Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 8 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 8
Rank:
Team:
LAST WEEK
WEEKS RANKED
1
Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
2
8
2
Mississauga Senators (GTHL)
1
8
3
Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)
4
8
4
Quinte Red Devils (OMHA)
3
8
5
Markham Majors (GTHL)
5
8
6
Brantford 99ers (ALLIANCE)
7
5
7
North York Rangers (GTHL)
6
8
8
Niagara North Stars (OMHA)
8
8
9
Markham Waxers (OMHA)
10
3
10
London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)
9
8
Honourable Mention:
Halton Hurricanes (OMHA)
–
–
Vaughan Kings (GTHL)
–
1
Waterloo Wolves (ALLIANCE)
–
1
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. JRC sits in a three-way tie for first place in the GTHL standings with the second-ranked Mississauga Senators and newly appointed third-ranked Toronto Marlboros. The Brantford 99ers are up into sixth this week, finishing their season with 10 consecutive wins to top the ALLIANCE U16 standings as they now prepare for a first round playoff series against the Lambton Jr. Sting. The Markham Waxers are also up one spot, sitting ninth after defeating the first place Quinte Red Devils by a score of 2-0 on Sunday.
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 6, 2022
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.
Hill’s marquee performance came on Wednesday, helping the Sting win a high-scoring thriller over the Saginaw Spirit with six assists in a 10-6 final. The six helpers are the most by an OHL player in a game this season, coming one shy of the Sting single game record of seven set by Charlie Sarault on Feb. 22, 2013 against Erie. Hill was back dishing out assists on Friday, picking up three helpers in Sarnia’s 6-5 win over the Soo Greyhounds as he helped set up Marko Sikic for the overtime winner. Hill was pointless, but won 16-of-23 faceoffs in Sunday’s 5-1 loss to the Kitchener Rangers. Hill becomes the first Sting player to earn OHL Player of the Week honours since Jordan Kyrou in February 2018.
A 19-year-old from Hagersville, Ont., Hill has 16 goals, 21 assists and 37 points in 48 games for the Sting in this, his third OHL season. The former fifth round (99th overall) pick by Sarnia in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection owns career totals that include 30 goals, 36 assists and 66 points across 161 regular season contests.
Also considered for the award this week, Sarnia Sting teammate Marko Sikic recorded seven points (2-5–7) in three games last week while Barrie Colts forward Evan Vierling posted three straight two-point efforts, finishing with six (5-1–6) as his team played to a 3-0 record.
Bulldogs’ Marco Costantini Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Marco Costantini is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, playing to a 2-0 record with a 0.96 goals-against average and .962 save percentage for the first place Hamilton Bulldogs.
Costantini stopped 50 of 52 shots last week, helping Hamilton extend its winning streak to nine in 2-1 victories over Mississauga and Ottawa. He made 26 saves at home to the Central Division-leading Steelheads on Thursday as the Bulldogs prevailed on a late game winner from Avery Hayes. Costantini was solid in front of a national audience on Friday, turning in a first star performance with 24 saves and a 3-for-4 shootout showing against twin brother Anthony and the Ottawa 67’s on TSN.
A 19-year-old Hamilton native, Costantini is 20-9-2-2 with a 2.69 goals-against average, .906 save percentage and three shutouts in 34 games this season. The 6-foot-1, 185Ib. goaltender owns a career OHL record of 30-24-8-2 with a 3.48 goals-against average and .889 save percentage. Costantini was Hamilton’s fifth round (95th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection after backstopping the Vaughan Kings to an appearance in the OHL Cup Final.
Also considered for the award this week, Owen Sound Attack goaltender Nick Chenard played to a 3-0 mark with a 1.67 goals-against average and .933 save percentage including a 27-save shutout against the Saginaw Spirit on Saturday. Michael Simpson of the Peterborough Petes was also 3-0, posting a 2.33 goals-against average and .927 save percentage in the process.
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 (OHL) in partnership with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), is proud to announce the inaugural under-14 (U14) OHL Cup presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO).
