Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today the Week 21 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings for the 2021-22 season.
The Hamilton Bulldogs are the third-ranked team in the CHL this week, coming off a 3-0 weekend on the road with wins over Kingston and Ottawa. OHL Goaltender of the Week Marco Costantini continues his stellar play, winning 16 of his last 17 starts while top scorer Logan Morrison set a new Bulldogs single season record with his 55th assist on Sunday, extending his current point streak to 15 games. The 40-12-2-2 Bulldogs own a league-best winning percentage of .750, surrendering a league-low 157 goals on the campaign. The Dogs are back in action on Thursday for a highly anticipated matchup against the eighth-ranked North Bay Battalion.
The Troops are winners of seven straight and 16 of their last 18 games. North Bay has surpassed Mississauga after defeating the Steelheads 2-1 on Thursday to claim top spot in the Central Division. The Battalion bested the Barrie Colts 3-2 on Sunday as rookie Michael Podolioukh scored the third period game winner. North Bay’s power play has surged to the top of the league, operating at 27.1 percent, with overage forward Mitchell Russell leading the club with 11 goals on the man advantage. Rookie defender Ty Nelson, who leads Battalion blueliners with 48 points this season, will compete in Wednesday’s Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Kitchener.
The Windsor Spitfires receive an honourable mention following three straight wins that each featured at least six goals. Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston became the OHL’s first 100-point scorer of 2021-22, becoming the first Spitfire to hit the century mark since Ryan Ellis in 2010-11. Matthew Maggio was named the OHL Player of the Week, recording 10 points (3-7–10) in four games last week. Windsor defeated Flint on back-to-back nights to climb within one point of the Western Conference-leading Firebirds entering another week of action.
For further analysis on the Week 21 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings, visit CHL.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.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, March 20, 2022.
Spitfires’ Matthew Maggio Named OHL Player of the Week
Windsor Spitfires forward Matthew Maggio is the OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals, seven assists and 10 points along with a plus/minus rating of plus-8 in four contests.
Maggio helped the Spits surge to within one point of first place in the Western Conference with three straight wins. After recording an assist in a 4-3 road loss to Sarnia on Tuesday, Maggio matched a career-high with four points including two goals and two assists, netting the overtime winner for his 30th of the campaign in a 6-5 road win over Owen Sound on Wednesday. He was a catalyst in another big Spitfires road win on Saturday in Flint, scoring while adding two assists for second star honours as Windsor defeated the first place Firebirds 6-3. Maggio recorded a pair of primary assists in Sunday’s 7-4 victory to guide Windsor to another win over Flint, pushing them to within one point of the Firebirds at the top of the standings.
A native of Tecumseh, Ont., Maggio sits second in Spitfires scoring with 69 points including 31 goals and 38 assists over 54 games to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-22. Maggio’s seven game winning goals are tied for the third most in the OHL. The 6-foot, 181Ib. right-winger has accumulated 38 goals, 52 assists and 90 points in 134 career regular season contests between Windsor and Ottawa. He was originally a fifth round (86th overall) pick of the 67’s in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. Maggio attended rookie camp with the Washington Capitals last September.
Also considered for the award this week, London Knights teammates Luke Evangelista and Antonio Stranges both had impressive weeks as the Knights went 2-1-0-1. Evangelista led all players with 12 points (3-9–12) over four games, reaching a league-leading 48 goals on the season. Stranges put up 11 points (6-5–11) over four outings including a five-point effort on Friday against Saginaw.
2021-22 OHL Players of the Week – Regular Season: Mar. 14 – Mar. 20: Matthew Maggio (Windsor Spitfires) Mar. 7 – Mar. 13: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs) Feb. 28 – Mar. 6: Theo Hill (Sarnia Sting) Feb. 21 – Feb. 27: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs) Feb. 14 – Feb. 20: Antonio Stranges (London Knights) Feb. 7 – Feb. 13: Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs). Jan. 31 – Feb. 6: Luke Evangelista (London Knights) Jan. 24 – Jan. 30: Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts) Jan. 17 – Jan. 23: Riley Piercey (Flint Firebirds) Jan. 10 – Jan. 16: David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves) Jan. 3 – Jan 9: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires) Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: James Hardie (Mississauga Steelheads) Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Ty Tullio (Oshawa Generals) Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Lucas Edmonds (Kingston Frontenacs) Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires) Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds) Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion) Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Antonio Stranges (London Knights) Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs) Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Tucker Robertson (Peterborough Petes) Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Rory Kerins (Soo Greyhounds) Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals) Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)
Bulldogs’ Marco Costantini Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Marco Costantini of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 3-0 with a 0.67 goals-against average, .973 save percentage and one shutout.
Costantini stopped 71 of the 73 shots that came his way in wins over Oshawa, Kingston and Ottawa as the Bulldogs became the OHL’s first team to reach the 40-win mark. He stopped all 18 shots he faced in Monday’s Outdoor Showcase as the Bulldogs won their 12th straight game, blanking the Oshawa Generals 3-0 at Tim Hortons Field. Costantini turned in a first star performance on Friday in Kingston, making 29 saves as the Bulldogs beat the Frontenacs 3-1. He rounded out the weekend on Sunday in Ottawa, stopping 24 in a 3-1 win over the 67’s.
A 19-year-old Hamilton native, Costantini owns the league’s second-lowest goals-against average of 2.48, going 25-9-2-2 with a .912 save percentage and league-high matching four shutouts. Costantini has won 16 of his last 17 starts, and earns OHL Goaltender of the Week honours for the second time this season. He was Hamilton’s fifth round (95th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the OHL Cup finalist Vaughan Kings U16 program.
