Patrick Leaver of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by OHL Images.
Spring is getting closer! But first, we have some business to take care of. Each month, OHL Writers has a Draft Eligible Player of the Month. This season, due to the number of players eligible for the draft mostly because of the lost season a year ago thanks to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we changed it up a little and give you our choice for draft eligible player of the month for a forward, a defenceman and a goaltender.
So, here we go.
FORWARD
For the first time this season, projected number one overall pick at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft tops the list. Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs was an offensive force for the month of February. Appeared in 12 games and scored 6 goals and 13 assists in those contests. He was held off the scoresheet just three times and only two other games were a 1-point game.
Strangely enough, he was named the game’s first star twice and second star once in the month of February.
David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves also received consideration. Goyette scored 7 goals and 8 assists in just 10 games in February. Also considered was Luca Del Bel Belluz of the Mississauga Steelheads. DBB appeared in 12 games scoring 6 times while assisting on 7 others.
Some will say Goyette was more deserving and an argument could be made for him. But what tipped the scales for us was Wright’s defensive play. Wright finished the month a plus 10 while Goyette was even. While that could be considered a team stat, Wright on most nights was getting key minutes going up the opposition’s best lines.
DEFENCEMAN
Just like the forwards this was a tossup between Michael Buchinger of the Guelph Storm and ChristianKyrou of the Erie Otters, who would have been the first back-to-back choice at any position on the season.
However, we went with Buchinger because he was the definition of consistency in February. He appeared in 12 games, scored twice and added 15 assists. The consistency part: He was held pointless just once during the month.
Kyrou had 4 goals and 11 assists in 13 games. He wasn’t quite as consistent as Buchinger as he was kept pointless in 3 contests.
GOALTENDERS
When it came to goaltenders, it wasn’t a very good month to be honest. Patrick Leaver of the Oshawa Generals posted a .912 save percentage, Michael Simpson of the Peterborough Petes had a .911 save percentage and Jacob Oster of the Guelph Storm posted a .911 save percentage.
Leaver appeared in 8 games (one was in relief) and posted a 4-2-1 record and had a 31 save shutout. Simpson appeared in 4 games (one was in relief) and posted a 2-1-1 record. Oster appeared in 4 games and posted a 1-1-2 record.
So, we are going with Leaver. He becomes our first back-to-back choice and our first three-time choice.
On the season:
FORWARDS
February – Shane Wright – Kingston Frontenacs
January – Matthew Maggio – Windsor Spitfires
December – Luca DelBelBelluz – Mississauga Steelheads
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, February 27, 2022.
Bulldogs’ Logan 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.
Morrison earns player of the week recognition for the second time in three weeks, recording four consecutive multi-point games as the Bulldogs climbed to top spot in the Ontario Hockey League. Morrison had a goal and two assists on Family Day as Hamilton defeated Erie 7-2. He followed up with two goals and two assists on Friday, earning first star honours as the Bulldogs defeated North Bay 7-2. Morrison chipped in with two helpers on Saturday, setting up Nathan Staios for the overtime winner as the Dogs downed the Ottawa 67’s 4-3. Sunday featured another four-point effort with a goal and three assists, giving him an impressive 29 points in the month of February as the Bulldogs defeated Niagara 10-2.
A 19-year-old from Guelph, Ont., Morrison is sixth in OHL scoring with 75 points including 23 goals and 52 assists over 41 games with a League-leading plus/minus rating of plus-39. The 6-foot, 180Ib. centre has also won 56.6 percent of his faceoffs this season. Now in his third OHL season, Morrison has recorded 154 points (60-94–154) over 147 career regular season games. He was Hamilton’s first round (18th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the Guelph Gryphons U16 program. He attended training camp with the Los Angeles Kings last fall.
Also considered for the award this week, 2022 NHL Draft prospect Michael Buchinger recorded 11 points (2-9–11) over four games from the blue line as the Guelph Storm played to a 3-0-1-0 mark. Bulldogs blueliner Nathan Staios recorded nine points (3-6–9) over four games with a plus/minus rating of plus-8.
Frontenacs’ Leevi 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.
Merilainen stopped 73 of 77 shots, helping the Frontenacs defeat Ottawa with 26 saves on Family Day before claiming back-to-back wins over Oshawa. Merilainen stood tall on TSN Friday night, stopping 25 of 27 as the Frontenacs defeated the Generals 6-2. He turned aside 22 of 23 on the road Sunday night as the Frontenacs beat Oshawa 3-1.
A 19-year-old from Oulu, Finland, Merilainen sits third in OHL wins with 24, playing to an overall record of 24-12-3-0 with a 3.43 goals-against average and .889 save percentage and two shutouts. The first-year goaltender was a third round (71st overall) pick of the Ottawa Senators in the 2020 NHL Draft, and signed an entry-level contract with the franchise on June 14, 2021. Merilainen was Kingston’s first round (48th overall) pick in the 2021 CHL Import Draft.
