SPITFIRES ANNOUNCE ETHAN BELCHETZ AS FIRST OVERALL PICK IN 2024 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION PRESENTED BY REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League in association with the Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club today announced that 16-year-old forward Ethan Belchetz of the OHL Cup champion Oakville Rangers will be the first overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

The announcement was made at a news conference held at the WFCU Centre, introducing Belchetz and his family to the organization and local media.

“The Windsor Spitfires organization is outstanding,” said Belchetz of the big occasion. “They’ve treated my family and I with the utmost respect and I’m really looking forward to wearing the jersey and playing for the great fans at the WFCU Centre.”

Belchetz becomes the first Spitfires player to win the Jack Ferguson Award, an honour first bestowed upon the player chosen with the First Overall Pick of the OHL Priority Selection in 1981.

“It’s a very prestigious award and so many of the players that have come before me have gone on to accomplish a tremendous amount in their careers,” added Belchetz. “It provides a lot of motivation to work hard every day towards achieving that kind of success.”

Belchetz is just the second player to ever be chosen first overall by the Spitfires, who took forward Jim Fox of the North Bay Trappers with the first selection back in 1976. Fox would go on to do big things as a member of the Ottawa 67’s, eventually playing over 500 games in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings.

“Ethan is a physical presence with a great combination of skill and hockey IQ,” said Spitfires General Manager Bill Bowler. “He is a character kid with leadership qualities and will have an immediate impact in our league.

“It’s a great opportunity in this position for our franchise,” continued Bowler. “It’s an honour and privilege to be making this selection on behalf of the Windsor Spitfires and the Ontario Hockey League.”

A 6-foot-5, 234Ib. left-wing from Oakville, Ont., Belchetz was a driving force behind the OHL Cup champion Oakville Rangers, being named MVP of the annual showcase after collecting 11 points (5-6—11) over seven games. He was also recognized as OMHA West U16 AAA Player of the Year after leading the entire OMHA with 46 goals and 84 points in just 34 games, guiding his team to a 31-1 regular season record. He’d go on to add 16 points (9-7—16) in eight playoff games.

Belchetz is the 2024 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.

“Ethan is a big power forward, at times it seems like he is a man playing amongst boys,” said Darrell Woodley, Director of OHL Central Scouting. “He is an intimidating force whenever he is on the ice.  He is very competitive, takes the body every chance he gets and likes the physical side of the game which is rare these days.  He is a good skater that has a powerful stride and is hard to contain when he gets moving.  He has a good skill-set and does a good job of protecting the puck down low, which makes him almost impossible to handle.  He has a good shot that he has used to score many goals from within 15 feet of the net.  He is a player that understands his strengths and uses them to his full advantage.  Ethan’s game has improved immensely since the beginning of the season and he has a very high ceiling.”

Join Ethan Belchetz as he hears his name called to kick-off the first round of the 2024 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 13 starting at 9:00am with Rounds 4-15. The Priority Selection Show will be produced by YourTV and streamed for free in its entirety on OHL Live. Fans can also watch complete coverage on community stations and across the province on OHL Action Pak ch. 466 (East) and 677 (West).

WATCH: 2024 OHL Priority Selection Prospect Profile – Ethan Belchetz

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
2024 Ethan Belchetz, Windsor Spitfires

OHL ANNOUNCES WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINAL SERIES SCHEDULE BETWEEN LONDON AND KITCHENER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League has announced the schedule for a Western Conference Semi-Final Series between the London Knights and Kitchener Rangers that begins Thursday night at Budweiser Gardens in London.
 
The OHL’s regular season champions, London advanced to the second round following a first round sweep of the Flint Firebirds, a series that concluded on Thursday.
 
The Western Conference fourth-seed Rangers defeated the Erie Otters by a score of 4-3 in overtime of Game 6 of their first round series on Tuesday night in Erie.
 
The Knights and the Rangers are poised to meet in the OHL Playoffs for the third consecutive season after Kitchener prevailed in Game 7 of the first round of the 2022 OHL Playoffs while London eliminated the Rangers in five second round contests last spring.
 
Western Conference Semi-Final Series Schedule:
 
(1) London Knights vs. (4) Kitchener Rangers
Game 1 – Thurs., April 11 at London, 7:00pm
Game 2 – Sat., April 13 at London, 4:00pm
Game 3 – Tues., April 16 at Kitchener, 7:00pm
Game 4 – Thurs., April 18 at Kitchener, 7:00pm
Game 5 – Fri., April 19 at London, 7:00pm
Game 6 – Sun., April 21 at Kitchener, 2:00pm
Game 7 – Tues., April 23 at London, 7:00pm
 
Don’t miss a second of the second round of the 2024 OHL Playoffs, with streaming packages now available for purchase at ohllive.com.