Also considered for the award this week, Michael Simpson of the Peterborough Petes stopped 92 of 97 shots, going 2-1 across three starts with a 1.67 goals-against average and .948 save percentage. Arizona Coyotes prospect Anson Thornton of the Sarnia Sting was also 2-1, recording his first career OHL shutout to finish with a 2.34 goals-against average and .931 save percentage.
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.
We had some fun outdoors in Hamilton and now it’s time for the stretch run towards the 2022 OHL Playoffs, with four teams in Hamilton, North Bay, Mississauga and Kingston having already booked their ticket. Here’s what’s happening in the OHL This Week.
Rosters and captains announced for 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game: Shane Wright, Ty Nelson and Jake Karabela have been named captains of their respective teams for the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game set to take place on Wednesday, March 23 in Kitchener. Check out the full rosters here
Sights and Sounds of the Hamilton Outdoor Showcase: Take in the sights and hear the sounds from the Hamilton Outdoor Showcase between the Bulldogs and Oshawa Generals at Tim Hortons Field. Watch
Rico Phillips gets warm welcome in Steeltown: OHL Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Rico Phillips got a warm welcome from the Hamilton Bulldogs ahead of the Outdoor Showcase at Tim Hortons Field. Watch
Bulldogs and Firebirds included in Week 20 edition of Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings: The Hamilton Bulldogs and Flint Firebirds are included in the Week 20 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings while the North Bay Battalion receive an honourable mention. Read more
Colts’ Ukrainian defender Cholach drops ceremonial face-off at Heritage Classic: Ukrainian Barrie Colts defender Artur Cholach received a strong show of support at the NHL Heritage Classic in Hamilton. The Vegas Golden Knights prospect met Wayne Gretzky and conducted the ceremonial face-off between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres. Watch
Edmonds and Mintyukov named to CHL Team of the Week: Kingston Frontenacs forward Lucas Edmonds and Saginaw Spirit defender Pavel Mintyukov are included on the 17th edition of the CHL Team of the Week. Read more
Frontenacs’ Lucas Edmonds named OHL Player of the Week: Kingston Frontenacs forward Lucas Edmonds is the OHL Player of the Week, putting together nine points in his last three games, scoring three goals and six assists. . Read more
Attack’s Nick Chenard named OHL Goaltender of the Week: Nick Chenard of the Owen Sound Attack is the OHL Goaltender of the Week after going 2-0-1-0 with a 1.99 goals-against average and .944 save percentage. Read more
Firebirds’ Head Coach Ted Dent adds Interim General Manager tag: Head coach Ted Dent has been named interim general manager of the Flint Firebirds. The Firebirds currently own a 34-16-1-3 record and sit first place in the Western Conference. Read more
Firebirds name Jeff Blum as Assistant Coach: The Flint Firebirds announced the hiring of Jeff Blum as the club’s new assistant coach. Blum spent two seasons behind the bench in the OHL for the Saginaw Spirit from 2012-14 before joining Brian Rolston on staff as an assistant coach with the Detroit Jr. Red Wings. Read more
OHL Weekend Notebook: The OHL Weekend Notebook recaps the weekend that was with news, information and interesting facts from both on and off the ice. Read more
Jr. Canadiens on top in Week 9 edition of OHL Cup Top 10 Rankings: The Week 9 edition of the OHL Cup presented by Under Armour Top 10 Rankings features the Toronto Jr. Canadiens in the top spot once again. Read more
Five to watch for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection: Raine Hernandez and OHL Central Scouting join forces to examine five players to keep an eye on in advance of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Read more
Sauder scores first goal in OHL Milestone Moments: Erie Otters defenceman Nathan Sauder scored his first career OHL goal in last week’s action. Watch
Petes’ Sproule headlines OHL Plays of the Week: Dishing up a serving of the top plays in the OHL this week with appearances from Hamilton teammates Avery Hayes and Mason McTavish, Kitchener’s Joseph Serpa, Barrie’s Ethan Cardwell, and Peterborough’s Emmett Sproule. Watch
More big stops in OHL Saves of the Week: Scoping out another set of Saves of the Week featuring Mississauga’s Joe Ranger and Roman Basran, Owen Sound’s Nick Chenard, Niagara’s Josh Rosenzweig, Guelph’s Jacob Oster, Hamilton’s Marco Costantini, Kingston’s Leevi Merilainen, Erie’s Nolan Lalonde, Flint’s Luke Cavallin, and Sarnia’s Ben Gaudreau. Watch
COMMUNITY CORNER
Sting launch Sting Assists to streamline and grow community contributions: The Sarnia Sting Hockey Club is proud to announce the launch of the Sarnia Sting Community Fund. Sting Assists is an independent non-profit organization, at arms length from the hockey club. Read more
Spits support Mighty Megan Fights Leukemia: The Windsor Spitfires are supporting a young fan. The club donated 55 Spitfires t-shirts that will be transformed into zipper shirts for kids undergoing cancer treatment. For more details visit windsorspitfires.com
Rangers host mobile vaccination clinics at upcoming games: The Kitchener Rangers have announced that they will be hosting free COVID-19 vaccination clinics this upcoming Sunday (March 20) and next Sunday (March 27). First, second and third doses are available to ticket-holding fans – choice of Moderna or Pfizer for adults age 30+, and Pfizer for fans age 5-29. For more details visit kitchenerrangers.com
Colts host IceDogs for St. Patrick’s Game on Thursday: The Barrie Colts will be suited up in green as they host Niagara for their annual St. Patrick’s Day game on Thursday, March 17th.
