Frontenacs’ Jeremy Helvig named OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 15 after posting a 3-0 record with a goals-against-average of 1.33 and save percentage of .958. 

Helvig turned aside 91 shots in a trio of victories over the Barrie Colts last week backstopping the Frontenacs to a 4-2 series triumph and a berth in the Eastern Conference Final.  His week included 30 saves in Tuesday’s 4-2 win in Game 4, followed by 32 saves in Thursday’s 7-1 road decision in Game 5 where he earned third star honours.  On Friday night back on home ice for Game 6 Helvig made 29 saves including 15 in the third period alone to earn first star honours in the 2-1 series clinching victory.  This marks the first time the Frontenacs have advanced to the third round of an OHL post-season since 1993 where they’ll face the Hamilton Bulldogs for the Bobby Orr Trophy beginning Wednesday night. 

A 20-year-old from Markham, Ont., Helvig is playing in his fourth OHL season with the Frontenacs since chosen by the club in the third round of the 2013 Priority Selection.  Through two rounds of playoffs he holds an 8-2-1 record with a goals-against-average of 2.61 and save percentage of .921 which better his regular season marks of 2.68 and .916 recorded across 56 appearances in 2017-18.  Helvig’s tenure with the Frontenacs includes a pair of all-time franchise marks including 81 regular season wins and 10 shutouts.  On March 27 the fifth round pick of the Hurricanes in the 2016 NHL Draft signed his entry-level contract with the club.  This is Helvig’s second league honour having been recognized for his play during the final week of January. 

Watch video highlights of Helvig and the Frontenacs against the Colts in Game 4, Game 5, and Game 6. 

Also considered for the award this week was Ottawa Senators prospect Logan Brown of the Kitchener Rangers who scored one goal with five assists for six points in the final four games of their second round series victory over the Sarnia Sting, Frontenacs forward Linus Nyman with one goal and five assists for six points in three games against the Colts, and defenceman Sean Durzi of the Owen Sound Attack with six assists in four games against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 

2017-18 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Playoffs:

Apr. 9 – Apr. 15: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Apr. 2 – Apr. 8: Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Gabriel Vilardi (Kingston Frontenacs)
Mar. 19 – Mar. 25: Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)

2017-18 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Mar. 12 – Mar. 18: Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)
Mar. 5 – Mar. 11: Dmitry Sokolov (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Robert Thomas (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Liam Foudy (London Knights)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Kenny Huether (Oshawa Generals)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Taylor Raddysh (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 25 – Dec. 31: Ben Jones (Niagara IceDogs)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Joseph Garreffa (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Serron Noel (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Cliff Pu (London Knights)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Ryan Merkley (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Albert Michnac (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Aaron Luchuk (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Brady Hinz (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

Jacob Ingham – Mississauga Steelheads – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 185 Pounds

Date of birth: June 10, 2000

Hometown: Barrie, Ontario

Position: Goaltender

Catches: Left

OHL Draft: Round 2, 26th overall, 2016 Priority Selection

NHL Central Scouting pre-season: B Prospect

NHL Central Scouting mid-term: 3rd overall, North American Goaltenders

NHL Central Scouting final rank: Not available at present

Coming into the 2017-2018 season, Mississauga Steelheads’ goaltender Jacob Ingham was considered by many to be near the top of the draft class and rightfully so. But the Ontario Hockey League class isn’t as strong as a season ago that saw Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires) and Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds) get drafted into the National Hockey League while Kaden Fulcher (Hamilton Bulldogs) and Kyle Keyser (Oshawa Generals) showing enough to get free agent deals with the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins respectively.

Ingham’s competition this season comes from Jordon Kooy of the London Knights and Nick Donofrio of the Hamilton Bulldogs.

Ingham would play his minor midget hockey with the Barrie Colts during the 2015-2016 season posting a 1.73 goals-against average in 15 games. He would get a taste of Junior A hockey with the Orangeville Flyers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.

Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

The scouting report from OHL Central Scouting at the time read as follows:

Jacob is a very good technical goaltender. He gets out to the top of his crease and challenges shooters, is very athletic, moves very well in his crease and has the ability to make the big desperation save when he has to. Jacob is mentally strong as he doesn’t let goals against get to him. He battles and competes to see pucks and finds them in scrambles. He always seems to make the big save when his team needs it. Jacob will be a goalie to watch moving forward in the OHL. 

Last season Ingham appeared in 31 games for the Steelheads and posted a respectable 2.69 goals-against average and .907 save percentage. He would be named to the OHL First All-Rookie squad at the end of the regular season. He would man the net in 6 playoff games for the Steelheads and post a 2.68 goals-against average but a very disappointing .876 save percentage.