Lukas Fischer – Sarnia Sting – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Lukas Fischer of the Sarnia Sting. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
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6’3”170Aug 9, 2006LDL208th, 202255th, N.A.USA
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2021-2022HPHL U15Compuware AAA20538
2022-2023OHLSarnia Sting473710
2023-2024OHLSarnia Sting6862834

Fischer’s hockey career took a surprising turn last season. He started off playing in the USHL but then joined the Sting mid-season. However, the Sting already had a strong defensive roster, limiting Fischer’s ice time. Still, the Sting saw great potential in this former 11th round OHL draft pick.

His size stands out immediately, and he may still grow more. Despite his size, he displays incredible athleticism. His skating abilities are well above average, with smooth transitions between forward and backward skating without losing speed. He also shows impressive quickness and edges with great lateral mobility on his blades.

Despite his youth, he demonstrates remarkable defensive maturity. With his long reach, he skillfully thwarts scoring chances. His quick footwork enables him to maintain tight gaps and instantly pressure the puck. This is far different than the player we saw early in the season. He does need to find consistency in his physical game.

Fischer quickly recovers loose pucks and stays composed under pressure. He consistently makes smart plays, advancing the puck up ice with precise passes or his own skating. His poise with the puck will only improve as he gains more confidence on the ice.

Offensively, some question if his offensive skills will transfer effectively to the next level. Currently, he directs the powerplay adeptly and has demonstrated skill at this level of play. His vision, passing accuracy and speed are assets. Though his shot is solid, increased strength would likely add force. Additionally, he has shown the ability to join the attack at opportune moments.

Though those are positive indicators, they offer no assurance he will excel offensively. However, even if his scoring skills do not translate to the NHL, he can still have a successful career as a lockdown defender.

Landon DuPont becomes the ninth Exceptional Status Player in CHL history

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
CALGARY, AB – APRIL 5, 2024: Landon DuPont (Photo by Jenn Pierce/WHL)

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to announce alongside the Western Hockey League (WHL) that Landon DuPont (Calgary, Alta.) has been granted Exceptional Player Status and is eligible to play in the WHL on a full-time basis beginning with the 2024-25 WHL Regular Season.

DuPont becomes the first defenceman and second player in WHL history to be granted Exceptional Player Status by Hockey Canada, following Connor Bedard. Since the exceptional status rule was created in 2005, there have been nine players and just three defencemen in CHL history who have been granted exceptional player status: forward John Tavares (2005; Oshawa Generals / London Knights / OHL), defenceman Aaron Ekblad (2011; Barrie Colts / OHL), forward Connor McDavid (2012; Erie Otters / OHL), defenceman Sean Day (2013; Mississauga Steelheads / Windsor Spitfires / Kingston Frontenacs / OHL), forward Joe Veleno (2015; Saint John Sea Dogs / Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL), forward Shane Wright (2019; Kingston Frontenacs / Windsor Spitfires / OHL), forward Connor Bedard (2020; Regina Pats / WHL), forward Michael Misa (2022; Saginaw Spirit / OHL), and now defenceman Landon DuPont (2024; WHL).

“On behalf of the WHL Board of Governors, I would like to congratulate Landon on being the first defenceman in WHL history to be granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “Landon is a fine young man, who not only possesses tremendous talent on the ice, but has been raised with solid moral character, a positive attitude, and a great work ethic. These attributes make him truly deserving of being among those exceptional players to come before him, and we look forward to him continuing his development in the WHL.”

The Exceptional Player Status process was administered by Hockey Alberta with a Hockey Canada Special Evaluation Panel, which reviewed DuPont’s hockey and academic documentation. The process also assessed DuPont’s level of maturity.

“Hockey Canada wishes to congratulate Landon DuPont and his family on the impressive achievement of becoming only the second player to be granted Exceptional Status into the WHL, and the ninth player in the entire CHL,” said Scott Salmond, Senior Vice-President of High Performance and Hockey Operations with Hockey Canada. “Landon not only boasts impressive hockey ability that will allow him to succeed in the WHL at a young age, but he also possesses the incredible maturity required to be an exemplary young person off the ice.”

An Exceptional Player must possess a level of mental, social, and emotional maturity that belies his age, along with hockey skills that greatly exceed those of other elite-level players both in their age group and among players several years older. For an individual who is granted exceptional status, they earn the rare privilege of participating in the CHL at an early age. It is believed their development is more likely to be enhanced significantly by playing in the CHL as a 15-year-old, than by participating in their designated age division.

Born May 28, 2009, the 14-year-old DuPont is eligible to be selected in the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft, which is scheduled for Thursday, May 9. 

