BATTALION’S DIVINCENTIIS AWARDED JIM RUTHERFORD TROPHY AS OHL’S GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Winnipeg Jets prospect Domenic DiVincentiis of the North Bay Battalion is the 2022-23 recipient of the Jim Rutherford Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

DiVincentiis put together the best statistical season by a goaltender in North Bay Battalion franchise history, leading the OHL with 36 wins, a 2.33 goals-against average and .919 save percentage. His five shutouts were tied for the league-lead, and he did not lose consecutive games throughout the entire season.

“I am truly honoured and humbled to be receiving the Jim Rutherford Trophy today as the top goaltender in the Ontario Hockey League,” said DiVincentiis. “To share this recognition with some of the best goaltenders in our league’s history is extremely exciting. This award, in my opinion, is a recognition and acknowledgment to the incredible support and encouragement I have received from my teammates, coaches, support staff, and fans with the North Bay Battalion.

“Finally, I would like to share this award with my family, billet family and support network that has been with me every step of the way. Your love and support has been my greatest source of strength and motivation, and I am grateful for every moment we have shared together through my career to date on and off the ice.”

DiVincentiis’ season was highlighted by being named the OHL’s Goaltender of the Month for both January and March. He had a tremendous finish to the season, recording four of his five shutouts after Feb. 24th while winning his final six outings of the campaign.

“This is another very proud day for our organization,” said Battalion General Manager Adam Dennis, who won the award as a member of the London Knights in 2006. “Dom has given us a chance to win all season with not just his play but also his leadership. Since the day he came into our program he has been a tireless worker who is incredibly dedicated to his craft; this award is well earned. We look forward watching Dom’s continued growth on the ice as his legacy in the North Bay community continues to grow.”

A 19-year-old from Bolton, Ont. DiVincentiis is the first goaltender in Battalion franchise history to win the award, becoming the first North Bay-based goaltender to do so in the league’s history. The 6-foot-2, 190Ib. netminder has played to a career OHL mark of 50-17-2-1 with a 2.42 goals-against average and .915 save percentage over 75 regular season games. He’s currently 9-4-2-0 with a 2.28 goals-against average and .928 save percentage through 15 games for the Battalion in the 2023 OHL Playoffs. The Troops selected DiVincentiis in the sixth round (116th overall) of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He was chosen by the Winnipeg Jets last summer, being taken in the seventh round (207th overall).

Announced in August 2019, the Jim Rutherford Trophy is presented by the League in honour of former OHL goaltender, General Manager, Chairman of the Board and two-time Executive of the Year Jim Rutherford. The current President of Hockey Operations of the Vancouver Canucks, Rutherford played 13 seasons as an NHL netminder and was the architect behind Stanley Cup championships for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November 2019.

The OHL’s Goaltender of the Year Award was first presented in 1988 to Rick Tabaracci (Cornwall), with other notable winners including Manny Legace (Niagara Falls 1993), Andrew Raycroft (Kingston 2000), Craig Anderson (Guelph 2001), the League’s only back-to-back winner Mike Murphy (Belleville 2008 & 2009), along with current NHL goaltenders Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound 2013), Alex Nedeljkovic (Plymouth 2014) and Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie 2016).

Finalists in this year’s voting included 2022 recipient Brett Brochu of the London Knights, along with New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox of the Saginaw Spirit, who finished in a tie for second.

DiVincentiis is the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 3 during the 2023 Memorial Cup presented by Kia which takes place in Kamloops, British Columbia. He will be formally presented with the Jim Rutherford Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 14 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a complete list of OHL award winners, visit ontariohockeyleague.com.


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

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OHL Conference Finals Preview

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Through the first two rounds, the Peterborough Petes have been my nemeses having predicted two losses for them and they’ve won both. That makes four incorrect picks for me – a lifetime worst. And here we are trying again. So, let’s get to it.

WESTERN CONFERENCE (2) LONDON KNIGHTS VS (3) SARNIA STING – WAYNE GRETZKY TROPHY

LONDON KNIGHTSSARNIA STING
Regular season record45-21-2-041-18-5-4
Playoff record8-18-2
Head-to-head4-2-0-02-2-1-1
Home record22-11-1-021-7-4-2
Away record23-10-1-020-11-1-2
Goals scored (regular season)269298
Goals scored (playoffs)4341
Goals against (regular season)214224
Goals against (playoffs)1723
Powerplay (regular season)21.3%26.0%
PP at home (regular season)23.0%27.2%
PP away (regular season)19.7%24.6%
Powerplay (playoffs)29.2%15.4%
PP at home (playoffs)29.6%27.8%
PP away (playoffs)28.6%4.8%
Penalty kill (regular season)78.9%81.4%
PK at home (regular season)76.9%82.5%
PK away (regular season)80.4%80.3%
Penalty kill (playoffs)75.0%91.7%
PK at home (playoffs)68.8%94.4%
PK away (playoffs)81.3%88.9%
Powerplay vs opponent15.0%32.3%
Penalty kill vs opponent67.7%85.0%
Leading after 1st (playoffs)5-04-0
Leading after 2nd (playoffs)7-05-0
Trailing after 1st (playoffs)3-02-1
Trailing after 2nd (playoffs)0-10-2
1-goal games (playoffs)2-03-1
2-goal games (playoffs)0-01-1
3 goal games (playoffs)0-01-0

It’s a historic year for the Sting, who are into the Western Conference Championship Series for the first time in their history.