Ingham would also represent Canada at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17, helping Canada Black capture a silver medal. In 5 appearances he posted a 2.15 goals-against average and .927 save percentage.

It appeared the book on him from Central Scouting was correct and then this season happened.

Something happened to the technique we saw a season ago. The opposition was able to exploit differences in his game. Where he had previously played big in his crease, he was being beaten up high. While he is very athletic, his post-to-post movement seemed to have changed and he would get caught “cheating” off the short side post.

Ingham’s ability to fight through traffic also appeared to take a step back. He had trouble finding the puck in battles out front and that would leave the bottom of the cage exposed as he tried to fight for sight of the puck.

The Steelheads liked to play a run-and-gun game, and who could argue with the offensive firepower they possessed. But it would often lead to odd-man rushes and long breakaway attempts and when they needed a big save, they just weren’t getting it.

As previously mentioned, Ingham is very athletic. He gets out to the top of the paint quickly. His post to post movement is also very quick. He has shown an ability to control his rebounds. His glove hand could use some improvement.

With Ingham, it will all come down to coaching. He has an excellent work ethic and there is no doubt he will put in all the work required. It will come down to working on and tweaking his technique.

I can’t help but feel his season has hurt his draft stock.

Stat page of Jacob Ingham from Elite Prospects

Liam Foudy – London Knights – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 182 pounds

Date of birth: February 4, 2000

Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario

Position: Center

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 1, 18th overall, 2016 Priority Selection

NHL Central Scouting pre-season: B Prospect

NHL Central Scouting mid-term: 91st overall, 2016 Priority Selection

NHL Central Scouting final rank: Not available at present

London Knights’ center Liam Foudy comes from a sports family. His father Sean played professional football for six seasons in the Canadian Football League. His mother France Gareau is an Olympian who competed at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles in the 100-meter sprint as well as the 4 X 100-meter relay where she captured a silver medal. And younger brother Jean-Luc was the tenth overall pick at the recently completed Ontario Hockey League’s Priority Selection by the hated Windsor Spitfires.

Foudy played his minor midget hockey with the Markham Majors during the 2015-2016 season. He appeared in 32 games scoring 19 goals and 19 assists. The Knights selected Foudy with the 18th overall pick at the 2016 Priority Selection. The scouting report from OHL Central Scouting read as follows:

Liam is the engine that makes his team go. He does a very good job of anticipating the play and jumping into holes at the right time, which is one of the reasons why he gets so many breakaways. He has deceiving quickness and changes gears well off the rush to beat defenders. He has a very high skill set and is dangerous one-on-one. Liam has good hands around the net and capitalizes on the majority of his chances. He has developed into a top GTHL prospect. 

Liam Foudy of the London Knights. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Liam Foudy of the London Knights. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

During the 2016-2017 season, Foudy would appear in 58 games for the Knights, scoring 9 goals and adding 6 assists. He would also represent Canada at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17 and post three assists in six games.

Foudy would take on a bigger role with the Knights this season and he didn’t disappoint, at least as the season progressed. He played in 65 games scoring 24 goals and adding 16 assists. He would contribute a goal and an assist in 4 playoff games.

Foudy will represent Canada at the upcoming World Junior Championship Under-18.

It’s been somewhat of a night and day season for Foudy. Depending on who you talk to, much more was expected from him. He had 3 goals and no assists in his first 22 games but finished the year strong with 17 goals and 11 assists in his final 21 games. The Knights had sold off some veteran players and Foudy seemed to relish, and succeed, in the expanded role he was given.

Foudy was added to the Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects game as an injury replacement where he drew attention to his on ice and off ice testing. He finished in the top five players in each group of tests.

Foudy is an excellent skater with excellent acceleration and top end speed. It’s a well camouflaged separation gear that makes him so dangerous one-on-one. Early in the season, it appears he wasn’t always making the right decisions. It’s as though someone flipped a switch and his brain caught up to his speed. 

Also, earlier in the season, Foudy wasn’t using his speed to get in on the forecheck and create turnovers. It’s an area that has seen a massive change in the second half of the season. He’s also become a superb penalty killer and a threat on the PK as seen by his 5 goals and 3 assists while the Knights were a man down.

Foudy also has a decent shot, but he won’t overpower goaltenders. His 24 goals on the season came on just 136 shots, good for a 17.6 shooting percentage. If he is going to continue to grow as a centreman, he will need to improve on his faceoffs. He was just 121 for 257 on the dot, or 47.1%.


