Vaughn CHL Team of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the 15th edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the 2019-20 season based on individual performances from Dec. 30 – Jan. 5.

Headlining the forward ranks is Winnipeg ICE right-wing and 2020 NHL Draft hopeful Connor McClennon who collected 11 points counting four goals and seven assists through four appearances. McClennon’s most impressive showing came in a season-high four-point night versus the Saskatoon Blades on Wednesday in which he finished with one goal and three assists in the 6-1 road victory that saw him recognized as the game’s second star. For his efforts, McClennon was honoured as the WHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week.

Also up front is Minnesota Wild prospect Ivan Lodnia of the Niagara IceDogs who put up three goals and eight assists for 11 points in four contests. Against the North Bay Battalion on Thursday, Lodnia had a career-best showing as he registered two goals and four assists for six points including the primary helper on the game winner in the 9-8 overtime decision, helping him earn first-star recognition.

Rounding out the forward ranks is Lodnia’s IceDogs teammate in Nashville Predators first round pick Philip Tomasino who matched his efforts with three goals and eight assists for 11 points in four games. Like Lodnia, Tomasino dominated versus the Battalion as he wrapped up the Thursday contest with a five-point effort counting one goal and four assists en route to third-star honours.

On the back end, leading the pack is newly acquired Blainville-Boisbriand Armada blue-liner Yann-Felix Lapointe who totaled six points counting two goals and four assists across a trio of appearances. Against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies on Tuesday, Lapointe impressed with a season-high four-point performance as he finished with one goal and three assists in the 8-1 victory that earned him third-star honours.

Also on the blue line is Calgary Hitmen rearguard and Vancouver Canucks prospect Jett Woo who registered one goal and five assists for six points through five games. That stretch included a one-goal, one-assist showing versus the rival Edmonton Oil Kings on Monday in which Woo drew a helper on the eventual game-winning goal in the 5-3 victory.

Backstopping the group is Brandon Wheat Kings netminder and Vegas Golden Knights prospect Jiri Patera who was nearly perfect across three showings in which he finished with a trio of victories alongside a 0.33 goals-against average and .989 save percentage. The stretch saw Patera record a pair of shutouts while turning aside a combined 94 of 95 shots, with his top performance coming in a 31-save shutout versus the Regina Pats on Sunday. For his efforts, Patera was recognized 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

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the sixth 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 6

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

The 25-4-2 Quinte Red Devils continue to lead the OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Minor Midget Top 10 Rankings while the ALLIANCE’s Hamilton Huskies climbed two spots from number eight to number on six on the sixth edition of the weekly list. The GTHL’s Mississauga Senators are also on the rise, climbing two slots to number eight.

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.

RANGERS’ JACOB INGHAM NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Jacob Ingham

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Los Angeles Kings prospect Jacob Ingham of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week with a 3-0 record, 1.33 goals-against average and a .964 save percentage.

Ingham receives the honour for the second time this season, turning aside 108 of the 112 shots that came his way as the Rangers defeated Erie, Saginaw and Guelph. The 6-foot-4, 198Ib. goaltender earned star of the game recognition in all three outings, kicking things off with a 35-save effort in Erie on New Year’s Eve as the Rangers skated to a 6-1 victory. He returned to the crease on Friday, stopping 33 of 35 while picking up an assist on Jonathan Yantsis’ game winning goal as the Blueshirts doubled-up visiting Saginaw 4-2. Ingham finished off the weekend in fine style, making 40 saves in a 2-1 road win over the rival Guelph Storm to pull the Rangers into a first place tie atop the Midwest Division with 49 points.

A 19-year-old from Barrie, Ont., Ingham owns an 18-4-2-1 record with a 2.52 goals-against average and .929 save percentage with two shutouts over 25 appearances this season. He earned OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week honours for the week of Dec. 10-15 and was recently named OHL Goaltender of the Month for December, helping Kitchener win eight in a row to begin the month. Now in his fourth OHL season, the former Mississauga Steelheads netminder owns a career record of 78-57-7-8 with a 3.19 goals-against average and .898 save percentage with five shutouts over 156 regular season games. He was originally Mississauga’s second round pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection and was chosen by Los Angeles in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week were Niagara IceDogs teammates Ivan Lodnia and Philip Tomasino, who each finished with three goals, eight assists and 11 points over four contests as their club earned a pair of high-scoring overtime wins.

• HIGHLIGHTS: Ingham’s 35 saves in Erie
• HIGHLIGHTS: Ingham stops 33 in win over Saginaw
• HIGHLIGHTS: Ingham turns aside 40 in Guelph

OTR_2017_Logo

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

Rosters Announced for 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

2020 Top Prospects GameToronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with National Hockey League Central Scouting have announced the rosters for the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game which takes place on Thursday January 16 in Hamilton.

The 40 players from across the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League selected by NHL clubs to compete in the 25th annual showcase of draft eligible talent have been divided into Team White and Team Red by NHL Central Scouting.

Top CHL scorer Alexis Lafreniere of the Rimouski Oceanic, currently a star for Canada’s National Junior Team, headlines Team White talent that includes a total of six ‘A’ rated prospects from NHL Central Scouting’s November list. Among those players are a trio of Team Canada Selection Camp invites including defenceman Braden Schneider (Brandon Wheat Kings), plus forward Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit) and Connor Zary (Kamloops Blazers). They’ll be joined by World Junior talents that include Slovakian goaltender Samuel Hlavaj (Sherbrooke Phoenix) and Czech Republic forward Jaromir Pytlik (Soo Greyhounds). A total of 16 different CHL teams are represented on Team White including six OHL, six WHL, and four QMJHL teams. Schneider will play alongside fellow Wheat King Ridly Greig, Pytlik alongside fellow Greyhound Ryan O’Rourke, and Zary with fellow Blazer Dylan Garand. Team White will also include two Shawinigan Cataractes in forwards Mavrik Bourque and Vasily Ponomarev.

