

McMichael claims the honour for the third time this season, helping the Knights stretch their current winning streak to eight with multi-point efforts in a pair of victories. He opened up the weekend on Friday with his league-leading sixth hat-trick of the campaign, tacking on an assist for four points in a 7-4 win over the CHL’s ninth-ranked Windsor Spitfires. McMichael collected three assists in Saturday’s 5-2 road win over the Sarnia Sting as the Knights climbed into first place in the Midwest Division with a 32-13-1-1 record with 66 points.

A 19-year-old native of Ajax, Ont., McMichael sits third in OHL scoring with 83 points including 37 goals and 46 assists over 37 games, good for the league’s highest rate of 2.24 points-per-game. He continues to ride a 12-game point streak as the Knights have surged up the Western Conference standings. McMichael was a first round (25th overall) pick of the Washington Capitals last summer and was originally a first round (11th overall) pick of the Hamilton Bulldogs in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection. He recently won gold with Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Also considered for the award this week were Mississauga Steelheads teammates Cole Schwindt (1-6–7) and Keean Washkurak (2-5–7) who each recorded seven points in a pair of victories this past weekend.

OTR_2017_Logo

2019-20 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Connor McMichael (London Knights)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Ty Dellandrea (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Mitchell Hoelscher (Ottawa 67’s)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Philip Tomasino (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Jacob Ingham (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 29: Joseph Garreffa (Ottawa 67’s)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Jacob Ingham (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Ty Dellandrea (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Riley McCourt (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Jan Jenik (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Cam Hillis (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Connor McMichael (London Knights)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Nico Daws (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Mack Guzda (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 24 – Oct. 6: Philip Tomasino (Niagara IceDogs)
Sept. 23 – Sept. 29: Connor McMichael (London Knights)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 22: Semyon Der-Arguchintsev (Peterborough Petes)

OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Academic players for January

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Tye Austin of the Peterborough Petes, Ethan Del Mastro of the Mississauga Steelheads, Logan LeSage of the Owen Sound Attack and Will Cuylle of the Windsor Spitfires have been named OHL Academic Players of the Month for January.

East Division: Peterborough’s Tye Austin is January’s East Division Academic Player of the Month. The 17-year-old netminder is taking grade 12 university-level courses in English, Functions, and Biology, and boasts a 100% mark in his Math class.

“Tye is extremely worthy of the Academic Player of the Month tribute,” wrote Kim Driscoll, Co-operative Education Teacher at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School. “He works diligently on his school work whether that means staying up late after practice or a game, working on a bus during a road trip or working through lunch while at school.” Austin has future plans to pursue biochemistry and medical school.

In his second year in net for the Petes, Austin holds a 4.16 goals-against average and an .868 save percentage through his first 14 appearances. The Pembroke, Ont. native was a third round pick of the Petes in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

Central Division: Ethan Del Mastro has been recognized as January’s Central Division Academic Player of the Month. The Mississauga Steelheads rookie holds an 86% grade in his Accounting class, 80% in Biology, 88% in Data Management and an 84% in his Co-op program.

Head coach James Richmond praised Del Mastro’s performance. “Ethan has played in our top four all year against the other team’s best players night in and night out,” said Richmond. “To do that as a 16-year-old is very impressive.”

The 17-year-old defender is described as “quiet” and “diligent” by Philip Pocock Secondary School’s Guidance Councillor, Genevieve Wong.

Del Mastro has recorded five assists in his first 43 games with the Steelheads. He was drafted 12th overall in last year’s OHL Priority Selection following a 44-point season (8-36-44) with the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midgets.

Midwest Division: Logan LeSage of the Owen Sound Attack is January’s Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month. The 18-year-old centreman is a student at Owen Sound District Secondary School and has maintained a 100% grade in his International Business class. He also holds a 99% in Organizational Business, 97% in Leadership, and a 99% through two periods of Co-op.