Stat Page of Liam Foudy from Elite Prospects

 

Curtis Douglas – Windsor Spitfires – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’8”

Weight: 232 pounds

Date of birth: March 6, 2000

Hometown: Oakville, Ontario

Position: Center

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 4, 76th overall, 2016 Priority Selection (Barrie Colts)

NHL Central Scouting pre-season: C Prospect

NHL Central Scouting mid-term: 70th overall, North American Skaters

NHL Central Scouting final rank: Not available at present

Windsor Spitfires’ giant Curtis Douglas played minor midget hockey with the Mississauga Senators during the 2015-2016 season where he posted 8 goals and 4 assists in 32 games. The Barrie Colts would select Douglas with their fourth-round pick, 76th overall at the 2016 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

Last season Douglas appeared in 53 games for the Colts posting 4 goals and 5 assists in those contests.

He got off to a good start this season with 7 goals and 11 assists in his first 28 games with Barrie. On December 14, 2017, he was biggest piece (no pun intended) the Spitfires received in return for sending Aaron Luchuk to the Colts.

Curtis Douglas of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Curtis Douglas of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Following the trade, Douglas played in 38 games for the Spits scoring 15 goals and 13 assists and adding another goal and 3 assists in 6 playoff games.

First and foremost, you must be impressed with the 6’8” frame Douglas has. By NHL standards, he would be the second tallest player in the league behind 6’9 defenceman Zdeno Chara and the tallest forward ahead of 6’6” Brian Boyle. He is more then willing to use that size advantage. He can be a physically dominating force battling for pucks along the wall. Once he plants himself in front of the opposition net, defenders are unable to move him. And he uses that enormous reach he possesses in all zones to break up plays.

Despite the tall frame, Douglas is a deceptively quick skater. However, continuing to work on his overall skating is a necessity. Agility, first step speed and a breakaway gear could stand improving. His size could hinder that, but even a small improvement will help him succeed at the next level.

Douglas is a smart player who almost always makes the right decisions whether in the offensive zone or defensive zone. He has extremely soft hands and can make plays. He has excellent vision and can sometimes make plays out of nothing. He could at times though slow the pace down allowing his linemates to get into lanes or danger areas. He has the ability to find them and if he did so, he could become even more dangerous offensively.

He has an excellent work ethic and on many nights is the hardest worker on the ice. He can score the dirty goals but can also beat you with a shot. When he is totally engaged, he can dominate the offensive zone.

The 2018 National Hockey League Draft isn’t a particularly strong nor deep draft for centremen. Teams will look long and hard at Douglas. He could even go before most of us have him ranked.


Stat page of Curtis Douglas from Elite Prospects

 

Rosters Revealed for 2018 OHL Gold Cup

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Gold Cup 2018

Toronto, ON – 130 players selected in Saturday’s OHL Priority Selection have been named to 2018 OHL Gold Cup rosters where they’ll represent their respective minor hockey associations starting Thursday May 3rd in Kitchener, Ont.

The Ottawa 67’s lead the way with 10 prospects competing in the annual showcase while the Peterborough Petes and Sudbury Wolves trail close behind with nine each.


 The OHL Gold Cup is an annual showcase event featuring top under-16 talent in Ontario. As part of the Hockey Canada Program of Excellence, select players from the OHL Gold Cup will be invited to attend the National Under-17 Selection Camp, where they will have a chance to compete with other top talent from across Canada, to earn a spot at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.


 NEW FORMAT ANNOUNCED FOR 2018 EVENT:


 The 160 players named to rosters for the OHL Gold Cup will have greater development opportunities and more training directly from Hockey Canada, thanks to a new format being introduced for the 2018 event. This is being done to create greater symmetry between the OHL Gold Cup and the National Under-17 Selection Camp, which is the next step for these players in the Hockey Canada Program of Excellence.


 “After five successful events under the old format, we are pleased to have developed a new structure which better serves the development of the players,” says Phillip McKee, OHL Gold Cup Steering Committee. “Working under the guidance of Hockey Canada staff, we believe this new format will help prepare Ontario players for the rigours of a national selection camp.”


 New features of the OHL Gold Cup in 2018 include: three off-ice education sessions, dedicated position-specific practices, and a full-team game-day skate. Additionally, the format of the tournament itself has been updated to feature three pool games and one crossover game on the final day. The OHL Gold Cup champion will be the winner of the A1 versus B1 crossover game.


 HIGHLIGHTS OF 2018 OHL GOLD CUP ROSTERS INCLUDE:


 • All eligible players from the first round of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection have been named to OHL Gold Cup rosters (19 of the 20).

