CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Chekhovich and Dhillon earn national honours

Drakkar’s Ivan Chekhovich named CHL Player of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that San Jose Sharks prospect Ivan Chekhovich of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar is the CHL Player of the Week for the regular season week ending October 28 after scoring five goals and three assists for eight points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-3.

Chekhovich began the week in style delivering his second five-point performance of the 2018-19 season which included a hat-trick and two assists as first star of Wednesday’s 6-5 shootout victory over the Quebec Remparts.  On Friday night he contributed a first period goal as part of another shootout victory for the Drakkar, this time against the Chicoutimi Sagueneens by a 4-3 score to open the rivalry week home-and-home series.  The Drakkar also emerged victorious in Saturday’s rematch in Baie-Comeau by a 4-1 score with Chekhovich netting a goal and an assist while earning third star honours.  The three-game win-streak lifted the Drakkar back into first place in the QMJHL’s overall standings with a 12-3-0-1 record.

A 19-year-old from Yekaterinburg, Russia, Chekhovich is playing in his third QMJHL season with the Drakkar since joining the club as the third overall selection in the 2016 CHL Import Draft.  Through 16 games his 10 goals and 14 assists give him 24 points which ranks tied for fifth overall in the QMJHL.  The seventh round pick of the Sharks in 2017 is expected to compete in the 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series representing his country against Team QMJHL November 13 in Sherbooke and November 15 in Drummondville.

Also considered for the award this week was last week’s recipient Justin Brazeau of the North Bay Battalion with four goals and four assists for eight points in three games, and Washington Capitals prospect Alexander Alexeyev of the Red Deer Rebels who scored three goals and five assists for eight points in four games.

2018-19 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Oct. 22 – Oct. 28: Ivan Chekhovich (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)
Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Damien Giroux (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Dawson Davidson (Saskatoon Blades)
Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Luka Burzan (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Kirby Dach (Saskatoon Blades)

IceDogs’ Stephen Dhillon named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Stephen Dhillon of the Niagara IceDogs is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the regular season week ending October 28 with a 3-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 0.97 and save percentage of .970.

Dhillon picked up his first shutout of the season last Wednesday with a 28-save performance that earned him first star honours in a 3-0 victory over the Peterborough Petes.  He helped extend the IceDogs winning-streak to four with a pair of road wins in Michigan including a 3-2 shootout triumph on Saturday over the Saginaw Spirit where he made 36 saves, then a 7-1 win over the Flint Firebirds on Sunday where he stopped 33 and was named the game’s third star.  Niagara has now climbed into first place in the OHL’s Central Division standings with a 9-4-2-0 record.

A 20-year-old from Buffalo, New York, Dhillon is now a five-year veteran of the IceDogs who chose him in the third round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  He’s on pace for his best season to date with seven wins in 11 games while carrying a goals-against-average of 2.59 and a save percentage of .921.

Also considered for the award this week was Creed Jones of the Gatineau Olympiques who posted a 2-0-0-0 record stopping 64 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .970.  In the WHL, 2019 NHL Draft prospect Dustin Wolf of the Everett Silvertips who posted a 3-1-0-0 record including a shutout victory stopping 93 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.01 and save percentage of .959.

2018-19 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:

Oct. 22 – Oct. 28: Stephen Dhillon (Niagara IceDogs)
Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Émile Samson (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Alexis Gravel (Halifax Mooseheads)
Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Trent Miner (Vancouver Giants)
Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Luke Richardson (Kitchener Rangers)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)

IceDogs’ Stephen Dhillon named OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Niagara IceDogs goaltender Stephen Dhillon is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the regular season week ending October 28 after posting a 3-0-0-0 record including one shutout for a goals-against-average of 0.97 and save percentage of .970.

Dhillon turned aside 97 shots last week which backstopped the IceDogs to a trio of victories to climb into first place in the Central Division standings with a 9-4-2-0 record.  He earned his first shutout of the season last Wednesday making 28 saves to blank the Peterborough Petes claiming first star honours in the 3-0 home ice decision.  Dhillon then won back-to-back games in Michigan to wrap up the weekend including a 3-2 victory Saturday night in Saginaw where he made 36 saves plus two in the shootout to edge the Spirit, then Sunday afternoon in Flint where his 33-save performance earned him third star honours in the 7-1 win over the Firebirds.