Frontenacs go retro for Friday’s matchup: The Kingston Frontenacs are going retro on Friday, March 18th as they host the Hamilton Bulldogs. The Frontenacs will be wearing a special throwback Count Frontenac jersey with a retro remix. The original Count Frontenac jersey was worn by the team from 2000 to 2007. The Fronts are wearing the jerseys in collaboration with the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy to help promote Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Get a sneak peek at kingstonfrontenacs.com
Firebirds host Super Hero night on Saturday: The Flint Firebirds play host to the Windsor Spitfires on Saturday and its Super Hero Night at the Dort Financial Center. Benefitting Whaley Children’s Center, the Firebirds are asking for fans to bring a minimum of three hygiene products in order to receive a free ticket to the game. The first 300 fans in the door will receive a Superhero Cape as the players will be wearing specialty Spiderman jerseys during the game. A live jersey auction will take place after the game. More information at flintfirebirds.com
Steelheads to host their fourth Pucks N’ Paws game on Sunday: The Mississauga Steelheads are hosting their fourth annual Pucks N’ Paws game as they take on the Peterborough Petes on Sunday, March 20th. The Steelheads encourage all fans to bring their furry friends to the game. For full details visit mississaugasteelheads.com
IceDogs host Down Syndrome Awareness Day on Sunday: Rock your crazy socks with the Niagara IceDogs for Down Syndrome Awareness Day on Sunday when the Dogs host the Sudbury Wolves at 2:00pm.
Petes announce updates on 13th annual Pink in the Rink Game: The Peterborough Petes recently revealed this year’s Pink in the Rink jerseys that will be worn on Saturday, April 9, 2022, against the Niagara IceDogs at 7:05 pm. General Manager Michael Oke also presented this year’s co-chairs, Doug Gibson and Meaghan Roy, with their jerseys. More info at gopetesgo.com
ALUMNI NOTES
Robertson brothers go head-to-head: The Robertson brothers faced off as the Toronto Maple Leafs hosted the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night. Toronto’s Nick Robertson put together a 55-goal season with the Peterborough Petes in 2019-20, being named the league’s most sportsmanlike player. Jason Robertson is in the midst of a 30-goal season as an NHL sophomore in Dallas, and is a former Eddie Powers Trophy recipient with the Niagara IceDogs in 2018-19.
Foligno, Staal play 1,000th NHL contest: Sudbury Wolves graduates Marc Staal and Nick Foligno both made their 1,000th NHL appearance this past week. From Sudbury to now the Boston Bruins, Foligno debuted for the Ottawa Senators in 2007 at only 19 years old and then went on to play for the Columbus Blue Jackets before ending up in Boston. Foligno won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy (leadership, humanitarian contributions) and Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2016-17. Sudbury Wolves graduate Marc Staal also reached the milestone marker, playing 1,000 games for the New York Rangers and now the Detroit Red Wings. Staal joins his brothers, Eric and Jordan as they become the first trio of brothers in league history to each reach that milestone.
Holland announces retirement: Former Guelph Storm forward and 266-game NHL veteran Peter Holland announced his retirement over Twitter earlier this week. The 31-year-old from Brampton, Ont. had spent the season with Djurgardens of the Swedish Elite League following two years in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League. Holland played four seasons with the Storm from 2007-11, scoring at least 28 goals in three of those campaigns. He was the 15th overall pick of the Anaheim Ducks in the 2009 NHL Draft and spent his NHL tenure between Anaheim, Toronto, Arizona and the New York Rangers.
McCourt named ECHL Player of the Week: Flint Firebirds graduate Riley McCourt is the ECHL Player of the Week. McCourt currently plays for the Newfoundland Growlers. Under contract to Toronto of the American Hockey League, McCourt has 23 points (23-9-14) in 40 games with the Growlers this season. The 21-year-old had a strong showing with the Firebirds in his final OHL season, recording 62 points (18-44–62) across 63 games in 2019-20.
Ingham named ECHL Goaltender of the Week: Jacob Ingham of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits is the ECHL Goaltender of the Week for March 7-13. Under contract with the Los Angeles Kings, Ingham is 8-5-2 in 15 appearances with the Swamp Rabbits this season with two shutouts, a 2.82 goals-against average and a save percentage of .906. Prior to playing in the ECHL, Ingham appeared in 177 career OHL games for the Kitchener Rangers and Mississauga Steelheads. The Barrie, Ont. native was Los Angeles’ sixth round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Hawel headlines OHL Alumni receiving AUS Awards and All-Star Team recognition: Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year Liam Hawel headlines a list of six OHL alumni who are award and all-star team recipients in Atlantic University Sport. Matthew Struthers, Austen Keating, Santino Centorame, Justin MacPherson and Troy Lajeunesse are also winners. Read more
KEY MATCHUPS
Mississauga Steelheads at North Bay Battalion Thursday March 17th – 7:00pm
The top-two Central Division teams meet in North Bay on Thursday night as the Steelheads and Battalion are tied for first at 72 points. Bouncing back from a three-game losing slide, the Steelheads moved back to the win column on Tuesday defeating the Colts. The Battalion have won their last five matchups as Kyle McDonald continues to ride a 13-game point streak.