Sarnia comes off a sweep of the fourth-seed Saginaw Spirit in which they conceded just four goals, with Ben Gaudreau making franchise history with his second and third shutouts of the playoff run. After going up 2-0 over the eighth-placed Kitchener Rangers in the previous round, the Knights responded to a 6-1 Game 3 loss with consecutive Brett Brochu shutout wins in Games 4 and 5.

Following a spell in which they won the J. Ross Robertson Cup three times in five seasons, London has not reached the Western Conference Final since their last championship in 2016.

There was plenty of changeover in London this season, with 17-year-old newcomers Easton Cowan, Jacob Julien, Oliver Bonk, and Zach Bowen, as well as 2022 fourth-overall pick Sam Dickinson playing big roles.

The team began to find a rhythm after adding Bulldogs teammates Ryan Winterton and Ryan Humphrey at the trade deadline.

The Sting boast a powerhouse offence but showed an ability to grind out results in the series against Saginaw. Their defensive trade-deadline acquisitions were a subject of discussion ahead of Game 1.

The Sting’s blueline spent much of the season riddled with injuries but with Ethan Del Mastro, Christian Kyrou, Ryan Mast, Nolan Dillingham, and Ethan Ritchie all available, Sarnia’s defence has looked steady in front of Gaudreau.

Not to be overlooked, Sarnia’s offence was a force throughout the season as they put together the OHL’s top power play, guided by one of the league’s top playmakers in Ty Voit. Factor in 50-goal scorer Nolan Burke and mid-season additions Sasha Pastujov and Luca Del Bel Belluz, and Sarnia isn’t a team London can afford to get into penalty trouble against.

PREDICTION: Sarnia in 6 games

EASTERN CONFERENCE (2) NORTH BAY BATTALION VS (4) PETERBOROUGH PETES BOBBY ORR TROPHY

NORTH BAY BATTALIONPETERBOROUGH PETES
Regular season record48-17-2-135-29-2-2
Playoff record8-58-2
Head-to-head4-0-0-00-4-0-0
Home record27-5-1-118-13-1-2
Away record21-12-1-017-16-1-0
Goals scored (regular season)285247
Goals scored (playoffs)4934
Goals against (regular season)183207
Goals against (playoffs)3325
Powerplay (regular season)22.9%21.7%
PP at home (regular season)25.0%22.1%
PP away (regular season)20.9%21.3%
Powerplay (playoffs)28.6%11.4%
PP at home (playoffs)23.3%8.0%
PP away (playoffs)36.8%15.8%
Penalty kill (regular season)87.1%81.3%
PK at home (regular season)90.3%80.2%
PK away (regular season)84.4%82.4%
Penalty kill (playoffs)81.3%88.5%
PK at home (playoffs)79.3%85.7%
PK away (playoffs)84.2%91.7%
Powerplay vs opponent20.0%11.1%
Penalty kill vs opponent88.9%80.0%
Leading after 1st (playoffs)4-12-1
Leading after 2nd (playoffs)6-25-1
Trailing after 1st (playoffs)2-13-0
Trailing after 2nd (playoffs)2-10-0
1-goal games (playoffs)2-34-1
2-goal games (playoffs)1-14-1
3 goal games (playoffs)2-10-0

Two of the league’s top goaltenders in Michael Simpson and Domenic DiVincentiis, will go head-to-head.

The Petes are in search of their first trip to the OHL Championship Series since they were last champions in 2005-06. Captain Shawn Spearing and assistant captains Tucker Robertson and J.R. Avon were all members of the 2019-20 team that was poised to make a deep playoff run before the season came to a premature end. The group has been preparing for another one ever since.

The Battalion were on the receiving end of a sweep in last year’s Eastern Conference Final, falling to the eventual champions: the Hamilton Bulldogs. With much of the same core returning, the Troops have been a contender since the season began and added the requisite depth.

Picked first overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection and CHL Import Draft respectively, Ty Nelson and Matvey Petrov have developed into two of the most talented players in the league. Alongside overage forward Kyle McDonald, they sit tied for first in scoring among remaining players (18 pts.). Not fair behind in fourth is centreman Kyle Jackson (13 pts.).

The Battalion are ranked first in the postseason with 49 goals for, and much of that is to do with how seamlessly trade additions Pasquale Zito (5-9-14) and Josh Bloom (2-5-7) have fit into the team.

Fellow newcomers Luc Brzustowski and Brayden Hislop have also rounded out the defence with their veteran presence.

