2023 U14 OHL CUP PRESENTED BY DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO SET FOR APRIL 14-16

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
, – APRIL 16: OHL CUP U14 on April 16, 2022 in , Ontario, . (Photo by {Kevin Sousa}/)

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), is proud to announce the return of the Under-14 (U14) OHL Cup presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO).

The event will comprise of 12 U14 AAA teams from across the province and include the top teams (as indicated below) from Ontario Member Partners:

  • OMHA – Champion, Finalist, 3rd Place Team (3)
  • GTHL – Champion, Finalist, 3rd Place Team (3)
  • Alliance – Champion, Finalist (2)
  • HEO – Champion, Finalist (2)
  • NOHA – Champion, Finalist (2)

The U14 OHL Cup will take place at Joshua’s Creek Arena in Oakville on April 14-16, 2023 and provide the players and parents with an introduction to the OHL, along with showing them an exciting experience to end their season.

Last year, the Vaughan Kings defeated the York-Simcoe Express in the final to win the inaugural event.

2022 U14 OHL CUP HIGHLIGHTS: https://youtu.be/zXucyIzIGhE

“The OHL is proud to continue its support of minor hockey at the grassroots level as we partner with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association to present this very exciting opportunity for U14 AAA players,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “Last year we saw the Vaughan Kings crowned as inaugural U14 OHL Cup champions. We once again look forward to an outstanding weekend of hockey played by 12 of the best teams in the province.”

“We are excited for the return of the U14 OHL Cup,” said OMHA Executive Director Ian Taylor. “We are thankful for the support from Dairy Farmers of Ontario and Ontario Hockey League and looking forward to hosting this premier event for U14 AAA teams from across the province.”

“Dairy Farmers of Ontario is proud to partner with OMHA and OHL to once again sponsor this tournament and support all the talented athletes competing this year,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer at DFO. “On behalf of Ontario’s 3,273 dairy producers and their families, we want to wish all the young athletes good luck and recognize the work it took for them to be part of the top 12 teams at the U14 OHL Cup.”

More information will be released closer to the event, including schedule and live streaming details.


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.

About the Ontario Minor Hockey Association
Founded in 1935, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) is the largest minor hockey association in the world. From entry-level to high performance, it oversees programming and events at the U6-U21 age groups that service a participant base of over 92,000. The OMHA works with players, coaches, trainers, officials, hockey volunteers and parents across 212 Associations and 28 leagues to ensure a meaningful experience for all.

About Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk for a dynamic, profitable growing dairy industry. Ontario’s 3,287 dairy farmers, their families and employees are proud to produce high-quality milk for Canadians. For more information, visit www.milk.org.

CLARKE AND SZTUSKA 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 regular season games ending Sunday, March 19, 2023.



Colts’ Brandt Clarke Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Los Angeles Kings prospect Brandt Clarke of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Player of the Week, recording five goals, six assists and 11 points in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-9.

Clarke started off his week with a pair of goals and assists on Wednesday, including the game-tying goal as the Colts fell to the Mississauga Steelheads 6-5 in a shootout. He found the scoresheet again on Friday, recording two helpers including one on Ethan Cardwell’s overtime winner as the Colts defeated the Owen Sound Attack 5-4. Clarke extended his current point streak to 15 games with a career-high five point night on Sunday, finishing with a hat trick, two assists and first star honours in a high-scoring 11-4 win over the Niagara IceDogs.

A 20-year-old from Nepean, Ont., Clarke leads the OHL with 1.97 points-per-game, recording 59 points (21-38–59) through 30 games since returning from winning gold with Canada at the World Juniors. Clarke has produced a franchise record 156 career points (38-118–156) by a Colts defenceman, doing so in 142 regular season games. Now in his third season with Barrie, Clarke was voted to the League’s second all-star team in 2021-22, recording 59 points (11-48–59) in 55 games. The blueliner was Barrie’s first round (4th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection from the Don Mills Flyers U16 program. He was a first round (8th overall) pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2021 NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the club on Aug. 10, 2021. He played in nine games with Los Angeles earlier this season, recording two assists in the process.