A 20-year-old from Buffalo, New York, Dhillon is now a five-year veteran of the IceDogs who chose him in the third round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  He’s now played in exactly 150 career OHL games amassing 67 wins with a cumulative goals-against-average of 3.27 and save percentage of .907.  His totals so far this season better those marks as he carries a 2.59 goals-against-average and .921 save percentage through 11 games with both figures among the top-five across the league.

Watch video highlights of Dhillon and the IceDogs against the Petes, Spirit, and Firebirds.

Also considered for the award this week was last week’s recipient Justin Brazeau of the North Bay Battalion who once again led the league in scoring with eight points in three games including four goals and four assists.  His teammate Matthew Struthers also had a strong week with three goals and four assists for seven points in three games, while Jonathan Yantsis of the Kitchener Rangers scored three goals and three assists for six points in two games.

2018-19 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Oct. 22 – Oct. 28: Stephen Dhillon (Niagara IceDogs)
Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Damien Giroux (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury Wolves)
Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Lucas Chiodo (Barrie Colts)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Akil Thomas (Niagara IceDogs)

Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the week six edition of the Kia CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2018-19 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 6:

Rank: Team: Last Week Rank: Number of Weeks Ranked:
1 Prince Albert Raiders (13-1-0-0) 1 4
2 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (11-2-0-0) 2 3
3 Halifax Mooseheads (11-3-0-0) 3 6
4 Ottawa 67’s (10-3-1-0) 8 3
5 Vancouver Giants (10-2-2-0) 6 4
6 Baie-Comeau Drakkar (9-3-0-1) 7 4
7 Victoria Royals (8-3-0-0) 4 3
8 Mississauga Steelheads (8-3-1-0) – 1
9 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (8-3-2-0) – 1
10 Moncton Wildcats (8-3-2-0) – 1
Honourable Mention:
Saskatoon Blades (8-3-1-0) – 1
Red Deer Rebels (8-3-1-0) – 0
Portland Winterhawks (7-3-0-1) – 1

Kia CHL Top 10

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Battalion’s Justin Brazeau named CHL Player of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Justin Brazeau of the North Bay Battalion is the CHL Player of the Week for the regular season week ending October 21 after recording nine points in two games including four goals and five assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-3.

Brazeau produced a pair of multi-point performances highlighted by a Battalion record-tying output to take over the lead in the OHL’s scoring race.  He scored a goal and an assist on Thursday earning second star honours despite a 4-3 loss to the Mississauga Steelheads, then scored a hat-trick with four assists on Sunday as first star of an 8-3 win over the Kingston Frontenacs.  The hat-trick was his second of the season, scored entirely in the first period, while the seven points match the club’s all-time best set by Wojtek Wolski back in 2006.

A 20-year-old from New Liskeard, Ont., Brazeau is playing in his fourth season with the Battalion who chose him in the 13th round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  His league-best 25 points in 12 games includes 12 goals and 13 assists bringing him a third of the way towards his career-high 75 points recorded in 68 games last season.  The overage forward was named team captain prior to the 2018-19 season after attending San Jose Sharks Training Camp as a Free Agent invite.

Also considered for the award this week was Mark Kastelic of the Calgary Hitmen who scored five goals and three assists for eight points in four games, and Daniel Hardie of the Charlottetown Islanders with three goals and three assists for six points in two games.

2018-19 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Damien Giroux (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Dawson Davidson (Saskatoon Blades)
Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Luka Burzan (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Kirby Dach (Saskatoon Blades)

Armada’s Émile Samson named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Émile Samson of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the regular season week ending October 21 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record with one shutout for a goals-against-average of 0.50 and save percentage of .984.