10 ‘A’ rated prospects are listed on the Team Red roster including Canadian National Junior Team members Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves), Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters), and Dawson Mercer (Drummondville Voltigeurs). Team Canada goaltender Nico Daws (Guelph Storm) will also play for Team Red, as will leading OHL scorer Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s). A total of 17 CHL clubs are represented on Team Red including eight OHL, six WHL, and three QMJHL teams. Rossi will compete alongside fellow 67’s forward Jack Quinn, and Mercer will have Voltigeurs defenceman Thimo Nickl on his side. London Knights teammates Antonio Stranges and Luke Evangelista will also compete together on Team Red.

Three CHL clubs will feature players going head-to-head as Byfield will compete opposite his Sudbury Wolves teammate Jack Thompson, while a pair of Prince Albert Raiders and Windsor Spitfires will also be divided with White’s Kaiden Guhle and Will Cuylle opposite Red’s Ozzy Wiesblatt and Jean-Luc Foudy.

Team White will be coached by George Burnett (Guelph Storm) and Trevor Letowski (Windsor Spitfires), while Team Red will be led by Rob Wilson (Peterborough Petes) and Vince Laise (Hamilton Bulldogs).

2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Rosters:

*denotes ‘A’ rated first round candidates

Team White:

Goaltenders:
Dylan Garand (Kamloops Blazers)
Samuel Hlavaj (Sherbrooke Phoenix)

Defencemen:
Kaiden Guhle (Prince Albert Raiders)*
Ryan O’Rourke (Soo Greyhounds)
Luke Prokop (Calgary Hitmen)
Braden Schneider (Brandon Wheat Kings)*
Christoffer Sedoff (Red Deer Rebels)
Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Forwards:
Mavrik Bourque (Shawinigan Cataractes)
Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion)
Will Cuylle (Windsor Spitfires)*
Tyson Foerster (Barrie Colts)
Ryan Francis (Cape Breton Eagles)
Ridly Greig (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Seth Jarvis (Portland Winterhawks)
Alexis Lafreniere (Rimouski Oceanic)*
Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit)*
Vasily Ponomarev (Shawinigan Cataractes)
Jaromir Pytlik (Soo Greyhounds)
Connor Zary (Kamloops Blazers)*

Staff:
Head Coach – George Burnett (Guelph Storm)
Associate Coach – Trevor Letowski (Windsor Spitfires)
Athletic Therapist – Amy Mausser (Sarnia Sting)
Equipment Manager – J.R. Grant (Windsor Spitfires)

Team Red:

Goaltenders:
Nico Daws (Guelph Storm)
Brock Gould ( Victoria Royals)

Defencemen:
Lukas Cormier (Charlottetown Islanders)
Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters)*
Thimo Nickl (Drummondville Voltigeurs)
Jeremie Poirier (Saint John Sea Dogs)*
Kasper Puutio (Swift Current Broncos)
Donovan Sebrango (Kitchener Rangers)

Forwards:
Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves)*
Luke Evangelista (London Knights)
Jack Finley (Spokane Chiefs)
Jean-Luc Foudy (Windsor Spitfires)*
Dawson Mercer ( Drummondville Voltigeurs)*
Jake Neighbours (Edmonton Oil Kings)
Jacob Perreault (Sarnia Sting)*
Jack Quinn (Ottawa 67’s)*
Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s)*
Justin Sourdif (Vancouver Giants)*
Antonio Stranges (London Knights)*
Ozzy Wiesblatt (Prince Albert Raiders)

Staff:
Head Coach – Rob Wilson (Peterborough Petes)
Associate Coach – Vince Laise (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Athletic Therapist – JP Laciak (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Equipment Manager – Kasey LaMorre (Hamilton Bulldogs)

The 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is proudly supported by new title partner Kubota Canada, and CHL associate partners CIBC, Kia Canada, and Cooper Tires. The game will be broadcast live across Canada on Sportsnet and TVA Sports, and in the United States on NHL Network.

Tickets are on sale for the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at ticketmaster.ca or call 855-985-4357. For group and promotional inquiries, please contact the Hamilton Bulldogs at 905-529-8500.

For more information please visit http://kubotatopprospects.ca.

About Kubota Canada
Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) is a subsidiary of Kubota Corporation, a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. KCL markets and distributes Kubota-engineered and manufactured equipment, which includes a complete line of tractors (up to 210-horsepower), performance-matched implements, compact and utility tractors, compact construction, landscaping and public work equipment, residential lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles. For product literature or dealer locations, visit: kubota.ca.

 

OHL THIS WEEK: JANUARY 3 TO 5, 2020

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press Release

 

OHL This Week

Toronto, Ont. – Welcome back, it’s 2020! Here’s a look at what’s happening across the Ontario Hockey League this week.

HAPPY NEW YEAR – A DECADE OF OHL CHAMPIONS:
There’s lots to look back on from the past decade. The OHL spent the days leading up to New Year’s Eve recounting past champions and some of the greatest moments of the past 10 years.
WATCH • DECADE IN REVIEW

HAYTON’S PAIR PROPELS CANADA PAST SLOVAKIA IN QUARTERFINALS:
Soo Greyhounds graduate Barrett Hayton scored a pair of goals to lead Canada past Slovakia 6-1 and into the semi-finals at the 2020 World Juniors. Canada will now face off against Finland in Saturday’s semi-final game with a 1pm ET puck drop.
READ MORE

OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER:
Mississauga’s Cole Schwindt, Ottawa’s Noel Hoefenmayer, Peterborough’s Mason McTavish and Kitchener’s Jacob Ingham are OHL Top Performers for November 2019.
READ MORE

KNIGHTS’ EVANGELISTA ADDED TO KUBOTA CHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME:
London Knights forward Luke Evangelista has been added to the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. He’ll replace injured Oshawa Generals forward Oliver Suni. Evangelista has 33 points (14-19–33) over 35 games with the Knights this season after being the club’s first round pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.
READ MORE

ROOKIE PHENOM WRIGHT TAKING THE LEAD IN KINGSTON:
At 15-years-old, Kingston Frontenacs rookie star Shane Wright has been entrusted with an ‘A’ on his jersey. The OHL’s Sarah Jean Maher caught up with Wright and his Frontenacs teammates this past week.
READ MORE