Also considered for the award this week, Braeden Bowman of the Guelph Storm produced three goals, seven assists, 10 points and a shootout winner in three victories last week. Overage captain Mitchell Smith of the Saginaw Spirit contributed four goals, including his first career hat trick and an overtime winner, along with three assists for seven points in three games played.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 13 – Mar. 19: Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts)
Mar. 6– Mar. 12: Sahil Panwar (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Christian Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Braeden Bowman (Guelph Storm)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Nolan Burke (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Sean McGurn (London Knights)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Sahil Panwar (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Bryce McConnell-Barker (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Connor Lockhart (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Evan Vierling (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Ryan Gagnier (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Jorian Donovan (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Brody Crane (London Knights)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Matvey Petrov (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Deni Goure (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)



Petes’ Liam Sztuska Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Liam Sztuska of the Peterborough Petes is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.86 goals-against average and .947 save percentage.

Stopping 72 of the 76 shots he faced, Sztuska defended the crease in a pair of victories for the Petes last week. He turned aside 43 of the 45 shots that came his way on Tuesday as Peterborough defeated the visiting Mississauga Steelheads 5-2. Sztuska subbed-in for Michael Simpson in the third period of a 3-2 loss in Sudbury on Friday, stopping all three shots he faced. The 6-foot, 181lb. netminder was back in the crease on Sunday, making 26 saves in a 5-2 win over the Niagara IceDogs.

An 18-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., Sztuska owns a record of 10-7-0-0 with a 2.98 goals-against average and .908 save percentage in 18 games this season. Sztuska was Peterborough’s fifth round (94th overall) pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Titans U16 program.

Also in the running for the award this week, Andrew Oke of the Saginaw Spirit recorded a two-win week with a 2.92 goals-against average, and .920 save percentage. Charlie Schenkel of the Soo Greyhounds played to a 1-1 mark with a 2.58 goals-against average and .928 save percentage.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 13 – Mar. 19: Liam Sztuska (Peterborough Petes)
Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Zach Bowen (London Knights)
Jan 30 – Feb. 5: Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan 23 – Jan. 29: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Jan 16 – Jan. 22: Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan 9 – Jan. 15: Matteo Drobac (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Marco Costantini (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Owen Flores (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Joe Ranger (Sudbury Wolves)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ivan Zhigalov (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Alessio Beglieri (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)


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.

Oliver Bonk – London Knights – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
6’2”179 lbsJan 1, 2005DR26th 202118th N ACANADA
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2020-2021HEO U-18DID NOT PLAY    
2021-20222GOJHLSt Thomas Stars3252732
2021-2022OHLLondon Knights10033
2022-2023OHLLondon Knights63102939
Oliver Bonk of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

When you take a peek at public draft rankings around North America, you will find that almost all of them have London Knights Defenceman Oliver Bonk ranked late in the first round or very early in the second round. There is one however that has him in the middle of the third round. NHL Central Scouting has him 18th among North American skaters on their mid term rankings and by the time you add in the Europeans, you’re looking at a late first.

One thing we know about the 26th overall pick at the 2021 OHL Priority Selection: he has climbed on every list.

Bonk has the bloodlines. His father Radek Bonk spent 14 seasons in the NHL and played in 969 games collecting 194 goals and 303 assists.

Bonk’s greatest asset is his hockey IQ. He thinks the game at such a high level. First, in the defensive zone his positioning is near perfect. His possesses a very active stick and breaks up plays by anticipating where the puck is going and using that stick to defend. His transition game is still growing but he has the ability to skate out of the zone or utilize his teammates with good passes.

That high hockey IQ is also evident in the offensive zone. He reads and reacts quickly. He his sneaky at getting into the open areas of the ice to make himself available. On the rush, he is willing to jump up into the play and has near perfect timing. He has a good shot from the point and can get it off quickly and find the target more often than not.

Bonk skates really well for a bigger defenceman but if he could add more speed, it would be a bonus. He’s agile enough, is strong on his skates and is a very good backwards skater. While he uses his size well to engage and move players from the front of his net, he can improve on that area when he adds some bulk to his frame.

Bonk has grown into a very good player and continues to be a work in progress. At this point, it’s difficult to say whether his offensive game will translate to the next level but it’s fair to say he can find success in a defensive role if the offence doesn’t come.

But I wouldn’t bet against him.

Quentin Musty – Sudbury Wolves – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
6’2”197July 6, 2005LWL1st 202111th N AUSA
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2020-2021AYHLNew Jersey Avalanche U164437
2021-2022OHLSudbury Wolves20121931
2022-2023Hlinka/GretzkyTeam USA4145
2022-2023OHLSudbury Wolves48234972
Quentin Musty of the Sudbury Wolves. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

Sudbury Wolves’ winger Quentin Musty was the first overall selection of the Wolves at the 2021 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. He is ranked 11th among North American Skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings.