Samson turned aside 61 shots last week for the Armada who climbed into seventh place in the QMJHL’s overall standings holding a 7-4-1-0 record.  He recorded his first shutout of the season on Friday night with a 32-save performance to blank the Val-d’Or Foreurs by a 4-0 score while earning third star honours.  On Saturday night he delivered a first star effort against the Quebec Remparts featuring 29 saves in a 4-1 triumph.

A 19-year-old from Lévis, Quebec, Samson is playing in his second QMJHL season with the Armada after joining the club as a Free Agent one year ago.  So far this season he carries a 6-2-1-0 record with the league’s second best goals-against-average and save percentage with marks of 1.86 and .939 respectively.  Last season as a rookie he won 17 of his 27 regular season appearances followed by another 13 playoff victories helping the Armada reach the President Cup Final.

Also considered for the award this week was Boston Bruins prospect Kyle Keyser of the Oshawa Generals who posted a 3-0-0-0 record making 88 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.33 and save percentage of .957, and rookie Trent Miner of the Vancouver Giants who went 1-0-1-0 stopping 59 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.48 and save percentage of .952.

2018-19 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:

Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Émile Samson (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Alexis Gravel (Halifax Mooseheads)
Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Trent Miner (Vancouver Giants)
Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Luke Richardson (Kitchener Rangers)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)

CHL Leagues

Battalion’s Justin Brazeau named OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that North Bay Battalion captain Justin Brazeau is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the regular season week ending October 21 with nine points in two games scoring four goals and five assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-3.

Brazeau took over sole possession of the OHL’s scoring lead on Sunday while tying a Battalion single-game record with a seven point performance.  He scored his second hat-trick of the season accounting for the club’s first three goals in 11:31 of the first period then added four assists to earn first star honours in an 8-3 win over the Kingston Frontenacs.  The seven points equals franchise great Wojtek Wolski who had four goals and three assists in a 9-4 decision over the Erie Otters in Brampton on January 22, 2006.  Brazeau also scored once with an assist on Thursday as second star of a 4-3 loss to the Mississauga Steelheads in the Troops’ annual Pink in the Rink game.

A 20-year-old from New Liskeard, Ont., Brazeau is playing in his fourth season with the Battalion who chose him in the 13th round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  So far this season he’s scored 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points in 12 games to reach the 150 career point milestone which ranks 15th on the club’s all-time list.  In September the overage forward was appointed the club’s fifth captain in their North Bay tenure after leading the OHL pre-season in scoring.  Brazeau attended San Jose Sharks Training Camp as a Free Agent invite.

Watch video highlights of Brazeau and the Battalion against the Steelheads and Frontenacs.

Also considered for the award this week were a trio of players with nine points in three games led by Kevin Hancock of the Owen Sound Attack who scored five goals and four assists, plus a pair of Philadelphia Flyers prospects including Morgan Frost of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Matthew Strome of the Hamilton Bulldogs both recording three goals and six assists.

In goal, Boston Bruins prospect Kyle Keyser posted a 3-0-0-0 record between-the-pipes for the Oshawa Generals making 88 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.33 and save percentage of .957.

2018-19 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Damien Giroux (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury Wolves)
Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Lucas Chiodo (Barrie Colts)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Akil Thomas (Niagara IceDogs)

Where Greatness Begins: Sportsnet Announces 2018-19 CHL Broadcast Schedule

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

– Broadhead, Cosentino and Faulds return as CHL on Sportsnet broadcast team –

– Schedule includes weekly CHL Saturday Showcase matchups and marquee CHL events, including the 2019 Memorial Cup Presented by Kia in Halifax –

– Televised coverage begins Saturday as London Knights host Kitchener Rangers on Sportsnet 360 & Sportsnet NOW –

Join the conversation: #WhereGreatnessBegins

TORONTO (October 18, 2018) Delivering the sights, sounds and stars of the Canadian Hockey League to viewers across Canada, Sportsnet is set to deliver exclusive national coverage of the 2018-19 CHL season, beginning this week. Headlined by CHL Saturday Showcase broadcasts from around the league, Sportsnet’s CHL broadcast schedule also features three marquee events – the 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series, the 2019 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, and the 2019 Memorial Cup Presented by Kia.