67’s, PETES AND STORM IN KIA CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:
The Ottawa 67’s remain the second-ranked team in the CHL this week while the Peterborough Petes and Guelph Storm are also inside the Top 10. The Windsor Spitfires and Saginaw Spirit both received honourable mentions.
FULL RANKINGS

KIA CHL TOP 10 SPOTLIGHT – SAGINAW SPIRIT:
As the season enters its second half, the Saginaw Spirit are recognized as an honourable mention in the latest Kia CHL Top-10 Rankings. The Spirit are currently riding a six-game winning streak and sit tied atop the West Division.
READ MORE

67’s’ GARREFFA NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Joseph Garreffa of the Ottawa 67’s is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week of games spanning December 18-29 with 10 points over three contests.
READ MORE

GARREFFA, HOEFENMAYER AND SCHWINDT NAMED TO VAUGHN CHL TEAM OF THE WEEK:
Ottawa 67’s teammates Joseph Garreffa and Noel Hoefenmayer join Mississauga Steelheads forward Cole Schwindt on the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week.
READ MORE

VAUGHN SAVES OF THE WEEK – JAN. 1, 2020:
The first 2020 edition of Vaughn Saves will have you coming back for more! Check out big stops from the Oshawa Generals duo of Zachary Paputsakis and Andrew MacLean, Hamilton’s Zachary Roy, Sault Ste. Marie’s Bailey Brkin, Peterborough’s Hunter Jones, Barrie’s Jet Greaves, Ottawa’s Cedrick Andree, Windsor’s Xavier Medina and Kitchener’s Jacob Ingham.
WATCH

OHL WEEKEND NOTEBOOK: DEC. 30, 2019:
The OHL Weekend Notebook recaps the weekend that was with news, information and interesting facts from both on and off the ice. Here are 10 of the leading stories from this past weekend.
READ MORE

CHROMIAK, MCGURN SCORE FIRST OHL GOALS:
The latest instalment of OHL Milestone Moments features two young forwards who scored their first OHL goals this past week. Kingston Frontenacs forward Martin Chromiak scored in his OHL debut on Thursday after London’s Sean McGurn found the back of the net on New Year’s Eve.
WATCH

SPIRIT’S DUHART REPRESENTS OHL IN CHL SHOWDOWN:
Saginaw Spirit forward Dalton Duhart is this week’s OHL representative in CHL Showdown, a weekly contest that features one great play from all three leagues.
WATCH & VOTE AT CHLSHOWDOWN.CA

#PLAYERSFIRST – HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PLAYER DEVELOPMENT:
The OHL’s holistic approach to player development allows it to produce great hockey players as well as well-rounded young men. The League and its member teams strive to develop the whole person through education, awareness and community involvement.
FACT OF THE WEEK • ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR MINOR MIDGET TOP-10 RANKINGS:
The Quinte Red Devils remain on top of the OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Minor Midget Top-10 Rankings after finishing in the final four of last weekend’s Toronto Marlboros Holiday Classic. The Toronto Titans, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs and Toronto Nationals are also on the rise inside the Top-5.
FULL RANKINGS

67’s EARN FRANCHISE RECORD 15TH CONSECUTIVE WIN:
The Ottawa 67’s set a new franchise record on Thursday, defeating the Kingston Frontenacs 8-4 for their 15th consecutive win. Ottawa’s 15-game winning streak surpasses the franchise’s prior mark set during the 1998-99 season.
READ MORE

STORM’S PHILLIPS RETURNS FROM KINGS ORGANIZATION:
The Los Angeles Kings have reassigned overage defenceman Markus Phillips back to the Guelph Storm where he won an OHL Championship last spring. The 20-year-old defenceman has spent the majority of this season with the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets, recording six assists over 20 games.
READ MORE

67’s’ OKHOTYUK SIGNS WITH DEVILS:
The New Jersey Devils have signed Ottawa 67’s defenceman Nikita Okhtoyuk to a three-year entry level NHL contract. The 19-year-old defenceman has six assists in an injury-shortened 12 game season to this point after being New Jersey’s second round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-1 defenceman recorded 17 points (2-15–17) with the 67’s last season.
READ MORE

ATTACK’S DUDAS SIGNS WITH KINGS:
The Los Angeles Kings have signed Owen Sound Attack captain Aidan Dudas to a three-year entry level NHL contract. The Owen Sound Attack captain is currently representing Canada at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The Parry Sound, Ont. native has 30 points (11-19–30) in Owen Sound this season.
READ MORE

TOP CHL IMPORT DRAFT SELECTION MARTIN CHROMIAK COMMITS TO FRONTENACS:
The Kingston Frontenacs have received a commitment from 2019 second overall CHL Import Draft selection Martin Chromiak. Chromiak spent the beginning of this season with HK Dukla Trencin of the Slovakian Tipsport Liga. While playing against men in a professional league he scored five goals and an assist in 32 games.
READ MORE

5 QUESTIONS WITH JAMIE DRYSDALE:
Defenceman Jamie Drysdale of the Erie Otters shares his thoughts about being named to Canada’s National Junior Team and playing in his NHL Draft season.
READ MORE

HOW OWEN BRADY’S CANCER DIAGNOSIS DIDN’T STOP HIS NHL DREAM:
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman spoke with Oshawa Generals prospect Owen Brady as part of the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour’s coverage this past weekend in Whitby, Ont. Friedman chats with Brady about his journey through an osteosarcoma diagnosis followed by a brave fight and current recovery as he looks to make a return to the ice.
WATCH AT SPORTSNET.CA

ROGERS HOMETOWN HOCKEY TOUR VISITS COBOURG:
The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour shifts to Cobourg, Ont. this weekend after last weekend’s stop in Whitby covered such stars as OHL graduate James Neal. Cobourg is the home of OHL graduate and three-time Stanley Cup champion Justin Williams. Visit hometownhockey.com for all of this weekend’s coverage.