Musty has the skills set to be, well, the most skilled player in this OHL draft class. He can score. He can shoot. He can be a playmaker. He’s developed into a more physical presence as the season progressed. He has very good vision, patience and an ability to slow the game down if it means opening up lanes. His skating technique is very good and his top speed is sufficient but he lacks first step speed.

We saw Musty’s defensive game improve somewhat as the season progressed. Where he was giving up too many turnovers early in the season, he has limited them lately. The effort to defend was lacking as well earlier in the season and that too has improved.

There are some concerns out there about the defensive part of his game, or the sometimes-lacking aspect of it. There is no questioning his offensive abilities, but are they enough to overcome the defensive shortcomings. Those are legitimate concerns. And I also see some dropping his ranking into the second round of the 2023 Entry Draft.

Whoever drafts Musty is going to have to be patient. As I said, there is skill there but there are also areas of his game that need some work. If they are patient enough and can provide the development he needs, this could be a superb pick – if he indeed drops in the draft.

OHL CUP U16 AAA TOP 10 RANKINGS – WEEK 14

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 14 edition of the weekly U16 AAA rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

The 2023 OHL Cup will feature 20 teams consisting of talent eligible for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Starting with Wild Card Play-In matchups on Tuesday, March 28, all games will be played at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday, April 3.

The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.

U16 AAA Rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup – Week 14

RANK:TEAM:LAST WEEKWEEKS RANKED
1Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)*114
2Peterborough Minor Petes (OMHA)214
3Halton Hurricanes (OMHA)414
4York-Simcoe Express (OMHA)314
5Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)*514
6Mississauga Senators (GTHL)*613
7Mississauga Rebels (GTHL)*810
8London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)*714
9Huron-Perth Lakers (ALLIANCE)*102
10Southern Tier Admirals (OMHA)98
    
 Honourable Mention:  
 Central Ontario Wolves (OMHA)––
 Waterloo Wolves (ALLIANCE)*–1
 Don Mills Flyers (GTHL)––
 Vaughan Kings (GTHL)–12

*- clinched spot in 2023 OHL Cup

Seven more teams have secured their place at the 2023 OHL Cup that gets underway with Wild Card play on Tuesday, March 28th. The top-ranked Toronto Marlboros, fifth-ranked Toronto Jr. Canadiens, sixth-ranked Mississauga Senators and seventh-ranked Mississauga Rebels have all secured GTHL semi-final spots, booking their ticket to the annual showcase. In the ALLIANCE ranks, the eighth-spot London Jr. Knights, honourable mention Waterloo Wolves and unranked Sun County Panthers join the ninth-ranked Huron-Perth Lakers, who became the first team to clinch last week. The stage is set for the 2023 OMHA Championships that take place this coming weekend in Oakville, with the Peterborough Minor Petes, York-Simcoe Express, Central Ontario Wolves and Ajax-Pickering Raiders emerging from the ETA while the Halton Hurricanes, Southern Tier Admirals, Burlington Eagles and the winner of a game between the Niagara North Stars and Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs will represent the SCTA. The top four teams from the eight-team OMHA Championship weekend will secure spots in the 2023 OHL Cup.

For more information, visit OHLCup.ca.


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.

PANWAR AND DIVINCENTIIS 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 regular season games ending Sunday, March 12, 2023.



Bulldogs’ Sahil Panwar Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

For the second time this season, Sahil Panwar of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals, four assists and seven points in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-4.

Helping guide the Bulldogs to a 3-0 showing last week, the overage forward got things started with an assist in a 4-3 road win over the Niagara IceDogs on Thursday. The Bulldogs returned home to host the IceDogs on Friday as Panwar recorded a goal and a pair of helpers in the 6-2 victory. The 6-foot, 185 lb. centreman closed out the weekend with two goals and an assist to earn first star honours as the Bulldogs defeated the Ottawa 67’s 6-3 on Sunday.