This event will comprise of 12 U14 tier one, also referred to as AAA teams, from across the province and will 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, 2022. The event will provide the players and parents with an introduction to the OHL, along with showing them an exciting experience to end their season.
“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. “We look forward to an outstanding weekend of hockey played by 12 of the best teams in the province.”
“We are excited to host the first-ever U14 OHL Cup,” said OMHA Executive Director Ian Taylor. “This will be a premier event for this age group, and we are thankful for the support from the Ontario Hockey League and Dairy Farmers of Ontario.”
More information will be released closer to the event, including schedule and live streaming details.
“Dairy Farmers of Ontario is proud to continue our support for youth sports through this exciting and competitive tournament,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer of DFO. “Our partnership with OHL provides a positive and lasting effect on youth sports while highlighting the benefits of milk in a healthy and active lifestyle. On behalf of Ontario’s 3,400 dairy producers, their families and teams, we wish the athletes well and applaud their hard work and dedication – values our producers know a lot about.”
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.
Vinzenz Rohrer of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images
You have to be impressed with VinzenzRohrer and his production on a Sudbury Wolves squad that dresses as many as 10 draft eligible players on a nightly basis. Add to that fact is that with a September 9 birthdate, he is also one of the youngest players in this draft class.
At the time of writing this, Rohrer trails only CameronTolnai (in his third season, not counting the missed season) for scoring on the Wolves by just 4 points despite playing in 4 fewer games.
Interestingly, NHL Central Scouting had Rohrer rated as a B prospect on their players to watch list (second or third rounder) to 46th among North American Skaters on their mid-term rankings which indicates a small jump. Bob McKenzie had Rohrer at number 80 among all players. That’s probably a good spot for him, but I don’t agree where he sits among the OHL players on those lists. But that debate won’t be answered until the end of the season which is why I don’t do midterm rankings.
As for Rohrer’s game, the thing that impresses me the most is how well he does defensively and for a player as young as him it is quite the surprise. Usually, we say a player has to improve in that area, but not here. He plays the penalty kill quite effectively taking away lanes, using his stick and he is a shot blocking machine, and better at it than most blue liners.
From his own zone Rohrer is excellent at transition either by taking it himself or finding the best option with his teammates. When he “takes it” he is extremely adept at gaining the blue line with possession. But if you’re playing dump-and-chase he is more than willing to be the first in there and battle for possession. At just 168 pounds, he will not shy away. Once he gains possession, he can make skilled plays. His vision and playmaking skills are above average and he shows the patience to be willing to wait for a play to develop.
If there is one area, I have concern it’s in Rohrer’s skating. I don’t think he has an explosive first step, a separation gear or top end speed that are necessary for a smaller guy. But I also believe its in his mechanics and something that can be worked on with a skating coach – and that’s not to suggest that work isn’t already happening with the 67’s.