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Quinton Byfield Bobblehead Night in Sudbury: He won’t be in the lineup, but there’ll be plenty of his bobbleheads at the Sudbury Community Arena on Friday as the Wolves host Quinton Byfield Bobblehead Night at home to the Barrie Colts. The first 1,000 fans into the arena on Friday will received a free Quinton Byfield Bobblehead!
READ MORE AT SUDBURYWOLVES.COM

Firebirds Fight Hunger: The Flint Firebirds have partnered with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan for the team’s fifth annual “Firebirds Fight Hunger” campaign. Fans are encouraged to bring in a minimum of five non-perishable food items to be donated during Friday’s game against the visiting Oshawa Generals, as well as Saturday’s tilt against the London Knights.
MORE DETAILS AT FLINTFIREBIRDS.COM

Storm presents “Angels in the Stands”: As the Storm host the Peterborough Petes on Friday, January 3rd, they’ll be presenting their first annual “Angels in the Stands” game in support of Michael House. Michael House provides pregnancy and parenting support services to pregnant and parenting women in the community. There will be contests held and “Holiday Hoopla” Fan Bags containing Guelph Storm baseball caps and other fun items available for purchase. All donations will go toward Michael House.
READ MORE AT GUELPHSTORM.COM

Ted Lindsay Night in Saginaw: The Saginaw Spirit pay homage to a Detroit Red Wings all-time great on Saturday on Ted Lindsay Night at the Dow Event Center. Fans will have the opportunity to have their photo taken alongside the Ted Lindsay MVP Trophy in the Red Room prior to game time.
FULL DETAILS AT SAGINAWSPIRIT.COM

67’s host Teddy Bear Toss: Sunday’s tilt against the visiting Erie Otters is the Ottawa 67’s Teddy Bear Toss game, where fans are welcome to bring new or gently used stuffed animals to be launched onto the ice following the first Ottawa goal, where they will then be collected and later donated. Bears will also be available for purchase.
MORE INFO AT OTTAWA67s.COM

Isaac Nurse Bobblehead Night in Hamilton: The first 1000 fans to arrive for Sunday’s matchup between the host Hamilton Bulldogs and the Niagara IceDogs will receive an exclusive Isaac Nurse Bobblehead, one of three different bobbleheads available at Bulldogs games this season.

ALUMNI NOTES:

3 OHL grads win Spengler Cup with Canada: Three OHL graduates are Spengler Cup champions after representing Canada at the annual clash in Davos, Switzerland. Canada returned to the top of the podium after settling for second place last year, winning their 16th event title and fourth in the past five years. OHL graduates Brendan Burke (Univ. of Alberta/London Knights), Dustin Jeffrey (Lausanne HC/Soo Greyhounds) and Mathew Maione (Dinamo Riga/Niagara IceDogs) were part of the Canadian squad.

Stephens scores first NHL goal: Former Saginaw Spirit and London Knights forward Mitchell Stephens scored his first career NHL goal on Saturday. The 22-year-old helped the Tampa Bay Lightning defeat the Montreal Canadiens 5-4, scoring in his eighth career contest. A second round pick of the Lightning in the 2015 NHL Draft, Stephens had registered 10 points (5-5–10) in 24 games with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch to start the season and now has a goal through 11 contests with the Lightning. Stephens played in the OHL from 2013-17, spending three and a half seasons in Saginaw before finishing his career in London. The Peterborough, Ont. native put up 160 points (73-87–160) over 209 career regular season contests.

Marchment makes NHL debut: Mississauga Steelheads graduate Mason Marchment made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. The 24-year-old from Uxbridge, Ont. was called up by the Leafs earlier this week after recording four points (2-2–4) in 11 games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies to start the season. Marchment, who was a Calder Cup champion with the Marlies in 2018, played two OHL seasons between Erie, Hamilton and Mississauga from 2014-16. He is the son of OHL graduate and long-time NHL defenceman Bryan Marchment.

Smith makes NHL debut: It was a long time coming for Dalton Smith, but the Ottawa 67’s graduate made his NHL debut at 27-years-old on New Year’s Eve as the Buffalo Sabres fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-4. Smith, who has spent parts of eight seasons in the minors since graduating from the 67’s in 2011-12, was sent back to the the AHL’s Rochester Americans following the game, but will always have the memory of his first NHL contest. The 6-foot-2, 217Ib. winger spent four seasons in Ottawa from 2008-12, recording 105 points (50-55–105) over 196 career regular season contests. He was a second round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010.

11 OHL grads named to AHL All-Star rosters: A total of 11 OHL grads have been named to AHL All-Star Game rosters including Andrew Aggozzino (WBS Penguins/Niagara IceDogs), Reid Boucher (Utica Comets/Sarnia Sting), Kyle Capobianco (Tucson Roadrunners/Sudbury Wolves), Morgan Frost (Lehigh Valley Phantoms/Soo Greyhounds), Joey Keane (Hartford Wolf Pack/London Knights), Rasmus Sandin (Toronto Marlies/Soo Greyhounds), Michael Sgarbossa (Hershey Bears/Sudbury Wolves), Anthony Stolarz (San Diego Gulls/London Knights), Jack Studnicka (Providence Bruins/Niagara IceDogs), Chris Terry (Grand Rapids Griffins/Plymouth Whalers), Owen Tippett (Springfield Thunderbirds/Saginaw Spirit). Former OHL coaches behind the bench will include Kris Knoblauch (Hartford Wolf Pack/Erie Otters) and Jay Varady (Tucson Roadrunners/Kingston Frontenacs) as well as OHL playing graduate Chris Taylor (Rochester Americans/London Knights). The 2020 AHL All-Star Classic is set for January 26-27 in Ontario, California.
READ MORE AT THEAHL.COM

Dansk named AHL Goaltender of the Month: Erie Otters graduate Oscar Dansk is the AHL Goaltender of the Month for December, going 7-0 with a 1.57 goals-against average and .943 save percentage with the Chicago Wolves, top affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights. Dansk is 11-6 with a 2.75 goals-against average and .903 save percentage in Chicago this season. The 25-year-old played two seasons in Erie from 2012-14, going 40-32-4-3 with a 3.25 goals-against average and .897 save percentage. He was a second round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2012.