Hamilton Bulldogs at Kingston Frontenacs Friday March 18th – 7:00pm
Winners of four straight, the Frontenacs host the first place Bulldogs on Friday night. Reigning OHL Player of the Week Lucas Edmonds and the Fronts clinched a playoff spot last week. Bulldogs top scorer Logan Morrison has points in 12 straight games. Hamilton has won 19 of their last 21, owning a 37-12-2-2 record for the league’s first place spot.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Thursday March 17th: Mississauga at North Bay – 7:00pm Niagara at Barrie – 7:30pm
Friday March 18th: Hamilton at Kingston – 7:00pm Sudbury at Mississauga – 7:00pm Sault Ste. Marie at Flint – 7:00pm Sarnia at Guelph – 7:30pm Erie at Kitchener – 7:30pm Saginaw at London – 7:30pm Peterborough at Oshawa – 7:35pm
Saturday March 19th: Hamilton at Ottawa – 2:00pm Sudbury at Niagara – 7:00pm Windsor at Flint – 7:00pm Sault Ste. Marie at Saginaw – 7:05pm Oshawa at Barrie – 7:30pm (Streaming Free on CBC Gem) Erie at Owen Sound – 7:30pm
Sunday March 20th: Hamilton at Ottawa – 2:00pm Peterborough at Mississauga – 2:00pm Barrie at North Bay – 2:00pm Sudbury at Niagara – 2:00pm Guelph at Kitchener – 2:00pm Erie at Owen Sound – 2:00pm London at Sarnia – 2:05pm Flint at Windsor – 4:05pm Kingston at Oshawa – 6:05pm
Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today the Week 20 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings for the 2021-22 season.
The Hamilton Bulldogs continue their climb up the list, coming in at a season-high second slotting in Week 20. The Dogs had a 12-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday night in Peterborough, but had Steeltown on its feet on Monday night at Tim Hortons Field, winning the fourth outdoor matchup in OHL history over the Oshawa Generals by a score of 3-0. The 37-12-2-2 Bulldogs lead the OHL standings and have won 19 of their last 21 games. Top scorer Logan Morrison is on a current 12-game point streak dating back to Feb. 18th while blueliner Nathan Staios sits second in scoring among OHL defenders with 52 points (12-40–52) in 45 games. Staios and teammate Mason McTavish were out of the Hamilton lineup on Tuesday night in Peterborough. The Bulldogs have just embarked on eight straight games on the road, with a three-in-three slated for the coming weekend in Kingston and Ottawa.
The Flint Firebirds keep cruising, winning back-to-back last week to climb to ninth on this week’s list. The ‘Birds defeated highly-skilled Western Conference opponents in London and Guelph on Friday and Saturday, improving to 35-16-1-3 with a league-leading 235 goals scored. New York Rangers prospect and captain Brennan Othmann tied the club’s single season goal-scoring record with his 39th on Saturday. Overage goaltender Luke Cavallin made 49 saves against Guelph to earn his 29th win, tying Anthony Popovich’s high franchise watermark from the 2019-20 season. The Firebirds are at home for games against Sault Ste. Marie and Windsor on Friday and Saturday this weekend before visiting Windsor on Sunday afternoon.
The North Bay Battalion are an honourable mention in this week’s rankings, riding a five-game winning streak into Thursday action at home to Mississauga. Having punched their ticket to the OHL Playoffs last week, the Battalion sit tied with the Steelheads for first place in the Central Division, owning a 33-17-3-3 record. The Troops recently welcomed captain Liam Arnsby back into the lineup after he missed time due to injury. The Troops feature four different 30-goal scorers in their lineup, with Mitchell Russell (34), Kyle McDonald (33), Matvey Petrov (31) and Brandon Coe (30) making up that group. McDonald has points in 13 straight games dating back to Feb. 6th.
For further analysis on the Week 20 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings, visit CHL.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.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 9 edition of the weekly U16 AAA rankings for the 2022 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament presented by Under Armour and hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.
The 2022 OHL Cup powered by Under Armour and hosted by the GTHL is scheduled for March 30 to April 4, 2022 and features 20 teams consisting of talent eligible for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. All games will be played at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto until the Championship Final moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Monday, April 4. Wild card play-in games to determine the final entries into the showcase will be held at Scotiabank Pond on Tuesday, March 29.
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 2022 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour – Week 9
Rank:
Team:
LAST WEEK
WEEKS RANKED
1
Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
1
9
2
Mississauga Senators (GTHL)
2
9
3
Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)
3
9
4
Quinte Red Devils (OMHA)
4
9
5
North York Rangers (GTHL)
7
9
6
Markham Majors (GTHL)
5
9
7
Brantford 99ers (ALLIANCE)
6
6
8
Markham Waxers (OMHA)
9
4
9
Niagara North Stars (OMHA)
8
9
10
London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)
10
9
Honourable Mention:
Halton Hurricanes (OMHA)
–
–
Vaughan Kings (GTHL)
–
1
Ajax-Pickering Raiders (OMHA)
–
3
The ninth week of OHL Cup Rankings feature some jostling in the middle of the Top-10, with the North York Rangers and Markham Waxers both trending upward. North York defeated Thunder Bay by a score of 3-1 on Saturday, improving to 13-8-4 on the season while Markham emerged with a perfect 8-0 record in their playdowns, securing a spot alongside Quinte and Ajax-Pickering at the OMHA Championship Weekend from March 25-27. Of note, Markham defeated Quinte twice in the playdowns after the Red Devils went 23-0-3 during the regular season, entering the playoffs on a 10-game winning streak. The Toronto Jr. Canadiens continue to lead the way in Week 9, riding a run of 12 consecutive victories for a 22-3-1 regular season record.
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.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, March 13, 2022.