• 130 of the 160 OHL Gold Cup players were picked in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

• Top minor hockey teams represented on rosters: Thunder Bay Kings (11), Sudbury Wolves (9), Toronto Marlboros (9), North Bay Trappers (8), Oakville Rangers (8), Mississauga Reps (7), Vaughan Kings (7), Rockland Nationals (6).

• From the 2017 event, 22 OHL Gold Cup alumni were selected to play for Hockey Canada at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.


 OHL Prospects on 2018 OHL Gold Cup Rosters:


 Barrie Colts (8):
Ryan Beck (HNO)**
Austin D’Orazio (GTHL Blue)
Tyson Foerster (OMHA Black)
Aidan Hughes (GTHL Red)
Reid Oliver (ALLIANCE)
Riley Piercey (GTHL Red)*
Eric Russell (GTHL Red)
Rocco Testa-Basi (HEO)

Erie Otters (5):
Ryan Alexander (GTHL Red)
Jamie Drysdale (GTHL Red)*
Logan Maunder (OMHA White)
Justin Mauro (NOHA)
Ethan Ritchie (OMHA White)

Flint Firebirds (6):
Michael Bianconi (GTHL Blue)
Evan Boucher (HEO)
Jack Harper (OMHA White)
Ryan Mansfield (OMHA White)
Owen Power (GTHL Blue)
Evan Vierling (OMHA Black)*

Guelph Storm (7):
Owen Bennett (OMHA Black)
Ty Collins (OMHA Black)
Ben McFarlane (ALLIANCE)
Luka Profaca (GTHL Red)
Spencer Smith (OMHA Black)
Zack Terry (OMHA Black)
Cooper Walker (ALLIANCE)

Hamilton Bulldogs (5):
Marco Costantini (GTHL Blue)
George Diaco (ALLIANCE)
Logan Morrison (OMHA White)*
Michael Renwick (GTHL Red)
Davis Young (GTHL Blue)

Kingston Frontenacs (6):
Liam Babcock (GTHL Blue)
Alex Caulfield (HEO)
Thomas Haynes (GTHL Blue)
Jake Murray (OMHA Black)*
Mathias Onuska (ALLIANCE)
Bryce Ryan (ALLIANCE)

Kitchener Rangers (6):
Isaac Langdon (OMHA White)
Dalton McBride (OMHA White)
Donovan Sebrango (HEO)
Joseph Serpa (ALLIANCE)
Reid Valade (GTHL Blue)*
Dylan Winsor (HNO)

London Knights (7):
Dario Beljo (NOHA)
Luke Evangelista (OMHA White)*
Vincent Labelle (HEO)
Brendan Mairs (ALLIANCE)
Sean McGurn (HEO)
Sahil Panwar (HNO)**
Ben Roger (OMHA White)

Mississauga Steelheads (7):
Rylan Bowers (ALLIANCE)
Mason Carter (HEO)
James Hardie (OMHA Black)*
Devlin O’Brien (GTHL Blue)
William Portokalis (GTHL Red)
Joe Ranger (HEO)
Michael Stubbs (HNO)

Niagara IceDogs (7):
A.J. Favot (NOHA)
Stephen Halliday (GTHL Blue)
Lleyton Moore (GTHL Blue)*
Ethan Sims (OMHA White)
Cameron Snow (OMHA White)
Jake Uberti (GTHL Blue)
Jacob Vreugdenhil (OMHA Black)

North Bay Battalion (8):
David Campbell (NOHA)
Kyle Jackson (GTHL Blue)
Jesse Kirkby (NOHA)
Cameron Peters (GTHL Red)
Reece Proulx (NOHA)
Pacey Schlueting (NOHA)*
Jack Stockfish (NOHA)
Joe Vrbetic (GTHL Red)

Oshawa Generals (7):
Hunter Brazier (NOHA)
Ryan Gagnier (ALLIANCE)
David Gucciardi (GTHL Blue)
Dawson McKinney (OMHA White)
Dylan Robinson (GTHL Blue)
Matthew Sbrocca (ALLIANCE)
Tyler Tullio (GTHL Blue)*

Ottawa 67’s (10):
Colby Ambrosio (HNO)**
Alec Belanger (OMHA Black)
Liam Cavan (HEO)
Anthony Costantini (GTHL Red)
Will Cranley (OMHA Black)
Yanic Crete (HEO)
Owen Luik (OMHA Black)
Matthew Maggio (ALLIANCE)
Dylan Peterson (HEO)
Cameron Tolnai (OMHA White)*

Owen Sound Attack (5):
Josh Barnes (HEO)
Marco Latassa (OMHA White)
Nolan Seed (HEO)*
Nathan Small (ALLIANCE)
Brody Waters (OMHA Black)