Buildings are back to full capacity and there’s lots to cover, so join us for a look through what’s happening in the OHL This Week:
Red hot Morrison, Bulldogs on TSN against Ottawa Friday night: OHL Player of the Month with 29 points in 10 games, Logan Morrison says confidence is key to his recent success as he prepares to join the Hamilton Bulldogs on TSN Friday night, taking on the Ottawa 67’s at 7:00pm. Watch
Petes and IceDogs on CBC Gem tonight: Catch an Eastern Conference matchup for free tonight on CBC Gem as the Peterborough Petes play host to the Niagara IceDogs at 7:05pm. Read more
Morrison, Buchinger and Cavallin named Top Performers for February: The OHL has announced Top Performers of the Month for February, including Player of the Month Logan Morrison of the Hamilton Bulldogs, Defenceman and Rookie of the Month Michael Buchinger of the Guelph Storm and Goaltender of the Month Luke Cavallin of the Flint Firebirds. Read more
OHL announces Academic Players of the Month for February: The OHL named Academic Players of the Month for February including Ottawa’s Brad Gardiner, London’s Jackson Edward, Sudbury’s Matthew Mania and Sault Ste. Marie’s Bryce McConnell-Barker. Read more
Bulldogs and Frontenacs included on Week 18 edition of Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings: The Hamilton Bulldogs and Kingston Frontenacs are included in the Week 18 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. The Flint Firebirds and London Knights both received honourable mentions. Read more
Three OHL players named to CHL Team of the Week: Hamilton Bulldogs teammates Logan Morrison and Nathan Staios join Guelph Storm blueliner Michael Buchinger on the CHL Team of the Week. Read more
Bulldogs’ Morrison named OHL Player of the Week: Hamilton Bulldogs forward Logan Morrison is the OHL Player of the Week with four goals, nine assists and 13 points in four games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-10. Read more
Frontenacs’ Merilainen named OHL Goaltender of the Week: Ottawa Senators prospect Leevi Merilainen of the Kingston Frontenacs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week after going 3-0 with a 1.33 goals-against average and .948 save percentage. Read more
Evangelista headlines OHL Plays of the Week: It’s the OHL Plays of the Week! We’ve got appearances from Kitchener’s Joseph Serpa, Sudbury’s Landon McCallum, Flint’s Simon Slavicek, Kingston’s Shane Wright and London’s Luke Evangelista. Watch
Puckstoppers go all out on OHL Saves of the Week: OHL netminders put on quite the presentation in the latest edition of OHL Saves of the Week. Watch
OHL Milestone Moments feature three career firsts: Reliving milestone moments from Niagara’s Lucas Littlejohn, Windsor’s Bronson Ride and Erie’s Nolan Lalonde. 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
OHL Cup powered by Under Armour U16 AAA Top 10 Rankings: The Markham Majors are on the rise in the Week 7 edition of the OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Top 10 Rankings. The Majors leapfrogged the North York Rangers both in the standings and in the OHL Cup Top 10, pushing North York down to sixth on this week’s list. The Brantford 99ers are up two spots to number seven, defeating the London Jr. Knights 4-2 on Monday night in London. Read more
Five to watch for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection: Raine Hernandez and OHL Central Scouting examine five players eligible for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Learn more about Cole Beaudoin, Kevin He, Brodie McConnell-Barker, Bode Stewart and Luca Testa. Read more
67’s’ Cranley signs with Blues: Ottawa 67’s goaltender Will Cranley has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the St. Louis Blues. Read more
Greyhounds’ Kartye signs with Kraken: Soo Greyhounds forward Tye Kartye has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the Seattle Kraken. Read more
Greyhounds’ Kerins signs with Flames: Soo Greyhounds forward Rory Kerins has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the Calgary Flames. Read more
Frontenacs’ Frasca signs with Penguins: Undrafted free agent Kingston Frontenacs forward Jordan Frasca has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Read more
Knights’ Stranges signs with Stars: London Knights forward Antonio Stranges has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the Dallas Stars. Read more
IceDogs name veteran defenceman Dakota Betts captain: The Niagara IceDogs have named overage defenceman Dakota Betts captain for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. Read more
Spirit and The Dow Event Center extend lease agreement through 2025-26: The Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club, which is celebrating its 20th season in Saginaw, and The Dow Event Center, have signed an agreement to extend their lease agreement and will continue being the main tenant through the 2025-2026 season. The partnership is a key factor to continued growth of Riverfront Saginaw and Saginaw County. Read more at saginawspirit.com
Registration now open for 2022 OHL Performance Development League presented by CCM: Registration is now open for the 2022 OHL Performance Development League that begins Sunday, May 29 in Oshawa, Oakville and Kitchener. Read more
COMMUNITY CORNER:
Rangers host Don Cameron Potato Night on Friday: It’s the 26th annual Don Cameron Potato Night at the Aud on Friday as the Kitchener Rangers play host to the Saginaw Spirit. Potatoes and donations will be collected upon entrance in support of House of Friendship of Waterloo Region. Full details at kitchenerrangers.com
IceDogs host Country Night on Friday: Dust off your cowboy boots as the Niagara IceDogs host the Peterborough Petes on Country Night, Friday at the Meridian Centre. Get your country fix, with tunes and more!