Frontenacs’ Lucas Edmonds Named OHL Player of the Week
Kingston Frontenacs forward Lucas Edmonds is the OHL Player of the Week, recording three goals, six assists and nine points in three victories.
Edmonds put together three consecutive three-point performances as Kingston defeated Peterborough, Oshawa and Niagara. He scored and tacked on two assists on Thursday as the Fronts bested the Petes 5-4 in Peterborough. Edmonds added three primary assists in Friday’s 7-2 win over visiting Oshawa before scoring his 29th and 30th goals of the season on Sunday, adding an assist as the Frontenacs clinched a playoff spot with a 5-2 win over Niagara. He earns Player of the Week honours for the second time this season.
A 21-year-old native of North Bay, Ont., Edmonds sits second in OHL scoring with 95 points including 30 goals and 65 assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-26. His 223 shots on goal are the fourth-most in the League while his 35 power play points lead all players. The first-year winger was originally Kingston’s seventh round (131st overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection before spending the past four seasons playing between the junior and professional ranks in Sweden. Edmonds was the 107th-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings for the 2022 NHL Draft.
Also considered for the award this week, Frontenacs teammate Shane Wright had eight points (3-5–8) in Kingston’s three victories while San Jose Sharks prospect Ethan Cardwell of the Barrie Colts returned to the lineup with seven points (2-5–7) as his team won two of three last week.
Attack’s Nick Chenard Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Nick Chenard of the Owen Sound Attack is the OHL Goaltender of the Week after going 2-0-1-0 with a 1.99 goals-against average and .944 save percentage.
A 19-year-old native of Tecumseh, Ont., Chenard owns a record of 19-12-3-1 this season with a 3.03 goals-against average, .902 save percentage and two shutouts. Now in his second season with the Attack after being a sixth round (108th overall) pick of the club in 2018, he owns a career record of 25-16-3-2 with a 2.99 goals-against average and .909 save percentage in 50 career regular season games.
Also considered for the award this week, reigning award recipient Marco Costantini of the Hamilton Bulldogs went 2-0-0-0, stopping 52 of 55 as the Dogs took road wins over Barrie and Mississauga. Flint Firebirds goaltender Luke Cavallin was also solid, going 2-0-0-0 with a 2.02 goals-against average and .956 save percentage in wins over London and Guelph.
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.
Jake Karabela of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Tim Cornett/OHL Images
The Guelph Storm really are a team to watch when it comes to the NHL Entry Draft. Matthew Poitras, Danny Zhilkin and Michael Buchinger are all projected to go in the first two rounds of the draft (depending on who you listen too) and now you can add Jake Karabela to that list.
I believe Karabela’s best asset is his hockey IQ. He reads the ice extremely well, is constantly aware of where everyone on the ice is, and his ability to recognize where the open space and how the play can develop puts him in prime areas. Those qualities also help him in the neutral zone. He recognizes where his positioning needs to be to break up the oppositions transition, he anticipates very well and he’s quick enough to jump into lanes to break up a play.
However, he Karabela doesn’t show the same anticipation and awareness in his own zone. He will sometimes lose his coverage, but I think I have a reason behind that. Karabela will sometimes play in the middle, and sometimes play on the wing. I think he is better suited down the middle. But when he is on the wing, he just doesn’t know where to be in defensive coverage. He usually reverts to what he knows and that is the centers job.
His “next best” asset is his playmaking skills. As mentioned, he sees the ice very well and identifies his best options in a split second. He is patient with the puck, can draw defenders towards him and elude the check with strong starts and stops and solid edgework to by his teammates time to get into scoring positions.
Karabela will be known as a playmaker first and foremost. He averages about two shots per game, but his shot isn’t a strength. He likes to get into the high danger areas before he will take it, but his 8.1 shooting percentage at this level doesn’t scream NHL shot. I also believe that when you breakdown where his shots come from, that he lacks the confidence to beat goaltenders as he rarely shoots from distance.
I’m pretty confident that once Karabela is fully developed he can find a job in the NHL as a third line playmaking center who can put up some offense and even play the wall on the powerplay.
Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today the rosters and captains for the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game to be held at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday, March 23.
The 40 players from across the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League have been divided into Team Red, captained by Kingston Frontenacs centre Shane Wright, the projected first-overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, opposite Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman Denton Mateychuk, captain of Team White and NHL Central Scouting’s No. 9 ranked North American skater.
Joining Wright in the leadership group for Team Red are alternate captains Maveric Lamoureux (Drummondville Voltigeurs) and Ty Nelson (North Bay Battalion), while serving as alternate captains with Team White under Mateychuk are Jake Karabela (Guelph Storm) and Tristan Luneau (Gatineau Olympiques).
* NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Ranking noted in parenthesis
Team Red
Forwards (86) Maxim Barbashev – Moncton Wildcats (51) Josh Filmon – Swift Current Broncos (11) Luca Del Bel Belluz – Mississauga Steelheads (35) David Goyette – Sudbury Wolves (43) Jordan Gustafson – Seattle Thunderbirds (47) Hunter Haight – Barrie Colts (34) Fraser Minten – Kamloops Blazers (23) Matthew Poitras – Guelph Storm (3) Matthew Savoie – Winnipeg ICE (50) Matthew Seminoff – Kamloops Blazers (1) Shane Wright – Kingston Frontenacs ‘C’ (27) Danny Zhilkin – Guelph Storm
Defencemen (36) Michael Buchinger – Guelph Storm (39) Jorian Donovan – Hamilton Bulldogs (42) Isaiah George – London Knights (20) Kevin Korchinski – Seattle Thunderbirds (15) Maveric Lamoureux – Drummondville Voltigeurs ‘A’ (25) Ty Nelson – North Bay Battalion ‘A’
Goaltenders (26G) Reid Dyck – Swift Current Broncos (2G) Ivan Zhigalov – Sherbrooke Phoenix
Goaltenders (7G) Mason Beaupit – Spokane Chiefs (1G) Tyler Brennan – Prince George Cougars
In all, the 40 players count 18 from the OHL, 15 from the WHL, and seven from the QMJHL. Additionally, 23 CHL clubs are represented by at least one player, led by the Guelph Storm with four and Gatineau Olympiques, Kamloops Blazers, Seattle Thunderbirds, and Swift Current Broncos each with three, while 11 teams have multiple player representatives.