CHL Sportsnet

As Canada’s Home of Hockey, Sportsnet drops the puck on its exclusive national English-language CHL coverage this Saturday, as the London Knights host the Kitchener Rangers on CHL Saturday Showcase at 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet 360 and Sportsnet NOW.

Hitting the ice for another season, play-by-play announcer R.J. Broadhead, game analyst Sam Cosentino and host Rob Faulds return as the CHL on Sportsnet team to deliver the latest news, analysis and insight to fans across Canada.

In addition to regular season coverage, the CHL on Sportsnet schedule includes:

  • 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series (Nov. 5-15, 2018) – The 16th annual best-on-best showdown between the CHL’s regional teams of Canadian World Junior candidates and the Russian National Junior Team.
  • 2019 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game (Jan. 23, 2019) – The CHL’s Top 40 NHL draft eligible players compete in front of scouts at the 24th annual showcase live from Red Deer, AB.
  • 2019 Memorial Cup Presented by Kia (May 17-26, 2019) – The Halifax Mooseheads host the 101st annual CHL championship tournament, facing off against the champions from the Ontario Hockey League, the Western Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Digital – Sportsnet.ca

The ultimate destination for Canadian hockey fans, the Junior Hockey page on sportsnet.ca is home to exclusive CHL articles, videos and content throughout the season, including:

  • 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship coverage – In-depth coverage from Sportsnet Insiders Mark Spector and Iain MacIntyre in Vancouver and Victoria, delivering insight on the players and teams that matter most to Canadian fans.
  • Top 31 2019 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings – Sam Cosentino delivers monthly articles to rank the NHL Draft eligible players from across the CHL and the globe.
  • CHL Notebook: Brad Coccimiglio captures the news, notes and highlights from around all three major junior leagues every Monday.
  • Ongoing news, videos, features and profiles from Sportsnet’s roster of hockey experts, including monthly prospect reports and live coverage from marquee events.

As Canada’s Home of Hockey, Sportsnet is now in its fifth season of a 12-year partnership with the Canadian Hockey League. Featuring a comprehensive suite of multimedia rights including television, online and mobile, Sportsnet is the exclusive English-language broadcaster of the CHL and Memorial Cup in Canada. The deal also includes a 12-year sub-licensing agreement with TVA Sports for exclusive French-language multiplatform rights for CHL games.

2018-19 CHL Regular Season Broadcast Schedule on Sportsnet

*All games available on Sportsnet NOW

October 2018

  • Saturday, Oct. 20, CHL Saturday Showcase: Kitchener @ London, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet 360)

 

November 2018

  • Nov. 5 to Nov. 15 – CIBC Canada Russia Series (broadcast schedule below)
  • Saturday, Nov. 17, CHL Saturday Showcase: London @ Guelph, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet & Sportsnet ONE)
  • Thursday, Nov. 22, Mississauga @ London, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (Sportsnet)
  • Saturday, Nov. 24, CHL Saturday Showcase: Lethbridge @ Moose Jaw, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet)

December 2018

  • Saturday, Dec. 1, CHL Saturday Showcase: Kingston @ Oshawa, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet & Sportsnet ONE)
  • Saturday, Dec. 8, CHL Saturday Showcase: Rimouski @ Sherbrooke, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet & Sportsnet ONE)
  • Saturday, Dec. 15, CHL Saturday Showcase: Sault Ste. Marie @ Hamilton, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet East, Ontario & Pacific)

January 2019

  • Saturday, Jan. 5, CHL Saturday Showcase: Medicine Hat @ Calgary, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet)
  • Saturday, Jan. 12, CHL Saturday Showcase: Ottawa @ London, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet ONE)
  • Saturday, Jan. 19, CHL Saturday Showcase: Calgary @ Edmonton, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet & Sportsnet ONE)
  • Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game: Team Cherry vs. Team Orr, 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT (Sportsnet East, Ontario & West, Sportsnet ONE & Sportsnet 360)
  • Thursday, Jan. 24, Prince Albert @ Vancouver, 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet East, Ontario, West & Sportsnet 360)
  • Saturday, Jan. 26, CHL Saturday Showcase: Oshawa @ Ottawa, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet)