Also considered for the award this week, Flint Firebirds netminder Luke Cavallin went 3-0 with a 2.01 goals-against average and .936 save percentage, making 88 saves as the Firebirds defeated Sarnia three times. Michael Simpson of the Peterborough Petes went 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and .948 save percentage, making 73 saves as the Petes prevailed over Barrie and Oshawa.
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.
Isaiah George of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
HT
WT
DOB
POS
SHOOTS
OHL DRAFT
NHLCS
COUNTRY
6’0”
196
2-15-04
D
L
68th 2020
42 N/A
CANADA
SEASON
LEAGUE
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
2019-20
GTHL U-16
Toronto Marlboros
29
5
6
11
2020-21
OHL
DID NOT PLAY
0
0
0
0
2021-22
OHL
London Knights
44
3
14
17
London Knights defenceman Isaiah George hasn’t really played a lot of hockey over the last three seasons but one thing we do know is that if the Hunters trust George with the duties and ice time they assign to him, then that should be good enough for me.
But in all seriousness, there is a lot to like about George. First is his skating. He’s a smooth and effortless skater and one of the most mobile in this draft class. He doesn’t waste any of his strides and it allows him to conserve energy for those extended and extra shifts he finds himself with. In a way, it reminds me of Ray Bourque and his ability to conserve energy. By no means am I comparing the two, it’s just a reminder.
In his own zone, George is an example of being in the right place at the right time. He reads and anticipates the play so well that he is almost always there to snub an opponents attempt. His angles are good and his mobility allows him to keep opponents to the outside. He also holds his blue line and is very efficient at breaking up the rush. He’s very good at retrieving pucks and leading the transition the other way with a good pass.
George is one of the first blueliners the Hunters can look too and send over the boards to kill off a penalty, protect the lead in the last minute or throw out there against top competition. Physically, I am surprised at his strength both on his skates and his ability to overpower the opponents. He is a physical player but a smart one who won’t take himself out of the play to make the hit. When he makes contact though, you know you’ve been hit.
Throughout the first half of the season, I think to suggest George lacked the confidence to skate in the other direction and lead the breakout is a fair assessment, because the ability is certainly there. And I think we are seeing more and more of that over the last couple of weeks. He has a good shot from the point but it’s his ability to get pucks to the net that is most impressive.
If there is an area, I would say I would look to improve it’s his top end speed. It’s not bad but it will certainly benefit him in transition and joining the rush up ice.
At this point I would say George translates to a steady number 4 defenceman at the next level. If he improves on his offense like I think he can, he could be a mid level number 3.
Toronto, Ont. – Fans are making their return to OHL venues and teams are getting creative on game nights! Here’s a look at happenings across the Ontario Hockey League:
Bulldogs and Generals to Meet in Outdoor Showcase on March 14: The Hamilton Bulldogs will play host to the Oshawa Generals in an Outdoor Showcase at Tim Horton’s Field on Monday, March 14th. The game will mark the fourth-ever outdoor game in Ontario Hockey League history. Read more
Generals visit Frontenacs on TSN Friday Night: Another edition of the CHL on TSN comes to the OHL on Friday night as the Kingston Frontenacs play host to the Oshawa Generals at 7:00pm. It’s Military Appreciation Night in Kingston and fans can catch the Fronts in their special CADPAT jerseys from coast-to-coast on TSN.
Bulldogs, Frontenacs and Firebirds included in Week 17 edition of Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings: The Hamilton Bulldogs, Kingston Frontenacs and Flint Firebirds are included in the Week 17 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. Read more
Stranges, Thompson and Guzda named to CHL Team of the Week: London Knights forward Antonio Stranges, Soo Greyhounds blueliner Jack Thompson and Barrie Colts netminder Mack Guzda have been named to the CHL Team of the Week. Read more
Knights’ Stranges named OHL Player of the Week: Dallas Stars prospect Antonio Stranges of the London Knights is the OHL Player of the Week, leading all players with eight points in three games. Read more
Colts’ Guzda named OHL Goaltender of the Week: Florida Panthers prospect Mack Guzda of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, going 3-0 with a 1.33 goals-against average and .955 save percentage. Read more
Celebrating Black Heritage Month with Otters’ Kiana Scott: A trailblazer as the OHL’s first woman scout, Kiana Scott of the Erie Otters joins Rico Phillips in the latest discussion in the League’s month-long celebration of Black Heritage Month. Watch
Storm’s Zhilkin leads OHL Plays of the Week: Witness offensive wizardry from Soo’s Jack Thompson, Sarnia’s Nolan Burke, Sudbury’s Quentin Musty, Windsor’s Ryan Abraham and Guelph’s Danny Zhilkin in the latest OHL Plays of the Week. Watch
Rolling the tape on top saves in OHL Saves of the Week: Here we go! Let’s take a look at the top saves in the OHL from the past week, with contributions from Erie’s Nolan Lalonde, Peterborough’s Michael Simpson, Sudbury’s Mitchell Weeks, Owen Sound’s Corbin Votary, Kitchener’s Pavel Cajan, Oshawa’s Zachary Paputsakis, Kingston’s Aidan Spooner, Windsor’s Matt Onuska, Sarnia’s Benjamin Gaudreau, and Niagara’s Josh Rosenzweig. Watch