His teachers commented that his assignments always exceed the stated expectations, and are completed with extensive research and extreme attention to detail. He’s described as an “absolute joy to teach” and a “leader among his peers.”

“Logan has demonstrated an outstanding effort this semester,” wrote Academic Advisor Sarah Rowe. “He always has a positive attitude and is the first to help other students who have difficulty.”

Through the first 10 games of his rookie season, LeSage has recorded one assist. He was a second round pick of the Attack at the 2019 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection, and spent the 2018-19 season with the Carleton Place Canadians where he amassed 35 points (15-20-35) in 39 games.

West Division: Will Cuylle has been named the West Division’s Academic Player of the Month for January. The Windsor Spitfires sophomore’s studies at St. Anne Catholic High School include Grade 12 Data Management, Grade 12 Business Leadership, and an online Accounting Class. He maintains an overall 80% average.

“Will’s academic achievement is a direct reflection of his work ethic and commitment to being the best student athlete that he can be,” wrote Windsor’s Academic Advisors. “He sets goals to improve and he applies the work to achieve that goal.” He’s described by his teachers as “an overall good character person” who shows respect.

The 17-year-old winger, eligible for this summer’s NHL Draft, has 16 goals and 32 points in 43 games. He was recently ranked 21st in NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings among all North American Skaters.

2019-20 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
January – Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
December – Cameron Tolnai (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Lleyton Moore (Oshawa Generals)
October – Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)

Central Division:
January – Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads)
December – Giordano Biondi (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Jonah De Simone (Niagara IceDogs)
October – Pacey Schlueting (North Bay Battalion)

Midwest Division:
January – Logan LeSage (Owen Sound Attack)
December – Stuart Rolofs (London Knights)
November – Michael Vukojevic (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Zack Terry (Guelph Storm)

West Division:
January – Will Cuylle (Windsor Spitfires)
December – Jacob Holmes (Soo Greyhounds)
November – Ryan Mast (Sarnia Sting)
October – Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit)

Last season, the OHL Centrally Administered Scholarship Program facilitated scholarships for 340 OHL Alumni at 69 different academic institutions across North America with a total scholarship payment in excess of $3.2 million. Since the 2007-08 season, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.

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

Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the week nineteen edition of the Kia CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2019-20 season.  The weekly rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts.

Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings – Week 19

Rank: Team: Last Week Ranked: Total Weeks Ranked:
1 Ottawa 67’s (36-7-0-0) 1 17
2 Portland Winterhawks (35-6-2-3) 2 9
3 Sherbrooke Phoenix (37-7-3-1) 3 19
4 Chicoutimi Sagueneens (33-9-4-0) 4 19
5 Edmonton Oil Kings (33-8-6-3) 5 16
6 Moncton Wildcats (32-12-1-0) 6 13
7 Everett Silvertips (31-11-3-1) 8 13
8 Kamloops Blazers (31-12-2-1) 7 4
9 Windsor Spitfires (28-10-5-0) 9 9
10 Kitchener Rangers (28-11-5-2) 10 2
Honourable Mention:
London Knights (30-13-1-1) – 5
Cape Breton Eagles (29-14-2-1) – 5
Lethbridge Hurricanes (29-11-2-5) – 0

2020 Memorial Cup Presented by Kia Schedule and Game Times

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

2020 Memorial Cup

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with the 2020 Memorial Cup Presented by Kia Host Committee have confirmed the schedule and start times for the 102nd edition of the league’s prestigious national championship which takes place May 21-31 in Kelowna, British Columbia.

The host Kelowna Rockets open action against the Ontario Hockey League champions on Friday May 22 at 7:00 pm, followed by a Saturday afternoon battle between the Western Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champions at 5:00 pm.  Round-robin competition continues through Wednesday May 27, with a Tie-Breaker Game slated for Thursday May 28 if needed, a Semi-Final to be played on Friday May 29, followed by the Championship Final set for Sunday May 31.  All game times following the tournament opener will be at 5:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.