February 2019

  • Saturday, Feb. 2, CHL Saturday Showcase: Rimouski @ Quebec, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet & Sportsnet ONE)
  • Saturday, Feb. 16, CHL Saturday Showcase: Charlottetown @ Halifax, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet & Sportsnet ONE)
  • Saturday, Feb. 23, CHL Saturday Showcase: Regina @ Moose Jaw, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet & Sportsnet ONE)

March 2019

  • Saturday, March 2, CHL Saturday Showcase: Lethbridge @ Regina, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet East, Ontario & Pacific)
  • Saturday, March 9, CHL Saturday Showcase: Oshawa @ Ottawa, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet)
  • Saturday, March 16, CHL Saturday Showcase: Charlottetown @ Halifax, 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT (Sportsnet & Sportsnet ONE)

2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series Broadcast Schedule on Sportsnet

*All games available on Sportsnet NOW

  • Monday, Nov. 5, Russia @ WHL, 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT (Sportsnet)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 6, Russia @ WHL, 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT (Sportsnet & Sportsnet ONE)
  • Thursday, Nov. 8, Russia @ OHL, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (Sportsnet East, Ontario & Sportsnet 360)
  • Monday, Nov. 12, Russia @ OHL, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (Sportsnet East, Ontario & West)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 13, Russia @ QMJHL, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (Sportsnet East, Ontario & Sportsnet ONE)
  • Thursday, Nov. 15, Russia @ QMJHL, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (Sportsnet East, Ontario & Sportsnet 360)

*schedule subject to change

Broadcast details for the CHL Playoffs and the 2019 Memorial Cup will be announced at a later date.

Social Media Links:

Official website, Sportsnet www.sportsnet.ca

Sportsnet NOW website, www.sportsnet.ca/now/

Join the conversation: #UnitedBySport

Like Sportsnet www.Facebook.com/Sportsnet

Like R.J. Broadhead @SNRJBroadhead

Like Rob Faulds @SNFaulds

Like Mark Spector @SportsnetSpec

Like Iain MacIntyre @imacSportsnet

Like Brad Coccimiglio @bradcoccimiglio

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About Sportsnet

Sportsnet is Canada’s #1 sports media brand. Uniting Canadians through sport, Sportsnet’s multimedia offerings include Sportsnet (consisting of 4 regional channels: East, Ontario, West, and Pacific), Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet World, the Sportsnet Radio Network, Sportsnet.ca, Sportsnet NOW, the Sportsnet app, and podcasts. Sportsnet is the official Canadian NHL national multiplatform rights holder, and is the regional broadcaster for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Sportsnet also has extensive coverage of the Blue Jays, as well as NBA, MLB, Grand Slam of Curling, Rogers Cup, CHL, IndyCar, WWE, Premier League, and FA Cup. Sportsnet is part of Rogers Media, which is a subsidiary of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX, NYSE: RCI). Visit Sportsnet.ca.

 

Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the week five edition of the Kia CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2018-19 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 5:

 

Rank: Team: Last Week Rank: Number of Weeks Ranked:
1 Prince Albert Raiders (11-1-0-0) 2 3
2 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (9-1-0-0) 6 2
3 Halifax Mooseheads (8-2-0-0) 3 5
4 Victoria Royals (7-1-0-0) 4 2
5 Peterborough Petes (8-2-0-0) – 1
6 Vancouver Giants (9-1-1-0) 7 3
7 Baie-Comeau Drakkar (8-2-0-1) 1 3
8 Ottawa 67’s (8-3-0-0) – 2
9 Saginaw Spirit (6-2-1-0) – 3
10 Guelph Storm (6-2-1-0) 9 2
Honourable Mention:
Seattle Thunderbirds (6-1-1-0) – 0
Moncton Wildcats (6-3-1-0) – 0
Mississauga Steelheads (6-2-1-0) – 0

Kia CHL Top 10

Team OHL Roster Announced for 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League, in collaboration with the Canadian Hockey League and Hockey Canada, today announced the Team OHL rosters for the 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series.