Six first goals in OHL Milestone Moments: Relive first career OHL goals from Sarnia’s Austin Harper, Erie’s Kaleb Smith, London’s Ethan MacKinnon, Sudbury’s Nolan Collins, Ottawa’s Tyler Boucher, and Kingston’s Mitchell Brooks. 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
Five to watch for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection: Raine Hernandez and OHL Central Scouting team up to take a closer look at five prospects eligible for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Read more
OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour U16 AAA Top 10 Rankings – Week 6: The OMHA’s Markham Waxers are into the OHL Cup Top 10 for the first time this season while the Mississauga Senators hold steady atop the list in Week 6. Read more
OHL News Radio with Greyhounds’ Tye Kartye: Soo Greyhounds 32-goal scorer Tye Kartye joins this week’s show, discussing the unique season for his team amidst the landscape presented by Covid-19. Kartye speaks to his success this season, his pre-season experience attending training camp with the Seattle Kraken, and the devastating loss of Tanner Dickinson from the Hounds lineup. Listen
Colts graduate Jet Greaves signs NHL contract with Columbus: Barrie Colts graduate Jet Greaves has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Read more
Spitfires name alumnus Michael Leighton as club’s new Goaltending Coach: The Windsor Spitfires have named former long-time professional netminder and alumnus Michael Leighton as the club’s new Goaltending Coach. Read more
OHL mourns the loss of Vladimir Nikiforov: The Ontario Hockey League is saddened by news of the loss of former Barrie Colts and Sarnia Sting forward Vladimir Nikiforov who passed away on Thursday at the young age of 34. Read more
COMMUNITY CORNER:
Fun planned for Ice Blast Weekend in Saginaw: The Saginaw Spirit have a pair of home games against the Erie Otters on Friday and Saturday, and there’s lots to do off the ice at the Dow Event Center. Friday is the Spirit’s annual Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation Night, with lots planned for Kids Night inside the building. There’ll be a chili cook-off prior to Saturday’s home game with music and a guitar auction. Check out the details at saginawspirit.com
Sting celebrate Christmas at the Hive on Friday: The Sarnia Sting are supporting the Inn of the Good Shepherd on Friday when they play host to the Flint Firebirds. The Sting ask fans to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to the Inn’s food bank. Select game worn Ugly Christmas sweater jerseys will be auctioned off post-game. All of the details can be found at sarniasting.com
Frontenacs honour military families on Friday: The Kingston Frontenacs will be hosting their 12th annual Military Appreciation Game on Friday. The game is a salute to military families and all the brave men and women who serve or have served our country. Special CADPAT jerseys will be worn during the game and auctioned off with proceeds donated to the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre. More details at kingstonfrontenacs.com
Firebirds salute Flint Generals on Saturday: The Flint Firebirds will be paying homage to Flint hockey history on Saturday at home to the Sarnia Sting. The Firebirds will wear special Flint Generals throwback uniforms honouring the former team that used to call the Dort Financial Center home. Several Flint Generals Alumni will be in attendance for a pre-game Meet & Greet on the concourse. Read more at flintfirebirds.com
Greyhounds turn back the clock on Saturday: The Soo Greyhounds are holding Retro Night in support of Hockey Fights Cancer on Saturday when they play host to the London Knights. As part of the club’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the Hounds will be wearing retro jerseys from the 1998-2005 era of the franchise, auctioning them off post-game with proceeds going toward the Sault Area Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund. Full details at soogreyhounds.com
Attack host Woolley’s Warriors Night on Saturday: This coming Saturday night, Owen Sound Attack captain Mark Woolley gets to collaborate his two passions. The Woolley’s Warriors charity game will see the Attack suit up in special jerseys that will be auctioned off post game to benefit Mark’s charity work that has sent kids to Diabetes Canada D-Camps. For full details on Saturday’s game visit attackhockey.com
Steelheads team up with Trillium Health Partners for special jersey event on Sunday: The Mississauga Steelheads will be supporting Trillium Health Partners on Sunday when they play host to the Ottawa 67’s. The Trout will be wearing specialty jerseys designed by Hayden Viggiani who was visiting his brother in the paediatric unit at THP and is extending tickets to patients, families and hospital staff. The jerseys will be auctioned off post game with proceeds benefiting the paediatrics unit at THP. For more details visit mississaugasteelheads.com
ALUMNI NOTES:
Perry scores 400th career goal: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Corey Perry lit the lamp for the 400th time in his NHL career on Wednesday. The 36-year-old from Peterborough, Ont. has 14 goals and 14 assists in 50 games with the Bolts this season. Perry has 846 points over the course of his 1,144 game NHL career after originally being selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2003 NHL Draft. Perry remains the London Knights’ all-time leading scorer, racking up 380 points over four OHL seasons from 2001-05.