Peterborough Petes (9):
Tye Austin (HEO)
Jack Bar (OMHA Black)
Cameron Butler (OMHA Black)
Will Cuylle (GTHL Blue)*
Jackson Kirk (OMHA White)
Matthew Perciballi (GTHL Red)
Luc Reeve (OMHA Black)
Sheldon Serraglio (ALLIANCE)
Shawn Spearing (GTHL Red)

Saginaw Spirit (4):
Sebastian Bulovs (GTHL Blue)
Ethan Cardwell (OMHA Black)
Tristan Lennox (GTHL Blue)
Cole Perfetti (GTHL Red)*

Sarnia Sting (4):
Nolan Burke (OMHA White)
Nolan Dillingham-Morelli (GTHL Red)
Theo Hill (ALLIANCE)
Jacob Perreault (HNO)**

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (5):
Matthew Halushak (HNO)
Rory Kerins (GTHL Red)
Ryan O’Rourke (GTHL Red)*
Tyson Tomasini (HEO)
Kalvyn Watson (OMHA White)

Sudbury Wolves (9):
Kyle Aucoin (HNO)**
Giordano Biondi (NOHA)
Blake Butler (ALLIANCE)
Quinton Byfield (OMHA Black)*
Simon Labelle (HEO)
Nathan Ribau (OMHA White)
Ryan Smith (OMHA Black)
Jack Thompson (OMHA White)
Michael Tiveron (OMHA White)

Windsor Spitfires (5):
Jean-Luc Foudy (GTHL Red)*
McKay Hayes (GTHL Red)
Kyle McDonald (HEO)
Dylan Robinson (ALLIANCE)
Owen Shier (OMHA Black)

*first round pick
**played for American minor midget teams in 2017-18

The eight competing teams include ALLIANCE, GTHL Blue, GTHL Red, HEO, HNO, NOHA, OMHA Black and OMHA White.

For more information including full rosters and schedule please visit ohlgoldcup.com.

About the OHL Gold Cup
The OHL Gold Cup is an annual showcase event featuring top under-16 talent in Ontario. As part of the Hockey Canada Program of Excellence, select players from the OHL Gold Cup will be invited to attend the National Under-17 Selection Camp, where they will have a chance to compete with other top talent from across Canada, to earn a spot at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

OHL completes second annual Under-18 Priority Selection

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today conducted the second annual OHL Under-18 Priority Selection for Midget AAA hockey players in Ontario.

priority-selection-under-18

Eligibility for the 2018 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection included all Midget players (2000 and 2001 birth years) not currently on an OHL Member Team Protected List who were carded with an Ontario based Midget AAA Hockey Club within the Ontario Hockey Federation, Hockey Eastern Ontario, or Hockey Northwestern Ontario in the current season.

Mitchell Weeks, a goaltender from the North Central Predators, was the first pick of the 2018 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection to the Sudbury Wolves, followed by forward Markus Paterson of the Toronto Nationals chosen second overall to the Flint Firebirds, and forward Dustin Hutton of the Vaughan Kings picked third overall by the Peterborough Petes.

A total of 53 players were selected from 34 different teams and included 27 forwards, 13 defencemen, and 13 goaltenders.  49 of the 53 players selected were born in 2001.

All OHL Member Teams were required to draft a minimum of two players, however to enhance opportunities specifically for goaltenders, clubs selecting a goaltender with one of their selections had the option to select another player (skater only) in an additional round.

“Congratulations to all 53 players selected in the 2018 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection and special acknowledgement to all the families, coaches, and teammates of these players for their support this season and throughout the minor hockey journey,” said Joe Birch, Senior Director of Hockey Development and Special Events. “This draft was introduced to raise the profile of Midget AAA hockey and to provide enhanced development opportunities for players. To be recognized for continued hard work and perseverance is a tremendous accomplishment.”

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL RESULTS OF THE 2018 OHL UNDER-18 PRIORITY SELECTION

The Ontario Minor Hockey Association led the way with 18 players selected from 14 different teams including 10 players who competed among eight ETA teams, and eight players from six different SCTA teams.  The SCTA’s Guelph Gryphons and Halton Hurricanes along with the ETA’s Kingston Frontenacs and Richmond Hill Coyotes each had two players selected.  The Greater Toronto Hockey League was represented by 13 players from seven different teams led by the Vaughan Kings with four players, and each of the Don Mills Flyers, Mississauga Senators, and Toronto Titans with two players selected.  The ALLIANCE had 10 players selected from six teams led by the Waterloo Wolves with three players, followed by the Huron Perth Lakers and the Windsor Jr. Spitfires each with two.  Hockey Eastern Ontario had a total of nine players chosen from five different teams including the Hawkesbury Hawks, Ottawa Senators, Pembroke Lumber Kings, and Rockland Nationals each with two.  The Northern Ontario Hockey Association had three players picked from two teams led by the North Bay Trappers with a pair of selections.