After acquiring 50-goal man Brennan Othmann from the Flint Firebirds in November, the Petes went after the big fish at the trade deadline, too. GM Mike Oke prioritized championship pedigree, dealing for Hamilton Bulldogs overage pair Avery Hayes and Gavin White. They have proven themselves to be instrumental for Peterborough thus far.

The Petes finished the season with a 5-6-1-0 record in March, which evoked questions about whether they were ready to take the next step in the postseason. Internally, however, the focus was on being prepared to flip the switch for Game 1.

PREDICTION: North Bay in 7 games

GENERALS’ MCINTYRE WINS ROGER NEILSON MEMORIAL AWARD AS OHL’S TOP POST-SECONDARY STUDENT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that Oshawa Generals forward Ryder McIntyre is the 2022-23 recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award presented annually to the OHL’s Top Academic Post-Secondary Student.

McIntyre achieved an overall average of 81 percent in studies at the University of Guelph, headlined by a 100 percent grade in an Introduction to Marketing course, in addition to a 95 percent in Human Development. McIntyre’s course load also included Psychology and Microeconomics as he achieved high standing during his second season in the OHL.

“I’m very honoured to receive the Roger Neilson Memorial Award,” said McIntyre. “I’d like to thank my teachers, Oshawa Generals Academic Advisor Tom Buchanan, and the entire Generals organization for their continued support and the environment needed to succeed.”

A 6-foot-3, 221Ib. 18-year-old right-winger from Stouffville, Ont., McIntyre recorded seven goals, 10 assists and 17 points over 63 games between the Generals and the Sarnia Sting in 2022-23. He was acquired by the Generals from Sarnia on Oct. 20, 2022.

“It’s not a surprise to me that Ryder has won this prestigious academic award,” said Generals Vice-President and General Manager Roger Hunt. “He is a young man that is very capable of prioritizing things and has a great work ethic. He works as hard in the gym, on the ice and in the classroom – a great formula for young people to follow if you want to succeed in life.”

Originally a third round (51st overall) pick by Sarnia in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, McIntyre’s top performance this past season came on Feb. 20th when he recorded a goal and two assists in a 10-7 win over the Niagara IceDogs.

“Ryder has shown himself as a dedicated and conscientious student,” said Generals Academic Advisor Tom Buchanan. “He has demonstrated the self-discipline and time management skills to combine a busy hockey schedule with the rigours of a university timetable. Ryder successfully completed four university courses during the hockey season.”

The Roger Neilson Memorial Award is named in honour of the Hall of Fame Coach who served behind the Peterborough Petes bench in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  Neilson, a former high school teacher, was a pioneer in stressing the importance of education to all of his players. McIntyre becomes the second Oshawa Generals player to win the award, following goaltender Daniel Altshuller who last did so in 2012-13.

Guelph Storm defenceman Payton Robinson finished as a finalist for this year’s Roger Neilson Memorial Award.

For a full list of OHL award winners, visit ontariohockeyleague.com.


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

ATTACK’S BARLOW AWARDED BOBBY SMITH TROPHY AS OHL SCHOLASTIC PLAYER OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is proud to announce that draft eligible forward Colby Barlow of the Owen Sound Attack is the 2022-23 recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy, which is awarded to the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year presented by MilkUP, youth lifestyle brand of Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO).

Barlow becomes the first player in Owen Sound Attack history to win the prestigious award, excelling with an overall average of 93 percent across Grade 12 University-level courses: Challenge and Change in Society (97 percent), Families in Canada (96 percent), Organizational Business (95 percent), Business Leadership (95 percent), International Business (90 percent), and English (85 percent) at Owen Sound District Secondary School.

On the ice, Barlow enters the 2023 NHL Draft as the OHL’s highest-ranked skater, coming in at 12th on NHL Central Scouting’s final list of North American players eligible for the annual selection that takes place in Nashville, Tenn. on June 28-29. He led the Attack in 2022-23 producing 79 points including 46 goals, 33 assists and a league-leading 12 game-winning tallies in 59 games.

“I’m truly honoured to be awarded the Bobby Smith Trophy,” said Barlow. “Playing hockey at an elite level and excelling at academics are really two sides of the same coin. It would be inconsistent for someone with the dedication it requires to perform at an elite level in sports, not to apply that same dedication to their academic studies. To excel in hockey it requires talent, but more importantly it requires discipline. The skillsets in athletics and academics are interrelated and I appreciate everyone with the Owen Sound Attack who has helped me as I continue to try and excel in both of those areas.”

Fresh-off setting an Attack rookie record for goals as a 16-year-old with 30 in 2021-22, Barlow became the youngest captain in Owen Sound Attack franchise history at 17-years-old, and emerged as one of five OHL players with at least 46 goals in his sophomore season.

“Colby has found an incredible way to balance both on-ice brilliance and excellence in the classroom,” said Attack General Manager Dale DeGray. “He also did a tremendous job serving as captain of our team in just his second season, and has amazed many at the Bayshore, scoring some outstanding goals and demonstrating what it truly means to be a leader both on and off the ice.”