Ekblad named NHL Second Star of the Week: Barrie Colts graduate Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers is the NHL’s second star of the week, producing three goals, three assists and six points in three games last week. The 26-year-old Windsor, Ont. native and number one pick from the 2014 NHL Draft has recorded 47 points (13-34–47) in 49 contests for the Panthers this season. A former OHL Rookie of the Year recipient, Ekblad skated with the Colts for three seasons from 2011-14, helping them win an Eastern Conference title in 2013.
Noesen named AHL Player of the Week: Former OHL forward Stefan Noesen has been named the American Hockey League Player of the Week, putting up six goals in three games with the Chicago Wolves. Noesen currently leads the AHL with 28 goals, adding 22 assists for 50 points in 41 games this season. A 29-year-old from Plano, Texas, Noesen is a veteran of 207 career NHL games. He played four seasons with the Plymouth Whalers from 2009-13.
Rangers grad Sebrango fine-tuning play in AHL: Under normal circumstances, Kitchener Rangers graduate Donovan Sebrango of the Grand Rapids Griffins likely would be playing his final season in the OHL right now, using his last teenage year to fine-tune his play in preparation for the pros. AHL on the Beat writer Mark Newman has an update on Sebrango’s unique season. Read more at theahl.com
KEY MATCHUPS:
London Knights at Soo Greyhounds February 25 & 26
The London Knights visit the Soo Greyhounds for a set up north on Friday and Saturday. London enters action with a 10-point cushion on first place in the Midwest Division while the Greyhounds are in a bit of a tighter spot, two points back of Flint as the Firebirds lead the West Division. London has been rolling of late with wins in four of five as Nashville Predators prospect Luke Evangelista leads the OHL with 37 goals. The Greyhounds will be happy to have two big pieces back in their lineup for the weekend as captain Ryan O’Rourke slots back in, and 32-goal scorer Tye Kartye returns from a four-game suspension. The Knights have won both encounters against Sault Ste. Marie this season, outscoring the Hounds 15-9.
Oshawa Generals vs. Kingston Frontenacs February 25 & 27
The Oshawa Generals take on the Kingston Frontenacs in a home-and-home this weekend, with the first of two meetings airing coast-to-coast on TSN Friday night. The Fronts lead the Generals by six points in the East Division, with Kingston trailing first place Hamilton by three points. The Frontenacs come off a 4-1 loss in Ottawa on Wednesday, looking to return to form after Lucas Edmonds and Jordan Frasca each saw nine-game point streaks snapped. The Generals have points in nine of their last 10 games, with captain and Edmonton Oilers prospect Ty Tullio scoring in five straight entering Thursday’s tilt against Peterborough. The two teams have split their season series with three wins apiece to this point.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE:
Thursday February 24: North Bay at Niagara – 7:00pm Oshawa at Peterborough – 7:05pm Mississauga Barrie – 7:30pm Kitchener at Windsor – 7:30pm
Friday February 25; Niagara at Mississauga – 7:00pm North Bay at Hamilton – 7:00pm Oshawa at Kingston – 7:00pm (Live on TSN) Erie at Saginaw – 7:05pm Flint at Sarnia – 7:05pm Barrie at Sudbury – 7:05pm London at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm Windsor at Guelph – 7:30pm Owen Sound at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Saturday February 26: Ottawa at Hamilton – 4:00pm Sarnia at Flint – 7:00pm Erie at Saginaw – 7:05pm London at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm Peterborough at Barrie – 7:30pm Guelph at Owen Sound – 7:30pm
Sunday February 27: Ottawa at Mississauga – 2:00pm Erie at Flint – 2:00pm Kitchener at Guelph – 2:00pm Hamilton at Niagara – 2:00pm North Bay at Sudbury – 2:05pm Sarnia at Windsor – 4:05pm Kingston at Oshawa – 6:05pm
Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today the Week 17 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings for the 2021-22 season.
The Hamilton Bulldogs are up two spots to number five in this week’s rankings while the Kingston Frontenacs follow at ninth and the Flint Firebirds make their Top 10 season debut in the 10th spot.
Winners of 11 of their past 12 games, the Bulldogs have pulled to within two points of first place in the OHL standings with a 29-11-2-2 record. Hamilton went 3-0 this past weekend, outscoring opponents 21-7. They created some distance for themselves atop the East Division with a decisive 8-2 victory over Kingston on Saturday. Logan Morrison has been a force offensively racking up 10 points in his last three outings while leading the club in scoring with 65 points (20-45–65) over 38 games. Avery Hayes leads the way in the goal-scoring column with 30 on the campaign while blueliner Nathan Staios sits second among OHL defenders with 45 points (9-36–45) in 40 games. The Dogs are expected to have Mason McTavish back in their lineup on Friday as he makes his return from China where he represented Canada at the Olympic Winter Games.