A 5-foot-11, 170-pound right shot defenceman, DuPont spent the 2023-24 season playing for the Edge School U18 Prep squad in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL), where he recorded 62 points (19G-43A) in 30 regular season games to finish third in CSSHL U18 scoring. His 62 points led all blueliners and established a new CSSHL U18 Prep single-season scoring record for defencemen. DuPont added another 16 points (5G-11A) in five playoff games, tying the CSSHL U18 Championship scoring record held by former Edmonton Oil Kings and Seattle Thunderbirds star Dylan Guenther. DuPont’s record-tying performance earned him CSSHL U18 Prep Championship MVP honours as he helped Edge capture the CSSHL U18 title. 

“It is such an honour for me to receive Exceptional Player Status from Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada. I’m extremely humbled to have received this designation,” DuPont said. “I would like to thank my family, all of my coaches, trainers, advisors, and most of all, my teammates, through my entire hockey journey for helping me get to this point. I’m excited to continue my development in the WHL and will work hard every day to continue to improve.”

“Congratulations to Landon DuPont on being the first-ever player from Alberta granted Exceptional Status with the Western Hockey League. Landon’s achievement is a testament to his skills, desire, and hard work,” said Rob Litwinski, CEO and President, Hockey Alberta. “It also reflects the commitment and effort of everyone involved in Landon’s hockey circle. This is a proud day for Landon, the DuPont family, and the staff and students at Edge School, and the entire Hockey Alberta community shares that pride.”

QUICK FACTS

  • Of the seven exceptional status players who have graduated from the CHL, six of them were selected in the first round of the NHL Draft, including four players who were chosen first overall (Tavares, Ekblad, McDavid & Bedard)
  • Of the seven exceptional status players who have graduated from the CHL, all seven of them were drafted and played games in the NHL, including four players who have earned selections to the NHL’s All-Star Game (Tavares, Ekblad, McDavid & Bedard)
  • A total of seven exceptional status players have helped Team Canada earn a gold medal on the international stage, including at the World Juniors, World Championships, Olympics, and the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup
  • Exceptional player status has been granted six times to OHL prospects, on two occasions in the WHL, and just once in the QMJHL
  • DuPont becomes the first-ever player from the province of Alberta to be granted exceptional player status (among the previous eight players, five of them hailed from Ontario while the others were from Québec, British Columbia, and Michigan)

The CHL is the top supplier of talent to the NHL. At the beginning of the 2023-24 season, a total of 398 CHL graduates from its three member leagues (WHL, OHL & QMJHL) were among those named to the NHL’s Opening Night rosters, representing just over 50% of the players on the NHL’s 32 teams. Moreover, at the 2023 NHL Draft, 80 CHL players were selected (accounting for nearly 36% of all draft picks), the most of any development hockey league in the world. Dating back to 1969, the CHL has seen 10 or more of its players taken in the first round of the NHL Draft  – a streak now running at 55 consecutive drafts.

OHL ANNOUNCES EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINAL SCHEDULES

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced schedules for two Eastern Conference Semi-Final series.

The first place Oshawa Generals eliminated the Barrie Colts in six games, and have emerged to face the division rival Ottawa 67’s who finished the season as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Ottawa defeated the Brantford Bulldogs 6-1 on Sunday to win their first round series in six games. The second round series between Oshawa and Ottawa commences with Game 1 on Friday night at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa.

The Central Division champion North Bay Battalion entered the playoffs as the Eastern Conference’s second seed. They prevailed over the Kingston Frontenacs in five games to advance and face the northern rival Sudbury Wolves. Fifth-seed Sudbury eliminated the Mississauga Steelheads in five games. North Bay and Sudbury begin their second round series on Thursday night at North Bay Memorial Gardens, squaring-off in OHL playoff action for the first time since 1992.

Eastern Conference Semi-Final Series Schedules:

(1) Oshawa Generals vs. (6) Ottawa 67’s – #OSHvsOTT
Game 1 – Friday, April 12 at Oshawa, 7:35pm
Game 2 – Sunday, April 14 at Oshawa, 6:05pm
Game 3 – Tuesday, April 16 at Ottawa, 7:00pm
Game 4 – Thursday, April 18 at Ottawa, 7:00pm
Game 5 – Friday, April 19 at Oshawa, 7:35pm*
Game 6 – Sunday, April 21 at Ottawa, 2:00pm*
Game 7 – Tuesday, April 23 at Oshawa, 7:05pm*

(2) North Bay Battalion vs. (5) Sudbury Wolves – #NBvsSBY
Game 1 – Thursday, April 11 at North Bay, 7:00pm
Game 2 – Saturday, April 13 at North Bay, 7:00pm
Game 3 – Tuesday, April 16 at Sudbury, 7:05pm
Game 4 – Thursday, April 18 at Sudbury, 7:05pm
Game 5 – Saturday, April 20 at North Bay, 7:00pm*
Game 6 – Monday, April 22 at Sudbury, 7:05pm*
Game 7 – Tuesday, April 23 at North Bay, 7:00pm*

*- if necessary

Don’t miss a second of the second round of the 2024 OHL Playoffs! Streaming packages are now available for purchase at ohllive.com.