Otters ready for Pride Night, Hockey Fights Cancer Night this weekend: It’s a busy weekend at Erie Insurance Arena as the Otters play host to the Flint Firebirds on back-to-back nights. The Otters will hold Pride Night on Friday, celebrating the fact that hockey is for everyone. They’ll be decked out in purple on Saturday before auctioning off special game worn Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys post-game, with proceeds benefitting the Hillman Cancer Fund at Hamot Health Foundation.
Battalion fans raise money for North Bay Humane Society: North Bay Battalion fans continue to give back to the community. They raised $1,251.50 through their cupcake sales in the main lobby at a recent game, with proceeds going to the North Bay Humane Society. The fundraising initiative will support the construction of the Humane Society’s new Adoption Centre, which will open in late 2022.
Knights throwback jerseys up for auction: Limited edition London Knights throwback jerseys worn in Wednesday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Guelph Storm are up for auction. These jerseys won’t be worn again, so get them while you can! Bid here
ALUMNI NOTES:
OHL Alumni Spotlight – Josh Domingues: Checking in with former Owen Sound Attack forward Josh Domingues who used his OHL scholarship at Saint Mary’s University and now runs a highly successful startup company. Watch
Nash’s number 61 to be retired by Blue Jackets on Saturday: The Columbus Blue Jackets will raise Rick Nash’s #61 jersey to the rafters at Nationwide Arena on Saturday. Nash, who played for the Jackets from when he was selected first overall in 2000 to 2012, remains the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 289 goals and 547 points over 674 regular season games. Nash played for the London Knights from 2000-02, scoring 31 and 32 goals respectively in his two OHL campaigns. The 37-year-old will be the first player to see his number retired in Blue Jackets franchise history.
Marner named NHL’s First Star of the Month: London Knights graduate Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs is the NHL’s First Star of the Month for February, recording 23 points (9-14–23) in 12 games. Marner enjoyed seven multi-point performances, including four outings with at least three points. The 24-year-old former Memorial Cup champion has 57 points (21-36–57) in 45 games in this, his sixth season with the Maple Leafs. Marner was the fourth overall pick of the 2015 NHL Draft following three seasons with the Knights from 2013-16.
Bennett named ECHL Rookie of the Month: Saginaw Spirit graduate Kris Bennett of the Iowa Heartlanders is the ECHL Rookie of the Month for February. The 26-year-old posted 10 goals, 12 assists and 22 points in 12 games. Bennett played three full seasons with Saginaw from 2014-17 before attending the University of New Brunswick, where he played three seasons of U Sports men’s hockey.
Millman named ECHL Plus Performer of the Month: Another Saginaw Spirit grad, blueliner Mason Millman is the ECHL Plus Performer of the Month. The Reading Royals defender led all ECHL players with a plus-14 rating across 11 games. Millman has 15 points (4-11–15) in 16 games this season. The 20-year-old played three seasons in Saginaw from 2017-20 and was a fourth round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2019.
Watling named ECHL Player of the Week: Soo Greyhounds graduate Patrick Watling is the ECHL Player of the Week, recording 10 points in four games last week for the Wheeling Nailers. The 28-year-old has 20 goals, 31 assists and 51 points in 34 games for Wheeling this season. Watling played parts of three seasons for the Guelph Storm before ending his OHL tenure in Sault Ste. Marie in 2014. The Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. native is in the midst of his seventh pro season.
KEY MATCHUPS:
Mississauga Steelheads at Hamilton Bulldogs Thursday March 3rd – 7:00pm
The top two teams in the Eastern Conference go toe-to-toe on Thursday in Hamilton as the CHL’s fourth-ranked Bulldogs host the Mississauga Steelheads. The two teams enter action tied with 68 points, and their season series tied at three wins apiece. OHL Player of the Month Logan Morrison hits the ice off a 29-point February while blueliner Nathan Staios sits tied for the OHL scoring lead among defencemen with 52 points (12-40–52). The 31-14-1-5 Steelheads have slowed down of late, losing seven of their last 10. They feature a pair of top 2022 NHL Draft prospects in forwards Luca Del Bel Belluz and Owen Beck while James Hardie leads the team in scoring with 65 points (32-33–65).