Behind the bench for Team White are TSN OverDrive’s Jeff “O-Dog” O’Neill alongside Al’s Brother, CHL legend Brian Kilrea, Ottawa 67’s hockey operations advisor Bert O’Brien, plus Guelph Storm head coach George Burnett as well as equipment manager Jake McKercher and athletic therapist Brie Donelson. Coaching Team Red are TSN OverDrive’s Jamie “Noodles” McLennan alongside OverDrive co-host Bryan Hayes, Kitchener Rangers alumnus and Memorial Cup champion Derek Roy, plus Rangers head coach Mike McKenzie as well as equipment manager Dan Lebold and athletic therapist Cory Birk.
With a majority of tickets for the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game already sold and in anticipation of 100 percent seating capacity, fans are encouraged to get their tickets now online at kwtickets.ca, by telephone at 1-800-265-8977 or 519-578-1570, or at the box offices at the Centre In the Square at 101 Queen St. N., Kitchener (Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by telephone only, to arrange in-person purchases during these hours email boxoffice@centreinthesquare.com), and the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium at 400 East Ave., Kitchener (Game Days, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., or call 519-741-2699 to arrange in-person purchases during business hours on other weekdays). Digital tickets for the originally scheduled date will automatically update. Printed tickets will be honoured for the rescheduled game.
The 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game airs live from the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on TSN, TSN.ca, the TSN app, and RDS on Wednesday, Mar. 23 at 8 p.m. Eastern. For more information, visit kubotatopprospects.ca.
About the Canadian Hockey League The Canadian Hockey League is the world’s largest development hockey league with 52 Canadian and eight American teams participating in the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
About Kubota Canada Ltd. Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) is an affiliate of Kubota Corporation, a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. KCL markets and distributes Kubota engineered and manufactured equipment, including a complete line of tractors of up to 210HP, performance-matched implements, compact and utility tractors, compact construction, landscaping and public work equipment, residential lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles. For product literature or dealer locations, contact Kubota Canada Ltd. at 1155 Kubota Drive, Pickering, Ontario Canada L1X 0H4, by telephone, at 905-294-6535, by visiting KCL’s website kubota.ca.
Get bundled up for the Outdoor Showcase in Hamilton, and there’s lots to cover with a 10-game Friday night on the horizon. Here’s your latest edition of the OHL This Week.
Tickets on sale for Hamilton Outdoor Showcase: The Hamilton Bulldogs play host to the Oshawa Generals on Monday, March 14th at Tim Hortons Field! Tickets are now on sale for this special event and can be purchased at ticketmaster.ca.
Bulldogs and Knights included in Week 19 edition of Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings: The Hamilton Bulldogs and London Knights are included in the Week 19 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings while the Flint Firebirds received an honourable mention. Read more
OHL Celebrates International Women’s Day: Join host Joelle Wood as she chats with Aly Munro, Lauren Kelly and Julia Tocheri about their roles in sports media as part of International Women’s Day celebrations. Watch
Hill and Costantini named to CHL Team of the Week: Sarnia Sting forward Theo Hill and Hamilton Bulldogs goaltender Marco Costantini are included on the 16th edition of the CHL Team of the Week. Read more
Sting’s Theo Hill named OHL Player of the Week: Sarnia Sting forward Theo Hill is the OHL Player of the Week, putting together nine assists in three games as the Sting won a pair of games. Read more
Bulldogs’ Marco Costantini named OHL Goaltender of the Week: Marco Costantini of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, backstopping his first place team to a pair of wins. Read more
Counting down the OHL Plays of the Week: Reviewing the OHL Plays of the Week, with appearances from Peterborough’s J.R. Avon and Chase Stillman, Ottawa’s Jack Matier, Kitchener’s Justin Nolet and London’s Antonio Stranges. Watch
Sensational stops in OHL Saves of the Week: Getting our fill of sensational saves from Sarnia’s Anson Thornton and Ben Gaudreau, Niagara’s Josh Rosenzweig, London’s Brett Brochu, Kitchener’s Pavel Cajan, Kingston’s Leevi Merilainen, Hamilton’s Marco Costantini, Soo’s Tucker Tynan, and Erie’s Nolan Lalonde. Watch
Four first goals in OHL Milestone Moments: Revisit first goals from Barrie’s Zach Wigle, Peterborough’s Artem Guryev, Saginaw’s Brayden Hislop, and Ottawa’s Chris Barlas. Watch
OHL Weekend Notebook: The OHL Weekend Notebook recaps the weekend that was with news, information and interesting facts from both on and off the ice. Read more
Jr. Canadiens on top in Week 8 edition of OHL Cup Top 10 Rankings: There’s lots of movement on the Week 8 edition of the OHL Cup presented by Under Armour Top 10 Rankings, with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens back in the driver’s seat after a perfect week of hockey. Read more
Inaugural U14 OHL Cup presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario set for April 14-16: The OHL is excited to partner with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and presenting sponsor Dairy Farmers of Ontario for the inaugural U14 OHL Cup on April 14-16 in Oakville. Read more
Dustin McCrank shares Olympic experience: Long-time OHL official Dustin McCrank shares his experience working the lines at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China. Watch
Rangers’ Mutter signs with Predators Veteran Kitchener Rangers forward Navrin Mutter has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the Nashville Predators. Read more
Greyhounds’ Calisti signs AHL contract with Panthers: Soo Greyhounds defenceman Robert Calisti has signed a two-year AHL contract with the Florida Panthers organization. Read more
Owen MacDonald commits to Sting: The Sarnia Sting have signed local product and third round 2021 OHL U18 Priority Selection choice Owen MacDonald. Read more
COMMUNITY CORNER
67’s turn back the clock Friday night: The Ottawa 67’s celebrate their past on Friday, bringing out the Killer Puck for a clash with the Peterborough Petes. Legacy Night at TD Place Arena will feature some familiar faces from the past like past captain Dan Tessier as the 67’s hit the ice in retro jerseys for an East Division matchup.