Hailing from Orillia, Ont., Barlow is currently representing Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Switzerland, and also wore the maple leaf, winning gold for Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Alberta last summer. Barlow competed in the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game this past January in Langley, BC. Originally selected by the Attack with their first round (8th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Barlow went on to be voted to the league’s first all-rookie team in 2021-22.

“Colby has a very positive attitude that is evident in everything he does,” commented Attack Academic Advisor Sarah Rowe. “He leads by example and preaches accountability both in school and in the dressing room. Colby is an honour roll student and a star on the ice who continues to do Owen Sound proud.”

Each year the Bobby Smith Trophy is presented to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence. The trophy is in honour of Bobby Smith, a former Ottawa 67s star who exhibited a standard of excellence in both of these areas. Past recipients since the award was first presented in 1980 include three-time winner Dustin Brown (Guelph 2001-03), Steven Stamkos (Sarnia 2007), Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2008), Matt Duchene (Brampton 2009), Erik Gudbranson (Kingston 2010), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2011), Adam Pelech (Erie 2012), Darnell Nurse (Sault Ste. Marie 2013), back-to-back winner Connor McDavid (Erie 2014, ’15), Sasha Chmelevski (Ottawa 2017), Barrett Hayton (Sault Ste. Marie 2018), Thomas Harley (Mississauga 2019), Cole Perfetti (Saginaw 2020) and Owen Beck (Mississauga 2022).

Next in line for the award were a pair of other NHL Draft eligibles in Erie Otters forward Carey Terrance and London Knights blueliner Oliver Bonk. Ottawa 67s draft-eligible forward Luca Pinelli placed third in the process.

Barlow will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Scholastic Player of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 3 during the 2023 Memorial Cup presented by Kia which takes place in Kamloops, British Columbia. Barlow will be formally presented with the Bobby Smith Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 14 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

All 20 of the OHL’s member clubs provide nominees for the Bobby Smith Trophy, with nominees representing the 2022-23 OHL Scholastic Team:

2022-23 OHL Scholastic Team Nominees:
Barrie Colts – Grayson Tiller
Erie Otters – Carey Terrance
Flint Firebirds – Daks Klinkhammer
Guelph Storm – Matthew Poitras
Hamilton Bulldogs – Nick Lardis
Kingston Frontenacs – Alec Belanger
Kitchener Rangers – Matthew Andonovski
London Knights – Oliver Bonk
Mississauga Steelehads – Luke Misa
Niagara IceDogs – Bronson Ride
North Bay Battalion – Wyatt Kennedy
Oshawa Generals – Ben Danford
Ottawa 67’s – Luca Pinelli
Owen Sound Attack – Colby Barlow
Peterborough Petes – Chase Lefebvre
Saginaw Spirit – Joey Willis
Sarnia Sting – Easton Wainwright
Soo Greyhounds – Andrew Gibson
Sudbury Wolves – Alex Pharand
Windsor Spitfires – Joey Costanzo


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

COLTS’ VIERLING AWARDED WILLIAM HANLEY TROPHY AS OHL’S MOST SPORTSMANLIKE PLAYER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Barrie Colts forward Evan Vierling is the 2022-23 recipient of the William Hanley Trophy awarded to the League’s Most Sportsmanlike Player as voted by OHL General Managers.

The 20-year-old overage forward from Aurora, Ont. led the Colts with 95 points including 35 goals and 60 assists over 60 regular season games, taking just 12 penalty minutes in the process. He becomes the ninth player in Colts franchise history to record 60 assists in a season, and the first to ever claim the William Hanley Trophy.

“It truly is an honour to be recognized with the William Hanley Trophy,” said Vierling. “When looking back at the past winners, it’s a great group to join and a nice way to finish off my OHL career. My success this year is a reflection of all the help I got from my teammates, coaches, and family.”

Vierling was a consistent offensive producer for the Colts, recording at least three points in a game 15 different times over the course of the season. His campaign was highlighted by five-point efforts on Dec. 13th in a 7-5 win over the Sudbury Wolves (1-4–5) and Mar. 5th in a 6-3 road win over the Owen Sound Attack (3-2–5), one of his two hat tricks on the season.

“Anytime you can have a player that wins a league award it’s always great news for the franchise,” said Colts Head Coach and General Manager Marty Williamson. “Evan was a key contributor to our team this season and he took his play to the next level. It’s a reflection of his game by finishing with 95 points and only 12 minutes in penalties. The entire Colts organization is proud of him.”

Vierling recorded 13 points (1-12–13) in seven playoff outings for the Colts this spring before being sidelined by an injury in Game 2 of Barrie’s second round series against the North Bay Battalion.

Entering the League as the second overall pick of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection by the Flint Firebirds, Vierling turned in a productive four-year career that yielded 213 points (75-138–213) over 218 regular season games between the Colts and Firebirds. He was selected by the New York Rangers in the fifth round (127th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, and attended training camp with the Columbus Blue Jackets last October.

The William Hanley Trophy is awarded each year based on a selection by the 20 General Managers of the Ontario Hockey League.  All 20 teams submit a nominee but are not permitted to vote for their own candidate. The trophy is presented by the OHL to commemorate William Hanley, former Secretary-Manager of the Ontario Hockey Association for over 25 years.