A 21-year-old native of Mississauga, Ont., Panwar currently has points in 12 of his last 13 games. He’s produced 18 goals, 28 assists and 46 points in 29 games since joining the Bulldogs in January. In total, Panwar has recorded 28 goals, 35 assists and 63 points over 63 games between Hamilton and Peterborough in 2022-23. The former second round (23rd overall) pick by the London Knights in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection has registered 51 goals, 67 assists and 118 points in 194 career regular season games split between the Knights, Flint Firebirds, Peterborough Petes and Hamilton Bulldogs. Panwar attended rookie camp with the Florida Panthers as a free agent invite in September.

Also considered for the award this week, Nashville Predators prospect Nolan Burke of the Sarnia Sting produced four goals, two assists and six points in two victories last week. Chicago Blackhawks prospect Gavin Hayes of the Flint Firebirds contributed five goals and an assist for six points in three wins.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 6– Mar. 12: Sahil Panwar (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Christian Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Braeden Bowman (Guelph Storm)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Nolan Burke (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Sean McGurn (London Knights)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Sahil Panwar (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Bryce McConnell-Barker (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Connor Lockhart (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Evan Vierling (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Ryan Gagnier (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Jorian Donovan (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Brody Crane (London Knights)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Matvey Petrov (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Deni Goure (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)
 



Battalion’s Domenic DiVincentiis Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

For the second-straight week and third time this season, Winnipeg Jets prospect Dom DiVincentiis of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two wins including a shutout, a goals-against average of 0.50 and a save percentage of .984.

Stopping 63 of the 64 shots he faced, DiVincentiis defended the crease in back-to-back victories for the Battalion last week. He turned aside 36 of the 37 shots that came his way on Wednesday as North Bay defeated the Owen Sound Attack 4-1. The 6-foot-2, 190lb. netminder was back in the crease on Sunday, stopping all 27 shots he faced to earn his fourth shutout of the season as the Battalion blanked the London Knights 4-0. Together with goaltending partner Charlie Robertson, DiVincentiis has helped the Battalion put together a run of one goal allowed over their past five games.

A 19-year-old native of Bolton, Ont., DiVincentiis owns a record of 34-9-2-0 on the season with a league-best 2.36 goals-against average along with a .918 save percentage. He was the recipient of the OHL’s F.W. ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy in 2021-22, posting a league-low 2.59 goals-against average among rookies to go with a 14-8-0-1 record and .907 save percentage. DiVincentiis was selected in the seventh round (207th overall) by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2022 NHL Draft.  He’s a former sixth round (116th overall) pick by the Battalion in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

Also in the running for the award this week, New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox of the Saginaw Spirit recorded a two-win week with a 1.00 goals-against average, and .962 save percentage. Arizona Coyotes prospect Anson Thornton of the Barrie Colts also played to a 2-0 mark with a 2.00 goals-against average and .930 save percentage.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Zach Bowen (London Knights)
Jan 30 – Feb. 5: Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan 23 – Jan. 29: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Jan 16 – Jan. 22: Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan 9 – Jan. 15: Matteo Drobac (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Marco Costantini (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Owen Flores (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Joe Ranger (Sudbury Wolves)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ivan Zhigalov (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Alessio Beglieri (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)


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.

Luca Pinelli – Ottawa 67’s – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano
HTWTDOBPOSSHOOTSOHL DRAFTNHLCSCOUNTRY
5’9165Apr 5, 2005LWL28th 202149th N ACANADA
SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS
2020-2021 DID NOT PLAY    
2021-2022OHLOttawa 67’s59142236
2022-2023OHLOttawa 67’s60233359
Luca Pinelli of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by OHL Images.

Ottawa 67’s winger Luca Pinelli is the younger brother of Kitchener Rangers Francesco Pinelli. What the younger sibling lacks in size (Francesco has 4 inches on him) he makes up with heart. In his draft year, he’s already matched his older brother’s offensive output, who was drafted 42nd overall by the Los Angeles Kings at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Pinelli works hard at both ends of the ice. His defensive game – reading, understanding and coverage are all well accomplished. He’s also very good at transitioning to offence. Playing on the league’s best team has helped, along with a boost in confidence.

Pinelli also has some excellent hockey IQ. He reads and reacts quickly in the offensive zone. Despite his size, he has a willingness to get in on the forecheck and uses brains over brawn to come up with the puck. Along with some excellent playmaking skills, Pinelli also has a very good shot. At this level, it’s enough to beat goaltenders.

Along with his size, another issue Pinelli needs to overcome is the lack of explosiveness in his skating. And when you are on the small side like he is, you want to at least have that breakaway speed to skate away from the opposition. If he can add a speed element to his game, then it would give him all the tools to be a play driver.