Wolves in green for Heart and Stroke Night on Friday: The Sudbury Wolves will be decked out in green for Heart and Stroke Night on Friday, playing host to a traditionally green opponent in the North Bay Battalion. The Wolves, who wore green in the franchise’s infancy, revisit their roots for a good cause as proceeds from game worn uniforms will go to benefit the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Since 2016, the Sudbury community has raised over $5,000 in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Watch more at sudburywolves.com
Firebirds host Teacher Appreciation Night on Saturday: The Flint Firebirds play host to the Guelph Storm on Saturday and its Teacher Appreciation Night at the Dort Financial Center. All school staff can show their ID for free admittance to the game. For more information visit flintfirebirds.com
Spirit host Hockey for the Homeless Night on Saturday: The Saginaw Spirit feature back-to-back home matchups against the Owen Sound Attack this weekend, with Saturday’s matchup penciled in as Hockey for the Homeless Night at the Dow Event Center. The Spirit will be wearing special limited edition red uniforms to be auctioned off post-game, with proceeds benefitting Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan.
Otters roll out the green for St. Patrick’s Day game: The Erie Otters will be in green Saturday night at home to the Windsor Spitfires. Stay tuned for a post-game jersey auction to get your hands on one of these limited edition green Otters uniforms.
Generals host Petes for St. Patrick’s Game on Sunday: The Oshawa Generals encourage all of their fans to wear green to the rink Sunday evening when they play host to their age-old rivals the Peterborough Petes. The Gens will be suited up in green to close out the weekend for this great matchup.
Frontenacs’ Haché draws 30 donors through blood drive: Kingston Frontenacs defenceman Braden Haché hosted a community blood drive through Hockey Gives Blood, drawing 30 donors in support on Tuesday. The Florida Panthers prospect was the recipient of the Dayna Brons Honourary Award last season, a distinction presented in the honour of the former athletic therapist for the Humboldt Broncos Hockey Club who tragically passed away on April 11, 2018. Haché is recognized as a leader in his efforts to raise awareness toward the important cause of blood and stem cell donation.
Otters host Women’s Empowerment Week webinar: The Erie Otters held a Women’s Empowerment Week webinar on Tuesday, one that included special guests from the Arizona Coyotes and Macon Mayhem along with members of the Otters’ front office staff. Check out the full webinar at ottershockey.com.
Rangers host Women in Hockey Conference: As part of International Women’s Day Celebrations, the Kitchener Rangers hosted a Women in Hockey Conference including special guests such as Kim Davis of the National Hockey League, Christine Simpson of Sportsnet, PHF Commissioner Tyler Tumminia and several others. Check out the full conference on YouTube
PWHPA comes to Peterborough March 26 with all-woman broadcast crew: The Peterborough Petes will host a PWHPA regional game on March 26th at the Memorial Centre, one that will feature an all-woman broadcast crew of Katrina Squazzin, Meaghan Roy and Julia Tocheri. Team Sonnet and Team Harvey’s will square off inside the square corners! For more information visit gopetesgo.com
ALUMNI NOTES
Giordano, Simmonds play 1,000th NHL contest: A pair of well-known OHL graduates recently played in their 1,000th career NHL contest. Both former members of the Owen Sound Attack, Seattle Kraken blueliner Mark Giordano and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Wayne Simmonds reached the millennium on Saturday. Giordano, 38, is with the expansion Kraken following parts of 15 NHL seasons with the Calgary Flames. He played in Owen Sound from 2002-04 and was never drafted into the OHL or the NHL. Simmonds, 33, has spent his NHL career largely between Los Angeles and Philadelphia. He played in Owen Sound and Sault Ste. Marie from 2006-08. Read more on their careers at attackhockey.com
Robertson named NHL’s First Star of the Week: Former Eddie Powers Trophy recipient Jason Robertson is the NHL’s First Star of the Week, putting up seven goals in three games for the Dallas Stars. Robertson netted consecutive hat tricks and game-winning goals. He joins Bill Goldsworthy (March 1971) as the second player in Stars/North Stars history to register a hat trick in consecutive games. Robertson has 54 points (29-25–54) in 47 games this season. The 22-year-old from Arcadia, Calif. played four OHL seasons between Kingston and Niagara from 2015-19, graduating with 317 career points.