Timmins’ game continuing to come around: Soo Greyhounds graduate Conor Timmins has battled injury since graduating from the OHL in 2018. The 21-year-old Colorado Avalanche prospect is finding success in 2019-20 though, recording 13 points (3-10–13) in 22 games with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles. TheAHL.com’s Demitri Herrera takes a closer look at where Timmins fits into Colorado’s plans as he continues to develop in their farm system.
READ MORE AT THEAHL.COM

Parsons named ECHL Goaltender of the Week: London Knights graduate Tyler Parsons is the ECHL Goaltender of the Week, going 2-0 with a shutout and a 1.00 goals-against average for the Kansas City Mavericks. The 22-year-old is 6-3 with a 2.76 goals-against average and .916 save percentage in 10 games with Kansas City this season. The Chesterfield, Mich. native is a Calgary Flames prospect who was selected in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft. Parsons, who won a Memorial Cup with London in 2016, played three OHL seasons with the Knights from 2014-17, going 75-25-4-6 with a 2.65 goals-against average and .918 save percentage.

Maletta makes return to ice with Brock Badgers: It’s been a long road back for OHL graduate Jordan Maletta, but the 24-year-old, who once signed a three-year entry level deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets, has returned to the ice with the Brock Badgers Men’s Hockey program. Maletta suits up under former Niagara IceDogs head coach Marty Williamson in St. Catharines after missing out on the entire 2018-19 season. The 6-foot-3, 215Ib. centreman played two pro seasons in the Columbus organization before being sidelined with an injury. The former first round pick in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection played five OHL seasons between Windsor and Niagara, recording 191 points (82-109–191) over 314 regular season games.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Peterborough Petes at Guelph Storm
Friday, January 3rd

Coming off a 5-0 loss, their third defeat in four games since returning from the holiday break, and trailing two points behind the league-leading Ottawa 67’s, the Peterborough Petes will be as hungry as ever for victory when they head to Guelph Friday evening for their second game of the New Year.

This will be the second meeting of the two clubs, with Guelph having claimed victory in their first tilt just recently on Dec. 28 by a 3-2 OT tally. Former Pete Pavel Gogolev notched the overtime winner against his previous team just 12 seconds in.

Rookie Mason McTavish continues to impress, skating in with 32 points to his name through just as many games atop the rookie scoring list. He netted his first career hat trick and career-high five point showing last weekend in his club’s 7-3 trampling over the Niagara IceDogs.

Guelph skates into the match having won six of their last 10 games. Gogolev leads the team with 57 points (27-30-57) and goals in his last nine games. He’s followed by Montreal draft pick Cam Hillis and then Eric Uba, who’s picked up seven points (2-5-7) in his last four games.

Saginaw Spirit at Kitchener Rangers
Friday, January 3rd

Two must-see Western Conference teams in Saginaw and Kitchener will go head-to-head on Friday evening at the Aud, looking to build on their win streaks and kick off the New Year in the win column.

The Rangers have won 11 of their last 12 games and are heading into Friday’s tilt on a three-game win skid that has seen multi-point performances from their leading trio of Riley Damiani, Jonathan Yantsis, and Greg Meireles. In fact, Meireles, a sixth round draft pick of the Florida Panthers last June, has picked up points in his last seven games. Jacob Ingham has continued to stand tall between the pipes with 11 wins in his last 13 starts and two shutouts within the last month.

Saginaw rolls in with six straight wins under their belt. In the absence of many of the league’s top scorers to their respective World Junior squads, top NHL Draft hopeful Cole Perfetti has seamlessly continued to soar among the league’s point leaders, heading into Friday’s game with an eighth-best 55 (20-35-55) to his name. He’s amassed points in his last five games.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

Friday January 3rd:
Oshawa at Flint – 7:00pm
Erie at Kingston – 7:00pm
Owen Sound at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Barrie at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Windsor at Soo – 7:07pm
Peterborough at Guelph – 7:30pm
Saginaw at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Mississauga at London – 7:30pm

Saturday January 4th:
Kingston at Hamilton – 4:00pm
London at Flint – 7:00pm
Kitchener at Niagara – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Windsor at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Sarnia at Soo – 7:07pm
North Bay at Barrie – 7:30pm
Guelph at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday January 5th:
Kitchener at Guelph – 2:00pm
Niagara at Hamilton – 2:00pm
Peterborough at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Windsor at North Bay – 2:00pm
Erie at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Sarnia at Saginaw – 5:30pm

Forwards Evangelista & Francis added to 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press Release

2020 Top Prospects Game

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with National Hockey League Central Scouting announce that forwards Luke Evangelista of the London Knights and Ryan Francis of the Cape Breton Eagles have been added to the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

The pair replace Hendrix Lapierre of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens and Oliver Suni of the Oshawa Generals who will be unable to compete due to injury.

Evangelista is a 17-year-old from Oakville, Ontario, playing in his second season with the Knights after being chosen in the first round of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.  He ranks fourth in team scoring with 33 points in 35 games including 14 goals and 19 assists.  Francis, an 18-year-old from Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia, is in his third season with the Eagles where he ranks second in team scoring with 15 goals and 32 assists for 47 points in 35 games.  He was originally selected by the club in the second round of the 2017 QMJHL Entry Draft.  Both players were identified as ‘C’ rated prospects in NHL Central Scouting’s Players to Watch list released in November.

The 25th annual showcase of top CHL players eligible for the NHL Draft takes place on Thursday January 16, 2020, and is hosted by the Hamilton Bulldogs with 40 talents from across the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

The 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is proudly supported by new title partner Kubota Canada, and CHL associate partners CIBC, Kia Canada, and Cooper Tires.  The game will be broadcast live across Canada on Sportsnet and TVA Sports, and in the United States on NHL Network.

Tickets are on sale for the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at ticketmaster.ca or call 855-985-4357.  For group and promotional inquiries, please contact the Hamilton Bulldogs at 905-529-8500.

For more information please visit http://kubotatopprospects.ca.