Picks were submitted online by OHL member clubs and displayed in real-time at ontariohockeyleague.com accompanied by an audio stream. Announced in January, 2017, the concept of the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO).

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Aquin and Dea are CHL’s latest playoff stars 

Islanders’ Pascal Aquin named CHL Player of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that forward Pascal Aquin of the Charlottetown Islanders is the CHL Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 8 scoring six goals and one assist for seven points in four games with a plus-minus rating of plus-8. 

Aquin was instrumental in the Islanders first round QMJHL Playoffs victory against the Quebec Remparts and has continued his strong play into second round action against the Halifax Mooseheads.  After the Remparts evened the series with a 5-2 win last Monday, the Islanders faced the challenge of a Game 7 on the road Tuesday night.  Aquin delivered a masterful performance with four goals including the game’s opening tally plus three markers in the final frame to earn first star honours in the 8-3 victory.  The momentum continued to Halifax where the ninth place Islanders have opened Quarter-Final action with two road wins over the fourth place Mooseheads.  Aquin scored the overtime winner in Friday’s 4-3 victory in Game 1 to earn third star honours, then scored a goal and an assist and was named second star in Saturday’s 7-4 triumph in Game 2.  The series continues Tuesday and Wednesday night back in Charlottetown. 

A 20-year-old from Le Gardeur, Quebec, Aquin is playing in his fourth QMJHL season and second with the Islanders where he scored a career-high 24 goals and 19 assists for 43 points in 59 regular season games before adding eight goals and three assists for 11 points in nine playoff contests to date.  He was originally chosen in the fifth round of the QMJHL Entry Draft by the Gatineau Olympiques then played two full seasons with the Shawinigan Cataractes. 

Also considered for the award this week was Detroit Red Wings prospect Michael Rasmussen of the Tri-City Americans who scored four goals and three assists in two games of their second round series against the Victoria Royals, and 2018 NHL Draft prospect Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts who scored three goals and one assist for four points in three games against the Kingston Frontenacs. 

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 2 – Apr. 8: Pascal Aquin (Charlottetown Islanders)
Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Gabriel Vilardi (Kingston Frontenacs)
Mar. 19 – Mar. 25: Brad Morrison (Lethbridge Hurricanes)

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Mar. 12 – Mar. 18: Dillon Dube (Kelowna Rockets)
Mar. 5 – Mar. 11: Jayden Halbgewachs (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Maxime Comtois (Victoriaville Tigres)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Maxime Comtois (Victoriaville Tigres)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Ty Ronning (Vancouver Giants)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Peter Abbandonato (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Taylor Raddysh (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 25 – Dec. 31: Ivan Kosorenkov (Victoriaville Tigres)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Stelio Mattheos (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Alex Barré-Boulet (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Cody Glass (Portland Winterhawks)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Cliff Pu (London Knights)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Aleksi Heponiemi (Swift Current Broncos)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Albert Michnac (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Aaron Luchuk (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Drake Batherson (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Tyler Soy (Victoria Royals)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Kale Clague (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Tyler Steenbergen (Swift Current Broncos)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Kole Lind (Kelowna Rockets) 

Americans’ Patrick Dea named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Patrick Dea of the Tri-City Americans is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the playoff week ending April 8 after posting a 2-0 record including one shutout for a goals-against-average of 0.50 and save percentage of .981. 

Dea turned aside 52 of the 53 shots he faced last week backstopping the Americans to a pair of wins against the Victoria Royals to open second round WHL Playoffs action.  On Friday night in Game 1 Dea recorded his second shutout of the post-season with a 27-save performance in a 7-0 decision, then made 25 saves in Game 2 on Saturday earning third star honours in the 4-1 victory.  Dea and the Americans remain undefeated so far in these playoffs and look to continue their streak when action resumes Tuesday and Wednesday night on home ice.   

A 21-year-old from St. Albert, Alta., this marks the second time in four weeks where Dea has received the CHL honours.  The veteran of four WHL seasons appeared in 47 games this season in his Americans debut carrying a record of 22-14-7-0 with two shutouts along with a goals-against-average of 3.17 and save percentage of .913.  He had previously dressed for the Edmonton Oil Kings for three seasons after being chosen by the club in the first round of the 2012 Bantam Draft.  His playoff record now stands at 5-0 with a goals-against-average of 2.33 and save percentage of .919.