There’s no doubt in my mind Pinelli will get drafted, and maybe the Kings will bring the brothers together. After all, they like drafting from the OHL. But they will have to work with him and be patient. And he’s going to have to be willing to put the work in.  

OHL DEVELOPMENT COMBINE PRESENTED BY DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO TO BE HELD APRIL 15-16

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that the 2023 OHL Development Combine presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario will be held Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa.

The annual event provides players eligible for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection an opportunity to put their skills on display in both on and off-ice environments before a gathering of OHL scouts and general managers. The Combine will feature 76 prospects, including 36 forwards, 24 defencemen and 16 goaltenders.

“We’re very excited to partner with Dairy Farmers of Ontario on an event that provides prospective players the opportunity to enhance their own personal development,” said Brodie Barrick, the OHL’s Director of Player Recruitment and Player Services. “The blend of both skill testing and competitive games gives players a platform to showcase their abilities in advance of the Priority Selection.”

Saturday’s itinerary will see players participate in on and off-ice testing through a series of exercises. Results will be provided to OHL member teams ahead of the OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore to be held a week later on Friday, April 21 (Rounds 1-3) and Saturday, April 22 (Rounds 4-15).

Players will compete in 5-on-5 and 3-on-3 play throughout Sunday, being joined behind the bench by OHL member team personnel as special guest coaches.

“Our MilkUP brand celebrates, recognizes and provides young athletes opportunities to flourish both on and off the ice. MilkUP also provides meaningful, measurable and lasting impacts on young people through sports and community activities, while highlighting the benefits of milk in a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer of DFO. “Organizations, such as the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), do great work supporting their athletes and partnering with them allows us to support them, too. On behalf of DFO and Ontario’s 3,400 dairy producers, their families and staff, we wish all the hockey players the best as they demonstrate their talents during the 2023 OHL Development Combine.”

Teams will compete for the OHL Combine Cup championship, with the winner achieving supremacy by way of a point system recognizing both individual performance in on and off-ice testing, as well as team performance in Sunday’s game action.

Team Subban reigned supreme at last year’s Combine with a roster that included current OHL players in David Bedkowski (Oshawa Generals), Callum Cheynowski (Hamilton Bulldogs), Caden Kelly (Ottawa 67’s), Carter Lowe (Barrie Colts), Hunter McKenzie (Guelph Storm) and Kaden Pitre (Flint Firebirds).

The 2023 event marks the 14th year that the OHL has hosted a skills development day for players and goaltenders in advance of the OHL Priority Selection.

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.

About Dairy Farmers of Ontario

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk for a dynamic, profitable growing dairy industry. Ontario’s 3,287 dairy farmers, their families and employees are proud to produce high-quality milk for Canadians. For more information, visit www.milk.org.

OHL CUP U16 AAA TOP 10 RANKINGS – WEEK 13

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 13 edition of the weekly U16 AAA rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

The 2023 OHL Cup will feature 20 teams consisting of talent eligible for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Starting with Wild Card Play-In matchups on Tuesday, March 28, all games will be played at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday, April 3.

The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.

U16 AAA Rankings for the 2023 OHL Cup – Week 13

RANK:TEAM:LAST WEEKWEEKS RANKED
1Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)113
2Peterborough Minor Petes (OMHA)213
3York-Simcoe Express (OMHA)313
4Halton Hurricanes (OMHA)413
5Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)513
6Mississauga Senators (GTHL)712
7London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)613
8Mississauga Rebels (GTHL)89
9Southern Tier Admirals (OMHA)97
10Huron-Perth Lakers (ALLIANCE)*–1
    
 Honourable Mention:  
 Central Ontario Wolves (OMHA)––
 Waterloo Wolves (ALLIANCE)–1
 Don Mills Flyers (GTHL)––
 Vaughan Kings (GTHL)1012

*- clinched spot in 2023 OHL Cup

This week’s top-five teams hold steady while the Mississauga Senators are up one spot into sixth. The Huron-Perth Lakers are into the Top-10 for the first time this season, unseating the Vaughan Kings, who fall into the honourable mention category after 12 straight weeks in the rankings. Huron-Perth is the first team to clinch a spot in the 2023 OHL Cup that begins later this month with Wild Card play on March 28th. The Lakers defeated the Brantford 99ers in three straight games to advance to the ALLIANCE Semi-Finals.