About Kubota Canada
Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) is a subsidiary of Kubota Corporation, a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. KCL markets and distributes Kubota-engineered and manufactured equipment, which includes a complete line of tractors (up to 210-horsepower), performance-matched implements, compact and utility tractors, compact construction, landscaping and public work equipment, residential lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles. For product literature or dealer rentals, visit: kubota.ca.

OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press Release

academic players for December

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Giordano Biondi of the Sudbury Wolves, Cameron Tolnai of the Ottawa 67’s, Stuart Rolofs of the London Knights, and Jacob Holmes of the Soo Greyhounds have been named the OHL Academic Players of the Month for December.

East Division: Ottawa’s Cameron Tolnai is the East Division Academic Player for the month of December. He boasts a 92% average in his grade 12 university level courses that include International Business, Economics, Kinesiology, and Advanced Functions at Blyth Academy Ottawa. Upon graduating, Tolnai plans on pursuing a Business Commerce university degree.

His work ethic has stood out among his teachers, teammates, and peers. “Cam epitomizes a student athlete,” said Eileen Duffin, 67’s Academic Advisor. “He is an extremely motivated student, committed to only turning in top notch work while balancing the demands of the hockey schedule.”

The 67’s drafted the Oakville, Ont. native sixth overall in 2018 OHL Priority Selection after he put up 80 points (31-49-80) in just 35 games with the Oakville Rangers Minor Midgets. Tolnai totaled three goals and 10 assists for 13 points in his rookie season as a 67, and has seven points (2-5-7) through 28 games so far in his sophomore year.

Central Division: Giordano Biondi of the Sudbury Wolves has been named December’s OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month. He holds an 87.3% average in three grade 12 courses (Advanced Functions, Kinesiology, and Chemistry) at Lo Ellen Park Secondary.

“Giordano is always engaged in class lessons and activities,” writes one of his teachers. “[He] takes responsibility for his own learning.”

Biondi has scored one goal through his first 13 games with the Wolves. He was selected in the 14th round of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection out of the Sudbury Wolves Minor Midget program where he registered nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points in 21 games played. A Sudbury native, Biondi spent the 2018-19 season with the NOJHL’s Rayside-Belfour Canadians, amassing 32 points (15-17-32) in 47 games.

Midwest Division: London’s Stuart Rolofs has been recognized as the Midwest Division’s Academic Player of the Month for December. A grade 11 student at Blyth Academy in London, he’s maintained an 84% average and has received praise for his respect and determination in the classroom.

“Stuart is a dedicated and ambitious student who maintains strong relationships with both his peers and teachers,” said Patricia Hurley, the Knights’ Academic Advisor.

Rolofs, who hails from Carp, Ont., was drafted 20th overall by the Knights last April. He’s earned two assists through his first 15 OHL games and put up high numbers with the Kanata Lasers U18 program last year, rounding out the season with 33 goals and 24 assists for 57 points in 39 games.

West Division: West Division Academic Player of the Month honours have been awarded to Jacob Holmes of the Soo Greyhounds. He holds an overall average of 81% at Superior Heights Secondary School that notably includes a 99% mark in Mathematics. Holmes is described by his teachers as “a well-liked student/athlete who works willingly and cooperatively with his classmates.” Holmes has also received positive comments on behalf of the school’s administrative staff.

“[Jacob] has successfully demonstrated that he has adjusted well to the many challenges of life in the Ontario Hockey League,” stated Greyhounds Academic Advisors Jerry Bumbacco and Mary-Lynne Lukenda.

Holmes, a native of Alliston, Ont., was a first round draft pick of the Greyhounds in last April’s OHL Priority Selection. He has collected three goals and four assists for seven points through 33 games with the Greyhounds in his rookie season. He represented Team Black at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in November where he registered an assist in five games.

2019-20 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

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

Central Division:
December – Giordano Biondi (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Jonah De Simone (Niagara IceDogs)
October – Pacey Schlueting (North Bay Battalion)

Midwest Division:
December – Stuart Rolofs (London Knights)
November – Michael Vukojevic (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Zack Terry (Guelph Storm)

West Division:
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.

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Player of the Month for December.

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

We hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. While we enjoyed the holidays with friends and family and the great entertainment of the World Junior Championships, we need to take care of a little business and announce our draft eligible player of the month for December.

And that player is Marco Rossi of the Ottawa 67’s.

Rossi, Marco
Marco Rossi of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by OHL Images

Rossi appeared in six games through the month of December, scoring 9 goals and adding 7 helpers. He had three multi goal games, two multi assist games and all but one game was a multi point game. Rossi was named the game’s first star in four contests and second star in another.

Not only does Rossi lead all draft eligible players in most offensive categories, but leads the entire OHL in points (66), sixth in goals (24), second in assists (42) and has a large lead over the rest of the league with a plus-42.

Also considered were Brandon Coe of the North Bay Battalion with 7 goals and 7 assists in 9 games, Jacob Perreault of the Sarnia Sting with 8 goals and 7 assists in 10 games and Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit with 7 goals and 6 assists in 8 games.

In goal, Owen Bennett of the Guelph Storm gets the nod as he tries to hold the fort while Nico Daws represents Canada at the World Junior Championships. Bennett went 4-2-0-1 through December with a .903 Save Percentage.

Our previous players of the month

December – Marco Rossi – Ottawa 67’s

November – Marco Rossi – Ottawa 67’s

October – Cole Perfetti – Saginaw Spirit

OHL’s Draft Eligible Statistical Leaders as of December

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Rossi, Marco
Marco Rossi of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by OHL Images

Everyone saw it coming, or at least should have. At least we here at OHL Writers were paying attention in October. There’s a new king at the top of the pack among the Ontario Hockey League’s players eligible for the 2020 National Hockey League Draft.

That player: Marco Rossi of the Ottawa 67’s.

Rossi leads in just about every offensive category. First in goals, assists, points, tops in faceoff winning percentage and a whopping plus/minus of +41, well ahead of his counterparts. Rossi also possesses the longest goal scoring streak, assist streak and point streak of the season.

Someone is sure to mention this: Quinton Byfield of the Sudbury Wolves, who has been at the top of the lists and projected as the second overall pick at the NHL Draft has missed time while at Team Canada’s Camp and the 2020 World Junior Championships.