 Also considered for the award this week was Mario Culina of the Kitchener Rangers with one win and an overtime loss in their second round series against the Sarnia Sting making 61 saves to date for a goals-against-average of 2.30 and save percentage of .924.  In the QMJHL playoffs, Matthew Welsh of the Charlottetown Islanders posted a 3-1-0-0 record in games against the Quebec Remparts and Halifax Mooseheads making 144 saves for a goals-against-average of 3.15 and save percentage of .917. 

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 2 – Apr. 8: Patrick Dea (Tri-City Americans)
Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Mar. 19 – Mar. 25: Stuart Skinner (Swift Current Broncos)

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:

Mar. 12 – Mar. 18: Patrick Dea (Tri-City Americans)
Mar. 5 – Mar. 11: Etienne Montpetit (Victoriaville Tigres)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Shane Farkas (Portland Winterhawks)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Emanuel Vella (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Riley Lamb (Red Deer Rebels)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Brody Willms (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Zachary Bouthillier (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Mario Culina (Kitchener Rangers)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Stuart Skinner (Swift Current Broncos)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Dec. 25 – Dec. 31: James Porter (Kelowna Rockets)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: Tristan Bérubé (Gatineau Olympiques)
 Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Anthony Morrone (Victoriaville Tigres)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Justin Fazio (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranada Huskies)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Logan Flodell (Swift Current Broncos)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Dereck Baribeau (Quebec Remparts)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

CHL Leagues

Colts’ Andrei Svechnikov named OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that top 2018 NHL Draft prospect Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 8 after recording four points in three games including three goals and one assist with a plus-minus rating of plus-3.

Svechnikov extended his playoff point-streak to four and helped the Colts win two of their first three games in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Kingston Frontenacs.  Last week on home ice he picked up an assist in Wednesday’s Game 1 overtime contest won 6-5 by the Colts, then scored twice in Friday’s 4-1 victory in Game 2 including a late insurance marker to earn third star honours.  He also scored once in Sunday’s Game 3 on the road despite the 4-2 loss.  Svechnikov and the Colts will look to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series when they resume play on Tuesday night in Kingston. 

Andrei Svechnikovof the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

A 17-year-old from Barnaul, Russia, Svechnikov is playing in his first OHL season after being selected first overall by the Colts in the 2017 CHL Import Draft.  He led all rookies in scoring with 40 goals and 32 assists for 72 points in 44 games and has been voted a finalist for the OHL’s Rookie of the Year award.  In just five games so far this post-season he’s tallied five goals and four assists for nine points.  Svechnikov represented Russia at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship and was ranked first by NHL Central Scouting in their Midterm list for the 2018 NHL Draft.  

Watch video highlights of Svechnikov and the Colts against the Frontenacs in Game 1, Game 2, and Game 3

Also considered for the award this week was Dallas Stars prospect Jason Robertson of the Frontenacs with two goals and three assists for five points in three games against the Colts, and Vegas Golden Knights prospect Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack with two goals and one assist for three points in two games against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.  In goal, Mario Culina of the Kitchener Rangers has one win and an overtime loss in their second round series against the Sarnia Sting making 61 saves to date for a goals-against-average of 2.30 and save percentage of .924. 

2017-18 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Playoffs:

Apr. 2 – Apr. 8: Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Gabriel Vilardi (Kingston Frontenacs)
Mar. 19 – Mar. 25: Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s) 

2017-18 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Mar. 12 – Mar. 18: Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)
Mar. 5 – Mar. 11: Dmitry Sokolov (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Robert Thomas (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Liam Foudy (London Knights)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Kenny Huether (Oshawa Generals)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Taylor Raddysh (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 25 – Dec. 31: Ben Jones (Niagara IceDogs)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Joseph Garreffa (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Serron Noel (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Cliff Pu (London Knights)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Ryan Merkley (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Albert Michnac (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Aaron Luchuk (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Brady Hinz (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

Connor Corcoran – Windsor Spitfires – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 185 pounds

Date of birth: August 7, 2000

Hometown: Beeton, Ontario

Position: Defence

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 2, 21st overall, 2016 Priority Selection

NHL Central Scouting pre-season: C Prospect

NHL Central Scouting mid-term: 96th overall, North American Skaters

NHL Central Scouting final rank: Not available at present

Windsor Spitfires’ blueliner Connor Corcoran played his minor midget hockey during the 2015-2016 season with the Barrie Colts. In 32 games, Corcoran scored twice and added eight assists. But it was at the OHL Cup where he showed excellent offensive abilities when he scored two goals, along with three assists in four games.

The Spitfires used the first pick of the second round to select Corcoran and the 2016 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, making him the twenty-first overall pick.