The Frontenacs are down one spot to ninth this week, defeating Ottawa twice while falling in Hamilton on Saturday. Overage winger Lucas Edmonds rides a nine-game point streak into another week, sitting one point back of the OHL scoring lead with 79 (24-55–79) on the season. Top 2022 NHL Draft prospect Shane Wright has multi-point outputs in four of his last five games, sitting third in club scoring with 57 points (20-37–57). Los Angeles Kings prospect Martin Chromiak made his return to the Kingston lineup from injury on Monday. The Fronts are in action on Wednesday in Ottawa before playing host to the Oshawa Generals on Friday night, a game that will be aired coast-to-coast on TSN.
The Western Conference-leading Flint Firebirds make their first Top 10 appearance of the season, collecting points in nine consecutive games. The ‘Birds picked up five of a possible six points last weekend, falling in overtime to Windsor, defeating the Spits in a shootout a night later and triumphing over Sarnia 7-3 on Family Day. New York Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann has 34 goals and 66 points through 45 games this season to pace the club offensively. Overage winger Ethan Keppen has given Flint a nice boost with 24 points (13-11–24) over 21 games since returning from the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks. Luke Cavallin has provided the Firebirds with top tier goaltending, going 23-9-1-3 on the season with a 3.28 goals-against average and .907 save percentage.
With wins in nine straight contests, the North Bay Battalion receive an honourable mention on this week’s list. The Troops have shot up the Eastern Conference standings, sitting two points back of the first place Mississauga Steelheads in the Central Division. North Bay features four 20+ goal-scorers in their lineup including San Jose Sharks prospect Brandon Coe, Edmonton Oilers draftee Matvey Petrov, overage forward Mitchell Russell and trade deadline acquisition Kyle McDonald who scored a hat trick in Ottawa on Sunday.
For further analysis on the Week 17 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 6 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 6
Rank:
Team:
LAST WEEK
WEEKS RANKED
1
Mississauga Senators (GTHL)
1
6
2
Toronto Jr. Canadiens (GTHL)
2
6
3
Quinte Red Devils (OMHA)
3
6
4
Toronto Marlboros (GTHL)
4
6
5
North York Rangers (GTHL)
5
6
6
Markham Majors (GTHL)
6
6
7
London Jr. Knights (ALLIANCE)
7
6
8
Niagara North Stars (OMHA)
8
6
9
Brantford 99ers (ALLIANCE)
9
3
10
Markham Waxers (OMHA)
–
1
Honourable Mention:
Halton Hurricanes (OMHA)
–
–
Windsor Jr. Spitfires (ALLIANCE)
–
1
Waterloo Wolves (ALLIANCE)
10
1
The OMHA’s Markham Waxers are into the OHL Cup Top 10 for the first time this season, coming in at 10th on the Week 6 edition. Finishing second in the OMHA-ETA regular season standings with a 20-4-3 record and .796 winning percentage, the Waxers ended their schedule on a five-game winning streak and now prepare for the postseason that begins Thursday against Whitby. The GTHL’s Mississauga Senators hold steady at number one for a third straight week as they prepare for a Tuesday night test against the fifth-ranked North York Rangers. The Toronto Jr. Canadiens remain the second-ranked team on the list this week after they defeated the fourth-ranked Toronto Marlboros 3-2 on Friday.
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 and the Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Club today announced that the Bulldogs will play host to the Oshawa Generals in an Outdoor Showcase at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton on Monday, March 14 at 7:00pm, a game that was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 12.
Hitting the ice the day following an NHL Heritage Classic Game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres at Tim Hortons Field, the Bulldogs and Generals will meet in the fourth-ever outdoor matchup in OHL history, and the first to be played in Ontario between two OHL clubs.
“It’s always an exciting opportunity to be able to take the Ontario Hockey League outdoors,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “The League is grateful to both the National Hockey League, as well as the Bulldogs franchise led by Owner Michael Andlauer for the extensive amount of time and effort that goes into an event of this magnitude.”
Currently leading the East Division with a 29-11-2-2 record, the Bulldogs continue a tremendous tradition of hockey in Hamilton that recently included a J. Ross Robertson Cup championship in 2018. The Steel City produced the 1976 Memorial Cup champion Hamilton Fincups, a franchise that followed earlier major junior teams in the city including the Hamilton Tiger Cubs and Red Wings, who won a Memorial Cup championship in 1962.
A franchise with deep roots, the Oshawa Generals have won an OHL record 13 J. Ross Robertson Cup titles along with five Memorial Cup championships over the course of their history. The Generals currently hold down the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference with a 24-17-1-4 record.
Opened in 2014, Tim Hortons Field is home to the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats and seats a capacity of 23,218 spectators.
“I’m thrilled for our players, staff and fans to get to experience this once in a lifetime type of event,” said Bulldogs Owner Michael Andlauer. “This Outdoor Showcase presents a wonderful opportunity to once again bring our community together through our Hamilton Bulldogs.”