Sure, that is a fact. But Rossi has missed time himself, albeit for a suspension and has played in 4 fewer games then Byfield.

This is not an attempt to make a case for Rossi to be ranked ahead of Byfield. Central Scouting has him ranked in the first round as does many others. Where in the first round is anyone’s guess right now.

One thing we do know for sure is the NHL GM’s shy away from pick a 5’9” forward such as Rossi too early. Over the years, they haven’t learned that these smaller guys can excel at the NHL level. Maybe, just maybe, they’ve learned from watching Alex DeBrincat and Rossi gets selected where he deserves to be.

Let’s not hold our breaths though.

Here are the statistical leaders at the end of December. While we take great care in compiling stats, always refer to the OHL Website for official stats.

Points Leaders
Player Team GP G A Pts
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 26 23 39 62
Quinton Byfield Sudbury Wolves 30 22 35 57
Cole Perfetti Saginaw Spirit 34 20 35 55
Jacob Perreault Sarnia Sting 33 22 22 44
Tyson Foerster Barrie Colts 33 19 23 42
Jack Quinn Ottawa 67’s 32 21 15 36
Ty Tullio Oshawa Generals 33 14 21 35
Rory Kerins Soo Greyhounds 37 18 16 34
Luke Evangelista London Knights 35 14 19 33
Jaromir Pytlik Soo Greyhounds 31 14 18 32
Goal Scoring Leaders
Player Team GP G GPG
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 26 23 0.88
Quinton Byfield Sudbury Wolves 30 22 0.73
Jacob Perreault Sarnia Sting 33 22 0.67
Jack Quinn Ottawa 67’s 32 21 0.66
Cole Perfetti Saginaw Spirit 34 20 0.59
Tyson Foerster Barrie Colts 33 19 0.58
Zayde Wisdom Kingston Frontenacs 34 19 0.56
Rory Kerins Soo Greyhounds 37 18 0.49
Antonio Stranges London Knights 34 15 0.44
Ty Tullio Oshawa Generals 33 14 0.42
Assist Leaders
Player Team GP A APG
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 26 39 1.50
Quinton Byfield Sudbury Wolves 30 35 1.17
Cole Perfetti Saginaw Spirit 34 35 1.03
Jamie Drysdale Erie Otters 29 25 0.86
Tyson Foerster Barrie Colts 33 23 0.70
Jacob Perreault Sarnia Sting 33 22 0.67
Ty Tullio Oshawa Generals 33 21 0.64
Tanner Dickinson Soo Greyhounds 37 21 0.57
Brandon Coe North Bay Battalion 33 19 0.58
Luke Evangelista London Knights 35 19 0.54
Defencemen Point Leaders
Player Team GP G A Pts
Jamie Drysdale Erie Otters 29 6 25 31
Jack Thompson Sudbury Wolves 36 9 11 20
Ryan O’Rourke Soo Greyhounds 27 6 14 20
Alec Belanger Ottawa 67’s 32 4 16 20
Ruben Rafkin Windsor Spitfires 31 1 16 17
Donovan Sebrango Kitchener Rangers 29 3 13 16
Isaak Phillips Sudbury Wolves 36 4 9 13
Ole Bjorgvik-Hol Mississauga Steelheads 37 1 12 13
Plus/Minus Leaders
Player Team GP +/-
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 26 +41
Ryan O’Rourke Soo Greyhounds 27 +23
Jack Quinn Ottawa 67’s 32 +23
Cole Perfetti Saginaw Spirit 34 +18
Quinton Byfield Sudbury Wolves 30 +17
Jaromir Pytlik Soo Greyhounds 31 +13
Anthony Costantini Ottawa 67’s 30 +11
Shawn Spearing Peterborough Petes 31 +11
Dylan Robinson Windsor Spitfires 32 +11
Alec Belanger Ottawa 67’s 32 +9
Penalty Minutes Leaders
Player Team GP PIM M/G
Hayden Fowler Erie Otters 33 48 1.45
Ryan O’Rourke Soo Greyhounds 27 44 1.63
Gerard Keane London Knights 32 44 1.38
Reid Valade Kitchener Rangers 30 40 1.33
Michael Renwick Hamilton Bulldogs 35 38 1.09
Faceoff Leaders (minimum 140 faceoffs)
Player Team GP FOA FOW %
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 26 548 320 58.4
Isaac Langdon Kitchener Rangers 30 301 175 58.1
Nick Wong Kingston Frontenacs 34 171 96 56.1
Hayden Fowler Erie Otters 33 204 114 55.9
Will Cuylle Windsor Spitfires 33 141 75 53.2
Aiden Prueter Mississauga Steelheads 37 356 188 52.8
Quinton Byfield Sudbury Wolves 30 416 214 51.4
Rory Kerins Soo Greyhounds 37 657 337 51.3
Cole Perfetti Saginaw Spirit 34 198 101 51.0
Longest Goal Scoring Streak
Player Team From To Gms Goals
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 11/17 12/1 6 10
Longest Assist Streak
Player Team From To Gms Assts
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 11/16 12/28 11 17
Longest Point Streak
Player Team From To Gms Pts
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 11/10 12/29 14 36
Shots On Goal Leaders
Player Team GP SOG
Cole Perfetti Saginaw Spirit 34 139
Tyson Foerster Barrie Colts 33 121
Jacob Perreault Sarnia Sting 33 113
Jaromir Pytlik Soo Greyhounds 31 112
Ty Tullio Oshawa Generals 33 108
Goaltenders Leaders – Goals Against Average
Player Team GP Min GA Avg
Nick Chenard Owen Sound Attack 7 371 15 2.43
Brett Brochu London Knights 21 1007 48 2.86
Zachary Paputsakis Oshawa Generals 20 986 51 3.10
Will Cranley Ottawa 67’s 9 497 27 3.26
Owen Bennett Guelph Storm 14 805 47 3.50
Goaltending Leaders – Save Percentage
Player Team GP SH SVS SV%
Nick Chenard Owen Sound Attack 7 841 772 0.918
Tucker Tynan Niagara IceDogs 23 916 834 0.910
Brett Brochu London Knights 21 485 437 0.901
Zachary Paputsakis Oshawa Generals 20 496 445 0.897
Owen Bennett Guelph Storm 14 451 404 0.896
Goaltending Leaders – Wins
Player Team GP W L OL
Brett Brochu London Knights 21 12 5 0
Tucker Tynan Niagara IceDogs 23 11 8 4
Xavier Medina Windsor Spitfires 16 9 4 2
Owen Bennett Guelph Storm 14 8 5 1
Marco Costantini Hamilton Bulldogs 21 8 9 2
Goaltending Leaders – Shutouts
Player Team GP SO
Brett Brochu London Knights 21 2
Will Cranley Ottawa 67’s 9 1
Zachary Paputsakis Oshawa Generals 20 1