Ekblad records first 50-point season: Barrie Colts graduate Aaron Ekblad has hit the 50-point milestone for the first time in his NHL career. The 26-year-old joins Cale Makar, Roman Josi, Victor Hedman and Adam Fox in that category, becoming the fourth Panthers blueliner to reach the mark after Keith Yandle, Robert Svehla and Brian Campbell. Now in his eighth season with the Panthers after being selected first overall in 2014, Ekblad played three seasons in Barrie from 2011-14.
Rymsha named ECHL Player of the Week: Sarnia Sting graduate Drake Rymsha is the ECHL Player of the Week after posting four goals, three assists and seven points in three games for the Fort Wayne Komets. Rymsha has 11 points (5-6–11) in eight games with Fort Wayne this season while adding seven assists across 32 games with the AHL’s Hershey Bears. The 23-year-old from Huntington Woods, Mich. played four OHL seasons between London, Ottawa and Sarnia from 2014-18. He made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings during the 2020-21 season, appearing in one game.
KEY MATCHUPS
Owen Sound Attack at Windsor Spitfires Thursday March 10th – 7:30pm
Two competitive Western Conference teams both trending in the right direction meet in Windsor on Thursday night as the Owen Sound Attack ride a six-game winning streak into action. The Bears, who recently lost eight in a row from Feb. 6-23, have turned things around behind offensive contributions from NHL Draft prospects Servac Petrovsky and Cedrick Guindon. Rookie winger Colby Barlow has also been a steady scorer, sitting one goal back of Bobby Ryan’s club record of 22 goals by a 16-year-old rookie. The Spitfires have won three of their last four, flirting with second place in the West Division in a neck-and-neck race with Sault Ste. Marie. Wyatt Johnston enters action as the OHL’s scoring leader with 90 points (30-60–90) on the campaign.
Flint Firebirds at London Knights Friday March 11th – 7:30pm
The Western Conference-leading Flint Firebirds go into London for a test against the Knights who have struggled of late, dropping their last three contests. Flint recently won a franchise record 21st road game and has benefitted from the strong play of Winnipeg Jets prospect Dmitry Kuzmin on the back end of late. London recently lost the services of injured goaltender Brett Brochu, and has missed big bodies in Logan Mailloux, Kirill Steklov and Bryce Montgomery on the blue line. The Knights try and right the ship against a Flint squad they are 1-1 against this season.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Thursday March 10th: Kingston at Peterborough – 7:05pm Hamilton at Barrie – 7:30pm Owen Sound at Windsor – 7:30pm
Friday March 11th: Windsor at Erie – 7:00pm Oshawa at Kingston – 7:00pm Hamilton at Mississauga – 7:00pm Barrie at Niagara – 7:00pm Peterborough at Ottawa – 7:00pm Owen Sound at Saginaw – 7:05pm Guelph at Sarnia – 7:05pm North Bay at Sudbury – 7:05pm Kitchener at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm Flint at London – 7:30pm
Saturday March 12th: Windsor at Erie – 7:00pm Guelph at Flint – 7:00pm Owen Sound at Saginaw – 7:05pm Kitchener at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm Mississauga at Barrie – 7:30pm
Sunday March 13th: Niagara at Kingston – 2:00pm London at Sarnia – 2:05pm (Live on TSN Digital) North Bay at Sudbury – 2:05pm Peterborough at Oshawa – 6:05pm
Monday March 14th: Niagara at Ottawa – 2:00pm Oshawa at Hamilton – 7:00pm (Outdoor Showcase at Tim Hortons Field) Saginaw at London – 7:00pm Erie at Guelph – 7:00pm
Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today the Week 19 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings for the 2021-22 season.
The Hamilton Bulldogs continue to climb, entering another week as the third-ranked team in the CHL as a nine-game winning streak continues. The 34-11-2-2 Bulldogs won a pair of games last week, edging the Central Division-leading Mississauga Steelheads 2-1 on Thursday before defeating the Ottawa 67’s 2-1 in a shootout on TSN Friday night. The Dogs lost star centreman Mason McTavish to injury in the win, but got big saves from OHL Goaltender of the Week Marco Costantini who earned first star recognition. The Bulldogs are back in action with visits to Barrie and Mississauga on Thursday and Friday before hitting the ice outdoors against the Oshawa Generals at Tim Hortons Field on Monday, March 14th.
Despite consecutive losses, the London Knights find themselves in the 10th spot this week, owning a Midwest Division-leading 32-15-2-0 record. The Knights lost the services of starting goaltender Brett Brochu on Tuesday in Kitchener before falling to the Rangers by a score of 4-2. Nashville Predators prospect Luke Evangelista leads the OHL with 43 goals in 45 games. His 82 points place him fourth in the League. The Knights are in Sarnia on Wednesday.
The Flint Firebirds are an honourable mention once again, continuing to lead the Western Conference with a 33-16-1-3 record. After splitting decisions on back-to-back nights in Erie last weekend, the Firebirds came out on top in Guelph Sunday afternoon, defeating the Storm 5-1. New York Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann leads the Firebirds offensively with 37 goals, 38 assists and 75 points in 51 games. Overage netminder Luke Cavallin has also contributed to the team’s success, emerging as the OHL Goaltender of the Month for February. He’s second in OHL wins with 27 this season, posting a 3.16 goals-against average and .910 save percentage through 43 games. The Firebirds are in London on Friday for a big test against the Knights.
For further analysis on the Week 18 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings, visit CHL.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.
OHL Writers 