The upcoming game between Hamilton and Oshawa follows three past outdoor matchups in OHL history. The Ottawa 67’s celebrated their 50th anniversary season, playing the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques outdoors on December 17, 2017 at Landsdowne Park. The OHL’s first-ever set of outdoor matchups came back on December 29, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan as the Windsor Spitfires faced the Saginaw Spirit and the London Knights took on the Plymouth Whalers at Comerica Park. The London and Plymouth matchup set a CHL attendance record of 26,384.
For ticket information, visit hamiltonbulldogs.com or call the Bulldogs box office at 905-529-8500.
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, February 20, 2022.
Knights’ Antonio Stranges Named OHL Player of the Week
Dallas Stars prospect Antonio Stranges of the London Knights is the OHL Player of the Week, leading all skaters with eight points including five goals and three assists across three victories along with a plus/minus rating of plus-5.
Earning Player of the Week honours for the second time this season, Stranges scored the game winning goal in all three London wins last week as the Knights tightened their grip on first place in the Midwest Division. He put the Knights ahead 1:23 into the third period on Wednesday as London defeated the Guelph Storm 4-2. Stranges was at his best on Friday against Sault Ste. Marie, matching a career-high with four points including two goals and two assists as the Knights beat the Greyhounds 8-5. Stranges wrapped up the week in the clutch on Saturday in Erie, scoring his second of the night with just 22 seconds left in the third period to push the Knights past the Otters 3-2.
A 20-year-old native of Plymouth, Mich., Stranges has points in seven of his last eight games and sits second in London scoring with 48 points including 17 goals and 31 assists over 35 games. Now in his third OHL campaign, Stranges has recorded 122 points (49-73–122) over 162 regular season games since joining the Knights as a second round (21st overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. He made his professional debut last season, recording an assist during a nine-game stint with the AHL’s Texas Stars, top affiliate of the Dallas Stars who selected him in the fourth round (123rd overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft.
Also considered for the award this week, reigning Player of the Week Logan Morrison of the Hamilton Bulldogs came back strong with seven points (1-6–7) as Hamilton went 3-0. San Jose Sharks prospect Liam Gilmartin, also of the London Knights, was productive with six points (4-2–6) as he suited up in a pair of Knights victories.
Colts’ Mack Guzda Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Florida Panthers prospect Mack Guzda of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Goaltender of the Week after going 3-0 with a 1.33 goals-against average and .955 save percentage, helping his team halt a seven-game losing slide.
Guzda claims the honour for the third time this season, stopping 84 of the 88 shots he faced as the Colts defeated Owen Sound, Mississauga and Oshawa. Having recently signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with Florida, Guzda stopped 24 of 26 as the Colts beat the Attack 5-2 on Tuesday night. He turned in a first star performance on Friday in Mississauga, backstopping the Colts past the first place Steelheads 3-1 with 33 saves. Guzda rounded out the week earning second star recognition with 27 saves as the Colts defeated the visiting Oshawa Generals 5-1 on Saturday.
A 21-year-old native of Knoxville, Tenn., Guzda is 19-10-1-1 with a 2.65 goals-against average and .917 save percentage in 31 games between Barrie and Owen Sound. Now 14-6-1-0 since joining the Colts in mid-November, Guzda was originally Owen Sound’s second round (31st overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, and has played to career mark of 77-55-11-7. He signed an NHL contract with the Florida Panthers as an undrafted free agent on Feb. 7th.
Also considered for the award this week, San Jose Sharks prospect Ben Gaudreau of the Sarnia Sting went 3-0 with a 2.92 goals-against average and .917 save percentage, piling up 48 saves in a win on Tuesday. Luke Cavallin of the Flint Firebirds was busy, stopping 129 of 137 shots while going 1-0-1-1, making 51 saves to help his team come out on top on Saturday.
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.
Michael Buchinger of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Tim Cornett/OHL Images
The Guelph Storm have a few players at this point projected to go in the first two rounds of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and Defenceman Michael Buchinger is one of them. Most independent scouting services have him pegged as a late second rounder.
Buchinger is a smooth skating two-way defender. His mobility is a plus as he has great movement east to west, pivoting to skating backwards, great edgework and an ability to turn on a dime. However, I believe he needs to work on his first few steps. He can lead the breakout with his skating or a first pass, but that added speed would give him an edge.
I believe Buchinger thinks the game at a very high level. He sees the ice extremely well and processes the game quickly. He is creative with the puck and has an ability to set up high danger scoring chances for his teammates. That ability makes him dangerous with the man advantage. He can quarterback the powerplay however, he lacks the velocity or heaviness with his shot from the blueline.
I’ve been impressed with Buchinger’s competitiveness. He works extremely hard and won’t give an inch. Being outworked doesn’t seem to be in his vocabulary. He had a bit of a growth spurt, being listed at 5’9” with the Jr Canadiens, so he always had to put in a better effort than his opposition. But I am happy to see he still values that work ethic after his physical growth.