Owen Sound Attack forward Cedrick Guindon finished as a runner-up in award voting, followed by Oshawa Generals forward Calum Ritchie who placed third.

Vierling follows a number of current NHL players to have previously won the award, including 2022 recipient Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires) of the Dallas Stars, as well as Nick Robertson (Peterborough 2020), three-time winner Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound/Guelph 2017, ’18, ’19), Mike Amadio (North Bay 2016), Dylan Strome (Erie 2015), Connor McDavid (Erie 2014), Brandon Saad (Saginaw 2012) and Jeff Carter (Sault Ste. Marie 2005).

Vierling will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Sportsman of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 3 during the 2023 Memorial Cup presented by Kia which takes place in Kamloops, British Columbia. Vierling will be formally presented with the William Hanley Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 14 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a complete history of OHL award winners, visit ontariohockeyleague.com.


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

Nick Lardis – Hamilton Bulldogs – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
5’11”165July 8, 2005RWL6th 202127 NACANADA
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022OHLPeterborough Petes63181937
2022-2023OHLPeterborough Petes3612719
2022-2023OHLHamilton Bulldogs33252146
2022-2023WJC U-18Canada2303
The Hamilton Bulldogs acquired Nick Lardis from the Peterborough Petes on Jan 7. Photo by OHL Images.

Nick Lardis of the Hamilton Bulldogs has been one of the biggest risers on NHL Central Scouting’s draft lists and rightfully so. Ranked 96th among North American skaters on their mid term rankings, Lardis appeared at number 27 on their final list. He was the benefactor of a January 7th trade from the Peterborough Petes to the Bulldogs.

Lardis was the 6th overall pick at the 2021 OHL Priority Selection by the Petes. He would finish the campaign with 18 goals and 19 assists – not bad for a rookie. He got off to a good start this season but it wasn’t until the trade that he exploded. He more than doubled his production in the second half with Hamilton.

Lardis is now a solid second round pick on most rankings and a strong showing at the World Junior Championships Under-18 where he already has 3 goals in 2 games could potentially see some teams liking him in the very late first round.

The biggest difference after the trade is Lardis turned from complimentary piece to a driver in Hamilton. Because of his size, skating is key to Lardis’ game. At the CHL/NHL Top Prospects game fitness testing, Lardis ranked near the top in several categories: 5th in 30-meter backwards skate, 5th in weave agility, first in weave agility with the puck, 5th in transition ability, 2nd in transition ability with the puck, 1st in reaction ability and 4th in reaction ability with the puck. He finished at the top of the overall list in on-ice testing.

Lardis is one of the better skaters in the draft class, but he also brings a lot of energy with it. He gets on the forecheck quickly, can cause havoc and create turnovers and he can make plays once he gains possession. He’s a north-south player he uses his speed and energy to perfection.

Of course, there are things Lardis needs to work on. He’s going to have to add a lot of bulk and strength onto his frame and he’s going to have to bring the same intensity and energy to the defensive side of the puck.

2023 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION FIRST ROUND RECAP

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – Twenty-two players from across 15 different organizations were chosen in the first round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore on Friday, April 21.

The Erie Otters kicked-off the proceedings with the selection of Halton Hurricanes defenceman Matthew Schaefer, making him the first OMHA player selected first overall since Quinton Byfield, who was taken by the Sudbury Wolves in 2018. Hurricanes teammate Tyler Hopkins would hear his name called three picks later, being selected fourth overall by the Kingston Frontenacs.

Forwards in London Jr. Knights 50-goal scorer Ryan Roobroeck (2nd overall, Niagara) and Waterloo Wolves captain Brady Martin (3rd overall, Sault Ste. Marie) gave the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario (ALLIANCE) two players chosen inside the first three picks for the first time since 2008.

The Mississauga Steelheads claimed the first goaltender in this year’s Priority Selection, with Mississauga Senators netminder Jack Ivankovic going seventh overall. He becomes the highest goaltender selected since the Sarnia Sting took Ben Gaudreau seventh overall in 2019.

Two OHL teams, the Niagara IceDogs and Kitchener Rangers, made two first round selections. The IceDogs followed-up the selection of Roobroeck by picking forward Ethan Czata of the Mississauga Rebels at fifth overall. The Rangers picked back-to-back at 10th and 11th overall, taking defenceman Cameron Reid from the Bishop Kearney Selects and Luca Romano of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens in those slots.

The first round consisted of 10 players chosen from the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), five players selected from the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), four players selected from the ALLIANCE, one from Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) and a pair from U.S.-based programs.

The OHL Cup champion Toronto Jr. Canadiens led the way with three players selected in the opening round, with OHL Cup MVP Jake O’Brien hearing his name called eighth overall by the Brantford Bulldogs, forward Luca Romano going 11th overall to the Kitchener Rangers and 6-foot-4 winger Nico Addy being selected 12th overall by the Owen Sound Attack.