Flint Firebirds at Guelph Storm Sunday March 6th – 4:00pm
The last time the Firebirds and Storm met, the game required overtime as Flint prevailed 5-4 at the Sleeman Centre on Feb. 11th. Flint comes off an outstanding month of February, holding down top spot in the Western Conference with a record of 31-15-1-3. The Firebirds own the League’s best road record of 19-5-1-2 and have benefitted from strong goaltending out of Luke Cavallin, who hasn’t lost in regulation since Jan. 16th. The Storm continue to find ways to pick-up points, riding a six-game trend with a record of 25-16-4-2. Don’t miss the rookie defence duo of Michael Buchinger and Cameron Allen along with top 2022 NHL Draft prospect Matthew Poitras up front.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE:
Thursday March 3: Mississauga at Hamilton – 7:00pm Sudbury at North Bay – 7:00pm Niagara at Peterborough – 7:05pm (Live on CBC Gem) Kingston at Barrie – 7:30pm
Friday March 4: Flint at Erie – 7:00pm Ottawa at Hamilton – 7:00pm (Live on TSN) Oshawa at Mississauga – 7:00pm Peterborough at Niagara – 7:00pm Sault Ste. Marie at Sarnia – 7:05pm Kingston at Sudbury – 7:05pm Owen Sound at Guelph – 7:30pm Saginaw at Kitchener – 7:30pm Windsor at London – 7:30pm
Saturday March 5: Flint at Erie – 7:00pm Oshawa at Peterborough – 7:05pm Sault Ste. Marie at Windsor – 7:05pm Ottawa at Barrie – 7:30pm Saginaw at Owen Sound – 7:30pm
Sunday March 6: Mississauga at Niagara – 2:00pm Kingston at North Bay – 2:00pm Kitchener at Sarnia – 2:05pm Barrie at Sudbury – 2:05pm Flint at Guelph – 4:00pm London at Windsor – 4:05pm
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Jackson Edward of the London Knights, Matthew Mania of the Sudbury Wolves, Brad Gardiner of the Ottawa 67’s and Bryce McConnell-Barker of the Soo Greyhounds have been named Academic Players of the Month for February.
East Division: Ottawa 67’s rookie forward Brad Gardiner is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for February.
Gardiner achieved an 88 percent average in grade 11 university-level Functions and English, as well as grade 12 World Issues and International Business, completing four credits over two quadmesters. He is now taking Grade 12 university-level English as well as Nutrition and Health at Blyth Academy.
“Brad’s excellent marks are a direct reflection of his solid work ethic and dedication to his educational goals,” said 67’s academic advisor Eileen Duffin. “His teachers describe him as well organized, conscientious, and dedicated to working hard.”
“Bradley has proved to be an organized and conscientious student athlete in his first season with the 67’s,” said general manager James Boyd. “As a result, he has shown continuous development throughout the season, both on and off of the ice.”
The 16-year-old from Aurora, Ont. has played 42 games this season, recording three goals and four assists for a total of seven points. Gardiner was Ottawa’s third round (40th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.
Central Division: Sudbury Wolves rookie defender Matthew Mania is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for February.
Mania is currently enrolled in Algebra, Chemistry, Art and English where he is maintaining a straight-A average at Great River Connections Academy.
“Matthew is a an excellent student and dedicated player,” said Wolves academic advisor Gord Ewin.
The 16-year-old Olmsted, Ohio native has recorded two goals and six assists in 35 games this season. He was Sudbury’s fourth round (60th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.
Midwest Division: Draft eligible London Knights rookie defenceman Jackson Edward is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for February.
Edward achieved a 93.5 percent average in Data Management, English, Communications Technology and Classical Civilizations at Blyth Academy.