I know there are those that deem Buchinger as one of those “doesn’t excel at any one thing but does well at everything” type players. I have a hard time agreeing with that. I think his willingness to put in the work, coupled with his high hockey smarts gives him an edge.
His defensive game is a work in progress – and we say this with just about every blueliner at this level. That said, the effort is there, the understanding of where to be and when to be there is evident, and his knowledge of the system the Storm employ and his execution is noticeable.
There are some good OHL defencemen available in this draft class. But I believe there is a clear top level and then a second level. Buchinger for me falls into that second group.
Toronto, Ont. – It’s a special Family Day long weekend edition of the OHL This Week! Ontario-based facilities are back up to 50 percent fan capacity for this weekend’s action as playoff races are starting to heat up across the League. Here’s what’s happening across the OHL this week.
18 OHL players selected to for 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game: A total of 18 OHL players have been selected to play in the 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on March 23 in Kitchener. Read more
CHL announces new dates for 2022 Memorial Cup presented by Kia: The Canadian Hockey League has announced new dates for the 2022 Memorial Cup presented by Kia to be held in Saint John, N.B., beginning Monday, June 20. Read more
Bulldogs and Frontenacs included in Week 16 edition of Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings: The Hamilton Bulldogs and Kingston Frontenacs are included in the Week 16 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. The Flint Firebirds and Mississauga Steelheads received honourable mentions. Read more
Morrison, Kyrou and Cajan named to CHL Team of the Week: Hamilton Bulldogs forward Logan Morrison, Erie Otters defenceman Christian Kyrou and Kitchener Rangers netminder Pavel Cajan have all been named to the CHL Team of the Week. Read more
Bulldogs’ Logan Morrison named OHL Player of the Week: Hamilton Bulldogs forward Logan Morrison is the OHL Player of the Week with two goals, seven assists and nine points in three games along with a plus/minus rating of plus-8. Read more
Rangers’ Pavel Cajan named OHL Goaltender of the Week: Pavel Cajan of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL Goaltender of the Week, stopping 109 shots across a pair of victories to post a 3.46 goals-against average and .940 save percentage. Read more
Celebrating Black Heritage Month with IceDogs’ Rodwin Dionicio: 2022 NHL Draft prospect Rodwin Dionicio of the Niagara IceDogs is an international success story. Born to Dominican parents in Newark, New Jersey before growing up in Switzerland, the 17-year-old defenceman shares his journey with Rico Phillips. Watch
Knights’ Evangelista leads OHL Plays of the Week: Witness some wonderful displays of offence in the latest edition of OHL Plays of the Week, with appearances from Mississauga’s Owen Beck, North Bay’s Dalyn Wakely, Guelph’s Danny Zhilkin, Niagara’s Danil Gushchin, and London’s Luke Evangelista. Watch
OHL Saves of the Week: Scoping out sensational saves from North Bay’s Dom DiVincentiis, Hamilton’s Marco Costantini, Erie’s Nolan Lalonde, Niagara’s Josh Rosenzweig, Peterborough’s Tye Austin, Sarnia’s Ben Gaudreau, Flint’s Nathaniel Day, Kitchener’s Pavel Cajan, Kingston’s Leevi Merilainen, and Oshawa’s Zachary Paputsakis. 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
First goals from Ross and Heyes in OHL Milestone Moments: Watch first career OHL goals from Erie’s Lucas Ross and Kingston’s Gage Heyes in the latest edition of OHL Milestone Moments. Watch
Five to watch for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection: Raine Hernandez teams up with OHL Central Scouting to take a closer look at five top prospects eligible for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Read more
OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour U16 AAA Top 10 Rankings – Week 5: The fifth edition of the weekly OHL Cup Top 10 Rankings sees the North York Rangers on the rise to fifth while the Waterloo Wolves make their first appearance of the season. Read more
Hounds unveil new alternate uniform: As part of their 50th anniversary season, the Soo Greyhounds have unveiled an alternate uniform with a new design that is fresh and exciting while unmistakably recognizable as consistent with the history and tradition of the Soo Greyhounds. Watch
Sights & Sounds – Rangers and rival Knights clash on TSN: See the sights and hear the sounds from The Aud on Friday as the Rangers and Knights went head-to-head on TSN. Watch
Basran making the most of overage opportunity with Steelheads: Acquired through waivers after 120 games in the Western Hockey League, Roman Basran is making the most of his overage opportunity with the Mississauga Steelheads. Read more
Kaeden Johnston commits to Knights: The London Knights have received a commitment from fifth round 2021 OHL Priority Selection choice Kaeden Johnston. Read more
COMMUNITY CORNER:
Rangers announce 2nd annual Women in Hockey Conference: The Kitchener Rangers will be celebrating International Women’s Day with their 2nd Annual Women in Hockey Conference on March 7. Included as guest speakers are Kim Davis of the NHL, commissioner Tyler Tumminia of the PHF and OHL official Kirsten Welsh. Read more
Otters host Star Wars Night on Saturday: The Erie Otters hope to have the force behind them on Saturday when they take on the London Knights on Star Wars Night. The Otters will be wearing special Star Wars themed warmup jerseys to be auctioned off, with proceeds going to The United Way.