A total of 10 players chosen in the first round were members of Team Ontario’s gold-medal winning team at the 2023 Canada Games in Charlottetown, PEI this past February including Matthew Schaefer (1st overall, Erie), Ryan Roobroeck (2nd overall, Niagara), Brady Martin (3rd overall, Sault Ste. Marie), Tyler Hopkins (4th overall, Kingston), Jack Ivankovic (7th overall, Mississauga), Nico Addy (12th overall, Owen Sound), Carson Cameron (13th overall, Peterborough), Quinn Beauchesne (14th overall, Guelph), William Moore (18th overall, London) and Jack Nesbitt (20th overall, Windsor).

Of the 22 players selected in the first round, 20 will be eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft. Second overall pick Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara IceDogs) and 17th overall pick Ryan Brown (Sarnia Sting) are late birthdays and won’t be NHL Draft eligible until 2026.

The first round saw 16 forwards, five defencemen and one goaltender chosen by OHL clubs.

2023 OHL Priority Selection – First Round Selections:

Click on player name to watch profile video

1. Erie Otters – Matthew Schaefer (Halton Hurricanes) – 6.01.5, 160Ib., RD

2. Niagara IceDogs – Ryan Roobroeck (London Jr. Knights) – 6.02, 193Ib., C

3. Soo Greyhounds – Brady Martin (Waterloo Wolves) – 5.11.5, 170Ib., C

4. Kingston Frontenacs – Tyler Hopkins (Halton Hurricanes) – 6.00.5, 160Ib., C

5. Niagara IceDogs – Ethan Czata (Mississauga Rebels) – 6.00, 156Ib., C

6. Oshawa Generals – Owen Griffin (York-Simcoe Express) – 5.09.25, 144Ib., C

7. Mississauga Steelheads – Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Senators) – 5.10.5, 169Ib., G

8. Brantford Bulldogs – Jake O’Brien (Toronto Jr. Canadiens) – 6.00.25, 148Ib., C

9. Sudbury Wolves – Caden Taylor (Mississauga Senators) – 6.02, 171Ib., C

10. Kitchener Rangers – Cameron Reid (Bishop Kearney Selects) – 5.11, 160Ib., LD

11. Kitchener Rangers – Luca Romano (Toronto Jr. Canadiens) – 5.10.5, 162Ib., C

12. Owen Sound Attack – Nico Addy (Toronto Jr. Canadiens) – 6.04.75, 204Ib., RW

13. Peterborough Petes – Carson Cameron (Central Ontario Wolves) – 6.00.25, 171Ib., RD

14. Guelph Storm – Quinn Beauchesne (Nepean Raiders) – 5.10.25, 151Ib., RD

15. Flint Firebirds – Jeremy Martin (Toronto Marlboros) – 6.00.5, 179Ib., LW

16. Saginaw Spirit – Aiden Young (London Jr. Knights) – 5.10, 160Ib., LW

17. Sarnia Sting – Ryan Brown (York-Simcoe Express) – 5.09.5, 151Ib., LW

18. London Knights – William Moore (Toronto Marlboros) – 6.03, 160Ib., C

19. Barrie Colts – Shamar Moses (Don Mills Flyers) – 6.01, 209Ib., RW

20. Windsor Spitfires – Jack Nesbitt (Lambton Jr. Sting) – 6.04, 165Ib., C

21. North Bay Battalion – Carter Kostuch (Vaughan Kings) – 5.10.5, 148Ib., LW

22. Ottawa 67’s – Henry Brzustewicz (North Jersey Avalanche) – 6.00, 201Ib., RD


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

OTTERS ANNOUNCE MATTHEW SCHAEFER AS FIRST OVERALL PICK OF 2023 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION PRESENTED BY REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League in association with the Erie Otters Hockey Club today announced that 15-year-old defenceman Matthew Schaefer of the Halton Hurricanes U16 program will be the first overall pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

The announcement was made at a news conference held at Erie Insurance Arena, introducing Schaefer and his family to the organization and local media.

“I’m so honoured to be picked by such a great organization,” said Schaefer. “It still just doesn’t feel real at all – all the amazing players that have come through this organization and ended up in the NHL.

“It’s a great feeling,” he added. “I just want to get started working this summer, and I can’t wait for training camp. I’m a hard-working player that will compete every day and will play whatever role the Erie Otters want me to.”

Schaefer follows Otters franchise cornerstones Connor McDavid (2012) and Ryan O’Reilly (2007) as the third first overall selection in the organization’s history, making him Erie’s highest-drafted blueliner. He joins a franchise that has also produced the likes of NHL talent in Dylan Strome (Washington Capitals), Alex DeBrincat (Ottawa Senators), Jamie Drysdale (Anaheim Ducks), Adam Pelech (NY Islanders) and Connor Brown (Washington Capitals) among several others.