“Jackson is an exemplary student,” said Knights academic advisor Wendy Glover. “In addition to achieving high grades, he attends all academic advising meetings and assists other players as a peer tutor when needed. He exhibits the work ethic and desire to learn more than the required material in all classes.”
The Newmarket, Ont. native has played 32 games this season, recording four assists for the Knights, who selected him in the second round (22nd overall) of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He’s the 75th-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings.
West Division: Draft eligible Soo Greyhounds forward Bryce McConnell-Barker is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for February.
McConnell-Barker earned an overall average of 87 percent in his three grade 12 university-level courses, highlighted by a mark of 98 percent in English at Superior Heights Secondary School.
“Bryce shows qualities of a team leader and a positive role model,” said Greyhounds academic advisors Jerry Bumbacco and Mary Lynne Lukenda. “He has been described by his teachers and classmates as a mature young man who is well respected by the younger players. He has demonstrated, by his actions and achievements, that he is an outstanding representative of the Soo Greyhounds and the OHL.”
The rookie from London, Ont. has scored 14 goals, 18 assists and 32 points in 50 games this season. McConnell-Barker was the fourth overall pick of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection and is the 28th-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Draft Rankings.
2021-22 OHL Academic Players of the Month:
East Division: February – Brad Gardiner (Ottawa 67’s) January – Luca Marrelli (Oshawa Generals) December – Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs) November – Cole Brown (Hamilton Bulldogs) October – Sam Alfano (Peterborough Petes)
Central Division: February – Matthew Mania (Sudbury Wolves) January – Pano Fimis (Niagara IceDogs) December – Owen Van Steensel (North Bay Battalion) November – Hunter Haight (Barrie Colts) October – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads)
Midwest Division: February – Jackson Edward (London Knights) January – Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers) December – Matthew Poitras (Guelph Storm) November – Nolan Lalonde (Erie Otters) October – Cal Uens (Owen Sound Attack)
West Division: February – Bryce McConnell-Barker (Soo Greyhounds) January – Ryder McIntyre (Sarnia Sting) December – PJ Forgione (Saginaw Spirit) November – Ethan Hay (Flint Firebirds) October – Bronson Ride (Windsor Spitfires)
A total of 343 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2020-21 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.1 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.
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 Canadian Hockey League announced today the Week 18 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings for the 2021-22 season.
The Hamilton Bulldogs are into the fourth spot on this week’s rankings, continuing a winning streak that has swelled to seven games. Hamilton scored victories over North Bay, Ottawa and Niagara last week, outscoring those opponents 21-7 as Logan Morrison claimed OHL Player of the Week honours with 13 points in four games. February’s OHL Player of the Month, Morrison put up 29 points in 10 contests to lead the Bulldogs to first place in the OHL standings with a .723 winning percentage. The Bulldogs have won 14 of their last 15 contests, and look to continue their dominance at home to the Mississauga Steelheads in a showdown of the Eastern Conference’s top clubs on Thursday.
The Kingston Frontenacs are hanging around at 10th on the list this week, winning two of three last week. Following a 4-1 loss to the Ottawa 67’s on Wednesday, the Fronts rebounded by defeating Oshawa 6-2 on TSN Friday night and once again by a score of 3-1 Sunday on the road. Ottawa Senators prospect Leevi Merilainen is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 3-0 with a 1.33 goals-against average and .948 save percentage. The 30-14-3-0 Frontenacs are five points back of the first place Bulldogs in the East Division. They’ll visit the Barrie Colts on Thursday.
The Western Conference-leading Flint Firebirds are into the honourable mention category this week after seeing an 11-game point streak snapped by the Erie Otters on Sunday. Flint defeated the Sarnia Sting in back-to-back meetings on Friday and Saturday, and own a 31-15-1-3 record. Overage goaltender Luke Cavallin, who hasn’t lost in regulation since January 16th, is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for February.
The London Knights join Flint as an honourable mention this week, leading the Midwest Division with a record of 30-13-2-0. The Knights split decisions in Sault Ste. Marie last weekend, with Nashville Predators prospect Luke Evangelista scoring a natural hat trick on Saturday to give himself 41 goals in as many games. London hosts Guelph and Windsor in back-to-back home games on Wednesday and Friday.