Canada Russia

Team OHL will compete against the Russian National Junior Team in Game 3 of the six-game cross Canada series in Sarnia on Thursday November 8 and in Game 4 in Oshawa on Monday November 12.  The series will begin with two games in the Western Hockey League and will wrap up with two games played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

A total of 31 players have been selected to represent the OHL in the 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series including nine players who will compete in both Ontario games.  The rosters feature 24 players who have been selected in the NHL Draft including first round picks Barrett Hayton (Arizona Coyotes, 5th in 2018) and Morgan Frost (Philadelphia Flyers, 27th in 2017) of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Owen Tippett (Florida Panthers, 10th in 2017) of the Mississauga Steelheads, Ty Dellandrea (Dallas Stars, 13th in 2018) of the Flint Firebirds, Nick Suzuki (Vegas Golden Knights, 13th in 2017) of the Owen Sound Attack, Liam Foudy (Columbus Blue Jackets, 18th in 2018) of the London Knights, and Ryan Merkley (San Jose Sharks, 21st in 2018) of the Guelph Storm.  Three players who are first time eligible for the NHL Draft in 2019 have also been named to the roster including forward Ryan Suzuki of the Barrie Colts, defenceman Thomas Harley of the Mississauga Steelheads, and goaltender Hunter Jones of the Peterborough Petes.

Sting captain and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ryan McGregor will have the opportunity to compete before the hometown crowd in Sarnia on November 8, while a trio of Oshawa Generals including captain Jack Studnicka (Boston Bruins), Serron Noel (Florida Panthers), and defenceman Giovanni Vallati (Winnipeg Jets) will represent the hosts on November 12.

The Team OHL rosters were assembled by a Selection Committee that includes Owen Sound Attack General Manager Dale DeGray and Ottawa 67’s General Manager James Boyd in consultation with Hockey Canada Head Scout Brad McEwen and Hockey Canada Program of Excellence National Junior Team Manager Steve Staios of the Hamilton Bulldogs.

In 15 years of competition against the Russian National Junior Team, the OHL has a record of 24-5-1 in this series following a 5-2 loss in Owen Sound and a 4-2 victory in Sudbury last season.

Team OHL Roster:
Game 3 – Thursday November 8 – Sarnia
Goaltenders:
Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Luke Richardson (Kitchener Rangers)

Defencemen:
Hayden Davis (Saginaw Spirit)
Brady Lyle (Owen Sound Attack)
Ryan Merkley (Guelph Storm)*
Markus Phillips (Owen Sound Attack)*
Tyler Tucker (Barrie Colts)
Giovanni Vallati (Oshawa Generals)*

Forwards:
MacKenzie Entwistle (Hamilton Bulldogs)*
Liam Foudy (London Knights)*
Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Barrett Hayton (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)*
Cam Hillis (Guelph Storm)
Ben Jones (Niagara IceDogs)
Ryan McGregor (Sarnia Sting)
Ryan McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads)*
Isaac Ratcliffe (Guelph Storm)
Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)
Akil Thomas (Niagara IceDogs)*
Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads)*
*denotes players competing in both games
Game 4 – Thursday November 12 – Oshawa

Goaltenders:
Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)
Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

Defencemen:
Kevin Bahl (Ottawa 67’s)
Declan Chisholm (Peterborough Petes)
Thomas Harley (Mississauga Steelheads)
Ryan Merkley (Guelph Storm)*
Markus Phillips (Owen Sound Attack)*
Giovanni Vallati (Oshawa Generals)*