OHL Central Scouting filed this report on Corcoran prior to the draft:

Connor has played both defense and forward for his team this season. He is a good skater with good mobility and puck skills which allow him to carry the puck from the back end and beat forecheckers. Connor is strong along the boards at both ends of the rink and uses his physical size to his advantage. Connor’s versatility will be a big asset for him moving forward in his hockey career. 

Corcoran made his OHL debut last season with the Spitfires. Appearing in 59 games, he scored 5 goals and added 5 assists. He also represented Canada at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17, winning a silver medal with Canada Black.

Connor Cororan of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Connor Corcoran of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Corcoran began the season playing on the bottom pair, but as the Spitfires moved out some veteran defenders, his ice time climbed, and he played a key role on the blueline. He finished the season with 3 goals and 21 assists in 63 games and added another goal and 2 assists in 6 playoff games.  He finished seventh among draft eligible defencemen in scoring.

Corcoran is a two-way defender who is a very good skater with excellent straight-line speed and very good mobility. Defensively, he closes his gaps extremely well. His speed and mobility allow him to keep players wide. He has good size and doesn’t shy away from the physical game and plays the body well to separate the opposition from the puck.

Corcoran plays calm in his zone and does not buckle under pressure. He can beat the forecheck with his skating or make a good first pass out of the zone. He makes quick, decisive decisions and shows to have a high hockey IQ.

Offensively, Corcoran uses those same smarts. Having played forward previously, he knows how a forward thinks the game. He is very good at keeping possession and with a high ability to see the ice, uses strong passing abilities to set up teammates. He can get his shot through from the point and can shoot with a purpose.

Stat page of Connor Corcoran from Elite Prospects

Peter Stratis – Sudbury Wolves – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 183 pounds

Date of birth: January 18, 2000

Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario

Position: Defence

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 1, 11th overall, 2016 Priority Selection (Ottawa 67’s)

NHL Central Scouting pre-season: C Prospect

NHL Central Scouting mid-term: 116th overall, North American Skaters

NHL Central Scouting final rank: Not available at present

The Sudbury Wolves acquired defenceman Peter Stratis from the Ottawa 67’s on January 9, 2018 in exchange for four draft picks.  Stratis was the 11th overall pick by the 67’s at the 2016 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

Stratis played his minor midget hockey for the Mississauga Rebels during the 2015-2016 season. He appeared in 70 games for the Rebels and scored 20 goals while adding 29 assists. He would add 2 goals and 2 assists in 7 OHL Cup games for the Rebels.

At the time of his draft, this was OHL Central Scouting’s scouting report:

Peter is a complete and versatile defender that does a lot of things very well. He has a good skating stride and is explosive off the mark. He uses his skating ability to beat forecheckers and join or lead the rush to create offense. Peter is a heads-up player that sees ice well from the back end. He makes the simple play most of the time and is a smart player that understands the game and its situations. He has a good hard shot from the point and has scored numerous goals from there this season. 

Stratis made his OHL debut last season with the 67’s. He played in 49 games and scored once while adding 14 assists. He would also represent Canada at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17.

Peter Stratis of the Ottawa 67's. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Former first-round pick Peter Stratis was acquired from the Ottawa 67’s on January 9, 2018 for four draft picks Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

This season, Stratis got off to a very good start with the 67’s. Through 39 games, he had 4 goals and 9 assists. He maintained his offensive production once the trade happened, finishing the year off as a member of the Wolves scoring twice and adding 10 assists.

I’m not sure if Stratis is not getting enough attention or if he’s receiving too much attention. We know the adage “Jack of all trades, master of none.” I don’t believe that fits Stratis entirely as it is believed in some circles in the hockey world.

First and foremost, Stratis is an excellent skater with a very good first couple of strides and he can reach top speed quickly. His mobility is very good including his lateral movement and his backwards skating. That, in today’s game, is an asset.

Combine that skating with the hockey sense Stratis possesses and we have a good start. He thinks the game at an above average level and he thinks it quickly. Beginning in the defensive zone, he understands gaps and closes them quickly. He has a very active stick and uses it effectively. He won’t overpower you with physicality and it is an area where he could use some improvement. He makes a good first pass to clear the zone but doesn’t skate it out with regularity. That could come as he gets more confidence.

Offensively, Stratis has shown that with his vision and passing, can quarterback a powerplay. However, he needs to work on aspects of his shot, specifically, his release, needs a heavier shot, needs to get his shot through and needs to shoot with a purpose.

Stratis possesses some interesting abilities. The question now becomes forecasting whether he can take his game up to the next level and can he improve on the things he needs to?

Stat page of Peter Stratis from Elite Prospects