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.
Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images
The month of February has seen a change in the statistical leaders among players eligible for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. It was more to do with lost games being made up and the gap in games played between different teams than it had to do with players picking it up or others dropping off.
Look no further then the point leaders. For almost the entire season it’s been either Tucker Robertson of the Peterborough Petes or Luca Del Bel Belluz of the Mississauga Steelheads at the top. Don’t look now but here comes projected number one pick Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs who sits in between the pair. I don’t think it will be too long before Wright is all alone at the top.
It’s no different for defencemen. Ty Nelson of the North Bay Battalion has been at the top of defencemen scoring since the first puck drop. Now he’s been passed by February’s Defenceman of the Month and Rookie of the MonthChristion Kyrou of the Erie Otters as well as Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit and Gavin White of the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Offensively, it appears there are three tiers at the top of the draft class for defenders: The first tier has Kyrou all alone as it looks like he will begin to run away with it. That’s followed by the second tier of Mintyukov, White and Nelson. They are also a clear group ahead of the third tier.
In the crease, it’s been a season long battle between Brett Brochu of the London Knights and PatrickLeaver of the Oshawa Generals and I suspect that’s how it will be right up until the last whistle.
Here’s a look at the statistical leaders in different categories. As a reminder, we are including first year and second year eligible players where in the past we’ve only done first year eligible players. While we take great care in compiling stats, please refer to the OHL Website for official stats.
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Week 7 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 7
Rank:
Team:
LAST WEEK
WEEKS RANKED
1
Mississauga Senators (GTHL)
1
7
2
Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
2
7
3
Quinte Red Devils (OMHA)
3
7
4
Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)
4
7
5
Markham Majors (GTHL)
6
7
6
North York Rangers (GTHL)
5
7
7
Brantford 99ers (ALLIANCE)
9
4
8
Niagara North Stars (OMHA)
8
7
9
London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)
7
7
10
Markham Waxers (OMHA)
10
2
Honourable Mention:
Halton Hurricanes (OMHA)
–
–
Vaughan Kings (GTHL)
–
1
Waterloo Wolves (ALLIANCE)
–
1
The Markham Majors are on the rise in the Week 7 edition of the OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Top 10 Rankings. Markham defeated the Toronto Red Wings and Thunder Bay Kings this past week, improving to 12-4-4 for fourth place in the GTHL standings. The Majors leapfrogged the North York Rangers both in the standings and in the OHL Cup Top 10, pushing North York down to sixth on this week’s list. The Brantford 99ers are up two spots to number seven, defeating the London Jr. Knights 4-2 on Monday night in London. Brantford climbs to within two points of the first place Jr. Knights in the ALLIANCE standings, boasting a 20-5-1 record with nine straight wins.
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 Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in February 2022, including Hamilton Bulldogs forward Logan Morrison, Guelph Storm defenceman Michael Buchinger and Flint Firebirds goaltender Luke Cavallin.
OHL Player of the Month – Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs): With an impressive 29 points in the month of February, Hamilton Bulldogs forward Logan Morrison is the OHL Player of the Month. Morrison recorded seven goals, 22 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-21 over 10 games as the Bulldogs played to an 11-1-0-0 record in February, ascending to first place in the OHL standings. The third-year centreman earned star of the game recognition in five of his 10 outings, racking up nine different multi-point outputs. Morrison put up four points four different times including Feb. 11th against Barrie (1-3–4), Feb. 19th against Kingston (1-3–4), Feb. 25th against North Bay (2-2–4) and Feb. 27th in Niagara (1-3–4). He won 100 of his 188 faceoffs (53.2%) over the course of the month and found the back of the net in six of his 10 contests. Morrison becomes the first Bulldog to win OHL Player of the Month honours since Jan Jenik last did so in November 2019.