For full coverage of the 2024 OHL Playoffs, visit ontariohockeyleague.com.

MAYER AND OSTER NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, April 7, 2024.



67’s’ Samuel Mayer Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Overage defenceman Samuel Mayer of the Ottawa 67’s is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals and three assists in four playoff contests along with a plus/minus rating of plus-4.

Helping Ottawa skate to a 4-2 series win over the Brantford Bulldogs, Mayer registered a career-high four-point night scoring a hat-trick along with an assist in a 6-5 overtime win to earn first star honours on Thursday. The 6-foot-3, 202lb. blueliner added a pair of helpers in a 6-1 victory on Sunday, punching Ottawa’s ticket to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

A soon-to-be 21-year-old defenceman from L’Orignal, Ont., Mayer registered 21 goals, 32 assists and 53 points in 69 regular season games played between the 67’s and the Peterborough Petes. Mayer has tallied 138 points (41-97-138) over 205 games in three seasons. Mayer was a key member in Peterborough’s playoff success last season, tallying seven points (2-5-7) in 23 playoff contests to be crowned a 2023 OHL Champion. Mayer was originally selected by Peterborough in the first round (15th overall) of the 2020 U18 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Seattle Kraken prospect David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves helped lead his team to a 4-1 series win over the Mississauga Steelheads, recording three goals and four assists in three games played. Pano Fimis of the Erie Otters also found success, tallying a pair of goals and three helpers in three contests as the Otters currently trail 3-2 in their first round series against the Kitchener Rangers.

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Samuel Mayer (Ottawa 67’s)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Owen Beck (Saginaw Spirit)

2023-24 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Dylan Roobroeck (Oshawa Generals)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Jacob Maillet (Ottawa 67’s)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Gavin Bryant (Niagara IceDogs)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Sam Dickinson (London Knights)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Ruslan Gazizov (London Knights)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Nick Lardis (Brantford Bulldogs)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Pano Fimis (Erie Otters)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Matyas Sapovaliv (Saginaw Spirit)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Donovan McCoy (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Denver Barkey (London Knights)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Kirill Kudryavtsev (Soo Greyhounds)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Anthony Romani (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Jordan D’Intino (Soo Greyhounds)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Jax Dubois (Peterborough Petes)
 



Generals’ Jacob Oster Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Jacob Oster of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the fourth time this season, playing to a 3-1 record including a shutout, along with a 1.18 goals-against average, and .954 save percentage.

Clinching a 4-2 series win over the Barrie Colts, Oster made a total of 104 saves last week to backstop the Generals to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. Oster stopped 15 of the 16 shots that came his way on Tuesday in a 5-1 road win. He returned to the crease on Thursday, making 34 saves in a 4-3 overtime win. Oster turned away 23 of the 24 shots he faced to earn third star honours on Friday as the Generals came up short in a 3-0 loss. The 6-foot-3, 190lb. netminder closed out the series with a 32-save shutout performance to earn first star honours on Sunday, helping the Generals move on to the next round of the OHL Playoffs with a 3-0 win over the Colts.

A 20-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Oster played to a regular season mark of 35-16-7-1, posting a 2.82 goals-against average, and .905 save percentage. Ranked first among all netminders with a 1.94 goals-against average in postseason action, Oster currently holds a 4-2-0-0 record. Selected in the fifth-round (92nd overall) by the Guelph Storm in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the veteran goaltender has appeared in 143 career regular season contests, recording a 3.29 goals-against average and .891 save percentage over three seasons, going 68-47-12-4 in the process. Oster attended training camp with the Los Angeles Kings last September.

Also considered for the award this week, Sam Hillebrandt of the Barrie Colts went 1-1-0-1 including a shutout with a 1.84 goals-against average and .957 save percentage. Collin MacKenzie backstopped the Ottawa 67’s to a 4-2 series victory over the Brantford Bulldogs, playing to a 3-1-0-0 record along with a 2.65 goals-against average and .911 save percentage.