“Matthew is clearly a dominant player in his age-group,” said Otters General Manager and Executive Vice-President Dave Brown. “He can carry the tempo of a game, he can change a game in a moment with his explosive speed, ability, his edges and his hockey IQ. He’s a big kid with all the intangibles and the skill set that a smaller, mobile defenceman would have. He’s also a natural-born leader and that’s something that organizations need, and our organization can definitely use more of that.”

Hailing from Hamilton, Ont., Schaefer put together an outstanding season on the Halton blue line, producing 12 goals, 20 assists and 32 points over 25 games for the Hurricanes, who finished first place in the OMHA’s SCTA circuit with a regular season record of 31-2-3. Schaefer had a memorable experience representing Ontario at the 2023 Canada Games in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in February, scoring the overtime winner to push Ontario to a gold medal finish, defeating Saskatchewan 3-2. Schaefer will be eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft.

Schaefer is the 2023 recipient of the Jack Ferguson Award presented annually to the player selected first overall in the OHL Priority Selection. The “Fergie” recognizes the dedication and contributions made by Jack Ferguson during his 25 year association with the OHL, first as a scout with the Ottawa 67’s and followed by his appointment as head of the OHL’s Central Scouting Bureau in 1981 as its Director of Central Scouting.

“Matthew is an elite defenceman in this age group and he continued his strong play since playing U16 last season as an underage,” said Darrell Woodley, Director of OHL Central Scouting. “He is a powerful defender that has speed to burn and he uses it in all three zones. He can be a one-man breakout as his foot speed allows him to beat forecheckers and make a good heads-up pass or continue though the neutral zone with the puck, as he is not afraid to lead the play and create offence.  He uses his outstanding skating ability to defend with the best of them as he closes on players fast and gives them little time and space to make plays.  He has a great understanding for the game and knows what each situation calls for.”

WATCH: 2023 #OHLDraft Prospect Profile: Matthew Schaefer

Join Matthew Schaefer as he hears his name called to kick-off the first round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection Draft Show presented by Real Canadian Superstore beginning at 7:00pm on Friday night. The OHL Priority Selection will once again be held over the course of two days, with Rounds 1-3 taking place on Friday. The proceedings continue on Saturday, April 22 starting at 9:00am with Rounds 4-15. The Priority Selection will be streamed for free in its entirety on CHL TV. Fans can also watch complete Day 1 coverage produced by YourTV on community stations and across the province on OHL Action Pak ch. 463.

Winners of the Jack Ferguson Award Include:
1981 Dan Quinn, Belleville Bulls
1982 Kirk Muller, Guelph Platers
1983 Trevor Stienburg, Guelph Platers
1984 Dave Moylan, Sudbury Wolves
1985 Bryan Fogarty, Kingston Canadians
1986 Troy Mallette, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
1987 John Uniac, Sudbury Wolves
1988 Drake Berehowsky, Kingston Raiders
1989 Eric Lindros, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
1990 Pat Peake, Detroit Ambassadors
1991 Todd Harvey, Detroit Ambassadors
1992 Jeff O’Neill, Guelph Storm
1993 Alyn McCauley, Ottawa 67’s
1994 Jeff Brown, Sarnia Sting
1995 Daniel Tkaczuk, Barrie Colts
1996 Rico Fata, London Knights
1997 Charlie Stephens, Toronto St. Michael’s Majors
1998 Jay Harrison, Brampton Battalion
1999 Jason Spezza, Mississauga IceDogs
2000 Patrick Jarrett, Mississauga IceDogs
2001 Patrick O’Sullivan, Mississauga IceDogs
2002 Robbie Schremp, Mississauga IceDogs
2003 Patrick McNeill, Saginaw Spirit
2004 John Hughes, Belleville Bulls
2005 John Tavares, Oshawa Generals
2006 Steven Stamkos, Sarnia Sting
2007 Ryan O’Reilly, Erie Otters
2008 John McFarland, Sudbury Wolves
2009 Daniel Catenacci, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
2010 Alex Galchenyuk, Sarnia Sting
2011 Aaron Ekblad, Barrie Colts
2012 Connor McDavid, Erie Otters
2013 Travis Konecny, Ottawa 67’s
2014 Jakob Chychrun, Sarnia Sting
2015 David Levin, Sudbury Wolves
2016 Ryan Merkley, Guelph Storm
2017 Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts
2018 Quinton Byfield, Sudbury Wolves
2019 Shane Wright, Kingston Frontenacs
2020 Ty Nelson, North Bay Battalion
2021 Quentin Musty, Sudbury Wolves
2022 Michael Misa, Saginaw Spirit
2023 Matthew Schaefer, Erie Otters


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

67’s’ CAMERON EARNS MATT LEYDEN TROPHY AS OHL COACH OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Dave Cameron of the Ottawa 67’s is the recipient of the Matt Leyden Trophy awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year.

Closing out his second season at the helm for the 67’s, Cameron steered Ottawa to a Hamilton Spectator Trophy, finishing first place in the OHL’s regular season standings with a record of 51-12-3-2 for a franchise-record 107 points. Cameron’s 67’s surrendered a league-low 171 goals, produced the OHL’s best home record of 29-4-0-1 and boasted a second-ranked penalty kill, operating at 84.1 percent.