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Top Performers December

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in December 2019, including Mississauga Steelheads forward Cole Schwindt, Ottawa 67’s defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer, Peterborough Petes rookie Mason McTavish and Kitchener Rangers goaltender Jacob Ingham.

OHL Player of the Month – Cole Schwindt (Mississauga Steelheads):
Florida Panthers prospect Cole Schwindt of the Mississauga Steelheads is the OHL Player of the Month for December, leading the league with 21 points including 12 goals, nine assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-7 over 12 games. The 6-foot-3, 186Ib. centreman recorded at least a point in 11 of his 12 December outings headlined by six different multi-point showings. Schwindt scored the late third period game winner in a 4-2 triumph over the North Bay Battalion on Dec. 13th and put up a goal and an assist a night later as the Steelheads fell to the Sarnia Sting 7-6. He earned second star honours on Dec. 19th in Windsor, scoring twice while adding an assist as the Trout fell to the Windsor Spitfires 5-4 in overtime. Schwindt recorded a career-high four points on Dec. 28th in Owen Sound, posting his first career OHL hat-trick in a 6-3 win over the Attack. He finished 2019 on a high note, scoring another hat-trick as the Steelheads skated to a 5-2 win in Hamilton on Dec. 31st. Schwindt earned three star recognition six times in December, recording over half of his 40 points this season over the course of the month.

An 18-year-old from Kitchener, Ont., Schwindt leads the Steelheads with 40 points including 17 goals and 23 assists in 37 games this season. The third year veteran is well on his way to surpassing last year’s total of 49 points as he continues to produce at over a point-per-game clip. Originally a fourth round pick of the Steelheads in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, Schwindt was selected by the Florida Panthers in the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft.

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 second time this season after recording 13 points including five goals, eight assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-8 over seven contests. Hoefenmayer recorded at least a point in six of his seven December outings including three different three-point efforts as Ottawa enjoyed a perfect 7-0 month. After pitching in with a goal and an assist in a 5-1 win over Gatineau on Dec. 8th, Hoefenmayer dished out three assists on Dec. 14th as the 67’s defeated the Barrie Colts 7-2. He played a central role in Ottawa’s 5-4 road win over the Oshawa Generals on Dec. 20th, earning second star honours with two goals and an assist. Hoefenmayer finished 2019 with another three-point showing, scoring while adding two helpers in a 6-1 win over the Peterborough Petes on Dec. 29th.

A 20-year-old native of North York, Ont., Hoefenmayer leads OHL defenders with 49 points including 15 goals, 34 assists and a league-leading plus/minus rating of plus-32 over 33 games. The 6-foot-1 rearguard has been a big contributor on Ottawa’s top-ranked 30.2% power play this season, registering 22 points on the man advantage. A fifth-year veteran, Hoefenmayer is currently inside the franchise top-10 for both career points by a defenceman (189) and career games played (273). He 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 Rookie of the Month – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes):
Peterborough Petes forward Mason McTavish has been named OHL Rookie of the Month for the second time this season, leading all OHL freshmen with 11 points including nine goals and two assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-6 over nine December contests. McTavish struck for his first career OHL hat-trick in a 7-4 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs on Dec. 12th. He followed that up with two goals in a 3-2 road win over the Oshawa Generals a night later. The 6-foot, 198Ib. centre recorded a career-high five points on New Year’s Eve in Niagara, scoring three times while adding two assists in a 7-3 win over the IceDogs. McTavish was a key part of Peterborough’s offence in December, helping them climb to the top of the East Division.

A 16-year-old native of Pembroke, Ont., McTavish leads OHL rookies with 32 points including 24 goals, eight assists and a plus-8 rating over 31 games. The fifth overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, McTavish represented Canada White at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, recording three points (2-1–3) over six contests. He was the OHL Rookie of the Month for October.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Jacob Ingham (Kitchener Rangers):
Los Angeles Kings prospect Jacob Ingham of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for December, playing to a 9-1-0-0 record along with a 1.69 goals-against average, .948 save percentage and two shutouts over 10 appearances. Ingham won his first six December starts, posting a career-high 51 saves in a 3-2 shootout road win over the Owen Sound Attack on Dec. 7th. He registered a 28-save shutout on Dec. 10th in London, turned aside 35 of 36 on Dec. 14th for a 6-1 win in Guelph and stopped all 45 shots he faced in a 3-0 road win over Owen Sound on Dec. 18th. Ingham rounded out 2019 by stopping 35 of 36 in a 6-1 New Year’s Eve road win over the Erie Otters. In total, Ingham earned three star recognition six different times in December, receiving first star honours on three occasions.

A 19-year-old native of Barrie, Ont., Ingham owns a 16-4-2-1 record in this, his fourth OHL season. He’s posted a 2.61 goals-against average, .926 save percentage and two shutouts over 23 contests, helping the Rangers turn their season around to sit second in the Midwest Division. The 6-foot-4, 198Ib. netminder owns a career record of 76-57-7-8 with a 3.21 goals-against average and .897 save percentage over 154 regular season games between Kitchener and Mississauga. He was a sixth round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2018 NHL Draft. Ingham was originally selected by the Mississsauga Steelheads in the second round of the 2016 OHL Priority Selection.

2019-20 OHL Performers of the Month:

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

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

Rookie of the Month:
December – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes)
November – Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
October – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes)

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