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs:
Apr. 1 – Apr. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Mar. 28 – Mar. 31: Jakub Vondras (Sudbury Wolves)

2023-24 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 18 – Mar. 24: Nick Surzycia (Sarnia Sting)
Mar. 11 – Mar. 17: Charlie Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)
Mar. 4 – Mar. 10: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 3: Liam Sztuska (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Ben West (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Owen Willmore (London Knights)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Matteo Drobac (Brantford Bulldogs)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Michael Simpson (London Knights)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 18: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Marcus Vandenberg (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Jack Ivankovic (Mississauga Steelheads)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Nov. 8 – Nov. 12: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 7: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Brayden Gillespie (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sep. 28 – Oct. 1: Ryerson Leenders (Mississauga Steelheads)

TEAM STAMKOS WINS 2024 OHL COMBINE PRESENTED BY DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Oshawa, Ont. – Team Stamkos had an overwhelmingly strong showing in Saturday’s on and off-ice testing to be crowned champions of the 2024 OHL Development Combine presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario with a grand total of 668 points. The annual event was held at the Tribute Communities Centre, home of the Oshawa Generals.

Team Subban came away as the top performer in Sunday’s game action, skating to victories over Team Ekblad and Team Lindros to ultimately finished third place with 560 points.

76 draft eligible prospects had the opportunity to showcase their on-ice skills in a series of games played before scouts and general managers to assist in their evaluation prior to the OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore to be held on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13.

Team Stamkos won the OHL Combine championship as a result of finishing with the most points accumulated between Saturday’s testing results and Sunday’s game outcomes.

All four competing teams were joined behind the bench by special guest coaches that included OHL personnel in Matt Chiarantano (Assistant Coach, Mississauga Steelheads) and Phil McRae (Scout, London Knights) on the bench with Team Stamkos. Stephon Thorne (Assistant Coach, Mississauga Steelheads), Nathan Hisko (Dir. of Player Personnel, Sarnia Sting) and Chris Whalen (Scout, Brantford Bulldogs) joining Team Lindros. Jordan Selinger (Scout, Saginaw Spirit) and Ryan Ferizovic (Scout, Ottawa 67’s) where on the bench for Team Ekblad and Casey Torres (Interim Coach, Windsor Spitfires) and Mark Seidel (Dir. of Scouting, Barrie Colts) coached for Team Subban.

Final Standings:
Team Stamkos (Blue) = 658 Testing + 10 Games = 668 points
Team Ekblad (Grey) = 538 Testing + 40 Games = 578 points
Team Subban (White) = 470 Testing + 90 Games = 560 points
Team Lindros (Black) = 421 Testing + 40 Games = 461 points

Standings are based on a point system where individual player testing results contributed to the team’s total score.  Players are ranked by position and scored according to rank (1-36 for forwards, 1-24 for defencemen, 1-16 for goalies). During Sunday’s games teams scored 10 points per half win, 25 points per game win, and 50 points per half shutouts.

Sunday’s OHL Combine Game Results:

Game 4 – Team Ekblad 6, Team Stamkos 5
Team Ekblad earns 40 points while Team Stamkos earns 5 points

Team Ekblad scoring:
Owen McGuckin (Mississauga Rebels) – 2G, 1A
Seth Coomber (London Jr. Knights) – 1G, 1A
Jonathan Herrington (Cambridge Hawks) – 1G, 1A
Matthew Airhart (Quinte Red Devils) – 1G
Cole Zurawski (Mississauga Rebels) – 1G
Jack Engin (Buffalo Jr. Sabres) – 2A
Kohyn Eshkawkogan (North York Rangers) – 1A

Team Stamkos scoring:
Ulysses Lombardi (North York Rangers) – 2G, 1A
Kayden Brand (Toronto Marlboros) – 1G, 1A
Ethan Dean (London Jr. Knights) – 1G
James Elliott (Barrie Jr. Colts) – 1G
Raiden Doxtator (London Jr. Knights) – 1A
Jean-Christoph Lemieux (Quinte Red Devils) – 1A
Tanner Nettleton (Oshawa Generals) – 1A
Adam Kelly (Toronto Jr. Canadiens) – 1A
Shane Neusteter (Elgin-Middlesex Canucks) – 1A
Nathan Gaitens (Hamilton Steel) – 1A

Game 3 – Team Subban 6, Team Lindros 2
Team Subban earns 45 points

Team Subban scoring:
Cade Kinnear (Carolina Premier Hockey) – 2G, 1A
Stephen King (Detroit Honeybaked) – 1G, 1A
Adam Levac (Eastern Ontario Wild) – 1G
Nicholas Frasca (Toronto Marlboros) – 1G
Jackson Halloran (York-Simcoe Express) – 1G
Troy Patton (Barrie Jr. Colts) – 2A
Eddie Hickson (Sun County Panthers) – 1A
Owen Cartwright (Mississauga Rebels) – 1A
Nick Voisey (Peterborough Petes) – 1A
Reggie Taylor (Whitby Wildcats) – 1A

Team Lindros scoring:
Hudson Wozney (Guelph Gryphons) – 1G
Parker Vaughan (Elgin-Middlesex Canucks) – 1G
Charlie Hotles (North York Rangers) – 1A
Brady Blaseg (Ottawa Myers Automotive) – 1A