Forwards:
Ty Dellandrea (Flint Firebirds)
MacKenzie Entwistle (Hamilton Bulldogs)*
Liam Foudy (London Knights)*
Barrett Hayton (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)*
Austen Keating (Ottawa 67’s)
Ryan McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads)*
Serron Noel (Oshawa Generals)
Nate Schnarr (Guelph Storm)
Jack Studnicka (Oshawa Generals)
Ryan Suzuki (Barrie Colts)
Akil Thomas (Niagara IceDogs)*
Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads)*
*denotes players competing in both games
2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series Schedule:
Game 1 – Monday November 5 at Kamloops, BC
Game 2 – Tuesday November 6 at Vancouver, BC
Game 3 – Thursday November 8 at Sarnia, ON
Game 4 – Monday November 12 at Oshawa, ON
Game 5 – Tuesday November 13 at Sherbrooke, QC
Game 6 – Thursday November 15 at Drummondville, QC

The 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series is supported by title sponsor CIBC, the Official Bank of the CHL, along with associate sponsors Kia Canada, Sherwin-Williams, Cooper Tires, and Kubota Canada.  All games will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

For event information including how to purchase tickets please visit http://chlcanadarussia.ca.

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Spirit’s Damien Giroux named CHL Player of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Minnesota Wild prospect Damien Giroux of the Saginaw Spirit is the CHL Player of the Week for the regular season week ending October 14 after scoring four goals and three assists for seven points in two games with a plus-minus rating of plus-7.

Giroux contributed to seven of the Spirit’s eight goals last week helping extend their winning-streak to five games for a hold of first place in the OHL’s West Division standings with a 6-2-1-0 record.  His first of back-to-back multi-point performances featured a career-high five points and first hat-trick scored entirely in the third period to earn first star honours of a 6-2 win over the North Bay Battalion.  On Sunday the first year captain scored the game-winning goal for the second straight game and added one assist as second star of a 2-1 victory over the Kitchener Rangers.

An 18-year-old from Hanmer, Ont., Giroux is playing in his third season with the Spirit after being chosen by the club in the third round of the 2016 OHL Priority Selection.  So far this season he’s produced six goals and five assists for 11 points in nine games following a sophomore season of 19 goals and 24 assists for 43 points in 68 games.  Giroux was picked by the Wild in the fifth round of the 2018 NHL Draft in June.

Also considered for the award this week was forward Brett Leason of the Prince Albert Raiders who scored five goals and three assists for eight points in three games, and top 2020 NHL Draft prospect Alexis Lafreniere of the Rimouski Oceanic who scored twice with seven assists for nine points in four games.

2018-19 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Damien Giroux (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Dawson Davidson (Saskatoon Blades)
Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Luka Burzan (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Kirby Dach (Saskatoon Blades)

Mooseheads’ Alexis Gravel named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Chicago Blackhawks prospect Alexis Gravel of the Halifax Mooseheads is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the regular season week ending October 14 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record including one shutout victory for a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .970.

Gravel turned aside 65 shots last week for the Mooseheads who have now won three-straight games and rank second in the QMJHL’s overall standings with an 8-2-0-0 record.  On Thursday night his 35-save performance earned him third star honours in an 8-2 road win over the Charlottetown Islanders.  Then on Sunday his 30-save effort produced his second career shutout and first star honours blanking the Acadie-Bathurst Titan by a 5-0 score.

An 18-year-old from Asbestos, Que., Gravel is playing in his third season with the Mooseheads who chose him in the second round of the 2016 QMJHL Entry Draft.  So far this season he has six wins in eight starts for the 2019 Memorial Cup presented by Kia hosts maintaining a 2.51 goals-against-average and a .927 save percentage which improve upon his 2017-18 marks of 3.38 and .890 respectively in 39 appearances.  Gravel was a sixth round selection by the Blackhawks in the 2018 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week was 2019 NHL Draft prospect Hunter Jones of the Peterborough Petes who posted a 4-0-0-0 record making 122 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.19 and save percentage of .968.  In the WHL, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ian Scott of the Prince Albert Raiders maintained a 3-0-0-0 record including one shutout victory while stopping a total of 77 shots for a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .963.

2018-19 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:

Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Alexis Gravel (Halifax Mooseheads)
Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Trent Miner (Vancouver Giants)
Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Luke Richardson (Kitchener Rangers)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)