2020 Memorial Cup presented by Kia Schedule:
Round-Robin Game 1 – OHL vs. Kelowna on Friday May 22 at 7:00 pm
Round-Robin Game 2 – WHL vs. QMJHL on Saturday May 23 at 5:00 pm
Round-Robin Game 3 – Kelowna vs. QMJHL on Sunday May 24 at 5:00 pm
Round-Robin Game 4 – WHL vs. OHL on Monday May 25 at 5:00 pm
Round-Robin Game 5 – QMJHL vs. OHL on Tuesday May 26 at 5:00 pm
Round-Robin Game 6 – Kelowna vs. WHL on Wednesday May 27 at 5:00 pm
Tie-Breaker (if necessary) – Thursday May 28 at 5:00 pm
Semi-Final – Friday May 29 at 5:00 pm
Championship Final – Sunday May 31 at 5:00pm

Start times listed for all nine games represent local Pacific Standard Time.

Since the round-robin format of the event was introduced in 1972, the WHL has won a total of 19 Memorial Cup championships beginning with the 1974 Regina Pats and most recently the 2014 Edmonton Oil Kings.  OHL teams have won 17 times under the current model including the 2017 Windsor Spitfires, while QMJHL clubs have celebrated 12 titles including the Acadie-Bathurst Titan at the historic centennial celebration in 2018 and last year’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.  During that time a total of 10 teams have hoisted the Memorial Cup on home ice including the 2004 Rockets.

The Memorial Cup has a rich tradition that has shaped the way junior hockey is played in North America.  The trophy was originally known as the OHA Memorial Cup and was donated by the Ontario Hockey Association in March, 1919, in remembrance of the many soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice for Canada in the First Wold War.  In 2010 the Memorial Cup was rededicated to the memory of all fallen Canadian Military Personnel.

The 2020 Memorial Cup presented by Kia is supported by Kia Canada and associate sponsors which include CIBC, Real Canadian Superstore, Cooper Tires, and Kubota Canada.

Ticket packages for the 2020 CHL Memorial Cup Presented by Kia are on sale to the general public at the Select Your Tickets Box Office, by phone at 250-762-5050 or online at selectyourtickets.com.

For more information please visit chlmemorialcup.ca.

OHL RE-LAUNCHES PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL PDL

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Re-Launch of the OHL Performance Development League (PDL).

The OHL PDL is an off-season development initiative targeted at young players incorporating Small Area 3-on-3 Games with weekly skill specific development sessions over an 11 week program. Enhancements to this program include on ice skills with Power Edge Pro (PEP) and information seminars for players and parents. The concept of the OHL PDL has developed with full support from Hockey Canada and the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF). All parties are excited to introduce a progressive and engaging development platform that creates an opportunity for minor hockey players to be exposed to OHL quality teaching methods, technical skill development, and new skill acquisition.

“The Ontario Hockey League is proud to re-launch the Performance Development League for Minor Hockey players to enhance their skills through the growing popularity of small area games,” said Joe Birch, OHL Vice President of Development. “The program has been designed to engage young athletes in a fun, fast paced, skills focused environment, as they grow their love of the game in preparation for the season.”

The OHL’s introduction of the first Small Area 3 on 3 Games league facilitates a practical setting for players to hone the execution of skills that are learned during drill and video work sessions by guest coaches creating a premier and unparalleled off-season development experience for Minor Hockey players in Ontario.

“We are excited for this opportunity for OHF players, coaches and staff to enhance their areas of skill development through the exposure of OHL quality teaching methods. The experience gained during their participation in this program will assist our players and coaches in reaching their goals for the upcoming season,” said Tony Foresi, OHF President.