Game 2 – Team Subban 7, Team Ekblad 4
Team Subban earns 45 points

Team Subban scoring:
Eddie Hickson (Sun County Panthers) – 1G, 1A
Adam Levac (Eastern Ontario Wild) – 1G, 1A
Stephen King (Detroit Honeybaked) – 1G, 1A
Owen Cartwright (York-Simcoe Express) – 1G, 1A
Reggie Taylor (Whitby Wildcats) – 1G, 1A
Braidy Wassilyn (Markham Majors) – 1G
Nick Voisey (Peterborough Petes) – 1G
Ryland Cunningham (Peterborough Petes) – 2A
Jackson Halloran (York-Simcoe Express) – 1A
Cole Kinnear (Carolina Premier Hockey) – 1A

Team Ekblad scoring:
Cole Zurawski (Mississauga Rebels) – 1G
Cooper Otterman (Halton Hurricanes) – 1G
Seth Coomber (London Jr. Knights) – 1G
Caleb Mitchell (Peterborough Petes) – 1G
Nolan Buttar (Peterborough Petes) – 1A
Christian Armstrong (Oakville Rangers) – 1A
Matthew Airhart (Quinte Red Devils) – 1A

Game 1 – Team Lindros 8, Team Stamkos 7
Team Lindros earns 40 points while Team Stamkos earns 5 points

Team Lindros scoring:
Parker Vaughan (Elgin-Middlesex Canucks) – 3G, 1A
Camden McCuaig (Eastern Ontario Wild) – 1G, 1A
Clarence Allain (Vaughan Kings) – 1G, 1A
Charlie Hotles (North York Rangers) – 1G, 1A
Hudson Wozney (Guelph Gryphons) – 1G
Ryan Chamberlain (Toronto Marlboros) – 1G
Bryson Morgan (York-Simcoe Express) – 2A
Brady Blaseg (York-Simcoe Express) – 1A

Team Stamkos scoring:
James Elliott (Barrie Jr. Colts) – 2G
Raiden Doxtator (London Jr. Knights) – 2G
Adam Kelly (Toronto Jr. Canadiens) – 1G
Ethan Dean (London Jr. Knights) – 1G
Shane Neusteter (Elgin-Middlesex Canucks) – 1G
Quinn Kipfer (Huron-Perth Lakers) – 1A
Kayden Brand (Toronto Marlboros) – 1A
Ulysses Lombardi (North York Rangers) – 1A
Tanner Nettleton (Oshawa Generals) – 1A
Nathan Gaitens (Hamilton Steel) – 1A
Colin Ellsworth (York-Simcoe Express) – 1A

Saturday’s OHL Combine On and Off-Ice Testing Leaders:

Off-Ice Testing Top Performers by Position:

Forwards:
1. Callan Newton (Toronto Marlboros)
2. Cole Zurawski (Mississauga Rebels)
3. Julien Davis (Chatham-Kent Cyclones)
4. Kayden Brand (Toronto Marlboros)
5. Stephen King (Detroit Honeybaked)

Defencemen:
1. Caleb Mitchell (Peterborough Petes)
2. Nolan Battler (Guelph Jr. Gryphons)
3. Nathan Gaitens (Hamilton Steel)
4. Nicholas Frasca (Toronto Marlboros)
5. Nick Voisey (Peterborough Petes)

Goaltenders:
1. Gavin Betts (Mississauga Rebels)
2. Connor Harmon (Waterloo Wolves)
3. Colin Ellsworth (York-Simcoe Express)
4. Kyle Munro (Toronto Titans)
5. Luka Gelinas (Eastern Ontario Wild)

On-Ice Testing Top Performers by Position:

Forwards:
1. Henry Doucet (Ottawa Myers Automotive)
2. Troy Patton (Barrie Jr. Colts)
3. Ethan Dean (London Jr. Knights)
4. Adam Kelly (Toronto Jr. Canadiens)
5. James Elliott (Barrie Jr. Colts)

Defencemen:
1. Caleb Mitchell (Peterborough Petes)
2. Alexander Bilecki (Mississauga Rebels)
3. Nolan Battler (Guelph Jr. Gryphons)
T4. Eliott Arnett (Barrie Jr. Colts)
T4. Peter Koukouves (Toronto Marlboros)

Goaltenders:
1. Maksim Corovic (Niagara North Stars)
2. Gavin Betts (Mississauga Rebels)
3. Seth Ronan (Halton Hurricanes)
4. Colin Ellsworth (York-Simcoe Express)
5. Thomas Lima (Mississauga Rebels)

Be sure to tune into the 2024 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore this coming Friday, April 12th at 7:00pm for Rounds 1-3 before Day 2 coverage gets underway on Saturday, April 13th, with Rounds 4-15 beginning at 9:00am. The Priority Selection will be produced by YourTV and be available streaming for free in its entirety on OHL Live and across the province on the Rogers Super Sports Pak as well as on community stations.