A 19-year-old native of Guelph, Ont., Morrison sits sixth in OHL scoring, leading the Bulldogs with 75 points (23-52–75) over 41 games this season. Named OHL Player of the Week twice in February, Morrison has recorded 154 points (60-94–154) over 147 career regular season games since being Hamilton’s first round (18th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. He attended training camp with the Los Angeles Kings last fall.
OHL Defenceman & Rookie of the Month – Michael Buchinger (Guelph Storm): Draft eligible blueliner Michael Buchinger of the Guelph Storm is a dual award winner, claiming both OHL Defenceman and Rookie of the Month honours for February. The first-year rearguard led all OHL blueliners and rookies with 17 points including two goals and 15 assists over 12 games, helping the Storm play to a record of 6-4-2-0. Buchinger had points in 10 of his 12 contests, recording back-to-back three point performances on Feb. 21 against Owen Sound (2-1–3) and Feb. 25 against Windsor (0-3–3). He finished the month with a season-high four assists as Guelph defeated Kitchener 7-3 on Feb. 27th. Buchinger is the first Storm player to earn OHL Defenceman of the Month recognition since Sean Durzi in January 2019. He is the first Guelph player to be named Rookie of the Month since goaltender Thomas McCollum in January 2007.
A 17-year-old native of Markham, Ont., Buchinger sits second among OHL rookie defencemen with 37 points (4-33–37) along with a plus/minus rating of plus-15 in 46 games this season. The 6-foot, 185Ib. left-shot rearguard was selected by the Storm in the second round (24th overall) of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. Buchinger was the 36th-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Draft Rankings. He was recently selected to compete in the upcoming 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on March 23 in Kitchener.
OHL Goaltender of the Month – Luke Cavallin (Flint Firebirds): Flint Firebirds netminder Luke Cavallin is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for February, going undefeated in regulation with an 8-0-1-1 record, 2.65 goals-against average and .927 save percentage in 11 games. Cavallin backstopped the Firebirds to the top of the Western Conference standings, making 358 saves over the course of the month. He opened February with a 35-save performance in Saginaw as the Firebirds prevailed 7-1 on Feb. 2nd. He was brilliant on Feb. 12th in Erie, turning aside 38 shots in a 5-1 Flint victory. Cavallin backstopped the Firebirds to a point in Sault Ste. Marie on Feb. 16th, stopping 43 of 44 in a 2-1 shootout loss. He turned aside a career-high 51 shots on Feb. 19th at home to Windsor, helping the Firebirds beat the Spitfires 3-2 in a shootout. Cavallin stopped all 34 shots he faced on Feb. 25th in Sarnia as the Firebirds won by a score of 6-0. He’s the first Firebirds netminder to ever win OHL Goaltender of the Month honours, and the first in franchise history to do so since Alex Nedeljkovic of the Plymouth Whalers in February 2013.
A 20-year-old from Greely, Ont., Cavallin has played to a 25-9-1-3 record with a 3.19 goals-against average, .909 save percentage and two shutouts in 40 games this season. His 2,331 minutes played and 1,236 saves are both second in the OHL and he hasn’t lost in regulation since Jan. 16th, a run of 16 appearances. Flint’s career leader in games played (127), wins (51) and shutouts (2), Cavallin is in his fourth season with the franchise after being selected in the second round (28th overall) of the 2017 OHL Priority Selection.
2021-22 OHL Performers of the Month:
Player of the Month: February – Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs) January – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires) December – Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires) November – Kyle Jackson (North Bay Battalion) October – Sasha Pastujov (Guelph Storm)
Defenceman of the Month: February – Michael Buchinger (Guelph Storm) January – Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts) December – Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads) November – Nathan Staios (Hamilton Bulldogs) October – Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)
Rookie of the Month: February – Michael Buchinger (Guelph Storm) January – David Goyette (Sudbury Wolves) December – Coulson Pitre (Flint Firebirds) November – Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads) October – Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals)
Goaltender of the Month: February – Luke Cavallin (Flint Firebirds) January – Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts) December – Mack Guzda (Barrie Colts) November – Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion) October – Brett Brochu (London Knights)
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 