Firebirds host Youth Sports Night on Saturday: Youth and high school athletes can wear their team jerseys to the Dort Financial Center on Saturday to receive a free ticket with the purchase of one adult ticket. The Firebirds take on the Windsor Spitfires and are looking for young fans to show their team spirit. Full details at flintfirebirds.com.
ALUMNI NOTES:
Toffoli heats up in Flames debut: Former Ottawa 67’s forward Tyler Toffoli had a Calgary Flames debut to remember on Tuesday, finding the back of the net in a 6-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Acquired from the Montreal Canadiens earlier this week, Toffoli has 27 points (10-17–27) in 39 games between the two clubs in this, his 10th NHL season. The former back-to-back 100 point scorer in Ottawa played for the 67’s from 2008-12, and was selected in the second round of the 2010 NHL Draft by the Los Angeles Kings. Toffoli won a Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2014.
Smith brothers suit up on same line for Red Wings: Brothers Gemel and Givani Smith had the opportunity to play together on the same line for the Detroit Red Wings this past week. Both OHL graduates, the Smith brothers played together against the Minnesota Wild on Monday. Givani is in his third season with the Red Wings while Gemel was acquired through waivers on Jan. 19th. Now 27 years-old, Gemel Smith won an OHL championship as a rookie with the Owen Sound Attack in 2011 before later playing for the London Knights in the 2014 Memorial Cup. Givani Smith is 23-years-old and played four OHL seasons between Barrie, Guelph and Kitchener from 2014-18 before being selected by Detroit in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft.
Red Wings’ ‘Guelph Line’ offering balance for Blashill: Guelph Storm grads Tyler Bertuzzi, Robby Fabbri and Pius Suter came together on what’s become known as the ‘Guelph Line’ on Jan. 15th and they’ve produced ever since. The trio won an OHL championship with the Storm in 2014, coming within a win of a Memorial Cup crown. The Detroit News’ Steve Kornackl has more. Read more
Meireles running with opportunity in first AHL season: Kitchener Rangers graduate Greg Meireles entered his first AHL season as a relatively unkown commodity. After a 24-point season with the ECHL’s Greenville Swamp Rabbits, Meireles earned himself an AHL deal with the Manitoba Moose and the Ottawa, Ont. is making the most of it. A former 97-point scorer with Kitchener in 2018-19, Meireles has channeled some of that offence, recording 21 points (3-18–21) in 40 games this season. Visit theahl.com for the full story
KEY MATCHUPS:
Flint Firebirds vs. Windsor Spitfires February 18 & 19
A big home-and-home between Flint and Windsor is approaching on the schedule as the Firebirds, who have points in six straight games, face a Spitfires squad that has wins in seven of its last 10. Windsor has defeated Flint in all four encounters between the two teams this season. A pair of 2021 first round NHL Draft picks square off in this one as Flint’s Brennan Othmann (NY Rangers) lines up against Windsor’s Wyatt Johnston (Dallas).
Sarnia Sting at Saginaw Spirit Saturday, February 19
A game with potential implications for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference goes down in Saginaw on Saturday as the Spirit need two big points against the Sting, who sit five points ahead with four games in hand. The Spirit have lost their last three, looking to turn things around and stay in the hunt. Saginaw features a pair of highly touted NHL Draft prospects in Russian blueliner Pavel Mintyukov and Czech forward Matyas Sapovaliv. The Sting have leaned on goaltender Ben Gaudreau of late. The San Jose Sharks prospect has claimed victories with at least 45 saves on two different occasions in the past week.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE:
Thursday February 17: Peterborough at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Friday February 18: Hamilton at Erie – 7:00pm Ottawa at Kingston – 7:00pm Sault Ste. Marie at London – 7:00pm Barrie at Mississauga – 7:00pm Peterborough at North Bay – 7:00pm Kitchener at Sarnia – 7:05pm Saginaw at Guelph – 7:30pm Flint at Windsor – 7:30pm Niagara at Oshawa – 7:35pm
Saturday February 19: Kingston at Hamilton – 4:00pm Windsor at Flint – 7:00pm London at Erie – 7:00pm Sarnia at Saginaw – 7:05pm Oshawa at Barrie – 7:30pm Sault Ste. Marie at Owen Sound – 7:30pm
Sunday February 20: Sudbury at Niagara – 2:00pm North Bay at Ottawa – 2:00pm Kitchener at Owen Sound – 2:00pm
Monday February 21: Owen Sound at Guelph – 2:00pm Erie at Hamilton – 2:00pm Ottawa at Kingston – 2:00pm Kitchener at London – 2:00pm Sudbury at Mississauga – 2:00pm Niagara at Oshawa – 2:05pm Barrie at Peterborough – 2:05pm Flint at Sarnia – 2:05pm Saginaw at Windsor – 2:05pm
OHL Writers 