Beckett Sennecke – Oshawa Generals – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Beckett Sennecke of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by OHL Images.
HTWTDOBPOSSHOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
6’3”178Jan 28, 2006RWR8th, 202215th, N.A.CANADA
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022GTHL U16Toronto Marlboros45354580
2022-2023WHC U17Canada White5033
2022-2023OHLOshawa Generals61203555
2023-2024OHLOshawa Generals63274168

It’s well documented since being drafted by the Oshawa Generals; Beckett Sennecke has undergone a substantial growth spurt. Originally listed at 5’10” for his OHL draft, he now stands at 6’3″ – a remarkable increase in height for a hockey player over just a couple years. And he appears to have put in the work to maintain and improve his level of play.

Sennecke’s skating technique and overall mobility on the ice have steadily improved year over year. He exhibits strong edgework and east-to-west movement. Adding muscle mass, particularly to his legs, could further enhance his first step quickness and speed. That added strength could benefit him in other areas as well.

Despite his 6’3″ frame, Sennecke can be knocked off the puck rather easily. While he is one of the hardest workers most nights, battling for pucks, he needs to win more of those physical battles. Building strength would benefit Sennecke by making him harder to knock off the puck during battles along the boards.

One of his strengths is his shooting ability. He possesses a heavy one-timer and wrist shot with decent release. As he builds strength, his shot will further improve. However, he struggles with accuracy at times, which requires refinement as he develops. Nonetheless, his solid shooting fundamentals provide a strong foundation.

Sennecke is more than just a goal scorer. He has the ability to slow the game down, lure in defenders, and then find open teammates after creating space. While his vision is slightly above average, it’s an innate skill that’s difficult to improve through training.

Though his defensive game remains a work in progress, he shows great promise on that end of the ice. In the neutral zone, he uses his size and reach to disrupt play as effectively as anyone. The main area for improvement is his defensive zone positioning and decision-making on when to challenge the puck carrier.

Henry Mews – Ottawa 67’s – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
Henry Mews of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
HTWTDOBPOSSHOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT
6’1”183Mar 9, 2006RDR7th, 202227th, N.A.CANADA
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2021-2022AAA U16Toronto Jr Canadiens52146478
2021-2022OHL CupToronto Jr Canadiens6145
2022-2023WHC U17Canada White6268
2022-2023OHLOttawa 67’s55121931
2023-2024Hlinka/GretzkyCanada5167
2023-2024OHLOttawa 67’s65154661

Henry Mews of the Ottawa 67’s has consistently generated offense throughout his career, from AAA to the World Hockey Challenge U17 tournament to the Ontario Hockey League. Though considered the third-best defenseman in his OHL draft class after Sam Dickinson and Zayne Parekh, Mews brings a distinct skill set compared to his highly-touted peers. The trio couldn’t be more different.

Mews’ skating ability stands out as his greatest asset, with fluid mechanics, explosive acceleration in just a few strides, and adept edge work enabling effortless changes of pace and direction. While his top-end speed could improve, this minor weakness does not detract from his overall excellence on the ice.

Mews is an excellent puck handler who thrives during breakouts and in transition. With elite vision and superb playmaking ability, he gets the job done moving the puck up ice. Although not a scoring threat yet, he still creates danger in the offensive zone by using his accurate shot to generate rebounds. Developing a heavier shot could make him even more of a dual threat, but for now his playmaking skills make him someone you want controlling the puck.

The area of concern at this level is always a player’s defensive game and it is no different for Mews. While he can play with an edge and is superb at keeping his gaps tight thanks to his elite skating, I have concerns about his inconsistent defensive effort. There are times he looks lost in his own zone, not from a lack of hockey IQ, but seemingly from a lapse in effort. If he can maintain strong defensive effort, he has the skillset to succeed at the next level.

Val-d’Or Foreurs to select first overall at the 2024 CHL Import Draft

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

TORONTO, ON — The Val-d’Or Foreurs of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) will have the first overall selection in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, which is scheduled for Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET. Following the Foreurs, the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) will choose second, while the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) will select third (see the complete draft order below).

Val-d’Or, who will have the top pick of the draft for the first time since 2000, finished the 2023-24 regular season with a 15-48-3-2 record as they collected 35 points in 68 games. With its first-round selection in 2023, the Foreurs chose Czech forward Samuel Fiala with the fifth overall pick. The 18-year-old from Prostejov, Czechia, finished the season with 14 goals and 23 points in 60 games.