For more information, visit OHLCup.ca.


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.

KYROU AND DIVINCENTIIS 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 regular season games ending Sunday, March 5, 2023.



Sting’s Christian Kyrou Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

Dallas Stars prospect Christian Kyrou of the Sarnia Sting is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, recording two goals, five assists and seven points in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-6.

Kyrou started his week off strong on Wednesday, recording an assist along with the shootout game winner as the Sting defeated the Soo Greyhounds 4-3 to clinch a spot in the 2023 OHL Playoffs. He found the scoresheet again on Friday, also recording three helpers as the Sting defeated the visiting London Knights 6-1. Kyrou helped the Sting close out a perfect weekend on Sunday, scoring the game winner late in the third period to finish with two goals, an assist and first star honours in a 9-6 win over the Windsor Spitfires.

A 19-year-old native of Komoka, Ont., Kyrou has recorded 67 points (18-49-67) in 56 games between Sarnia and Erie this season. He was a second round (50th overall) pick of the Dallas Stars last summer following 18 goals, 42 assists and 60 points in 68 games with the Erie Otters last season. The 5-foot-11, 182lb. defenceman was originally Erie’s fifth round (84th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

Also considered for the award this week, Barrie Colts overage forward Evan Vierling produced three goals, six assists and nine points in three contests last week. Detroit Red Wings prospect Amadeus Lombardi of the Flint Firebirds contributed three goals and three assists for six points in two victories.

2022-23 Cogeco OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Christian Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Braeden Bowman (Guelph Storm)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Nolan Burke (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Sean McGurn (London Knights)
Jan. 30 – Feb. 5: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Jan. 23 – Jan. 29: Sahil Panwar (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 16 – Jan. 22: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads)
Jan. 9 – Jan. 15: Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Bryce McConnell-Barker (Soo Greyhounds)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Connor Lockhart (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Evan Vierling (Barrie Colts)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Ryan Gagnier (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Jorian Donovan (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Brody Crane (London Knights)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Matvey Petrov (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Deni Goure (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes)



Battalion’s Dom DiVincentiis Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Winnipeg Jets prospect Dom DiVincentiis of the North Bay Battalion is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two wins including a shutout, a goals-against average of 1.00 and a save percentage of .972.

DiVincentiis backstopped the Battalion in back-to-back victories last week, starting with a 23-save effort in Thursday’s 5-2 win over the visiting Sudbury Wolves. The win was DiVincentiis’ 31st of the season, pushing him ahead of Jake Smith’s previously established single season franchise wins record from 2015-16.  DiVincentiis was back in the crease on Friday in Mississauga, stopping all 46 shots he faced to earn his third career OHL shutout as the Battalion defeated the Steelheads 3-0.

An 18-year-old native of Bolton, Ont., DiVincentiis owns a record of 32-9-2-0 on the season with a league-best 2.45 goals-against average along with a .915 save percentage. He was the recipient of the OHL’s F.W. ‘Dinty’ Moore Trophy in 2021-22, posting a league-low 2.59 goals-against average among rookies to go with a 14-8-0-1 record and .907 save percentage. DiVincentiis was selected in the seventh round (207th overall) by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2022 NHL Draft.  He’s a former sixth round (116th overall) pick by the Battalion in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

Also in the running for the award this week, New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox of the Saginaw Spirit turned aside 88 shots, including a 59-save shutout in Peterborough on Thursday to end the week with a 1.44 goals-against average, and .967 save percentage. Marco Costantini of the Kitchener Rangers played to a 2-0 mark with a 2.00 goals-against average, .944 save percentage and one shutout.

2022-23 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:
Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Feb. 20 – Feb. 26: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 6 – Feb. 12: Zach Bowen (London Knights)
Jan 30 – Feb. 5: Nate Krawchuk (Sudbury Wolves)
Jan 23 – Jan. 29: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals)
Jan 16 – Jan. 22: Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan 9 – Jan. 15: Matteo Drobac (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Jan. 2 – Jan. 8: Max Donoso (Ottawa 67’s)
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18: Marco Costantini (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Owen Flores (Niagara IceDogs)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Dom DiVincentiis (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Joe Ranger (Sudbury Wolves)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ivan Zhigalov (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Alessio Beglieri (Mississauga Steelheads)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)


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.