“The Matt Leyden Trophy is the ultimate team award,” said Cameron of the honour. “I wouldn’t be here without the hard work of my players, coaching and support staff, and management group.”

The 67’s got off to a remarkable start to their season, winning nine consecutive games and owning a record of 18-1 by mid-November. They went on to finish the season with a mark of 41-0 when leading after two periods, and ended-up finished tied for the second-most shorthanded goals in the OHL with 16. Ottawa played to a mark of 13-2-3-2 in one-goal games.

“Dave’s boundless energy, knowledge, and passion for teaching the game were driving forces behind our 67’s record-breaking 2022-23 regular season,” stated 67’s General Manager James Boyd. “In addition to our on-ice success, Dave’s continuous promotion of community service, and academics has reinforced our positive team culture, both at and away from the rink.”

A native of Charlottetown, PEI, Cameron has spent eight seasons between Head and Assistant Coaching assignments in the National Hockey League along with an additional four in the American Hockey League. He’s coached a total of 12 seasons in the OHL dating back to 1997-98 when he broke in with the Soo Greyhounds. His tenure has also included four seasons with the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors from 2000-04, a stretch in which he led the club to four consecutive Eastern Conference Championship Series appearances. He made two more East Final appearances as Head Coach of the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors over a four-year span between 2007-11, guiding the Majors to an Eastern Conference title in 2011. Cameron’s Majors reached the Memorial Cup Championship Final as tournament hosts that same year, falling to the Saint John Sea Dogs by a score of 3-1. He became the 15th coach in OHL history to win 400 games on Nov. 4th, 2022, and owns a career OHL coaching record of 440-289-40 with 45 ties over his 814-game regular season career.

Cameron emerged as the front-runner for this year’s award, while colleagues Dale Hunter of the London Knights, Ryan Oulahen of the North Bay Battalion and Chris Lazary of the Saginaw Spirit finished in a three-way tie for second place in the voting.

The Matt Leyden Trophy has been awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year as selected by his peers since 1972.  The award is in recognition of the contributions of Matt Leyden, past president of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1965-67, and former manager of the Oshawa Generals who spent more than 50 years with the team.

Cameron becomes the third different Ottawa 67’s coach to claim the award, following two-time winner André Tourigny who received the honour in both 2019 and 2020. OHL coaching legend Brian Kilrea has his name on the Matt Leyden Trophy a record total of five times, last winning in 2003.

Cameron will be the OHL’s nominee for the Brian Kilrea Canadian Hockey League Coach of the Year Award, presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 3 during the 2023 Memorial Cup presented by Kia which takes place in Kamloops, British Columbia. Cameron will be formally presented with the Matt Leyden Trophy at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 14 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a complete history of OHL award winners, visit ontariohockeyleague.com.


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

ELEVEN OHL PLAYERS REPRESENTING CANADA AT 2023 IIHF WORLD UNDER-18 HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is proud to congratulate 11 players on being named to Canada’s roster for the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship set to take place from April 20-30 in Basel and Porrentruy, Switzerland.

Hockey Canada announced its 22-player National Men’s Under-18 Team roster Saturday morning. Soo Greyhounds Head Coach John Dean will serve as an Assistant alongside Canadian Head Coach Jeff Truitt (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL).

OHL PLAYERS NAMED TO CANADA’S NATIONAL MEN’S UNDER-18 TEAM ROSTER:

Goaltenders:
Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires)

Defencemen:
Cam Allen (Guelph Storm)
Tristan Bertucci (Flint Firebirds)
Quinton Burns (Kingston Frontenacs)
Andrew Gibson (Soo Greyhounds)

Forwards:
Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack)
Nick Lardis (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Angus MacDonell (Mississauga Steelheads)
Porter Martone (Mississauga Steelheads)
Alex Pharand (Sudbury Wolves)
Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)

“We are excited to unveil the 22 players who will wear the Maple Leaf at the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship, as we believe this group brings a lot of talent and experience from the Canadian Hockey League and international competition,” said Alan Millar, Director of Player Personnel for Hockey Canada. “We know this group is excited for the opportunity to compete for a gold medal and will represent Canada with pride in Switzerland.”

Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack) scored the overtime winner with eight seconds remaining in Sunday’s 6-5 pre-tournament victory over Finland. Nick Lardis (Hamilton Bulldogs) scored a pair of goals while defenceman Quinton Burns (Kingston Frontenacs) also found the back of the net.

Canada opens the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship against Sweden on April 20 at 8:30 a.m. ET / 5:30 a.m. PT. It will also take on Germany on April 21, Slovakia on April 23, and Czechia on April 24 to round out the preliminary round before the tournament wraps up with the bronze and gold medal games on April 30. TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners, will broadcast select tournament games, including all Team Canada games.

Since 2002, Canada has won four gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021), in addition to one silver (2005) and three bronze (2012, 2014, 2015).

For more information on the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship, please visit the official tournament website at 2023.U18worlds.hockey.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.