Holding the second overall pick for the first time in franchise history, the Kamloops Blazers wrapped up their latest campaign with a 20-42-3-3 record. At last year’s CHL Import Draft, the 2023 Memorial Cup hosts selected Czech defenceman Matteo Koci, who had five goals and 15 assists in 52 games. Koci was also one of 13 CHL players to represent Czechia at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship and help his country to a bronze medal at that tournament. Additionally, in that same 2023 draft, the Blazers also nabbed Czech blueliner Vojtech Vochvest at the end of the second round, who registered five points in 67 games with Kamloops this past season.

The Windsor Spitfires earned the third overall pick in the 2024 CHL Import Draft after winning the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Lottery. The Spitfires, who have selected third overall at a CHL Import Draft only once before in 1993, completed the regular season with an 18-42-5-3 record. With their first-round selection in 2023, Windsor drafted Czech defenceman Josef Eichler, who finished the 2023-24 campaign with five goals and 12 points in 64 contests. Eichler is listed as the 146th-ranked North American skater in the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft.

Russian and Belarusian players will be eligible for selection in the 2024 CHL Import Draft and they will be able to play in the CHL as long as they are granted the necessary visa that they require to enter and play hockey in North America. In addition to this change to the CHL Import Draft, the CHL will permanently cancel the Canada-Russia Series as part of its annual calendar of events moving forward.

Over the years, the CHL Import Draft has seen a multitude of players chosen at this event who have later gone on to hear their names called at the NHL Draft. Just last year, at the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville, Tenn., six CHL players who came through the CHL Import Draft were drafted by NHL clubs, including Samuel Honzek (Vancouver Giants / Calgary Flames), Egor Sidorov (Saskatoon Blades / Anaheim Ducks), Andrei Loshko (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / Seattle Kraken), Rodwin Dionicio (Saginaw Spirit / Anaheim Ducks), Marcel Marcel (Gatineau Olympiques / Chicago Blackhawks) and Vojtech Port (Moose Jaw Warriors / Anaheim Ducks).

Since the first CHL Import Draft was held in 1992, over 2,090 players from outside of Canada and the United States have been selected at this annual event.

Order of Selections for the 2024 CHL Import Draft

1-1Val-d’Or1-31Rimouski2-61Val-d’Or2-91Rimouski
1-2Kamloops1-32Kelowna2-62Kamloops2-92Kelowna
1-3Windsor1-33Ottawa2-63Niagara2-93Ottawa
1-4Québec1-34Cape Breton2-64Québec2-94Cape Breton
1-5Tri-City1-35Wenatchee2-65Tri-City2-95Wenatchee
1-6Sarnia1-36Sudbury2-66Windsor2-96Sudbury
1-7Saint John1-37Moncton2-67Saint John2-97Moncton
1-8Regina1-38Lethbridge2-68Regina2-98Lethbridge
1-9Peterborough1-39Mississauga2-69Peterborough2-99Mississauga
1-10Charlottetown1-40Victoriaville2-70Charlottetown2-100Victoriaville
1-11Seattle1-41Brandon2-71Seattle2-101Brandon
1-12Niagara1-42Brantford2-72Sarnia2-102Brantford
1-13Gatineau1-43Halifax2-73Gatineau2-103Halifax
1-14Edmonton1-44Red Deer2-74Edmonton2-104Red Deer
1-15Barrie1-45Kitchener2-75Barrie2-105Kitchener
1-16Shawinigan1-46Rouyn-Noranda2-76Shawinigan2-106Rouyn-Noranda
1-17Calgary1-47Medicine Hat2-77Calgary2-107Medicine Hat
1-18Flint1-48North Bay2-78Flint2-108North Bay
1-19Acadie-Bathurst1-49Drummondville2-79Acadie-Bathurst2-109Drummondville
1-20Spokane1-50Swift Current2-80Spokane2-110Swift Current
1-21Owen Sound1-51Oshawa2-81Owen Sound2-111Oshawa
1-22Blainville-Boisbriand1-52Baie-Comeau2-82Blainville-Boisbriand2-112Baie-Comeau
1-23Victoria1-53Moose Jaw2-83Victoria2-113Moose Jaw
1-24Kingston1-54Sault Ste. Marie2-84Kingston2-114Sault Ste. Marie
1-25Sherbrooke1-55Everett2-85Sherbrooke2-115Everett
1-26Prince Albert1-56Saginaw2-86Prince Albert2-116Saginaw
1-27Guelph1-57Portland2-87Guelph2-117Portland
1-28Chicoutimi1-58London2-88Chicoutimi2-118London
1-29Vancouver1-59Prince George2-89Vancouver2-119Prince George
1-30Erie1-60Saskatoon2-90Erie2-120Saskatoon