The program will be offered at Whitby’s Iroquois Park Sports Centre, Oakville’s Sixteen Mile Sports Complex and Kitchener’s Activa Sports Complex. Only 44 participants will be accepted at each location divided into four teams each comprised of 11 skaters and one goaltender. Eligible players must be registered with the OHF, entering Bantam (2006) or Minor Bantam (2007) programs for the 2020-21 season. Each team will be coached by an OHL Alumnus and every ice session will have a Goaltending Coach.

The PDL season will be played from Sunday, April 26, 2020 through Sunday, July 5, 2020, with a total of 11 weekly Sunday evening sessions excluding long weekends. Sessions will be 75 minutes long beginning with 50 minutes of skills development, succeeded by 25 minutes of Small Area 3-on-3 Games. Skill sessions will be led by an OHL Assistant Coach or a PEP certified coach.

“Power Edge Pro Hockey is excited to partner with the OHL’s Performance Development League to bring PEP’s Reactive Countering TrainingTM  to the next wave of outstanding hockey players in Ontario. We look forward to seeing these players follow in the footsteps of PEP Ambassador Connor McDavid and current OHL PEP Athletes Cole Perfetti and Shane Wright,” said Nick Quinn of Power Edge Pro.

NEW THIS SEASON:

– Three Ice Sessions led by Power Edge Pro (PEP)

– Three Information Sessions will be held to focus on the OHL Player Experience, High Performance Nutrition, and Mental Skills.

Registration is now open online: Click Here

Sample Schedule: Click Here

WATCH: Ottawa Senators head coach and former OHL Coach of the Year DJ Smith discusses the value in players utilizing small area games

Vaughn CHL Team of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the 18th edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the 2019-20 season based on individual performances from Jan. 20-26.

Leading the way is Flint Firebirds captain and Dallas Stars first-round pick Ty Dellandrea who wrapped up the week with 10 points counting six goals and four assists over three games. Dellandrea began the week on a high note putting up two goals and two assists for four points in Wednesday’s 7-4 road win over the Soo Greyhounds in which he also claimed second-star honours. For his efforts, Dellandrea was recognized as the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week.

Also up front is Portland Winterhawks centre and 2020 NHL Draft prospect Seth Jarvis who recorded four goals and five assists for nine points over a pair of appearances. Against the Tri-City Americans on Friday, Jarvis matched a season-high of five points as he finished with two goals and three assists to help his club to an 8-2 victory in which he was also recognized as the game’s first star. Given his successful showing, Jarvis was honoured as the WHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week.

Rounding out the forward ranks is Sherbrooke Phoenix captain and Pittsburgh Penguins first-round pick Samuel Poulin who registered eight points counting five goals and three assists over a pair of contests. Poulin’s best showing came against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan on Friday as he put up five points and tied a franchise-record with four goals while adding one assist to help claim a 10-1 victory and first-star honours. For his efforts, Poulin was recognized as the Ultramar QMJHL Player of the Week.

Leading the blue line is Lethbridge Hurricanes defenceman and Penguins prospect Calen Addison who impressed with nine assists over a trio of appearances. Addison’s top showing came against the Regina Pats on Friday as he finished with a season-high of five points – all coming as helpers – en route to a 7-2 road victory and first-star recognition.

Partnering on the back end is Addison’s teammate in Hurricanes blue liner Alex Cotton who wrapped up the week with two goals and five assists for seven points over three games. The stretch included back-to-back three-point efforts versus the Moose Jaw Warriors and Regina Pats with the former counting a trio of assists in a 7-1 road victory in which Cotton was recognized as the game’s third star.

Between the pipes, Barrie Colts netminder and Vancouver Canucks draft pick Arturs Silovs shined over a pair of appearances and 123 minutes of ice time in which he came away with a pair of victories. Against the Oshawa Generals on Thursday, Silovs turned aside 19 shots en route to a 5-0 victory and his first career shutout to earn second-star honours. In all, Silovs wrapped up the week with a miniscule 0.98 goals-against average coupled with an outstanding .964 save percentage.